Local News
Higher costs for burial for non-synagogue members continue to be the norm in western Canada
By MYRON LOVE A few weeks ago, I contacted the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on behalf of a friend to inquire as to the cost of his funeral when the time comes (which hopefully is still quite a ways off). The quote I received was $16,000. That would include the plot, the Chevra Kadishe fees (for proper Halachic preparation of the body), transportation, digging the grave and perpetual care.
Now while this would appear to be a rather large chunk of change, the numbers are similar to those of Congregation Etz Chayim (which manages our community’s other three cemeteries – the Hebrew Sick, Rosh Pina and Bnay Abraham) and Beth Tzedec Congregation, which operates one of Calgary’s two Jewish cemeteries. (The rabbi’s or cantor’s fee there is an extra $500.)
I would point out that those numbers are not a great deal higher than were reported in this paper ten years ago, when this writer last surveyed the cost of Jewish funerals across Canada. At that time, the top figure at Etz Chayim was just over $13,000.
What hasn’t changed is that the top line numbers apply to non-members of the synagogues – and that goes for most of the congregational-run cemeteries in the Prairie provinces. At Etz Chayim, for example, members pay $11,000 (as compared to about $8,500 in 2011). Shaarey Zedek members pay $12,000.
(We asked Rena Boroditsky, Executive Director of the Chesed Shel Emes, what happens in cases of an indigent individual. She responded: “SZ, Etz Chayim & Chesed absorb the cost of those without means , there’s a wide range of circumstances. The last several years Chesed has waived all or part of about 5 funerals per year. I’m sure the cemeteries have subsidized far more than that.”
At Calgary’s Beth Tzedec, members pay about $3,000 less. As well, the Calgary congregation has a “plot plan” whereby members in good standing who have been dues-paying members since the 1980s have the price of their plot waived – saving another $3,000.
Now, there is a considerably less expensive alternative in Calgary for members of the Jewish community who are either members of the city’s other four synagogues or are unaffiliated. That would be the 37th Street communal cemetery, which is operated by the city’s century-old Chevra Kadisha.
Former Winnipegger Rick Pollick is the executive director of the Calgary Chevra Kadisha. He reports that the 37 Street cemetery was opened about a dozen years ago. Each of the four congregations has a designated section.
“We have one price ($5,000) – all-inclusive – for everyone,” he says.
Winnipeg also has a less expensive alternative for Jewish burial. That would be Temple Shalom’s Beth Chaim Mikdash Shalom – which is located in a designated area in the midst of Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Headingly – although – as with Etz Chayim and Temple Shalom – there is also separate pricing for members and non-members. Members pay about $3,600, which includes the plot, the funeral shroud, the social hall rental and administrative fee. For a Temple member’s immediate family (parents or children) who are not members, the total maximum price is about $5,500. Non-members pay an additional $1,000.
Perhaps not surprisingly, smaller Jewish communities on the Prairies have lower burial fees. In Edmonton, for example, the Chervra Kadisha operates the one century-old cemetery and charges an all-inclusive $10,000 fee (plus GST) for all burials.
According to a report in the Alberta Jewish News last December, the current six-acre cemetery is running short of space. As a result, the Chevra Kadisha has plans to open a new cemetery – on 30 acres – next spring.
Chevra Kadisha President Rhoda Friedman says that at that time, “we may have to reassess our fee structure”.
Regina’s Jewish burial fees are $8,000 for members of the community’s main synagogue – Congregation Beth Jacob and $12,000 for non-members.
“We haven’t raised our rates in the last five years,” reports Miriam Freedman, Beth Jacob’s executive director.
While the executive director of Saskatoon’s Agudas Israel congregation refused comment, ten years ago, the burial fee for members was $7,250 –with non-members paying $11,250. Most likely, current charges are on a par with Regina’s figures.
Now, to be presented with such a large bill at a time of mourning may be disconcerting for your surviving family members. My advice – buy a plot (or double for couples) now and reduce the future financial burden on your family members.
Editor’s note:
The situation in Toronto is quite different than in any of the Western Canadian cities that have been cited in this article. There are two private funeral homes serving the Jewish community: Benjamin’s and Steeles Memorial Chapel. The cemeteries, however, are run completely on their own. We contacted Steeles to get an idea how funeral costs in Toronto compare with Winnipeg. At the current time all funerals are being conducted graveside.
We were told that a plot at Pardes Chaim Cemetery, for instance, is $3276 plus HST. There is an additional opening and closing fee payable at the time of the funeral, which is currently $1902.06.
As far as the services provided by Steeles, they have a lengthy list of services, including the professional services of staff ($2815); preparation and sheltering of the deceased ($725); automobiles (hearse – $425, general duties vehicle – $295); transfer of the deceased ($375); burial shroud ($395). The total for all these services comes to $5505.
In addition, the costs of caskets range form $1095 for a “classic casket” to $5795 for something called the “Shalom Hardwood”.
