Congregation Shaarey Zedek’s leadership is thrilled to share some exciting and happy news with you today. After careful consideration, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director – Dr Rena Secter Elbaze.

Dr Elbaze has been working with Congregation Shaarey Zedek since September of 2016 as the Engagement and Education Director, making huge strides in connecting with the congregation and community, creating innovative programs and partnership opportunities that engage, educate, and entertain.

In May of 2023, she was appointed Interim Executive Director. During this time, Rena’s leadership, guidance, and vision had proven that she is the perfect fit to lead Congregation Shaarey Zedek forward on its journey.

While in the interim position, Dr Elbaze has taken on managing important aspects of the synagogue renovation project, has put together a team of volunteers to establish a private daycare infused with Shaarey Zedek values, and has been working to develop new policies and processes to help our synagogue run more efficiently. At the same time, she continues to spearhead and deliver educational programs and initiatives within the synagogue and as a form of outreach to various organizations in our community.

One of Rena’s goals is to boost young adult engagement in Jewish community life and is committed to offering programming on an ongoing basis to the 25-35 year demographic. She enjoys officiating in regular and special religious services for Shabbat and Yom Tov as well as supporting community members by providing occasional funeral and unveiling services.

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“On behalf of the Synagogue Community, I am thrilled to welcome Dr Rena Secter Elbaze, as our new Executive Director who embraces our values and will enhance our community with her positive leadership, dedication, experience and connection to community. Please join us in extending a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Rena as she takes on this important role. We have every confidence that, together, we will achieve new heights and strengthen the bonds that makes our Synagogue special.”

– Neil Duboff, President and Capital Campaign Chair

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Congratulate Dr Rena Secter Elbaze with an email (rena@szwinnipeg.ca), phone call (204-975-3489), message on Facebook (www.facebook.com/@rena.elbaze) or on Instagram (www.instagram.com/elbazerena).

Dr Elbaze brings with her over 30 years' experience in the fields of Communications, Outreach and Jewish Engagement. Born and raised in Manitoba, Rena settled on the French Riviera after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from the University of Manitoba including a year spent at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Since returning to Winnipeg with her husband and three daughters in 2007, Rena has worked for a Francophone organization, the Council of Ministers of Education Canada, Manitoba Trade and Investment and the Centre for Higher Learning Research and Development at the University of Manitoba. Since her return, Rena has been both a volunteer and a professional in the Winnipeg Jewish community. Dr Elbaze spent three years working in the field of Jewish Engagement with Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, where she partnered with Jewish community organizations, including Congregation Shaarey Zedek, to create inroads into community. Prior to working at Shaarey Zedek, Rena worked for Jewish Child and Family Service as Director of Communications and Outreach.

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“I am excited to be a part of an important moment in our synagogue’s history and the building a of a bright future. Together we will inspire a sense of Jewish pride and a thirst for Jewish learning.” – Dr Rena Secter Elbaze, Executive Director

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Congregation Shaarey Zedek is committed to being a progressive leader in the Jewish community and is currently undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime renovation to enhance and engage synagogue experiences for the community. In the past decade, Shaarey Zedek has also made innovations to its Shabbat and High Holy Day services including, enhanced and engaging format with instrumental accompaniment as well as enriched life cycle events. In addition to being one of the first Jewish Cemeteries to establish a Dual Faith Section, Shaarey Zedek was one of the first Conservative Synagogues to welcome Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Jews with full rights and privileges including family membership, burial rights, and performance of weddings. Shaarey Zedek was also the first Winnipeg Conservative Synagogue to adopt Egalitarian practices.

Our Mission: Shaarey Zedek Synagogue is a centre for Conservative Judaism that welcomes the community to experience spiritual growth, continuing education and the enrichment of lifecycle events.

Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Office: 1077 Grant Avenue (Temple Shalom Building)
204-452-3711
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