Diplomacy Meets Community
Discover the heartbeat of Montreal’s Jewish community with the Federation CJA 360 Podcast - your front‑row seat to the impact, innovation, and inspiration shaping Jewish life today. Each episode spotlights dynamic leaders, transformative initiatives, and powerful stories that highlight how Federation CJA is strengthening our community and building a vibrant Jewish future. Engaging, uplifting, and full of purpose, this is the podcast that brings our mission to life. Show Notes Discover the heartbeat of Montreal’s Jewish community with the Federation CJA 360 Podcast - your front‑row seat to the impact, innovation, and inspiration shaping Jewish life today. Each episode spotlights dynamic leaders, transformative initiatives, and powerful stories that highlight how Federation CJA is strengthening our community and building a vibrant Jewish future. Engaging, uplifting, and full of purpose, this is the podcast that brings our mission to life.Guest Information Samantha Mintz VinebergBio: A proud third-generation Montrealer, Samantha’s commitment to the Montreal Jewish community began as a student leader at McGill University, where she earned her BCL and LLB degrees. Her legal background—including practicing tax and estate planning—eventually transitioned into a life dedicated to community impact.Samantha’s journey with Federation CJA has spanned decades, from her early days as Chair of FedNext. Having served as the Chair of Women’s Philanthropy from 2020–2021 and as a member of the Planning and Allocations Committee, Samantha has been a member of the FCJA board of directors since 2022 and was named First Vice Chair in September 2025., Samantha has consistently focused on the "rolled-up sleeves" work of community building.As a Wexner Heritage Program alum, Samantha is deeply invested in fostering the next generation of leaders. For her, ensuring a strong Jewish future in Montreal is about more than tradition; it’s about creating a vibrant, secure, and thriving home for the generations to come.Link:@samvinebergConsul General Eliaz LufBio: Eliaz Luf was appointed Consul General of Israel and moved to Montreal in summer 2025. He began his diplomatic career in 1995, serving in Warsaw, Poland, and then Mexico City, holding a number of positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' headquarters in Jerusalem, was then posted as Deputy Head of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Ottawa and subsequently served as Director of Department of Arms Export Control at the Strategic Division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Luf served as Deputy-Director General for International Relations Division, at the Israeli Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology. Luf holds an M.A. in Political Science from the National Security College and the University of Haifa, M.B.A. in Business Administration and B.A. (with honours) in General History and Political Science from the University of Haifa. He is a certified Mediator by the Ministry of Justice and volunteers as a mediator in a Community Mediation Center in the city of Ramle.Host & Show InfoHost: Glenn J. NashenAbout the Host: Glenn J. Nashen is an award-winning public safety innovator and communicator, and longtime Cote Saint‑Luc City Councillor having founded CSL Emergency Medical Services and CSL volunteer Citizens on Patrol. Glenn was Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the Jewish General Hospital and CIUSSS West Central Montreal for 20 years and now serves as Podcast Producer and Director of Media Relations and Crisis Communications at Federation CJA, continuing his commitment to strengthening, safeguarding, and informing the community.Links: Blog, Facebook, X, LinkedIn.Featuring: Yair SzlakYair Szlak is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Federation CJA, a role he has held since 2018 after more than 15 years in senior leadership positions within the organization. A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, Yair is known as a skilled fundraiser and community builder. He has dedicated his career to strengthening Jewish life in Montreal and fostering a vibrant, resilient future for the community.Link: LinkedInReporter: Jordan StooplerJordan Stoopler is a copywriter and podcast reporter within Federation CJA’s Strategic Marketing & Communications department. A graduate with journalism degrees from both Concordia University and Hofstra University on Long Island, New York, Jordan contributes to campaigns, weekly newsletters and other organizational communications. By night, Jordan is a freelance sports reporter, covering the local professional sports scene for the Canadian Press. He also produces and co-hosts Menschin’ with the Boys, a podcast that shines a light on Jews and Israelis from across the sports world. Link: Podcast, Articles, 360 Newsletter Karen PayneBio: Karen Payne is a Strategic Advisor in Antisemitism Advocacy at Federation CJA. She began her career as a corporate lawyer, practicing for over a decade in both New York and Montreal. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Karen has long been active in community philanthropy, within Solomon Schechter Academy and as a dedicated member of Federation CJA’s Women’s Philanthropy. Driven by a deep commitment to combating antisemitism and strengthening the Jewish community, Karen joined Federation CJA to lead efforts in advocacy, education and resilience-building. She works closely with CIJA and helps with the strategies in educating and supporting community, and initiatives addressing antisemitism. Karen collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders to raise awareness, develop strategic responses, and implement impactful programs. Her unwavering dedication continues to inspire and empower the community in the ongoing fight against Jew-hatred.Emmanuel TrauBio: An attorney from Israel with a background in Law and Middle Eastern Studies, Emmanuel Trau also has a foundation in advanced traditional Jewish studies and serves as a Shaliach (Special Emissary) with Federation CJA. He leads high-impact advocacy and Jewish identity initiatives, delivering interactive workshops for students and diverse community cohorts to build lasting resilience and a deeper connection to Israel.Reporter: Dan Laxer from The SuburbanBio: Dan Laxer is a reporter with 30 years' experience in broadcast media and print journalism. He covers parts of the west end and the City of Montreal for The Suburban Newspaper. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook.Link: laxer@thesuburban.com.Podcast Website: FederationCJA.org/podcastPlease rate and review on podcast appContact the show: podcast@federationcja.orgFollow us on social media:X (formerly Twitter)InstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.
