Local News
Jewish National Fund holds successful online Negev Gala
By BERNIE BELLAN
It was more than two years in the making, but after the most prolonged break in the history of Negev Galas (and Dinners – which preceded the more recent Negev Galas), the Jewish National Fund was finally able to pull off what turned out to be a very successful event on Monday, May 31, albeit one that was held online.
Gala honouree Ted Lyons, who now has the distinction of being the only Winnipeg Negev Gala honouree to be honoured two consecutive years (he was originally to be honoured in 2020, but last year’s Gala was canceled entirely due to Covid ) was the recipient of numerous accolades during the event – from friends, dignitaries, and family members.
In a gesture that couldn’t have been more appropriate, the project for which this year’s gala was raising funds is known as “Bervin Canada House”, to be located in Sderot. The choice of Sderot is particularly timely, given what that community has just finished enduring – for the umpteenth time, as rockets began to pour down from Gaza beginning on May 10.
Here is how the project was described in an article which I wrote earlier about the Negev Gala: “The Bervin JNF Canada House of Excellence is to be built in Sderot, which is the community that has always been the most immediate target of missiles launched over the years from the Gaza Strip. This particular facility is intended to serve as an after-school education, empowerment, and enrichment centre for high school students from Sderot and its surroundings, who will be provided with the necessary tools and skills for personal and scholastic success’.”
The choice of Sderot as the location for this year’s project for JNF Canada (and, by the way, for the first time ever, all Negev Galas held across Canada in 2021 have earmarked funds for the Bervin project – hoping to raise $4 million altogether), was made long before Sderot found itself coming under incessant fire just a few weeks ago. (Incidentally, of that $4 million to be raised across Canada, over $1. 3 million has already been raised from Winnipeg donors, including $100,000 from Ted and Harriet Lyons themselves. If there were any more proof needed how much Winnipeg Jews punch above their weight, this is it.)
As for how the gala itself unfolded, there was the usual combination of speeches and entertainment, this year provided by famed Israeli singer David Broza, in conjunction with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
The fact that everything to do with the gala had been taped well in advance might have left anyone watching wondering why there was almost no reference at all to the recent war between Israel and Gaza, save for some remarks by David Greaves, Executive Director, JNF Manitoba-Saskatchewan, who referenced the recent fighting at the very end of the event.
In my report of the gala which follows, I took the liberty of changing the order of some of the remarks which were delivered by various individuals. Normally, the honouree is the last person (or persons) to be heard from at events of this sort, but in this case, I thought it fitting to begin with Ted Lyons’ explanation of why he and Harriet found the Bervin project to be so appealing.
Ted began with a story: “Twenty years ago I was lecturing in Korea and I was at the airport with a young Korean associate. Making small talk, I asked him about his family.
“He said he was married and had two children. I asked him, ‘Do they go to school? and he said ‘yes, they actually go to two schools. They go to a regular school Monday to Friday and they actually go to a second school two evenings and one weekend day a week’.’
“I said, ‘Why would you do that?’ and he said, ‘Well, there’s a lot of competition out there and I want to give my kids an extra advantage.’ I thought that made a lot of sense and wondered why we don’t do that in Canada.”
Ted said that in December 2019 he and Harriet were visiting Israel for their granddaughter’s bat mitzvah. They arrived two days early and JNF hosted them on a visit to the Upper Galilee and Sderot. In the Upper Galilee (in a place called Nof HaGalil) they visited an after hours school for 14-18 year-olds. Some of the students were finishing high school and were preparing to go into the army.
“We learned how the young people were being given extra training – in math, in physics, computers, and English. “ Ted explained. “These subjects are critical to be successful in industry, particularly in Israel, a ‘start-up nation’.
“The thinking is that urban children have access to extra education, but rural children do not. This school was an opportunity to give students additional training, to help them get into elite units in the army – and into university. In order to get those placements you need high marks. It made me think of my Korean colleague.
“In Sderot, a rural settlement, the JNF is going to build a facility like the one we saw in the Upper Galilee. Money is being raised for this project through all the Canadian JNF Galas.
