- Accession Number
- 1988-4-7
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1988-4-7
- Material Format
- object
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 3 m of textual records
- ca. 60 photographs
- 1 pin
- Date
- 1921-1981
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of records related to the personal and professional life of Dr. John Sherman and his wife Etta (née Taube), as well as Sherman's involvement with the Alpha Omega Fraternity, a dental fraternity at the University of Toronto.
- In addition to textual records there are their are 44 photographs and 2 certificates from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem acknowledging Mrs. Etta T. Sherman and Dr. John A. Sherman as a founding members of the School of Dental Medicine. Among the photographs are family photos of the Taube family, general Alpha Omega event photos and several oversized photographs documenting: the interior ballroom of an Alpha Omega Installation Dinner, Feb 16, 1958, Jaeger House; the interior ballroom of an Alpha Omega Fraternity Award Night, 49th Annual Convention, Dec. 30, 1956, The Statler Hotel, Boston, Mass.; the interior ballroom of an Alpha Omega National Convention, Dec. 30, 1954, Detroit, Michigan; an Alpha Omega annual convention banquet, Dec. 27, 1938, the Statler Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio; a family photo taken at the Alpha Omega's 44th Annual Convention, Dec. 27-31, 1951, Ambassador Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J.; and an Argonaut vs Balmy Beach Dinner, Nov. 24, 1945, Adelaide Hotel, J.E. Wagman Annual Football Party, Toronto.
- Administrative History
- Dr. John A. Sherman (1 May 1901-30 Sept. 1982) graduated from the University of Toronto Dental School in 1924. John and Etta (née Taube) (6 Mar. 1908-22 July 1998) Sherman were among the group of dentists and their wives who started Alpha Omega Fraternity in Canada in 1921. Dr. Sherman was an international president of AO, and the founder of the Alpha Omega Foundation of Canada; he also served as its secretary-treasurer for many years. He was an exemplary leader in dentistry across the world and also served the profession as an inventor of dental equipment.
- John Sherman died Sept. 30, 1982 and Etta Sherman died July 22, 1998.
- MG_RG
- MG2 B1Q
- Subjects
- Greek letter societies
- Name Access
- Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity, Toronto Chapter
- Sherman, Etta, 1908-1998
- Sherman, John, 1901-1982
- Places
- Toronto (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1986-7-9
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1986-7-9
- Material Format
- graphic material
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 13 m of textual records and graphic material
- Date
- 1936-1983
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of records documenting the operations of the Hamilton Jewish Federation, the United Jewish Welfare Fund of Hamilton, the Hamilton Talmud Torah, the Jewish Board of Education of Hamilton and the Hamilton Jewish Community Centre. Included are meeting minutes, subject files, correspondence files, newsletters, student files and photographs related to all areas of Jewish life in the city.
- Shelf 84-4: Audio Reels (2); posters; ledger; reports
- Map Cabinet 1, drawer 8: Chail Folk Ensemble Poster, (January 11, 1975)
- Use Conditions
- Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
- Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director prior to accessing some of the records.
- MG_RG
- MG2 O2A
- MG2 O2B
- MG2 M2A
- MG2 N2A
- MG2 G2A
- MG2 G2B
- Name Access
- Hamilton Jewish Federation
- Hamilton Jewish Community Centre
- Council of Jewish Organizations (Hamilton, Ont.)
- United Jewish Welfare Fund (Hamilton, Ont.)
- Jewish Board of Education (Hamilton, Ont.)
- Places
- Hamilton, Ont.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1990-5-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1990-5-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 2.3 m of textual records
- Date
- 1979-1985
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of records of the USDS Board of Directors, Membership, Executive Committee, working committees, programs and office files. The records document budgeting, teachers' welfare, membership appointments, synagogue affiliation, the 25th anniversary of USDS and transportation. The records include minutes, notices, agendas, correspondence, memos to parents, memos to teachers and lists. The following committees and groups are documented: Scholarships and Bursaries; Personnel; Ways and Means; Growth; House; Building; Fiscal; Special Tuition Committee, Board of Jewish Education; Parents' Association; CHAT; Junior High School committee; Education committee; Special Education sub-committee; Mainstreaming committee; and Pre-school sub-committee. As well, special programs are highlighted. These include: the Cultural Enrichment program; Keren Ami; Avraham Nachum Memorial (1976-1980); and French Language Grants. Finally, there are files pertaining to interaction with the Ontario Jewish Association for Equity in Education and the Ontario Association of Alternative and Independent Schools.
- Administrative History
- In 1957, the Beth Tzedec Synagogue, a Conservative congregation, opened a congregational day school, the Foundation day school, consisting of a kindergarten and grades one to four. In 1961, eight other synagogues joined with Beth Tzedec to form the United Synagogue Day School. Beginning in 1965, the school offered instruction from Nursery to grade nine. From 1971 to 1973, the United Synagogue Day School also included a high school.
- The school was founded in order to provide students with a complete general and Judaic education. The language of instruction in the Judaic studies was Hebrew. The Judaic curriculum was presented within the framework of Conservative Judaism. However, the students were taught the traditional customs and observances. Within the confines of the school, students were expected to conform to traditional, religious behavior. Emphasis was placed on the diversity of Judaism and the importance of the re-establishment of the state of Israel.
