Shaarey Zedek Synagogue celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre on Monday June 23, 2025 at a breakfast gathering attended by close to 100 people. As Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze noted the Vickars, who donated one million dollars to this project, wanted the event to take place “not because of the accolades, but because as Larry put it…he hopes that their investment in our congregation will inspire others to do the same.”
Larry Vickar said he and his wife Tova were grateful to be surrounded by "the people we care about, our family and friends." He noted that Tova, his "incredible partner" was the inspiration for the child care centre care which bears her name. Larry introduced his son Sam and wife Odessa, with sons Mason and Vaughn, both products of Gray Academy. He also introduced his son Stephen and his wife Marie with children Theo, Owen, and Austin. "We are grateful to Rabbi Mass who guided both Odessa and Marie on their journeys as Jews by choice."
Larry jested that while he "is referred to as the head of the family", it is Tova that "is most definitely the neck that turns the head in one direction or another" and noted she has guided and inspired "the projects that we have undertaken as a team over the years."
"The Childcare Centre is the 7th project of its kind in 3 countries, that all bear her name… obviously 'ALL good' in our beloved Israel, The Philippines and right here in Winnipeg."
"When we committed to this project several years ago, we knew there was a desperate need for childcare within our community. We had no idea at that time of the events that would unfold since Oct 7, 2023 leaving young families with a craving for Jewish connection and a place where their children could thrive in a caring environment committed to Jewish values, a love of learning, and a passion for our traditions," he stated.
Larry added, "Our family has a history with Congregation Shaarey Zedek, and we wanted to do something to inspire our future and ensure the continuity of Jewish life in our community and specifically our synagogue. What better way to do this than to bring families with young children into our sacred space and involve them in the events of our synagogue community from dancing with the Torah on Shavuot to the baking of Challah on Friday afternoons to celebrating Shabbat at Friday night dinners right here in this renovated space."
"It's exhilarating to think that only several months after moving back into the building, we could already hear the patter of little feet up and down the stairs and in the hallways of the building."
Larry noted that the Vickar family "are grateful for the shared vision of the current and past board of directors and their commitment to making the child care centre happen. He also acknowledged Bob Freedman "for helping us to nurture this idea" and thanked him for "his steadfast friendship and stewardship to get us to this day!"
"I would also like to thank Shirley for lending Bob to us!" he jested.
He said the Vickars are "excited that Kara Booth the Director of the Child Care Centre and Marina Lisak, the Assistant Director and passionate Judaic Programming Specialist, take the time to connect with us on a regular basis sharing anecdotes and photos and keeping us involved in the progress and development of the centre."
"These incredible professionals have embraced our mission and are devoted to its success. Their caring and competent staff are community members some with multi-generational connections to our synagogue and others who are newcomers to Jewish Winnipeg… they bring diversity, creativity and so much talent!,” Larry noted. “From art specialists to musicians through to cooks and bakers…they bring new languages… almost as many as Tova speaks! They also bring a taste of Israel and other Jewish centres around the World. Our children are blossoming here in such an enriching environment."
Larry referred to the singing of Oseh Shalom by several of the sweet children enrolled in the daycare which took place that morning. "I’m sure that their singing gave you the same inspiration it gave me … to want to be a part of this Le Dor V’Dor Campaign which is not only a renewal of the synagogue but truly a renewal movement of Jewish life in our community."
"I almost feel like I live here with all of the events I have attended over the past few weeks!", Larry added, and he pointed out that only MLAs Mike Moroz and Carla Compton may have surpassed he and Tova in attending more events at the shul recently.
Larry indicated that he hoped that seeing the centre, helping to cut the ribbon, and hang the mezzuzot would encourage attendees and others to donate to the Shaarey Zedek Capital Campaign "and to want to be a part of this uplifting Jewish movement of Jewish renewal."
Singer Paul Ong sang the song, "It’s a Wonderful World" and Larry asked attendees to "make sure that others make their legacy gift today." Ong also sang Leonard Cohen’s song "Hallelujah."
In her remarks, Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze noted that Rabbi Schachter coined the phrase: "Ageing to Sage-ing." The concept of "Sage-ing" is based on three key ideas, which Larry essentially spoke about when they met. The first concept is "Discover your meaning and purpose. What do you want to do with your time, money and energy? What will get you up and keep you going?" They second concept is to accept our mortality … our time on this Earth is finite and we shouldn’t put off doing good. Elbaze noted when she met with Larry he quoted The Ethics of the Fathers Piraeus Avot: "If Not Now, When?", meaning one should not wait to do good…! The third concept is “think about the legacy you want to leave. What difference are you making? How do you want to be remembered?"
After Rena spoke, Shaarey Zedek President, Fanny Levy gave greetings welcoming everyone to the revitalized synagogue building, and said that the synagogue is experiencing a great renewal. Senior Rabbi Carnie Rose was in attendance at the event.
Kara Booth, Director of Childcare Services, noted that "Together, we’ve created a nurturing Jewish educational program, implemented by our amazing team of educators from diverse backgrounds—each one bringing heart, dedication, and warmth to our shared vision." She thanked Marina Lisak whose "joyful spirit and engaging presence light up every room."
"When you first walk into our Centre, you're greeted by natural light pouring through large, beautiful windows. We’ve worked hard to create a space that’s not only visually appealing for adults but also a place where children feel excitement and joy the moment they arrive."
"Each Friday our children eagerly bake challah and gather to welcome Shabbat. They’re learning Jewish traditions, songs, and stories that root them in culture and community. We’re also lucky to have Cantor Leslie join us with her guitar, filling our space with music and magic."
She added that "Parents often tell me how they grew up within these very walls—running through the halls, celebrating milestones—and now, their own children are making memories here, too."
She thanked Larry and Tova for their "vision" and "for acting on their vision…"I’m so proud of the team we’ve built, the space we’ve created, and the future we’re shaping together," Booth concluded.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to Shaarey Zedek may contact Inna Liss Haim, at 204-452-3711 or campaign@szfuture.ca