“Out of necessity this new facility will also act as a bomb shelter – given the almost daily rocket attacks.
“We hope that everyone will give generously to make this worthwhile project a reality.”
Ted went on to say that “Harriet and I have had the opportunity to serve the community for many years. Harriet has taught tallis-weaving at the Shaarey Zedek for over 30 years and has helped many people – at home and in Israel, celebrate b’nai mitzvah, with a hand made tallis.
“She has helped the Humane Society for many years as one of the main photographers to help in the adoption process. She is also an established potter who has designed and crafted porcelain mezzuzot for rooms in the Simkin Centre and at Gray Academy.
“She is a staunch supporter of the Cancercare Challenge for Life, walking the 20 k every year since its inception 14 years ago.
Her group, ‘Nancy’s Nightingales’, has raised well over $100,000.
“Finally, she’s always been there for our children and our five grandchildren.
“I’ve had the honour to serve our synagogue, Jewish and radiology communities over the years. It’s been a real thrill to serve as president of many of the local and national organizations, and to have been honoured by Governor General Michaelle Jean as an Officer of the Order of Canada (in 2007).
“I served as Shaarey Zedek President 30 years after my late father, Reuven. It was a real honour and an opportunity I cherished.
“Israel is the gold standard in technology and innovation and has been an example to the rest of the world in handling the Covid crisis and vaccinating the population in the most efficient manner.
“Being the JNF honouree for the past two years has been a real treat for Harriet and me.”
The MC for the evening was Rabbi Matthew Leibl, who was gracious in speaking about Ted and, as is always the case when Rabbi Leibl hosts an event of this sort, occasionally quite funny.
He began by explaining how he first met Ted Lyon: “I first met Ted at my bar mitzvah – just a few years ago, on the bimah of the Shaarey Zedek. Ted was there in his capacity as a member of the board and the executive, and he was tasked with presenting me gifts. There I was, sweating in the first suit I ever wore.
“I remember standing there looking up at this tall, dark goateed figure who had both a calm and booming voice, telling me what a remarkable job I had done – one of the best he had seen, how I was an asset to the community and how I had a bright future.
“It seemed like it was a big morning – for him and for me. Years later we were sitting together on that bimah; I had started my work as a Torah reader and a bar mitzvah teacher, and Ted was again there in his capacity as a past president probably – and I said to him: ‘Ted, we were here together not that long ago for my bar mitzvah and you said such amazing, inspirational things. Do you remember that?’
“And he looked at me with that same calm, yet booming voice and said: ‘Matt, I did a lot of those.’ (Now, if you needed to be reminded that Ted Lyons has met an awful lot of different people during his life, Rabbi Leibl added one more amusing anecdote. He said that whenever he would meet Ted at the synagogue, Ted would greet him as “Matityahu”. Rabbi Leibl explained, however, that his Hebrew name is actually “Mordecai”, but every time they would run into each other, Ted would still greet him as “Matityahu”.)
Following Rabbi Leibl’s remarks were some from Michael Nozick, who’s been a lifelong friend of Ted Lyons, also a co-sponsor of the evening. Nozick said: “I’ve known Teddy for more than 70 years. We’ve always been besties. We grew up together. We went to grade school together. We were classmates.
“To me he’s always been Teddy – and he’ll never be Ted.
“Teddy will tell you that we ‘served time’ together in Cheder – and it’s true because we went to Hebrew night school together when we were 10 and 11. One day, on our way to night school, we got off the bus and we were confronted by two big guys – probably teenagers, brandishing big knives, and they demanded we turn over all our bus tickets and our money.
“Two of us took off like jackrabbits across the Crescent to the Shaarey Zedek – where night school was – and Teddy stayed. When he got back to us at class time, I asked him why he stayed and he said, ‘Well, robbery’s wrong and I wanted to explain to them that what they were doing was wrong, and I thought I could talk them out of it’.
“In the end Teddy gave them all his bus tickets and all his money – but it was the precursor of Teddy’s resolution –oriented leadership. Even then he was looking to make peace.
“Teddy’s curiosity is insatiable. Gadgets have always fascinated him. But, he’s not to be tinkered with. His dog once bit him – and he bit the dog back.
