My grandparents fled persecution in Romania and Russia, seeking better lives in Canada. Moses and Yachid Rosner settled at Lowe Farm, Manitoba. My father, Charles, was the first of eight sons! David and Lottie Black were established at Brunkild, where they raised four daughters and two sons. When her father died young, Cecilia, my mother, became Canada’s youngest postmaster and helped with siblings. The Rosners and the Blacks operated rural general stores, selling food, clothes, appliances, fuel and tools.

Life as country storekeepers was difficult. The work day was long; many farmers bought on credit, delaying payments when conditions were poor. Furthermore, being Jewish in the country presented a significant challenge. Kosher food had to be brought from Winnipeg. Families had to travel to Winnipeg for High Holidays. To provide a Jewish education for children, store clerks often doubled as tutors (as was the case for the Rosner boys), and some boys were sent to board in Winnipeg (as were Sam and Harold Black).

Charles and Cecilia, my parents, lived in Lowe Farm, above Rosner’s General Store. My parents farmed near town and preserved food from our large garden. We moved to Winnipeg, where I started Grade 4. I participated in school sports, such as Cubs and Scouts, the YMHA, AZA, BBYO, and Hillel. I also attended Hebrew classes and sang in the Junior Choir at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.

In my youth, I had a variety of jobs. After completing my professional education, I taught children and adults. I also did childcare work and health education among Manitoba’s First Nations. Later, I became an amateur radio operator, assisting in communications for events such as the Manitoba Marathon and the 1997 flood.

I am proud of my forebears for demonstrating perseverance and integrity and maintaining Jewish practices and connections. I have tried to emulate their values through public service and a strong connection to Israel. I hope and trust that the Jewish people will endure and live peacefully.

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