Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
RABBI ALAN GREEN
Retirement Gala Weekend Weekend Sponsored by
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
YEARS
Congregation
April 26 - 29, 2018
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To Rabbi Green, From Your Neighbours Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for serving our community. We wish you all the best. We look forward to seeing you for lunch when you come to visit.
204.487.8325
529Wellington.ca 529 - Rabbi Green Retirement Ad - Apr11.18.indd 1
2018-04-12 4:44 PM
Rabbi Green, The Members and Board of Sisterhood of Congregation Shaarey Zedek wish you and Chaya Mazel Tov on your retirement, and good luck and much happiness in the next chapter of your lives. We thank you for all you have done for us over the past 18 years, as a Sisterhood and as individuals. We thank you for educating us. We thank you for your ongoing support and, most of all, we thank you for teaching us to be kind, giving human beings. We thank you for being you! B’hatzlachah! We will miss you
Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
Honouring Rabbi Alan Green ...4
Our Special Guests
Weekend Schedule ...5 Sponsors ...5 Messages from Dignitaries Prime Minister Of Canada ...7 Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba ...9 Premier of Manitoba ...11 Mayor of Winnipeg ...13 Member of Parliament, Winnipeg South Centre ...15 Member of the Legislative Assembly, Fort Rouge ...17 City Councillor, River HeightsFort Garry ...19
Messages from Shaarey Zedek Officials President ...25 Rabbis ...27 and 29 Event Chair ...31 Executive Director ...33
Todah Rabah ...34 130
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Showing his talent early in life, Herschel Fox succeeded Cantor Brownstone as the cantor of the Talmud Torah in Winnipeg when he was only 20 years old. He also served at Temple Shalom in Greenwich, CT; Temple Israel in Great Neck, NY; and Congregation Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, CA since 1981.
Judy Fox began her show business career working in New York’s nightclubs, theatres and cabarets. She was Rodney Dangerfield’s opening act at his New York City nightclub, and worked with other popular comedians such as Dave Barry, Jack Carter and Jan Murray. She also sang at many of the popular hotels in New York’s Catskills before relocating to Los Angeles.
The couple met in 1979. Judy fell in love with her husband. . . .and cantorial liturgy. “My grandfather was a cantor in Hungary; my greatgrandfather was a rabbi.” Judy Fox said. “It’s just something that touches my heart.” Cantor Judy Fox has been serving at the Synagogue For The Performing Arts for more than 20 years.
Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Cantors Herschel and Judy Fox
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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Honouring
Rabbi Alan Green
Rabbi Alan Green was born September 14, 1953, in Los Angeles, California where he lived for most of the first 39 years of his life. He grew up at Congregation Adat Ariel in Valley Village, California where he was taken under the wing of Cantor Allan Michelson, one of the great Chazzanim of that day. Rabbi Green received his BA and MA in the History of Religions from UCLA, and studied Rabbinic Literature for three years at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. He received rabbinic ordination in 1991 from Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, founder and Dean of the Aleph Alliance for Jewish Renewal. Besides Cantor Michelson and Rabbi Schachter-Shalomi, Rabbi Green’s other significant spiritual influences include His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Rabbi Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel, Rabbi Dr. Arthur Green, and Dr. Kees W. Bolle, who for many years was Professor of the History of Religions at UCLA. For five years, Rabbi Green was spiritual leader of Temple B’nai Emet in Montebello, California before coming to Winnipeg in 1992 where he served as spiritual leader of Beth Israel Congregation until 2000. Rabbi Green has served as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shaarey Zedek since the fall of 2000. In addition to his work at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Rabbi Green has been deeply involved with the Interfaith community through his participation in the Interfaith Round Table, the River Heights Ministerial Association, Bat Kol, and other organizations. Rabbi Green has been married to Chaya and her triplets, Daniel, Eve, and Shoshanah, since 1990. He calls his move to Winnipeg “one of the best things that ever happened to me”, and has spent many years of happiness, harmony, and celebration at Shaarey Zedek and with the Winnipeg Jewish community. When asked what his greatest accomplishment at Shaarey Zedek was, he’s quick to answer: “I kept the peace!” Rabbi Green and Chaya’s next move will be to Fairfield, Iowa, home of Maharishi University of Management, an accredited, meditation-based school of higher education where students, faculty, and staff practice Transcendental Meditation (TM). Rabbi Green and Chaya will be joining a community of 2,000 expert Transcendental Meditators, approximately 10% of whom are Jewish. Rabbi Green expects to transition smoothly into a role in which he will teach, write, study, travel, and fulfill a life-long dream to integrate Jewish observance and study with the practice of TM, and growth towards higher states of consciousness.
