The  CJA kicked off its campaign with a very successful SuperSunday  Telethon  Sunday September 11raising $ 93, 014.00 with over 30 volunteers representing the CJA's various partner-agencies.

Last year's CJA campaign raised the largest amount of money ever, raising more than $5.86 million, exceeding its goal of $5,750,000, and exceeding the 2014 amount reached of $5.65 million. This year the campaign's goal is  $5.8 million, and of course, we all hope that the campaign might even be able to exceed its goal, as it did last year.

Super Sunday took place along with  Super Funday,  a terrific event, attended by over 500 people, young and old, and there were many new community members who attended. In fact, walking around the event , I could hear Hebrew and Russian, in addition to English, and it was good to see so many new faces. 

Federation CEO Elaine Goldstine was pleased with the  "great turn-out" and noted that the   event was truly a "community wide event", remarking that "we are always looking for ways to welcome and engage our community members.” 

The children  enjoyed bouncers, face painting, arts and crafts, Israeli sand making, bingo, races, super bubbles, family and the PJ Library Story Walk,  popcorn, cotton candy and cookies all at no charge.  There were special appearances by superheroes included Superman, Spiderman, The Flash, SuperGirl and BatGirl. They joined in the fun at the photo booth with special take home magnet. The  Sing-a-long with Josh Winestock and magic show by Ryan Price were also a hit!

"What's so great about the Super Funday Kick-off is that we have 100 percent participation of all of our agencies, who are all here today. This day is about coming together and working cooperatively to  help our community," Goldstine said . "Without the help of our partner agencies and all our volunteers we could not have put on such a successful event."

Adam L. Levene , President of The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg notes “Your CJA donation is an investment in Jewish values and positively impacts a myriad of Jewish communal services that matter to you.

The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg board is a very dynamic team that always strives to streamline our allocations process in order to better reflect our community needs. I feel inspired by the unwavering commitment of our community to invest in our present and future.”

The CJA campaign raises funds for operation of 12 local agencies as well as national and overseas partners such as March of the Living, Partnership 2Gether (P2G), Hillel Winnipeg and Birthright Israel: Canada IsraelExperience. Funds raised also provide funding for the CJA's national office, The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), and The Jewish Agency for Israel.

This year's campaign has a new campaign director Regina Teplitsky, who began in her position this past May. Teplitsky told the Winnipeg Jewish Review " The CJA team would like to thank our community members for an ongoing support. It is because of the generosity and dedication of CJA donors that we can raise funds for our partners to enhance essential services and operate amazing programs within the community. "

Teplitsky has been involved with the Jewish community as a volunteer and a professional almost since she arrived in Winnipeg with her family from Ashkelon, Israel, seven years ago. She arrived in Israel from Russia when she was 13  and had lived in Israel for 20 years. Her family decided to move to Winnipeg because of the Federation’s Grow Winnipeg initiative to increase our community’s Jewish population. When she arrived here, "The Federation was my family's first point of contact."

Teplitsky has over 15 years’ experience in managing community programs and resources in Israel and in Canada, and  looks forward to "developing nurturing and beneficial relationships with our communities " stakeholders, volunteers and community members.”

Prior to taking on her new role, Teplitsky served as a board member of the federation and also took part in the Women’s Philanthropy campaign as a canvasser. Teplitsky is  married to  Evgeni Teplitsky and they have  two children.

Campaign Chair Bryan Klein is back for a second year along Peter Leipsic – Top Donor Chair,  

Elana Schultz once again chairs the Women’s Philanthropy campaign. Baillie Chisick and Jared Akman remain as co-chairs of the young adult division (Their terms run out at the end of December.)

Bryan Klein noted that the CJA's impact is significant throughout the community. "Over 130 seniors had the opportunity to join their families in High Holidays services at the Simkin Centre, so they can continue to share this important time with their loved ones. Some 520 students , both children and adults engaged in Jewish learning at one of our local Jewish institutions. More than 790 books went to children all over Winnipeg through PJ library, so they can learn, grow and connect with Jewish values and community. Six young adults with disabilities were able to participate in the first Canadian Taglit-Birthright program specially designed for them. They were able to experience Israel and connect with their Judaism just like thousands of their peers, many for the very first time."