Jewish Community Celebrates Rosh Hashanah in Winnipeg

This weekend, Jewish families in Winnipeg and around the world gather to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, marking the beginning of the Jewish New Year. This significant occasion serves as a moment for reflection, renewal, and connection to tradition. For those outside the faith, it presents an opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of Jewish neighbours, colleagues, and friends who have enriched the province and the nation in ways that often go unnoticed.

Many members of Winnipeg’s Jewish community are actively involved in various professions, including as doctors, business owners, teachers, artists, and public servants. They embody a deep commitment to Canada, demonstrating their values through service, charitable acts, and the preservation of traditions that emphasize the importance of family and faith. Conversations with community leaders reveal a consistent theme of dedication to strengthening community ties and ensuring historical lessons are remembered.

Historical Commitment of the Jewish Community

One of the most notable organizations reflecting this commitment is B’nai Brith Canada, which has been operational for over 150 years. This organization has played a pivotal role in advocating for human rights, often taking a stand when others did not. B’nai Brith has been at the forefront of the fight against antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, providing a vital voice in challenging governments and promoting equality under the law. Its charitable initiatives extend beyond the Jewish community, encompassing food programs and support for vulnerable populations.

What stands out about Winnipeg’s Jewish community is the quiet manner in which much of this commitment is expressed. There is a profound sense of responsibility to contribute that resonates in every narrative shared. This ethos is not driven by a desire for recognition but by a commitment to values that predate the nation itself. Such steadfast leadership deserves acknowledgment, particularly during times of reflection.

Rosh Hashanah is not merely a celebration; it is a time for serious contemplation of the past year, making amends, and setting intentions for the upcoming year. The discipline involved in confronting both successes and failures is a practice that could benefit broader society. Too often, accountability is overlooked in politics and business, with mistakes dismissed and promises forgotten. In contrast, the teachings of Rosh Hashanah encourage individuals to face shortcomings directly and aspire to improvement.

Lessons from History

The Jewish community in Winnipeg has faced numerous challenges, from waves of immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to battles against discrimination. Their story is one of perseverance rather than privilege, illustrating how families arriving with little have built businesses, established schools, and significantly shaped Manitoba’s cultural landscape. They have advocated for fair labour practices, supported those in need, and worked tirelessly to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten, not just for Jewish people but for all humanity.

Today, antisemitism remains a pressing issue, as evidenced by incidents in Canada and around the globe. The Jewish community continues to respond proactively, focusing on education, advocacy, and outreach. They emphasize that silence is not an option when rights are threatened, framing this as a Canadian issue rather than a Jewish one. The targeting of any group weakens the entire fabric of society.

Through interactions with Jewish friends, it becomes clear that their faith and traditions emphasize responsibility. This includes a commitment to justice, care for the vulnerable, remembrance of history, and community building. Such values resonate deeply with Canadian principles, even as society sometimes falls short in practicing them consistently.

As friends and families gather to mark Rosh Hashanah, it is essential to celebrate not only the holiday itself but also the contributions made by the Jewish community to Winnipeg and Canada. This is a moment to honour the families who arrived with nothing and built meaningful lives here, continuing to stand for justice and equality. The fight against discrimination is a collective responsibility, not confined to a single community.

In a time when political discourse appears fractured and societal divisions seem pronounced, reflecting on traditions that prioritize accountability and renewal holds significant value. The lessons of Rosh Hashanah are applicable to all, inviting everyone to consider their responsibilities to one another. As the shofar is sounded in synagogues across Winnipeg, the community stands united in gratitude for its rich heritage and the ongoing contributions of its members. Canada is undoubtedly stronger because of its Jewish community, and these quiet acts of dedication deserve celebration this Rosh Hashanah.