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Raxlen family [multiple media] – [192-?]-1975.

Accession Number: 2003-5-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2003-5-5

Material Format: multiple media

Date: [192-?]-1975

Scope and Content: The records in this accession document the Raxlen family and the Raxlen Clinic and Doctor's Hospital that was set up by the Raxlen brothers. The records also include personal correspondence between Katie Cherney and her mother, family photographs, greeting cards, press clippings and a booklet of articles written by Rabbi Fine of Peterborough. This booklet includes translated documents that he produced as rabbi from 1926 to 1934. Finally, there are three historic postcards documenting Holy Blossom's building on Bond Street, Jarvis Collegiate, and the Doctor's Hospital

Custodial History: Records were collected by Karen Fejer, the daughter of Alexander Raxlen.

Administrative History: The Raxlen brothers were born in Toronto in Cabbagetown, where their father operated a grocery store. The four brothers were Saul, Benjamin, Alexander, and Sam. All of the brothers graduated in medicine during the 1930s, except for Sam, who became a dentist. Together, they opened up the Raxlen Clinic in 1937, which was located on Carleton Street.; In 1953, the brothers opened their own private hospital, the Doctor's Hospital, which was located on Brunswick Avenue. The hospital started in a ninety-year-old building that was owned by a religious order. The brothers modernized and expanded it from a facility accomodating 59 patients to one that could hold up to 168 beds by 1955. It soon became the largest privately-held, non-profit hospital in North America. By the time the brothers sold it during the late 1970s, it had 554 full-time staff and five hundred hospital beds.; The other family documented in this accession is the Cherney family from Peterborough. The patriarch and matriarch were Abraham and B. Cherney. They had two children, Katie ("Kaye") and Meyer. Abraham and B. divorced, and Abraham remarried and had three more kids: Harry, Helen, and Louis. The family remained in Peterbough, but the ex-wife moved to Toronto. Kaye married Dr. Alexander Raxlen, and they had three children. Karen Fejer, their daughter, is the donor.

Use Conditions: Correspondence is restricted. Researchers must contact donor for permission to access them. The rest of the collection is open.

Descriptive Notes: Restrictions on access, use, reproduction, and publication: Some of the photographs are the property of the City of Toronto Archives.

Subjects: Families; Hospitals; Rabbis

Name Access: Doctor's Hospital (Toronto, Ont.); Fine, Abraham

Places: Peterborough (Ont.); Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Beth Israel Synagogue [textual record, architectural drawing] – 1948-1977.

Accession Number: 1983-7-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1983-7-1

Material Format: textual record; architectural drawing

Physical Description: 30 cm of textual records and other material

Date: 1948-1977

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting Beth Israel Synagogue in Toronto. Included are a Hebrew prayer book, a plan showing the Beth Israel Synagogue cemetery, correspondence, an inventory, a general by-law (constitution) of the Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, a journal listing members and disbursements, a folder of indentures, minutes, and other materials.

Subjects: Synagogues

Name Access: Beth Israel Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.); Shaarei Shomayim (Toronto, Ont.)

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Kiever Synagogue plans [architectural drawing] – [ca. 1923].

Accession Number: 2004-1-6

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2004-1-6

Material Format: architectural drawing

Physical Description: 7 drawings : blueline prints ; 61 x 50 cm

Date: [ca. 1923]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting the Kiever Synagogue in downtown Toronto. Included are architectural drawings of south and west elevations, cross section, details of window frames and balcony basement, the ground floor, and roof and balcony plans. Benjamin Swartz was the architect.

Use Conditions: Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Subjects: Synagogue architecture

Name Access: Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.); Swartz, Benjamin, 1899-1961

Places: Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Morley Markson [multiple media] – [198-].

Accession Number: 2003-8-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2003-8-1

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 6.6 m of textual records and graphic materials

Date: [198-]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records relating to Markson's design work for the Holocaust Centre, for Jewish Family & Child Services, and for the film, Growing up in America. These records include textual records, slides, negatives, photographs, films, and sound recordings in various formats.

Use Conditions: Donor retains copyright. Material can be made available for viewing and reference at the OJA. Researchers who require copies for personal use or publication must obtain permission from donor first.; Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.

Subjects: Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)

Name Access: Markson, Morley

Source: Archival Accessions

Martin Mendelow [textual record, architectural drawing] – 1924-1981.

Accession Number: 2004-3-6

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2004-3-6

Material Format: textual record; architectural drawing

Physical Description: 12 drawings: blueline and pencil: 111 x 77cm or smaller; 1 folder of textual material

Date: 1924-1981

Scope and Content: This accession consists of the original architectural plans of the Kiever Synagogue in Kensington Market as well as plans drawn by Martin Mendelow for the Synagogue's restoration in the early 1980s. Also included is a Mendelow drawing of the Minsk Synagogue and textual materials relating to the Kiever

Custodial History: Materials were kept by Martin Mendelow

Administrative History: Martin Mendelow is a well known architect working in the Toronto area. His professional association with the Kiever Synagogue began when he was hired as architect of the Synagogue's restoration, which was completed in the early 1980s

Subjects: Architecture; Synagogues

Name Access: Anshei Minsk Congregation (Toronto, Ont.); Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.); Menedelow, Martin

Places: Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Abraham Layefsky [textual record, architectural drawing] – 1907-1943.

Accession Number: 1975-002

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1975-002

Material Format: textual record; architectural drawing

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 1 drawing

Date: 1907-1943

Scope and Content: Accession consists of a Russian passport document (1907), Abraham Layefsky's permit to leave Canada with photograph (1917), his United States non-resident alien border crossing identification card (1943), and a blueprint of the Mozirer section of Roselawn Cemetery in Toronto.

Administrative History: Layefsky was a contractor who built a chapel on the grounds of the Roselawn Avenue cemetery.

Subjects: Contractors

Name Access: Layefsky, Abraham, 1882-

Source: Archival Accessions

William Gryfe [multiple media] – [ca. 1937]-1998.

Accession Number: 2006-3-16

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2006-3-16

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 81 photographs and other material

Date: [ca. 1937]-1998

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records relating to the life and weightlifting career of Bill Gryfe. The textual records are photocopies of correspondence, clippings, and certificates from a family album. The photographs are scanned copies from this same album and include images of Bill with various individuals and images of weightlifting teams and individuals that he had coached. There are two trophies: one is a Grand Order of Israel bowling award and one is an award presented to Bill in 1979 by the JCC for over fifty years of service. There is also a CD with Bill Gryfe's memoirs and some additional photographs of Bill at a young age and of him at various weightlifting events and on vacation.

Administrative History: Bill Gryfe was an early member of the YMHA. He began as a weightlifter and in 1931 became a barbell coach of the YMHA weightlifting team.; He coached at many national and international competitions such as the Canada games, the Commonwealth Games, the Pan American Games, and the Maccabean Games. He also officiated and refereed at national and international competitions including the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.; Throughout his life, Bill was devoted to the promotion of physical fitness and competitive weightlifting. He was a founder of the Ontario Weightlifting Association and its first president in 1968. He also organized the national-championship weightlifting competitions, held annually at the Canadian National Exhibition, an institution that had a distinct effect on his life from his earliest years when it was first established by Bill Oliphant in 1935. Over the years, Bill Gryfe received numerous awards and citations, including a nomination for the Order of Canada in 1982. Bill died in 2005 at the age of ninety-five.

Use Conditions: Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.

Descriptive Notes: Physical description note: includes 3 cm of textual records, 2 items, and 1 electronic record.

Subjects: Weight lifters

Name Access: Gryfe, Bill

Source: Archival Accessions

Sam Shapiro [multiple media] – 1941-2004.

Accession Number: 2006-4-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2006-4-4

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 3 photographs : b&w (tif); 5 documents (tif); 1 folder of textual records; 1 DVD; 1 videocassette

Date: 1941-2004

Scope and Content: Accession consists of copies of electronic copies of photographs, postcards and telegrams as well as newsclippings, a video and a DVD documenting the career of Sam Shapiro in the RCAF and his time as a Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft 3 in Poland.

Administrative History: Sam Shapiro enlisted as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force in September 1940. He received his wings in Brantford and was sent overseas in April 1941 as a sergeant pilot. He was in Squadron ten and flew eight successful missions before his plane was shot down over Holland in August 1941, killing two of the crew.; Shapiro was captured by German forces on 17 August 1941 and was taken to Stalag Luft 3 camp in Poland, where the "Great Escape" took place. Shapiro was not part of the breakout, but did help dig the tunnel that allowed seventy-six of his fellow prisoners to escape.; While a Prisoner of War, Shapiro was promoted to warrant officer. He was liberated on 16 April 1945 and arrived in England five days later. Shortly after arriving home in 1945, Shapiro received the YMCA sports badge for his conduct in the POW camp and the Canadian Volunteer Service medal. He married his fiance Geraldine Perlman in 1945.

Use Conditions: Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Subjects: Canada--Armed Forces; World War, 1939-1945

Name Access: Shapiro, Sam.; Stalag Luft 3; Perlman, Geraldine

Source: Archival Accessions

Solel Congregation [multiple media] – 1973-2005.

Accession Number: 2006-12-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2006-12-4

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 0.3 m. of textual records and other material

Date: 1973-2005

Scope and Content: The records in this accession consist of early minutes of the Executive Committee, high holiday sermons, sidureem (booklets) that were produced by the synagogue for Shabbat and the holidays, a cassette containing instructions for bar/bat mitzvah children, a CD of music entitled "Solel Sings "Kids" Songs!", and a videotaped recording of the 25th Anniversary celebration of the shul.

Custodial History: The records were donated to the OJA from their archives committee. This committee will be responsible for overseeing future transfers and for helping to establish an information management program within the synagogue.