“With the computers and technology though, it was a new world for Teddy and it ultimately led him to the field of ultrasound, where he is a world leader.
“He’s a people person and a people lover, with incredible interpersonal skills which, together with his peaceful, quiet nature and curiosity about new frontiers make him a natural leader.
“He inherits his calm demeanour and comfort with leadership from his father (Reuven) – himself a doctor and a true mensch.
“Teddy’s contributions to the world are so great – and have been achieved with such humility, he will never be able to be truly measured.
“Teddy has not only led major organizations – in both our Jewish community and the general community, but has co-authored books and has written an almost uncountable number of articles, and even given many lectures at conferences all over the world. I have no idea where he finds the time.
“Teddy and Harriet have a profound love for Israel. They have led missions and returned often. Teddy has said to me: ‘This year’s Bervin Canada House project is special’.”
This year also saw a special presentation made to Winnipegger Patrick Elazar, who has been one of those unsung volunteers who has given so much of himself to so many different Jewish organizations since having arrived in Winnipeg in 1988 with his wife, Sherry Elazar Wolfe, and his family.
JNF Manitoba Saskatch-ewan President Nola Lazar said: “The Bernard M. Bloomfield Award is presented annually to a deserving volunteer for JNF. This year’s award is being given to Patrick Elazar. Patrick served in the IDF and helped establish Kibbutz Elazar. He has degrees in Middle East Economics and Agricultural Studies. Together with his family Patrick came to Winnipeg in 1988.
“Patrick is passionate about Israel. He volunteers regularly at Shalom Square, Limmud Winnipeg, and JNF Winnipeg.”
Longtime Winnipeg philanthropist and community leader Marjorie Blankstein added a personal memory of a young Teddy Lyons, saying: “You will always be Teddy to me. I remember you as the swimming instructor at a Gimli summer camp – always in your swim suit. You have made an invaluable contribution to your profession, also to the community.”
Manitoba Governor General Janice Filmon also spoke fondly of “Teddy” Lyons whom, she noted, she’s known since “grade school”: “Tonight’s honouree, Dr. Ted Lyons, has dedicated his career to the lives of others. As a pioneer in the field of ultrasound technology – through his own work or through the work of others he has taught, he has saved countless lives.”
As I noted in my earlier article about Ted Lyons, his being honoured as the Negev Gala Honouree for 2020-21 marks the first time that a physician has received that accolade. With all the other honours Ted has received over the years, however, he remains ever so humble and personable. It was two years in the making, but in the end, this year’s Negev Gala will go down as having had to overcome more obstacles than anyone could ever have imagined, yet proved to be one of the most successful ever.
Local News
Human Rights Museum announcement of “Nakba” exhibit sets off hornet’s nest
By BERNIE BELLAN On November 19, during its Annual Public Meeting, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) announced it will be mounting an exhibit titled “Palestine Uprooted: Nakba (sometimes spelled as ‘Nagba) Past and Present,” focusing on Palestinian experiences, confirming it will open in June 2026. The CMHR website said that “This announcement follows years of advocacy from Palestinian Canadian groups, with the exhibit aiming to share Palestinian perspectives on the 1948 catastrophe.”
That announcement set off a storm of reaction from within the Jewish community, especially from the Jewish Heritage Centre for Western Canada, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg , and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.
The primary concern raised by representatives of all three of those groups was that having an exhibit on the Nakba without also having an exhibit on the forced displacement of Jews from Arab countries in 1948 would offer a distorted perspective of what happened during Israel’s 1948 War of Independence.
We have been reluctant to wade into this hornet’s nest as no matter what we write it is bound to lead to some individuals saying that we haven’t been balanced, but we did decide to go ahead and try to offer some idea of how this exhibit came about.
Our primary source was an interview that Isha Khan, CEO of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, did with Sierra Sanders of CBC’s Information Radio on November 21.
Following are some excerpts from that interview. (It has been edited for clarity): Khan began by explaining that what the museum will be mounting is “an exhibit that shares the experiences of Palestinian Canadians who have experienced the Nagba or our intergenerational survivors. And it uses multimedia, so a number of different art forms, text and art and interactive to share their experiences and the human rights violations that are related to force displacement.”
