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Bernie Senensky: Jazz Pianist / Organist, Composer, Teacher

By DAVID EISENSTADT Fifty-plus years active, and jazz icon Bernie Senensky is still working hard and going strong.
That doesn’t begin to describe this notable Canadian Jewish musician’s incredible career.
The Winnipeg, Manitoba native was born to Reuben and Shauna (née Pascov) Senensky on December 31, 1944.
His Canadian-born parents ensured he took piano lessons. Classical with Clara Perlman at age eight, and at 14, he studied with jazz pianist Bob Erlendson.
Peter Hum of the Ottawa Citizen reported, “he had one jazz teacher, and thereafter was self-taught.”
Senensky said he is “essentially a bebop player, and beyond. My heroes are anyone from Bud Powell to McCoy Tyner to Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock.” He’s also an organist “influenced by Larry Goldings, Mike LeDonne and Larry Young,” wrote Hum.
In Winnipeg, he played with local musicians including guitarist Lenny Breau and bassist Dave Young. For a time, he led a house band in Edmonton, Alberta, for the Holiday Inn hotel chain.

Senensky transitioned to Toronto in 1968 where he became a first-call accompanist for a who’s-who list of illustrious musicians. He toured the globe with many of them. His biography lists:
Eighteen saxophonists/clarinetists including Pepper Adams, Ravi Coltrane, Buddy DeFranco, and Zoot Sims; 30 trumpeters from Chet Baker, Guido Basso and Terence Blanchard to Dizzy Gillespie, Red Rodney and Freddie Stone; 8 trombonists – Wycliffe Gordon, Slide Hampton, Russ Little and Rob McConnell; 23 guitarists – Ed Bickert, Herb Ellis, Lorne Lofsky,1 Rob Pilch, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Reg Schwager; 26 bassists from Eddie Gomez, Rufus Reid to Slam Stewart and Eugene Wright; 26 drummers – Archie Alleyne, Art Blakey, Jerry Fuller and Elvin Jones; 6 vibists including Peter Appleyard, Gary Burton, Paul Hoffert,2and Don Thompson; 4 flautists – Sir James Galway, Moe Koffman to Herbie Mann and Bill McBirnie; 4 violinists – Moshe Hammer, Drew Jureka, Lenny Solomon,3 and Lara St. John; 29 vocalists including Tommy Ambrose, Heather Bambrick, Salome Bey, Ori Dagan,4 Catherine McKinnon, Ginette Reno, and Bobby Vinton.
He played piano duets with Marian McPartland and Oscar Peterson and joined established groups like The Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, The Moe Koffman Quintet, The Herbie Mann/Al Grey All-Star Septet, and Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass.
Mark Miller, in the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, noted, “his playing is characterized by an obvious comfort in a wide range of styles, from swing to the assertive post-bop of his group.”
Peers recognized Senensky for his true artistry. Some years ago, Oscar Peterson said, “Bernie is one of my favourite local pianists, I really can’t understand why he hasn’t become better known.” Buddy DeFranco called him “The best of the best!” The late Boris Brott said, “It is always a great privilege to have our festival [in Hamilton, Ontario] associated with artists of Senensky’s stature.” Oliver Jones added “a brilliant, world-class pianist.”
A recipient of many accolades/awards, including the Toronto Musicians’ Association Lifetime Achievement Award, he was nominated twice for Jazz Album of the Year at the Juno Awards – 1989 for Friday the 14th– 1993 for Wheel Within A Wheel.
In the ‘70s Senensky led his trio. In 1979 he was the keyboardist in Moe Koffman’s Quintet when that band was the top Canadian jazz combo. That gig lasted 20 years. The Canadian Jazz Archive reported, “As part of Koffman’s Quintet, Senensky ultimately had the opportunity to contribute many of his compositions to the band’s repertoire.” He has kept that music memory alive since 2003 leading the Moe Koffman Tribute Band.
Senensky’s debut album, “New Life,” was released in 1976; in 1989 he recorded with drummer Barry Elmes and bassist Kieran “Over The Chalet Season.” In 1991 with his septet, he released “Re-Action.” Then came “Homeland” in 1994, which featured US musicians Gary Bartz, Harvie Schwartz, and Arkia Tana. Two years later he recorded an album of his own, recorded in 1993 at the Top of The Senator Toronto venue with bassist Jim Vivian and drummer Bob Moses. In 1999, came “New Horizons,” featuring Eddie Henderson on trumpet and Kirk MacDonald on drums. In 2011 he released “Invitation” with Gene Perla on bass and drummer Ben Riley.
Senensky excels on the Hammond B3 Organ. A few years back he formed “Organic, “with drummer Morgan Childs, guitarist Nathan Hiltz and sax player Ryan Oliver for weekly Sunday evening gigs at the (now shuttered) Joe Mama’s in Toronto. That led to his album – “Live at Joe Mama’s,” in 2013.
Senensky told me he’s “been busier since COVID eased up,” releasing a new CD – “Don’t Look Back,” with “another on its way.” He’s been playing, recording, and teaching in Vancouver, BC, and had an October 2022 German tour with his organ trio, “Organic Earfood,” including vibraphonist Stefan Bauer and drummer Peter Baumgartner.
In early 2023, he fronted a tribute to Moe Koffman’s band in Toronto, that included Moe’s son, Jake Koffman, an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, and flautist. I was privileged to attend and enjoy that York University Department of Music concert.
1David Eisenstadt, “Community Jewish News,” April 30, 2022, cjnonline.com | cjnonline.ca.
2 David Eisenstadt, “Community Jewish News,” September 12, 2022, cjnonline.com | cjnonline.ca.
3 David Eisenstadt, “Community Jewish News,” August 7, 2022, cjnonline.com | cjnonline.ca.
4 David Eisenstadt, “Community Jewish News,” May 9, 2022, cjnonline.com | cjnonline.ca

