Local News
New Jewish Federation outreach event hit all the right notes
By REBECA KUROPATWA
In early February, Fling Before the Ring, geared to newly engaged and married couples, and the community as a whole, was put on by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.
The event was the brainchild of the Federation’s Madeline Lopez Ficher. It was held at the Audi Dealership with 14 couples in attendance.
Of Lopez Ficher, the Federation’s engagement manager, Florencia Katz, said, “She was I think inspired a bit by the Shalom Baby Shower Event that we offer twice a year for new parents who just had babies…So, based on this concept, she came up with this idea and we started thinking of how to reach out to the young adult demographic who tend to be drawn to live stage events.
“We thought it was a good idea to reach out to them, to bring them together for an event, just for them. For couples who are just engaged and as this was the first time we’d done this, we thought also of inviting newlyweds…so, it was for any couple who got married in the last year.”
Picking the Audi dealership as the location was the first step in creating a young vibe that would stand out, with the bonus of making it possible for participating couples to test drive a car.
“Whoever came earlier or right at the event start, Audi offered them a test drive,” said Katz. “Besides that, the event was mainly welcoming and schmoozing, and we had Kosher wine, cheese, and olive oil tasting. There were appetizers and a bar and photo booth that offered free, professional engagement photos. We offered some cool drinks that were named ‘Mazal Tov’ and ‘L’chaim.’”
The main event was led by Rabbi Matthew Leibl of Congregation Shaarey Zedek who shared some information about Jewish traditions that couples can incorporate into their weddings and homes if they so choose.
Following the rabbi came the comedy of Benji Rothman, including a piece about Jewish marriage and engagement. The event ended off with a Kosher dessert and gift baskets given out to couples.
One of the couples who came out for the event was Lindsey Leipsic and Daniel Moscovitch.
“Daniel [Moscovitch] proposed in August on the dock at the Lake,” said Leipsic. “He played our favourite song by Tina Turner, got down on one knee with the dogs right beside us, and asked me to marry him.
“My parents were in on the surprise and packed party sandwiches from Shaarey Zedek to celebrate. Daniel’s brother and sister-in-law were hiding behind a tree taking pictures. It was a moment to remember.”
Leipsic received a Fling Before the Ring invitation for her and Moscovitch from Lopez Ficher. “I was emailed the invitation and, even before I checked with Daniel, I signed us both up,” she said. “I knew this was going to be a fun event, to meet newly married or engaged couples. And, the location of the Audi dealership was also a draw.”
Recalling the special touches and degree of organization of the event, Leipsic was impressed – from the cookies with each couples’ names on them, to a framed photograph of all the couples (which Moscovitch and Leipsic now have displayed above their fireplace), and a guest signing book.
“Also, Benji Rothman did stand up comedy and, as usual, had us in stitches,” said Leipsic. “A memorable moment was when Rabbi Mathew Leibl spoke about Jewish customs and traditions, both for during a wedding ceremony and for newlyweds.
“He explained how Jewish couples get married under a Chuppah, the importance of Tikkun Olam, and how, as a newly married couple, we have a special power to give back, make change, and make a difference.”
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.”