Accession Number

2004-1-5

Material Format

graphic material

Physical Description

86 photographs : col. (26 negatives) ; 10 x 15 cm or smaller

Date

1975-1982

Scope and Content

Accession consists of photographs of the synagogue interior during the restoration and one exterior view dated 1975.

Descriptive Notes

Photographs taken by Michael Shockett, for the Archives Committee.

Subjects

Architecture

Synagogues

Name Access

Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

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

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

2004-5-53

Material Format

graphic material

Physical Description

46 photographs : b&w (26 negatives) ; 9 x 13 cm and 35 mm

Date

1986

Scope and Content

This accession consists of interior and exterior photographs of United Bakers Dairy Restaurant on Spadina Avenue before the move to Lawrence Plaza; Anshe Minsk Synagogue; and Rotman's Shoe Store, Spadina Avenue.

Custodial History

Donated by Cyrel Troster.

Use Conditions

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

Subjects

Restaurants

Stores, Retail

Synagogues

Name Access

Anshei Minsk Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

United Bakers Dairy Restaurant

Places

Spadina Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

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Accession Number

2004-5-75

Material Format

graphic material

Physical Description

4 photographs ; b&w and col. ; 21 x 25 cm or smaller

Date

[ca. 1930]-1998

Scope and Content

This accession consists of photographs relating to Kirkland Lake, Ontario - Dubinsky family; synagogue; and Krugerdorf Cemetery.

Descriptive Notes

Identification keys and biographical information is provided for the group photos.

Subjects

Cemeteries

Synagogues

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

1982-10-3

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

Bulletins

Date

1981-1982

Scope and Content

Accession consists of bulletins from Kehillat Shaarei Torah of Toronto for the years 1981-1982.

MG_RG

MG3 A51

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

Kehillat Shaarei Torah of Toronto

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

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

Accession Number

2007-6-38

Material Format

textual record (electronic)

Physical Description

6 documents (13 jpgs)

Date

1948-1991

Scope and Content

This accession consists of electronic copies of original textual records, documenting the Jewish community of Owen Sound, Ontario. The records include a community draw ticket (1959); the Canadian Jewish Congress Educational Department code of practice, for discussion at the sixth regional conference on Jewish education (1957); a page from a donation ledger for the United Palestine Appeal (1948); the Beth Ezekiel Synagogue historic plaquing program book (1991); and an employment contract between the Synagogue and Rabbi H. Lasher (1962).

Custodial History

The original records are in the possession of the donor. The OJA was granted permission to scan the documents in June 2007, as part of the Ontario Small Jewish Communities initiative. These copies were then donated to the Archives on 2007-06-11.

Administrative History

Jeff Elie is the current president of Beth Ezekiel Synagogue in Owen Sound. For a history of the Synagogue and the Owen Sound Jewish community, see the OJA's Small Communities Exhbit: http://ontariojewisharchives.org/exhibits/osjc/communities/owensound/index.html

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.

Subjects

Synagogues

Communities

Name Access

Beth Ezekiel Synagogue

Places

Owen Sound, Ont.

Source

Archival Accessions

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Accession Number

2007-6-31

Material Format

textual record (electronic)

Physical Description

1 document (4 jpgs) : col.

Date

[19--]

Scope and Content

Accession consists of scanned copy of the constitution of the B'nai Jacob Congregation of Niagara Falls, 4 pages in four separate files.

Subjects

Synagogues

Communities

Name Access

B'nai Jacob Congregation (Niagara Falls, Ont.)

Places

Niagara Falls (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

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• 
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Accession Number

2008-2-3

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

Physical Description

2.7 m of textual records and graphic material

Date

[197-]-2007

Scope and Content

This accession consists of 2.7 m of textual records and graphic material related to the functions and activities of the Solel Congregation in Mississauga. The records include general correspondence, B'nai Mitzvah sermons; board of director, executive, and brotherhood minutes and motions; memorabilia, brochures and pamphlets; leadership manuals; newsletters; photographs; and the synagogue's constitution.

Administrative History

Mississauga 's Solel Congregation was founded in 1973. It currently has a membership of over 300 families and has established itself within the broader Mississauga community and Region of Peel. It is a Reform congregation, led by Rabbi Lawrence Englander. Solel has both a religious school, an adult education program as well as many participatory groups and activities.

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

Solel Congregation (Mississauga, Ont.)

Places

Mississauga (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2008-7-4

Material Format

graphic material

sound recording

textual record

Physical Description

1 album

1 audio cassette

Date

1988-1997

Scope and Content

This accession consists of one album containing photographs, newsclippings, flyers and invitations related to the Temple Shalom community of Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. The photographs depict members of the congregation celebrating various religious holidays and other communal events, as well as photos taken at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Temple Shalom's new building "The Cedars Worship Centre". There are also two photographs of the exterior of the former Church of the Good Shepherd, where the Temple originally held their services.

The audio cassette consists of 21 Shabbat songs recorded in 1998 by the Temple Shalom community and features Neshama, a local folk music group consisting of Mark Pancer, Ruth Shushan, Wendy Weinberg and Laura Wolfson.

Custodial History

The records were in the possession of the donor until they were donated to the Archives on July 22, 2008.

Use Conditions

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

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

Temple Shalom (Waterloo, Ont.)

Places

Kitchener (Ont.)

Waterloo (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

• 
• 

Accession Number

2008-8-4

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

4 photographs : b&w (jpg)

4 photographs : b&w and col. ; 21 x 26 cm or smaller

Date

[194-]-2005

Scope and Content

This accession consists of textual records and photographs documenting the Belleville Jewish community and the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. The textual records include a dedication book from the Synagogue as well as documents related to the synagogue's reunion weekend in 2005. The photographs depict the Judaeans basketball team, a Young Judaea conference, the synagogue's dedication ceremonies, and a children's Purim play.

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

Communities

Purim

Synagogues

Places

Belleville (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

• 

Accession Number

2008-8-26

Material Format

graphic material

textual record

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

8 photographs : b&w and col. ; 10 x 15 cm or smaller

Date

[ca. 1920]-1994

Scope and Content

Accession consists of photographs pertaining to the Salit family and the Jewish community of Niagara Falls, Ontario. There is a newspaper clipping, an advertisement for Myer Salit Limited and a fiftieth-anniversary commemorative book for Congregation B'Nai Israel, St Catharines, Ontario (1975).