Administrative History: Solel Congregation was established in1973. It is a reform synagogue, situated in Mississauga, that currently has a membership of 300 families.

Subjects: Synagogues

Name Access: Solel Congregation (Mississauga, Ont.)

Places: Mississauga (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Rheta Rosen (North Bay, Ont.) [multiple media] – 1938-1986.

Accession Number: 2007-7-10

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2007-7-10

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 19 photographs : b&w; 1 folder of textual records; 2 books; 1 CD; 1 vest; 1 hat

Date: 1938-1986

Scope and Content: This accession consists of material documenting the donor's family, particularly her father, Nathan Rivelis. The items include a vest and hat worn by her father during the late 1950s as part of the Lion's Club. It also consists of an oral history of her father conducted in 1983; his school primer and English reader; photographs of the business and Hebrew classes; certificates; and, finally, newspaper clippings.

Administrative History: The Rivelis family owned a large clothing store in North Bay from 1926 until 1986 called Rivelis. They sold men's and women's mid-range clothing and became famous in town for their annual sale held on 16 November. The business grew from a small family-run store to a large department store with twelve employees.; In addition to running the business, Nate Rivelis was also involved in the local Lion's Club and was the president of this organization from 1957-1958. He was the only Jewish member at that time. In addition, he also served as the president of the Hebrew school during the 1940s.

Subjects: Business; Communities

Name Access: Rosen, Rheta; Rivelis, Nathan

Places: North Bay (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Mark Goldhamer [graphic material (electronic), textual record (electronic), architectural drawing (electronic)] – [189-]-2004.

Accession Number: 2007-9-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2007-9-2

Material Format: graphic material (electronic); textual record (electronic); architectural drawing (electronic)

Physical Description: 37 photographs : b&w and col. (jpg) + 2 identification keys; 16 documents (28 jpgs); 2 architectural drawings (jpg)

Date: [189-]-2004

Scope and Content: Accession consists of scanned copies of original records documenting the Jewish community in Cornwall. The records relate to various individuals in the community, including the donor, as well as organizations such as B'nai Brith, Hebrew Ladies' Aid Society, and the Beth-El Congregation. The items include scans of cemetery plans, burial certificates, photographs, meeting minutes, memorial books and various legal documents.; Photographs are as follows:; 01. Sixtieth anniversary of D-Day program.; 02. Abe and Rose Goldhamer, Long Sault Rapids before the seaway, ca. 1941.; 03. Al Burnes in uniform. Al lived in Cornwall and moved to Toronto, [between 1939 and 1945].; 04. Archie Dover, first person buried in the new cemetery, pg. 1, 1962.; 05. Archie Dover, first person buried in the new cemetery, pg. 2, 1962.; 06. Beth El Synagogue, exterior, nd.; 07. Beth El Synagogue, interior, nd.; 08. Birdie Phillips Miller.; 09. B’nai Brith, ca. 1961. [obverse]; 10. B’nai Brith, ca. 1961. [reverse]; 11. B’nai Brith entertaining seniors from Glen Stor Dun Lodge, 1964.; 12. B’nai Brith girls temporary charter, 1967.; 13. B’nai Brith Youth Organization temporary charter, 1967.; 14. Boys playing hockey behind the shul, 1930s. Back row, left to right: unidentified, Jack Abrugov, Murray Berns, Julius Kolomier. Front row, left to right: unidentified, Jack Goldhamer, unidentified, unidentified, unidentified.; 15. Braham Goldhamer on piano.; 16. Cemetery plan from office of LP Stidwill, civil engineer and Ontario land surveyor, April 18 1958.; 17. Cemetery plan, nd.; 18. Construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Robert Saunders Dam, 1957.; 19. B’nai Brith emergency meeting minutes, 1967.; 20. Entertainer, Helen Goldhamer and her father, Julius Miller.; 21. General meeting regarding building of the synagogue, pg. 1, Oct. 5, 1924.; 22. General meeting regarding building of the synagogue, pg. 2, Oct. 5, 1924.; 23. B’nai Brith Cornwall Lodge, 1961. [obverse] Pictured are, Standing left to right: Moe Helperin, Peter Solway, Oscar Niduvitch, Louis Dubinsky, Alex Abugor, Sam Nyman, Moe Schulman, Bernard Miller, I. Martin, Saul Schulman. Seated left to right: Mark Goldhamer, Sam Smolkin, Saul Kaye, Mrs. Eddie Cantor (guest speaker), Rabbi Matts, Julius Miller.; 24. B’nai Brith Cornwall Lodge, 1961. [reverse]; 25. Hebrew School, ca. 1958.; 26. Helen, Mark and Brham Goldhamer, ca. 1958.; 27. Helen Goldhamer on the St. Lawrence just west of Cornwall.; 28. Helen Goldhamer speaking.; 29. Helen Goldhamer thanking guest speaker.; 30. Joel Horovitz, bar mitzvah programme, 1954.; 31. Julius Miller and daughter Helen Goldhamer with father Moses Miller (seated) and grandson Braham Goldhamer at age 2.; 32. Julius Miller and wife Birdie in front of their furniture company’s first truck, ca. 1946.; 33. Julius Miller Grove invitation to ceremony, 1969.; 34. Julius Miller Grove letter, 1969.; 35. Julius Miller Grove plaque, ca. 1969.; 36. [Phillips family?], ca. 1900.; 37. Annette Phillips and Mary Phillips, ca. 1948.; 38. Julius Miller presented with a pin by Mrs. Eddie Cantor at an Israel Bonds drive, 1961.; 39. Nathan Phillips with unidentified boy.; 40. Left to right: Annette Phillips, Mary Phillips, Birdie Phillips Miller and Riva Phillips, 1940s.; 41. Left to right: Archie Dover, Julius Miller and Rabbi Lewin at the Memory Board dedication.; 42. Left to right: Helen Goldhamer, Sarah Vineberg, Mrs. M. Phillips, Birdie Phillips Miller, Annette Phillips, ca. 1938.; 43. Succot. Left to right: Margot Miller, Jack Miller and Braham Goldhamer, ca. 1956.; 44. Left to right: Mark Goldhamer, Iruim Thaw, Saul Schulman and guest speaker, ca. 1961.; 45. Nathan and Sam Phillips, ca. 1920.; 46. Legal letter regarding the deed to the cemetery, pg. 1, 1929.; 47. Legal letter regarding the deed to the cemetery, pg. 2, 1929.; 48. Markus Goldhamer RCAF discharge papers, pg. 1, 1945.; 49. Markus Goldhamer RCAF discharge papers, pg. 2, 1945.; 50. Markus Goldhamer RCAF photo, Second World War.; 51. Mary Phillips, life member of Hadassah-WIZO card, April 5, 1954.; 52. Memorial book, pg. 1, 1926.; 53. Memorial book, pg. 2, 1926.; 54. Memorial book, pg. 3, 1926.; 55. Memorial book, pg. 4, 1926.; 56. Memory board.; 57. Moses Miller.; 58. Original minutes forming the B’nai Brith chapter in Cornwall, pg. 1, 1934.; 59. Original minutes forming the B’nai Brith chapter in Cornwall, pg. 2, 1934.; 60. Original minutes forming the B’nai Brith chapter in Cornwall, pg. 3, 1934.; 61. Original minutes forming the B’nai Brith chapter in Cornwall, pg. 4, 1934.; 62. Part of crowd at the annual dinner in Beth El Synagogue hall.; 63. Photocopy of Hebrew Ladies’ Aid meeting minutes, pg. 1, Nov. 29, 1922.; 64. Photocopy of Hebrew Ladies’ Aid meeting minutes, pg. 2, Nov. 29, 1922.; 65. President of B’nai Brith Mark Goldhamer speaking. Helen Goldhamer seated to his left.; 66. Riva Phillips beside Julius Miller Furniture shop, 1950s.; 67. Thank you card to Mark Goldhamer, pg. 1.; 68. Thank you card to Mark Goldhamer, pg. 2.; 69. [Phillips family?], ca. 1900.

Custodial History: The original records are in the possession of the donor. The OJA was granted permission to scan the records in September 2007, as part of the Ontario Small Jewish Communities initiative. These copies were then donated to the Archives on 2007-09-04.

Subjects: Communities; Cemeteries

Name Access: Goldhamer, Mark

Places: Cornwall (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Bogomolny/Greenspan families (Niagara Falls, ON) [multiple media] – ca.1928-1994.

Accession Number: 2008-8-23

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2008-8-23

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 5 cm textual records; 22 photographs : b&w (4 jpg)

Date: ca.1928-1994

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual records and photographs pertaining to the interrelated Bogomolny and Greenspan families of Niagara Falls. Included is correspondence and speeches relating to Hadassah, a 1957 Sisterhood cookbook, a Hadassah-WIZO 75th anniversary Commemorative Book, a syngagogue yearbook 1960-1961, B'nai B'rith certificates of Abe Bogomolny's, programmes and invitations to special events, two picture postcards and other family photographs, newspaper clippings relating to the Bogomolnys, and immigration documents from 1928. Also included is a senior undergraduate research paper written by Gerald Enchin (originally of Kitchener), entitled, "A Locational Analysis of the Kitchener-Waterloo Jewish Community," 1971.

Custodial History: Many of these records were collected and created by Jennie Greenspan Bogomolny, mother of the donor. They were passed to Brenda upon Jennie's death and kept until they came to the OJA.

