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Allan Levine combines his ability as a historian with his talent as a novelist in his latest book

Allan Levine & cover of his latest book

By BERNIE BELLAN
Winnipeg’s own Allan Levine has established himself as an award-winning author of non-fiction history – with probably the book best-known to Winnipeg audiences being Coming of Age: A History of the Jewish People of Manitoba, which was published in 2009.

 

In addition to his well-received works of history, Levine has occasionally delved into the mystery oeuvre, most often with his Sam Klein mystery novels, the most recent of which was The Bootlegger’s Confession.
The Sam Klein novels are set in Winnipeg in the first half of the 20th century – an era for which Levine apparently has a great deal of affection. With an endless series of colourful rogues populating those books, Levine has certainly demonstrated an ability to bring alive a period with which most of us now can only imagine through the accounts of others.

Now, with his latest book, Details are Unprintable: Wayne Lonergan and the Sensational Café Society Murder, Levine enters into a different sort of writing that combines his demonstrated ability to research his subject matter with a novelist’s fine ear for authentic dialogue.

Although the particular subject of this book – that being the sensational murder of a young, wealthy New York heiress by the name of Patricia Burton, presumably at the hands of her estranged husband, Wayne Longeran, may have commanded the headlines of newspapers throughout the United States and Canada (and Europe too, on occasion), by now the story has faded from memory.
As Levine notes, “The story of the murder of Patricia Burton Longeran and Wayne Longeran’s alibi, confession, and conviction is two tales in one. The first tells of the tragic death of a young mother…” the second aspect of the story relates to doubts cast on the Longeran’s guilt “mainly because the trial took place in an era before DNA was utilized in legal proceedings”.

And, although there have been other accounts of the murder and its aftermath published previously (to which Levine refers with full acknowledgment of those other works), the painstaking manner in which Levine pieces together the chronology of what likely happened in 1943 brings alive a story that for the vast majority of readers is likely totally unfamiliar.

There is a Jewish aspect to the story in that Patricia Burton was Jewish, but coming from a highly assimilated family that more than anything wanted to be accepted as one of New York’s upper echelon families, her Jewishness was totally irrelevant to her.
She was also an unmitigated spoiled brat and Levine offers up a vivid description of what her life of carousing and partying was like until her murder when she was only 22.

Now, if the story of the murder of a rich heiress at the hands of her estranged husband seems to have been lifted straight from some Hollywood movie, Levine informs us that this particular story itself actually inspired more than one movie.
The book is written in chronological form, with an often dizzying array of characters introduced throughout. Levine describes the origins of the Burton family fortune, beginning with a successful brewer by the name of Max Bernheimer. As the family became more assimilated – similar to many other German Jews at the time, the name was changed to the more Waspish sounding “Burton”.

Patricia’s father, William O. Burton, plays an important role in the book even though he died three years before Patricia’s murder, as it turns out that William was a homosexual – and that led to his meeting and having a relationship with William Longeran.

Longeran himself was quite the fascinating character – and a Canadian to boot! Levine explains how Longeran was very much a rogue, beginning from almost his earliest days when he plunged into a life of petty crime. He was also quite good looking and very much the ladies’ man – even though if not totally homosexual he was at lthe very least, bisexual,

Longeran’s homosexuality becomes a principal aspect of what eventually follows, as when he is eventually charged with Patricia’s murder, the New York City tabloids have a field day focusing on his “perverted” lifestyle. Levine quotes liberally from newspaper accounts of the day that use the most purple prose to denigrate Longeran in ways that would be largely unthinkable today. But Levine is able to set the scene so vividly the reader is able to imagine full well what it must have been like reading daily newspaper accounts, first of the murder of Patricia Burton, followed by the arrest of William Longeran in Toronto (where he had returned following her murder), culminating in his trial.

Levine points out that there was something else going on in the world at the time – a minor story known as World War II, but for the tabloids – and even other more self-respecting newspapers of the day, the Patricia Burton murder and subsequent arrest and trial of Wayne Longeran took centre stage for much of the time that other far more pressing events were certainly deserving to be in the spotlight.

While Patricia’s murder was not really that much of a mystery, given the overwhelming evidence that led directly to Longeran, what did become a pivotal part of what followed was his confession.
As mentioned, Levine has a fine ear for recreating imagined dialogue and, given that there were no tape recordings at the time, he does his best to lay out what likely happened when Longeran gave his confession to New York police. That confession proved to be the damning nail in the coffin for Longeran. Yet, by today’s standards of jurisprudence, there is a very good chance his actual arrest in Toronto by Toronto police and his confession to New York police would both be ruled as having occurred in violation of his legal rights.

And that proves to another fascinating aspect of this book, as Levine describes the many appeals filed on behalf of Longeran through the years while he served out his prison sentence. The standards of what constituted acceptable behaviour by police evolved over time and what happened to Longeran played a part in the evolution of those standards, as Levine explains.

