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Rabbi (to be) Lara Rodin

By GERRY POSNER In May 2025, the Jewish Theological seminary will welcome a new rabbi into the fold. A recent graduate of the seminary, she is a young woman from Western Canada with roots in both Winnipeg and Calgary. Her name is Lara Rodin.
Lara will be the new assistant rabbi at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto (not to be confused with the Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Calgary, where her family still lives and where they remain members to this day). Her formal induction into the rabbinate will happen later this year, in May, in New York City.
Rabbi Rodin is a fresh, warm, and engaging young woman who already has made a difference in the lives of many families.
The jump from being Lara Rodin, daughter of Greg and Andria (Paul) Rodin, raised in a secular home, to a woman about to become a rabbi, was hardly preordained. Lara was born in Winnipeg, but she moved with her family at a young age to Calgary where she was a student at the Calgary Jewish Academy. Her connection to Judaism, though, was tenuous. Still, with her growing involvement in BBYO, also at Camps B’nai Brith at Pine Lake, Alberta and Hatikvah in BC, the seeds were already starting to grow and sprout. As well, Lara, had a strong Jewish influence from her maternal grandparents, Leonard and Elaine Paul, of blessed memory, both of whom were strongly centred in the Jewish world, particularly at the Bnay Abraham Synagogue in Winnipeg.

Lara was fortunate to attend McGill University in Montreal, where she obtained an Arts degree. Although her father Greg, a lawyer, had pushed her to study law, she was more interested in courses in philosophy and theology. She soon concluded that she need not focus so much on other religions, but work on the one she was born into.
That decision was the impetus for her to improve her Jewish learning. She even taught a class at the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue in Montreal. That experience led to her seriously consider a career in teaching.
To proceed on a path to becoming g a teacher and also to further her Jewish education, Lara applied for and was accepted into the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. It was there that not only did she complete her Masters in Jewish Education, Lara came to realize that, while she wanted to teach, she wanted to do it within a Jewish framework. It was the intense learning at Pardes that stimulated Lara’s passion to begin the trail to the rabbinate.

Once you learn more about Lara’s family history, however, you can see how her becoming a rabbi wasn’t all that surprising. When Lara was born, she came along with a twin brother, Isaac. When her father came into the birthing room to see his newborn children for the first time, he said that he sensed that one of the twins was destined to become a rabbi, but it was Isaac, not Lara. Even as the twins grew up, Greg’s sense of a rabbinical calling for his son persisted. When Lara declared her intention to pursue a career in the rabbinate, Greg was ecstatic, stating he had it right all along – he just missed the correct gender. He likely deserves a pass on this one as back at that time, female rabbis from Western Canada were largely unknown and even to this day, a rarity.

Thus, it came to pass that Lara Rodin entered the Jewish Theological Seminary School in New York. She had to cope with the consequences of Covid and so part of her programme had Lara stuck in the basement of her parents’ home in Calgary. In 2021, while still a student, Lara was privileged to become a Tanenbaum Fellow.
Subsequently she developed a more formal association with the Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto, where she has been for the past three years. In 2023- 2024, Lara became a Resnick Fellow. Both the Resnick and Tanenbaum Fellowships were highly valuable to Lara as she proceeded in her Jewish education.

Along the way, even as far back as her attending Camp Ramah, Lara met a boy there who became her husband: Jonah Levitt. They were recently married at Beth Tzedec on August 18, 2024 – another really good reason to send your children to Jewish camps!

Aside from her responsibilities at Beth Tzedec to date, Lara has been working as a Rabbi in Residence at the Robbins Hebrew Academy in Toronto. There she is putting her skills as a teacher to good use. On top of that, she is the go-to person for conversions within the Conservative movement among several synagogues in the Toronto area. In that way Lara Rodin has made contact with many young couples, all inspired to become Jewish and, in many cases, more Jewish. This is a part of her job that she says she finds particularly challenging, yet satisfying.

Of course, if you really want to check out the newest addition to Beth Tzedec, the place to be is at synagogue, where she can be found most of the time. Her smile, her genuine warmth, and her depth of thought will be obvious immediately. Or, if you like to hike or cycle, when not in the synagogue or classroom, you are likely to find Lara participating in those activities.

As the Beth Tzedec synagogue celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025, so too it now celebrates the addition to the synagogue of Rabbi Lara Rodin. A blessing for all of us.

Features

Securing Your Account on PHBingo Login (GameZone)

The rising popularity of online casino platforms like GameZone has attracted many players eager to indulge in their favorite bingo games. As the number of users grows, so does the need for account security. Protecting personal data, playing progress, and account wallets has become vital due to the increase in online threats. Learning effective security techniques for PHBingo Login (GameZone) is essential for players, ensuring both safety and uninterrupted gameplay.

