cyberplace

Career

1989-2014     The Canadian Jewish News,  Toronto, Ont.
News & Internet Editor
  • Served as acting editor to ensure the smooth operation of a newsroom of approximately ten people.
  • Managed a group of five to eight staff reporters, freelance reporters and correspondents across Canada, assigning stories to ensure a steady stream of material was arriving for the weekly newspaper.
  • Developed a “beat” system for reporters to help streamline communications with the public. This process allowed reporters to specialize in specific news areas, becoming “experts” in those fields. This system resulted in better quality articles.
  • Created the look of the newspaper’s weekly Toronto edition by choosing the appropriate material for news pages and taking part in the layout process.
  • Assumed additional responsibility as the newspaper’s first Internet Editor in January 1998 and maintained the newspaper’s website. This involved formatting and uploading internally written news copy and wire stories. Oversaw numerous revisions of the website and mastered new systems over the years.
  • Coordinated the newspaper’s annual health supplement, developing story ideas, writing and assigning material, taking photographs and laying out the special section.
  • Maintained monthly financial records of freelance costs using an Excel spreadsheet, comparing current periods with the previous year as part of the newspaper’s cost control measures.


1984-1989   The Canadian Jewish News,  Toronto, Ont.
Reporter

  • Covered a wide range of news topics, including politics, arts, fashion, sports, and business. Wrote feature stories for the newspaper’s magazine and took photographs using both colour and black-and-white film while on assignment. Additionally, contributed to the layout process for the newspaper’s weekly Montreal edition, helping to shape the appearance of the pages.
  • Coordinated the newspaper’s annual supplement focused on life north of Steeles Avenue. This involved developing story ideas, writing and assigning material, taking photographs, and laying out the special section.


1983-1984   Battleford Telegraph,  Battleford, Sask.
Reporter
  • Covered a wide variety of news beats, including politics, agriculture, and police work.
  • Took photographs using colour and black-and-white film and developed the pictures.
  • Participated in the layout process, using computer mock-ups.


1982-1983   Borderland Reporter,  Coronach, Sask.
News Editor
  • Oversaw all editorial functions in a two-person newsroom, which included story development, reporting, writing, and photography.
  • Managed the layout of the weekly newspaper.
  • Served as the spokesperson for the publication to ensure it effectively met the community’s needs as the town’s first newspaper.



Volunteer Experience

December 2016 – April 2021    Pride of Israel Synagogue,  Toronto, Ont.
Editor, Shabbat Matters
  • I redesigned a four-page newsletter to enhance its overall appearance. After gathering the necessary materials, I produced the four-page newsletter, which was then sent out for final editing before being printed and posted online. During the pandemic, I adapted the print publication into a multi-page online format.


1991 – 2004    Forestdale Heights Lodge,  B’nai Brith Canada, Toronto, Ont.
Editor/Webmaster, Kol Echad
  • I operated an award-winning bulletin for over 30 years. During this time, the format evolved from a simple informational newsletter into a multi-page publication that featured advertising, all designed to inform, educate, and entertain our members.
  • I was responsible for writing a monthly column, seeking out and designing new advertisements, and generating fresh material for this 28-32-page monthly newsletter. Additionally, I designed and laid out each print and web issue.
  • I created and maintained an award-winning website using HyperText Markup Language (HTML).



2003-2005   Forestdale Heights Lodge, B’nai Brith Canada,  Toronto, Ont.
  • I served as president of this organization for two terms after sitting on the executive committee for several years. As president, I chaired monthly meetings and guided the group’s direction to ensure its continued progress and success. During my tenure, our Lodge received an award from B’nai Brith Canada for implementing a new and innovative Community Service Program.


2007-2011   American Jewish Press Association
  • I represented The Canadian Jewish News at the annual conference, offering a unique perspective as the only Canadian voice.



Education
1981-1982   Sheridan College,  Oakville, Ont.
  • Journalism Degree


1977-1981   University of Toronto,  Scarborough, Ont.
  • Bachelor of Arts



Interests
Web design/maintenance
  • I have created and maintain a personal website at www.jelijo.ca.


Photography
  • I create coffee table books based on my travels





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