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

Communities

Families

Synagogues

Places

Niagara Falls (Ont.)

St. Catharines (Ont.)

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

Accession Number

2008-11-9

Material Format

graphic material

textual record

Physical Description

29 photographs : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

2 folder of textual records

Date

1988-1989

Scope and Content

This accession consists of photographs taken at the Kiever Synagogue and two pieces of correspondence regarding services at the shul. The photographs depict people inside the sanctuary during a service, possibly a bar mitzvah, as well as people seated outside at patio tables. The photographs were taken on 15 July 1989.

Custodial History

There is no acquisition information for these records. This accession number has been assigned by the archivist.

Use Conditions

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

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

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Accession Number

2008-11-12

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

technical drawing

Physical Description

56 cm textual records

172 photographs

2 technical drawings

Date

[194?]-1998

Scope and Content

Accession consists of minutes of meetings, ledgers, correspondence, notes, and photographs documenting the former B'nai Jacob Congregation in Niagara Falls. The material includes records of the Rose Dunkelman chapter of Hadassah (1940s–1950s), Sisterhood (1970s), the merged Hadassah-Sisterhood (1977–1986), Lundy's Lane Cemetery, and the Niagara Falls Jewish Federation (1943-1966). The records include a file with lists of Torah Fund donations, the constitutions of Sisterhood and of B'nai Jacob, many copied newspaper clippings about the Greenspans and Barbara Frum, and a copy of the 1953 CJC Community Self-Survey. There are also two copies of the 1977 Sisterhood New Year's community directory and textual and graphic material on the Holocaust Memorial at the cemetery. Records also include a photocopied chapter from a young adult book telling the story of Niagara Falls resident Irving Milchberg and how as an adolescent he survived the Second World War in Nazi-occupied Warsaw after escaping from the ghetto.

Accession includes 172 photographs; ninety-six are colour prints from the 1998 Holocaust Memorial dedication ceremony in the cemetery and the rest are special events and shul members in the 1960s and 1970s. In addition there is a collage of twelve photographs picturing music classes and performances. Finally, two oversized landscape technical drawings also relate to the proposed Holocaust Memorial.

Photo Caption 001-007: Festival of Holidays at B’nai Jacob Congregation, Niagara Falls, 1980.

Administrative History

B'nai Jacob Synagogue was a Conservative shul founded in 1918. It amalgamated with the Reform congregation in St. Catharines and became B'nai Tikvah in 1998 and is still located in the original shul building in Niagara Falls.

Use Conditions

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

Subjects

Communities

Synagogues

Name Access

B'nai Jacob Congregation (Niagara Falls, Ont.)

Places

Niagara Falls (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

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Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Item

46

Material Format

textual record

Date

1987

Physical Description

1 item

Name Access

Congregation Shaarei Tzedec (Toronto, Ont.)

Subjects

High Holidays

Synagogues

Women

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

4838

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1989

Physical Description

1 photograph : col. ; 16 x 10 cm

Scope and Content

This item is an original print of the exterior of Beth Ezekiel Synagogue in Owen Sound, Ontario.

Notes

Credit donor.

Name Access

Beth Ezekiel Synagogue (Owen Sound, Ont.)

Subjects

Synagogues

Places

Owen Sound (Ont.)

Accession Number

1989-12-4

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

4839

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1989

Physical Description

1 photograph : col. ; 16 x 10 cm

Scope and Content

This item is an original print of the exterior of Beth Ezekiel Synagogue in Owen Sound, Ontario.

Notes

Credit donor.

Name Access

Beth Ezekiel Synagogue (Owen Sound, Ont.)

Subjects

Synagogues

Places

Owen Sound (Ont.)

Accession Number

1989-12-4

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

3889

Material Format

graphic material

Date

Jul. 1983

Physical Description

1 photograph : col. ; 7 x 8 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a photograph of Sadie Stren speaking at the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration of the Beth David Congregation and Brantford's Jewish community. The celebration took place at the synagogue.

Notes

Acquired in 1983.

Subjects

Anniversaries

Communities

Synagogues

Related Material

See photo #3584.

Places

Brantford (Ont.)

Accession Number

1986-2-2

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

3891

Material Format

graphic material

Date

Aug. 1983

Physical Description

1 photograph : col. ; 8 x 5 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a photograph of Willie Siegler, president of Beth David Congregation, speaking at the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration of the Congregation and Brantford's Jewish community. The celebration took place at the synagogue.

Notes

Acquired in 1983.

Subjects

Anniversaries

Communities

Synagogues

Related Material

See photo #3590.

Places

Brantford (Ont.)

Accession Number

1986-2-2

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

3890

Material Format

graphic material

Date

Aug. 1983

Physical Description

1 photograph : col. ; 8 x 7 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a photograph of Dr. Melvin Wise standing behind the podium at the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration of the Beth David Congregation and Brantford's Jewish community. The celebration took place at the synagogue.

Notes

Acquired in 1983.

Subjects

Anniversaries

Communities

Synagogues

Places

Brantford (Ont.)

Accession Number

1986-2-2

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

3892

Material Format

graphic material

Date

Aug. 1983

Physical Description

1 photograph : col. ; 7 x 8 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a photograph of Dr. Moishe Zaltz and Ron Kanter standing behind the podium at the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration of the Beth David Congregation and Brantford's Jewish community. The celebration took place at the synagogue.

Notes

Acquired in 1983.

Subjects

Anniversaries

Communities

Synagogues

Places

Brantford (Ont.)

Accession Number

1986-2-2

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

3893

Material Format

graphic material

Date

Aug. 1983

Physical Description

1 photograph : col. ; 8 x 9 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a photograph of Lena Rothberg and Willie Ziegler at a podium at the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration of the Beth David Congregation and Brantford's Jewish community. The celebration took place at the synagogue.

Notes

Acquired in 1983.

Subjects

Anniversaries

Communities

Synagogues

Places

Brantford (Ont.)

Accession Number

1986-2-2

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

3894

Material Format

graphic material

Date

Aug. 1983

Physical Description

1 photograph : col. ; 5 x 6 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a photograph of Sam Resnick of the Canadian Jewish Congress standing behind the podium at the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration of the Beth Daivd Congregation and Brantford's Jewish community. The celebration took place at the synagogue.

Notes

Acquired in 1983.

Subjects

Anniversaries

Communities

Synagogues

Places

Brantford (Ont.)