- Each day included instruction in both Judaic and general studies, which were sometimes integrated together. Wherever possible, the general studies were approached from a Jewish perspective.
- Descriptive Notes
- Related material note: see related records in accession 1986-11/5, MG 3 A4 (Beth Tzedec) and 1980-12/12 (Beth Tzedec).
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1985-12-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1985-12-1
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 45 cm of textual and graphic material
- Date
- 1939-1986
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of records of the Northwood Country Club, copies of newsletters edited by Al Cooper, and copies of comic book pages drawn by Cooper.
- Administrative History
- Al Cooper was a well-known Canadian comic book artist in the 1940s. He died on 7 Jan. 1986 at the age of 60. Mr. Cooper worked for Active Comics and was responsible for three of the original Canadian comic books: Commandos, Captain Red Thornton, and Scotty McDonald. He later became a partner and director of Maple Leaf Press, and in 1963 started his own printing company, Cooper Graphics and Associates. He served as president of the Downsview Lodge of B'nai Brith. He was also involved with the Northwood Country Club in Toronto.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1990-2-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1990-2-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 120 cm of textual records and other material
- Date
- 1955-1988
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of material documenting Harry and Florence Topper. Included are booklets, etchings, letters, magazines, scrapbooks, photographs, recipes, and other documents.
- Custodial History
- Materials were donated by Victor and Renee Topper.
- Subjects
- Married people
- Name Access
- Topper, Florence, 1900-1989
- Topper, Harry, 1900-1981
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1990-6-3
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1990-6-3
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- ca. 70 cm of textual records and graphic material
- Date
- [ca.1930]-1982
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of records relating to the life and career of journalist and news editor, Ralph Hyman. The records include newspaper articles and books written by Ralph Hyman, correspondence, a scrapbook, photographs, periodicals, and ephemera
- Administrative History
- Ralph Hyman (1906–1989) was a Toronto journalist who also played an active role in Jewish community organizations. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1906, the son of Russian parents, Sarah and Hyman Radutsky. The name was changed to Hyman in Scotland. Several years after his birth, the family immigrated to Wellington, New Zealand, where they stayed until Ralph was seventeen. In 1924, they moved again, this time to Los Angeles. There, Ralph began his journalism career with the Glendale Times. In 1925, the family moved to Toronto, where Ralph got a job as a reporter for the Toronto Star. In 1928, he moved to the Mail and Empire. When the Mail and Empire merged with the Globe to form the Globe and Mail in 1936, he became a reporter and a political and feature writer. Ralph remained at the Globe and Mail unitl his retirement in 1971. A few months after his retirement, he returned to work as editorial consultant to the Canadian Jewish News. In 1972, he was appointed editor of that publication, a position he filled until his final retirement in 1980.
- Ralph Hyman was active in the Joint Community Relations Committee, the Toronto Newspaper Guild and the Toronto Men's Press Club. He was married to Edith Etigson, and they had two children: Gerald David and Roger Leslie.
- MG_RG
- MG6 D
- Subjects
- Editors
- Journalists
- Name Access
- Hyman, Ralph, 1906-1989
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2002-10-28
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2002-10-28
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 45 cm of textual records
- Date
- [1930-?]-[198-?]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of records documenting the activities of the B'nai Brith Lord Melchett Lodge in St. Catharines, Ontario. Included is correspondence, booklets, ledgers, financial records, and lists.
- Subjects
- Fraternal organizations
- Places
- St. Catharines (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1996-11-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1996-11-1
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 10 cm of textual records and some graphic material
- Date
- [196-]-1994
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of meeting minutes and correspondence relating to the Ajalon Chapter of Hadassah and the Ajalon Lodge Auxilary from the 1960s to 1994. There are many thank-you notes and letters to and from Ajalon Chapter members.
- Administrative History
- Ajalon was a Chapter of Toronto Hadassah-WIZO. Maita Newton was president of the Ajalon Chapter for a term which ended in 1982. The Ajalon Lodge was a men's club for members of the Zionist Orgainization of Canada and its affiliates.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1982-4-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1982-4-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 13 cm of textual records and other material
- Date
- 1961-1983
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of textual records documenting correspondence for the Moess Chittin Fund to Big 9 synagogues and small community synagogues for the period 1980-1981. In addition, there is one file containing lists related to the Ontario Jewish Archives entitled "opening lists"; however, one of the lists included in this file is from 1983. Photographs are primarily from the Moess Chittin Campaign Banquet for Torontonians vacationing in Miami Beach, Florida, 1961. In addition, there are photos of the Youth Council, Regional Conference in London, and a photo with Mildred Devor. Additional individuals identified in Moess Chittin fund related photos include Frank Rubinstein (Hamilton), Jack Goldberg (Belleville), Henry Weisman (North Bay), and Ben Swartz (Peterborough), each of whom is pictured shaking hands with Phil Givens. Photographs by: Graphic Artists Toronto; Barney Gloster Studios Windsor; and Arthur Kay Studio Toronto.