GameZone, a platform that features traditional and modern bingo games, stores sensitive information about user details, progress, and financial data. Without proper precautions, accounts may fall victim to unauthorized access, leading to loss of control, misuse of credentials, and exposure to significant risks. Following preventative measures will allow players to enjoy their favorite games worry-free.

Risks of Unauthorized Access in Online Bingo Play

Players using GameZone or similar platforms need to consider the potential consequences of compromised accounts. The inability to access an account, unauthorized transactions, and losing virtual credits are common issues resulting from poor security. Personal data, such as email addresses or payment information, is also at risk once hackers gain access.

While online casino platforms offer built-in security mechanisms, users carry the responsibility of implementing their own account protection solutions. Taking proactive steps, such as using strong passwords and enabling additional security layers, greatly reduces exposure to risks.

Steps to Secure Your PHBingo Account

1. Set a Strong, Unique Password

Having an easily guessed password, like “123456” or a birthdate, leaves accounts highly vulnerable. Strong passwords are critical for better security and protecting login details.

Strong password elements to consider:

  • A combination of uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Numbers and symbols
  • A length of at least 8–12 characters

Using different passwords for each account ensures that other platforms won’t be compromised if one is hacked. Players should create passwords that are unique and hard to decipher.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional security layer on GameZone online platforms. When enabled, it requires a secondary verification code sent to a user’s mobile phone to complete the login process.

Benefits of using 2FA:

  • Prevents unauthorized access, even if passwords are exposed
  • Adds extra verification for every login attempt

This security feature is highly beneficial for players frequently engaging in multiplayer bingo games or downloading game applications. Gamers reduce unauthorized access risks significantly by implementing 2FA.

3. Avoid Logging in Over Public Wi-Fi

Connecting to GameZone through public Wi-Fi networks puts users at risk. Public or unsecured networks allow cybercriminals to intercept data on the network, including login credentials.

Safer alternatives include:

  • Using private and secure network connections at home.
  • Avoiding logins from shared or public devices.
  • Relying on mobile data for safer gameplay while traveling or away from home.

These preventive measures ensure a secure experience, wherever the player may be.

4. Update Devices and Apps Regularly

Neglected updates on devices or casino platforms expose users to software vulnerabilities. Regular updates deliver patches and fixes to enhance protection against hackers.

Best practices for keeping systems updated:

  • Install updates for operating systems and browsers at regular intervals.
  • Download GameZone apps and updates officially from trusted sources.
  • Avoid using third-party versions of GameZone applications.

Updated devices and applications offer smoother and more secure sessions, ensuring that accounts remain safeguarded.

5. Log Out After Playing Sessions

Failing to log out from GameZone accounts increases the risk of unauthorized access, especially on shared or public devices. Ensuring account disconnection after gameplay is a simple yet effective habit.

Steps to improve logout practices:

  • Avoid saving login details when using shared devices.
  • Clear cache and browsing data after accessing accounts.
  • Make it a point to log out systematically after every session.

Regularly logging out minimizes the chances of account breaches and maintains better security for PHBingo accounts.

6. Beware of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams involve fake emails or messages impersonating official GameZone communications to trick players into revealing login information. These scams often include links to malicious websites posing as the platform’s login page.

Signs of phishing schemes include:

  • Emails claiming “urgent account issues” requiring immediate action
  • Links to web pages that request sensitive login credentials
  • Emails sent from domains that look unofficial or are oddly spelled

Players should always enter their credentials through the official GameZone login page rather than clicking on suspicious links to avoid falling victim to such scams.

7. Monitor Account Activity Regularly

Checking account activity makes it easier to detect and resolve suspicious behavior or unauthorized logins. Reviewing recent account use helps players pinpoint breaches quickly.

Effective steps to manage account activity:

  • Change passwords immediately if irregular activity appears.
  • Reach out to GameZone support for assistance with securing compromised accounts.
  • Monitor recent logins and transactions for unrecognized activities.

Tracking account patterns ensures issues are addressed early, making it easier to control risks.

8. Use Secure Payment and Transaction Methods

Online bingo often involves linking accounts with payment methods. Securing financial data ensures that sensitive information isn’t exploited or mishandled.

Practical payment security tips include:

  • Using verified and reputable payment gateways.
  • Avoiding unauthorized transactions or sharing of payment details.
  • Double-checking URLs to ensure the payment page is official and secure.

Secure payment methods enhance the overall user experience while providing peace of mind for frequent players.