Accession Number

1986-2-2

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Adas Israel Synagogue series

Level

Series

Fonds

4

Series

5

Material Format

multiple media

Date

1958-2008

Physical Description

21 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio

Adas Israel is an orthodox congregation that was founded in the 1920s. The original building was on Cannon Street in downtown Hamilton. After the arrival of Rabbi Morton Green in 1958, a decision was made to move the synagogue to the western suburbs of Hamilton. The new building was built in 1961 and also included the Hamilton Hebrew Academy Day School. Since its move, synagogue membership has increased from 75 families to 350 families. Sol Edell became a member in 1966 after he married Celia Hoffman who was a member of the congregation. He did not attend the synagogue and had no regular involvement but did supervise a number synagogue renovation projects.

Custodial History

The material in this series was originally collected by the Hoffman family who were members of the congregation in the 1960s. Sol Edell became a member of the congregation after his marriage to Celia Hoffman in 1966. After her death in 1973, he inherited the material that she had collected and he continued to receive material from the congregation since he maintained his membership until his death in 2000.

Scope and Content

Series consists of correspondence, blueprints, photographs, audiotapes and films relating to the establishment and construction of the new synagogue in 1961. It also includes correspondence and anniversary books documenting a variety of synagogue activities such as the dedication of the synagogue and a tribute dinner honouring Rabbi Mordechai Green. Also included are synagogue bulletins from 1958 to 2000. The series is made up of 6 sub series: Building, Clergy, Religious, Programmes, Administration and Finance, and Publications.

Notes

Physical description note: includes 27 photographs, 3 audio reels, 1 film reel, 15 architectural drawings, and 1 key.

Name Access

Green, Morton, Rabbi

Hoffman, Celia

Hamilton Hebrew Academy Day School

Subjects

Architecture

Education

Synagogues

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Clanton Park Synagogue series

Level

Series

Fonds

4

Series

6

Material Format

multiple media

Date

1953-2008

Physical Description

54 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio

Clanton Park Synagogue was an orthodox synagogue that began as a shteibel in 1955 in the newly built up area of North York. Originally, services were held in homes or rented quarters. In 1957, land was purchased on Lowesmoor Avenue, and in 1961, the synagogue building was dedicated. The congregation, which initially consisted of 20 families, has grown steadily over the years and now has a membership of over 300 families. Sol Edell was one of the founding members of Clanton Park. He was president of the synagogue and served on the Board. He was involved in the purchase of the property and supervised the construction, the renovation and upkeep of the building. As well, he was active in the programmes sponsored by the synagogue such as the Long Life Club, which provided activities for seniors. He attended services on a daily basis and retained his membership until his death in 2000.

Scope and Content

Series consists of correspondence, meeting minutes, architectural drawings, and films relating to the establishment, construction and renovation of Clanton Park Synagogue. It also includes correspondence, anniversary books, photographs, films and videotapes of various synagogue activities and events including: religious celebrations, social programs, anniversary dinners and rabbinical installations. Also included are synagogue bulletins and membership lists as well as financial and legal records. Finally, series also consists of architectural drawings and textual records documenting Clanton Park's cemetery and Sisterhood.

Notes

Physical description note: includes 648 photographs, 16 architectural drawings, 4 slides, 7 audio cassettes, 5 audio reels, 5 film reels, and 4 videocassettes (VHS).

Name Access

Long Life Club

North York

Subjects

Architecture

Synagogues

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

Series

Fonds

4

Series

7

Material Format

textual record

architectural drawing

graphic material

Date

1913-1999

Physical Description

22 cm of textual records

4 architectural drawings

2 photographs

Admin History/Bio

Shomrai Shabbos is an orthodox congregation which was founded in 1896. Sol Edell’s grandfather, Rabbi Yosef Weinreb, served as rabbi of the congregation from 1900 until 1942. The synagogue was in several downtown locations until it moved to its present location on Glengrove Avenue in North York in 1966. The congregation has grown steadily over the years and now has a membership of over 350 families. Sol Edell’s family were members of the congregation when he was a child. Although he retained his membership in the congregation after his marriage, he rarely attended the services at the synagogue. However, he did continue to participate in fundraising on behalf of the synagogue.

Custodial History

The earlier records were collected by Sol's grandfather, Rabbi Yosef Weinreb, or his father, Paul Edell. After their deaths, Sol maintained his membership in the congregation and continued to receive material from the synagogue.

Scope and Content

Series consists of records documenting the establishment, construction, membership and activities of the Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue. Included is correspondence, speeches, technical drawings, financial records, ledgers, a tribute book, legal records, flyers, bulletins, marriage certificate receipts, certificates, invitations, a photograph, and stationary.

Name Access

Felder, Gedalia, Rabbi

Yosef, Weinreb, Rabbi

Subjects

Architecture

Synagogues

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Heritage series

Level

Series

Fonds

4

Series

10

Material Format

multiple media

Date

[1967?]-1993

Physical Description

34 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio

Sol Edell was active in the collection, preservation and exhibition of historical material relating to the history of Canadian Jewry. He was one of the founders and Chair of the Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region / Toronto Jewish Congress Archives (later the Ontario Jewish Archives). Among his achievements were the restoration of the Kiever Synagogue and organizing the showing of the exhibit Journey into Our Heritage. In addition, he was a financial supporter of the Baycrest Museum, the Jewish Historical Society of Canada and a member of the Toronto Jewish Historical Society.

Scope and Content

Series consists of records documenting Sol Edell's heritage related activities, particularly his involvement with the Ontario Jewish Archives. Included are meeting notices, agendas and minutes, correspondence, financial and legal records, photographs, flyers, press releases, brochures, administrative records, reports, lists, notes, sound records, architectural drawings, exhibit material, grant applications, invitations, and programmes.

Notes

Physical description note: includes 10 photographs, 3 audio cassettes, and 5 architectural drawings.

Name Access

Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region / Toronto Jewish Congress Archives

Toronto Jewish Historical Society

Historical Society of Western Canada

Baycrest Heritage Museum

Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Journey into Our Heritage

Subjects

Architecture

Nonprofit organizations

Synagogues

Access Restriction

Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA director prior to accessing some of the records.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Adas Israel Synagogue series

Publications sub-series

Level

Sub-series

Fonds

4

Series

5-6

Material Format

textual record

Date

1958-1999

Physical Description

12 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

Sub-series consists of the weekly, bimonthly and New Years bulletins that were published by the Adas Israel synagogue from 1958 to 1999.

