Features
The Max Blankstein legacy
By GERRY POSNER Thanks to former Winnipegger Murray Blank-stein, I was fortunate enough recently to obtain, read and savour a book just released on the life and works of Canada’s first Jewish architect, one Max Blankstein. He, of course, was more than just Canada’s first licensed Jewish architect as his children, three of whom prominently followed in his footsteps as architects, and others, including their descendants, have made notable achievements in various other endeavours, including those related to architecture.
The book was the result of the efforts of the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation and members of the Blankstein family. The fact that the book honours the memory of a man who died at a young age of 58 and who was only professionally active in the field for about 26 years, speaks volumes about the prodigous amount of work produced by Max Blankstein during this period. The book categorizes his work into different types of uses, selecting representative examples of his building and commercial blocks, theatres, single family residences, apartment blocks, institutions, warehouses and service buildings.
Max was versatile. The book lists his work, principally in Winnipeg, but also elsewhere in Manitoba and Saskatchewan where the research effort was able to document what Max had designed. The length of the list is staggering. Winnipeg was then, and remains to this day, the beneficiary of his skill and dedication. Max’s life is reconstructed, beginning from his days in Odessa in what was then Russia and now Ukraine. The book even includes photos of two of the buildings he designed in Odessa that were still in existence at the time this research was being undertaken. Accessing records in Odessa going back to the first decade of the twentieth century took considerable effort.
In Canada, the story traces Max’s arrival in July of 1904 and his receiving certification as an architect in Manitoba some six years later. However records show that by 1907, Max as an architect or designer was filing applications for building permits with the City of Winnipeg. On September 19, 1910, the Province delivered his certificate of compliance in accordance with the provisions of The Architects Act (1910), which statute had just been passed into law that year.
One of the best parts of the book is the clear and effective descriptions of the buildings Max designed and I make that statement as someone whose knowledge and understanding of architecture is very limited. Thanks must be paid to Murray Peterson and Susan Algie from the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation, who did the research and writing for the book. Just the number of photos and drawings which they were able to reproduce makes this book worthwhile. Another feature of the book is the history that is interwoven into the story, so that the reader gets an appreciation of where Max was, the obstacles he faced along his path to and in Winnipeg, the political turmoil affecting the world, and the impact of that on an immigrant’s experience. That allows the reader to get a perspective of the time and place.
Still another aspect of the book is that it gives the reader an idea of how Winnipeg was the place to be at that time – or at least part of it, prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, which cut 8,000 nautical miles off the shipping distance to and from Canada’s west coast. The book also deals with the effects the First World War had on finance, investment and development in Western Canada. Max benefited from the time when Winnipeg was taking off and was the fastest growing city in North America. Much of his work occurred in the period between 1904-1920 and there are visible remnants of his work even today.
A significant component of Max Blankstein’s architectural imprint was in the theatrical world. Max had a keen sense of theatre design and so he was often called upon to design venues for theatres across the three prairie provinces of Western Canada, including in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Neepawa, The Pas, and Regina. And for anyone who grew up in Winnipeg and was fortunate to haver attended the Uptown Theatre at 394 Academy Road – well, that structure was a Max Blankstein special. I know this. As a child, I was there almost every Saturday afternoon and even then, I realized how unusual was this theatre. It seated 1200 on the main floor and another 427 in the balcony. The interior was styled as a Morrish village. Who cannot recall the dark blue ceiling with twinkling stars, a moon and the towers from the exterior of the building set inside on each side of the proscenium?… a sight to behold.
The book gives a far better insight into the detail of the structure than I could ever do. And lest I forget, Max was involved in the construction of some of the most well known Jewish institutions and buildings of his day. He was the designer of the Winnipeg Hebrew Free School (the first Talmud Torah at 121 Charles Street) – and later a branch at 220 Andrews Street, the Mount Carmel Clinic on Selkirk Avenue, the Adas Yeshurun Synagogue (demolished). As well, he provided design input for the Shaarey Shamayim Synagogue (at 129 Dagmar Street) in Winnipeg prior to its merger with the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. That building is still standing, but it has not been a synagogue since 1949 when its replacement was opened on Wellington Crescent. Do yourself a favour and take a look at that building on Dagmar today.
Check out as well some of the houses Max designed. They are charming. Just as fascinating for me, aside from the story on the works of Max Blankstein, is the family tree and the people in the Blankstein family who followed their father and grandfather into the profession of architecture or in corollary fields. Their names are readily identifiable and I suggest to you that you will come to realize what a force this man was just by virtue of his progeny. Perhaps the most telling aspect about Max and his family is revealed in a piece of paper found in the wallet of his eldest son Wolfe, after Wolfe’s death in 1990. It was in Wolfe’s handwriting and is as follows: “Architecture is a social art. One looks at paintings or sculptures but people live and work in buildings. It is the most expressive art of all and therefore the slowest to change. Architecture is also the most visible of all arts. Buildings shape the environment, paintings and sculptures only adorn it.”
Thus, if you want to learn little bit about the buildings around you even now and appreciate a bit of history along the way, this is the book for you. Moreover, you might want to take in the display mounted by the Winnipeg Architectural Foundation (WAF) on the subject of the Max Book now on at the Winnipeg Millennium Library with plans, photos, artifacts and explanatory notes.
The book was officially launched in Winnipeg at McNally Robinson on November 29 with appearances by co-authors Murray Peterson and Susan Algie.
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.