Sanders asked: “And so I understand the Palestinian community has been lobbying for years for an exhibit like this or something like this. When was it decided that the museum would be doing an exhibit like this?”
Khan: “So it’s both true that Palestinian Canadians and others have been asking us – demanding that that there be more content in the museum that it shares their experiences. And we’ve been working on this for the last four years because we made the decision that absolutely we need to share these stories that are human rights stories about displacement and and so we’re at the stage where we can announce the exhibit and want people to come see it.”
Sanders: “… I understand the Palestinian community was a part of the conversations when it came to this exhibit. Who did you if you can tell me, who did you consult with during the process of this exhibit?”
Khan: “Yeah. So, in the same way that we really tell any story that you see in an exhibit here in the museum, we rely on the lived experiences of people who have experienced those atrocities or affected communities. And so we’ve been working and consulting with a really wide network of Palestinian Canadians and others from across Canada to to help ensure that we share their story that they’ve entrusted and their stories that they’ve entrusted with us in a responsible way.”
Sanders: “…and why is this exhibit important to the CHR?”
Khan: “The CHR is a museum for human rights and our job is to tell stories, to share stories that enable people to reflect, to understand human rights, to navigate the human rights issues of our day. This exhibit is going to be in our rights today gallery. So, it’s about contemporary issues and there’s no question that people are looking for information. They’re looking to better understand what to do with the information that they have around them, around the Nagba and the Palestinian experiences.”
Sanders: “And what does the museum hope visitors will take away from it and what kind of conversations are you hoping to start with this exhibit?”
Khan: “We hope that people will come and see this exhibit. We hope that by being exposed to or being able to touch and and feel Palestinian experiences of forced displacement that they’ll be able to understand the human rights impacts that displacement can have on people and draw connections to other situations in history and today. Every exhibit that we tell takes stories from the past often and allows people to apply those principles and the feelings and the reflections that they have so that they can better understand human rights today and they can actually take action and do something about it.”
Sanders: “So the announcement of this exhibit has stirred up some concern from the Jewish Heritage Center of Western Canada and they’re worried the exhibit will lack balanced scholarly research and and key historical and current geopolitical context. What’s your response to this concern? “
Khan: “We understand that there are people who are who are concerned, who are worried about what the exhibit may do. What I can share is for one, we’ve had a long really long good history working with the Jewish Heritage Center of Western Canada on Holocaust remembrance and other important issues related to combating anti-semitism. This exhibit isn’t a historical retrospective. This exhibit is about the experiences of Palestinian Canadians who have lived through forced displacement and their families. So it’s told from their perspective, from their eyes, just like many other exhibits in the museum are. Currently we’re running a major exhibition on the LGBTQ purge and it’s told through the eyes of survivors, their words, their stories in order to impact others and help them understand what happened at that time. The Palestinian and Jewish community – they are kind of intertwined in their own ways.”
Sanders: “Do you think that the Jewish community should have been consulted in the curation of this exhibit?”
Khan: “The exhibits that we develop are for all people. As a museum for human rights, we try to share stories that allow people to make connections between human rights violations occurring around the world and here in Canada. We understand that there is a question about how the exhibition was developed. This exhibition was developed with a big team of researchers, academics, a curator who leads the choice making around art and design and many others. And that’s how we do our work. The development of this exhibition has the same rigour as any exhibition we develop. And we do that because we feel responsible for ensuring that if a community or individuals entrust us with their stories, we’re going to make sure we share them responsibly. We really steward others other people’s stories and we really encourage people to come and see the exhibit to help answer some of those anxieties that they may have.”
Sanders: “Now, so the Jewish Heritage Center of Western Canada is pulling out of a partnership with the museum to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day because of the this exhibit. How will this impact the museum’s ability to provide Holocaust education and programming to combat antisemitism?”