Name Access

Adas Israel Congregation (Hamilton, Ont.)

Subjects

Newsletters

Synagogues

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds

Toronto Holocaust Museum series

Subject files sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

67

Series

28-22

File

5

Material Format

textual record

Date

1980-1983

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence and material related to programs at Beth El Synagogue in Newfoundland.

Name Access

Beth El Synagogue (St. John's, N.L.)

Subjects

Synagogues

Places

St. John's (N.L.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

David Pinkus fonds

Level

Fonds

Fonds

138

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

graphic material (electronic)

architectural drawing

philatelic record

sound recording

cartographic material

object

Date

1854-2021

Physical Description

ca. 2.4 m of textual records

ca. 600 photographs : b&w and col. (ca. 90 negatives); 30 x 35 cm or smaller

other material

Admin History/Bio

David Pinkus (1924-2021) was born on May 11, 1924, at the Toronto General Hospital to Isadore Pinkus (1887-1947) and Molly (Mollie) Pinkus (née Parelstein) (1892-1990). Isadore was born in Kiev Gubernia of the Russian Empire; Molly was born in Podolia Gubernia of the Russian Empire and later moved to Ukraine with her family. Isadore and Molly met and married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1910 and moved to Toronto in 1911. The Pinkus family settled in Kensington Market in around 1914 and was one of the first Jewish settlers to the Kensington neighbourhood. David spent his entire life living in the Kensington Market area. He lived on 83 Huron Street until 1927 when the Pinkus family moved to 34 Nassau Street, which has been the house of the Pinkus family ever since. David had two siblings: brother Max and sister Goldie.

In his childhood, David attended the Brunswick Talmud Torah daily and learned Hebrew. He had his bar mitzvah at the Kiever Shul. David attended William Houston School until 1930 and Ryerson Public School until grade eight. Later, he attended Harbord School for high school and was also involved with sports at Harbord Collegiate and YMHA. In 1947, David obtained his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto. After graduation, he worked at Goodyear for one year and returned to the University of Toronto as an instructor of engineering drawing and machine design. Later, he worked at various places such as Canadian Industries Limited in Maitland, Toronto Iron Works, and Avro Aircraft Limited.

David’s father, Isadore, was one of the founders of the Kiever Synagogue. David’s involvement with the Kiever Synagogue started in 1947, following Isadore’s death. David served as president and held positions on the executive of the Kiever Shul and played a principal role in the restoration of the shul. He also served on Toronto’s Board of Health as well as the boards of the Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, and St. Christopher House. In addition, David was an active community leader and local historian. He did genealogical research for many Toronto Jewish families. David had been recognized by the National Jewish Federation of North America as a Jewish community hero in 2011. He passed away on May 6, 2021.

Custodial History

Records received after the death of David Pinkus through Joseph Solomon, the executor of David Pinkus’ estate. Records have been selected by archivists following a site visit at David’s home at 34 Nassau Street, Toronto.

Scope and Content

Fonds consists of textual records, graphic material, sound recordings, architectural drawings, artifacts, and a small number of philatelic records, most of which document David Pinkus’ career and personal life, the Pinkus family, the Kiever Shul, the Kiever Cemetery, as well as Mount Sinai Cemetery Association (Mount Sinai Memorial Park) and the Dawes Road Cemeteries (Amalgamated Dawes Road Trustees), of which the Kiever Congregation is a member organization. Also included are documents and photographs of other individuals and families, which David collected for his genealogical research, and those that are pertaining to Kensington Market and other congregations and cemeteries.

Textual records include correspondence; scrapbooks; education records; identification documents; research notes and clippings relating to David’s genealogical research; documents pertaining to his Kensington Market activism and community work; files on David’s engineering career and his role as president of the Kiever Shul; and files documenting the Pinkus family members, such as funeral documents, notebooks, family correspondence, voters’ lists, and records relating to Pinkus Fruit Co. and 34 Nassau Street. Also included are records documenting the Kiever Shul, which include meeting minutes, ledger books, financial documents, legal documents, membership lists and application forms, address books, high holiday service cards, and historic papers dating from the 1920s and 1930s. Textual records documenting the Kiever Cemetery, Mount Sinai Memorial Park, and the Dawes Road Cemeteries are mainly comprised of cemetery maps, burial plot cards, burial record books, by-laws and regulations, and meeting minutes. Also present are records pertaining to other congregations and cemeteries, such as constitution books, brochures, booklets, and copies of legal documents.

Photographs mainly feature David Pinkus and the Kiever Cemetery, with a small number featuring the Pinkus family members, the Junction Synagogue (Congregation Knesseth Israel), the Great Choral Synagogue of Kyiv, and those that David collected for his genealogical research.

Architectural drawings of this fonds include the restoration and renovation plan for the Kiever Shul and the alteration plan for Mount Sinai Cemetery Administration Building.

Also present are sound recordings, including cassettes and microcassettes of David Pinkus; and artifacts, including felt patches, pin back buttons, medals, Toronto foot-pedlar registration badges, and a wooden gavel of the Kiever Shul.

Fonds has been arranged into the following series: David Pinkus’ personal records; Kensington Market; David Pinkus’ genealogical research; the Pinkus family; the Kiever Shul; the Kiever Cemetery; Mount Sinai Memorial Park; the Dawes Road Cemeteries; and other associations, congregations, and cemeteries.

Notes

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION NOTE: Also included are 22 architectural drawings, 7 maps, 4 audio cassettes, 2 microcassettes, 1 optical disc, 8 drawings, 2 prints, 1 photo collage, 34 pinback buttons, 15 Toronto padler-on-foot registration badges, 8 felt patches, 3 medals, 3 brooches, 1 wooden gavel, 2 tax tokens, 2 postage stamps, 1 sales tax stamp, and 9 revenue stamps.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE: Books that were initially included in this fonds have been removed and incorporated into the OJA’s library collection. These books are: Spadina Avenue by Rosemary Donegan with an introduction by Rick Salutin, Toronto No Mean City by Eric Arthur revised by Stephen A. Otto, Canadian Jewish Directory edited by Edmond Y. Lipsitz, The Toronto Jewish Directory, and The Canada Year Book 1905 (second series).

HISTORY/BIO NOTE: Information is sourced from OH 413 and the content of the fonds.

Name Access

Pinkus, David, 1924-2021

Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Mount Sinai Cemetery Association (Toronto, Ont.)

