45th Annual Pro-Am for Kids Thursday July 11, 2019 CHW Montreal will proudly host the 45th Annual Pro-Am For Kids Golf Tournament at Hillsdale Golf Club. Our tournament is special as amateur players have the unique opportunity to play on a team with a professional golfer from the Circuit Canada Pro Tour. Enjoy a full day of pure fun - golf, food, drinks, live and silent auctions and fabulous raffle prizes. We are proud to continue our partnership with Camp Erin Montreal. Camp Erin is a North American network of bereavement camps for youth aged 12-17 who have experienced the loss of a close family relative. A portion of the proceeds from the Pro-Am For Kids will be donated to support this exceptional program. Various sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, call 514-933-8461 or visit www.chw.ca/proam2019 for full event details. JOIN US FOR A FUN-FILLED DAY 9:00 - 10:30 AM Welcome and Registration 11:00 AM Brunch 12:00 PM Shot Gun 5:30 PM Cocktails and Dinner Prize Presentations Silent and Live Auctions
CHW VIP Evening and Art Auction
Art Auction Committee
From left: Cara Ladenheim, Lianne Routtenberg, Sarah Hutman, Anne Jano
Volunteers showcasing some of the fabulous art.
The Art Auction was a huge success, raising over $70,000 with the support of a dedicated committee. Each year, a variety of artwork is selected, ranging from trendy street art to inventive fabric mosaics. Our members and friends enjoyed delicious cocktails followed by a fast-pace live auction. Auctioneer extraordinaire, Neil Horowitz, masterfully worked the crowd with his wit and humour. As a special feature for the annual auction, CHW hosted a VIP evening at the hip Gallery Station 16, an up and coming gallery that promotes contemporary urban art. Artist Steven Spazuk presented a live demonstration of his fire art technique. Plans are already underway for October 2019. Stay tuned for more exciting details.
centre activities CHW Montreal Volunteers in the Community
CHW Montreal volunteers recently served dinner at Le Café, a kosher soup kitchen at the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors. Our volunteers also take part in MADA’s Shabbat to Share program, whereby they prepare and package Shabbat meals for delivery to over 650 recipients throughout the city. It has been a terrific experience getting involved and learning more about these wonderful community-centred organizations. Thank you to everyone who generously gives their time. If you are interested in participating, please contact Alanna Elias at 514-933-8461.
CHW Montreal volunteers at Le Café.
Newsbulletin
SPRING 2019
An Evening at the Segal Centre – BOOM X
Susan Bercovitch and Alicia Epstein paying tribute to the food sponsors.
From left: Howard Levine, Rob Laufer and Rick Zipper
Chanukah Luncheon: “Making Lemonade out of Lemons” CHW Montreal hosted a festive Chanukah Luncheon featuring motivational speaker Corrie Sirota. Corrie is well-known in the Montreal community as she hosts a radio show on CJAD and is the Clinical Director of Camp Erin® Montreal. A portion of the proceeds from our Pro-Am For Kids Golf Tournament supports Camp Erin. Corrie’s presentation was inspiring, uplifting, and humorous as she discussed managing and re-thinking stress. The afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by our members and friends and donations of non-perishable kosher food were collected for MADA.
Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW) Montreal Centre
CHW Montreal hosted a night out at the Segal Centre with the smash hit Boom X. Members and friends were enthralled with Rick Miller’s production of cutting-edge projections and virtuoso impressions of politicians, musicians, and activists. We all reminisced and sang along to the tunes from the 1970s and 1980s. The committee showcased fabulous packages for the silent auction and our ‘Sweet and Salty’ reception following the show was outstanding. A special shout-out to the many kosher caterers and bakeries who answered our call and donated goodies for the buffet. Todah Rabah!
Annual Campaign Story: Read how Hadassah Hospital was able to save Baby B.
Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) Programme
Assembled JWRP group with guest speaker Jeff Bicher.
CHW Montreal has been working in conjunction with JWRP to develop joint programming initiatives. JWRP organizes educational programs for groups of women to travel to Israel and commit to monthly programs for one year. In February, we co-hosted a seminar on the topic of “How to Raise your Kids to Identify as Jews.” It was an informative discussion with featured speaker, Jeff Bicher, who has extensive experience working with high school-aged young adults.
Passover Baskets
We did it again! The Passover Baskets fundraiser was another sold-out success, raising over $35,000 for CHW projects in Israel. CHW Past Montreal Centre President Alana Shiveck enthusiastically took on the challenge of directing this program and was instrumental in its success. Many thanks to Miriam Peletz for diligently reaching out to members and friends to include their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as Mini-Matzohs. A great big thank you to the team of volunteers who helped package and deliver 500 baskets throughout the city.
