Every year in Manitoba the Jewish National Fund (JNF) hosts a Negev Gala to honour outstanding community leaders. This year, JNF will be honouring Peter Leipsic at the Negev Gala to be held on May 31^st, 2016 at the Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg. Our entertainer for the evening will be the talented reggae vocalist Matisyahu, who will deliver a special musical performance. The funds raised will be directed towards a Shelter for victims of domestic violence in Israel.

Peter is a successful family man, one of the most respected figures in the insurance industry in Manitoba and has been an active and appreciated member of our community for many years. He has an extensive record of national and local community service including leadership positions that include: the Jewish National Fund, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, Jewish Child and Family Service, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue,  Heart and Stroke Foundation and The Red Cross, just to name a few.

Peter Leipsic’s commitment to protect others both as a professional and as a philanthropist inspired him to choose a unique project in which JNF and “No 2 Violence Against Women” joined forces. The project will have a life altering impact on women and children that desperately need this facility. The shelter will provide safe housing, emotional and social contention for families, enabling them to rebuild their lives and have a real chance to start over in the wake of family shattering abuse.

“Domestic violence is a serious problem worldwide and in Israel as well. When JNF presented this opportunity to help women and children to have a fresh start, it really touched my heart and it was a no brainer for me, Keren and I decided to support it.”says Peter Leipsic.

We are pleased to feature one the biggest exponents of the Hip Hop Reggae Matisyahu this year's Negev Gala entertainer. He recorded 8 studio records and never stops creating new songs, exceeding expectations and reinventing himself with each album. Matisyahu is serious about his craft, and his diverse style garnered Grammy nominations, first positions at Billboard and Reggae charts, gold record certifications, and a broad audience. 

"We are thrilled to present this world class artist to Winnipeg audiences,” remarked Regional President Karla Berbrayer.   "We know that his wide range of appeal will draw new fans and have many singing his positive message of peace long after the evening has concluded."

More than a decade later Matisyahu has formed a band that truly gives itself over to the music on par with his lyrical desire to connect with something beyond the self. No two performances of a song are alike. At its most exultant moments, the music becomes full-band improvisation. Lyrics are rearranged on the spot to serve the energy of the audience. What makes this music so engaging and unmatched, is that Matisyahu, a vocalist with no other instrument at his disposal, is an integral creative part in the improvisation.

Matisyahu was born Matthew Miller on June 30, 1979, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States where he was raised as a reconstructionist Jew. In 2001 he joined the Chabad movement and got into the music scene in 2004 as a bearded, beat-boxing, Hassidic star. In 2011, he distanced himself from this Orthodox movement, shaving his beard and stating “no more Hassidic reggae superstar”. Matisyahu continues to perform internationally and his music still draws inspiration from Jewish religious sources.

To learn more about Matisyahu and the project please click here.

Please click here to listen to Matisyahu the Band:

https://vimeo.com/151195989

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRmBChQjZPs

The Negev Gala has honoured outstanding leaders from within the Winnipeg community for more than 6 decades. This gala is the Jewish National Fund’s most important fundraising event of the year.

Jewish National Fund of Canada (JNF) is a registered charitable organization established in 1901 with the goal of purchasing land in Israel, and has been the sole agency responsible for the development and infrastructure of land and settlements there.  Today, JNF’s work focuses on five areas: water conservation and recycling, forestry, environmental education, community development and environmental research and development.