Features
Memories of Folklorama from a former Miss Judaea (1972): Marla Guberman
By MARLA BERCHARD (née GUBERMAN)
In August 1972, I was three months shy of my eighteenth birthday when I was selected by a panel to be the female representative of Folklorama’s Jewish Pavilion, Shalom Square. Folklorama was still in its infancy, just a few years since its inception, and my official title was “Miss Judaea.” It was a time I will always cherish.
At age 32, a dynamic lady by the name of Gail Stapon co-founded Folklorama. Gail was the “den mother” to all the Folklorama representatives, coordinator of our events, and our etiquette coach. She passed away in 2015, and a tribute to her interesting life is in the Winnipeg Free Press Passages section. Of personal interest, her husband Norm, who just passed this summer, a.k.a. “Stormin’ Norman”, at one time, played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Here are a few of the highlights of my recollections:
As ”Miss Judaea,” I entered a pageant competition, with the winner being crowned “Miss Folklorama.” While not really my thing – and even though I did not win the title, I was one of the top three runners up! I’m guessing that was a little bit of an ego boost!
Each pavilion had its own mayor, and our mayor was a lovely lady, by the name of Freda Fineman. Freda and I, along with each of the other girls and their mayor,s had a “coming out” at Winnipeg’s City Hall, where we were introduced by the then-Mayor, Steven Juba. That was the first official kickoff to the events!
A parade followed, which began at Winnipeg International Airport. Each girl was assigned to a fancy convertible, and as we sat on the back of the folded down roofs, wearing our pavilion costumes, we smiled and waved to the spectators lining the streets who came out to support us, while the parade proceeded all the way down Portage Avenue. I think I mastered the art of “the wave” after that procession!
Later that evening, the girls had a formal introduction on a stage outside the Centennial Concert Hall. We each had our own “walk through” where we were asked to introduce ourselves and say a greeting in our country’s language. In consultation with my late Uncle, Zion Bendel, z”l, who at one time was Principal of the Rosh Pina Hebrew School – and my first Hebrew school teacher, we composed my greeting, which I committed to memory. When my turn came to walk across the stage and recite, I was so nervous I completely forgot what I had memorized, and all I could stammer was “Shalom!” It was an embarrassing moment!
The horse races at Assiniboia Downs were next. We were allowed to invite a plus one. Since I wasn’t seeing anyone special at that time, my date was my brother, Brian Guberman. Now, that is a whole other story, sadly, as Brian went missing in 1974, never to be seen again. But he was a charming date, nevertheless, and admiring eyes were upon him at the racetrack. I think we placed and won a small bet that evening! I’m sure there are many Winnipeggers who may fondly remember Brian for his many performances, including playing “Perchik” from “Fiddler on the Roof” at Rainbow Stage, the Hollow Mug and more. I have made a website about him and am still searching for him after all these years, looking for any clues regarding his disappearance.
The pageant included the obligatory swimsuit competition, under the guise of a pool party at the Elmwood waterfront property of one of the judges: Bill someone, a local politician, whose last name I do not recall. Most girls dared not get wet, especially their hair, lest it spoil their appearance, but not me! Never one to miss an opportunity for a good swim, I and Miss Russia had a great time getting fully soaked, hair and all!
Our pavilion, Shalom Square, was at the old YMHA building on Hargrave Street. Although competing for the crown involved the usual components, another important criterion was how well we demonstrated knowledge of our culture and traditions. I was happy to share our customs and foods with the public and visiting dignitaries, including Mayor Steven Juba, and the then reigning Miss Canada, 1972, Donna Sawicky. Both of my parents, Lil and Wally Guberman, (z”l , Dad only, as Mom is still alive and very well at almost 102), were also volunteers at the pavilion. The Chai Dancers performed, as well as others whom I do not recall. I believe the emcee of the show was Lyle Smordin, who was a well-known local announcer at the time. The girls were given one night off from our hosting duties to visit other pavilions, which was a lot of fun!
The crowning of Miss Folklorama took place on the main stage at the Centennial Concert Hall at the end of Folklorama’s two week run. Miss Latvia took the crown. Friendships were forged amongst us girls, and post events, coffees and connections lasted for a while. Miss Korea and I had a special friendship and we stayed in touch.
I’m not sure exactly when the shift from being a solo female hostess to having male and female ambassadors occurred, as in the years shortly after, I left the city for travels to Israel and other places. I married my sweetheart in 1978, Henry Berchard, son of Holocaust survivors, Sam and Eva Berchard, z”l, and after the birth of our three daughters, we moved to Victoria in 1992. I regret I have not attended another Folklorama since, although it is on my bucket list!
I still have the dress and headpiece I designed and wore as my interpretation of an Israeli dress. I tried it on, and fifty-one years later it still fits! The trim was crocheted by my Baba, Annie Rose, (whose story I wrote in the Jewish Foundation’s Endowment Book of Life, and which was dramatized by Kayla Gordon and her actors at the Foundation’s fiftieth anniversary gala), and which was sewn by my neighbor, Stefania Karpa.
It was a wonderful experience for me, the memories mostly still as fresh as the day they were lived. Mom supplied me with a few photos from her album, featuring Mayor Juba, Freda Fineman, Lyle Smordin, Miss Canada 1972, and me, too. It’s a good diversion to reminisce about the past, to get away from other more serious issues of the day, to think about a time that was sweet, carefree, and a much younger version of myself!
