Features
Rochelle Zimberg has worn many different hats during rich and varied career
By MYRON LOVE Over the course of nearly 60 years, lifelong Winnipegger Rochelle Zimberg has played a wide variety of different roles. She has been by turn educator and administrator, consultant, marriage counselor, community volunteer, and political candidate. Her careers have taken her across Canada and around the world and she has accumulated a plethora of good friends seemingly everywhere.
Most recently, one of her friend connections led to her house sitting in New York for five weeks in April and May for Alex Skolnick, lead guitar player for the seminal heavy metal band, “Testament,” while the band was on tour. She describes the apartment as measuring about 500 square feet – about the size of her living room and diningroom – filled with musical instruments and home to three cats.
“I loved being in New York again,” says Zimberg. “I took in as many Broadway productions as I could.”
(She herself has been a long time Manitoba Theatre centre volunteer and, in 1991, co-produced – with Gail Asper – a Fringe show in which she also performed.)
As with many readers of this paper, Rochelle Zimberg’s life journey began in the old North End. The daughter of the late Joe and Rose Zimberg lived north until she was 13. She attended River Heights Junior High, Grant Park High School, and United College (now the University of Winnipeg), after where she earned her teaching certificate at the old teacher’s college.
As a teen, she was heavily involved in USY (United Synagogue Youth), where she first showed leadership potential serving as Vice President of her chapter..
In her biography for the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s Endowment Book of Life, Zimberg recalls one memorable experience as a USY member, involving a train trip to Kansas City to celebrate the organization’s 13th anniversary and hearing Cantor Herschel Fox do the Haftorah.
After university, the young Winnipegger followed the path of many of her generation – a backpack adventure through Europe, followed by six months on a kibbutz. In 1969, shortly after relocating to Vancouver, she recalls, she received a scholarship to study in Israel at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
This time though, her time in Israel was cut short by her father’s unexpected passing.
After a few months back home, Zimberg saw a job opening for teachers in Australia. Thus began a four-year teaching career in both Sydney and Melbourne, where she taught at the modern Orthodox Mount Scopus College, which had an enrollment of over 2,000 students.
In Sydney, she taught at Ryder University and a school in the western suburbs,
While in Australia, she also took courses at the University of Sydney towards a masters degree in political science and foreign policy theory.
I loved Australia,” Zimberg says. “I became an Australian citizen. I am still in contact with colleagues and former students and have been back several times, most recently for a wedding.”
Upon returning to Winnipeg in the mid-1970s, Zimberg embarked on a new career in administration and management at the University of Manitoba, where she also completed her M.A. in Political Science. At the university she served as Associate Director of Residences and Conference Coordinator. When she applied to become Director of Residences at the university, she recalls, she was told – by a university vice-president – in no uncertain terms, that only a man would be considered for the position.
While working on her M.A. at the U of M, Zimberg shared an office with Al Ducharme, a former Winnipeg city councilor who was later president of the Manitoba Association of Urban Municipalities (MAUM). In 1980 MAUM was looking for a new executive director. Ducharme encouraged his former office mate to apply. Zimberg demurred.
“A few months later, MAUM was once again seeking an executive director and Al (Ducharme) again encouraged me to apply. This time I didn’t hesitate.”
MAUM (now the Association of Manitoba Municpalities) is comprised of the mayors, reeves and councillors representing the province’s 137 municipalities and works toward strengthening municipal government. Zimberg served as the organization’s executive director for 18 years.
“It was a great job,” she says. “It allowed me to travel throughout Manitoba and Canada.”.
One of the highlights of her time with MAUM was her development of the Manitoba Investment Pool Authority, an investment pool for public institutions and municipalities. During her tenure, she was also elected president of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) in 1994.
She left MAUM in 1999 when the decision was made to move the office to Portage la Prairie.
“In 1999,” she notes, “in recognition of my outstanding contributions to municipal government, I became the first female executive director admitted into the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Roll of Honour.”
Since she left MAUM in 1999, she has rarely been short of work to do. She served for a brief time as executive director of the Rosh Pina Synagogue. She was principal of a school in China for three years and spent some time as a teacher/administrator in a school in Egypt. She worked for a spell as a consultant for a transmission project for Edmonton. For a time, she tried her hand at being a direct market distributor.
Zimberg was also twice a candidate for political office. “In 1999, I ran in Tuxedo against Gary Filmon,” the lifelong Liberal supporter recalls. “The Liberal party needed someone to represent the brand. I volunteered. But I didn’t get my name on the ballet until three weeks before the election.”
While she finished third – she fell just 1400 votes short of Filmon In the next election in 2003, she ran again in Tuxedo, finishing second to current Premier Heather Stefanson.
