Accession Number
1991-1-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1991-1-2
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1.2 m of textual records
Scope and Content
Accession consists of the records of the Jewish National Fund. Included are Negev dinner books.
Use Conditions
Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
Name Access
Jewish National Fund
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1978-5-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1978-5-2
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
15 cm of textual records
Date
[ca. 1971]-[ca. 1976]
Scope and Content
This accession consists of newspaper clippings and correspondence relating to the dismissal of Rabbi Stuart Rosenberg by the Beth Tzedec Board and relating to the Rabbi Hollander case; copies of "The Committee of 10 Report" and "Setting the Records Straight: Analysis and refutation of The Committee of 10 report"; Beth Tzedec Board letters and Bulletins; Beth Tzedec Congregational School Education and Youth Committee minutes and newsletters; Beth Tzedec Congregation Constitution and By-Laws; a report on membership dues policy; and records relating to the Board elections.
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Rosenberg, Stuart E., 1922-1990
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-1-5
Source
Archival Accessions
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
2004-1-6
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-1-6
Material Format
architectural drawing
Physical Description
7 drawings : blueline prints ; 61 x 50 cm
Date
[ca. 1923]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the Kiever Synagogue in downtown Toronto. Included are architectural drawings of south and west elevations, cross section, details of window frames and balcony basement, the ground floor, and roof and balcony plans. Benjamin Swartz was the architect.
Use Conditions
Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.
Subjects
Synagogue architecture
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Swartz, Benjamin, 1899-1961
Places
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
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
2004-2-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-2-3
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records and graphic material
Date
1919-1974
Scope and Content
This accession consists of material donated by Peggy Goldsbie. It includes: photographs of the Spadina Walk Committee and the Kiever Cantorial Concert; a CJC programme book for the 7th Plenary Session (1947); a union dues book that belonged to Morris Goldstein for the Piano, Organ and Phonograph Worker's Union (1919); and two directories for the Toronto Hebrew Benevolent Society (1944, 1952).
Name Access
Spadina Walk Committee.
Cantorial Concert.
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
CJC Plenary.
Piano, Organ and Phonograph Workers' Union.
Toronto Hebrew Benevolent Society.
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
2004-5-84
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-84
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1930
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a Jewish National Fund memorial card inscribed in the name of Hartley Steinberg by Mrs. Charles Foster.
Name Access
Jewish National Fund
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-161
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-161
Material Format
graphic material
textual record
Physical Description
2 photographs : col.
1 folder of textual records
Date
1970-1971
Scope and Content
Accession consists of 2 photographs of the exterior of the Kiever Synagogue (taken by Rolf Lederer in 1991) and correspondence from the Orthodox Community Council of Toronto.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2006-4-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2006-4-3
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
7 watercolours : 11 x 16 cm
Date
1975
Scope and Content
Accession consists of seven watercolour paintings by Hans Plania of Toronto synagogue buildings. These include: The Kiever Synagogue, 25 Bellevue Avenue, Kensington Market, Congregation Knesseth Israel (Maria Street Shul), 1 Shipman Place at the corner of Maria Street; First Narayever Congregation, 189 Brunswick Avenue; Agudath Israel Anshei Sfard Synagogue (Palmerston Shul); the Beach Hebrew Institute, 109 Kenilworth Avenue; Beth David Congregation, 225 Brunswick Avenue; the former Beth Jacob Synagogue (Henry Street Shul), 23 Henry Street.
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
Name Access
Agudath Israel Anshei Sfard Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Beach Hebrew Institute (Toronto, Ont.)
Beth Jacob Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
First Narayever Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Knesseth Israel (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2007-9-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2007-9-1
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w ; 24 x 19 cm and 18 x 14 cm
Date
5 May 1969
Scope and Content
Accession consists of two photographs of the reception at which Julius Miller was recognized by the Jewish community of Cornwall for his twenty-five years of service as president of Beth-El Congregation with a grove of trees planted in his name by the Jewish National Fund. (Julius Miller was the father of the donor.)
