Features
Cherish the Cherniacks
By GERRY POSNER Here is a bit of a test for you: Name a Jewish Winnipeg family with three generations of lawyers. Well, given that a recent piece in the JP&N mentioned a couple of families whose names both end in Pollock, that might not be too difficult to do.
But if you add to the mix a family that has had three generations of men very involved in both the Jewish and general communiies, also with a strong leaning to the left politically, can you guess the name of that family? You likely figured it out: the Cherniack family – Joseph Alter, Saul, and Lawrie.
Much has been written about the eldest Cherniack, Joseph Alter, born in 1885, and who died in 1972. He began the Cherniack tradition, called to the Bar in 1918 and a practising lawyer for over 51 years. Active in the Canadian Jewish Congress, he also had, among other distinctions, a prominent role as a founder of the I. L. Peretz School.
Son Saul (1917- 2018) was a heavyweight in terms of his contributions to this community. His efforts on behalf of underprivileged people or groups is legendary. Surely his greatest passion was for the socialist movement, first the CCF, and later the NDP. Here was a man driven to help others, which he did in many capacities, not the least of which was his service to the Province of Manitoba as a member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly from 1962-1981, including terms as Minister of Finance, Minister of Urban Affairs, and Deputy Premier in NDP governments. He later was a member of the Manitoba Hydro Board and even in his so called retirement, he taught ESL (English as a Second Language) as it was then known, as late as age 95.
The first two generations of Chernicaks were followed by Lawrie, who has added in serious and significant ways to the lustre shining from his family. Lawrie graduated with a BA in 1966 from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. He then obtained an MA in English at the University of Chicago, later an LLB from the University of Manitoba. In 1996, he was certified as a Chartered Arbitrator by the ADR Institute of Canada. In 2005, Cherniack received a certificate in Conflict Resolution specializing in Mediation, and in 2007, he was certified as a Chartered Mediator by the ADR Institute of Canada. A lot of titles, but Lawrie is quick to say that he considers “himself particularly fortunate in having been trained in, and used throughout my career, three different but related skills: conflict resolution, advocacy and teaching.” In fact, a closer look at his life reflects his major involvement in each of these areas.
As a skilled arbitrator in labour, construction and aboriginal law, Lawrie served as the vice-chair of the Manitoba Labour Board, also of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. In fact, he was an appointed adjudicator for Indian Residential Schools Appeal Claims. Lawrie also created and taught courses on arbitration, negotiation and advocacy right across Canada. And let’s not forget his terms as a city councillor, teacher, community organizer, and a radio and television commentator on current affairs. His writings on a variety of topics, to put it mildly, are prolific – too numerous to even consider listing them all. His teaching career spans decades and includes an assortment of groups and individuals. In short, as impressive as are the contributions of the elder Cherniacks (and they are truly impressive), Lawrie has continued with the Cherniack ethic of giving back to the community.
How did this happen and what was the influence of the two previous generations on Lawrie and indeed, not to be omitted, the influence of Lawrie’s mother? Likely it all began for Lawrie in his formative years growing up on St. John’s Avenue in the north end of Winnipeg, his years spent at the Peretz Folk School and later, St. John’s High School. Lawrie grew up in an environment exposed to Yiddish both at school and in the home from his grandparents, Alter and Fanye Cherniack. But it was the people around him who really had a profound effect on the young Lawrie Chernaick and indeed his brother Howard. Lawrie puts it this way: “My grandparents and parents were relentless in the struggle for social justice. They were socialists and I remain a proud socialist.” Moreover, the Holocaust loomed large in the Cherniack home, even though Lawrie and many of his classmates were second generation Canadians. To grasp the impact of the Holocaust on Lawrie, one just has to read what he has to say about it: “We were never allowed to forget how lucky we were and how horribly others had suffered. I would say that one of the most difficult things for me to do, even today, is to be completely happy when I know that others are suffering and unhappy.”
In the end, Lawrie Cherniack acknowledges he was privileged to have grown up in a home which was a centre for gatherings, many of which were of a political, intellectual, and artistic bent. The people he was exposed to from an early age were, as he says, an eclectic and fascinating group, always very welcoming to Lawrie and his brother. Thus, the Lawrie Cherniack of today, even at an age when most of his contemporaries have retired, is still very active, just like his father and grandfather before him, in the relentless pursuit of making a better world.
Features
The Popularity of Simpler Slot Games in 2026: Review From Casino Online CrazyTower Experts
Online casinos now fill their libraries with numerous video slots that have dozens of functions, long bonus rounds, complex mechanics, and so on. Interestingly, despite this huge range of modern options, many Canadian visitors at sites like Casino Online CrazyTower here https://crazytower.com/ca/ no longer want complicated gameplay that requires constant attention and long explanations.
Simpler slots now attract a wider audience because they save time and create faster sessions. So, let’s figure out why this change happened and reasons for the popularity of simpler machines.
Why Many Players Are Returning to Basic Gameplay
Modern websites like Casino Online CrazyTower pushed complex video slots for years, but many people now prefer classic formats again. Simple gameplay has fewer interruptions and is simpler in terms of budgeting, which is important when you gamble for fun.
These are a few potential reasons explain why simpler slots became popular again in 2026:
- Faster rounds. Symbols appear quickly, and rounds continue without long animations or extended bonus sequences.
- Easier controls. Most classic slots have simple menus and familiar layouts that don’t confuse new visitors.
- Smaller feature lists. Simple slots usually have standard wilds, scatters, and multipliers instead of dozens of random mechanics.
- Better session flow. People spend more time on gameplay instead of reading explanations about symbols and special functions.
- Lower visual pressure. Simpler slots use calmer designs and shorter effects that don’t overload attention.