In addition to her varied working career, Zimberg has also given much of her time over the years as a volunteer. She notes that she has contributed her time to such organizations in the Jewish community as the Women’s Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation and the Shaarey Zedek.
In the broader community she has volunteered with the Manitoba Theatre Centre, Folklorama, the CNIB, Cancer Care Manitoba, Chemo Savvy Dragon Boat Team and the Guardian Angel Breast Cancer Benefit Ball. Zimberg has also in the past acted as a volunteer consultant for Canadian Executive Services Overseas (CESO) – which pairs retired seniors with communities in developing countries that require CESO volunteers’ expertise. She has also volunteered for the Canadian Bureau of International Education Ukrainian projects.
In addition, Zimbrg has recently served on the board of directors of Manitobans for Human Rights.
For the pilates and sports enthusiast, there is never a dull moment and she continues to look forward to the next travel opportunity or adventure.
Features
BlackRock applies for ETF plan; XRP price could rise by 200%, potentially becoming the best-yielding investment in 2026.
Recently, global asset management giant BlackRock officially submitted its application for an XRP ETF, a piece of news that quickly sparked heated discussions in the cryptocurrency market. Analysts predict that if approval goes smoothly, the price of XRP could rise by as much as 200% in the short term, becoming a potentially top-yielding investment in 2026.
ETF applications may trigger a large influx of funds.
As one of the world’s largest asset managers, BlackRock’s XRP ETF is expected to attract significant attention from institutional and qualified investors. After the ETF’s listing, traditional funding channels will find it easier to access the XRP market, providing substantial liquidity support.
Historical data shows that similar cryptocurrency ETF listings are often accompanied by significant short-term market rallies. Following BlackRock’s application announcement, XRP prices have shown signs of recovery, and investor confidence has clearly strengthened.
CryptoEasily helps XRP holders achieve steady returns.
With its price potential widely viewed favorably, CryptoEasily’s cloud mining and digital asset management platform offers XRP holders a stable passive income opportunity. Users do not need complicated technical operations; they can receive daily earnings updates and achieve steady asset appreciation through the platform’s intelligent computing power scheduling system.
The platform stated that its revenue model, while ensuring compliance and security, takes into account market volatility and long-term sustainability, allowing investors to enjoy the benefits of market growth while also obtaining a stable cash flow.
CryptoEasily is a regulated cloud mining platform.
As the crypto industry rapidly develops, security and compliance have become core concerns for investors. CryptoEasily emphasizes that the platform adheres to compliance, security, and transparency principles and undergoes regular financial and security audits by third-party institutions. Its security infrastructure includes platform operations that comply with the European MiCA and MiFID II regulatory frameworks, annual financial and security audits conducted by PwC, and digital asset custody insurance provided by Lloyd’s of London.
At the technical level, the platform employs multiple security mechanisms, including bank-grade firewalls, cloud security authentication, multi-signature cold wallets, and an asset isolation system. This rigorous compliance system provides excellent security for users worldwide.
Its core advantages include：
● Zero-barrier entry: No need to buy mining machines or build a mining farm, even beginners can easily get started.
●Automated mining: The system runs 24/7, and profits are automatically settled daily.
● Flexible asset management: Earnings can be withdrawn or reinvested at any time, supporting multiple mainstream cryptocurrencies.
●Low correlation with price fluctuations: Even during short-term market downturns, cash flow remains stable.
CryptoEasily CEO Oliver Bruno Benquet stated:
“We always adhere to the principle of compliance first, especially in markets with mature regulatory systems, to provide users with a safer, more transparent and sustainable way to participate in digital assets.”
How to join CryptoEasily
Step 1: Register an account
Visit the official website: https://cryptoeasily.com
Enter your email address and password to create an account and receive a $15 bonus upon registration. You’ll also receive a $0.60 bonus for daily logins.
Step 2: Deposit crypto assets
Go to the platform’s deposit page and deposit mainstream crypto assets, including: BTC, USDT, ETH, LTC, USDC, XRP, and BCH.
Step 3: Select and purchase a mining contract that suits your needs.
CryptoEasily offers a variety of contracts to meet the needs of different budgets and goals. Whether you are looking for short-term gains or long-term returns, CryptoEasily has the right option for you.
Common contract examples:
Entry contract: $100 — 2-day cycle — Total profit approximately $108
Stable contract: $1000 — 10-day cycle — Total profit approximately $1145
Professional Contract: $6,000 — 20-day cycle — Total profit approximately $7,920
Premium Contract: $25,000 — 30-day cycle — Total profit approximately $37,900
For contract details, please visit the official website.
After purchasing the contract and it takes effect, the system will automatically calculate your earnings every 24 hours, allowing you to easily obtain stable passive income.
Invite your friends and enjoy double the benefits
Invite new users to join and purchase a contract to earn a lifetime 5% commission reward. All referral relationships are permanent, commissions are credited instantly, and you can easily build a “digital wealth network”.
Summarize
BlackRock’s application for an XRP ETF has injected strong positive momentum into the crypto market, with XRP prices poised for a significant surge and becoming a potential high-yield investment in 2026. Meanwhile, through the CryptoEasily platform, investors can steadily generate passive income in volatile markets, achieving double asset growth. This provides an innovative and sustainable investment path for long-term investors.
If you’re looking to earn daily automatic income, independent of market fluctuations, and build a stable, long-term passive income, then joining CryptoEasily now is an excellent opportunity.
Official website: https://cryptoeasily.com
App download: https://cryptoeasily.com/xml/index.html#/app
Customer service email: info@CryptoEasily.com
Features
Digital entertainment options continue expanding for the local community
For decades, the rhythm of life in Winnipeg has been dictated by the seasons. When the deep freeze sets in and the sidewalks become treacherous with ice, the natural tendency for many residents—especially the older generation—has been to retreat indoors. In the past, this seasonal hibernation often came at the cost of social connection, limiting interactions to telephone calls or the occasional brave venture out for essential errands.
However, the landscape of leisure and community engagement has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, driven by the rapid adoption of digital tools.
Virtual gatherings replace traditional community center meetups
The transition from physical meeting spaces to digital platforms has been one of the most significant changes in local community life. Where weekly schedules once revolved around driving to a community center for coffee and conversation, many seniors now log in from the comfort of their favorite armchairs.
This shift has democratized access to socialization, particularly for those with mobility issues or those who no longer drive. Programs that were once limited by the physical capacity of a room or the ability of attendees to travel are now accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Established organizations have pivoted to meet this digital demand with impressive results. The Jewish Federation’s digital outreach has seen substantial engagement, with their “Federation Flash” e-publications exceeding industry standards for open rates. This indicates a community that is hungry for information and connection, regardless of the medium.
Online gaming provides accessible leisure for homebound adults
While communication and culture are vital, the need for pure recreation and mental stimulation cannot be overlooked. Long winter evenings require accessible forms of entertainment that keep the mind active and engaged.
For many older adults, the digital realm has replaced the physical card table or the printed crossword puzzle. Tablets and computers now host a vast array of brain-training apps, digital jigsaw puzzles, and strategy games that offer both solitary and social play options.
The variety of available digital diversions is vast, catering to every level of technical proficiency and interest. Some residents prefer the quiet concentration of Sudoku apps or word searches that help maintain cognitive sharpness. Others gravitate towards more dynamic experiences. For those seeking a bit of thrill from the comfort of home, exploring regulated entertainment options like Canadian real money slots has become another facet of the digital leisure mix. These platforms offer a modern twist on traditional pastimes, accessible without the need to travel to a physical venue.
However, the primary driver for most digital gaming adoption remains cognitive health and stress relief. Strategy games that require planning and memory are particularly popular, often recommended as a way to keep neural pathways active.
Streaming services bring Israeli culture to Winnipeg living rooms
Beyond simple socialization and entertainment, technology has opened new avenues for cultural enrichment and education. For many in the community, staying connected to Jewish heritage and Israeli culture is a priority, yet travel is not always feasible.
Streaming technology has bridged this gap, bringing the sights and sounds of Israel directly into Winnipeg homes. Through virtual tours, livestreamed lectures, and interactive cultural programs, residents can experience a sense of global connection that was previously difficult to maintain without hopping on a plane.
Local programming has adapted to facilitate this cultural exchange. Events that might have previously been attended by a handful of people in a lecture hall are now broadcast to hundreds. For instance, the community has seen successful implementation of educational sessions like the “Lunch and Learn” programs, which cover vital topics such as accessibility standards for Jewish organizations.
By leveraging video conferencing, organizers can bring in expert speakers from around the world—including Israeli emissaries—to engage with local seniors at centers like Gwen Secter, creating a rich tapestry of global dialogue.
Balancing digital engagement with face-to-face connection
As the community embraces these digital tools, the conversation is shifting toward finding the right balance between screen time and face time. The demographics of the community make this balance critical. Recent data highlights that 23.6% of Jewish Winnipeggers are over the age of 65, a statistic that underscores the importance of accessible technology. For this significant portion of the population, digital tools are not just toys but essential lifelines that mitigate the risks of loneliness associated with aging in place.
