Duboff says renovation cost is $18 million , over $15.6 million raised and synagogue wants to raise an additional 3 million to return the money it took from its own capital investments
Editor's note : On June 11, 2025 Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze, Executive Director of Congregation Shaarey Zedek wrote to me that below are the specifics of the fundraising campaign for the newly rebuilt synagogue as of 30-Apr-25:
- Pledges from membership /Jewish Community – $9,682.400 (This includes the $3 million raised from the Asper Foundation and Gail Asper Family Foundation as per below)
- Pledge from Shaarey Zedek Congregation (Money taken from Capital investments) – $3,000,000
- Grant from Province of Manitoba – $3,000,000
- Total – $15,682.400
On June 14, Gail Asper O.C., O.M., LL.D., The Asper FoundationChair and Trustee announced before some 40 people in attendance at a media event that the Asper Foundation is making a transformative gift of $2 million dollars to the Shaarey Zedek Capital Campaign towards the newly rebuilt synagogue, and the Gail Asper Family Foundation is donating another $1 million dollars, for a total of $3 million.
“Back in 1999, 26 years ago, when my father Israel Asper, of blessed memory, hired Moe Levy as the Executive Director of The Asper Foundation, he told Moe: “Now Moe listen we have to budget a large gift to the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue because they're planning on launching a huge capital campaign and we need to be there big time.,” Asper noted.
Asper also said another person who is in her mind a lot these days is Barry McArton, also of blessed memory. “Why Barry? Because seven years ago Barry, one of our community's most treasured and inspiring leaders who left us way too soon, started persistently and enthusiastically approaching me, when I was President of The Asper Foundation, to support the strategic investigation into the redevelopment of the physical space of the synagogue.”
When The Asper Foundation was approached to support the campaign, Gail said it was a very easy decision. “My brothers, David and Leonard, and I, along with [Trustee] Richard Leipsic, felt so grateful for all that the Synagogue has given 6 generations of our family and indeed given the entire Jewish community of Manitoba. Our parents, Babs and Israel taught us if you benefit from something you have a responsibility to be a fair share giver to it. After all, the Synagogue has been there for us for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, funerals, community events, and for the best schmoo torte in the world …”
She continued “We did question whether such a large campaign was necessary but then our reach for the stars mindset said of course we deserve a beautifully refreshed synagogue. It's the Grand Central Station of Judaism in Winnipeg and just imagine what it would be like if we didn't have such a wonderful spiritual gathering place. I never take it for granted. It's not easy to keep up with the capital needs of our religious institutions, but it's really important and we all need to do our fair share and work together to maintain these important and gorgeous facilities.”
Asper recalled how “how my grandmother, Cecilia Asper, would always weep during the chanting of the Kol Nidre prayer. I never understood why but I now I do because I also cry when I think of all the people, like my parents, who are no longer with us. I also cry at the beautiful thought of Jewish people all around the world sitting together in Shul praying for the sweet New Year that we all want.”
In discussing the gift, Asper noted she and her bothers had fun reminiscing on what the Synagogue meant to them and our greatest high holiday memories. “Leonard remembers having some of the best snoozes during the then five-hour long Yom Kippur services. David remembers finalizing a key business transaction in the lower lobby one year during Rosh Hashanah. I guess God approved because he wasn't struck by lightning.” Asper said.
Asper explained that when the Asper Foundation makesbig decisions on what to support it comes down to basically three things: “the first thing is do we trust in the people that we're supporting because people give to people they trust; #2 is the gift going to make a difference and #3 are we giving to something with a strong likelihood of success. This campaign ticked all the boxes.” She continued, “The Shaarey Zedek’s team is so strong. …. These were people we could trust. And this gift is enabling the Synagogue to be ready to meet the demands and changing needs of the modern congregation. So, it is making a difference. And with our strong clergical and education team, we're confident that…the synagogue will be flourishing for many generations to come.”
Gail stated “Many years ago, I went to the Museum of the Diaspora in Tel Aviv and visited their Hall of Synagogue Models from around the world. It’s fascinating to see that, when Jewish communities felt insecure and worried about their safety, their buildings were small and hidden and designed to not draw attention to themselves, but in places where the Jewish community felt secure and welcome the synagogues reflected that confidence and were large, extroverted and stunning.
“These days I know we in the Jewish community are all feeling very nervous as we read of horrific anti-Semitic attacks in places like Washington and Colorado. We could retreat lay, low and have our synagogue be less prominent. That's not what my dad ever would have supported. Dad was very proud of his Jewish heritage and we are proud members of the Jewish community. We want our Synagogue to be big, bold and beautiful. This is Winnipeg where I believe we can wear our Jewish identities freely, proudly and in peace. Our synagogue reflects that confidence…”
Anita Wortzman, The Asper Foundation, President stated “The Asper Foundation’s support for the L'Dor Va Dor Capital Campaign emphasizes the significance of investing in Jewish infrastructure and creating welcoming environments where Jewish individuals, families and others can come together to learn, grow and celebrate.”
In his remarks Neil Duboff, Chair of the Shaarey Zedek Capital campaign and Past President said that the synagogue had raised 15 out of the 18 million renovation cost. But this 15 million includes 3 million that the synagogue put in from its own capital fund. Duboff explained the synagogue wants to raise another 3 million to return the money it put towards the renovation. From its own Capital Fund. Thus, the synagogue wants to raise another $6 million in total.
Duboff stated “Shaarey Zedek has always been more than a building — it’s a place where Jewish life in Winnipeg is lived, remembered, and renewed. Thanks to the transformative generosity of The Asper Foundation and The Gail Asper Family Foundation, we are not only restoring a cherished space, but reimagining what it means to gather, to belong, and to build Jewish community for the future. Their leadership has given this campaign credibility, confidence, and momentum — and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
Fanny Levy, President of Congregation Shaarey Zedek stated "The transformation of Congregation Shaarey Zedek is more than just visible — it’s deeply felt. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of The Asper Foundation and The Gail Asper Family Foundation, this beloved space has become a vibrant hub once again — a place where tradition and innovation meet, and where all members of the Winnipeg community feel welcome. Their gift has helped us reimagine what Shaarey Zedek can be, and their vision continues to inspire new energy, engagement, and connection every day. On behalf of our Board and Congregation, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the Asper family for their enduring commitment to community and to building a stronger, more inclusive future for all."