Altogether though, the costs for a Jewish funeral in Toronto, going by Steeles’ price list and including the cost of a plot, are somewhere in the $12,000 range.
We were also interested in the typical cost of a non-Jewish funeral. According to one website, the average cost for a funeral in Manitoba in 2020 was $12,094.
Local News
Winnipeg Jewish Theatre breaks new ground with co-production with Rainbow Stage
By MYRON LOVE Winnipeg Jewish Theatre is breaking new ground with its first ever co-production with Rainbow Stage. The new partnership’s presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof” is scheduled to hit the stage at our city’s famed summer musical theatre venue in September 2026.
“We have collaborated with other theatre companies in joint productions before,” notes Dan Petrenko, the WJT’s artistic and managing director – citing previous partnerships with the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts in Montreal, the Harold Green Jewish Theatre in Toronto, Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon and Winnipeg’s own Dry Cold Productions. “Because of the times we’re living through, and particularly the growing antisemitism in our communities and across the country, I felt there is a need to tell a story that celebrates Jewish culture on the largest stage in the city – to reach as many people as possible.”
Last year, WJT approached Rainbow Stage with a proposal for the co-presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Rainbow Stage management was really enthusiastic in their response, Petrenko reports.
“We are excited to be working with Winnipeg’s largest musical theatre company,” he notes. “Rainbow Stage has an audience of more than 10,000 people every season. Fiddler is a great, family-oriented story and, through our joint effort with Rainbow Stage, WJT will be able to reach out to new and younger audiences.”
“We are also working to welcome more diverse audiences from other communities, as well as newcomers – families who have moved here from Israel, Argentina and countries of the former Soviet Union.”
Helping Petrenko to achieve those goals are two relatively new and younger additions to WJT’s management team. Both Company Manager Etel Shevelev, and Head of Marketing Julia Kroft are in their 20s – as is Petrenko himself.
Kroft, who is also Gray Academy’s Associate Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, needs little or no introduction to many readers. In addition to her work for Gray Academy and WJT, the daughter of David and Ellen Kroft has been building a second career as a singer and actor. Over the past few years, she has performed by herself or as part of a musical ensemble at Jewish community events, as well as in various professional theatre productions in the city.
Etel Shevelev is also engaged in a dual career. In addition to working full time at WJT, she is also a Fine Arts student (majoring in graphic design) at the University of Manitoba. Outside of school, she is an interdisciplinary visual artist (exhibiting her work and running workshops), so you can say the art world is no stranger to her.
(She will be partcipating in Limmud next month as a member of the Rimon Art Collective.)
Shevelev grew up in Kfar Saba (northeast of Tel Aviv). She reports that in Israel she was involved in theatre from a young age. “In 2019, I graduated from a youth theatre school, which I attended for 11 years.” In a sense, her work for WJT brings her full circle.
She arrived in Winnipeg just six years ago with her parents. “I was 19 at the time,” she says.
After just a year in Winnipeg, her family decided to relocate to Ottawa, while she chose to stay here. “I was already enrolled in university, had a long-term partner, and a job,” she explains. “I felt that I was putting down roots in Winnipeg.”
Etel expects to graduate by the end of the academic year, allowing her to focus on the arts professionally full-time.
In her role as company manager, Shevelev notes, she is responsible for communications with donors, contractors, and unions, as well as applying for various grants and funding opportunities.
In addition, her linguistic skills were put to use last spring for WJT’s production of “The Band’s Visit,” a story about an Egyptian band that was invited to perform at a cultural centre opening ceremony in the lively centre of Israel, but ended up in the wrong place – a tiny, communal town in southern Israel. Shevelev was called on to help some of the performers with the pronunciation of Hebrew words and with developing a Hebrew accent.
“I love working for WJT,” she enthuses. “Every day is different.”
Shevelev and Petrenko are also enthusiastic about WJT’s next production – coming up in April: “Ride: The Musical” debuted in London’s West End three years ago, and then went on to play at San Diego’s Old Globe theatre to rave reviews. The WJT production will be the Canadian premiere!
The play, Petrenko says, is based on the true story of Annie Londonderry, a young woman – originally from Latvia, who, in 1894, beat all odds and became the first woman to circle the world on a bicycle.
Petrenko is also happy to announce that the director and choreographer for the production will be Lisa Stevens – an Emmy Award nominee and Olivier Award winner. (The Olivier is presented annually by the Society of London Theatre to recognize excellence in professional London theatre).
“Lisa is in great demand across Canada, and the world really,” the WJT artistic director says. “I am so thrilled that we will be welcoming one of the greatest Jewish directors and choreographers of our time to Winnipeg this Spring.”
For more information about upcoming WJT shows, readers can visit wjt.ca, email the WJT office at info@wjt.ca or phone the box office at 204-477-7515.