Classic gameplay also suits mobile devices better because shorter rounds work well on smaller screens. Plus, many visitors now prefer games that start instantly and explain their mechanics within seconds.
Features That Make Simpler Slots Appealing
Simple machines at Casino Online CrazyTower and similar websites continue to attract attention because they have a high gameplay speed. Many classic titles also replicate older casino machines that people already know from physical casinos.
However, these aren’t the only factors that attract gamblers. So, check out this list:
- Short bonus rounds. Free spins and multipliers finish quickly instead of interrupting gameplay for several minutes.
- Common and standard paylines. Traditional layouts help people understand payouts without long explanations.
- Faster loading times. Simpler graphics reduce waiting time on phones, tablets, and older computers.
- Stable gameplay pace. Long cutscenes and constant pop-up notifications don’t interrupt the session.
- Traditional themes. Fruit symbols, bars, sevens, and classic casino designs still attract large audiences.
- Smaller menus. Important information appears immediately without complicated tabs or hidden sections.
Modern video slots often contain too many mechanics in a single game. Developers now combine expanding reels, random modifiers, mission systems, tournaments, and multiple bonus levels in one title. Many visitors lose interest because gameplay turns repetitive and overloaded with constant interruptions.
Compare this to a session when you get results immediately and aren’t interrupted. These still have free spins and even mini risk games, but not as loaded as innovative titles.
Conclusion
Simple slots usually create better replay value because people understand the mechanics immediately. Common and standard gameplay doesn’t cause frustration and allows faster decisions during casino sessions.
Many classic slots also function better during short breaks because rounds finish quickly without long bonus interruptions. That’s why simpler slots became popular again at many casinos, including Casino Online CrazyTower and such.
Features
Football: Which team from Israel could we see in the European Cup next year?
With Europe’s club competitions heading into another summer of drama, Israeli football is on the table. The domestic season is done, trophies picked up and now a new batch of clubs can now try their luck against continental competition.
What are the prospects of these teams in Europe next year and who are they? It all starts with Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s title, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s cup win and the competition of the best Israel football teams against each other, as fans look to Champions League on Wincomparator to see what teams are in contention.
How Israel’s clubs qualify for Europe: The 2026-2027 spots
Qualification to join the European elite hinges on the 2025-26 Israeli Premier League table and the Israel State Cup. Israel will have one Champions League spot, one Europa League spot, and two Europa Conference League spots in 2026-27.
That means the league winner gets into the Champions League, the State Cup winner goes on to Europa League qualifying. The next eligible league’s finishers take the Conference League slots. It’s a good model as it provides a tangible reward for consistency at home, while at the same time demonstrating the importance of each playoff game. A top three finish can help a club’s summer, bring in better players and provide fans with a European tour before the next season’s start.
The Champion’s quest: Israel’s hope for the Champions League
Meet the 2025-26 Premier League winner: Hapoel Be’er Sheva
Hapoel Be’er Sheva have qualified for Israel’s Champions League after their Israeli Premier League title win with 79 points scored in 36 games. Ran Kozuch’s side closed the gap on the three-point lead but also showed significant strength in the attacking phase to secure a win in a crucial championship round with Beitar Jerusalem.
Their challenge also comes as their reward. Hapoel Be’er Sheva are only expected to begin in the second round of the Champions League, not the league round. To get to the main competition they need to pass through the first round of the other national champions in two-legged ties, and their seeding, fitness and sharpness in early-season competition could be a game breaker.
While the club has experience in Europe and a rabid Turner Stadium following, the path is tough. It takes one bad outing to wipe out a year’s worth of work. However, as long as the bedrock remains the same and they are able to put some depth into the team, the champions have the balance to fight.
Battling in the Conference League: Israel’s other European contenders
The State Cup winner and league runners-up
Maccabi Tel Aviv go to Europe after the Israel State Cup final 2-1 win against Hapoel Be’er Sheva at Teddy Stadium, Jerusalem. That win denied Be’er Sheva a home double, and also meant that Maccabi got into the Europa League qualifying, where they were put in the second qualifying round thanks to access-list rebalancing.
The Conference League qualifiers are Beitar Jerusalem who finished second in the league with 76 points, and Hapoel Tel Aviv who finished fourth with 60 points. The importance of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s cup victory lies in the fact that it unlocked the rest of the way in the league. Beitar’s season was particularly impressive as they scored 78 goals and lost just four matches. On the other hand, Hapoel Tel Aviv managed to remain above Maccabi Haifa in the final table standing, earning them a well-deserved European berth.
The Europa Conference League is no consolation prize for these clubs. It’s a realistic platform. Although there are still a few hurdles to navigate, Israeli sides consider this competition to be the most realistic one for European football in the autumn.
A look at past successes and future hopes
This group has reason for belief, based on recent history. Israeli teams can make significant nights in Europe, and Maccabi Haifa did just that, when they made it into the Champions League group stage in 2022-23, and then impressively took out Juventus 2-0 in Haifa.
There is significant monetary and sporting worth in qualification. A UEFA cup can make a difference to a club, as can better attendance, TV coverage and recruitment opportunities. The early storylines will be the draw for Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Champions League, as well as Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa league and the two Conference League routes — Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv. They all have tricky paths to follow, but all four provide Israeli football with a realistic European presence next summer.
Features
At one time one entire block of McAdam Ave. was almost totally Jewish
This story originally appeared in a November 2014 issue of The Jewish Post & News:
1994 McAdam Ave. reunion (names inside story)By GERRY POSNER (This story first appeared in November 2014.)
Once upon a time when life was simpler and gentler, there was a street in the north end of Winnipeg which was like all other streets in the city except in one significant way. Everyone, but for one family, living on McAdam east of Main Street was Jewish.