Khan: “We remain absolutely, unwaveringly committed to combating antisemitism. We have a gallery that allows people to examine the Holocaust. We do Holocaust Remembrance Day programming every year in addition to talking about anti-semitism in our school tours and education programs and public tours. We will continue to do that work. We’ve worked with Holocaust memorial sites and organizations across the country and around the world. We hope to continue to work with the Jewish Heritage Center of Western Canada in the future.”
As has been noted, there was fierce reaction from many different organizations in the Jewish community over the announcement that the CMHR would be mounting an exhibit on the Naqba. However, it’s not clear whether there is an official spokesperson for the Jewish community – or if there ever was just one spokesperson.
But, what we were really interested in finding out from the CMHR was when did this idea to mount an exhibit about the Naqba really begin so, on December 7, we sent this query to someone by the name of Amanda Gaudes, who was listed as a Media Relations Specialist for the CMHR on its website:
Hi Amanda,
I’m the consulting editor of the Jewish Post newspaper, also publisher of the jewishpostandnews.ca website.
I’m interested in doing a story about the upcoming Nakba exhibit but, unlike others in the Jewish community who may have been in touch with you, I aim entirely for objectivity – much as that term seems to have been devalued in recent years.
I have no interest in rehashing the arguments that have been raised by members of the Jewish community about fairness and giving equal weight to the expulsion of Jews from Arab countries in 1948 if I’m reporting on what had led the museum to want to mount this exhibit at this time. While I don’t dismiss the validity of those arguments, I find them all too predictable in the sense that they level the same tired criticisms of an exhibit simply because the name “Nakba” is offensive to them in and of itself.
I, myself, can appreciate what impact the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes had. I’ve lived in Israel and have seen the results of that expulsion first hand.
What I’d like is the opportunity to give a full airing of what had led the museum to want to mount this exhibit after all these years – without rebutting anything anyone might have to say. Of course, I’d love to know more about the decision making process, but I rather expect that much of that will remain confidential. However- if you take a look at what’s been said about me online, you can see that I’m not afraid to plunge into discussion of subjects that many in our community would rather remain untouched.
Then, if there are responses from members of the Jewish community that would want to criticize the museum, they can appear at a separate time, so that we don’t immediately plunge readers into a debate the first time we have a mention of the issue which, so far, I can tell you, has gone completely uncovered in the Jewish Post to date.
Thanks
-Bernie Bellan
We received a response from Amanda Gaudes, Media Relations Specialist for the CMHR two days later:
Good afternoon Bernie,
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights announced several new exhibits that are part of the Museum’s core gallery renewal including Palestine Uprooted: Nakba Past and Present. It will be a smaller scale exhibit in our Rights Today gallery on Level 5 of the Museum and will open in late June 2026. This exhibit is about the lived experiences of Palestinian Canadians and the human rights impacts of forced displacement that they have faced over generations. It will use art, first-person reflections, and personal artifacts to share the stories of Palestinian Canadians who were displaced during the 1948 Nakba to today.
There are always individuals or groups who are interested or concerned in the nature of our content and we think it’s important to emphasize that the exhibit is about the personal experiences of Palestinian Canadians. The exhibit is not a historical retrospective, or an examination of the founding of the State of Israel or a commentary on current Israel-Palestine relations.
We began working on this exhibit four years ago to look at the issue of forced displacement of Palestinians. Exploring this content in no way diminishes the experience of others who have also faced displacement including the Jewish community.
We also share the community’s concerns about rising antisemitism and take our mandate as educators very seriously. We are continuing to develop and deliver antisemitism education programs and teaching resources, which have their foundation in our renowned Examining the Holocaust gallery. All of our education programs are designed to not only examine the Holocaust, but to delve into antisemitism today. We are increasing programming in this area in January to coincide with International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Our role as a museum is to help people understand our world through the lens of human rights. Through that lens, we can see that every individual – and this includes Palestinians and Jewish people everywhere – has the right to live in safety and security and dignity and that all people have the right to self determination.
Thank you,
Amanda Gaudes (she/her|elle)
Media Relations Specialist | Spécialiste des relations avenc les médias
I did send a follow-up email to Amanda Gaudes, but did not hear back. Here’s what I wrote:
Thanks for this Amanda but can I ask you to elaborate on a number of points you mentioned:
What are the other exhibits that the museum will be mounting in addition to the one on the Nakba?
