Just over two years ago, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue set forth on an ambitious journey to revitalize its historic spiritual home and infuse the congregation with renewed energy. Today, as the community gathers once more in the newly renovated space, the optimism surrounding the future of Jewish Winnipeg is palpable.
The first stage of our renewal focused on transforming the building into a welcoming and versatile space for celebrations, commemorations, prayer, learning, and community gatherings. Significant technological upgrades—including enhanced audio-visual capabilities, live-streaming options, security infrastructure, and modernized heating and cooling systems—have positioned Shaarey Zedek as a contemporary, accessible hub for Jewish life. This milestone was made possible by the outstanding leadership of our past President, Neil Duboff, and the dedication of our Board of Directors and staff, and the immeasurable support of our congregations’ donors.
However, this transformation goes beyond the beautiful building. The heart of our "Embracing Our Future" initiative is about engagement, particularly with young families, to help grow and sustain our congregation. A key milestone in this effort is the creation of the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre, envisioned as a bridge to synagogue life for young families. “The Centre provides a space where children can begin their journey in Jewish life, creating connections that will strengthen our community for generations to come,” says SZ President Fanny Levy. With a capacity for up to 50 children, the Centre already thrives as a vibrant space where clergy and Jewish educators bring Judaism to life through music, storytelling, art, and creative play.
In addition to expanding educational initiatives, Shaarey Zedek has taken a proactive role in maintaining and enhancing kosher food services in the community. The synagogue now manages Schmoozer’s Café at the Asper Campus, ensuring the continued availability of kosher dining in the heart of Jewish Winnipeg.
Our commitment to enriching Jewish life extends to programming for a broad range of demographics. From our partnership with Rady JCC on the Social Club project to our Young Adult group, which gathers monthly, we are continuously fostering new opportunities for connection. Music also plays a central role, with both youth and adult choirs and a growing number of concerts and special events. As ritual observance and community engagement grow, so too do the responsibilities of our dedicated staff and clergy.
Our spiritual leadership team, composed of Rabbi Aníbal Mass and Cantor Leslie Emery, is supported by Shammes Emeritus Bill Weissman, Shammes Leon Pincovich, Tali Millo, and Executive Director Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze, and Ritual Secretary Stacey Bazak. They are joined by committed lay leaders who officiate at Shabbat and weekday services, teach B’nai Mitzvah students, and guide congregants through life’s milestones—from baby namings and Brit Milah ceremonies to weddings and funerals. Together, they are inspired by our renewal and excited for the future, as they continue to foster a vibrant, connected, and spiritually enriching community.
“Shaarey Zedek has historically been a two-Rabbi congregation,” explains Dr. Secter Elbaze. “The breadth of responsibilities—from ritual obligations to hospital visits, grief support, and community representation—demands more than one Rabbi.” Recognizing this need, the synagogue established a Rabbinical Search Committee over a year ago. “The response to our search has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong candidates from Canada and the U.S. undergoing initial interviews. Selected candidates will be invited to spend a Shabbat with our congregation, offering the community an opportunity to engage with potential spiritual leaders firsthand” shares Dr. Ted Lyons, O.C., Chair of the Rabbinical Search Committee.
The Board of Directors invites all members of the community to join us for Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday, March 7th at 5:00 PM and Shabbat services on Saturday, March 8th, at 10:00 AM, when we will welcome the first of our rabbinical candidates.
Reflecting on the past two years, Fanny Levy shares, “We are witnessing the renewal and growth we envisioned. The steps we have taken are not just about rebuilding a space—they are about ensuring a vibrant, thriving future for Shaarey Zedek and the broader Jewish community.”