Mount Sinai Memorial Park (Toronto, Ont.)

Dawes Road Cemetery (Toronto, Ont.)

Amalgamated Dawes Road Trustees (Toronto, Ont.)

Subjects

Families

Synagogues

Genealogy

Cemeteries

Access Restriction

Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA director prior to accessing some of the records.

Repro Restriction

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

Related Material

See accessions 2004-1-5, 2004-1-6, 2004-2-1, 2008-11-9, 2016-3-48, and 2021-10-1 for additional information on the Kiever Shul; and OH 413 for more information on David Pinkus and the Pinkus family.

Arrangement

Records came into the OJA with no discernible order. Arrangement has been imposed by the archivist.

Creator

Pinkus, David, 1924-2021

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)

Accession Number

2021-7-3

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds

Community Relations Committee series

Anti-Semitism cases sub-series

Level

Item

Fonds

17

Series

5-3

File

298

Item

2

Material Format

textual record

Date

10 Jan. 1985

Physical Description

2 newspaper clippings

Scope and Content

Item is a newspaper clipping with photographs about Holocaust denier Ernst Zundel's trial. The article was written by Paul Lungen.

Notes

Availabilty of other formats: Also available as a PDF file.

Name Access

Zündel, Ernst, 1939-2017

Subjects

Holocaust deniers

Trials

Repro Restriction

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 Descriptions

Part Of

Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds

Community Relations Committee series

Anti-Semitism cases sub-series

Level

Item

Fonds

17

Series

5-3

File

298

Item

6

Material Format

textual record

Date

1 Mar. 1985

Physical Description

3 newspaper clippings

Scope and Content

Item consists of newspaper clippings with photograph from the 1 March 1985 edition of the Winnipeg Sun about the outcome of Holocaust denier Ernst Zundel's trial.

Notes

Availabity of other formats: Also available as a PDF file.

Name Access

Zundel, Ernst, 1939-

Subjects

Holocaust deniers

Trials

Repro Restriction

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 Descriptions

Part Of

Board of Jewish Education fonds

Subject files series

Level

File

Fonds

48

Series

4

File

8

Material Format

textual record

Date

1985-1994

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Name Access

Congregation B'nai Torah (Toronto, Ont.)

Subjects

Synagogues

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Accession Number

2012-2-2

Material Format

graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description

37 photographs (jpg) : b&w and col. ; 33 MB

Date

1958-2005

Scope and Content

Accession consists of born-digital images and digital scans of original photographs depicting the 2005 closing ceremonies of the Beth El Congregation in Cornwall, as well as exterior and interior images of the synagogue, the congregants, community events, and B'nai Brith members.

Custodial History

The photographs were acquired by the OJA for the Ontario's Small Jewish Communities exhibit, but they were not accessioned until February 2012.

Subjects

Communities

Synagogues

Name Access

Beth El Congregation (Cornwall, Ont.)

Places

Cornwall (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

• 
• 
• 

Accession Number

2014-5-8

Material Format

textual record

moving images

graphic material

Physical Description

2 m of textual records

10 film reels : 8mm

ca. 300 photographs

Date

[192-]-[200-]

Scope and Content

Accession consists of material documenting the Steinberg family. The bulk of the material was collected and created by Elise Steinberg. Included are photographs and slides, family films, Israel and Miriam's wedding album and honeymoon scrapbook, correspondence and greeting cards, newsletters, Holy Blossom Temple bulletins, newsletters, certificates, Elise's school notebooks and assignments, and financial and legal records pertaining to the estate of Joseph Steinberg. Of particular note are Elise Steinberg's diaries which span the years from 1974 to 1984. Also of note is material documenting the family's resignation from Holy Blossom Temple.

Custodial History

The material came into the possession of Charles Levi and his parents after the death of Israel and Miriam Steinberg.

Administrative History

Irving (Israel) Steinberg was born to Joseph and Leah Steinberg (Schindermann) on January 16, 1919. Joseph and Leah had immigrated to Canada in 1914. They initially lived in Peterborough, but moved to Toronto by 1921. They lived in Toronto for a few years, but evetually settled in Sudbury and opened the Toronto Bargain Store.

Irving joined the Canadian army in 1942 and served in Canada. He married Miriam (from Philadelphia) and they lived in Toronto. They had one daughter, Elise, on September 25, 1955. Israel worked as an accountant and Miriam was a musician and patron of the arts. In her teen years, Elise developed an intellectual and physical disability (possibly scoliosis). Elise was an avid doll collector and volunteered for many years at Holy Blossom Temple's library. The family were members of Holy Blossom Temple for many years and tried advocating for better access to the synagogue for individuals with disabilities. They resigned their membership in the 1990s.

Elise passed away on April 5, 2005. Miriam passed away on February 28, 2011. Irving passed away the following day on March 1, 2011.

Subjects

Diaries

Families

Synagogues

Name Access

Holy Blossom Temple (Toronto, Ont.)

Steinberg, Elise, 1955-2005

Steinberg, Irving, 1919-2011

Steinberg, Miriam, ?-2011

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2015-7-12

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

Physical Description

2.1 m of textual records and graphic material

Date

1904-2015

Scope and Content

Accession consists of records related to the precursor synagogues of Congregation Or Shalom: B'nai Israel and B'nai Moses ben Judah. Records include committee records, board meeting minutes, flyers and invitations, newsletters and bulletins, by-laws, sisterhood records, men's club records, photographs, Board of Education minutes, records related to the London Talmud Torah, minute books of the Daughters of Israel, correspondence, financial records and scrapbooks. There is also a small amount of material related to the National Council of Jewish Women, London Chapter and the London Jewish Community Council and Federation.

Custodial History

Records were donated to the OJA by Congregation Or Shalom, who has an archival repository at the synagogue under the guidance of Dr. Jack Rosen.

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

B'nai Israel Synagogue, (London, Ont.)

B'nai Moses ben Judah (London, Ont.)

Congregation Or Shalom (London, Ont.)

Rosen, Jack

Places

London, Ont.

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2015-9-18

Material Format

multiple media

Physical Description

85 cm of textual records

184 photographs : b&w and col. (tif and jpg)

ca. 200 photographs : b&w and col.