You say you began working on this exhibit four years ago. But, had the idea been tossed around prior to four years ago? If so, I’m curious where the idea came from? Was it someone from within the museum or did it come from someone outside the museum?
Thanks
-Bernie
Then, on December 11, we received this message from reader Irwin Corobow:
I am embarrassed for the Jewish Community here in Winnipeg for the absurd and ill conceived push back by the Jewish Heritage Centre to the plans by the Canadian Human Rights Museum to stage an exhibit reflecting the Palestinian community history during the Nakba. Why in the world should the Museum have to consult with the Jewish Community in order to plan this exhibit? What is there in the Heritage Centre’s mandate that gives the authority to speak on issues that are not related to its mandate? None that I can see. Why is the Executive Director Centre of the Heritage Centre given apparently freedom to act as spokesperson for the Community on such matters such as perceived anti-semitism. I challenge anyone to read through the mission and purpose of the Centre and find anything that supports this reactive behaviour. Ironically this dust up involving the Centre and the Museum will likely increase attendance at the exhibit when it occurs.
Local News
Shalom Residences board announces hiring of Tamar Barr as new executive director
By BERNIE BELLAN The board of Shalom Residences, the agency that provides housing and support for adults in our community who have special needs, will soon have a new executive director, effective December 22.
Tamar Barr, whose name is well known in the Jewish community, is set to take over from Mike Goldberg, who will be leaving Shalom Residences after having served as executive director since the spring of 2022.
It was in March 2022 that the previous – and to that point, only executive director Shalom Residences had ever had, Nancy Hughes, retired from the position after 31 years at the helm. Mike is moving on to take a senior position elsewhere.
In an email received from Mike, he wrote about his leaving Shalom Residences: “It was a difficult and emotional decision as I have become very close to the residents, families, and staff in the Shalom community. I’m transitioning to Executive Director of Community Financial Counselling Services, a non profit that provides free financial counselling and support to low income Manitobans. They provide free tax clinics during tax season as well as support for people experiencing gambling addiction. It will be different than my role with Shalom but I’m excited to support another vulnerable population group with this important work.”
Shalom Residences maintains six different houses in Winnipeg on: Enniskillen Avenue (home to the very first Shalom Residence), Hartford Avenue and Seven Oaks Place – all three of which are in West Kildonan; McAdam and Cathedral Avenues – in the North End; Daffodil – in Garden City; and Oxford Street, in River Heights.
The smallest home has three residents and the largest one – five.
Twenty-nine adults live in those homes, while another nine live in supported independent living apartments, and three adults are supported in community outreach.
Tamar Barr is probably best known in the community for her many years at both the Rady JCC and its predecessor, the YMHA. Tamar served as program director at both the YMHA and the Rady JCC from 1990-2013 and was Assistant Executive Director at the Rady JCC from 2013-2021.
Since then Tamar has filled a variety of different roles, including working in donor relations at the University of Manitoba; project coordinator at the Mennnonite Heritage Centre Gallery; and Alternate Funeral Director for Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
Tamr obtained her B.A. and Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Mantioba; and her Masters of Social Work from Yeshiva University in New York.
Tamar had this to say about her moving into the role of executive director of Shalom Residences: “Stepping into the role of Executive Director feels like a full-circle moment for me. Some of my most meaningful and formative experiences have been alongside people living with intellectual disabilities, whose strength and spirit continue to inspire me. I am honoured to join an organization rooted in Jewish values and dedicated to supporting individuals living dignified, connected and fulfilling lives in a community-based setting.
“I look forward to bringing my enthusiasm, experience and compassion to support and strengthen Shalom Residences important mission.”
In welcoming Tamar as Shalom Residences’ new executive director, the board of Shalom Residences said: “Shalom Residences Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Tamar Barr as our new executive director effective December 22, 2025.
“Tamar has a Masters degree in Social Work and brings a wealth of management experience in the non-profit sector and at the Rady JCC. She is looking forward to meeting our residents with intellectual disabilities, families and staff as she transitions into her new role with the kind assistance of our current executive director, Mike Goldberg.
