Once again the Sisterhood of Congregation Shaarey Zedek is offering an insight into diverse cultures at the Annual Interfaith Luncheon, this year taking place on Tuesday, May 12^th. Last year it was David Matas expounding on the nearly 800,000 Jewish refugees expelled from Arab countries during the first few years of the State of Israel. These people were so efficiently absorbed, their descendants now form about half of today’s sabras. Their plight, practically a mirror image of Arab refugees out of Israel during the same time period, tends to fall under the radar, and reparation for their expropriated property has never been in focus.

Two years ago the featured speaker was Gertrude Hambira, an agricultural worker from Zimbabwe, who became an activist when a change of government in her country restructured the land, taking away the means to make a living for much of the population. Her efforts organizing farm workers antagonized the government, and she soon needed to flee for her life. Her narrow escape to a safe haven in Canada, where her young family eventually joined her, she credits to her powerful prayer life.

The Sisterhood's tradition of bringing relevant issues to the forefront will be met again this year in what will be the 53rd consecutive Interfaith Luncheon the Sisterhood has hosted, and they will be proudly presenting Jordan Bighorn, a winner of a Manitoba Hero award last Fall, and a pivotal personage in the education of First Nations youth in our community. Believe it or not, Jordan freely chose to come to Winnipeg to live, climate and mosquitoes notwithstanding. He is a very accomplished and personable young man, with a tremendous vision for our community. The title of his presentation. HaMahom: The Place of G-d, connects Hebrew to Jordan's word for Manitoba – Manitoh Ahbee -- meaning: 'the place where the Creator sits’.

Once again Sisterhood's timing couldn't be better. Once again, this organization of civic minded women is right on top of the relevant issues. Maclean’s Magazine created quite a hullabaloo when it stated that Winnipeg was the racist capital of Canada. People were up in arms screaming nay. Well, whether it is or it isn’t, there is always room for improvement in the level of mutual respect. Come and find out what one person is doing toward that end, and what you can do to help.

The menu for this event is outstanding: The entree? Pan Seared Salmon with a Grapefruit Beurre Blanc, Fondant Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus. There is a vegetarian option. Of course, the salads from Café Kosh Chef Joel Lafond's gourmet speciality monthly menu are always creative and very tasty, as are the desserts.

Join the tradition. 53^rd Interfaith Luncheon, May 12^th, noon, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue; Cost $30.00, Visa or MasterCard accepted. 204-452-3711; Reserve by May 4^th; Women and men of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome.