While I was sorting though my memories boxes of document I saved over the years I came across four “The Hilroy Exercise Books” in which I recorded 2 ½ years of planning meetings and work that went into the Heritage Showcase 1989. That event was the biggest one event I had the honour to co-chair. At that time I did not know how much work it would take. But we had a vision to goals to make it a success.
December 1986 “At the Annual meeting President Nelson Sunshine, in his acceptance speak, proposed a Homecoming Weekend which would involve the whole community and organizations, Hadassah-WIZO, Sisterhood, B’nai Birth Youth Group BBYO. He appointed Dave Shaffer and myself to co-chair this event.”
An Advisory Board was formed to move the event along. with Lorraine Birstein, Dave Shaffer, Cecilia Rotstien Jerry Birstein, and Nelson Sunshine.
Over the next two and half years interested member join this project. We brain-stormed ideas. Many ideas were looked into. Archive research to put together a video, book and showcase of artifacts, mailing lists, bus tour of early Jewish homes, first synagogue and cemetery. Synagogue services, entertainment, brunches, cocktail parties, dinners.
Beth Jacob marks 40 years with Homecoming Weekend
Regina Sun June 4, 1989
In 1913, the Jewish community of Regina dedicated their first synagogue, House of Jacob, on the 2000 block Ottawa Street. In 1949, the present Beth Jacob Synagogue was built at Victoria Avenue and Osler Street.
On May 21 this year, the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the cornerstone was celebrated as part of a homecoming event sponsored by the Beth Jacob Community. Eleven former presidents attended the homecoming, including Victor Samuels and Sam Shragge who were part of a presidium in 1946-47. The president this year is Issy Steen.
The weekend of nostalgia started with registration at the Ramada Renaissance on May 19. A total of 220 people registered with 130 being former Regina residents from many areas of the United States and from as far west as British Columbia to as far east as Quebec.
As part of the weekend, a historical monograph "Our Heritage" was published. It traces the settlement of Jews in Regina and area from the late 1800's to the present. One section deals with the women's point of view and another on family histories.
The weekend festivities started with a traditional Sabbath dinner after which participants were bused to the Synagogue for a special ceremony honoring the Jewish "women of valor" of the community. A Friday service followed including a choir of 18 children.
On Saturday morning. Rabbi Shlomo Truzman conducted a service where all former presidents or a family member were honored. In the evening, a dinner and dance was held at the Ramada with official greetings being brought by Major Jeffrey for Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Fedoruk; Joan Duncan, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, for the government of the Province of Saskatchewan Premier Grant Devine, Mayor Doug Archer on behalf City of Regina. Senator Sid Buckwold, former mayor of Saskatoon, gave the invocation. During the evening, Noel Sandomirsky paid tribute to the former presidents.
On Sunday morning, visitors were taken to the Regina Jewish Cemetery for a visitation and prayer. Later, there was a rededication of the cornerstone for the 40th anniversary of the building of the synagogue.
Chairman of the rededication was Paul Pearlman, and others in the official party were Margery Levine of Regina and Marg Silverman of Vancouver, who were involved in the original dedication 40 years before.
Also taking part were Dr. Stanley Sunshine of Vancouver; Toby Meirovich of Regina; former Mayor of Regina Larry Schnieder, M P for Regina Wascana; and Les Benjamin, M P for Regina-Lumsden. The benediction was performed by Rabbi Truzman, and Victor Samuels unveiled the 40th anniversary cornerstone.
In the afternoon, guests were taken for a bus tour of Wascana Centre and the Core Area of Regina where many lived years ago. On Sunday evening, visitors were dinner guests of Regina residents. The final event of the weekend was a special concert where Sherv Shragge showed a documentary he produced especially for the homecoming, titled "In Search of a Minyan ". Sherv had interviewed local residents and told the story of Regina and area Jewish Communities from past to present, including thoughts of the future. The evening also included entertainment by Regina Summer Stage with excerpts from Fiddler on the Roof.
A farewell message was given by by Lorraine Birstein, homecoming co-chairman.
On Monday morning a farewell brunch was held at the Synagogue where a display of memorabilia was on display. Organizers of the homecoming are hopeful that, in 10 years time, they will meet again to celebrate the Synagogue's 50th anniversary.'