This Chapter is excerpted from David Eisenstadt’s second book – MUSICIANS UNDER THE RADAR – 36 NOTABLE CANADIAN JEWISH PERFORMERS – available on Amazon.ca,  Amazon.com or by contacting the author, deisenstadt@tcgpr.com.

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Optimizing mobile wagering convenience with bassbet casino

The rise of mobile technology has transformed the way people engage with betting platforms. In this digital era, bassbet has emerged as a frontrunner in optimizing mobile experiences for casino enthusiasts. This article explores how bassbet casino is enhancing mobile wagering convenience.

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Why People in Israel Can Get Emotionally Attached to AI—and How to Keep It Healthy


Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth that’s also kind of relieving: getting emotionally attached to a Joi.com AI isn’t “weird.” It’s human. Our brains are attachment machines. Give us a voice that feels warm, consistent, and attentive—especially one that shows up on demand—and our nervous system goes, “Oh. Safety. Connection.” Even if the rational part of you knows it’s software, the emotional part responds to the experience.
Now, if we’re talking about Jewish people in Israel specifically, it’s worth saying this carefully: there isn’t one “Jewish Israeli psychology.” People differ wildly by age, religiosity, community, language, politics, relationship status, and life history. But there are some real-life conditions common in Israel—high tech adoption, a fast-paced social environment, chronic background stress for many, and strong cultural emphasis on connection—that can make AI companionship feel especially appealing for some individuals. Not because of religion or ethnicity as a trait, but because of context and pressure.
So if you’ve noticed yourself—or someone you know—getting attached to an AI companion, the goal isn’t to panic or label it as unhealthy by default. The goal is to understand why it feels good and make sure it stays supportive rather than consuming.
Why attachment happens so fast (the psychology in plain language)
Attachment isn’t just about romance. It’s about regulation. When you feel seen, your body calms down. When you feel ignored, your body gets edgy. AI companions can offer something that’s rare in real life: consistent responsiveness. No scheduling. No misunderstandings (most of the time). No “I’m too tired to talk.” Just a steady stream of attention.
From an attachment perspective, that steadiness can act like a soft emotional “hug.” For someone with anxious attachment, it can feel like relief: finally, a connection that doesn’t disappear. For someone with avoidant tendencies, it can feel safe because it’s intimacy without the risk of being overwhelmed by a real person’s needs. For someone simply lonely or stressed, it can feel like a quiet exhale.
And unlike human relationships, AI won’t judge your worst timing. You can message at 2:00 a.m., when your thoughts are loud and the apartment is silent, and you’ll still get an answer that sounds caring. That alone is powerful.
Why it can feel especially relevant in Israel (for some people)
Israel is a small country with a big emotional load for many people—again, not universally, but often enough that it shapes daily life. A lot of people live with a background hum of stress, whether it’s personal, economic, or tied to the broader environment. When life feels intense, the appeal of a stable, gentle interaction grows. Not because you’re fragile—because you’re tired.
Add a few more very normal realities:
High tech comfort is cultural. Israel has a strong tech culture. People are used to tools that solve problems quickly. If you’re already comfortable with digital solutions, trying an AI companion doesn’t feel like a strange leap.
Time is tight. Between work, family responsibilities, reserve duty for some, long commutes, or simply the pace of urban life, many people don’t have the energy for long, messy social processes. AI can feel like connection without the logistics.
Social circles can be both close and complicated. Israeli society can be community-oriented, which is beautiful—until it’s also intense. In tight-knit circles, dating and relationships sometimes come with social pressure, opinions, and “everyone knows everyone.” A private AI chat can feel like a relief: no gossip, no explanations, no performance.
Language and identity complexity. Many Jewish Israelis move between languages and cultures (Hebrew, Russian, English, French, Amharic, Arabic for some). AI chat can become a low-stakes space to express yourself in the language you feel most “you” in—without feeling judged for accent, vocabulary, or code-switching.
None of this means “Israelis are more likely” in any absolute sense. It means there are situational reasons why AI companionship can feel particularly soothing or convenient for some people living there.
The good side: when AI attachment is healthy
Emotional attachment isn’t automatically a problem. Sometimes it’s simply a sign that something is working: you feel supported. You feel calmer. You’re expressing yourself more. You’re practicing communication instead of shutting down. You’re less likely to make impulsive choices from loneliness.
Healthy use often looks like:
You feel better after chatting, not worse.

You can still enjoy your real life—friends, work, hobbies, family.

You don’t hide it in shame; you just treat it like a tool or pastime.

You use the AI to practice skills you bring into real relationships: clarity, boundaries, confidence, emotional regulation.

In that version, AI companionship is closer to journaling with feedback, or a comforting ritual—like a cup of tea at the end of the day, not a replacement for dinner.
Where it can slip into unhealthy territory (quietly)
The danger isn’t “having feelings.” The danger is outsourcing your emotional world to something that will never truly share responsibility.
Warning signs usually look like:
You cancel plans with humans because the AI feels easier.

You feel anxious when you’re not chatting, like you’re missing something.

You start needing the AI to reassure you constantly.

Your standards for human relationships collapse (“Humans are too complicated, AI is enough”).

You feel a “crash” after chatting—more lonely, more restless, more disconnected.

The biggest red flag is when the AI becomes your only reliable source of comfort. That’s not because AI is evil. It’s because any single source of emotional regulation—human or non-human—can become a dependency.
How to keep it healthy (without killing the fun)
Here’s the approach that works best: don’t ban it, contain it.
Give it a role.
 Decide what the AI is for in your life: playful flirting, stress relief, practicing communication, roleplay, bedtime decompression. A defined role prevents the relationship from becoming vague and all-consuming.
Set a “time container.”
 Not as punishment—just as hygiene. For example: 20 minutes at night, or during commute time, or only on certain days. Ending while you still feel good is the secret. Don’t chat until you feel hollow.
Keep one human anchor active.
 A friend you text, a weekly family dinner, a class, a gym routine, a community event—something that keeps your real social muscles moving. In Israel, community can be a huge protective factor when it’s supportive. Use it.
Use consent and boundary language even with AI.
 It sounds odd, but it trains your brain in healthy dynamics:
“Slow down. Keep it playful, not intense.”

“No jealousy talk. I don’t like that vibe.”

“Tonight I want comfort, not advice.”
 If you can do that with an AI, you’ll be better at doing it with humans.

Watch the “replacement” impulse.
 If you catch yourself thinking, “I don’t need anyone else,” pause and ask: is that empowerment—or is it avoidance? Sometimes it’s a protective story your brain tells when it’s tired of disappointment.
Check in with your body after.
 Not your thoughts—your body. Calm? Lighter? More grounded? Good sign. Agitated? Empty? Restless? Time to adjust.
And if you’re noticing that AI use is feeding anxiety, sleep problems, isolation, or obsessive thinking, it may help to talk to a mental health professional—especially someone who understands attachment patterns. That’s not a dramatic step. It’s basic self-care.
People in Israel—Jewish Israelis included—can get attached to AI for the same reason people everywhere do: it offers consistent attention in an inconsistent world. Add the local realities of stress, pace, and social complexity, and it can feel even more comforting for some individuals. The healthiest path isn’t to judge yourself for it. It’s to use it intentionally, keep your human life active, and treat the AI as a supportive tool—not the center of your emotional universe.