Looking ahead, the goal for local organizations is to integrate these digital successes into a cohesive strategy. The ideal scenario involves using technology to facilitate eventual in-person connections—using an app to organize a meetup, or a Zoom call to plan a community dinner.
As Winnipeg moves forward, the lessons learned during the winters of isolation will likely result in a more inclusive, connected, and technologically savvy community that values every interaction, whether it happens across a table or across a screen.
Features
Susan Silverman: diversification personified
By GERRY POSNER I recently had the good fortune to meet, by accident, a woman I knew from my past, that is my ancient past. Her name is Susan Silverman. Reconnecting with her was a real treat. The treat became even better when I was able to learn about her life story.
From the south end of Winnipeg beginning on Ash Street and later to 616 Waverley Street – I can still picture the house in my mind – and then onward and upwards, Susan has had quite a life. The middle daughter (sisters Adrienne and Jo-Anne) of Bernie Silverman and Celia (Goldstein), Susan was a student at River Heights, Montrose and then Kelvin High School. She had the good fortune to be exposed to music early in her life as her father was (aside from being a well known businessman) – an accomplished jazz pianist. He often hosted jam sessions with talented Black musicians. As well, Susan could relate to the visual arts as her mother became a sculptor and later, a painter.
When Susan was seven, she (and a class of 20 others), did three grades in two years. The result was that that she entered the University of Manitoba at the tender age of 16 – something that could not happen today. What she gained the most, as she looks back on those years, were the connections she made and friendships formed, many of which survive and thrive to this day. She was a part of the era of fraternity formals, guys in tuxedos and gals in fancy “ cocktail dresses,” adorned with bouffant hair-dos and wrist corsages.
Upon graduation, Susan’s wanderlust took her to London, England. That move ignited in her a love of travel – which remains to this day. But that first foray into international travel lasted a short time and soon she was back in Winnipeg working for the Children’s Aid Society. That job allowed her to save some money and soon she was off to Montreal. It was there, along with her roommate, the former Diane Unrode, that she enjoyed a busy social life and a place for her to take up skiing. She had the good fortune of landing a significant job as an executive with an international chemical company that allowed her to travel the world as in Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, the Netherlands and even the USA. Not a bad gig.
In 1983, her company relocated to Toronto. She ended up working for companies in the forest products industry as well the construction technology industry. After a long stint in the corporate world, Susan began her own company called “The Resourceful Group,” providing human resource and management consulting services to smaller enterprises. Along the way, she served on a variety of boards of directors for both profit and non-profit sectors.
Even with all that, Susan was really just beginning. Upon her retirement in 2006, she began a life of volunteering. That role included many areas, from mentoring new Canadians in English conversation through JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) to visiting patients at a Toronto rehabilitation hospital, to conducting minyan and shiva services. Few people volunteer in such diverse ways. She is even a frequent contributor to the National Post Letters section, usually with respect to the defence of Israel
and Jewish causes.
The stars aligned on New Year’s Eve, 1986, when she met her soon to be husband, Murray Leiter, an ex- Montrealer. Now married for 36 plus years, they have been blessed with a love of travel and adventure. In the early 1990s they moved to Oakville and joined the Temple Shaarei Beth -El Congregation. They soon were involved in synagogue life, making life long friends there. Susan and Murray joined the choir, then Susan took the next step and became a Bat Mitzvah. Too bad there is no recording of that moment. Later, when they returned to Toronto, they joined Temple Emanu-el and soon sang in that choir as well.
What has inspired both Susan and Murray to this day is the concept of Tikkun Olam. Serving as faith visitors at North York General Hospital and St. John’s Rehab respectively is just one of the many volunteer activities that has enriched both of their lives and indeed the lives of the people they have assisted and continue to assist.
Another integral aspect of Susan’s life has been her annual returns to Winnipeg. She makes certain to visit her parents, grandparents, and other family members at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. She also gets to spend time with her cousins, Hilllaine and Richard Kroft and friends, Michie end Billy Silverberg, Roz and Mickey Rosenberg, as well as her former brother-in-law Hy Dashevsky and his wife Esther. She says about her time with her friends: “how lucky we are to experience the extraordinary Winnipeg hospitality.”
Her Winnipeg time always includes requisite stops at the Pancake House, Tre Visi Cafe and Assiniboine Park. Even 60 plus years away from the “‘peg,” Susan feels privileged to have grown up in such a vibrant Jewish community. The city will always have a special place in her heart. Moreover, she seems to have made a Winnipegger out of her husband. That would be a new definition of Grow Winnipeg.