Administrative History: Brenda Bogomolny Enchin is the daughter of Jennie Greenspan and Abe Bogomolny. Jennie was 8 years old in 1928 when she came to Canada with her mother and three brothers. Jennie's mother, Faige Bracha Pomerantz, posed as a widow coming to marry Morris Greenspan, even though they were already married. Morris had come ahead to Ontario where his brother Samuel was already settled. The accession includes documents from the rabbi in Poland attesting to Faige's widowed status so that she could get into Canada. Jennie's older brother was Joseph (father of Eddie and Brian Greenspan). Her younger brother, Abram, is living in Dundas as of 2008. The youngest child was Samuel, who was born in Sept. 1927 just a month after Morris had left Poland, so he met his youngest son a year later. Samuel died at age 48 in 1975.; Brenda’s mother Jennie married Abraham Bogomolny in 1946. He came to Niagara Falls in the 1930s, and with his brother Hymie opened the Niagara Rug Company, with braided and woven rugs. They were the biggest suppliers to department stores like Woolworths and Eaton’s. There was a fire in May 1968. Jennie was an elementary school teacher, she taught at Memorial School where the Greenspan children went, and Battleford Elementary School, which now gives out the Jennie Bogomolny Citizenship Award every year.

Use Conditions: Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.

Source: Archival Accessions

Rabbi William Rosenthal [multiple media] – 1952-1997.

Accession Number: 2008-9-7

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2008-9-7

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records and other material

Date: 1952-1997

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records related to the Jewish community of Sudbury, Ontario, and specifically to Rabbi Rosenthal. The records include a delegate list for the sixty-first semi-annual conference of the Eastern Canadian Council of B'nai Brith as well as a delegate's badge belonging to Rabbi Rosenthal; one piece of correspondence; two dinner invitations with the mayor of Sudbury; a Survivors of the Shoah tribute booklet, as well as a photograph of Rabbi Rosenthal with Dr. Chomsky; and two photographs of children at a Hanukkah party at the Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue in Sudbury. There is also a sound recoring of Cantor David Bagley with the Beth Sholom Synagogue choir in Toronto.; Identified individuals in the photographs include: Dorothy Greenspoon, Claudia Greenspoon, Annabelle Grimson, Lynne Waisberg, Sally Ann Braverman, Miriam Rosenthal, Rochelle Jaffe, Goldie Greenspoon, Alexis Singer, Judy Kahn, Hana Suk, Lilian Rosenthal, Jonathan Spiegel, Pauline Rottenberg, Arthur Moses, Stanley Jaffe, Mitchell Spiegel, Leslie Rosenthal, Victor Greenspoon and Jack Greenspoon.

Custodial History: The records were in the possession of the donor, who is the daughter of Rabbi Rosenthal, until they were donated to the Archives on Sept. 16, 2008.

Use Conditions: Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.

Descriptive Notes: Physical description note: records include 3 photographs, 1 badge and 1 sound recording.

Source: Archival Accessions

Beth Jacob Congregation, Kitchener, ON [multiple media] – 1935-2008.

Accession Number: 2008-6-7

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2008-6-7

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 6.82 m of textual records and other material

Date: 1935-2008

Scope and Content: Accession contains records documenting the administration, programs and events of Beth Jacob Synagogue in Kitchener, from 1935 to 2008. Non-textual records include photographs, architectural drawings, artifacts, and a couple of books. The textual records include newsletters, correspondence, financial ledgers, community directories, event programmes, membership lists and dues ledgers. There is considerable material on the Talmud Torah, including teaching materials, curricula, student guides, notes on parent meetings, and correspondence. There are approximately 40 photographs in the accession, of which 25 are from one 1985 shul event. Other records relate to the cemetery, memorial plaques, adult education, nursery school, Sisterhood, youth programs, bar and bat mitzvots, clubs and chevra kadisha. There are several artifacts: Rabbi Rosensweig's quill pen, athletic trophies and medallions, I.D. bracelets, Tree of Life plaques, a Hadassah Convention name tag with ribbon from 1951, and an (empty) copper mezuzzah. Records of the Kitchener-Waterloo Hebrew Day School will form a second fonds when the accession is described (see accession file folder for proposed arrangement scheme). The Hebrew Day School records include parents and staff handbooks, procedure manual, teaching materials, certificates, correspondence, governance documents, student records and attendance books with class lists.

Use Conditions: Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director prior to accessing some of the records.

Subjects: Cemeteries; Synagogues

Source: Archival Accessions

Rabbi David Monson [multiple media] – 1939-2000.

Accession Number: 2008-10-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2008-10-4

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 6 m of textual records and other material

Date: 1939-2000

Scope and Content: The accession consists of records and artifacts created or collected by Rabbi David Monson during his career. This includes his annual journals, marriage registers (1939-2000), newspaper clippings, photographs, awards, certificates, letters, a vinyl record, and several artifacts. The artifacts include objects of recognition from Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem and from a Negev Tribute in 1977, and items of regalia clothing from the Order of the Masons. There are also two scrapbooks of clippings: one documents Beth Sholom Synagogue in the 1940s, and the other is about the University of Waterloo in the 1960s.; Among the photos in this collection is the confirmation of Iona Feldt (m. Silverberg) daughter of Samuel (Shmeal) Feldt.

Administrative History: Rabbi David Monson was born in Ottawa in 1917. He was educated at Yeshiva University and later was ordained by the Rabbinical College of Canada of Montreal in 1939.; He served as a rabbi for Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue in Toronto from 1939 until 1943. During the war, he served as a Chaplain with the Canadian military until 1945. After his return to Toronto, he founded Beth Sholom Synaogogue and served as rabbi there until his retirement in 1985. During his tenure, he officiated his first bat mitzvah in 1953, introduced a mixed choir to the service, and allowed men and women to sit together in the sanctuary.; Rabbi Monson was a founding member of the Canadian Council for Christians and Jews. Over the years, he served on the Ontario Police Services Commission and many other government committees. He also helped establish Or Yehuda, a community centre for underprivileged Iraqi and Romanian children in Israel. As well, he was also instrumental in the establishment of the University of Waterloo. He organized the Hebrew Association of the Blind, and was named by the Prime Minister John Diefenbaker to the Board of the Canada Council. He was also active in the Order of the Masons. Finally, Rabbi Monson was a great supporter of Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Centre. Through his persistent efforts, the small hospital he first visited during the Six Day War was transformed into a modern, state-of-the-art facility.; During his career he became widely known as the "people's rabbi", due to his ability to connect with community members from all branches of Judaism as well as non-Jews. He died on July 28, 2008, at 91 years of age. His wife Susan predeceased him and he left behind one child, Judith Waldman.

Descriptive Notes: Associated material note: Library and Archives Canada possesses 30 cm of records created by Rabbi Monson as well.

Source: Archival Accessions

Bathurst Jewish Community Centre [architectural drawing (electronic)] – [1992?].

Accession Number: 2009-6-7

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2009-6-7

Material Format: architectural drawing (electronic)

Physical Description: 5 architectural drawings (pdf)

Date: [1992?]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of five PDF files of architectural drawings for the Bathurst Jewish Community Centre. Three files show the floorplans for the three floors of the centre, and two files show the renovations to the building.

Custodial History: The original plans are in the possession of Makrimichalos Cugini Architects.

Source: Archival Accessions

Annual Campaign [multiple media] – 1938-2008.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series

Level: Series

ID: Fonds 67; Series 17

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series

Level: Series

Fonds: 67

Series: 17

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1938-2008

Physical Description: 2.18 m of textual records and other materials

Admin History/Bio: Superseding the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, the first Annual Campaign of the new United Jewish Welfare Fund took place in 1938. It combined the appeals of 37 organizations into one, eliminating much of the inefficiency and competition of the previous twenty years. Money raised was for agencies and causes new and traditional, local and overseas. Recipients included; the Jewish Immigrant Aid Services, Canadian Jewish Congress, the United Jewish Relief Agencies, the Joint Distribution Committee, and Palestine. In 1938, Campaign could be completed within a mere two weeks and raised $161,000. This figure rose to $348,000 in 1942 and surpassed one million dollars in 1951. When the State of Israel was established in 1948, Campaign was combined with the CJC and the United Palestine appeals into a new, combined campaign and re-named The United Jewish Appeal (UJA).; With different local and world challenges and crises over time, annual campaigns have had a variety of foci: for example, the plight of Displaced Persons in Europe after the Second World War; the 1957 Rescue Campaign for refugees in Russia, Europe and North Africa; the first Emergency Campaign in 1967 in response to the Six Days’ War; and Operation Exodus 1990-1991, which raised funds to aid Soviet Jews.; Early Campaign leadership was provided by lay people. Chairmen of the Campaign Cabinet included Samuel Godfrey, Ben Sadowski, Samuel J. Granatstein, Bernard Vise, Morris S. Till, and Samuel J. Zacks. A small administration committee carried out daily operations, but the bulk of the fundraising work was performed by the Service Council, a group of volunteers who planned, canvassed and evaluated each campaign, as well as organizing educational programs and public meetings. A Women’s Service Council and a Young Peoples’ Service Council also played key fundraising roles.; Canvassing was conducted by volunteers from each professional or trade Division, such as doctors, lawyers, retail sales, etc. The volunteers were responsible for canvassing the members of their own group. A special Women’s Campaign had its own chair, sub-committees and programming. Divisions were further added to reflect the amounts of donations, Top Gifts, and Major Gifts for example. By the 1980s, the Service Councils had given way to professional Campaign Associates employed by UJWF. With further changes to UJWF/UJA Federation’s structure, Campaign first fell under the Financial Resource Development Department, then Integrated Development, and, in 2009, the Centre for Philanthropy. It is now supported by the Donor Relations Management, Donor Research, and Missions/VIP departments which cater to the diverse interests of individual donors.; Through the 1940s and 1950s, face-to-face canvassing was the norm, with donor’s names and gifts published in the UJWF annual report. By the 1960s, an expanding community and a need for efficiency increased the use of the telephone, with regular telethons involving hundreds of volunteers. In 1970, a regular springtime Walk with Israel was included within the rest of Campaign events. In the 21st Century, the internet is used to solicit donations, publicize campaign news and events, and register volunteers for telethons and events like the Walk.

Scope and Content: Series consists of two sub-series, Walk with Israel (sub-series 17-1) and General Campaign Records (sub-series 17-2).

Notes: Physical description note: Includes photographs, videocassettes, posters, DVDs, artfacts and books.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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1998 Israel 50 Fun Walk [multiple media] – 1998.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; 1998 Israel 50 Fun Walk sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

ID: Fonds 67; Series 17-1-24

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; 1998 Israel 50 Fun Walk sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

Fonds: 67

Series: 17-1-24

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1998

Physical Description: 10 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio: For Israel's fiftieth birthday, the Walk for Israel underwent many dramatic changes. Renamed the "Israel at 50 Fun Walk," the "march-as-one" style became a more staggered walk again, with a brand new seven-and-a-half-kilometre route in downtown Toronto. The new walk was more high profile and elaborate, starting with opening ceremonies and entertainment at Nathan Phillips Square, then winding through Old Jewish Toronto, through two checkpoints, and on to Ontario Place, where the Israel at 50 Festival was held. The date of the walk was Sunday, 24 May, and its slogan was "Let's Step Together." The chairs were Jeff Cohen, Fran Grundman, and Corey Mandell, with the assistance of committee members and walk staff Silvia Astrug and Naomi Cohen. More than fifteen thousand people turned out for the day, and more than $250,000 were raised.

Scope and Content: Sub-sub-series contains textual records, photographs, posters, artifacts (giveaways) and a promotional video from the 1998 Funwalk, the festival, and the learnathon. The files are arranged by function in this order: walk oversight (the Cabinet Committee and chairs), recruitment of participants and staff volunteers, logistics, publicity and design, corporate sponsorship, finances, the walk event itself, the festival, related fundraisers, and post-event evaluation and follow-up.

Notes: Physical description note: Includes 380 photographs (175 negatives), 4 posters, 2 hats, a T-shirt and 1 videocassette.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Israel Funwalk 1999 [multiple media] – 1999.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Israel Funwalk 1999 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

ID: Fonds 67; Series 17-1-25

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Israel Funwalk 1999 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

Fonds: 67

Series: 17-1-25

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1999

Physical Description: 13 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio: The Israel Funwalk '99, "Let's Step Together," was held on Sunday, 30 May 1999. It was chaired by Harvey Cooperberg, Fran Grundman, and Corey Mandell. The UJA staff person was Naomi Cohen. Similar to 1998, the walk started from Nathan Phillips Square, this year with a big kickoff carnival there. The route led through Old Jewish Toronto, through three checkpoints, to the entrance of Ontario Place, where participants could continue on to the festival. For the first time, there was also a shorter Bub 'n' Zaid-a-thon to encourage multi-generation families to walk together. More than five hundred volunteers and approximately fifteen thousand people participated in the "Funwalk '99," making it the largest turnout the Walk for Israel had ever had.

Scope and Content: Sub-sub-series contains textual records, photographs, artifacts (giveaways), and a promotional video from the Israel Funwalk '99, the festival, and the learnathon. The files are arranged by function in this order: walk oversight (the Cabinet Committee and chairs), recruitment of participants and staff volunteers, logistics, entertainment, publicity and design, corporate sponsorship, finances, the walk event itself, the festival, and related fundraisers.

Notes: Physical description note: Includes 467 photographs (394 negatives), 2 hats, 1 T-shirt and 1 videocassette.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Israel Funwalk 2000 [multiple media] – 2000.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Israel Funwalk 2000 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

ID: Fonds 67; Series 17-1-26

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Israel Funwalk 2000 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

Fonds: 67

Series: 17-1-26

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 2000

Physical Description: 10 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio: The Israel Funwalk 2000 took place on Sunday, 28 May 2000. As in recent years, it began with a "MEGA [Mandell Entertainment Group Amusements] Carnival" at Nathan Phillips Square. That was followed by a route including Old Jewish Toronto, leading to Trinity Bellwoods Park, and then south to Ontario Place, where the Funwalk Festival was held. The co-chairs of the walk were Fran Grundman and Harvey Cooperberg. For the first time, an entertainment coordinator was specially named: Corey Mandell, a longtime participant in the planning and entertainment for the walk. The UJA coordinator was Naomi Cohen. A new feature of the event this year was a five-kilometre Fun Run for adults with its own attractions and incentives.

Scope and Content: Sub-sub-series contains photographs, a small amount of textual records and two videos from the Israel Funwalk 2000 and the festival. The files are arranged by function in this order: recruitment of participants, logistics, publicity and design, the walk event itself, and the festival. One video is a promotional one used for recruitment in schools; the other is a "TV spot" featuring Michael Landsberg on the TSN Sportsdesk, also promoting the funwalk. The videos feature still photographs from past falks and information about the route, entertainment, festival, and incentives.

Notes: Physical description note: Includes approximately 390 photographs, 1 t-shirt and 2 videocassettes.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Israel Funwalk 2001 [multiple media] – 2001.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Israel Funwalk 2001 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

ID: Fonds 67; Series 17-1-27

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Israel Funwalk 2001 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

Fonds: 67

Series: 17-1-27

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 2001

Physical Description: 10 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio: In 2001, the Israel Funwalk was held on Victoria Day, Monday, 21 May. The chairs this year were Abe Glowinsky and Elyza Litwin Polsky, and Naomi Cohen was once again the staff coordinator. An adult, seven-kilometre fun run commenced fifteen minutes before the walk and followed the same route. While the walk had had a web presence as early as 1999, 2001 was the first time online registration was offered. The route also changed this year, going south from Nathan Phillips Square to Wellington Street, then west to Blue Jays Way and north to the second checkpoint at Alexandra Park (at Bathurst and Dundas). From there, participants proceeded to the third checkpoint at Trinity Bellwoods Park, and then south to Ontario Place and the Israel Funwalk Festival.

Scope and Content: Sub-sub-series contains photographs, a small amount of textual records, a promotional video and a purple and white hat from the Israel Funwalk of 2001. The records include a promotional brochure and the organizational material distributed to participants (sponsor sheet, collection envelope and information pamphlet).

Notes: Physical description note: Includes 331 photographs (216 negatives), 1 videocassette (8 mins.), and 1 hat.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Walk with Israel 2002 [multiple media] – 2002.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Walk with Israel 2002 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

ID: Fonds 67; Series 17-1-28

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Walk with Israel 2002 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

Fonds: 67

Series: 17-1-28

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 2002

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio: In 2002, reacting to the recent wave of violence in Israel, the walk was renamed the Walk with Israel to underline that it was an act of community solidarity. With a new slogan, "Now. More Than Ever," the Walk was scheduled for 20 May 2002. The money raised went towards helping children affected by the crisis in Israel. The chairs were Abe Glowinsky and Elyza Polsky, with coordinator Naomi Cohen and administrator Cindy Bogach. Special guests were Mel Lastman, the then mayor of Toronto; Meir Romen, the then Israeli consul general; and Ra'anin Gissin, key advisor and principal spokesperson for the then Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon. Gissin gave the keynote speech at the festival.; In addition to the usual sub-committees, there was a new one: School Projects. These were artistic menorahs created by each school that were displayed at the festival. Once again, the five-kilometre adult fun run took place. A new route this year took participants in a loop from the Sky Dome, north and across Nassau/Cecil/Elm streets, then south again on Bay Street to the Sky Dome, where the festival was held. The festival featured attractions from MEGA (Mandell Entertainment Group Amusements) such as "inflatables," as well as an Israeli-style shuk (open air market). A record crowd of almost twenty-five thousand people turned out.

Scope and Content: Sub-sub-series contains photographs, a small amount of textual records, a promotional video and a t-shirt from the Israel Funwalk of 2001. The records include a promotional brochure and the organizational material distributed to participants (sponsor sheet, collection envelope and information pamphlet).

Notes: Physical description note: Includes 890 photographs (747 negatives), 1 videocassette, and 1 T-shirt.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Walk with Israel 2003 [multiple media] – 2003.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Walk with Israel 2003 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

ID: Fonds 67; Series 17-1-29

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Walk with Israel 2003 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

Fonds: 67

Series: 17-1-29

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 2003

Physical Description: 10 posters (pdf) and other material

Admin History/Bio: In 2003, the Walk with Israel took place on Sunday, 25 May, featuring a brand-new, five-kilometre route from Coronation Park at the lakeshore, around downtown Toronto and back to the National Trade Centre at the CNE grounds. The slogan this year was "Together We're Stronger," and more than twenty thousand people came out to show their support for Israel. Approximately $500,000 was raised. The walk culminated in a festival at the National Trade Centre that had a drumming workshop and a seven-foot Magen David made out of balloons.

Scope and Content: Sub-sub-series contains photographs, a promotional video, two T-shirts, a windbreaker and a hat from the Israel Funwalk of 2001. One T-shirt has the sponsors listed on the back. There is also a royal-blue child's hat.

Notes: Physical description note: Includes 74 photographs (jpg), 1 videocassette, 2 T-shirts, 1 windbreaker jacket, 1 hat.

Physical Condition: The digital photographs in this sub-sub-series are currently housed on original CDs from 2003. They will need to be moved to another medium to extend their lifespan (i.e., server or archival-quality disc).

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Walk with Israel 2004 [multiple media] – 2004.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Walk with Israel 2004 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

ID: Fonds 67; Series 17-1-30

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Walk with Israel 2004 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

Fonds: 67

Series: 17-1-30

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 2004

Physical Description: 830 MB textual and other material

Admin History/Bio: The 2004 Walk with Israel took place on Sunday, 30 May. The co-chairs were Peter Eckstein and David Peltz, and the walk was led by Police Chief Julian Fantino. The kick-off party at Coronation Park featured an attempt to create the world's largest hora. There was also a bone-marrow-donor registry and an opportunity for Jewish singles to be matched up through J-Date. The RioCan Festival at Ontario Place following the walk featured an Israel mini-mall. The event drew nearly twenty thousand people.

