Local News
Jewish Federation reports extraordinary response to call for donations for Israel emergency campaign
The following email was sent out by Gustavo Zentner, President, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, and Jeff Lieberman, CEO of the JFW, Friday afternoon, October 27:
Dear Friends,
In the past 20 days, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg has been working tirelessly to mobilize our community, raise funds, and deploy financial aid as swiftly as possible to address immediate needs in Israel.
During these challenging times, our community has come together, offering comfort and support to one another, through small and large acts of kindness and solidarity. We’ve reached out to friends who have family in Israel, and we’ve united at a rally attended by over 2,000 Winnipeggers.
As we approach the three-week mark in our response, we’re grateful for the ongoing generosity that continues to flow in from our community. We’re excited to announce that our Israel Emergency Fund has reached an incredible milestone, raising an astonishing $3,494,363 from 855 donors. This is a remarkable testament to our community’s unwavering commitment to the people of Israel during this crisis.
We’d like to highlight some new and significant developments that have contributed to our success and will help us build on our achievements: the Asper family has generously pledged to match donations up to $1 million. Richard and Sheree Morantz have made an extraordinary donation of $1 million, showcasing their deep commitment to the people of Israel. An anonymous donor has made an incredible commitment to our cause: for every $2 donated, this donor will match with an additional dollar.
These recent developments highlight the extraordinary collective effort of our community, demonstrating our commitment to bringing immediate aid and vital services to those affected by the crisis. If you have not yet donated, please click here.
Since October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, we made the decision to temporarily suspend our calls to our valued donors as our primary focus shifted towards the Emergency Israel Campaign. The situation demanded our immediate attention and resources. After careful deliberation with our community leaders, we have resumed our outreach efforts for the Combined Jewish Appeal (CJA) Campaign as of October 23.
While we remain committed to supporting the Israel Emergency Relief Fund, we also recognize the ongoing needs of our community here in Winnipeg. Our ability to address these needs is equally important, especially during these challenging times. By reinitiating our CJA Campaign, we aim to ensure the continued well-being and growth of our community.
Since the beginning of the conflict, we have been working with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) on a daily basis to ensure the safety of our community institutions, and we thank the WPS for their steadfast support. Yesterday, the WPS reported that several hate-motivated incidents have taken place against our community members in Winnipeg, predominantly in River Heights. The news of these hate-motivated incidents is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable.
Hate, in any form, has no place in our society. We must stand united against discrimination and prejudice, no matter who it is directed at. We are working closely with local authorities, community leaders, and elected officials at all levels of government to address these incidents to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. Please read the statement from Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr regarding these recent incidents. We thank him for his ongoing support and partnership in addressing this.
It is crucial that we remain vigilant and look out for one another during these challenging times – if you see something, say something – and report it immediately to the Winnipeg Police Service, and to the Federation. We will not allow these hateful acts to define who we are or how we live our lives. Instead, let us be united and continue to support one another, standing firm in the face of hatred.
We recognize that the coming days and weeks will bring challenges. Hate crimes are on the rise, and the Israel narrative in the news and on social media is concerning. However, we will face these challenges together and emerge stronger than ever, as we have throughout our history.
Am Yisrael Chai. The nation of Israel lives, and it lives within each of us.
Local News
Thank you to the community from the Chesed Shel Emes
We’re delighted to share a major milestone in our Capital Campaign, “Building on our Tradition.” Launched in November 2018, this campaign aimed to replace our outdated facility with a modern space tailored to our unique needs. Our new building is designed with ritual at its core, featuring ample preparation space, Shomer space, and storage, creating a warm and welcoming environment for our community during times of need.
We’re grateful to the nearly 1,000 generous donors who contributed over $4 million towards our new facility. A $750,000 mortgage will be retired in November 2025, completing this monumental project in just seven years.
We’re also thrilled to announce that our Chesed Shel Emes Endowment Fund has grown tenfold, from $15,000 to $150,000, thanks to you, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s FundMatch program, and Million Dollar Match initiative in 2024. Our fund helps ensure that everyone can have a dignified Jewish funeral regardless of financial need.
As we look to the future, our goal remains to ensure the Chevra Kadisha continues to serve our community for generations to come. Our focus now shifts to replenishing our savings account and growing our JFM Endowment fund.
We’re deeply grateful for your support over the past several years.
It’s our privilege to serve our community with care and compassion.
With sincere appreciation,
Campaign cabinet: Hillel Kravetsky, Gerry Pritchard, Stuart Pudavick,
Jack Solomon, and Rena Boroditsky
Murray S. Greenfield, President
Local News
Winnipeg Beach Synagogue about to celebrate 75th anniversary
By BERNIE BELLAN (July 13) In 1950 a group of cottage owners at Winnipeg Beach took it upon themselves to relocate a one-room schoolhouse that was in the Beausejour area to Winnipeg Beach where it became the beach synagogue at the corner of Hazel and Grove.
There it stayed until 1998 when it was moved to its current location at Camp Massad.
On August 2nd members of the synagogue will be holding a 75th anniversary celebration.
As part of the celebration anyone who is a descendant or relative of any of the original members of the first executive committee (as seen in the photo here) is invited to attend the synagogue that morning.
If you are a relative please contact Abe Borzykowski at wpgbeachshule@shaw.ca or aborzykowski@shaw.ca to let Abe know you might be attending or for more information about the 75th anniversary celebration.
We will soon be publishing a story about the history of the beach synagogue, which is something I’ve been writing about for over 25 years.
Local News
Vickar Family cuts ribbon on new Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre
By MYRON LOVE In the words of Larry Vickar, the Shaarey Zedek’s successful Dor V’ Dor Campaign “is not only a renewal of the synagogue but truly a renewal movement of Jewish life in our community.”An integral part of that renewal movement was the creation of a daycare centre within the expanded synagogue. On Monday, June 23, Larry and Tova Vickar cut the ribbon, thereby officially opening the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre in the presence of 100 of their family members, friends and other supporters of the project.
The short program preceding the morning ribbon-cutting began with a continental breakfast followed by a welcome by both Fanny Levy, Shaarey Zedek’s Board President, and Executive Director Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze. In Elbaze’s remarks, she noted that Larry and Tova wanted their family (including son Stephen and family, who flew in from Florida) and friends at the event to celebrate the opening of the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre, “not because of the accolades, but because, as Larry put it, he hopes that their investment in the congregation will inspire others to do the same.”
“When Larry and I spoke about what this gift meant to him and the message he wanted people to take away,” she continued, “I couldn’t help but connect it to the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi whose book – Age-ing to Sage-ing – changes the whole way we look at the concept of ageing and basing it on our ancestral teachings.”
She explained that his concept of “Sage-ing” is based on three key ideas – Discover your meaning and purpose; accept our mortality and think about the legacy you want to leave.
“Larry spoke about these exact concepts when we met,” she said.
Elbaze also noted the presence of Shaarey Zedek’s newly-arrived senior Rabbi Carnie Rose, former Rabbi Alan Green, and area MLAs Mike Moroz and Carla Compton.
Larry Vickar expressed his great appreciation for all those in attendance. “Tova and I are deeply moved to stand here with you today for this important milestone in our community”, he said. “We are grateful to be surrounded by all of you, the people we care about, our family and friends… you who have touched our lives and played some part in our journey.”