Presenters 2024

Step into a riveting session where Melissa Lantsman, the Member of Parliament for Thornhill, will delve into the complex and challenging role of defending Israel in the political arena of Ottawa. Melissa will share her insights and experiences in advocating for Israel amidst a landscape of anti-Israel rhetoric and hate.

Melissa Lantsman is the Member of Parliament for Thornhill, elected in the 2021 Canadian federal election. She currently serves as the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre.

Melissa was born and raised in Thornhill by immigrant parents who came to Canada from the Former Soviet Union in the 1970s. She has been an advocate and volunteer in her community since her youth. Before being elected to office, she was one of Canada’s most sought-after public affairs executives and served on several charitable boards.

Melissa was a regular TV commentator and talk radio host. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto, an avid Blue Jays fan, and is fluent in English, French and Russian.

JEWPORN: Pornified World & Jewish Influence  DONE The multibillion-dollar pornography industry flourished in North America and Western Europe, with Jewish immigrants playing a key role in its rise. We will explore this historical period and contemporary attitudes towards pornography, ranging from disgust to regular consumption. Additionally, we will examine the widespread popularity of porn and its effects on society, especially the younger generation.

Alex Yentin is a New York State licensed psychotherapist and an active presenter in the Jewish community of New York and around the world including many Limmud conferences. He holds BA from Ben Gurion and Bar Ilan University (Israel), MA from New York University and has completed postgraduate studies for Clinical and Group Psychotherapy. Alex works as an individual and group psychotherapist in New York City and is passionate about psychology, sex education, and equal opportunities for all.

Fighting Antisemitism in Canadian Courts

Leora will share insights from her career, including landmark cases and her continued efforts to uphold justice in Ontario courts and beyond. This presentation promises to be a compelling exploration of the challenges and triumphs faced in the fight against Jew-hatred.

Israeli dancing is not merely a series of steps but a dynamic expression of the nation’s history, spirit, and collective identity. It encompasses a rich tapestry of traditional and contemporary styles, each reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped Israeli society over the centuries. Come and Dance with us AGAIN!

Session 1 (Russian):

Couples workshop: an interactive and engaging exercise to get to know yourself and your partner. 

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your bond or simply spend quality time together, this workshop offers a supportive and enjoyable environment for couples at any stage of their relationship. Come prepared to laugh, learn, and grow together!

Session 2 (English): 

Torah values in Marriage and parenting. Ancient wisdom for modern times. 

Join us for an enlightening session that bridges the gap between ancient traditions and modern life, helping you build a harmonious and fulfilling family dynamic. Discover the timeless wisdom of the Torah and how it can enrich your marriage and parenting journey.

Jewish Guilt

Explore the concept of Jewish guilt, a theme integral to Jewish religious, cultural, and personal narratives. This session will examine its origins and manifestations through historical and contemporary examples. Gain a deeper understanding of how guilt shapes Jewish life and thought. Join us for an insightful discussion on this resonant topic within Jewish culture.

Our Journey: From the Holocaust DP camps to Canadian construction mogul

Step into an engaging session that traces the extraordinary journey of resilience and success. This session will delve into the life and legacy of the Rosenbaum family and Mr. Rosenbaum, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Great Gulf Group Limited. From his early days, overcoming the shadows of the Holocaust in Displaced Persons camps, to his remarkable achievements in the Canadian real estate landscape, Mr. Rosenbaum’s story is one of perseverance and vision.

Mr. Rosenbaum is the Honorary Chair of Limmud FSU Canada.

Mr. Rosenbaum co-founded Great Gulf Group Limited in 1975 and serves as its Chief Operating Officer. He has been instrumental in manifesting such iconic projects as One Bloor East, Toronto. He is a Partner of Ashton Woods Homes. Prior to the creation of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, Mr. Rosenbaum practiced commercial and real estate law at a Toronto law firm. He serves as an Independent Director of several global high ranking investment and real estate companies.