Scope and Content: Sub-sub-series contains photographs, a T-shirt, digital documents, and digital graphic images relating to the 2004 Walk with Israel.

Notes: Physcial description note: Includes 344 photographs (electronic), 1 moving image (electronic) and 1 T-shirt.

Physical Condition: The digital records in this sub-sub-series are currently housed on original CDs from 2004. They will need to be moved to another medium to extend their lifespan (i.e., server or archival-quality disc).

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Walk with Israel 2005 [multiple media] – 2005.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Walk with Israel 2005 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

ID: Fonds 67; Series 17-1-31

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Annual Campaign series; Walk with Israel sub-series; Walk with Israel 2005 sub-sub-series

Level: Sub-sub-series

Fonds: 67

Series: 17-1-31

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 2005

Physical Description: 1.17 MB textual records (electronic) and other material

Admin History/Bio: In 2005, the Walk with Israel introduced its first-ever mascot. A city-wide competition to name the lion brought in 250 suggestions from children; the winning name was Arr-yeah, a combination of a cheer and the Hebrew word for lion, "aryeh." Close to fifteen thousand people, including eight-hundred volunteers, turned out for the event on Sunday, 29 May. There were four co-chairs this year: Beth Singer, Nelly Zagdanski, Sara Zagdanksi, and Felicia Posluns. Mike "Pinball" Clemens of the Toronto Argonauts appeared at the kick-off party, and the crowd was led by Police Chief Bill Blair. The six-kilometre downtown route began at Coronation Park near the gates to the CNE and ended up at Ontario Place for the RioCan Festival.

Scope and Content: Sub-sub-series contains photographs of Arr-yeah the lion mascot and electronic versions of the banners made for the event. It also includes a DVD and video version of the promotional video shown in schools.

Notes: Physical description note: Includes 23 photographs (jpg), 1 videocassette and 1 optical disc (3 mins., 28 secs.).

Physical Condition: The digital records in this sub-sub-series are currently housed on original CDs from 2005. They will need to be moved to another medium to extend their lifespan (i.e., server or archival-quality disc).

Accession Number: 2009-9-9

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds [multiple media] – 1936-1992.

Part Of: Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds

Level: Fonds

ID: Fonds 17

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds

Level: Fonds

Fonds: 17

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1936-1992

Physical Description: 47 m of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio: By 1919 the plight of post-war eastern European Jewry and the need for a united community voice for Canadian Jewry led to the creation of the Canadian Jewish Congress. Its founding meeting was held on March 16, 1919 in Montreal. Though it briefly maintained a tiny regional office in Toronto, the CJC remained inactive until 1933, when it fully reconvened by opening offices in Winnipeg, Montreal, and Toronto. Egmont L. Frankel was the first president of the new central division in Toronto. While the national office in Montreal focused on the overarching issues of the social and economic rights of European Jewry, assistance for Jewish immigrants, and combating prejudice in Canada, the Toronto office dealt with local, violent anti-Jewish demonstrations as well as continuing discrimination both in employment and in access to public recreational facilities. The structure was based on regular national biennial plenary conferences, at which policies were delineated and national and regional executives were elected. Between plenary sessions, national and regional councils were in charge. These were augmented by the following standing committees: administrative, officers, personnel, financial, publications, and educational and cultural. Special committees were created to deal with issues such as: youth, community loans, kashruth, fundraising, Israel, Russian Jewry, and various emergency issues such as refugees, immigration, and housing.; During the 1930s the central division office moved several times and occupied offices in the following locations: Yonge Street, the Bond Street Synagogue, Scheuer House, the Zionist Building, and its long-term home at 150-152 Beverley Street, where it remained until its July 1983 move to the Lipa Green Building in North York.; The CJC's activities expanded to include taking responsibility for Jewish educational standards, but by 1941 its main efforts shifted to support for Canada’s war effort. Immediately after the end of the war, the focus again shifted to Jewish immigration projects and the maintenance of Jewish identity in small communities. By 1950, the CJC’s use of the title “division” was changed to “region” to accommodate internal operational divisions within each region. Also, by then, the central region was busy expanding its programs for all Ontario Jewish communities, creating a province-wide council of youth groups, and working with the newly-created Bureau of Jewish Education (later Board of Jewish Education, now Mercaz). Standardization of kashruth rules in Ontario was implemented. As well, regular educational conferences and cultural events were held throughout the province, while province-wide fundraising efforts in support of Moess Chittin for relief projects in Israel and for local Congress activities were expanded. Many of its educational and cultural responsibilities necessitated working with other Jewish organizations such as the United Jewish Welfare Fund, Jewish Immigrant Aid Society (JIAS), Hadassah, the Canadian Legion, B’nai Brith, the World Jewish Congress, the American Jewish Congress, and the many landsmenshaften (Jewish mutual benefit societies, each formed by immigrants originating from the same Eastern European community).; During the 1960s, the central region began sending Moess Chittin relief shipments to Cuban Jews unable to acquire kosher foods for Passover. Its lobbying efforts included participation in the Royal Commissions on Hate Propaganda, and its greatest success came with the introduction and implementation of Ontario’s fair employment and fair accommodation practices legislation, an achievement in which Congress played a pivotal role.; From 1971 to 1989 the major focus became international and national lobbying for, and providing support to, Soviet Jewry. Virtually all local and Canadian efforts to assist the Soviet Jewish “refusniks” were organized and coordinated in Toronto by the Ontario region office, which provided staff and funding for the many lobbying activities and public demonstrations that characterized this successful effort.; As of November 1975, the central region’s responsibilities in Toronto were radically altered. To improve cost efficiency in Toronto, CJC educational and social service program activities were merged with similar programs already provided by Toronto’s United Jewish Appeal. The UJA assumed sole responsibility for these amalgamated programs in Toronto and was renamed Toronto Jewish Congress. The central region still retained province-wide responsibilities for Ontario’s smaller Jewish communities, and its office remained in Toronto. Also, following this reorganization, its name was changed to Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region. Although CJC no longer provided direct social and educational programs to Toronto, the TJC’s senior executive was, at the time, still obliged to continue to keep it notified about developments concerning previous Congress responsibilities.; From 1983, the Ontario Region's offices were located in the Lipa Green Building at 4600 Bathurst Street. It continued its work of financially supporting various Israeli institutions and fostering Canada-Israel relations. It also spearheaded the movement to support and protect Jews in Arab lands, especially in Syria. Funding for the CJC came from the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy, which restributed a portion of the funds raised by the local Jewish federations across Canada.; The CJC dissolved in 2011. Today, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) acts as the Jewish community's primary lobby group.

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of the records of the Ontario Region office of the Canadian Jewish Congress. Of primary importance in documenting this organization’s history are its minutes of the Executive and Administrative Committees and the various standing, and short-term committees such as Community Organization, Finance, Fund Raising, Educational and Cultural, Research, Immigration, War Efforts, and Jewish Education. Most of these records are still managed all together within Fonds 17, Series 1. Fonds 17, Series 2 contains the general subject and correspondence files of these committees. Records in both series require further processing.; Records now found in Series 3 document the efforts of the Committee for Soviet Jewry in coordinating the activities of the many Toronto and Ontario organizations involved in assisting Soviet Jewry during the 1971 to 1989 period.; Series 4 consists of administrative and committee records of the United Jewish Refugee and War Relief Agencies in Toronto from 1938 through 1967. These document its work rescuing the survivors of European Jewish communities, settling as many as possible in Ontario, and providing assistance to those attempting to obtain restitution payments.; Series 5 consists of the records of the Community Relations Committee (1938-1976). Responding to depression-era anti-Semitism in Canada, the Canadian Jewish Congress and B’nai Brith together established in 1938 a new joint committee. Since then this Committee has documented racist threats in Canada; initiated advocacy activities to work for improved civil rights; promoted legislation combating hate; worked to ensure equality of access to employment, education and accommodation; and investigated specific incidents of discrimination. The Committee, for example, played a key role in achieving the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1944, and the Fair Employment Practices Act of 1951, key steps leading to Canada’s current Human Rights Code. Although originally named Joint Public Relations Committee in 1938, a series of name changes later occurred; s follows: Joint Community Relations Committee, Central Region (1962-1978), Joint Community Relations Committee, CJC, Ontario Region (ca. 1978-ca. 1991) Community Relations Committee, CJC, Ontario Region (ca. 1991-present) Records in this series were reorganized into 5 sub-series and a further 9 sub-sub-series during the 2009 to 2011 period. For further details please view the database records for Fonds 17, Series 5. Although this series will eventually hold all CRC records up to 1992, only those prior to 1979 are currently fully processed.

Notes: Physical description note: Includes 1839 photographs, 89 audio cassettes, 11 videocassettes, 4 drawings, and 6 microfilm reels (16 mm).; Processing note: Processing of this fonds is ongoing. Additional descriptive entries will be added in future.

Name Access: Canadian Jewish Congress. Ontario Region

Subjects: Pressure groups

Access Restriction: Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the Archivist prior to accessing some of the records

Arrangement: Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the Archivist prior to accessing some of the records.

Creator: Canadian Jewish Congress. Ontario Region (1919-2011)

Places: Ontario

Source: Archival Descriptions

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General office subject and correspondence files [multiple media] – 1948-1998.