14 moving images : mov and mp4

Date

[192-]-2015, predominant 1983-2015

Scope and Content

Accession consists of the records related to the activities and operations of the First Narayever Congregation. Included are board and general meeting minutes (1984-1996); general correspondence, high holiday tickets and membership lists (1970s-1990s); membership and dues ledger (1929-1983); Ritual Committee meeting minutes (1984-1988); Implementation Committee records (1970s-1980s); constitutions (1980s); newsletters (1983-2004); a blank seat deed (1920s); a cemetery map (1950s?); records regarding burial rights for the Owen Sound Hebrew Congregation (1966-1980); records regarding a court case filed by members of the congregation surrounding the egalitarian changes being planned; an album documenting SHTICK! A Celebration of Jewish Playwrights (2005-2006); an album documenting the congregation's participation in a UJA Mission to Israel (2003-2004); a binder of material containing photocopied and original records in support of the research for the congregation's 100th anniversary celebrations (1970s-2014); photographs and a video recording of the 100th Anniversary exhbition opening at the Miles Nadal JCC; photographs of events hosted by the congregation; and 9 video interviews with individuals connected to the shul conducted by Sharoni Sibony, Peter Gold, and Harry Schachter for the anniversary celebrations. Interviewees are: Peter Gold, Sharon Weintraub, Murray Teitel, Rosalyn Katz, Julia Gluck, Shaya Petroff, Stuart Schoenfeld, Sylvia Solomon and Ben Rothman. Also included are family photographs and written transcripts of oral interviews conducted with members of the Hersh Petersiel family, who lived in Hastings, Ontario and had early connections to the Narayever Congregation.

Custodial History

The records related to Hersh Petersiel were given to the First Narayever by Marsha Beck for their upcoming one-hundredth anniversary. Marsha agreed to donate them to the OJA along with the Narayever records.

Administrative History

In 1914, Jews from eastern Galicia (now in modern Ukraine) established the First Narayever Congregation in Toronto as a landsmanshaf, i.e. a society of Jewish immigrants from the same town or region. The synagogue takes its name from the small market town of Narayev, which is located in eastern Galicia. The synagogue's founders belonged to the working class and many worked in Toronto's garment industry.

Initially, congregation members met in different locations, but by 1923 their numbers and financial means had grown such that they were able to rent a small house at 70 Huron Street at the corner of Huron and Dundas. This house served as the congregation's home for twenty years.

The congregation's first president was Israel Chaim Katz and its first meeting was held at the Katz home at 156 William Street. The congregation's first rabbi was Solomon Langner, who was hired by the congregation in 1923. He retained this affiliation despite serving the Kiever Synagogue as a full-time rabbi from 1929 until he died in 1973.

In 1943, the congregation purchased property at 187-189 Brunswick Avenue from Bethel Church. This is where the the synagogue is located today. In 1950, Henry Young became president of the congregation. He occupied that position until his death in 1976. Shalom Langner, the son of Rabbi Solomon Langner, succeeded Young as president.

As Toronto's Jewish population began to move north, the First Narayever continued to serve Orthodox Jews living downtown. In the 1980s, the congregation struggled to balance the needs of this older generation with the young generation's desire to make the synagogue more egalitarian with respect to gender. In 1983, the congregation's new leadership team successfully advanced a proposal to allow the full participation of women in traditional services. This innovation led to several long-standing members taking legal action, but their case was dismissed on the grounds that it was not a matter for civil law.

The First Narayever's identity continued to evolve. In 2009, its membership voted to allow its rabbi, Edward Elkin, who began serving the congregation in 2000, to officiate at same-sex marriages.

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

First Narayever Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

Petersiel, Hersh

Places

Hastings (Ont.)

Owen Sound (Ont.)

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2016-1-5

Material Format

multiple media

Physical Description

ca. 10 cm of textual records and other material

Date

1957-2015, predominant 1974-2015

Scope and Content

Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting Claude Heimann's immigration to Canada, career, involvement with Temple Har Zion and family life. Included are photographs, correspondence, newsletters and journals, writings and presentations by Heimann, certificates, newspaper clippings, event and conference programs, and business cards. Also included are documents with the text used for Totum Research's website.

Administrative History

Claude Heimann was born on 21 March 1944 in Johannesburg, South Africa to Wilhelm (Bill) Otto Heimann and Lotte Heimann (nee Rosenberg). He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Witwatersrand in 1966. In 1969, he married Adele Masail at the Pine Street Synagogue in Johannesburg. They lived in Windsor Park, Johannesburg and had two children together: Nicole Heidi (now married to Marshall Starkman) and Marc Steven.

Claude initially worked for Market Research Africa interviewing farm workers across the country. In 1971 he joined Reader's Digest in South Africa as a Research Director. Believing there would not be a peaceful solution to apartheid, Claude had decided at a young age that he would evenutally leave South Africa. He hoped that Reader's Digest was a company that might be able to transfer him to work in another country. Ten years later, in 1981, an opportunity came up with the Canadian edition of Reader's Digest in a similar role. Claude accepted the position and immigrated with his family to Toronto in May 1981. For their first few months they lived at Glengrove Manor on Yonge Street between Lawrence and Eglinton. In July, they moved into their home in Thornhill. Adele initially stayed home with the family, but eventually worked as a bookkeeper for a variety of different businesses.

Claude left Reader's Digest in 1990 to become a partner in Totum Research. Throughout his career, Claude has served on the Research Committee of PMB and has been a member of the Board of Directors of CARF for whom he served as Technical Director. He has also served on a number of other media research related committees, including the Technical Committee of AMPS and the Magazines Canada Research Committee. Claude was also active on the Board of Temple Har Zion, holding a variety of positions, including: regular Board member, vice president for worship, vice president, treasurer, president and past president for two years on the Executive. He also reported Board decisions for the THZ monthly bulletin.

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 2.3 MB of textual records, 6 photographs, 17 slides, and 26.3 MB of photographs.

Subjects

Immigrants--Canada

Occupations

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Synagogues

Source

Archival Accessions

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Accession Number

2016-5-8

Material Format

graphic material

textual record

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

1 photograph : col. ; 20 x 25 cm

Date

1982-1990, 2015

Scope and Content

Accession consists of graphic and textual records documenting the Judelman family and Alan Judelman's involvement with the Men’s Service Group at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. Documents include a family photograph (Jan. 2015); two issues of the Baycrest News (December 1982 and May 1990); and an invitation to the 1990 Men’s Service Group at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers.

Custodial History

Material was in possession of Alan and Lin Judelman. The Judelmans donated it to the OJA.