Paintings’ and sculptures’ depictions of the “Old Testament”

 Ellina Savitsky was born and educated in Odessa, Ukraine. While in Odessa, she worked as a teacher of History of Arts and a tour guide. In 1991 she moved with her family to Tel-Aviv, Israel. Since 2003 lives in Toronto, where she works as a History of Arts teacher, Toronto museums guide and lecturer on art-related topics.

Session 1: Smart Speed Dating – YP ONLY

Join us for an extraordinary Jewish ‘Smart’ Speed Dating Event, where Yuliya Etingen, an experienced matchmaker will be dedicated to helping you find meaningful, lasting love. Unlike traditional speed dating, this event is thoughtfully designed to connect you with potential matches who best align with your values and long-term goals. There will also be a discussion about finding love in modern times. 

Session 2: Tikun Olam – Repairing the world the Jewish way!

In this session, we will explore the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and its relevance today, especially after recent events like those following October 7. We’ll discuss making an impact in times of crisis and how Tikkun Olam encourages community-wide change. We will delve into its roots in Jewish tradition and its modern call to social responsibility.

Classic Cocktails Gone Kosher 

A fun demonstration on the traditional cocktails we know, but with Kosher alcohol. Participants will have a chance to watch how the drinks are made and then try these cocktails. A take home recipe guide with the demonstrated cocktails will be given to anyone attending the session, so they can enjoy these at home as well!

Join Aviva Yerushalmi in this engaging and hands-on workshop, where participants will create a beautiful Tree of Life pendant. Aviva, with her extensive experience in arts and crafts and her deep connection to Jewish and Israeli culture, will guide you through the process of crafting this meaningful piece. The Tree of Life symbolizes growth, strength, and connection, making it a perfect project for individuals and couples alike. This session promises to be a blend of creativity, tradition, and community, offering a unique opportunity to explore your artistic side while celebrating cultural heritage.

Session 1 (Russian) : Stand-up – Humour in the time of war

Join us for an evening with Ilia Akselrod, who is not only a comedian but also serves in the Home Front Command in IDF. Through his stand-up routine, he will share personal anecdotes and reflections, shedding light on the human side of the was and the resilience of the human spirit. This session promises to offer a blend of humour and poignant insights, providing a fresh perspective on the lives of the Israelis in the home front.

Session 2 – Film (Russian)

The film “Judea and Samaria: Expanses of a Small Country,” directed by Ilya Akselrod, takes on new significance in light of recent events. It explores the strategic and historical importance of Judea and Samaria for Israel and the Jewish people. The main characters, Andrey Makarevich and Einat Klein, travel through these unique locations, revealing the region’s rich culture, archaeology, and landscapes. Ilya Akselrod will host the screening and share his personal insights on the filmmaking process and the importance of this project.

Ilya Akselrod came to Israel from Minsk in 1990 at the age of six. At the age of 15 he became involved with KVN. Participates in”Comedy Battle” in Russia and manages a stand-up project in Israel. He hosts a morning television show on Channel 9.

Leading with Resilience: A Jewish Mayor’s Perspective on Community, Identity, and Public Service in Canada 

In this insightful presentation, Mayor of Hampstead, Quebec, Jeremy Levi will share personal challenges and triumphs since October 7th, as a staunch supporter of Israel.

Rivka is a recognized speaker on Jewish Diversity and has been interviewed by CJN and other publications numerous times. Rivka is filming a documentary on Jewish Diversity. She is the host of the Canadian Jewish News podcast called “Rivkush”. The only Jew of Colour hosted podcast with a focus on Jews of Colour discussing diversity, Judaism, and Israel.

Rivka has lectured at Limmud conferences, synagogues, JCCs, community groups and Hebrew Schools. She is the Executive Director for Beth Tikvah Synagogue and an Executive Committee member of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE).

An important source of protein, labaneh is a thick, tangy, yogurt-based cheese Israelis love to eat, especially as part of their breakfast or as a sandwich spread. Highly popular throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean, it’s made by straining the whey out of yogurt, producing a thicker, creamy, slightly sour cheese. Considered a probiotic food, labaneh is rich in healthy bacteria that help boost your immune system.

One of the great things about labaneh is that there are countless variations of what you can do with it. Halvah Mousse A beautiful dish to serve for dessert. With its silky texture and light, fine flavour, Halvah Mousse has an addictive quality that many people: children and adults find irresistible and habit-forming.