From left: Guest speaker A family affair. From left: CHW members and friends Corrie Sirota Frankel, Lisa Lianne Routtenberg, CHW in attendance. Montreal Centre President Kasner, Alana Shiveck Alicia Epstein, Alana Shiveck
CHW Paint Night CHW Montreal hosted a “Pop-Graffiti Art” Paint Night as a fun and creative way to spend a cold evening in January. High school student Maya Epstein developed the program with CHW as part of a school project and was instrumental in marketing the evening as a Mother/Daughter night out. Sheila Nemtin Levine, an artist and CHW Immediate Past Montreal Centre President, volunteered her time by creating the artwork and instructing the class. A special thank you to Stokes for donating aprons for our budding artists, and to Marissa and Noah Sidel of Café de L’Avenue in the Cavendish Mall for donating their fabulous space.
Volunteers of all ages came out to assemble the baskets in record breaking time.
CHW Walk To Support Children - Sunday May 26, 2019 @ 10 am
Sign up to be a participant or support a walker
The Anna Zaitchick Chapter invites you to join them as they host their 8th Annual CHW Walk. To set up your personalized walk page, be in touch with the CHW Montreal Office. The proceeds from this year’s fundraising campaign are in support of CHW’s commitment to upgrade and renovate the CHW Debbie Eisenberg and Gary Levene Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Shamir Medical Centre (Assaf Harofeh) in Israel. With your help, CHW will be moderinizing the department to save and improve the lives of critically ill children. CHW Montreal Centre President Alicia Epstein with members of the Anna Zaitchick Chapter.
Proceeds benefitting Mother/daughter team: Susan and Jessica Bercovitch
Artist Sheila Nemtin Levine instructing Paint Night.
Romy Hutman showing off her finished piece of Graffiti Art.
Donate online by visiting www.chw.ca/walk2019. CHW Montreal Centre, 6900 Decarie Boulevard, Suite 3405 Montreal QC H3X 2T8
514-933-8461 info@montreal.chw.ca www.chw.ca/montreal www.facebook.com/CanadianHadassahWIZO
What’s Inside... • Annual Campaign 2019 • Upcoming events: Pro-Am For Kids • Big News: Tel Hai Bridge, Mahjong & Canasta Luncheon is moving into the city
CHW Passionately Supports Programs and Services for Children, Healthcare, and Women in Israel and Canada.
President’s Message I recently had a chance to speak with a group of women who had just returned from an organized tour of Israel. As CHW Montreal Centre President, my goal was to present CHW as a means to direct their newfound love of Israel and to discuss ways that CHW can help strengthen Jewish identity in our young community. My passion for the beautiful country of Israel was also recently renewed when I was there a few summers ago. Growing up, I attended Solomon Schechter Academy and Herzliah High School. I travelled to Israel on the Grade 9 Herzliah trip in 1987 and visited Israel again with my husband in 1995. Now fast forward to 2016, when I went on the Solomon Schechter Israel trip as a parent volunteer. I arrived in Israel knowing it’s a key part of my Jewish identity and I wanted to pass that on to my kids, leading by example. My children see the physical work as well as my emotional involvement in CHW and in our community. I often say to my children, if we don’t support Israel, who will? If we did not have our own country, then where would we be? As a result, when my daughter Maya had to choose her graduating community service project, she chose to run a fundraising event for CHW. She wanted to give back to an organization that would allow her to contribute to Israel in her own way. Last summer, CHW Montreal partnered with Y Country Camp (YCC) to include one of our projects on the itinerary for their Junior CITs’ trip to Israel. The campers spent a morning playing with the children at the CHW Clara Balinsky (Montreal) Daycare in Israel, located on the campus of The Shamir Medical Centre (Assaf Harofeh). CHW Montreal pursued this opportunity with YCC to expose young Montreal Jews to the impact that Canadian donors have in Israel and to demonstrate that there are people across the globe who dedicate their time and money to ensure that Israel’s most vulnerable are taken care of. In line with this year’s Annual Campaign theme – My Homeland, My Impact – it’s important for my family that we keep Israel at the forefront of our minds. We all do what we can to pass along the values that we hold dear. Israel is strong in my heart, and I feel that I have passed that on to my children, for now and into the future. By supporting the CHW Annual Campaign 2019, I hope you will join me in making a positive difference in Israel and the thousands of families who rely on CHW and the projects we support. With warm regards,
Alicia Epstein CHW Montreal Centre President
Interested in getting involved? Join us!
CHW Montreal is always looking for volunteers interested in getting involved in one (or more) of our fundraising activities. Do you want to help plan an event or suggest some new ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Call CHW Montreal anytime at 514-933-8461 or send an email to Alanna Elias at alanna@montreal.chw.ca.
Your Donations At Work: Hadassah Hospital
Baby B, as he is sweetly referred to at Hadassah Hospital, was born a healthy and happy little boy. Shortly before he was to go home, the doctors noticed that his breathing was irregular and his skin was very pale. Dr. Benjamin Bar-Oz, Director of Neonatology at Hadassah Hospital, who was treating Baby B, saw that his ammonia level had reached 680. (The normal level for a newborn baby is 40.) That is when he knew something was wrong. It was quickly discovered that Baby B had been born with a rare genetic metabolic disease which affects only one in 50,000 to 100,000 people. The disease is referred to as methylmalonic aciduria. While newborn babies are tested for this disease prior to being released from the hospital, the disease rarely becomes life-threatening so rapidly. As hours passed, Baby B’s ammonia levels were already at 1,100. The Hadassah Hospital medical team, including Dr. Benjamin Bar-Oz, Dr. Nava Shaul-Lotan, Pediatric Medical Geneticist, and Dr. Oded Volovesky, Pediatric Nephrologist, convened to discuss the best course of action to save this baby’s life. There was concern for Baby B’s brain function as well. Dr. Shaul-Lotan said, “Without extreme intervention, this baby had no chance of survival.” After consultation, Baby B began 25 hours of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). This treatment filters the blood slowly over a long period of time. Finally, Baby B’s ammonia levels decreased to normal levels. The medical team is now working with the family to care for the baby as this is a chronic illness. However, as a result of the remarkable work carried out by the physicians at Hadassah Hospital, Baby B is alive today. The infant’s grandmother said, “The Hadassah doctors worked tirelessly to help our baby. We appreciate the brilliance of the Hadassah personnel who were equipped to cope with this. They also give their whole heart. Their devotion goes way beyond their job obligations. We are very grateful to Hadassah.” Your gift to CHW today will support vital services and help us create a future filled with hope and opportunity for those we serve. When you give to our Annual Campaign, you are impacting the lives of thousands of children, women, and families and ensuring the future of Israel. My Homeland, My Impact. Please GIVE TODAY.
Join the growing list of Sustainers CHW Sustainers pledge a minimum donation of $1,000 annually ($83.50 monthly) to the Annual Campaign. Every Sustainer receives an attractive sterling silver pin (made in Israel), and recognition in CHW publications. With the help of Sustainers, CHW can continue its mission of passionately supporting programs and services for Children, Healthcare, and Women in Israel and Canada.
Anonymous Azrieli Family Foundation Susan Balinsky Renna Bassal Carol Berall Eleonora Berku (Honoring
her great-grandchildren, Adam, Eva, Raina and Kiren)
Bernice Brownstein Clarice Brownstein Kolomeir Gloria Burnett Diane Cohen Leba & Jack Cooperstone Mollie Corber Shirley Croll Rhoda Dubin Frieda Dym Bina Ellen Naomi & Arnold Garber Sue Green Saryl Gross Lynda Grossman Sarah Hutman Roslyn Joseph Judy Katsof
Shirley Konigsberg Sonja Langburt Elizabeth Laxer Sheila Nemtin Levine Charlotte Lubin Luba Miller Anita Morris Vita E. Novick Sarah Pomerantz Marsha Ptack Dorothy Reitman Dundi & Lyon Sachs (honouring Debbie Eisenberg) Bea Schachter Evelyn Bloomfield Schachter Marcy Segall Jackie Sheiner Harriet Star Dr. Mireille Steinberg Beverly Suliteanu Fowler Maidy Teitelbaum Susan Wainberg Zees Wenger
Submitted by Ora Dermer
Our beautiful mom, Ruth Dermer, passed away on December 25, 2018, peacefully, at home, surrounded by her three loving daughters, Ethel, Arlene (Ora) and Rona. Mom was a brave and compassionate soul, devoted to her family, the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Actively involved in community endeavours, her lifelong dedication was to Canadian Hadassah-WIZO. As a young woman she joined the Chaya Sara Shier Chapter and later affiliated with the Tel Hai Chapter. She was the ideal candidate to represent CHW and served as CHW Montreal Centre President from 1986–1988, as Mom had extensive knowledge of Jewish history, Israeli politics and public affairs. This experience made her proud of herself, the organization and the State of Israel. A talented, warm-hearted woman of impeccable taste, Mom was a true “woman of valour.” Her wish was to be remembered as a daughter of Zion and her favourite song was Yerusalayim Shel Zahav. When you hear it, think of her. This excerpt was submitted by Ruth’s daughters to express how meaningful and important CHW’s core values were to their mother.
Past Presidents Advisory Council (PPAC) The PPAC is comprised of Past Presidents of CHW Montreal. Collectively, these women embody a group of committed individuals who, over the years, have devoted their talents and energies to the growth and well-being of our organization. An inaugural meeting took place in October at the home of a most gracious and generous hostess, Susan Balinsky. We were fortunate to have Marilyn Libin, newly installed CHW National President, and CHW National Executive Director Alina Ianson, as the keynote speakers. The meeting was purposeful and focused on CHW Montreal’s future – the importance of thriving and going ‘from strength to strength.’ Back row, from left: Susan Abramowitz, Marla Goodwin Zipper, Alicia Epstein, Harriet Star, Sarah Hutman, Cookie Epstein, Roslyn Joseph, Sheila Nemtin Levine, Renna Bassal, Judith Lifshitz, Marsha Ptack, Rhonda Schwartz Front row, from left: Alina Ianson, Marilyn Libin, Susan Balinsky, Maxine Sanders, Carol Seltzer
Monthly Giving Changes Lives TODAY The Circle of Chai is another way to make a bigger impact in support of the Annual Campaign. By contributing a minimum monthly gift of $18, monthly giving makes a big difference a little at a time – and offers a continuous and reliable source of funding for CHW projects and programs. Call the CHW Montreal Office at 514-933-8461 and stand proudly in the Circle. CHW Montreal Circle of Chai Members: Anonymous Susan Abramowitz Carrie Bogante Rhonda Schwartz Sandra Sterling
FOR SALE! SALE! FOR
Calling all Bridge, Mahjong and Canasta Players!
A Tribute to Ruth Dermer z”l
Honour your commitment to CHW by joining the Legacy CirclE The CHW Legacy Circle honours those who have included CHW in their estate plans. A gift in your will today will help build a better tomorrow. As a member of the CHW Legacy Circle, you will receive a Legacy Circle pin and your name will appear in CHW publications. Should you require further information, or if you have already provided for CHW in your will and would like to be included in the CHW Legacy Circle, please contact Miriam Peletz or Roslyn Joseph at the CHW Montreal Office (514-933-8461). Bea Krupp z’l Anonymous Gloria Burnett Anabel Louis z’l Shirley Croll Bea Schachter Cynthia Flower Jackie Sheiner Sharon Flower Melissa Singer (in Helen Greenfeld memory of Phyllis Roslyn Joseph G. & Leo Singer)
CHW Necklaces - $100 Big News! Save The Date! The 35th Annual Tel Hai BRIDGE, MAHJONG AND CANASTA Luncheon is moving into the city! Join us
Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at The Chevra 5237 Clanranald Ave Montreal, QC H3X 1V4
Limited Edition! These unique necklaces include a CHW logo charm, customized just for CHW by Aura Designs, an exciting Israeli designer. To order, call 514-933-8461 or visit www.chw.ca/centennial-necklace.
Artist Cards
CHW Montreal is selling beautiful card packages with original artwork by Montreal artists Peter Krausz, Michael Litvack, Dina Podolsky, Lynda Schneider Granatstein, and CHW Past Montreal Centre President Sheila Nemtin Levine. The packages of 10 cards are presented in an organza bag for only $15. A great gift idea! To order your cards, contact CHW Montreal at 514-933-8461.
Includes Valet Parking Buffet Lunch Raffle and Door Prizes All levels welcome! For more information, call 514-933-8461
Mahjong Lessons Anyone?
Due to the popularity of the Mahjong lessons held last year in June and October, CHW Montreal will once again be offering another four-week session on Tuesday evenings in May. CHW member Hildie Gossack will be the class instructor. We are happy to announce that, due to the strong interest in these classes, registration is now closed. Call the CHW Montreal office to add your name to the waitlist for a future session.
CHW Nurses’ Health Forum on Medical Cannabis 101
September 2019 Stay tuned for more details
Cards and Certificates for All Occasions
Share your milestones and holidays with CHW cards and certificates. They are available for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, births, condolences, and more. To place an order, call 514-933-8461.
BAR MITZ VAH
14th Printing of A Treasure For My Daughter This updated “handbook for the Jewish home” features a comprehensive blessings chapter, traditional recipes, and explanations of the Jewish holidays. $36 per copy. To order your book, contact CHW Montreal at 514-933-8461 or order online at www.chw.ca/montreal.
Beautiful “Ima” Pins Gold or Silver Tone
These pins are the perfect gift for new mothers, moms celebrating birthdays and Mother’s Day. $36 each. You can purchase pins by calling CHW Montreal at 514-933-8461.