9. Avoid Sharing Account Credentials

Sharing login information with others, even with close friends, increases the risk of unauthorized access or account misuse. Keeping accounts private ensures better control over personal playing progress.

Reasons to avoid sharing login details:

  • Reduces the possibility of accidental account misuse.
  • Preserves account integrity and progress.
  • Prevents unknown individuals from accessing personal information.

Limiting account sharing eliminates these risks and ensures safety for all users.

10. Focus on Responsible Practices Alongside Security

Combining security precautions with responsible practices allows for a safe and balanced experience. GameZone promotes responsible practices by offering reminders and restrictions that prevent excessive gameplay.

By maintaining both security and healthy habits, players can enjoy a fun, worry-free environment.

Enhancing GameZone Experiences Through Security

Secure play for PHBingo accounts begins with adopting strong cybersecurity habits. Simple measures like using complex passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding suspicious links create a robust system of protection. Regular account monitoring and updates further help reduce risks associated with online threats.

By reinforcing security steps, users gain confidence in their platforms, ensuring they can focus on enjoying PHBingo and other offerings worry-free.

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Features

Today’s Antizionism is Jew-Hatred

By HENRY SREBRNIK The Jewish world has grown darker. I’m not going to compare the anti-Jewish hate that has spread across this and other countries since October 7, 2023, to the Holocaust, but we know that Jewish life has become far more precarious. And so much of the hatred flies under the rubric of so-called “antizionism,” with people claiming that this isn’t “antisemitism.” But this is a false dichotomy. And we know it when we see it.

“Antizionism” is not about the now arcane historical debates that occurred mainly within Jewish communities from the 19th century through 1948, in which those who became Zionists sought to actualize the Jewish ties to biblical Israel and recreate a modern state. By “Zionists,” today’s enemies are not referring to supporters of the 19th century self-liberation movement of the Jewish people, whose goal was to establish a national home. They known little of this history. They’ve never heard of Theodor Herzl, Ahad Ha’am, Ber Borochov, Ze’ev Jabotinsky, or Chaim Weizmann.

As a derogatory slur, a pejorative, it simply means “Jew,” the way earlier words, now archaic, used to. Some call Jews “Zios.” They mean the Jewish people, who exist in opposition to everything good in the world, and who are figures of emblematic wickedness. In this they simply update what Nazis said a century ago. Hitler, too, was an “antizionist,” along with his racial antisemitism. It attacks Jews, here in Western countries like Canada – in the cities where they live, in the universities they attend, in the publishing houses where they send their manuscripts, and in the entertainment world where they act and sing. 

Note that it calls itself antizionism, not anti-Israelism, so that the net can grab virtually every Jew who simply wants to see Israel not destroyed – and that’s the vast, vast majority. We Jews know what it means, regardless of what our enemies claim. Would anyone think that the term antisemitism means hatred of Semites? 

Clearly a ludicrous idea; it was invented in the 19th century by a German Jew-hater, Wilhelm Marr, to make it sound more “racially scientific.” No one is fooled by that, of course, nor should they be by so-called “antizionism.” In its effects, it is for Jews a distinction with a negligible difference. It is meant to portray Jews as villains, and while it may fool some gullible people, it will deceive very, very few of us.

After all, as Michel Coren noted in “Roald Dahl’s Antisemitism Feels Painfully Familiar,” in the British magazine the Spectator March 16, “most Jewish people do in fact to varying degrees support Israel, partly because centuries of bigotry, violence, massacre, and attempted genocide have given them little alternative. They may oppose Israeli policy, may condemn the current government, may even want radical compromises, but there’s still support. And in the current climate of leftist and Islamist triumphalism, it’s all Zionism and none of it acceptable.”

Anti-Zionism is marked by three core “libels”: that “Zionists” are colonizers, guilty of apartheid, and committing genocide. (Actually, the only time we were settler-colonialists was when we conquered Canaan, but that was God’s doing!) Anti-Israel activists incorporate historical manifestations of anti-Jewish discrimination under the guise of anti-Zionist political activism, from the blood libel to Nazi-era tropes, mixed with contemporary academic theories. Anti-Zionism acts as a container for these historical tropes, blending them together with progressive talking points.

George Washington University professor Daniel Schwartz, in “Vocabulary Lesson,” Jewish Review of Books, Spring 2026, describes a pro-Palestinian demonstration in 2025 at his campus where a student held a placard with Israel at the center and spokes radiating outward to other evils: imperialism, white supremacy, even reproductive injustice. “This is not garden-variety political criticism of Israel policies or conduct. It invokes a symbolic architecture in which the Jewish state becomes the universal source of global suffering — a structure with deep resonance in antisemitic thought.”