Robert demonstrated a strong interest in media. When he was in high school in Toronto and junior college in Switzerland, he was an editor, writer and photographer for various yearbooks, and later worked as a layout artist at a city arts/leisure magazine. He began his journalistic career in Toronto as an editor and writer on a national weekly. He then moved to France where he first worked as a freelance writer for Canadian and French publications before being selected for the Paris-based ‘Journalists in Europe’ year-long fellowship program.

Robert then founded Paris Passion, an English-language city magazine of which he was the Editor and Co-Publisher for nearly 10 years before moving to Israel.

During his career, Robert has created and edited many customized publications for different companies and organizations, and taken on myriad assignments and special projects that have drawn on his expertise in media and communication. He’s written for numerous newspapers and magazines, edited several publications and created videos. With his rich professional experience, he’s also participated as a speaker and panelist at conferences and courses and hosted and moderated events in person and online.

Robert, who lives in Toronto, is married to Galya Sarner. They have three children – Aviv, Shani and Etye.

Coffee is a very common beverage, and it has both benefits and drawbacks. Should you drink it? Should you avoid it? Just as with most things, nothing is universally good or bad. Learn when coffee is beneficial, when it’s harmful, and when it’s neutral.

Session (English): YP Only 

Lights! Camera! Acting while Jewish

What’s it like trying to be an actor in Hollywood while trying to maintain adherence to the Torah? Moshe Kopstick chats about how to shoot your shot and keep Shabbat!

Session YP Only Unforgotten: Suppressed Jewish Literature as Resistance under Soviet Rule

This presentation explores how Holocaust literature, from Vassily Grossman’s journalism to Yenta Mash’s memoirs, defied Soviet censorship. Through documentary accounts and fiction, these authors preserved Jewish memory and identity, using literature as an act of resistance against erasure and assimilation.

Rabbi-Cantor Jordan Shaner is the associate rabbi at Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto. Ordained as a Hazzan and rabbi at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, he began his career in Toronto in 2019. His work focuses on engaging professionals, youth, and young families. Jordan is married to Kate, a violinist and music educator, and they have a three-year-old son, Meir.

Session (English) – From Startup to Stardom: The Acceleration Blueprint for Multi-Million Dollar Growth

Prepare to elevate your startup to multi-million dollar success in just 2-3 years! Join us for a transformative presentation that unveils powerful strategies for fostering a growth mindset, pinpointing market fit, and forging game-changing partnerships. Harness the power of data-driven insights and cutting-edge marketing tactics while exploring creative financing options that can fuel your vision. This is your moment—don’t miss the chance to unlock the blueprint for explosive growth. Your startup’s success story begins now!

Yuliya Ivanisova is the Chief Commercial Officer at Blazesoft Group, scaling the company from 15 to over 200 employees in less than 3 years and establishing partnerships resulting in 600,000 daily active customers. With over 20 years of experience in regulated sectors, she drives revenue growth and fosters stakeholder relationships. She is also a Venture Partner at Key Element Capital and the founder of “Art at Heart,” a charity focused on art therapy for long-term care patients.

Roy Kao is a recognized executive, advisor, and dot connector in Canadian financial services transformation and fintech innovation development with over 25 years of leadership, consulting, and entrepreneurial experience.

In addition to his client advisory work, Roy currently sits as a member on the boards of Fintech Cadence and Open Finance Network Canada (OFNC) and serves as an Advisory Board Member for Open Banking Expo.

Session (English): YP Only – Open Banking and The Safe Future of Money in Canada

Open Banking is coming to the Canadian financial services industry. It will allow secure data sharing among banks, credit unions, and third-party vendors, reducing consumer and business pain points. This panel will explore the three phases of open banking, assess risks and rewards, and envision its future in Canada.

Boris is a corporate treasury practitioner with experience in the cash management industry. Boris oversees daily cash movement for client and corporate cash activities. Boris is actively participating in the Jewish community of Toronto, where he is part of the Young Leaders Council of the Birthright Israel Foundation of Canada. Boris also chaired the Limmud FSU Canada conference in Blue Mountain in March 2017.