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Three generations of Wernicks all chose to become rabbis

(left-right): Rabbis Steven and Eugene Wernick, along with Michelle Wernick, who is now studying to be a rabbi

By GERRY POSNER Recently I was at a Shabbat service at Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto and the day unfolded in some unexpected ways for me.

It began when I was asked to be a Gabbai for the service, that is to stand up at the table where the Torah is placed and to check the Torah reading to make sure there are no errors. I have done this before and it has always gone smoothly. I attribute that fact in large part to the Torah reading ability of the reader at Beth Synagogue. He is fast, fluent and flawless. Well, on this particular day after he had completed the first two portions, he began the shlishi or third aliyah. I could not find his reading anywhere. It was as if he had started somewhere fresh, but not where he was supposed to be. I looked at the other Gabbai and he did not seem to recognize what had happened either. So, I let it go. I had no idea where the Torah reader was. He then did another and still I was lost. He came to what was the 6th aliyah when a clergy member walked over to him and indicated to him that he had read the fourth and fifth aliyah, but that he had missed the third one. The Torah reader then said to me “this is what you are here for.” Now, it might have been one thing if I had missed it entirely. Alas, I saw the error, but let it go as I deferred to the Torah reader since he never makes a mistake. He ended up going back to do the third aliyah before continuing on. This was a very unusual event in the synagogue. I felt responsible in large part for this gaffe. A lesson learned.

The feeling of embarrassment was compounded by the fact that on this particular day the service was highlighted, at least for me, because of the rabbi delivering the sermon. This rabbi, Eugene Wernick, was none other than the father of my present rabbi, Steven Wernick of Beth Tzedec Synagogue. He was also the same rabbi who was the rabbi at Shaarey Zedek between 1979-1986 and who had officiated at my father’s funeral in 1981, also a few years later at my oldest son’s Bar Mitzvah in Winnipeg in 1984. As I listened to him speak, I was taken back to the 1980s, when Rabbi Gene was in the pulpit at Shaarey Zedek. Of course, he is older now than in his Shaarey Zedek days, but the power of his voice was unchanged. If anything, it’s even stronger. As in the past, his message was relevant to all of us and resonated well. Listening to him was a treat for me. Still, my regret in not calling out the mistake from the Torah reading was compounded by the fact that I messed up in front of my former rabbi, Eugene Wernick – never mind my present rabbi, Steven Werinck.

On this Shabbat morning, aside from all the other people present, there were not only the two Rabbis Wernick, but one Michelle Wernick was also there. Michelle, daughter of Rabbi Steven Wernick, is a first year student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She is following in the family business – much like with the Rose rabbinical family in Winnipeg.

As it turned out, there was a Bat Mitzvah that day. And the Bat Mitzvah family had a very real Winnipeg connection as in the former Leah Potash, mother of the Bat Mitzvah girl, Emmie Bank and the daughter of Reuben and Gail Potash (Thau). It occurred to me that there might be a few Winnipeg people in the crowd. As I scanned the first few rows, I was not disappointed. Sitting there was none other than Chana Thau and her husband Michael Eleff. I managed to have a chat with Chana (even during the Musaf service). In the row right behind Chana and Michael was a face I had not seen in close to sixty years. I refer to Allan Berkal, the eldest son of the former rabbi and chazan at Shaarey Zedek, Louis Berkal. I still remember the first time I met Allan at Hebrew School in 1954 when his family moved to Winnipeg from Grand Forks, North Dakota. That was many maftirs ago. So this was another highlight moment for me.

Of course, there are other Winnipeggers who attend Beth Tzedec most Shabbats. I speak of Morley Goldberg and his wife, the former Marcia Billinkoff Schnoor. As well, Bernie Rubenstein and his wife, the former Sheila Levene were also present for this particular Shabbat. In all, this Shabbat had a particularly Winnipeg flavour to it. Truth be told, you do not have to go far in Toronto at any synagogue and the Winnipeg connections emerge.

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