Photo identification:
High Table --- Left: Father R. J. McDonald; Moe Schulman; Fern Guindon, MPP; Louis Horovitz; Nick Kaneb, mayor; Julius Miller; Pete Solway, Israeli consular; David Kaye; unknown; unknown; Louis Dubinsky; unknown; and Jack Miller.
Certificate presentation --- Hon. Lucien Lamoureux, speaker of the House of Commons; Nick Kaneb, mayor of Cornwall; Fern Guindon, MPP; and Julius Miller,
Use Conditions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the Archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Subjects
Communities
Name Access
Beth El Congregation (Cornwall, Ont.)
Jewish National Fund
Miller, Julius
Places
Cornwall (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-11-9
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
Name
Joseph Fremar
Material Format
sound recording
Interview Date
14 May 1974
Source
Oral Histories
Name
Joseph Fremar
Number
OH 21
Subject
Business
Food
Occupations
Interview Date
14 May 1974
Quantity
2 cassettes (1 copy)
1 MP3 file
Interviewer
Bess Shockett
Total Running Time
12:59 minutes
Conservation
Copied to cassette tape in August 2003.
Digitized in June 2010.
Use Restrictions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Biography
Joseph "Joe the Orange Man" Fremar was a produce merchant in Kensington Market and opened his location at 234 Augusta Avenue in 1938. Fremar, commonly referred to as the "Orange Man," was a member of the Kiever Synagogue.
Material Format
sound recording
Name Access
Fremar, Joseph
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Shockett, Bess
Geographic Access
Augusta Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Original Format
Audio cassette
Copy Format
Audio cassette
Digital file
Source
Oral Histories

In this clip, Joseph Fremar, also known as "Joe the Orange Man," talks about the social politics and financial expectations around belonging to certain Toronto synagogues versus others.

In this clip, Joseph Fremar, also known as "Joe the Orange Man," talks about the changing population of Toronto

Name
Rabbi Reuben Slonim
Material Format
sound recording
Interview Date
23 Jul. 1982
Source
Oral Histories
Name
Rabbi Reuben Slonim
Number
OH 65
OH 66
Subject
Development of Toronto Jewish community from 1930s
Rabbis
Interview Date
23 Jul. 1982
Quantity
2
Interviewer
Jack Lipinsky
Total Running Time
OH65_001: 26.25 minutes
OH65_002: 15.07 minutes
OH66: 32.48 minutes
Conservation
Copied August 2003
Notes
Poor sound quality
Use Restrictions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Conditional access. Researchers must receive permission from the interviewee or their heir prior to accessing the interview. Please contact the OJA for more information.
Biography
Reuben Slonim was born on in Winnipeg in 1914 and ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York in 1937. That year, he became Canada’s first Canadian-born rabbi when he was hired by the McCaul Street Synagogue in downtown Toronto. After it merged with Goel Tzedec to become the Beth Tzedec Congregation, Rabbi Slonim served at the new Beth Tzedec for one year. He then served for twenty-three years as rabbi of Beth Habonim on Glen Park Avenue.
Slonim also worked as a jounalist and associate editor of the Toronto Telegram and was known for his outspoken views on the Arab-Israeli conflict and Zionism.
He married Rita Short, and they had a daughter named Rena. Rabbi Reuben Slonim died on 20 January 2000 at the age of eight-five.
Material Format
sound recording
Language
English
Name Access
McCaul Street Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Geographic Access
Winnipeg (Man.)
New York (N.Y.).
Toronto (Ont.)
Original Format
Audio cassette
Copy Format
Audio cassette
Source
Oral Histories
Name
Cantor Harry Friedman (Federman?)
Material Format
sound recording
Interview Date
5 Jun. 1982
Source
Oral Histories
Name
Cantor Harry Friedman (Federman?)