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.
Features
Cheap Weed In Canada: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
Since legalisation, cannabis has settled into Canadian life as an ordinary, regulated purchase. And like groceries or gas, the price can vary a surprising amount from one shop to the next once you start comparing.
For a lot of buyers, that has turned the focus to value. Affordable options like cheap weed prove a lower price and a tested, quality product can go together. This guide explains how to shop smart in Canada without cutting corners.
Why Has Affordable Cannabis Become So Popular?
Because the novelty has worn off, and buyers now shop like they do for anything else. In the early days, people paid whatever the new legal stores asked. That has changed.
A few things drove that shift:
- A maturing market, with more retailers competing on price.
- Online sellers, whose lower overhead keeps costs down.
- Savvier buyers, who now compare rather than grab the first option.
- A wider range of formats and budget-friendly bulk sizes.
The result is a real focus on getting value for money. Crowdsourced figures put the early average near $6.85 a gram, and cannabis price data from Statistics Canada shows how legal and illegal prices have differed since 2018.
That gap is exactly why shopping around pays off. A careful buyer can pay noticeably less than a careless one for a comparable product. The sticker price is only where the comparison starts.
How Do Canadians Shop for Cheaper Weed?
With the same care they bring to any regular expense. A handful of habits make the biggest difference. These are the ones worth adopting:
- Compare the per-gram price. It is the only fair way to weigh two options.
- Buy larger formats. Bigger quantities almost always lower the unit cost.
- Skip premium markups. Plain flower beats pricey pre-rolls for value.
- Watch for sales. Online retailers run them often, especially on holidays.
- Match potency to the plan. A stronger product means you use less each time.
None of these involve settling for a worse product. They simply put your money to better use, the same way you would stretch your money on any other purchase. The cheapest sticker is rarely the best value, and the priciest is seldom worth it.
The same logic applies whether you shop in person or online in Canada. Read the label, weigh the cost per gram, and let the numbers guide you rather than the branding.
Is There a Catch With Low-Priced Cannabis?
Not in the legal market, which is the part newcomers miss. In Canada, every legal product is tested and labelled to the same standard, whatever it costs.
That means a budget option from a licensed seller has cleared the same checks as a premium one. It is screened for contaminants, and its potency is verified. Price reflects branding, packaging, and store margins far more than basic safety.
The genuine differences are in the finer points. Premium flower might offer a better aroma or a richer flavour, and some formats simply cost more to make. For everyday use, though, a well-priced choice usually performs just fine.
The real catch is buying outside the legal system. Health Canada’s overview of the Cannabis Act is a sensible read on what legal really means. Buying legal protects you, not buying expensive.
What Makes a Cheap Purchase a Smart One?
A couple of quick checks, mostly. A real bargain holds up to a second look, while a false one does not. The table below shows what to weigh.
| Check | Why It Matters |
| Is the seller licensed? | Only legal retailers guarantee tested product |
| What is the per-gram cost? | The headline price can hide a weak deal |
| Is potency on the label? | Higher strength can stretch your money |
| Are there bulk or sale deals? | These usually beat single-unit pricing |
| What does delivery cost? | Shipping can erase an online saving |
Any shaky answer there is a reason to pause. A licensed seller with clear pricing and labelling is the safe choice, while a suspiciously cheap unlicensed source is not. The legal age applies regardless, at 18 or 19 depending on the province.
Treat cannabis like any other considered purchase. Compare, check the details, and let value rather than habit lead the decision. That is how modest savings add up across a whole year.
Before You Buy
- Cannabis prices vary widely by retailer, format, and store overhead.
- Comparing the per-gram cost is the fairest way to judge value.
- All legal Canadian cannabis is tested, so cheaper is not unsafe.
- Bulk buys, sales, and plain formats keep spending down.
- Always buy from a licensed source, and factor in delivery fees.
Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki on Pexels
Alt text: A shopper comparing prices online at home
Smart Savings, No Compromise
Buying affordable cannabis in Canada is not about chasing the lowest number you can find. It is about understanding what shapes the price and shopping with a little intention. Stick to licensed, tested products, compare the real cost per gram, and lean on bulk deals and online pricing. Do that, and an affordable choice stays a smart one, purchase after purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheap Weed Safe to Buy In Canada?
Yes, provided it comes from a licensed retailer. All legal cannabis in Canada is tested for contaminants and labelled for potency, regardless of price. A lower cost usually reflects branding and overhead rather than weaker safety, so a budget option from a legal seller is still a safe one.
How Do I Find the Best Cannabis Deals?
Compare the per-gram price, buy larger formats, and watch for sales from online retailers. Checking potency against price helps too, since a stronger product can mean you use less. The key is shopping deliberately instead of defaulting to the same brand or store each time.
Why Is Cannabis Cheaper Online?
Online sellers usually carry lower overhead than physical stores, and they run sales and bulk deals more often. That lets them price competitively while still selling tested, legal product. Just remember to factor in shipping, which can offset the saving on a small order.
Does Paying More Mean Better Cannabis?
Not necessarily. Price reflects branding, format, and store margins as much as quality, and all legal product meets the same testing standards. Premium options may offer a better aroma or appearance, but a well-priced choice often works just as well day to day.