APRIL 26-29, 2018
Rabbi Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
GALA DINNER
Thursday, April 26, 6:30 PM
Cocktail Reception 4-Course Gourmet Dinner prepared by Executive Chef Joel Lafond and Catering Team. World-Class Musical Entertainment featuring Cantors Herschel and Judy Fox.
SHABBAT SERVICE AND KIDDUSH
Saturday, April 28, 10:00 AM
A Dynamic Service led by Rabbi Aníbal Mass, with Keyboard Accompaniment and Torah Play-By-Play by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Special Participation and Torah L’Chayim (Torah Study) with Cantors Herschel and Judy Fox. A Delicious Kiddush Lunch will be Served.
LET’S PARTY!!! BLUE JEANS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
G I F T S PO N S O R Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood
W I N E S PO N S O RS RICK LEE AND LAURIE SHAPIRO PERRY AND SYLVIA SCHULMAN
KI D D U S H S PO N S O R Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood
PARTY S PO N S O R
Saturday, April 28, 7:00 PM A Party for Everyone to Celebrate! Featuring FRENZ The Band with Hits from the 60s and 70s, Dancing, Silent Auction, Refreshments and Snacks, and Special Musical Havdallah. Tickets Available at the Door.
COMMUNITY CANTORIAL CONCERT
CO M M U N I TY CAN TO RI AL CO N CE RT S U PPO RTE RS
Sunday, April 29, 2:00 PM
Featuring Cantors Herschel and Judy Fox, and Members of Winnipeg’s Cantorial Community. Tickets Available at the Door.
Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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Congratulations, Rabbi Green, on your well-deserved retirement,
Mazel Tov on your retirement, Rabbi Green! Thank you for your contributions to our school community. From the Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education and Gray Academy
having served as spiritual leader in our community for decades, and for supporting and officiating lifecycle events for our family Murray Palay, Ivy Kopstein, Leo Palay and Max Palay
Wishing you all the best in the future. Your spiritual guidance and warm personality will be missed by the whole community. Marcy and Barry Schwartz, Hart Schwartz
JN F M an i tob a & Saskatche wan pr e s en t s
NEGEV GALA CON CERT ___ FEATURING A UNIQUE VOICE, WORLD RENOWNED SINGER AND COMPOSER
DAVID D’OR Mazel Tov Rabbi Green, we wish you a happy and healthy retirement! blue - 300 c gree n - 362 c brown - 1535 c
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2018 CENTENNIAL CONCERT HALL | 7:30PM F O R M O RE I N FO R MAT I O N, S P O NS O R S HI P O P P O R T U NITIES, D O N ATI O N A N D T I C KE T S : 2 0 4 . 9 4 7 . 0 2 0 7 J NFWI NNIPEG.C A
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
130
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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Thank you Rabbi Green for being our Rabbi, confidant and most importantly our friend. Your spiritual leadership
Our best and warmest wishes on the occasion of Rabbi Green’s retirement, with gratitude for his contributions to multifaith dialogue, education and awareness, especially to our Multifaith Leadership Breakfast in 2015.
and continued support during our Simchas and troubling times have been extraordinary. Thank you for being You. Enjoy your retirement!! Sandy, Phil, JD and Sean Sheegl, Sophie Szczygiel
Thank you for being our rabbi for all these years. Having you lead the Shabbat services was truly enlightening. We wish you much success and happiness in your future. Norman and Elaine Silverberg
Rabbi Green, On this, the 18th (Chai) - and final year of your service as rabbi at the Shaarey Zedek, we want to thank you for your magnificent contribution, not only to the entire Jewish community of Winnipeg, but to Winnipeg in general. Your presence will be sorely missed. We wish you and Chaya nothing but the best as you both embark on new phases in your lives. -Bernie Bellan Publisher, The Jewish Post & News
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
MESSAGE FROM THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF MANITOBA As the Queen’s representative in Manitoba, I am pleased to join in the enthusiastic chorus of congratulations for a distinguished spiritual leader and a good friend, Rabbi Alan Green. You once said that moving to Winnipeg was “one of the best things that ever happened to (you),” but I believe there are a great many who believe that our community was truly the major beneficiary of your fateful relocation. An inspiring teacher, you have always led by example in your devotion to faith, your commitment to the well-being of others and continuing efforts to make the world a better place for us all. Shaarey Zedek Synagogue members, in particular, have been enriched by your thoughtful wisdom and kind compassion in helping them live their faith as they strive to weather the inevitable challenges of life. A retirement marks the conclusion of one phase of living and the beginning of a whole new one. This weekend presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your calling, your achievements and the indelible imprint you are leaving on a grateful congregation and your adopted hometown. Thank you for your outstanding service to our community. As you prepare to leave Winnipeg, I extend my sincere best wishes that your retirement years are long, happy, healthy and fulfilling – a just reward for a man of such admirable faith and impeccable character.
The Honourable Janice C. Filmon, C.M., O.M. Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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Our family will always be grateful for the role Rabbi Green played as Sharon Pollack’s mental strength and spiritual coach. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Rocky Pollack Hart Pollack and Nancy Chappel-Pollack, Mitchell, Shane, Talia and Casey Lisa and Andy Furman, Noah and Seth
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Best wishes to you and Chaya for a wonderful retirement. Linni and Jay Averbach May you be blessed with good health and fulfillment of your personal desires. Lou and Ruth Billinkoff Thank you for your warmth and kindness. Fondly, Sheila and David Brodovsky You have been an inspiration. All the best to you and Chaya in the future. Pamela and Gary Brooker Thank you for your many kindnesses and mazel tov on your retirement. You earned it! Eleanor Burke and Family Only 18 years??? That’s hardly a “chai” time... and you were just starting to get the hang-of-it! You will be missed. I will miss you. I will miss our friendship. Best, always, Shelley (aka Raizel)
Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
130
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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A Thank You To Our Special Donors
Thank you, dear friend Alan, for bringing the light, the love and the learning of Judaism into our hearts and our home each day. Happy, healthy retirement to you and Chaya! Rhonda and Harry Youell
Mrs Mariette Bayer Dr & Mrs Brian Book Dr Eric Ellis and Ms Ruth Lehmann Nettie Pollackz”l Leonard Steingarten
Thank you for everything and all the best to you and Chaya in the next phase of your life. Bonnie Cham, Lorne, Daniel, Gary, and Jonathan Bellan
rab·bi ˈraˌbī/ noun a Jewish scholar or teacher, especially one who studies or teaches Jewish law rab-bi Green/Green rab-bi a rabbi who is still ‘fresh’ at the pulpit – only in the sense that every sermon is delivered with the passion of one who is at the dawn of his career. Yet here we are, after many years of inspiring sermons, deep wisdom, and spiritual transformation - and Rabbi Green is retiring. We are blue. We will truly miss the sense of calm and divine presence that we feel when we enter your sanctuary. We will miss your beautiful voice that elevates us to a higher place when we sing. We will miss your words of comfort, and the way that you are able to connect us to the divine in our times of need and in our times of joy. We will miss your wise words that guide us in our day to day life - even when we are not in your presence. We hope that you experience all that you have given to us as you begin this new chapter in your life. With Gratitude, Cathy Moser and Jeff Itzkow
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
130
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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R ABBI ALAN G RE EN WE EXPRESS OUR DEEP GRATITUDE FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO INTERFAITH DIALOGUE AND TEACHING WE THANK YOU FOR THE KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM YOU HAVE SO GENEROUSLY SHARED WITH THE PEOPLE OF WINNIPEG THESE MANY YEARS. Winnipeg Bat Kol Tri-Diocesan Committee A collaborative effort of: Archdiocese of Saint Boniface Archdiocese of Winnipeg Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg Congregation of Our Lady of Sion
Much appreciation for your many years of devotion to our family and the synagogue. Good luck and much happiness! Ellen and Daniel Hamburg and Family A gentle, kind spiritual leader� All the best in your continued journey! Rosemarie Finlay and Bonnie Hoffer-Steiman We wish you a healthy, happy retirement. We will miss you. Ruth and Mal Juravsky and Family Health and happiness as you begin the next chapter of your life. Adrienne Katz and Family Thank you for everything. You will be missed. Larry and Rhoda Kussin Mazel tov on your new move. We wish you the best for the future. Beverley Manishen, James, Jeffrey and Wayne
With sincere appreciation for your spiritual leadership at Shaarey Zedek. Good luck and good health in your retirement. Nora and David z”l Kaufman and Family
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
Rabbi Alan Green is a special man. His compassion for people, combined with a spirituality unusual in even the most devote religious leader, has inspired generations of Winnipeggers and everyone with whom he has come into contact. It is our relationship with the divine and the divinity within all of us, that inspires the Rabbi and those who have been fortunate enough to be near him these many years that he has lived with us in Winnipeg. His calm, the tranquility that exudes through his carefully chosen words and messages, makes us all feel the warmth and comfort of his special human qualities. We will miss him dearly, but the impact that he has had on our community will endure long after his physical departure. I wish him every success and I know, for him, that means a community of worshipers, a close connection to our spiritual dimensions, and a continuing belief that we are all special.
Hon. Jim Carr Member of Parliament Winnipeg South Centre
130
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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to our Community,
Thank you for your years of wonderful service to Winnipeg. With much appreciation we wish you Mazel Tov on your retirement. May you enjoy it in good health and much happiness. Wishing you the very best,
and to our Family.
Neil and Carol Duboff and Family
Rabbi Green, Thank you for all that you’ve given to our Congregation,
May you and your Family have much Happiness, Good Health and Peace as you move forward to new Experiences and Adventures. With Good Wishes and Loving Thoughts, Earl and Cheryl Barish and Family
Thank you for your words of care and comfort in our times of need. We wish you and Chaya health and happiness as you embark on this new chapter in your lives. Lynne and Henry Trachtenberg
Mazel Tov Rabbi Alan Green on your Retirement Best wishes for a fulfilling retirement filled with joy Thank you for all your dedication to our community Debbie Hoffman, President Gayle Waxman, Executive Director
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
130
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YEARS
Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
17
It’s been an honour having you as our Rabbi and we wish you all the best in the future. Karen Stern, John Michaels, Jamie, Yale and Alex
Wishing you and Chaya a happy and healthy future. We are so grateful for your many contributions to our
Always sincerely caring about those around you. We will never forget you. Gerry and Mickey Namak You were a wonderful Rabbi. It was a pleasure knowing you. Mel Neuman Thank you to Rabbi Green for all your years of spiritual guidance. We wish you and Chaya all the very best on your retirement. Maureen, Richard, Adam, Sam and Benny Pollock
Jewish Community.
Honoured to call you my Rabbi. Kate Rabinovitch
Syd and Janet Thompson
Best wishes for the future. Elliot and Harriet Rodin Thank you so much for being my spiritual mentor. Solomon Seyoum
CONGRATULATIONS Rabbi Alan Green on your retirement. Your contributions to the Shaarey Zedek and Jewish life in Winnipeg has been incredible.
WE CONNECT THE DOTS TO ASSIST YOU WITH THE RESOURCES YOU NEED TO GROW.
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300-309 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1T3 Phone 204 942 0300 LAZERGRANT.CA
Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
130
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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With immense gratitude for your guidance and support extended to our family. We wish you and yours health, happiness and peace. Lenore Hechter, Frank and Sue Hechter, and Family
Wilder Family David and Diane, Shira, Curtis, Aaron, Anthony and Amira, Tova, Mark, Tyson and Kylon, Leslie, Marshallz�l and Phyllisz�l
Rabbi Green, From Beth Israel to Shaarey Zedek, your spiritual leadership has blessed our family many times over. Shalom! Miriam, Eric, Daniel and Gabriel Alper
To Chaya and Alan Green,
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Fond farewell to our Special Rabbi. Wishing you good health and much happiness in your retirement.
Thank you for your contributions to the Winnipeg Jewish Community. Best wishes!
Laura Richman, Joy, Sally and Rebecca
Ellen & Stewart Leibl, Matthew & Heather, and Leah
Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
Thanks for all your support and guidance. Mazel Tov on your retirement. Louise and Lorne Raber, Lindsay Raber Adams and Brian Adams
As you embark on the next phase of your life, go with the knowledge of your Winnipeg congregation’s appreciation of your dedication and commitment to us all. We will always remember you with fondness. David and Barbara Goldenberg
130
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YEARS
Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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May your future years be as rewarding and fulfilling as your years at Shaarey Zedek were fulfilling and rewarding to us. Sherna and Gerry Posner
Rabbi Green, We will miss you. May you enhance your personal spiritual journey, and may you return to Shaarey Zedek often. Chutch and Evelyn Bernstein
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
Mazel Tov Rabbi Alan Green From your friends at
Eric Malloy and Staff Bridges for Peace: Christians supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world.