Administrative History

Alan (b. 1939) and Linda (b. 1945, nee Galland) Judelman were born in Johannesburg, South Africa. They were married on January 5th, 1965. Alan was trained as a chartered account and Lin completed a B.A. degree at Witwatersrand University and teacher training. The Judelmans have three children who were all born in SA: Andrew, Vanessa and Greg.

In 1978, political unrest in SA prompted the Judelmans to emigrate. Upon immigration to Canada, the family settled in North York. Alan graduated as a chartered accountant in Canada and eventually went on to start an environmental services company (Diproinduca Canada). Lin re-trained as a teacher and pursued a B.Ed. at York University. She specialized in ESL, history and guidance over the course of her 21 year career at the TDSB.

Alan was actively involved with the Men’s Service Group at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care in his capacity as the organization’s president. He volunteered with HAIT (organization that promotes head injury awareness and knowledge) and served on the Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living Board of Directors. The Judelmans are members of the Beth Tikvah synagogue and Alan has also volunteered with the congregation.

Use Conditions

Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the Archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Subjects

Immigrants--Canada

Societies

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Synagogues

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2016-6-12

Material Format

graphic material

textual record

Physical Description

ca. 60 cm of textual records

11 photographs (3 negatives) : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm or smaller

Date

1976-[ca. 1990]

Scope and Content

Accession consists of textual and graphic records that trace Natan Sharansky's history as a prisoner of political conscience; the broader Refusenik issue; and the community advocacy efforts of Debby and Stan Solomon from 1976 and into the late 1980s at the local, national and international scales. Included are memos and newsletters from the Committee for Soviet Jewry (Ontario Region and national-level); background information as well as petition templates, speeches and planning documentation produced by the Committee to Release Anatoly Sharansky and the Beth Tikvah Synagogue in conjunction with community organizations, including the CJC and its Soviet Jewry social action committees, to support on-going advocacy efforts; correspondence with Canadian and American political representatives at the provincial/state and national levels; white papers/grey literature from non-governmental organizations about the persecution of the Soviet Jewry; planning documentation from the First Annual Sharansky Lectureship on Human Rights in 1980; correspondence, articles and ephemera associated with the granting of Sharansky's honourary law doctorate from York University in 1982; 1985 Freedom Rally/Weekend in Ottawa planning documentation and correspondence; 1987 National Conference on the Soviet Jewry and Mobilization for Freedom planning documentation; 1987 Community Rally at Massey Hall promotional materials; and promotional materials from Sharansky's autobiographical "Fear No Evil" 1988 book launch. Graphic material includes photographs of Sharansky's release during the February 11, 1986 American-Soviet prisoner exchange on the Glienicke Bridge in Berlin.

Identified in the photographs are: Debby Solomon; Stan Solomon; Natan Sharansky; Avital Sharansky; U.S. Ambassador Richard Burt;

Custodial History

Material was collected and/or created by Debby Solomon, Natan Sharansky's cousin. Debby donated it to the OJA.

Administrative History

Debby Solomon is the cousin of Anatoly (Natan) Sharansky, the Soviet born Israeli politician, human activist and author who spent nine years in Soviet prisons. Debby's father Boris Landis (born 1900) and Sharansky's father were first cousins.Their grandfathers were brothers. Debby's father immigrated 1929 to Toronto from Russia as his older brothers were already in Toronto. Debby and her husband Stan Solomon got involved in the community's activism efforts to free Sharansky and other Refuseniks.They were worked for many years on these efforts by planning programs through their synagogue Beth Tikvah and with Sam Filer, a lawyer and volunteer at the CJC who was also a member of Beth Tikvah.

Subjects

Antisemitism

Politics and government

Human rights

Demonstrations

Synagogues

Committees

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2016-3-48

Material Format

graphic material

Physical Description

15 photographs : b&w and col.

Date

[196-?]-1985

Scope and Content

Accession consists of photographs of the Kiever Synagogue. There are 12 images in black and white of both the exterior and the interior. These photos appear to be from the 1960s. There are also three colour photographs, two of which are of the exterior and one of which is of the interior during a service.

Custodial History

There is no information on the acquisition of this material. There is a name on the envelope that holds the photographs but the name cannot be deciphered.

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Places

Toronto, Ontario

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2016-3-69

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Date

1950-1991

Scope and Content

Accession consists of interviews with various persons concerning their link with Goel Tzedec and its successor synagogue, Beth Tzedec. The interviews were primarily conducted by Ben Keyfetz and Jack Orenstien, the latter serving as the executive director of Beth Tzedec at that time. Persons interviewed included Carl Keyfetz, N. N. Levine, Meyer Axler, and Bert Godfrey. There is also other information in the file concerning cantors and rabbis who served at Goel Tzedec, including Julius Price, Bernard Wladowsky, Jacob Gordon, and Samuel Sachs. There is a document from Bert Godfrey—undated but with a reference to 1950—titled "Report of Construction Sub-Committee." This presumably preceded the construction of the building housing the Beth Tzedec Synagogue on Bathurst Street. Also included is a 1955 publication of the Ne'ilah Service of Beth Tzedec to take place on 6 February 1955, concluding a half century of worship at the synagogue on University Avenue. Lastly, there are several pages of notes concerning the synagogue and its history.

Custodial History

There is no information on the acquisition of this material.

Subjects

Committees

Synagogues

Rabbis

Name Access

Kayfetz, Benjamin, 1916-2002

Places

Toronto, Ontario

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2016-8-9

Material Format

textual record

architectural drawing

Physical Description

1.3 m of textual records

ca. 50 architectural drawings

Date

1974-2016

Scope and Content

Accession consists of records documenting the activities, programs and governance of Shaar Shalom Synagogue. Included are financial statements, meeting minutes, by-laws, brochures, architectural drawings, reports, membership lists, forms filled in by participants in life cycle events (such as weddings and conversions), holiday bulletins, invitations, speeches, Yizkor booklets, office manuals and correspondence. Of note is a land title document from 1981.

Administrative History

Shaar Shalom Synagogue was a conservative synagogue in Markham founded in 1972. The synagogue closed in 2016.

Use Conditions

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

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

Shaar Shalom Synagogue (Markham, Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2016-7-11

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

architectural drawing

Physical Description

ca. 6 m textual records and graphic material

ca. 20 architectural drawings

Date

1972-2016

Scope and Content

Accession consists of records documenting the activities, programs and governance of Shaar Shalom Synagogue. Included are financial records, meeting minutes and agendas, architectural drawings, general administrative files, and photographs.

Administrative History

Shaar Shalom Synagogue was a conservative synagogue in Markham founded in 1972. The synagogue closed in 2016.`

Use Conditions

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

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

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

Shaar Shalom Synagogue (Markham, Ont.)

Places

Markham, Ont.

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2016-9-3

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

Physical Description

13 cm of textual records

5 photographs : b&w and col. ; 21 x 26 or smaller

Date

1912-2015

Scope and Content

Accession consists of records documenting the life of Pearl Freedhoff. The bulk of the material are speeches and other writings related to Pearl's position as president of the Goel Tzedec Sisterhood around 1949-1950, as well as material related to her role with the Eastern Canadian Branch of the Women's League of the United Synagogue. Also included is Pearl's hand-written memoir and the final bound copy edited by her daughter Judith Golden. The remaining records relate to Pearl's work as a travel guide and organizer of trips to Israel, East Asia, and the Lido Spa in Florida; dance cards from the 1920s; a small amount of personal correspondence with a friend living in England; Pearl and Samuel's wedding invitation; a letter to Pearl and her sister Hilda from their mother, Esther; newsclippings; photographs; and a book won as a second place prize by Pearl at Edmund Scheuer's Zionist girls' school.

Administrative History

Pearl Freedhoff (née Narrol) was born on 17 September 1906 to Harry Narrol and Esther Narroll (née Newman). She had four siblings: She had four siblings: Albert, Gertie, Hilda (m. Spivak), and Mendell (died as infant). Pearl married Dr. Samuel Osias Freedhoff (1903–1973) in 1927 and had two children: Stephen and Judith. Samuel was the son of Harry Freedhoff and Molli Freedhoff (née Bohnen). Pearl graduated from the University of Toronto, School of Social Work, and Samuel graduated from the School of Dentistry. Both were members of Goel Tzedec Synagogue, with Pearl serving as sisterhood president from 1949–1950 and Samuel as president of the men's club in 1952. Pearl passed away on 18 December 1997.

Subjects

Manuscripts

Speeches, addresses, etc

Synagogues

Travel

Name Access

Freedhoff, Pearl, 1906-1997

Freedhoff, Samuel, 1903-1973

Goel Tzedec Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2016-11-14

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

12 cm textual records

Date

1929-1991

Scope and Content

Accession consists of records documenting the history and activities of the Minsker Farband and Adath Shalom Synagogue. Included are a 50th anniversary booklet (1976), 60th anniversary booklet (1986), 65th anniversary booklet (1991) and photocopies of clippings from the Sunday Sun articles dated June 17, [1979] and May 13, 1995 reporting on the men and women (who are well beyond the age of 13) who participated in a group bar and bat mitzvah ceremony, initiated by Cantor Martin Rosenblum who participated in the ceremony as well. Records from the Minsker Farband include a navy leather bound manuscript book with "Young Minsker Social Club" embossed on the cover. "The Book of Life is Presented by William and Charlotte Kaplan in Memory of Libba Elka Kaplan, 26 JUN 1954, Ann Kaplan Goldblatt, 9 JAN 1959 and Chaim Libetsky, 13 DEC 1930. Each page of the book of life lists milestone celebrations, birth announcements and memorials. All entries were hand written in calligraphy from (1961-1968). In addition, there are two minute books handwritten in Yiddish for the periods 1929-1932 and 1935-37; meeting and executive meeting minute books and membership lists including organizations participating in The Young Mens' Minsker Farband (1948-1949); Young Men's Social Club Membership cards listing names, addresses, businesses or employers and other affiliations (1948 to 1953); an invitation and programme for Oneg Shabbat and Shabbat Morning services in honour of the 65th Anniversary of Adath Sholom Synagogue and the 25th Anniversary tribute to Cantor and Spiritual Leader Martin Rosenblum (1991); a timeline on the history of the Minsker Farband handwritten on a note pad by Ms. Bev Breslow; and an unidentified photocopy of a photograph.

Custodial History

The Adath Shalom Synagogue records belonged to donor Shae Eckler. The Minsker Farband records were given to Shae's husband Morey Eckler between 1995 and 2000. Shae could not recall the name of the original donor.

Administrative History

The Minsker Farband was established in 1926 by a small group of men who hailed from the town of Minsk, Russia. In 1927, the wives formed the Minsker Farband Ladies' Auxiliary. (Information as transcribed from the notes of Ms. Bev Breslow).

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

Minsker Farband (Toronto, Ont.)

Adath Shalom Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2015-7-1

Material Format

textual record

moving images

graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records and other material

Date

1987, 1998-2009

Scope and Content

Accession consists of material documenting the history and events of the Kehillat Shaarei Torah. Included are event invitations, programs, and booklets. Of note is the synagogue's 18th anniversary booklet. Also included are VHS tapes and DVDs of the following events: a Purim celebration featuring a mock wedding (2007), the farewell tribute dinner to Rabbi and Rebbetzin Reuven and Joyce Tradburks and family (2009), the Flo Urbach tribute dinner, the synagogue's 18th anniversary celebrations (1999) and an event honouring Margaret Klompas (2004). Finally, accession includes a CD with images from the Abe Goldberg Torah Dedication (2006).

Administrative History

Kehillat Shaarei Torah is a modern Orthodox congregation that was founded in Toronto in 1980. Most of the early founders and members were recent immigrants from South Africa who had settled in the Bayview-Leslie-York Mills-Shepard area. Unable to find a congregation in their area that reflected their Orthodox traditions from South Africa, they formed their own minyan. They initially met in living rooms and basements and in 1987 opened the synagogue's building at 2640 Bayview Avenue.

Descriptive Notes

Physical description note: Includes 3 videocassettes (VHS), 2 DVDs, and 1 CD (103 photographs)

Subjects

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Synagogues

Name Access

Kehillat Shaarei Torah of Toronto

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2016-11-33

Material Format

graphic material

Physical Description

4 photographs : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

Date

1989

Scope and Content

Accession consists of four photographs featuring former Jewish sites in Ansonville, Ontario (now Iroquois Falls). Included is the former synagogue, Kideckel's grocery store, stable where Israel Kideckel housed his horse used to deliver groceries, and the sign for Synagogue Avenue.

Subjects

Synagogues

Places

Ansonville (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions