A Message From Neil Duboff, President

from Shofar // April 2023

by Congregation Shaarey Zedek Winnipeg

In Memoriam

The Board of Directors announces that after two years of dedicated leadership, Ran Ukashi will be stepping down as the Executive Director of Congregation Shaarey Zedek to pursue a new opportunity. We are extremely grateful for Ran's dedicated service to Shaarey Zedek and look forward to his continued success.

Ran Ukashi Outgoing Executive Director

We want to reassure you that the Board and staff are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of our services and programs and thank you for your continued support and dedication to our community.

During this transition period, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze, our Director of Engagement and Education, and member of our lay clergy, will be stepping in as interim Executive Director. Rena who has been an integral part of our team since 2016 has a background in Communications, Business and Judaic Studies and has held professional roles in several of our local Jewish organizations. We are confident that she will do an excellent job in this role.

Dr Rena Secter Elbaze Interim Executive Director

While we are sad to see Ran leave, we are excited about the next stage in Shaarey Zedek’s future and look forward to continuing to serve you under Rena’s leadership.

Sincerely, president@szwinnipeg.ca

Join us for a musically dynamic and spiritually uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Anibal Mass, Cantor Leslie Emery, and our guest, Yacov Fruchter.

SAT APR 15

10:00 AM CT

Yacov will join Rabbi Anibal Mass, Cantor Leslie Emery, and the clergy team for Shabbat Morning Service.

He will be reading Torah and will deliver the D’var Torah as we celebrate Shabbat together. Following the Kiddush Lunch, Yacov will offer a session about Relational Judaism — Creating spiritual community through caring relationships. He will explore Jewish texts, best practices from the field and his own experiences at Beth Tzedec on how to keep synagogues relevant for generations to come.

About

Yacov Fruchter has been serving as Spiritual Leader: Director of Community Building and Spiritual Engagement at Beth Tzedec Congregation, the largest synagogue in Canada, since 2015, and is a registered psychotherapist. He is originally from Montreal, and is married to Winnipegger, Ryla Braemer and together they have three awesome kids. Yacov cares deeply about building inclusive and warm communities based on the power of caring relationships. In his spare time, he is involved in mental health support for trans people through Transforming Style, refugee advocacy and sponsorships, and initiatives that care for people who are confronting homelessness and food insecurity.