Mazel tov and best wishes to you as you embark on the next chapter of your life’s journey. Jill & Lorne Brandes and Family
Thank you for your kindness, wisdom and warmth. We will miss you. Good health and happiness to you both in your retirement.
We wish you well in your retirement and thank you for all of your contributions to this community and the Jewish Heritage Centre over your many years here.
Ettie Robinson
130
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YEARS
Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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We were happy to have you as our Rabbi for the last 18 years. We will miss you. Morley and Lil Slonim
Thanks for your decades of distinguished service. Wishing you and your family all that’s good in life.
With appreciation for the past and best wishes for the future. Thelma Sures
Brenlee, Brent, Skyler and Sierra Trepel
With grace and kindness, you connect, illuminate, question, and befriend. Affectionately, Susan and Myron Turner With our gratitude and very best wishes. Susan and Eric Vickar and Family
Heartfelt gratitude for everything you did for us. We wish you all the best for your family in the future.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and long retirement. Arthur and Denise Waldman May you enjoy a healthy, happy, pleasant, restful retirement. Warmest regards, Bill and Alice Weissmann
Neil and Maxine Benditt
Thank you, Rabbi Green, for your invaluable contribution to our Winnipeg Community. Every good wish to you and your family for your future endeavors. Marjorie Blankstein, Carol and Barry McArton, Dan Blankstein and Sara Israels, Leo and Mary Blankstein and Family
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
Message from Lorne Weiss President Congregation Shaarey Zedek “Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.” -Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead From the beginning, it became apparent to me that Alan Green was a leader who deviated from the traditional governance model for rabbis of many synagogues. He focussed on building consensus and on his intuitive understanding of the willingness within our Shaarey Zedek community for change rather than an exercise of authority provided by a constitution or by-laws. Under Rabbi Green’s stewardship, the clergy and our volunteer leadership created a number of major changes to make our synagogue more relevant, engaging and flexible. When Rabbi Green announced his retirement plans two years ago, a search was begun to find a new senior rabbi to lead our congregation. Shortly afterward I received an email from Rabbi Green with a “crazy “ idea. Instead of trying to find a new senior rabbi to fit our mold, why not take advantage of our existing talent? As a result, we are now extremely fortunate to have Rabbis Mass and Leibl sharing duties as our Shaarey Zedek Rabbinical Team! I’ve often said that every person is unique, but no one is irreplaceable. Rabbi Green is exactly that person. Over that past 18 years, he has demonstrated his unique qualities that have provided our community with that special leadership and he has also provided the concept for his own replacement. Alan and Chaya, I know that I speak for all of our community when I say Todah Rabah! We wish you continued health, happiness, and good fortune in the next stage of your lives.
130
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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Congratulations on your retirement! We thank you for your years of service to the Jewish community!
Regional Office: C403 - 123 Doncaster Street Winnipeg Manitoba R3N 2B2 www.bnaibrith.ca wbb@bnaibrith.ca 204-487-9623 /bnaibrithcanada @bnabrithcanada /bnaibrithcanada
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
Message from Rabbi Matthew Leibl Congregation Shaarey Zedek Rabbi Alan Green. Hmmmm. When I first hear the name, I think of the man who was rabbi of Beth Israel in the late 90s, presiding over many of my friends’ Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies. He seemed so warm and friendly. Always smiling, ear to ear. With a strong, yet soothing baritone voice. Back then he had a massive beard, too. And he was spiritual. Very spiritual. Way too spiritual for me to appreciate as a 13 year old. And, besides, he wasn’t my rabbi, so I didn’t worry too much about it. Even after I was hired at Shaarey Zedek in 2004 it was still years before I came to appreciate Rabbi Green. I would poke my head into his office every once in a while with a quick question. He would invite me to sit and chat and that “quick question” would inevitably turn into an hour-long conversation. It wasn’t Talmud or Torah we’d discuss, but the life and work of being a rabbi. What it takes to succeed. What he would do differently. He talked to me – not as a student or even a colleague – but as a friend. He inspired me to become a rabbi myself. In the last few years, he easily could have slowed down or mailed it in a bit. Who could blame him?! But not Rabbi Green. Never once. In fact, he’s actually been rejuvenated by and has embraced the new vision of Shaarey Zedek whole-heartedly, providing Rabbi Mass and myself with the encouragement to make changes and see them through. That encouragement will always stay with us. With me. Even after he has left Winnipeg. No matter where he lives – Iowa or wherever – his impact will be felt for years. Now, and forever, when I think of Rabbi Green I think of the man who was my Rabbi and how lucky I am to say that.
