Dear Congregants,

With the recent announcement of the departure of Rabbi Matthew Leibl, we wanted to bring the Congregation Shaarey Zedek up to date on the synagogue’s plans moving forward. We will miss Rabbi Leibl’s youthful energy, approachability and enthusiasm, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. This is a time of major transition for the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, but also one that we believe brings with it great opportunity and reason for optimism. 

As you are aware, our Executive Director, Ian Staniloff, will also be retiring this coming summer. The search committee assembled by the Board has been actively engaged in recruiting a new executive director, and has been very impressed with the applicants to date. The committee plans to narrow the list of candidates down within the next few weeks. The search committee is very optimistic that the next executive director will lead the Congregation Shaarey Zedek by embracing the traditions of the past while navigating the changing landscape of the future.

Our rabbinical search has yet to begin but we anticipate many qualified candidates will have interest from both within the community and outside of Winnipeg. In any case, while the search is undertaken, our clergy are eminently qualified to shoulder the load once Rabbi Leibl departs from his position at the end of June.

These two major transitions coincide with our prospective L’Dor V’Dor Campaign, which will not only focus on improving the existing physical space of the synagogue, but also aims to improve its functionality. With this campaign our hope is that Shaarey Zedek Synagogue will be able to continue to serve the needs of our congregation and the community for many years to come. These changes will bring about a promising new chapter for the synagogue by way of renewed presence of events such as weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs, increased programing for all ages and services for young families including a possible daycare.

With much transition taking place, the Board is aligned in its view that the input of our valued congregation is important. While we are working on more formal avenues for canvassing those views, in the interim please feel welcome to share your perspectives with us.  As well, please know that the President, Gary Hyman, and the Board of Directors endeavor to keep the congregation informed of the progress towards these stated goals as we move forward.

With COVID-19 still at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these are challenging times that we are living through. We assure you that we are wholly committed, and dedicated to persevering and establishing a lasting foundation for the synagogue that is sustainable well into the future.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors
president@szwinnipeg.ca
Congregation Shaarey Zedek