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By Zanna Linskaia Gvalt, meshugeh, kvetch, shtick, shnook, shaigetz, vaice liber, yint mid oyerain... These funny words and sometimes ribald expressions I remember from my early childhood, when my grandma Dvora talked to my mother in Yiddish, trying to hide something from us children. Yiddish was a forbidden language in the former Soviet Union, together with Hebrew. Officially, there was one newspaper and magazine in Yiddish, Sovetishe Heimland, and its editor, Tzezar Solodar

Nehama Lifschitz By Zanna Linskaia She was often called “The Jewish Nightingale” for her beautiful soprano voice, the voice of the “silent Jews” who were denied the right to learn or speak their own language and who longed to emigrate to Israel. Her songs in Yiddish and Hebrew became symbols of hope, identity, and the revival of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union. Her name was Nehama Lifschitz. Born in Kaunas, Lithuania in 1927 to a Zionist Jewish family with a rich in

By Zanna Linskaia While the most of Hollywood celebrities criticize and blame Israel for the war in Gaza since October 7 massacre by Hamas and Islamic terrorists, one voice is loud and undoubted to the world on Israel, its rights to defend itself, to free hostages and fight against rising anti-Semitism in USA and the Western countries. This voice belongs to Gal Gadot, beautiful, smart and brave actress in her online posts, talks on TV, speeches at the communities or at the fi

By Zanna Linskaia Who does not know Steven Spielberg, a famous American filmmaker, a prominent figure of the new Hollywood era? For us he is not only one of the greatest and most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, but a creator of his iconic movies - “Shindler’s List” and “Munich”, that have deep connections to Jews, Holocaust and Israel. After receiving “Oscar” for “Shindler’s List”, Steven Spielberg established the Foundation for the Righteous Persons with p

By Zanna Linskaia Once I found in the book of “Nevi'im” a very true saying: “Hypocrisy deceives the hypocrite, damages unbelievers and dishonors God.” Now days, hypocrisy dominates the world in relation to Israel. After massacre on October 7, 2023 by Hamas and the war with Palestinian terrorists, 30 Western countries condemn Israel for its actions in Gaza and so called “occupied territories”, raging from killings of civilians to starvation of women and children. They say noth

By Zanna Linskaia It is with great sadness that we share the passing of long-time Burquest Jewish Community member, Fanya Khavkin, who died peacefully in her sleep on December 17, 2025. Her unexpected passing came as a shock to family and friends, yet there is comfort in knowing that she left this world gently. Many felt that this peaceful departure was a blessing—a reflection of the kindness, generosity, and love she so freely gave to others throughout her life. Fanya Khavki

By Gideon Stuhler It was November 1983. The weather was dreadful and so was my frame of mind. I had met a young woman not long ago and thought that this could become a solid relationship, but she thought otherwise and ditched me. One day while on a professional training day I received a message via my beeper and was asked to phone someone who was waiting in a public phone booth. We are talking about 1983 after all. A few hours later, I finally reached somebody. The mysteriou

by Zanna Linskaia I’ve known Gideon and Renate Stuhler for many years, and I often find myself wondering how they’ve built a marriage so grounded in openness, closeness, and genuine support for one another. What are the secrets behind their long-lasting partnership? It’s clear that a strong marriage takes more than love, attraction, or shared hobbies. Perfection isn’t realistic—but the Stuhlers show that a meaningful, enduring relationship is possible when both partners bring

By Zanna Linskaia Every year we commemorate Tisha Be’Av, as a National day of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second...

Rabbi Akiva ben Joseph, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and Simon bar Kokhba Ever wonder why we light up the night with bonfires and maybe even...

By Zanna Linskaia Frank Sinatra (1915–1998) - JNS.org Frank Sinatra, an outstanding singer and actor, is well known all over the world...

By Zanna Linskaia Springtime comes with the annual Jewish holiday of Passover, also called the Holiday of Spring or Chag Ha’aviv....

By Zanna Linskaia I don’t know anyone his age who remains as sharp-minded, intelligent, and full of life as Bill Gruenthal, nor do I know...

“Blessed is the Match” The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh By Zanna Linskaia While Hannah Senesh is an Israeli hero, her life and death...

By Zanna Linskaia and Rudy Rozanski Exactly 86 years ago, in Germany on November 9-10, 1938, after “Kristallnacht” Nazis collaborating...

By Zanna Linskaia On October 6, 2024 we organized event at Burquest Jewish community, marking one year of the massacre in Israel and...

By Zanna Linskaia PM Justin Trudeau has obsessed with Israel. Not that he fallen in love with the Jewish state after October 7, 2023...

By Zanna Linskaia In our uncertain and turbulent time with so many tragedies and deaths, it’s hard to be shocked or surprised by...

By Zanna Linskaia On July 1 Canada has marked 157 years of Confederation. I remember my first celebration many years ago with fantastic...

By Zanna Linskaia Canada shows once again its fall on international stage regarding a motion at the UN General Assembly to move forward...