- Name Access
- Canadian Jewish Congress. Ontario Region
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2003-12-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2003-12-1
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual and graphic records
- Date
- [192-]-1984
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of a variety of items collected by Harvey Frankel. It includes: a YWHA ladies' basketball team card from 1925, originally issued by the Dominion Chocolate Company and featuring Bobbie Rosenfeld; the constitution for the Grand Order of Israel Benefit Society; a postcard of the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care; a postcard of University Avenue in Toronto; and eight invitations to meetings held by Hadassah, the Hebrew Weston Sanatorium Club, the Toronto Hebrew Free School, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Cloakmakers' Union
- Administrative History
- Harvey Frankel is a real estate agent for Royal LePage. He is an avid collector of Judaica who donated this material to the OJA.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2000-5-4
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2000-5-4
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 2 folders of textual records
- Date
- 1990-1994
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of Operation Exodus (for Soviet Jewery) materials pertaining to Freedom Sunday/Week fund raising telethons and Women's Campaign telethons. Documents include meeting agendas and memos, registration forms, planning logistics, training session information, lists of campaign division heads, and post-event evaluation forms and a newspaper clipping There is also a book entitled "Operation Exodus:a pictorial report" which includes a historical overview with photographs.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1989-1-8
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1989-1-8
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 15 photographs : b&w and col.; 26 x 21 or smaller
- Date
- 1954-1985
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of material pertaining to the Labour League's 10th anniversary [ca.1944] and the League's successor organization - United Jewish People's Order, including material from it's Fourth National Convention in 1954. There is memorabilia documenting asociated camps Kinderland and Naivelt. Included are newsletters, flyers, and newspaper clippings, and sketches. The photographs feature UJPO schools with children in classrooms.
- Administrative History
- In 1936 the Labour League (later the United Jewish People's Order) bought Eldorado Park near Brampton, Ontario from the Canadian National Railway to establish Camp Naivelt. It functioned as a camp for children and families and ran a teacher training facility.
- Name Access
- Camp Naivelt
- United Jewish People's Order
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-16
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-16
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1946-1982
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of a booklet in Yiddish consisting of reprints of articles from the Canadian Zionist, The Judean, and the Canadian Jewish Eagle (1946); a Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care Honour Roll Book (1968); a booklet in Yiddish "The Halacha and the Posek in Israel" by Rabbi Gedalia Felder [ca.1972]; and a program "An Evening of Music and Comedy" starring Jackie Mason and Paul Zim, presented by the Mizrachi Men's Organization of Toronto (1982). In addition there are lists in Yiddish and English of donations to an unidentified organization.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-24
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-24
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1902-1984
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of personal documents and correspondence pertaining to the lives of Claire and Paul Wertheimer.The documents are in German, Latin and French as well as English. Included are Austrian birth and marriage certificates for both, Paul's school transcript (Wein, Austria 1920-23), letters confirming his attendance at the University of Wein (1931-33), as well as employment references (France 1938, 1945). In addition there are United States Naturalization certificates for Paul and Claire (1957) and correspondence from relatives concerning the Hebrew and English inscriptions on the Wertheimers' headstones in Pardes Shalom Cemetery in Maple, Ontario.
- Administrative History
- Claire was born in 1903 in Czernovicz, Austria. Paul was born in 1903 in Wein, Austria. They were married in 1926 in Wein. Documents indicate that they lived in France in the late 1930s and were in the United States by the early 1950s.They died within a day of each other in 1983 and are buried north of Toronto, Ontario.
- Use Conditions
- Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director prior to accessing some of the records.
- Name Access
- Wertheimer, Claire, 1903-1983
- Wertheimer, Paul, 1903-1983
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1994-12-5
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1994-12-5
- Material Format
- object
- graphic material
- textual record
- Physical Description
- Artifacts
- Photographs
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1884-1986
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of photographs, textual records, and artifacts documenting the Sadowski family from Massey, Ontario. Records include family photographs, family correspondence, geneological information, and business records. Of note are photographs of the Sadowski General Store in Massey, a meal token from the store, a notebook documenting animal fur transactions (1920-1922), and a land survey of the Sadowski family property (1893).
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1997-5-5
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1997-5-5
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 26 photographs : b&w and col ; 13 x 18 cm or smaller
- Date
- 1996-2001
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of a souvenir program of the opening of Chabad Lubavitch of Markham (1997), programs for a Bais Yaakov High School Play (1997), a Canadian Holocaust Remembrance Association Yom Hashoah event (1997), and a flyer for a lecture at the Mizrachi Bayit (1997). As well there is an invitation to the First Annual Dinner and Auction of the Carrie and Adam Dream Fund (1997), a Firefly Books catalogue (1997) and a letter and photos regarding the opening of the caylefilm office.
- The photographs document a variety of community events and oganizations including Camp Ramah in Canada, Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto (CHAT), Leo Baeck Day School, Temple Har Zion, Netivot Hatorah, Mizrachi, Israel Bonds, and Chabad Lubavitch.
- 001: Leo Baeck Day School in Thornhill celebrated Children’s Book Week this year with a week of visits by authors, book donations to Plaut Manor, and a Dress-up Day. Among the visitors were illustrator Heather Collins, and authors Sheryl McFarlane and Bernice Thurman Hunter. Enjoying Dress-up Day are [front row] Alana Bobet and [second row from left] Jamie Bregman, Matthew Sherman, Jamie Weksberg, Lisa Mark, Adina Mann, Mindy Perlmutter and Robbie Faibish. Photo by Barry Shainbaum. 009: Gertner family reception, [ca. 2000]. Back Row (L to R): Marlene (née Gertner) Brickman, Eric Gertner, Michael Brickman, Michael Brown, Director of York’s Centre for Jewish Studies, Henry Gertner, Berek Gertner, Elinor Gerner, Reginal Gertner and Cheryle Gertner. Front Row (L to R): Visual arts student Samara Enchin, history and education major Adam Segal, visual arts student Carolyne Novak and political science and Judaic studies major Jonathan Lasky.
- Custodial History
- These records were donated by Leila Speisman, a former employee of the Canadian Jewish News. The CJN would regulalry receive materials from institutions and organizations when writing about their events.
- Subjects
- Newspapers
- Name Access
- Mizrachi Bayit (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1999-2-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1999-2-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 2 folders of textual records
- 4 photographs : col. (2 negatives) ; 13 x 18 cm
- Date
- 1976-1978
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of material pertaining to the Jewish community of Sarnia and Ahavas Isaac Synagogue. Included is a 25th anniversary commemorative book, newsletters, bulletins, flyers, programs for religious events, information for synagogue visitors, correspondence, and press clippings documenting shule and community events. There are 2 photos of children at an Israel dance festival (Rikudiyah) in a gymnasium.
- Administrative History
- The Sarnia Jewish community worshiped at the old Davis Street Synagogue which was established in 1922. In 1950 ground was broken and the cornerstone laid for the Ahavas Isaac Synagogue and Community Centre. The new building opened in 1951.
- Alvin Fox was president of the congregation in the early 1980s and his wife Valerie was active in the Sisterhood.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-6-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-6-1
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1991
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of Nana's Memoirs, a book by Mina Sprachman (1900-1991) transcribed from audio tape recordings made between approximately 1978 and 1986 and a Sprachman family tree compiled by Carol Bleiwas.
- Use Conditions
- See donation record
- Name Access
- Sprachman, Mina
- Bliewas, Carol
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1993-1-9
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1993-1-9
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1938-[ca.1980]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of material documenting Goel Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto. Included are a script of a sisterhood play; copies of the religious-school newsletter Keren Ami; a program for Beth Tzedec's First Congregational (1955); a certificate for charter members of the North Toronto YMHA awarded to the law firm of Singer and Kert; a Young Judaea publication The Leader (1938), which includes a prize-winning address by Shelton Kert; and a menu from Old Ed's, one of Ed Mirvish's restaurants.
- Administrative History
- The Singer and Kert law partnership lasted from 1920-1965. Joseph Singer was a gold metalist at Osgoode Hall in 1911. He was the first Jewish Controller in Toronto, and legal adviser to the Primrose Club. At the time of his death in 1967 he had practiced law for 56 years.
- Lawrence Kert helped organize the Associated Hebrew Schools and the Oakdale Golf and Country Club. He was on the board of Goel Tzedec Synagogue. When he passed away in 1976 he had been a lawyer for 56 years.
- Name Access
- Kert, Sheldon
- Kert, Lawrence
- Singer, Joseph
- Goel Tzedec Synagogue
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2000-11-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2000-11-1
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 2 photographs : b&w and col. ; 25 x 19 cm and 20 x 26 cm
- 2 scrapbooks
- Date
- 1966-2000
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of a certificate of honour awarded by the Israel Histadrut Campaign of Canada to Henry Wolfson of the Shedlower Young Men (1966) and two photographs mounted on cardboard of the Shedlover Society yearly outings at Bathurst Lawn Cemetery in Toronto. In addition there are two scrapbooks with photos, certificates, and memorabilia documenting the society's involvement with Baycrest Centre, Pioneer Women Na'amat, United Jewish Appeal, and Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1990-10-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1990-10-1
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 24 cm
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1941-1990
- Scope and Content
- The accession consists of 1 photograph of the 1941-42 officers of Viceroy Reading Lodge, B'nai Brith, Hamilton; correspondence between Joseph Alexandroff and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Lincoln M. Alexander, 1985; a bencher for the bar mitzvah of Joseph Alexandroff's great nephew, Brandon Alexandroff, May 19, 1990 at Congregation Knesseth Israel; and photocopies of letters written to, and newspaper clippings from, the Hamilton Spectator.
- Administrative History
- Joseph Alexandroff was born on October 19, 1907, the first-born son of Boris and Rebecca Alexandroff and one of the first Jewish children born in the Junction. He was a long-time member and supporter of Congregation Knesseth Israel.
- Use Conditions
- Copyright is not held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
- Name Access
- Knesseth Israel (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-12-5
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-12-5
- Material Format
- sound recording
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 8 audio microcassettes
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1991
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of 8 microcassettes of taped interviews, conducted by Marvin Ross in 1991 for research on his book about Toronto and the Jewish community. Interviewees include: Rabbi Schild; J. L. Burke - Associated Hebrew Schools; Harry Shore - Apter Centre; Joe Packman - UJPO; Irv Chapley; Milton Berger; S. Englander - ACWU; Allan Lamport; Stanley Grizzle; ILGW retirees; Allan Grossman; Ed Mirvish; Joe Goldwasser - Eitz Chaim; and Bill Bolton - St. Albans.
- The accession also contains a copy of Ross's personal essay featuring remembrances of Toronto in the post-Second World War years.
- Name Access
- Ross, Marvin
- Schild, Irwin
- Burke, J. L.
- Packman, Joe
- Shore, Harry
- Chapley, Irving
- Berger, Milton S.
- Lamport, Allan
- Grizzle, Stanley
- Grossman, Allan
- Goldwasser, Joe
- Bolton, Bill
- Mirvish, Ed
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-5-11
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-5-11
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1972-1984
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of meeting minutes and correspondence relating to Congregation B'nai Israel and the Cambridge Jewish community, as well as a plan for a synagogue to be built in Moshav Bar-Giora in the Jerusalem corridor.
- Name Access
- Congregation B'nai Israel (Cambridge, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1993-6-4
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1993-6-4
- Material Format
- graphic material
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 24 x 21 cm
- Date
- 1961-1989
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of newspaper and magazine clippings, flyers, a theatre program, and a photograph, relating to Canadian theatre director, Leon Major.
- Administrative History
- Canadian theatre Director, Leon Major, did his undergraduate at the University of Toronto and worked with producer-professor Robert Gill in about 15 productions before he graduated. He directed plays in London but felt strongly about developing native-produced theater in Canada. In 1963, he opened the Neptune Theater in Halifax, Nova Scotia which ran until 1968. He also taught theatre classes at U of T and became involved in opera production. He was Artistic Director of Toronto Arts Productions for the St. Lawrence Centre for a decade. He was also opera program director, professor, and acting music department chair at the University of Maryland.
- Name Access
- Major, Leon
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-14
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-14
- Material Format
- graphic material
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 29 cm
- Date
- 1996
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of a colour photograph of the Sadowski family reunion held on August 24th, 1996. A letter dated Sept. 12th, 1996 from Dianne and Richard Isaacson addressed to their cousins, pertaining to the photograph and the reunion, is also included in this accession.
- Administrative History
- The Sadowski family reunion was held at the Isaacson's in Kettleby, Ontario. 103 family members were present at the reunion.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1996-11-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1996-11-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1928-1985
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of the reissued marriage certificate for Abraham and Jenny Fidler's 1913 wedding, Abraham's Certficate of Naturalization, Jenny's death certificate, and a Polish document.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1988-3-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1988-3-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1977-1980
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of material pertaining to the Second Encounter, an organization sponsored by Canadian Jewish Congress which held seminars on topics such as Judaism, religion and identity, antisemitism, and the Holocaust at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Included are registration forms, correspondence, publicity material, programme schedules and a newsletter entitled "Second Encounter".
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1988-8-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1988-8-1
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 6 cm
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- [ca.1920]-1988
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of a copy photograph of a small boy and an anecdote submitted by Berko Devor for the 100th anniversary of the Clinton Street School in Toronto (1988).
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-10-5
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-10-5
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 4 cm textual records
- 29 photographs : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm and 11 x 9 cm
- Date
- [196-?]-[1989]
- Scope and Content
- Accession includes twenty-nine photographs, most from the 1984 and 1985 Toronto Region Annual Meetings. Many are images of awards being given to outgoing and incoming presidents, and of speakers, with some group table shots.
- Textual records include Toronto JIAS information and brochures, a history of the organization, meeting programs and invitations, a list of the 1969 board of directors, and a 1974 report "JIAS Background Information" by Joseph Kage. In addition there is a publicity brochure for Montreal and minutes of a JIAS-UJRA meeting in Montreal in 1975.
- Custodial History
- Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (JIAS)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-10-8
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1991-10-8
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 3 cm of textual records
- Date
- 1974-1991
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of material pertaining to the Sephardic community in Toronto including a "Final Report - Integration - North African Jewish Community in Metro Toronto" (1974), two reports by Joseph Kage, a presentation by Leon Oziel (1984), listings of Sephardic congregations and Chevra Kadisha and their officers, and letterheads for organizations and schools. In addition there is a paper titled "A History of the Sephardim in Toronto" written by a student William Myers for a university course in history. The course director was Professor Irving Abella.
- Subjects
- Communities
- Sephardim
- Places
- Toronto (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1994-6-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1994-6-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 4 photographs : col. ; 11 x 16 cm
- Date
- 1994
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of a concert programme and photographs of the choir in performance.
- Administrative History
- Beit Shalom (Japan Christian Friends of Israel) is a Protestant Christian group which defines itself in large measure through its prayers for the peace of Jerusalem as well as its unselfish friendship for Israel and the Jewish people.
- Name Access
- Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1994-9-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1994-9-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1957-[ca. 1990]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of Mollie Posen's typewritten autobiography and textual documents including material from a conference "The Refugee Problem - Today and Tomorrow" held in Geneva in 1957, speeches given by Mollie Posen, and and a letter written by Mollie Posen in her position as Coordinator of the Canadian Panel of Women (sponsored by the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews) regarding her participation in the UNESCO Conference on Racisim in 1971.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1996-3-3
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1996-3-3
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 2.4 m of textual records and graphic materials
- Date
- [ca. 1940]-[ca.1995]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of the records created and/or accumulated by Nechemiah Knobel. They relate to the work of the Labour Zionist Alliance and the Borochov movement. Of note are a series of photographs documenting the unveiling of the Holocaust monument at Mount Sinai Cemetery in 1968. Identified individuals include Mayor Phil Givens, Allan Grossman, Ben Himel and Max Federman.
- Use Conditions
- Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
- Subjects
- Holocaust memorials
- Cemeteries
- Labor unions
- Labor Zionism
- Name Access
- Knobel, Nechemiah
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1996-5-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1996-5-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1926-1995
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of material pertaining to the lives of Lillian and Israel Marder. Included are Polish passports used for entry to Canada by Lillian (1926) and Israel (1928), Canadian Naturalization Certificates for Lillian and Israel (1935), and a 1946 English translation by JIAS of a Polish application for a birth certificate by Skul Merder (Israel Marder) in 1928. In addition, there is a certificate honouring Israel for fifty years of participation in the Workman's Circle (1990), a testament to the Marder family for a "Sacred Bridge" concert by Toby Marder Cyglen (1992), and documents concerning the 1995 deaths of Israel and Lillian. These include information from Mount Sinai Cemetery, a eulogy delivered by their son-in-law Gordon Ciglen, and a faxed copy of their tombstone inscription.
- Administrative History
- Israel and Lillian Marder died on the same day in the same hospital.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-13
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-13
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1974-1980
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of records of Congregation B'Nai Israel in Galt, Ontario. Included are minutes of general and executive meetings, letters to the congregation from the executive, a list of congregation members and non- members in the community, a list of the executive, sisterhood,and committee chairs, and information about religious services and cultural activities.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1981-8-3
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1981-8-3
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 1 v. of textual records (80 p.)
- Date
- 1947-1981
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of Dr. David's personal records including a biography and curriculum vitai and a paper he authored for a conference on "The Evolving Jewish Family". As well there is material documenting his involvement with the Orthodox Jewish Community Council and Jewish Family and Child Service, and a Maimonides College (Toronto) Calendar. Finally there is Jewish Community Directory of Greater New York (1947).
- Administrative History
- Dr. Leo Davids is an ordained rabbi and a professor of sociology at York University, Toronto.
- Name Access
- Davids, Leo
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-3
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1998-3-3
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 scrapbook
- Date
- [1928?]-[1985?]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of one scrapbook documenting the personal and athletic (boxing) activities of Sam Cynamon. The majority of the material relates to life in Winnipeg and Montreal.
- Subjects
- Athletes
- Boxers (Sports)
- Places
- Montréal (Québec)
- Winnipeg (Man.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1992-6-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1992-6-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- object
- Physical Description
- ca. 20 cm of textual and graphic material
- 1 notary stamp
- 1 plaque
- Date
- [189-?]-[1989?]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of clippings, correspondence, invitatations and photographs reflecting the personal life and community contributions of H. Max Swartz. The records include honours, photocopied documents, newsletters, family snapshots and portraits, Swartz's notary public stamp and a small plaque from JIAS in appreciation of Swartz's contribution as president. There are also three scrapbooks containing letters, clippings and photographs.
- Custodial History
- The records were donated by H. Max Swartz's son Paul.
- Administrative History
- H. Max Swartz (1900-1989) was born and raised in Toronto, where he worked for decades as a lawyer and was a well-known leader in the community. Swartz studied law at Osgoode Hall and subsequently worked in the law firm of Nathan Phillips for six years and also helped plan Phillips's mayoral campaigns. Swartz was in his early twenties when both his parents died, and he supported his eight younger siblings, an aunt and his grandmother. Eventually he established his own law firm. He was also elected president of the Reading Law Club of the Upper Canada Law Societ (a Jewish law club). Swartz was made a member of the King's Counsel in 1948. He married Seraphine (Serry) Marshack in 1931 and together they had two sons, Paul and Myron.
- Swartz's community work started early and never flagged. In 1919, he was one of the founders of the YM-YWHA and he served on its board of directors as president, chairman and then honourary vice president. He was a board member of the United Jewish Welfare Fund and Toronto Jewish Congress, a national executive member of Canadian Jewish Congress, and president of Toronto JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) in 1951-1952. In the 1980s, the Jewish Community Centre set up the H. Max Swartz Leadership Development Fund in his honour, and Swartz received a commendation from the mayor of Toronto for his dedication to the preservation of historic buildings, including the Gooderham flatiron building and others in the St. Lawrence Market area of the city. H. Max Swartz died at the age of 88 in 1989.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-2-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-2-1
- Material Format
- graphic material
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 34 photographs : col. ; 26 x 21 cm and 10 x 15 cm
- Date
- 1980
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of 33 photographs of the interior of the Kiever Synagogue at 28 Denison Square, Toronto, and one exterior view of the shule, as well as a letter from the Toronto Historical Board to Dr Stephen Speisman, Director of the Ontario Jewish Archives.