130
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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Rachel Cares about Her Community.
Education with Integrity facebook.com/grayacademy |
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
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Message from Rabbi Aníbal Mass Congregation Shaarey Zedek
I have had both the great honour and pleasure of working with Rabbi Alan Green since my arrival in Winnipeg in 2002. He has been a great clergy partner over the years and I have had the good fortune to observe his approach to many different areas of clergy life. Rabbi Green has strengthened the unity of not only the Jewish community in Winnipeg, but the greater Interfaith community as well, which has laid the foundation for dialogue and collaboration at such an important point in time. His approach to people of all backgrounds is one of respect and an interest in learning from everyone – this has served as a source of inspiration for those of us who work alongside him. He has demonstrated his love for Judaism, for Israel and for humanity in so many ways over the years and I will treasure our time together and our conversations on a wide variety of themes. He leaves behind a strong legacy of unity for the Jewish community, one that we will strive to continue and build upon. Rabbi Green’s love of music is also something that we have shared over the years. His tastes are broad and beyond the borders of tradition, which has helped him reach and connect with so many people from so many backgrounds. I am fortunate that he became much more than a colleague � he is also a friend. From my family to yours, we will miss you Rabbi Green.
130
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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In recognition of the wonderful experiences and leadership Rabbi Alan Green has provided to our congregation and community, the Past Presidents of Shaarey Zedek wish him “Good Luck” in his future endeavours. Mazel Tov to you and your family! Judge Charles Rubin
Greg Brodsky
Easton Lexier
Evelyn Hecht
Chuck Golfman
Brian & Jeanne Pauls
David Gisser
Dr. Edward Lyons
Justice Perry & Sylvia Schulman
Judge Rocky Pollack
Rick Lee & Laurie Shapiro
Saul Greenberg
Dr. Eric Ellis & Ruth Lehmann
Dr. Bonnie Cham
Dr. Brent Schacter
Uri Kraut Dr. Ruvin Lyonsz”l
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
Message from Perry Schulman Rabbi Green Farewell Weekend Event Chair Dear Friends, It has been a pleasure for me to serve as Chair of this Gala Weekend honouring Rabbi Alan Green and to have the opportunity to write this special note of thanks for his many years of dedicated service as Senior Rabbi of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Throughout these years, Rabbi Green has been my spiritual adviser, teacher, rabbi and friend. For the past 18 years, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue has been fortunate to have Rabbi Green at the helm. Many important halachic and social issues have been addressed and in his soft-spoken, caring way he has led us to become a very welcoming synagogue, which in turn has helped welcome families from many countries to our community. He has not only served our congregation so well, but has also been a leader in the Jewish community, a strong bridge to the general community and a passionate supporter of the State of lsrael. It will be difficult for our synagogue to replace Rabbi Green’s many fine qualities. The Love of my Life, Sylvia, and I, wish Rabbi Green and the Love of his Life, Chaya, a long, happy, healthy and meaningful retirement together. Sincerely,
Congregation Shaarey Zedek Past President
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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Rabbi Green and Family, Judge Charles and Naida Rubin wish you all of the best as you begin the next phase of your life. You have been a great source of inspiration and peace. Warmest regards.
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Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
Message from Ian Staniloff Executive Director Congregation Shaarey Zedek It has been an absolute honour to have worked with Rabbi Alan Green over the last ten years. I still recall the first time I met him, which was over lunch. I had been offered the position of Executive Director at Shaarey Zedek but needed to meet with Alan first to get his stamp of approval. I was a little nervous about dining with the “Rabbi”, not wanting to make any faux pas regarding kashrut issues. I decided well in advance that a salad would be a safe and appropriate course. Alan proceeded to order a fabulous looking Salmon dish and encouraged me to do the same, which I immediately did! He put me at ease immediately in that warm friendly way that he does! This typified Alan in so many ways. His warm and open manner, and ability to make each person feel comfortable, in my mind speaks to what a rabbi should be! Lately, I have been fondly referring to him as “My Rebbe”. Rebbe, a Yiddish word derived from the Hebrew word rabbi, which means “master, teacher, or mentor”, describes Alan perfectly! His wisdom, calm demeanour, spirituality and common sense has taught me so much over these last ten years. In my Jewish world, Alan is my Mentor, Teacher and Master. I thank him for the time we spent together and will miss him very much! My wish for him is that he receives as much health, happiness and joy as he has provided to our congregation and community for these past 18 years.
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Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
April 26-29, 2018
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A huge thank you to the Volunteers, Clergy
Rabbi Green Retirement Gala Weekend Committee Justice Perry Schulman, Committee Chair and Past President Frank Hecther, Shaarey Zedek Vice-President Shaarey Zedek Past Presidents
Clergy Team Rabbi Matthew Leibl
Rabbi Aníbal Mass
Bill Weissmann, Lay Clergy (Shammes)
Sisterhood Committee and Volunteers Thank you for being a wonderful Rabbi and friend. Can we ever truly know how we helped another?
Sharon Bronstone Gloria Cantor Carole Jeffries Phyllis Laveman Rochelle Litman
Humility Spirit to spirit Soul to soul Peace passes through The Promise Flows Heaven to earth; G-d through man O Precious Covenant of G-d Amen Awakenings of a G-dly Girl
Congratulations my friend. I have enjoyed our many conversations about Winnipeg’s community and its collective children. You have had a strong voice and for that I am grateful. Enjoy life’s future. Best wishes, Rory Paul
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Harriet Lyons Sandy Polanski Louise Raber Thelma Sures Alice Weissmann
Entertainment and Sound Marvin Polanski, Sound Engineer
Event Volunteers Alexandra Haims Romi Haims Noya Haims Phyllis Laveman
Photographer Robyn Shapiro
It was a pleasure knowing you. I wish you and your family all the very best in whatever endeavours are still to come. Dee Buchwald
Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend Sponsored by
and Staff that made this weekend possible:
Synagogue Staff Team Ian Staniloff, Executive Director Bill Croydon, Maintenance Supervisor, and his Team Robert Didych, Communications and Marketing Director Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze, Engagement and Education Director Leslie Emery, Program Director Alexandra Haims, Accounting Clerk Joel Lafond, Executive Chef, and his Culinary Team Lara London, Program and Marketing Assistant Estelle Raber, Life Cycle Director Eduardo Saveliovsky, Chief Financial Officer Alice Weissmann, Ritual Secretary Clare Whiteman, Administrative Associate
Thank you for your guidance, spirituality and connectiveness to the Jewish community and beyond. I’m glad I joined Shaarey Zedek during your tenure. Mazel tov! Hannon Bell
130
est.1889
YEARS
Congregation
Shaarey Zedek
Celebrating Community and Culture
Thank you for your spiritual leadership of our community, and more personally, for the opportunity you have provided us for our spiritual growth. We will cherish our memories of all the joyous times we shared with you Chaya and your family. We feel truly blessed to have you and Chaya in our lives and we wish you both great joy and fulfillment in your retirement. Although we are ending one chapter of your beautiful book we can’t wait to read the next. You have left an indelible mark on our lives. Laurie Shapiro and Rick Lee and family
Rabbi Green, Words cannot express all that you have meant to Shaarey Zedek. The years have flown by since you became our Rabbi. We have enjoyed sharing with you a myriad of conversations, synagogue services, meetings, classes, social and other occasions. We have benefited from your friendship, insight and spirituality. Thank you for your years of service. Both you and Chaya have been a blessing to many others and may you both in turn be blessed with a long, happy and healthy retirement together. Perry and Sylvia Schulman
April 26-29, 2018
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Dear Rabbi Green: On behalf of the four generations of our family who have been members of the Congregation Shaarey Zedek, thank you for your inspired leadership of our Synagogue! The Asper Family: David & Ruth Asper Gail Asper & Michael Paterson Leonard & Susan Asper
Proud Sponsor of the Rabbi Alan Green Retirement Gala Weekend