Scholars argue that it is the third major iteration of discrimination against Jews. The first was anti-Judaism, based on religion, the second was antisemitism, focused on race, and the third, anti-Zionism, is a hatred of Jewish peoplehood. 

“Anti-Zionism transforms the very meaning of Zionism,” contends Adam Louis-Klein. “The Jew is reconstructed through a new symbolic logic and a new repertoire of stereotypes.” Where antisemites invoked the pseudo-biological figure of “the Semite” to cast Jews as an Oriental race infiltrating the West, anti-Zionists invoke the authority of the social sciences to recode the Jew as the “Zionist,” a European colonizer destined to commit genocide of a non-European population. 

“Erasing Jewish indigeneity and severing Jewish belonging to the land of Israel, anti-Zionism transforms the race polluter of antisemitism into the white settler of anti-Zionism,” he asserts in his March 24, 2026 Free Press article “Yes, Anti-Zionism Is Discrimination.” 

For this reason, he writes, it’s imperative that organizations and institutions committed to protecting Jews and fighting the scourge of Jew-hatred start condemning—clearly and without apology—antisemitism and antizionism. This goes to the moral core of the matter: the right of Jews to a homeland versus the bigotry of those who deny them that right.

After the Holocaust, explicit Jew-hatred became unfashionable in polite society, but the impulse never disappeared. The workaround was simple: separate Zionism from Judaism in name, then recycle every old anti-Jewish trope and pin it on “the Zionists.”

Henry Srebrnik is a professor of political science at the University of Prince Edward Island.

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Features

Artificial Intelligence, Sports Data, and What It Means for Community Values

Explore how artificial intelligence in sports data reflects broader societal changes, raising questions about ethics, transparency, and community values in a digital world.

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly visible part of modern life, shaping how information is analyzed and decisions are made. While often discussed in fields such as healthcare, finance, and education, sports analytics provides a particularly clear example of how these systems function in real time. For many readers, the relevance of this topic goes beyond sports itself and speaks to broader questions about technology and community values.

Within Jewish communities, where education, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility have long been central principles, the rise of AI invites meaningful discussion. Understanding how automated systems operate is not only a technical issue but also a cultural and intellectual one. In global digital environments, references to platforms such as 1xbet Republic of Ireland often appear in discussions about real-time data processing, illustrating how widely these technologies are applied.

From Human Judgment to Algorithmic Thinking

Traditionally, interpreting sports performance required human observation and experience. Analysts would review statistics, assess player form, and make informed judgments based on knowledge built over time. While this method remains valuable, it is now being supplemented by artificial intelligence.

AI systems can process large volumes of data instantly, identifying patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. This shift reflects a broader movement toward algorithmic thinking—where decisions are increasingly informed by data rather than intuition alone.

For communities that place a strong emphasis on learning and inquiry, this raises important questions. How should data be interpreted? What role should human judgment continue to play? And how do we ensure that reliance on technology does not replace thoughtful analysis?

What AI Systems Analyze

Modern AI models draw on a wide range of data inputs to generate insights. In the context of sports, this includes:

  • real-time performance data
  • historical comparisons
  • individual player metrics
  • behavioural patterns
  • external conditions

The ability to integrate these variables allows AI to produce highly detailed assessments. However, it also creates a layer of complexity that is not always easy to understand.

This challenge is particularly relevant in educational settings. As younger generations become more familiar with technology, there is a growing need to teach not only how to use these systems, but also how to question and evaluate them.

Ethics, Transparency, and Responsibility

The increasing role of AI naturally leads to ethical considerations. In Jewish thought, concepts such as responsibility, fairness, and accountability are deeply rooted and widely discussed. These ideas are highly relevant when considering how automated systems are designed and used.

One of the key concerns surrounding AI is transparency. When decisions are made by complex algorithms, it can be difficult to understand the reasoning behind them. This raises questions about trust and oversight.

Ensuring that AI systems are used responsibly requires a balance between innovation and ethical awareness. Community dialogue plays an essential role in this process, helping to define how technology should align with shared values.

A Community Conversation About the Future

The use of artificial intelligence in sports analytics may seem like a narrow topic, but it reflects a much larger transformation. Across many areas of life, data-driven systems are becoming the norm, influencing how information is processed and decisions are made.

For Jewish communities, this moment presents an opportunity for reflection and engagement. By approaching technology with curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong ethical framework, it is possible to better understand both its potential and its limitations.

Ultimately, the conversation about AI is not just about technology. It is about how communities adapt, preserve their values, and shape the future in a rapidly changing world.

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