Part Of: Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds; General office subject and correspondence files series

Level: Series

ID: Fonds 17; Series 2

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds; General office subject and correspondence files series

Level: Series

Fonds: 17

Series: 2

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1948-1998

Physical Description: ca. 7 metres of textual records and other material

Scope and Content: Series consists of the general office subject and correspondence files of the Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region. Included is correspondence, memos, reports, speeches, bulletins, news releases, conference proceedings, promotional material, news clippings, photographs, videos, and sound recordings. The records relate to a wide variety of topics, such as small communities, Yiddish culture, Holocaust survivors and remembrance, Jewish youth and seniors, fundraising initiatives, neo-nazis, Cuban Jews, education, and human rights issues and legal cases.

Notes: Physical description note: Includes 390 photographs, 89 audio cassettes, 11 videocassettes, and 4 drawings.; Files created by the United Jewish Relief Agencies have been removed and may now be found within Fonds 17, Series 4.; Files created by the Committee for Soviet Jewry have been removed and may now be found within Fonds 17, Series 3; Files created by the Joint Community Relations Committee have been removed and may now be found within fonds 17, Series 5.

Access Restriction: Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Maurice Solway fonds [multiple media] – 1919-1989.

Part Of: Maurice Solway fonds

Level: Fonds

ID: Fonds 13

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Maurice Solway fonds

Level: Fonds

Fonds: 13

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1919-1989

Physical Description: 11 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio: Maurice Solway (1906-2001) was a violinist, music teacher, composer, author and actor who lived and worked for most of his life in Toronto. Although he was highly respected as a musician in Toronto, and thoroughly immersed in the city’s musical culture from the 1920s until the 1980s, his greatest fame came to him later in life, as an actor in the Academy Award nominated NFB short film “The Violin”.; Maurice Solway's family lived at 164 York Street, Toronto, where he was born, in 1906. His parents, Jakob (b.1877) and Roza Solway (b.1877), had only just emigrated that year from Halofzen, Russia, where Jakob had been a musician and band leader. In Canada, Jakob adopted his father's trade and worked as a Kosher butcher, in Toronto’s St. John’s Ward. As a youth, Maurice played the violin in variety programmes with his sister, Dora, accompanying him on piano. His father was his first teacher, but he quickly showed enough promise to warrant private lessons with Harry Adaskin, and later with Dr. Luigi von Kunits, at the Canadian Academy of Music. He also studied at the Hambourg Conservatory in Toronto with Henri Czaplinsky and Geza de Kresz, starting in 1921.; Solway began his professional career with the New Symphony, which later became the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO). During the 1920s, he also played in the Famous Players Cinema orchestras that accompanied silent films, and performed lunch concerts in Toronto hotel and department store orchestras, professional venues that would disappear by the 1930s.; From 1926 to 1928, Solway left Canada to study in Brussels with the highly regarded violinist, Eugène Ysaÿe. There he befriended other students of Ysaÿe, such as Nathan Milstein, William Primrose, Viola Mitchell, Robert Velton, and Joseph Gingold.; Upon his return to Toronto, Solway gave several recitals that were both critically and publicly well-received. Few such opportunities, however, existed in Canada at the time, and Solway was obliged to find work in-between solo concerts. He also suffered an injury to his left hand while moving a piano in 1929 that required him to adjust his technique for three fingers and interfered with his being able to play comfortably for a number of years.; He was married in 1930 to Anne Cass (1907-1994), and they had a son, Stephen. Facing his financial obligations to his new family, he opted for the more dependable income of orchestral playing versus the riskier and transitory life of a soloist. Besides classical music, he played with jazz groups like the Jolly Bachelor’s Orchestra, Oscar Peterson, Jerome Kern, and Percy Faith, and on numerous recordings for the CBC, CFCA, and CKGW radio stations. He also played chamber music with the Joyce Trio, founded by Simeon Joyce (piano) and featuring Charles Mathe (cello).; In 1952, Solway retired from the TSO, dedicating himself to his chamber playing and radio work. He founded the Solway String Quartet (SSQ) in 1947, with Marcus Adeney (cello), Nathan Green (viola) and Jack Groob (violin). The quartet played a mixed repertoire that included standard classical music with more widely recognized popular songs and new compositions, especially works by Canadian composers such as Howard Cable, John Weinzweig and Jean Coulthard. Sponsored by the Ontario Board of Education and the CBC, the SSQ played rural Ontario towns and broadcast concerts for a wide demographic of music listeners. In 1955, they performed the Canadian debut of the Castelnuovo-Tedesco Quintet for guitar and strings with Andres Segovia. The SSQ, with frequent changes in personnel, continued performing until 1968. Other players in the SSQ included Robert Warburton, Martin Chenhall, Murray Adaskin, Arthur Milligan, Charles Dobias, Eugene Hudson, Berul Sugerman, Joseph Pach and Ivan Romanoff.; In 1973, Solway was invited to act in a short children’s film “The Violin,” co-produced by George Pastic and Andrew Walsh. Solway also contributed the original music to the film, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1975. Following the success of the film, Solway also appeared on television, making guest appearances with Sharon, Lois and Bram, on the Elephant Show and Mr. Dressup. During this time, his wife Anne traveled with him and managed his appointments.; Solway was also a violin teacher throughout his career. In 1989, he published a preparatory book, Fiddling for Fun: the Visual and Aural Art of Violin Playing, in which he outlined a new theory for violin practice that proposed an easy to use visual system for familiarizing students with intervals and fingerboard positions.; He also wrote an autobiography, Recollections of a Violinist, in 1984, and continued to lecture and speak about music. In 1981 and 1983 he devised a lecture performance series to commemorate Ysaÿe, the proceeds of which went to the establishment of a music scholarship at the Royal Conservatory. As he began to play less frequently in the 1980s, he also began to compose more regularly, completing more than one hundred compositions, primarily works for solo violin and for violin and piano. As a composer, he returned frequently to folk themes and completed a series of songs based on his travels around the world. Among his folk themes are songs inspired by his visits to such diverse countries as Norway, Maui, Japan, Israel and Spain.; Maurice Solway was affiliated with the Beth Tzedec Synagogue and frequently contributed to charity concerts and fundraising efforts for organizations such as the Inner City Angels, a cultural society for disadvantaged children. He died in 2001 in Toronto.

Scope and Content: The Solway fonds is arranged into twelve files. The documents relate to Solway's professional activities as a musician, educator, composer, actor and author. These include printed texts, photographs, original music scores, promotional materials, programmes, audio cassettes, articles, correspondence, radioscripts and a video.

Notes: Includes 31 photographs, 2 v. of text, 1 videocassette (VHS) and 17 audio cassettes.

Name Access: Solway, Maurice, 1906-2001

Subjects: Musicians

Related Material: Fonds 25, Series 11, Item 9: Photo cabinet, photo #179 (oversized); Photo cabinet, photo #501; Two titles in the archives library collection (1984-12-6) (1 title missing 15 Aug. 2006); A vertical file has been created for Maurice Solway.

Creator: Solway, Maurice, 1906-2001

Accession Number: 1988-10-9; 1991-3-3

Source: Archival Descriptions

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The Violin [multiple media] – 1974-1985.

Part Of: Maurice Solway fonds

Level: File

ID: Fonds 13; File 6

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Maurice Solway fonds

Level: File

Fonds: 13

File: 6

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1974-1985

Physical Description: 1 videocassette (ca. 25 min.) : duplicate, col. VHS and other material

Admin History/Bio: "The Violin" was a short film by Andrew Welsh and George Pastic, released in 1974, and featuring Maurice Solway as the old man. The producers approached Maurice Solway about being in their film while making initial casting inquiries among Solway's students in regard to the children’s roles in the film. Eventually, they persuaded Solway to star in the film, shot on Ward Island, Toronto, in 1972 and 1973. Solway also wrote the original music and became the film's principle promoter, speaking in schools and at screenings of the film. The film promotes peace and understanding through the power of music and the exchange of knowledge and friendship between the old and the young. In 1975 it was nominated for an Academy Award. The spin-off book was published in 1976. Solway, with the managerial assistance of his wife, Anne, took on the role of promoting the film and saw it as his crowning achievement, the expression of what he wanted to be remembered for, after a career in music and education. The film was made for $25,000 and eventually grossed over $700,000. It was broadcast frequently on CBC in Canada, and CBS in the United States. It was even given a special screening for the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.

Scope and Content: This file includes a VHS copy of the original short video of "The Violin" , the accompanying book, correspondence, and promotional materials related to Maurice Solway's speaking tours in promotion of the film. These materials include a picture postcard and numerous posters and programmes for specific speaking and performance engagements associated with the release and screenings of the film. Also included are two hand-coloured children's illustrations of violins with accompanying letters to Solway, from children who had seen the film and wrote to express their appreciation. "The violin: a children's story" (McGraw-Hill: 1976) also uses stills from the film. The text was written by Robert Thomas Allen, from the story by Pastic and Welsh. Solway's score for the film is reproduced in the back of the children's book.

Notes: Includes 1 videocassette (VHS), 1 v. of text, 1 folder of textual records, and 3 graphic images (2 illustrations, 1 picture postcard).

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Morris Norman collection [multiple media] – 1856-1995.

Part Of: Morris Norman collection

Level: Collection

ID: Fonds 22

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Morris Norman collection

Level: Collection

Fonds: 22

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1856-1995

Physical Description: 1.1 m of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio: Morris Norman (b. 1946) is a chartered accountant living and working in Toronto. He is an avid collector of Canadiana, specifically Judaica. He purchases lots at auction and donates them to the Ontario Jewish Archives, as well as other institutions.