“We wish to thank Mike for his outstanding contributions to Shalom Residences and wish him well in his new leadership role at Community Financial Services where he will be assisting individuals and families facing financial challenges.”
Local News
Canadian produced kosher wine now available in Winnipeg
By BERNIE BELLAN With the imposition last February of a ban on the sale of American liquor in Manitoba, the only type of kosher wines that were available here were from Israel, specifically wines produced by the Galil winery.
Since the latter part of September, however, kosher wines produced by a Canadian winery are now available in Manitoba liquor marts, also the Kenaston Wine Market.
The wines – a red and a white, are produced by a winery known as Tzafona Cellars – located in the Niagara region of Ontario.
On Tuesday, December 2, Rabbi Avraham Gislason, who is a a rabbi in Thornhill, as well as a Tzafona Cellars winemaker, spoke to a large crowd at the Jewish Learning Centre, where he not only explained how kosher wine differs from non-kosher wine, he brought along bottles of five different wines produced by Tzafona Cellars for members of the audience to taste.
So – what makes a wine kosher? you might ask. According to the internet, “A wine is kosher if it is made according to Jewish dietary laws… with strict supervision and handling by Sabbath-observant Jews from the crushing of the grapes to the bottling of the finished product. The winemaking process must use only kosher-certified ingredients, such as yeast and fining agents, and rabbinically-approved equipment.
Rabbi Gislason himself started Tzafona Cellars in 2014. According to the Tzafona website, Rabbi Gislason saw that the “soil, air, and microclimate of the Niagara Peninsula all come together to create an up-and-coming world class wine region, yielding a unique experience that cannot be recreated anywhere else in the world.”
While he appreciated the quality of the wines being produced in the Niagara region, there was one problem: None of the wines were kosher.
According to the Tzafona website, “Starting with the 2014 vintage, Tzafona began to produce kosher wines using the same techniques and high-quality grapes used in producing other premium non-kosher wines. Since then, Tzafona has continued to produce a variety of different wines, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Chardonnay. We have produced award-winning Icewines in the Vidal, Riesling, and Gewurtzraminer varietals. Tzafona is the only kosher Icewine producer in North America. Their Cabernet Franc Icewine won a Gold Medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2025.
In 2016 we began to produce a line of refreshing semi-sweet wines under our brand “Nava Blanc” and “Nava Ruby.” (It is the Nava Blanc and Nava Ruby wines that are now available in Manitoba). Both of these wines are Tzafona’s bestsellers here in Canada and the USA.
The process of getting Tzafona wines approved in Manitoba was set in motion by Winnipeg marketing specialist Marsha Friedman, who for many years has worked as a marketing consultant and sales agent for businesses looking to offer premium kosher foods to their customers.
Her business, Excellence & Kosher, focuses on identifying unmet needs in the market. “I see a need and I try to fill it,” Marsha says.
“We also ensure that the most needed Kosher food products for the stores that carry Kosher are available, including Canadian Kosher wine,” she adds.
Marsha explains that she approached Tzafona—the only truly Canadian kosher wine company—some time ago with the idea of opening the Manitoba market for them and introducing their wines to local consumers.
Afterward, she contacted tManitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL), which agreed to begin carrying two Tzafona wines: Nava Ruby (Red) and Nava Blanc (White).
Since that initial success in making Tzafona wines available for purchase in Manitoba, Marsha says that she and her daughter Shira have been making similar progress in Alberta and hope to expand into the British Columbia market as well.
For more information about Tzafona Wines, including the addresses of stores in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba that carry their products, please visit the MBLL Liquor Marts website:
https://www.liquormarts.ca/liquormarts
Go to “Find a Product” and type “Tzafona.” Both wines will appear. Select the wine you’re interested in, then click “Store Inventory.” A list of all MBLL Liquor Marts that carry that product will be displayed.
Marsha adds that “We are hoping to have more listings of Tzafona wines available for Pesach this year, and we will be presenting them to MBLL for their approval.
“L’Chaim!”