CJN: Rotchin Satirizes Montreal

An older generation of the Montreal Jewish community will see itself mirrored in an unsparing light...Unless they are hyper-sensitive, however, they should get a good laugh... More here scroll to page 22.

Wellsprings of Freedom

Sumptious for the eyes and nourishing for the mind and heart, Rabbi Ron Aigen has done it again with his new haggadah, offering not just insight on beloved Passover rites and rituals but a guide for personal renewal that links ancient texts and traditions to a modern sensibility. More here.

The Rotchin-Richler comparison... I'll gladly take it

In final summary on the Richler comparison, if you love Mordecai Richler you’ll like B. Glen Rotchin; if you like Richler you’ll love Rotchin...It’s a very enjoyable novel, like visiting the memory of an old friend.


Yes, the elipse is there because what this reviewer had to say is not all gushing praise.

Irving Layton Observed

Give yourself a treat and celebrate the centenary of Canada's greatest 20th century poet by watching this wonderful 1986 film made available by the NFB for the first time.

I swear I didn't bribe this reviewer

Halbman Steals Home will surely earn countless accolades and Rotchin will no doubt become recognized as the storyteller of Jewish Montreal for our generation.

Never read Friday Night Mag but now I'm a fan.

The Jewish Tribune

The Jewish Tribune seconds (literally) the verdict on Halbman.

The Gold Star

Words of praise arrived unexpectedly from the somewhat reclusive, legendary Montreal novelist and playwright Seymour Blicker. Receiving this note I felt the thrill of being in elementary school again and getting a gold star from the teacher (which didn't happen much when I was a kid).

...Regarding HALBMAN STEALS HOME – Once I began reading it I didn’t want to put it down. It is a wonderful novel, suspenseful, dramatic, and filled with pathos and humour and some artfully executed surprises. It is also an excellent tour of contemporary Jewish Montreal as seen through the eyes of our guide, Mort Halbman. Congratulations on having crafted an insightful and unique work. I’m looking forward to your next one.

Is the book up for the Leacock Award? It should be!...

Anyways, I’ll be touting your book to all and sundry and I hope it will be a best-seller.