Lorraine Birstein farewell message:
'Honoured Guests, Friends: It has been a wonderful experience for us to watch this superb event develop from a glimmer of an idea two and half years ago to this wonderful weekend that we have shared. The emotions have truly run high from happiness and delight to sadness, all very healthy feelings.
On looking back over my journal much water has passed under the bridge in these past couple of years and the glimmer has gone from brain-storming sessions, to planning meetings, to hours of research, to forming of committees, ironing out of details, fine tuning, checking and rechecking.
I can not say that this has not been without frustrations. I can, however, say that I now feel the frustrations was well worth it. I was honoured to be asked by Nelson Sunshine, then President, to Co-Chair the Homecoming with Dave Shaffer. At the time the task looked simple. At one of the early meetings, Dave suggested that a bag of chips and a case of beer would be enough. We've learned differently, haven't we Dave?
I will always remember someone saying, "It is my turn to do something for this community". That is why I was willing to donate my time these past two years to ensure that we would be given an opportunity to come together and be proud of our heritage, to record it and re-dedicate our support to this Synagogue.
At first our main task was to research names, addresses and send out all the publicity we could get. Through many hours of Jackie Sunshine's time we managed a mailing list of close to six hundred names. Of course, we knew we did not reach everyone and only a fraction of the people who had roots in Regina got on our mailing list.
The collecting of stories, pictures, minutes of meetings of all the organizations, then researching them became a heartfelt and tremendous task. David Green from Saskatoon very capably put the story together into a Heritage History Book. Shrev Shragge was instrumental in the production of the video. As letters came in from many of you, we became very excited. Each time one was received we felt we heard from a long lost relative. Checking the mail daily had become something we looked forward to with eager and anticipation. That was one of the highlights of this project.
We turned Cecelia Rotstien's home into a meeting place, holding meetings at times that suited the committee members, at supper time, Sundays, even quick fifteen minutes ones at 7:30 in the morning before we went to work. Many times I was there earlier to assist Cecelia in getting ready for the meetings. Cecelia has truly been the motor of this operation. She served on the committee as the executive assistant. Taking on the responsibility of all the phone calls and communications that was needed. Her expertise in the fine details will never be matched by anyone. If you want a prefect job done, ask Cecelia. She makes sure every 'i' is dotted and every 't' is crossed. Cecelia, it is a pleasure working with you. And we all love you. You made Dave and my job easy.
Planning this weekend was truly a team effort. The Advisory Committee who consisted of Nelson Sunshine, Jerold Birstein, Dave Shaffer, Cecelia Rotstien and I. We kept on top of everything. Other hardworking members who jumped in to work behind the scene were Francie Steen and her committee, who planned menus, plucked the chickens, baked and packaged all the food for our wonderful supper tonight, the hospitality room and lunches. She worked with our Mary Gettle, who is the Jewish Community's treasure in the kitchen. Jacqui Sunshine and her committee who efficiently chaired registration making sure all of your needs were met. Susan Lexier was well organized to keep the financial account in order. To all who chaired their part of the program, you all put your heart and soul into it and it touched us all very deeply. Thank you for your special efforts.
There are many I wish to thank and are all mentioned in the program. However, one special person who has been the most support, my husband, Jerry. Your tireless devotion has truly given me the strength these past two years and I will get your shirts ironed on Tuesday.
They say that a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. In my opinion there are no weak links in this community therefore we have ensured and guaranteed a bright future. As of tomorrow this weekend will step quietly into the history of Regina Jewish Community and will remain in our archives for the future generations to examine, only then will the historical significant of this weekend will be truly known. But until then, as individuals, we can cherish it in our collective memories.
To everyone who travelled back to Regina to celebrate with us and rekindle friendships, you are truly our extended family. Do have a safe trip home and come back again and again. May G-d bless you all.
One more thing, there has been a suggestion that we should write another book with comments of everyone's feelings that were expressed this weekend. We'll need a good working committee to put it together. There will be a list going around to sign your name and the first meeting will be held at Cecelia's home, 25 Haultan Crescent at 7:30 pm, Tuesday. Don't be late' Thank you. Lorraine
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