Scope and Content: This collection consists of the individual items collected at auction by Morris Norman. The records relate to the Toronto Jewish community and Ontario Jewry and include textual documents, photographs, near-prints, publications, artifacts, posters and broadsheets, sound recordings, and ephemera. Most of the items relate to various Jewish organizations, businesses, synagogues and individuals, and to Christian missionary work in Toronto. The material has been described at the file level, or where appropriate, the item level.; There are also four distinct series of records which document Berul Sugarman, who was a concert violinist and orchestral leader; the Franklin family, who owned a large amount of property in Toronto in the late 1800s and early 1900s; radio and television scripts written by Wayne and Shuster, Henry Karpus and Russell Bradley; and a collection of Turofsky photographs.

Notes: Physical description note: Includes 49 objects, 25 photographs, 7 audio recordings and 4 prints.

Name Access: Norman, Morris; Norman, Jessie

Creator: Norman, Morris (1946-)

Accession Number: 1995-9-3; 1995-9-4; 1995-9-8; 1996-6-3; 1996-7-3; 1996-9-1; 1997-7-1; 1998-1-1; 1998-3-44; 1998-7-2; 1999-10-1; 2000-7-4; 2000-12-3; 2001-3-3; 2001-4-3; 2001-8-5; 2001-10-6; 2001-11-1; 2002-4-1; 2002-5-1; 2002-7-1; 2002-9-1; 2002-10-5; 2002-10-58; 2002-12-3; 2003-5-3; 2003-10-6; 2004-7-4

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Benjamin Brown fonds [multiple media] – 1902-1949.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds

Level: Fonds

ID: Fonds 49

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds

Level: Fonds

Fonds: 49

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1902-1949

Physical Description: ca. 1500 architectural and technical drawings; 6 photographs : b&w ; 38 x 30 cm or smaller; 16 cm of textual records

Admin History/Bio: Benjamin Brown (ca. 1888-1974) was the first practicing Jewish architect in Toronto. Born in what is now Lithuania, he arrived in Toronto at an early age and soon after, quit school to take a job in a garment manufacturing factory to help out his impoverished family. Not finding this career to his liking, Brown enrolled in the Ontario School of Art and Design with the intention of becoming an artist. When this profession proved financially unfeasible, Brown decided to pursue a career in architecture. After completing his high school equivalency, he enrolled in the University of Toronto architectural program, graduating in 1913. Soon after, Brown opened up a practice with fellow architect Robert McConnell, which lasted until the early 1920s. After the partnership ended, Brown set up an independent practice, which he maintained until his retirement in 1955.

Scope and Content: The fonds documents Brown’s design work and renovations of existing buildings through his original drawings, renderings, and building blueprints. The fonds consists of approximately 1500 drawings that are organized into about 150 projects. These projects include single-family residences, apartment buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as synagogue and other community buildings. Many of Brown's buildings were designed in the Art Deco style, with some containing Georgian, Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Tudor and Romanesque elements.; Brown's most important commissions include the Beth Jacob Synagogue located on Henry Street, which was one the largest synagogues in Toronto, and the Balfour Building, an office tower built in the Art Deco style. The designs of Mendel Granatstein’s mansion, which contained a retractable roof for Sukkoth, and a colour sketch of the Primrose Club, which is currently the University of Toronto Faculty Club, may also be of interest to researchers. The fonds also includes some of Brown's files containing articles and illustrations from architecture and design journals of the early twentieth century, which he used as a resource to assist him with his work.; Fonds includes six photographs, one of the Balfour Building, one of Cumberland Hall, and four of Brown as a young man.

Notes: Architectural plans of a lead mine in Burnt River Ontario have been sent to the Kawartha Lakes Archives.

Name Access: Brown, Benjamin, 1890-1974

Subjects: Architects

Creator: Brown, Benjamin, 1890-1974

Accession Number: 1975; 1987-9-3; 1989-10-6; 2004-5-109; 2004-5-139

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Jewish community building plans and drawings [architectural drawing] – [1915]-1940.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: Series

ID: Fonds 49; Series 1

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: Series

Fonds: 49

Series: 1

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: [1915]-1940

Physical Description: 174 architectural drawings

Scope and Content: Series consists of Benjamin Brown’s architectural plans and drawings of significant buildings designed or renovated for Toronto‘s Jewish community, including proposals that were never implemented. Contained within are renovation plans of the Beach Hebrew Institute synagogue, an ark design for the McCaul Street Synagogue, and the complete designs of the Henry Street Synagogue. The last of these projects is of particular significance, because it was the first synagogue in Toronto designed by a Jewish architect and was one of Brown‘s largest commissions. Drawings of the Primrose Club (a Jewish men’s club) and the Brunswick Talmud Torah Day School, as well as plans of Camp Yungvelt (a Jewish summer camp) are also included. Additionally, several preliminary sketches of synagogue facades are contained within.; The majority of these drawings are on tracing or drafting paper, several of which are in colour, and the remainder are either blueprints or drawn on cardboard. Floor plans, elevations, sections, foundation plans and sketches of building exterior facades and interiors are included. Additionally, there are drawings of windows, doors and synagogue arks.

Physical Condition: Several drawings and plans are in poor condition. See file level descriptions for further details.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Drawing of a public library [architectural drawing] – Dec.12, 1910.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds

Level: Item

ID: Fonds 49; Series 4

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds

Level: Item

Fonds: 49

Series: 4

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: Dec.12, 1910

Physical Description: 1 architectural drawings : pencil on cardboard ; 29 cm x 40 cm

Scope and Content: Item consists of a detailed elevation drawing of a public library. Benjamin Brown completed this drawing during his time as a student at the University of Toronto.

Subjects: Libraries

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Building plans for the Beth Jacob Synagogue on Henry Street [architectural drawing] – 1919-1922.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 1; File 2

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 1

File: 2

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1919-1922

Physical Description: 136 architectural drawings : pencil, some hand col., watercolour, on linen weave and tracing paper ; 100 x 90 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio: The Henry Street Beth Jacob Synagogue was founded by Toronto’s Polish-Jewish Community, as the successor of an older, smaller synagogue on Elm Street. It was the first synagogue in Toronto that was designed by a Jewish architect, Benjamin Brown. Located at 23 and 23 ½ Henry Street, the synagogue was dedicated in 1922, at a cost of $156,000, and could accommodate up to eight hundred worshippers. It was built in Romanesque style and was notable for its stained glass windows and retractable roof that was used on Sukkoth. It also contained a vaulted ceiling capped by a large dome and four smaller ones. The building was eventually sold and converted into a church. It is the current site of the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church.

Scope and Content: File consists of architectural drawings of Beth Jacob Synagogue. Contained within are basement, floor, stairwell and roof plans, load plans, sections, and elevation drawings. Also included are detailing of windows, the Ark, entrances and other structures and objects.

Notes: Most of the drawings are stored in four rolls, the remainder are encased in five sheets of Melinex. Due to the fragility of these drawings, the medium, extent and sizes of them are based on the descriptions compiled by Steve Speisman. It is recommended that a conservator examine these drawings.

Name Access: Beth Jacob Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Subjects: Synagogues

Repro Restriction: Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Physical Condition: Some drawings are frayed and torn.

Places: Henry Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Drawing of the Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah [architectural drawing] – [ca. 1922].

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 1; File 3

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 1

File: 3

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: [ca. 1922]

Physical Description: 1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col., watercolour, on cardboard backed paper ; 90 x 73 cm

Admin History/Bio: The Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah Day School was established in 1907 and was originally situated on Simcoe Avenue. In 1922 the school received a charter from the Province of Ontario and relocated to Brunswick Avenue the same year. The new school opened in 1925 as a non-denominational afternoon school. It was the precursor to the Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto.

Scope and Content: File consists of one drawing of the exterior of the Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah.

Repro Restriction: Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Related Material: See File 49-5-13 for plans of the Yorkville Talmud Torah Day School in New York, designed by Benjamin W. Levitan.

Places: Brunswick Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Drawings of the Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah [architectural drawing] – [ca. 1924].

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 1; File 4

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 1

File: 4

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: [ca. 1924]

Physical Description: 9 architectural drawings : pencil, 6 hand col. pastel, 7 on tracing paper ; 36 x 50 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio: The Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah Day School was established in 1907 and was originally situated on Simcoe Avenue. In 1922 the school received a charter from the Province of Ontario and relocated to Brunswick Avenue the same year. The new school opened in 1925 as a non-denominational afternoon school. It was the precursor to the Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto.

Scope and Content: File consists of Benjamin Brown's designs for the Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah. Contained within are sketches of various entrances and frontages for the Brusnwick Avenue Talmud Torah. Designs of the Ark are also included.

Physical Condition: Drawings are fragile, several are torn.

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Designs for a proposed synagogue [architectural drawing] – 1920.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 1; File 5

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 1

File: 5

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1920

Physical Description: 6 architectural drawings : 1 pen on linen weave and 5 pencil ; 54 x 54 cm or smaller

Scope and Content: File consists of Benjamin Brown's designs for a proposed synagogue. The designs were likely created before the congregation had purchased land or secured an architect. The congregation did not end up using Benjamin Brown as the architect. Included are floor plans, sections, and a rough sketch of the exterior.

Subjects: Synagogues

Physical Condition: Drawings are brittle and fragile. One drawing is badly torn.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Design of a new Ark for the McCaul Street Synagogue [architectural drawing] – [ca. 1915].

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 1; File 6

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 1

File: 6

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: [ca. 1915]

Physical Description: 2 architectural drawings : pencil and hand col., watercolour, 1 on cardboard backed paper ; 52 x 41 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio: The Chevra Tehillim congregation was established in 1887 and held services at various locations until it moved to its permanent home at 69 McCaul Street in 1905. Around 1910, the congregation had the McCaul premises remodeled. The synagogue remained on McCaul Street until 1952, when it merged with Goel Tzedek to form the Beth Tzedek synagogue, currently Canada's largest. The Beth Tzedek synagogue is currently located on Bathurst Street. The McCaul Street premises was demolished in the late 1950s.

