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
BOOK REVIEW: “Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege”
Reviewed by MURRAY BENDER “Thinking on your feet”—quickly defending a position in a coherent, persuasive manner—is a situation that many people find challenging and stressful. “If only I had said this.” or “Why didn’t I say that?” Hindsight is always 20-20.
Following the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023, it has become increasingly necessary for diaspora Jews to “think on their feet” as they unwittingly face a barrage of tough, sometimes hateful, questions about Jews and their Israeli homeland.
Why is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? Why doesn’t Israel return the land it has stolen from Palestinians? Why are Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian farmers? How is Israel different from apartheid South Africa? Why can’t I criticize Israel without being called antisemitic? Is it true that Jews control the world? The list of potential questions is nearly endless.
Engage or hide? This is the difficult choice that confronts Jews as they look to deal with anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli behaviour. Fortunately, author and journalist Melanie Phillips comes to the rescue with her practical and insightful book, Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege.
According to Phillips, the dilemma has no single answer. “People need to decide how to behave in accordance not just with the specific circumstances but also with their own attributes and limitations.”
Some regard engagement with their opponents as a sacred duty. “They believe it is a betrayal of the Jewish people not to uphold Israel’s case.” Ohers may be uncomfortable with such a direct approach, but “those who decide to keep their heads down and avoid any altercation may well find that this leaves them with a permanent sense of regret and even failure,” she says.
As a result, it’s probably a good idea to adopt some sort of balance. And that’s where Phillips’ 150-page handbook comes in.
She starts by providing context around the “crisis of legitimacy and acceptance” from which Jews are reeling post-October 7. On the basis of extensive conversations with Jews from across the U.S., Britain and Australia, the author found that many “were near stupefied by the terrifying hatred and irrationality that was unfolding around them.” Again and again, they asked: “What should we do? What can we do?”
In response, Phillips offers a pragmatic approach to help prepare for the inevitable conversations, including a number of key principles:
- Get smart rather than emotional
- Stop playing defence
- Find common ground
- Be positive and confident
- Keep physically safe
Based on these overarching criteria, she provides an extensive list of quick and clever retorts to a range of different situations, emphasizing that “it’s our duty to our children and grandchildren to fight for truth and justice.”
So, the next time it is necessary to “think on their feet,” diaspora Jews will be able to respond quickly and confidently to those difficult questions about themselves and Israel. And they can thank Melanie Phillips for coming to the rescue.
Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege by Melanie Phillips is available online from Amazon and Indigo.
Features
ESports Meets Casinos: Overview of Bet Sport Gaming
ESports has become part of the interactive entertainment of online casinos. In fact, many fans already have the opportunity to use Dragonia Casino Bet Sport options while watching the matches of their favorite teams. The hybrid entertainment model opens up many possibilities and increases audience engagement. When video games intersect with betting, it creates a unique collaboration where participants have the opportunity to get a completely new experience right in their own home. At the same time, you can continue to enjoy the usual viewing of familiar tournaments and competitions.
How ESports and Casinos Interconnect
ESports has become a multi-billion-dollar industry that attracts spectators. Traditional casinos are focused on luck. But now they are introducing additional methods of encouraging their customers. Among such options, eSports events deserve special attention. Such bet sport offers combine the usual excitement with an element of competition. The structure of the casino entertainment provides participants with the opportunity to test their skills and reveal their own hidden talents. There are several forms of integration of eSports mechanics into the structure of a classic online casino:
- Competitive betting. Online casinos provide the opportunity to bet on eSports tournaments, which is similar to the usual sports betting. In addition, the possibilities are significantly expanded compared to simple viewing platforms.
- Skill-based casino games. Games inspired by eSports encourage players to actively participate in what is happening on the screen. The games reward the player’s results with certain prizes.
- Interactive arenas. Some casinos broadcast eSports events in real time. This allows players to follow the games directly online, which creates a feeling of real participation in familiar entertainment.