Session 1: Middle East, Palestinians and the Holocaust

What was the nature of relations between the Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, and Hitler and Nazi Germany? What did al-Husseini do while in Germany during the Holocaust? How does the Jewish world relate to this chapter? How do the Palestinians and the Arab world relate to this chapter? How does the Palestinian and Arab world’s narrative of what happened impact on current perceptions of the Holocaust in the Middle East? In this session Dr. Mordechai Kedar will provide an in-depth analysis of the historical events, and complement his focus on this historical account with a discussion of how these complex and often contentious topics surrounding the activities and role of Arab nationalism continue to impact on the Palestinian narrative of the Holocaust in general.

Session 2: What is this war really about – understanding the roots of the war with Hamas and Hezbollah

In this session, we will explore the origins of the conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Participants will be guided through the key historical events and ideologies shaping the Middle Eastern conflicts. The discussion aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these groups’ motivations and their interactions with regional and global powers, offering insights into the complexities and broader implications for international peace and security.

Session 2: (Russian) Wars in Ukraine and Israel – against a common enemy Shorten to 4 This session will delve into the historical, political, and social factors that have shaped these wars, highlighting the common threats facing both nations and the Western world. CAPT. Tabach will provide an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical landscape, examining how external forces and international relations influence the dynamics of these conflicts. The discussion will cover the strategic importance of each region, the role of global powers, and the impact on regional stability and security.

Graduated from the National University of physical education and sports ( Kyiv, Ukraine ). Studied physiology, nutrition, movement biomechanics, and rehabilitation in depth.

Implemented yoga into the training program of Olympic athletes as well as actively partnering with youth hockey team and youth women soccer team.

Session 1 (Russian)  – AI and Halacha: Navigating Intersection of Jewish Law and Artificial Intelligence

Join us for an enlightening lecture that explores the dynamic interface between the ancient wisdom of Halacha (Jewish law) and the cutting-edge advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This session will delve into the ethical, legal, and philosophical questions that arise as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives. We will examine how Halachic principles can guide us in addressing issues related to AI, such as autonomy, decision-making, and the sanctity of human intellect. Discover how timeless Jewish teachings provide a framework for engaging with the technological challenges of the modern world, ensuring that we harness AI’s potential while upholding our cherished values and traditions.

Session 2 (Russian) – How Our Community is Making a Difference in Israel’s War for Survival  DONE

Join us for an insightful session on the pivotal role of the Canadian Russian Jewish community in supporting Israel. We will highlight aid initiatives, raise awareness, and advocate for Israel. Learn how you can get involved through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure our community remains a strong ally for Israel.

President of York Entrepreneurship Development Institute,

President of Canadian Forum of Russian-Speaking Jewry,

Serial entrepreneur,

Academic ,

Rabbi.

Israel’s Heroes

Interviewed by Robert Sarner

Join us for an inspiring session featuring the stories of IDF soldiers. This session will delve into their remarkable experiences, highlighting their bravery, resilience, and dedication. Through their narratives, we will gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made and the spirit of perseverance that defines these heroes.

Session (English) YP Only – In the Shadow of October 7th

Strengthening our relationship with Israel amid the rise of antisemitism in Canada and around the world.

MICHAEL B. SOBERMAN, B.A., B.ED., J.D., M.A.

Michael is a Senior Educational Consultant with The iCenter and previously served as the Vice President of Canada Israel Experience. He has maximized Canadian youth travel to Israel and is a prominent Holocaust educator in Canada. Michael holds degrees in arts, law, and education, and an Executive Master’s in Jewish Professional Studies. He is married to Rebecca, with two children, Jordyn and Joshua. In his spare time, he studies Shotokan Karate.

Eyal Sivan, known as Mr. Open Banking, is a global leader in open banking. He hosts the only podcast in this space, which has over 60,000 subscribers since 2020. Recognized as the top Open Finance Influencer in 2022, Eyal is now the General Manager for North America at Ozone API, expanding their leading open banking solutions in the US, Canada, and beyond.