Scope and Content: File consists of two colour drawings of a proposed new Ark for the McCaul Street Synagogue. They were drawn by Benjamin Brown as a proposal for redesigning the Ark during the 1910s. According to an interview with Brown in 1973, this ark was his first commission after he opened his office at 600 Bay St.

Notes: It is possible that Item #16 is a design of the Ark for the Beach Hebrew Institute.

Subjects: Torah arks

Repro Restriction: Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Residential building plans and drawings [architectural drawing] – 1919-[1935].

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Residential building plans and drawings series

Level: Series

ID: Fonds 49; Series 2

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Residential building plans and drawings series

Level: Series

Fonds: 49

Series: 2

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1919-[1935]

Physical Description: 327 architectural and technical drawings

Scope and Content: Series consists of Benjamin Brown’s architectural drawings of personal residences that were either designed or renovated for real estate developers, landlords or the occupants themselves. The majority of the buildings were designed for a Jewish clientele, many of whom were prominent citizens, including Louis Gelber and Mendel Granatstein. Brown also created designs for his own personal residence on Castle Frank Crescent, however the home was never completed. Most of the houses he designed or renovated were located in the Annex, Forest Hill, Casa Loma or Hillcrest neighborhoods. Many were designed with elements of Georgian, Craftman, Colonial Revival and/or Tudor architectural styles. They ranged from three storey mansions to small duplexes and single story homes. The vast majority of his commissions were standard three or four bedroom two storey homes.; The majority of these drawings are on tracing or drafting paper, several of which are in colour and the remainder are either blueprints or drawn on cardboard. Plans, sketches, elevations, sections, detailing and technical drawings of the residences are included.

Subjects: Dwellings

Physical Condition: Several drawings are in poor condition. See file level descriptions for further details.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Commercial building plans and drawings [architectural drawing, graphic material, textual record] – 1919-1949.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: Series

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: Series

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

Material Format: architectural drawing; graphic material; textual record

Date: 1919-1949

Physical Description: ca. 1000 architectural and technical drawings; 2 photographs : b&w ; 38 x 30 cm or smaller; 1 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: Series consists of architectural and technical drawings of commercial buildings that Benjamin Brown either designed or altered. Most of Brown’s clients were Jewish owned businesses, several of which were run by prominent members of the community. These businesses included Imperial Optical, Gelber Brothers Woolens, the City Dye Works, Schipper Brothers Furs, and the Empire Clothing Company.; Architectural plans of apartments, warehouses, theatres, service stations, banks, restaurants, stores, office towers, a bakery and a laundry are included. Several of these buildings are now designated as Toronto heritage buildings. These include the Balfour Building, the Hermant Building (eastern tower), the Hermant Annex, the Commodore Building and the Standard Theatre. Also included are plans of the headquarters of Famous Players Canada, which later became a subsidiary of Cineplex Odeon.; The majority of the drawings are either blueprints or pencil drawings on tracing or drafting paper, several of which are also in colour. Some are on linen weave or cardboard. Plans, elevations, sections, sketches, detailing, photographs of building exteriors, building specifications, and technical drawings of the buildings are included.

Physical Condition: Several drawings are in poor condition. See file level descriptions for further details.

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Alterations to store and dwelling of Mrs. I. Tohn at 15 Ossington Ave. [architectural drawing] – 1933.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3; File 1

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

File: 1

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1933

Physical Description: 3 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 2 pencil on tracing pape r; 43 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content: File contains architectural drawings of alterations to a two storey building for Mrs. I. Tohn. The building contained a confectionery and tobacconist store on the ground floor, and a two bedroom dwelling on the second floor. Floor plans, a block plan and several elevation drawings are included.

Physical Condition: Tracing paper is torn.

Places: Ossington Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Alterations to building at 28 Atlantic Ave. for National Trust [architectural drawing] – [ca.1934].

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3; File 2

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

File: 2

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: [ca.1934]

Physical Description: 5 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 4 pencil, 1 on tracing paper ; 48 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio: Established in 1898, National Trust was a financial institution that managed the assets of trust funds and estates. It was headquartered at 20 King St. E., and merged with Scotiabank in 1997.

Scope and Content: File consists of floor plans, sections and elevation drawings of a two storey building for National Trust at 28 Atlantic Avenue.

Places: Atlantic Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Alterations and additions to building at 92 McCaul St. for Mr. Joseph Lewis [architectural drawing, textual record] – [ca.1935].

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3; File 3

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

File: 3

Material Format: architectural drawing; textual record

Date: [ca.1935]

Physical Description: 9 architectural drawings : 6 blueprints, 3 pencil ; 44 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.; 1 folder of textual records

Admin History/Bio: Joseph and Abraham Lewis were the joint owners of the Dominion Printing Company, whose head office was at 259 Spadina Avenue.

Scope and Content: File contains architectural drawings of a two storey residence being converted into a single storey printing facility at 92 McCaul St. for Mr. Joseph Lewis. Several floor plans, sections, and elevation drawings are contained within. Also included is a fourteen page specification booklet detailing the work to be done on the building.

Name Access: Lewis, Joseph

Places: McCaul Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Alterations to restaurant at 275 Spadina Ave. for Mr. Joseph S. Goldenberg [architectural drawing] – 1929.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3; File 5

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

File: 5

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1929

Physical Description: 8 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 7 pencil on tracing paper, some hand col. pencil crayon ; 44 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio: Mr. Joseph Goldenberg was the owner of a dwelling and kosher restaurant located at 63 Elizabeth Street. After selling it in 1925, he purchased a new kosher restaurant at 275 Spadina Avenue. Alterations and additions to the restaurant were made in 1929 and 1934 respectively.

Scope and Content: File consists of several floor plans and elevation drawings.

Related Material: See File 49-3-84 for the architectural drawings of the 1934 alterations to Mr. Goldenberg's restaurant at 275 Spadina Avenue.

Places: Spadina Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Additions and alterations to store and dwelling at 510 Queen St. W. for Mr. Morris Rubinoff [architectural drawing] – 1934.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3; File 6

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

File: 6

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1934

Physical Description: 1 architectural drawing : blueprint ; 54 cm length and 4 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio: Mr. Morris Rubinoff was the owner of a drygoods store.

Scope and Content: File contains architectural drawings of additions and alterations to a store and dwelling for Mr. Morris Rubinoff at 510 Queen St. West. Sections, floor plans and an elevation drawing are included.

Notes: Formerly listed as Commission VIII.

Places: Queen Street West (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Alterations and additions to stores and dwelling of Mr. J. Pearlman at 261 Danforth Ave. [architectural drawing] – 1919.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3; File 7

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

File: 7

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1919

Physical Description: 6 architectural drawings : 5 pen on linen weave, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 49 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio: Mr. J. Pearlman was the owner of a drygoods store and residence at 261 Danforth Avenue in the 1910s. In the 1920s, Mr. Pearlman moved his residence and business to 525 Danforth Avenue.

Scope and Content: File contains architectural plans for alterations and additions to a three storey building for Mr. J. Pearlman at 261 Danforth Avenue. The first floor contained stores and a billiards room, and the second and third floors contained accommodations for a five bedroom dwelling. Floor plans, sections, elevation views, and a block plan are included. This project was one of Benjamin Brown's earlier commissions.

Places: Danforth Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Garage for the Toronto Macaroni Manufacturing Co. on Hook Ave. [architectural drawing] – 1936.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3; File 8

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

File: 8

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1936

Physical Description: 1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 42 cm length and 2 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio: Toronto Macaroni was an Italian owned company, located at 2738 Dundas West. One of the owners was Domenico Viggiani, who sold his wife's spaghetti sauce under the Mamma Bravo label. In the 1960s, Toronto Macaroni was bought by General Mills. The Mamma Bravo label was later sold to Heinz.

Scope and Content: File contains the plans of a four gate garage at the rear of a building on Hook Avenue for the Toronto Macaroni Company. Floor plans, a block plan, elevation views and sections are included.

Places: Hook Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Gasoline service station for John H. McKnight at 637 Bay St. [architectural drawing] – 1934.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3; File 9

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

File: 9

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1934

Physical Description: 3 architectural and technical drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 46 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio: John H. McKnight had an office at 600 Bay Street, in the same building as Benjamin Brown.

Scope and Content: File consists of floor plans, sections, elevation views and the design of a gasoline and oil interceptor.

Physical Condition: Material is fragile.

Related Material: See File 49-3-42 for architectural drawings of a machine shop for Mr. John H. McKnight.

Places: Bay Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Apartment building at 10 Moir Ave. for William J. Lovegrove Ltd. [architectural drawing] – 1936-1937.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 3; File 10

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 3

File: 10

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1936-1937

Physical Description: 14 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, 3 hand col., pencil crayon ; 62 cm length or smaller and 10 cm diam.

Scope and Content: File consists of architectural drawings of a six storey apartment building at 10 Moir Ave. for W. J. Lovegrove Limited. Floor plans, elevation views, a section and a block plan are included.

Physical Condition: One drawing is torn.

Places: Moir Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Residence for Mr. Ira Levy at 30 Dunvegan Road [architectural drawing] – 1922.

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Residential building plans and drawings series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 49; Series 2; File 1

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Benjamin Brown fonds; Residential building plans and drawings series

Level: File

Fonds: 49

Series: 2

File: 1

Material Format: architectural drawing

Date: 1922

Physical Description: 9 architectural and technical drawings : 8 blueprints, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 53 cm length or smaller and 7 cm diam.

Scope and Content: File consists of architectural drawings of a four bedroom, two storey home for Mr. Ira Levy at 30 Dunvegan Road. The home also contained a sun room and an attached garage. Floor plans, elevations and a basement heating plan are included.

Places: Dunvegan Road (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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