At times the book does slow down its original fast pace when Levine begins to describe the very lengthy research he conducted in the New York District Attorney’s office when he read firsthand all the files relating to the Burton murder case.
Although Levine writes that he is almost totally certain that Wayne Longeran did indeed murder Patricia Burton, the circus atmosphere surrounding his trial and the overt homosexual bashing in the papers of the day undoubtedly played a large role in what eventually happened to Longeran. Readers may well be aware how recent it is that gay rights have been recognized within Western societies, but reading firsthand how vitriolic – and commonplace within media, the attitudes were toward homosexuals not that long ago helps to bring a real perspective to how far we have come.

By focusing on this one particular story, rather than doing an exhaustive study how the ostracizing of homosexuals was not only considered acceptable within larger society, it was demanded by the majority of the public, Levine not only treats readers to a terrific story, he offers a salutary lesson in how intolerant society was for so long.

In addition to being available at McNally Robinson, Details are Unprintable: Wayne Lonergan and the Sensational Café Society Murder is available at Indigo Chapters, Amazon (both Canada and the US), and Barnes and Noble in the US.

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Features

Revisiting Boris Birshtein’s Efforts to Save a Holy Torah

Boris Birshtein had not been previously associated with saving Torah scrolls. He was a businessman. However this story will show an amazing tale that must be read in order to be believed.

The Torah, known as the five books of Moses, is the holiest object in Judaism. But in the case of the Torah scrolls found in a ravaged synagogue in Chișinău, Moldova, there is an added layer of significance due to their incredible survival story. And Boris Birshtein provided a helping hand.

Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum recalls the emotional moment when he first encountered these sacred scrolls shortly after Moldova’s independence from the Soviet Union. “When we arrived at the devastated synagogue in Chișinău, we discovered about thirty Torah scrolls, some inscribed with messages that spoke of their miraculous survival during the Holocaust.”

The scrolls, eventually saved by businessman Boris Birshtein, were inscribed with symbols of faith, echoed the resilience of the Jewish people. Rabbi Greenbaum describes one scroll bearing the message, “Joy is the happiness of the soul,” symbolizing the enduring joy of the Torah even amid unimaginable adversity.

For the Chișinău Jewish community, the discovery was bittersweet. The scrolls were found, but their condition revealed the toll of years of neglect. Recognizing the need for a large-scale restoration, the community knew who could help. Enter a Jewish businessman known as Boris Birshtein.

The Role of Boris Birshtein

They turned to Boris Joseph Birshtein, a Jewish-Lithuanian philanthropist and respected business leader in Moldova, to help bring these scrolls to safety. He played a critical role in securing permission from the Moldovan government, enabling the scrolls to be transported from Chișinău to Tel Aviv for restoration.

Reflecting on this mission, Birshtein stated, “The Nazis sought to destroy the very existence of the Torah, and everything it stood for. When I learned of the scrolls in the deserted Chișinău synagogue, restoring them was an opportunity to stand up to the attempt to eradicate Jewish life from the heart of Moldova.”

He envisioned the restoration as a chance to honor the joyous occasions once celebrated around each Torah scroll, representing not only preservation but also a revival of Jewish history and tradition.

Celebrating the Completion of Restoration

After years of meticulous work, the restoration project was completed in December 1996, culminating in an emotional ceremony held at the Nehora Yeshiva, “Lev Ya’akov,” in Mevaseret Zion.

This amazing event, filled with reverence and pride, attracted many, including respected rabbis and public figures. Birshtein had the honor of presenting one of these precious scrolls to the yeshiva, a gift that symbolized the dedication of many to safeguarding Jewish heritage.

In his speech accepting the Torah, Rabbi Greenbaum praised the partnership between people like Birshtein, who support the Torah, and the Chișinău community.

He likened this partnership to the biblical figures Zebulun and Issachar, expressing deep gratitude for Birshtein’s involvement. Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, former Chief Rabbi of Israel and a survivor of Buchenwald, also spoke, emphasizing the significance of the mitzvah “Write this song for yourselves,” which resonates deeply with the yeshiva’s students.

This momentous occasion at Nehora Yeshiva marked not only a new chapter in the life of the institution but also a tribute to the Jewish communities that had originally cherished these scrolls.

Birshtein reflected, saying, “I am honored to have played a small role in bringing the sacred Torah scrolls from Chișinău to Tel Aviv for restoration, and delighted that one of them will now be cherished at the Nehora Yeshiva. Indeed, joy is in the happiness of the soul, and my soul is filled with happiness at this moment.”

The journey of these Torah scrolls—from war-torn Europe to restoration in Tel Aviv—highlights the enduring power of faith and community and the unbreakable link between the Torah and the Jewish people.

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Features

The Impact of Casino Bonuses: How to Maximize Free Spins, Match Bonuses, and More

Casino bonuses have become a significant feature in the online gambling industry, giving players the chance to extend their gameplay and improve their winning potential. And given the fact that Apple Pay casinos are quite popular in Canada, it’s easier than ever for players to access bonuses like free spins, match offers, and no-deposit rewards. Understanding these offers and how to use them effectively can truly elevate the gaming experience, putting you in control of your gaming journey.

Overview of common casino bonuses

Casino bonuses vary widely, with each type catering to different kinds of players and gaming preferences. Here are the most popular types:

Welcome bonuses

Welcome bonuses are more than just introductory offers provided to new players when they register with a casino. They are a gateway to a thrilling gaming experience. Typically, these bonuses are a combination of match bonuses (where the casino matches a percentage of the player’s first deposit) and free spins. For instance, a 100% match bonus of up to $500 plus 50 free spins on a popular slot game. Welcome bonuses offer substantial value and are designed to give new players an enticing start, igniting the excitement of your gaming journey.
No-deposit bonuses

No-deposit bonuses allow players to try games without putting their own money on the line. Players receive a small amount of money or free spins simply for registering. These bonuses are ideal for beginners who want to test a platform without financial commitment. However, they usually have higher wagering requirements.

Free spins

Free spins give players a certain number of free reel rotations on specific slot games. They’re often part of welcome bonuses but are also available as standalone offers for promotions or loyalty rewards. They let players enjoy slots without risking their own money, potentially leading to real cash wins.

Reload bonuses

Reload bonuses are designed for returning players, offering a match bonus on deposits after the initial one. These bonuses aim to keep players engaged over the long term, reward loyalty and are ideal for players who continue to deposit and play regularly.

Each of these bonuses has unique advantages and conditions, so understanding their structure can help players choose the ones that best suit their playing style and budget.

How to read and understand bonus terms and conditions

Casino bonus terms can be complex, often filled with fine print that can be easy to overlook but is essential to understand. Knowing what each clause means is crucial for maximizing bonuses.

Key terms to look for

  1. Wagering requirements
    • Definition: Wagering requirements are a key factor in understanding and maximizing bonuses. This term refers to the number of times you must play through the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings.
    • Example: A $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement means you must wager $3,000 before withdrawal.
    • Importance: Higher wagering requirements make it more challenging to access any real winnings from the bonus, so lower requirements are generally better.
  2. Eligible games
    • Definition: Not all games contribute equally towards meeting wagering requirements. Slots typically contribute 100%, but table games like blackjack and roulette may contribute less or be excluded.
    • Example: A casino may state that only slot games contribute to the wagering requirement, while table games contribute 20%.
    • Importance: Understanding which games qualify can help players make smart decisions about where to spend their bonus funds.
  3. Expiration dates
    • Definition: Many bonuses come with an expiration period, meaning they must be used within a set timeframe.
    • Example: A bonus may expire after 7 days if not fully used or wagered.
    • Importance: Players need to plan how they will use their bonuses to avoid losing them due to expiration.
  4. Max bet limits
    • Definition: Casinos may limit the maximum amount you can bet per spin or hand when using bonus funds.
    • Example: A casino might have a $5 maximum bet when using bonus money.
    • Importance: Exceeding this limit could void any winnings from the bonus, so it’s essential to stick to the set maximum.

Strategies for making the most of bonuses without falling into common traps

While bonuses offer excellent opportunities, there are also pitfalls that can undermine their value. Here are some strategies to maximize casino bonuses effectively:

  • Focus on lower wagering requirements: Bonuses with lower wagering requirements are easier to convert to cash winnings. Avoid bonuses with excessive requirements (e.g., 50x or higher), as they are challenging to fulfill.
  • Play eligible games: Since some games contribute more towards wagering requirements, prioritize those that offer the highest contribution (often slots) if your goal is to meet the wagering criteria quickly.
  • Mind the expiration date: Plan your play sessions to ensure you use the bonus before it expires. Many players miss out simply by not keeping track of this deadline.
  • Use bonuses strategically: Don’t rush to use all bonus funds in a single session. Taking a measured approach to your gameplay can extend your enjoyment and potentially improve your chances of winning.

How to compare bonuses across different casinos to find the best deals

With hundreds of casinos and bonus structures, finding the best deal requires a bit of research. Here’s a list of criteria to consider when comparing bonuses:

  1. Wagering requirements: Lower is better. Look for casinos that offer bonuses with 10x-30x wagering requirements over those with higher thresholds.
  2. Bonus value: Consider the percentage and maximum amount. A 100% match up to $500 might be better than a 50% match up to $1,000, depending on your bankroll.
  3. Game restrictions: Check if your favourite games are eligible and if they contribute fully to wagering requirements.
  4. Customer reviews: Look at reviews from other players to see if the casino is known for timely payouts and fair bonus terms.

By analyzing bonuses in this way, players can select a casino that best matches their playing style and budget.

How bonuses can significantly extend your playtime or boost winnings

Using casino bonuses effectively can dramatically extend your playtime and boost your potential winnings:

  1. Extended playtime with free spins: A player who receives 100 free spins on a slot game can enjoy extended playtime without spending additional money. If the player wins during these spins, those winnings can then be used on other games, allowing for further gameplay.
  2. Enhanced winnings with match bonuses: For instance, a player who deposits $100 and receives a 100% match bonus has $200 to play with. This doubles the initial bankroll, allowing the player to place larger bets or play longer, both of which increase the potential for higher returns.

In summary, casino bonuses provide valuable opportunities for players to extend gameplay and increase their chances of winning. By understanding the terms and conditions, choosing bonuses that match their preferences, and using strategies to maximize these offers, players can enjoy a more rewarding and engaging casino experience.

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Features

The greatest escape

Bernard Pinsky

Author’s father survived Holocaust with grace, joy intact

By MARTIN ZEILIG Former Winnipegger Bernard Pinsky grew up listening to his father Rubin Pinsky’s stories of his childhood in Poland and his time spent living in the forest, where he survived the Holocaust after fleeing a Nazi work camp in 1942.

“My father’s stories didn’t make the Holocaust scary for me as a child,” Pinsky says.

“He told me about scavenging for food in the forest, learning what berries and roots he could eat, making baskets and other things from birch bark and twigs, learning the animal sounds, etc.”

Pinsky, who lives in Vancouver, will speak at the Winnipeg launch of his book,Ordinary, Extraordinary — My Father’s Life (Behind the Book), on Sunday — the anniversary of Kristallnacht — in honour of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The program will feature a conversation between Pinsky and Belle Jarniewski, executive director of the Jewish Heritage Centre. The event is presented by the centre in partnership with Jewish Child and Family Service and the philanthropic Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation, for which Pinsky, a retired lawyer and community leader, is the chairman.

Of his father, a former yeshiva student, Pinsky says, “He was not a particularly successful businessman in Canada, although we didn’t feel poor; we had what we needed. I saw how hard he worked, how positive he was, how he provided for his family despite not knowing any English or French when he came to Canada in his 20s.

“Despite his being an ordinary man, I realized that his life had taken an extraordinarily difficult route, which he overcame to create a normal, ordinary life for himself and his family.”

Pinsky wanted to honour his father, so for his 72nd birthday in 1996, he wrote a manuscript about his life as a gift.

“He was very happy to get it, but by then he had some mini-strokes (TIAs) and I doubt he ever read the whole manuscript,” Pinsky says via email.

He also sent the manuscript to some relatives, including Melvin Fenson, a Winnipegger and former partner of Walsh Micay law firm, who had made Aliyah (immigration of Jews from the diaspora to Israel) in the 1970s.

“Melvin read the manuscript and said that it contained some good information about the Holocaust and Yad Vashem (Israel’s official memorial museum to the victims of the Holocaust) might accept it for their archives,” Pinsky says.

The manuscript was submitted in 1997 and Yad Vashem said it would be included in its catalogue, but nothing happened for a decade.

Then, in 2007, Pinsky received a letter from a history teacher in Djatlovo, Belarus, who was hoping to translate the manuscript into Russian.

It turned out to be the same town as Pinsky’s father grew up in — prewar Gzetl, Poland.

“I went to Djatlovo in 2012 and saw both the incredible work that the teacher, a Russian Orthodox woman, and others like her were doing to create memorials to the Jewish community that perished in the Holocaust, and I saw the small museum in that teacher’s high school that she had created based on my work.

“She said she did it because she is religious and preserving the memory of the Jews, who were now all gone, was the right thing to do.”

At the time, Pinsky was a lawyer with a busy practice and planned to finish the book when he retired. However, at 67, he moved on to a new job at a charitable foundation that also left him little free time.

Finally, his wife pointed out that, since it seemed likely he would work long hours for the rest of his life, the time to finish the book was “now or never.”

He spent evenings and weekends in 2023 finishing the book, had it edited and self-published it.

Ordinary, Extraordinary is the survival story of Rubin Pinsky and some of Rubin’s immediate family,” he says. “But it is also the story of what Rubin did with his life after the Holocaust, his attitude towards life and his ability to pick himself up and to live life fully after every one of life’s blows, mostly with determination and with joy.

“His life could be an example of what people can endure in life and still be fulfilled and happy.”

Pinsky will offer one copy of the book to each family attending the event at the Berney Theatre. Register at 204-478-8590 or jewishheritage@jhcwc.org

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