- Cross-platform interaction. Online casinos are introducing eSports-style leaderboards and achievements to attract more participants.
Such innovations appeal to new participants. Cultural changes are part of the development of the infrastructure of the classic casino, and eSports fans find a new environment for entertainment and communication.
Growth of ESports Betting
Global eSports revenue in 2025 exceeded $1.5 billion. Each bet sport option has made a significant contribution to the development. Surveys show that over 60% of players will express interest in betting on eSports, which reflects the demand and the need to develop an updated infrastructure for participation.
ESports events attract 15-20% more new participants compared to conventional casinos. The eSports betting market will exceed $20 billion by 2027, according to analysts’ forecasts, which encourages new participants to more actively watch tournaments and participate in various types of activity.
Why Fans Choose ESports
Bet sport gambling is gaining popularity. This is due to several reasons. For example, large casinos in Las Vegas and Macau now host full-fledged eSports tournaments alongside traditional entertainment. Venues are also experimenting with separate fan zones where sports betting and classic gambling are available.
Some of the most popular eSports disciplines are League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Some online casinos even introduce eSports mechanics into slots so that players can try something new.
In short, the intersection of eSports and casinos is a natural development of the industry. Competitive play and an optimized betting system create a comfortable environment for true fans who want to diversify their leisure time.
Features
Card Game Traditions: Complete Review from Casino Online Lolajack Experts
Card games have been around for centuries. They are constantly evolving and improving. For example, there are now many different formats of online games available. On sites like casino online Lolajack https://Lolajack.com/ca/, you can choose a title according to your preferences and skills. The traditions of card games date back to ancient times. To better show yourself, it is worth familiarizing yourself with these features. This way, you will gain experience, have a good time, and get acquainted with something completely new.
Roots of Card Games
Card games directly reflect cultural identity. They have a unique mathematical structure and thoughtful moves that make even professionals think. Depending on the tradition, the rules differ, but the basic principles always remain similar. Each game has a unique origin:
- Poker. It originated in the USA back in the 19th century. During its existence, many variations of gameplay have appeared. It combines risk, strategy, and psychology; therefore, it requires high skill from each player.
- Baccarat. This game has ancient origins. It appeared in the 15th century in Italy, after which it spread throughout Europe. Now it is the basis of any operator like casino online Lolajack.
- Rimmy and bridge. Card games require the cooperation of participants, so coordinated communication is important here.
- Blackjack. This is the perfect combination of skill and chance. The player needs to learn to make decisions quickly and monitor the circumstances.
Card games have their own origins and characteristics. Currently, they are an integral part of any online casino, offering a wide range of opportunities for participants.
Why Card Games Are So Popular
Experts from casino online Lolajack emphasize the importance of card games in many cultures. For example, poker remains the leader for a reason. There are more than 100 million active players worldwide who compete and work on their skills. Blackjack also does not lag behind the trends. The level of participation exceeds 40% of regular online casino users.
Every year, the level of online card games grows by 10%. This is possible due to digitalization and increased player awareness. In addition, seasonal events also increase the involvement of participants during peak periods.
Traditions of Card Games
Unique events attract the attention of fans. For example, the World Series of Poker attracts not only participants but also millions of viewers around the world. Sites such as casino online Lolajack also give participants the opportunity to try their hand and compete with professionals.
Baccarat is associated with high stakes. This is especially noticeable among the Asian audience, who like to put probability theory into practice. Blackjack also has an appeal among math lovers. The probabilities of the model and observations directly affect the decisions of players. Online casinos strive to ensure that participants have the opportunity to communicate and find an activity option according to their own preferences.
As a result, card games remain the true leaders of the gambling market. They not only entertain, but also develop attention, perseverance, and social skills. A large selection of various variations of classic games allows you to choose the version that suits your preferences. Developers do not lag behind trends and do everything possible to surprise fans.