- Name Access
- Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-2-6
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-2-6
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records (1 v.)
- Date
- 1958-1984
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of the minute book of Congregation Anshe Minsk with entries written in Yiddish.
- Descriptive Notes
- Language note: Yiddish
- Subjects
- Synagogues
- Name Access
- Anshei Minsk Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Places
- Toronto (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2002-10-41
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2002-10-41
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- ca. 10 cm of textual records
- Date
- 1945, [198-?]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of a financial ledger book for an unidentified organization and meeting minutes and other material for the Canadian Jewish Congress.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- 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
- Accession Number
- 2004-6-10
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-6-10
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- ca. 60 cm of textual records
- Date
- 1962-1986
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of meeting minutes for National JCRC (1986) and for CJC central region's Executive committee. Also included are Toronto Jewish Congress officers and Executive Committee minutes and minutes of the Holocaust Remembrance Committee. Also included are programs, correspondence, and meeting minutes documenting CJC central region's Warsaw Ghetto memorial events (1962-1972).
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-6-12
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-6-12
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 3.3 m of textual records
- Date
- [ca. 1970]-[ca. 1990]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of the records created or accumulated by the Committee for Yiddish, which operated under the auspices of the Canadian Jewish Congress, Central Region and later, the Toronto Jewish Congress (UJA Federation of Greater Toronto).
- Use Conditions
- Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
- Name Access
- Committee for Yiddish (Toronto, Ont.)
- Toronto Jewish Congress
- Canadian Jewish Congress, Central Region (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-7-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-7-2
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 2 m of textual records
- 1 microfilm reel
- Date
- 1889-2004, predominant 1950-1980
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of textual records documenting the Toronto Zionist Council. Included is a microfilm reel of correspondence between the Zionist Organization of Canada and various European offices (1889-1915), reports of the Federation of Zionist Societies of Canada (1907), correspondence, meeting minutes, Director's reports, daily appointment books, Let the Truth Be Told newsletters, a programe for the 28th regional convention, and a Golden Jubilee dinner program (1957). Also incuded are United Jewish Welfare Fund Board of Directors meeting minutes, and Israel and the Jewish World newsletters (2000-2004).
- Also included are four scrapbooks documenting related groups such as the Balfour Club of Young Judaea (1934-1941); Hadassah-WIZO (1941); United Palestine Appeal (1942, 1945) and the Zionist Organization of Canada (1953-1954, 1958).
- Custodial History
- These records appear to have originated from the Toronto Zionist Council offices on Marlee Ave., but could in fact, be the provenance of the Zionist Organization of Canada, Central Region.
- Subjects
- Zionism
- Name Access
- Toronto Zionist Council
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1995-4-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1995-4-1
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1.2 m of textual records
- Date
- 1984-1993
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of records related to UJA Young Leadership, New Leadership, the Poland mission and LDI.
- Use Conditions
- Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-32
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-32
- Material Format
- graphic material
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 25 cm on matte 26 x 36 cm
- 9 photographs : b&w and col. ; 21 x 26 cm or smaller
- Date
- [ca. 1910]-[ca. 1985]
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of photographs and clippings of Canadian Israel Pioneers, Histadrut group, and the Canadian Air Force army group. There are photocopy and original clippings about Sam Stern who went to Palestine with a group of young men in 1933 and was killed in 1939 defending the Jewish colony Genossar near Galillee, and the Toronto UJA study mission participants who visited his grave years later.
- Custodial History
- Donated by Albert Jessel.
- Administrative History
- Sam Stern was the brother of Bill Stern.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-62
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-62
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 180 photographs : b&w and col. ( 24 negatives) ; 21 x 25 cm or smaller
- Date
- 1928-2004
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of original and copy photographs and 35 mm slides documenting activities of the Jewish communities in Toronto and other cities, including organizations, synagogues, and schools. There are photographs of rabbis, cantors, and community leaders, as well as publicity photos of prominent politicians, artists, journalists, actors, and academics. Included are photos of Israeli politicians and events, as well as a few historic images from Toronto and archives in other cities. In addition there are several photos from newspapers and magazines and some 1990 textual material from Beit Halochem (Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel).
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-72
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-72
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1980-1987
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of material pertaining to the Toronto Association of Professionals in Jewish Communal Service. The records include lists of members, correspondence, minutes of the Association, and minutes of other committees including the Ad Hoc Steering Committee, the Executive Committee, and the Program Committee.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-98
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-98
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- 5 photographs : b&w (2 negatives) ; 18 x 13 cm or smaller
- Date
- [ca. 1955]-1992
- Scope and Content
- Acession consists of a photograph of Dora Wilensky, her mother Mrs. Wilensky, and J. B. Salsberg; two group photographs of an unidentified organization, both of which include J. B. Salsberg; and a Toronto Star Centennial Magazine entitled "The Hundred Heroes and Villains , Memories and Legends, A celebration." It includes an entry about J. B. Salsberg "Communist at Queen's Park."
- Administrative History
- Joseph Baruch Salsberg (1902-1998) was a labour leader, political activist, politician, insurance salesman, and journalist. He was also active in various Jewish organizations, including: the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC), the Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto, and the New Fraternal Jewish Association. He is well-remembered by contemporaries, such as Sam Lipshitz, as a “champion of the people”, committed to social justice, the plight of the working class, and the preservation of Jewish culture.
- J. B. was born in Lagov, Poland on November 5, 1902 to Abraham and Sarah-Gittel Salsberg. Abraham immigrated to Toronto in 1910 and J. B. followed with his mother and two younger sisters in 1913. They settled at 73 Cecil Street. Abraham and Sarah-Gittel had additional children in Canada: Nathan (b. 1915), Reuven (Bob or Robert, b. 1917), Betty, and Thelma. Abraham worked as a peddler in Toronto.
- J. B. briefly attended Landsdowne Public School, but dropped out around 1915, against his parents' wishes, and took a job in a leather goods factory to contribute to his family’s income. J. B.’s parents had hoped he would become a rabbi and, despite his full-time employment, J. B. continued to study the Torah with scholars at the synagogue on Centre Avenue.
- In 1917, J. B. decided to pursue the ideas of Zionism and socialism and, abandoning his plans to become a rabbi, became involved in establishing the Young Poale Zion organization, a Labour Zionist youth group dedicated to secular aims. Around 1922, J. B. was made secretary general of the Young Poale Zion of America in New York, where he worked for one year. Shortly after returning to Toronto, he became the organizer for the Hat, Cap, and Millinery Workers Union of North America in Chicago. J. B. married Dora Wilensky in 1927.
- In 1926, J. B. joined the Communist Party of Canada (CPC). He was an active member of the CPC for 30 years, serving as the head of its Trade Union Department for two decades. In 1929 he was suspended from the party for one year as a dissenter. In 1932, he became the Southern Ontario District union organizer for the Communist Workers' Unity League.
- It was as a member of the CPC that J. B. entered electoral politics. After a series of failed bids in municipal and provincial elections between 1935 and 1937, J. B. was elected alderman of Ward 4 in Toronto in 1938. He only held the position for one year. In 1943, J. B. was elected to the Ontario Legislature as the representative for the St. Andrew riding. J. B. sat as Member of Provincial Parliament for the Labor-Progressive Party (the provincial wing of the CPC) for 12 years. For several years, he was the only elected Communist in North America. As MPP, he helped create legislation banning discrimination in public places and introduced a bill that would ensure fair employment practices in the province. He lost his seat to Allan Grossman in 1955 and unsuccessfully ran in the federal election later that year. Remembered by journalist Gordon Sinclair as “one of the best debaters in the house”, J. B. was well-respected by members of all political parties. Out of admiration for J. B., Conservative Premier Leslie Frost named Salsberg Township in Northern Ontario in his honour.
- Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, J. B. had grown increasingly concerned about reports of Soviet antisemitism and privately urged party leaders to pursue the issue. In 1956, when Soviet First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev exposed the transgressions of Stalin’s regime, J. B. went to Moscow as part of a CPC delegation. After meeting with Khrushchev himself, it became clear to J. B. that antisemitism was indeed a problem in the USSR and that his efforts to probe the situation were being stonewalled.
- J. B. publicly expressed his concerns about Soviet antisemitism in a series of articles published in the Vochenblatt from October 25, 1956 to December 13, 1956. He finally left the Communist Party in 1957. However, he remained a member of the United Jewish People’s Order (UJPO), a Communist Jewish fraternal organization.
- Entering the business world, J. B. established the Model Insurance Agency Limited in 1957, where he served as president for several years. In 1959 J. B.’s wife, Dora, passed away. Around this time J. B. also resigned from the UJPO, along with other members who felt the organization needed to be more critical of the Soviet Union. They founded an alternative, non-Communist left-wing Jewish organization, the New Fraternal Jewish Association, where J. B. served as president for several terms and edited its publication “Fraternally Yours”.
- In his later life, J. B. was active as an executive member of organizations, such as the CJC and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. He was the first chairman for the CJC Ontario Region’s Soviet Jewry Committee and the Committee for Yiddish. He also began writing an award-winning weekly column for the Canadian Jewish News. J. B. was awarded the CJC’s Samuel Bronfman Medal for distinguished service, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto’s Ben Sadowski Award of Merit. A strong supporter of Israel, he was involved in the creation of two Israeli medical centres that are named in his honour. He also helped establish the J. B. and Dora Salsberg Fund and the J. B. Salsberg Fund for Yiddish at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto. J. B. passed away in 1998.
- Name Access
- Salsberg, J. B.,1902-1998
- Source
- Archival Accessions