Local News
Rising Canadian comedy star Rob Bebenek to headline JCFS’ second annual “Comedy for a Cause”
By MYRON LOVE Last year, faced with a federal government budget cut to its Older Adult Services programs, Jewish Child and Family Service launched a new fundraising initiative. “Comedy with a Cause” was held at Rumor’s Comedy club and featured veteran Canadian stand-up comic Dave Hemstad.
That evening was so successful that – by popular demand – JCFS is doing an encore. “We were blown away by the support from the community,” says Al Benarroch, JCFS’s president and CEO.
“This is really a great way to support JCFS by being together and having fun,” he says.
“Last year, JCFS was able to sell-out the 170 tickets it was allotted by Rumor’s,” adds Alexis Wenzowski, JCFS’s COO. “There were also general public attendees at the event last year. Participants enjoyed a fun evening, complete with a 50/50 draw and raffle. We were incredibly grateful for those who turned out, the donors for the raffle baskets, and of course, Rumor’s Comedy Club.
“Feedback was very positive about it being an initiative that encouraged people to have fun for a good cause: our Older Adult Services Team.”
This year’s “Comedy for a Cause” evening is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25. Wenzowski reports that this year’s featured performer, Rob Bebenek, first made a splash on the Canadian comedy scene at the 2018 Winnipeg Comedy festival. He has toured extensively throughout North America, appearing in theatres, clubs and festivals. He has also made several appearances on MTV as well as opening shows for more established comics, such as Gerry Dee and the late Bob Saget.
For the 2026 show, Wenzowski notes, Rumors’ is allotting JCFS 200 tickets. As with last year, there will also be some raffle baskets and a 50/50 draw.
“Our presenting sponsors for the evening,” she reports, “are the Vickar Automotive Group and Kay Four Properties Incorporated.”
The funds raised from this year’s comedy evening are being designated for the JCFS Settlement and Integration Services Department. “JCFS chose to do this because of our reduction in funding last year by the federal government to this department,” Wenzowski points out.
“Last year alone,” she reports, “our Settlement and Integration Services team settled 118 newcomer families – from places like Israel, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Each year, our program supports even more newcomer families with things like case management, supportive counselling, employment coaching, workshops, programming for newcomer seniors, and more.”
“We hope to raise more than $15,000 through this event for our Settlement and Integration Program,” Al Benarroch adds. “The team does fantastic work, and we know that our newcomer Jewish families need the supports from JCFS. I want to thank our sponsors, Rumor’s Comedy Club, and attendees for supporting us.”
Tickets for the show cost $40 and are available to purchase by calling JCFS (204-477-7430) or by visiting here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/jcfs-comedy-for-a-cause. Sponsorships are still available.
Local News
Ninth Shabbat Unplugged highlight of busy year for Winnipeg Hillel
By MYRON LOVE Lindsay Kerr, Winnipeg’s Hillel director, is happy to report that this year’s ninth Shabbat UnPlugged, held on the weekend of January 9-11, attracted approximately 90 students from 11 different universities, including 20 students who were from out of town.
Shabbat UnPlugged was started in 2016 by (now-retired) Dr. Sheppy Coodin, who was a science teacher at Gray Academy, along with fellow Gray Academy teacher Avi Posen (who made aliyah in 2019) – building on the Shabbatons that Gray Academy had been organizing for the school’s high school students for many years.
The inaugural Shabbat UnPlugged was so successful that Coodin and Posen did it again in 2017 and took things one step further by combining their Shabbat UnPlugged with Hillel’s annual Shabbat Shabang Shabbaton that brings together Jewish university students from Winnipeg and other Jewish university students from Western Canada.
As in the past, this year’s Shabbat UnPlugged weekend was held at Lakeview’s Hecla Resort. “What we like about Hecla,” Kerr notes, “is that they let us bring in our own kosher food, it is out of the city and close to nature for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.”
The weekend retreat traditionally begins with a candle lighting, kiddush and a traditional Shabbat supper. Unlike previous Shabbats UnPlugged, Kerr points out, there were no outside featured speakers this year. All religious services and activities were led by students or national program partners.
The weekend was funded in part by grants from CJPAC and StandWithUs Canada, along with the primary gift from The Asper Foundation.
Kerr reports that the activities began with 18 of our local Jewish university students participating in a new student Shabbaton – inspired by Shabbat Unplugged, titled “Roots & Rising.”
In addition to Shabbat Unplugged, Hillel further partnered with Chabad for a Sukkot program in the fall, as well as with Shaarey Zedek Congregation and StandWithUs Canada for a Chanukah program. Hillell also featured a commemoration of October 7, an evening of laser tag and, in January, a Hillel-led afternoon of ice skating.
Coming up this month will be a visit to an Escape Room – and a traditional Shabbat dinner in March.
Kerr estimates that there are about 300 Jewish students at the University of Manitoba and 100 at the University of Winnipeg.
“Our goal is to attract more Jewish students to take part in our programs and connect with our community,” she comments.