Number
OH 170
OH 171
Subject
Recollections of the First and Second World Wars Fair
Interview Date
5 Jun. 1982
Quantity
2
Conservation
Copied August 2003
Use Restrictions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Biography
Cantor Harry Federman was the cantor in one of Toronto's first synagogues, the Kiever, in the 1970s.
Material Format
sound recording
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Original Format
Audio cassette
Copy Format
Audio cassette
Digital file
Source
Oral Histories
Level
Item
ID
Item 48
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
48
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1959
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
Item consists of one black-and-white photograph of a sketch by Aba Bayefsky of the Kiever Synagogue.
Notes
Credit: Aba Bayefsky
Name Access
Bayefsky, Aba, 1923-2001
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Repro Restriction
Copyright is not held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Portraits series
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 18; Series 1; Item 24
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Portraits series
Level
Item
Fonds
18
Series
1
Item
24
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1964]
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w : 13 x 10 cm
Admin History/Bio
Rabbi Israel Sholom Langner was born in Toronto to Rabbi Solomon and Frimet (née Babad) Langner. He is in the trucking business and is currently active with the Shaarei Tzedec and Kiever Synagogues. He is also involved with the Jewish Education Program (JEP), affiliated with Ohr Somayach International.
Scope and Content
Item is a portrait of Rabbi Sholom Langner.
Name Access
Congregation Shaarei Tzedec (Toronto, Ont.)
Jewish Education Program (Toronto, Ont.)
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Langner, Israel Sholom
Subjects
Rabbis
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
B'nai Brith lodges sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 18; Series 3-1; File 14
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
B'nai Brith lodges sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
18
Series
3-1
File
14
Material Format
graphic material
Date
17 Apr.1966
Physical Description
9 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of images taken at the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge installation of officers banquet, held at Beth Tzedec Synagogue. The images depict a number of members accepting awards and plaques, speakers at the podium, as well as several images of lodge members and invited guests.
Name Access
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
B'nai Brith lodges sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 18; Series 3-1; File 3
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
B'nai Brith lodges sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
18
Series
3-1
File
3
Material Format
graphic material
Date
21 Oct. 1964
Physical Description
2 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of two images of members of the B'nai Brith Mazel Lodge receiving a plaque from the Jewish National Fund and a certificate from the State of Israel Bonds. The event took place at Murray House.
Name Access
Jewish National Fund
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 18; Series 3; File 30
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
Level
File
Fonds
18
Series
3
File
30
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1 Dec. 1965
Physical Description
20 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of images taken at the Jewish National Fund Negev dinner in honour of former mayor Nathan Phillips. The event was held at the Royal York Hotel. The images depict speakers at the podium, presentation of certificates and plaques, and photographs of invited guests and of Phillips with his family.
Name Access
Jewish National Fund
Phillips, Nathan, 1923-
Royal York Hotel (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Dinners and dining
Mayors
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 18; Series 3; File 31
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
Level
File
Fonds
18
Series
3
File
31
Material Format
graphic material
Date
22 Sep. 1963
Physical Description
5 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of four group photographs of members of the Kiever Synagogue seated with Rabbi Solomon Langner and one image of a member standing next to the Aron Kodesh.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Langner, Solomon
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 18; Series 3; File 49
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
Level
File
Fonds
18
Series
3
File
49
Material Format
graphic material
Date
9 Sep. 1963
Physical Description
5 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of five images taken at the opening banquet for the thirteenth annual State of Israel Bonds drive. The banquet was held at Beth Tzedec Synagogue. The images include individuals seated around banquet tables and at the head table, and speakers at the podium. The banner behind the head table reads: build a better Israel with Israel Bonds in the bar mitzvah year.
Item 1: The woman seated on the far right facing the camera at the centre banquet table is Bertha Kaplan, who for many years was the treasurer at Adath Israel Synagogue.
Name Access
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Dinners and dining
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Morris Norman collection
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 22; Item 97
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Morris Norman collection
Level
Item
Fonds
22
Item
97
Material Format
textual record
Date
[195-?]
Physical Description
1 item
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 17; Series 2; File 1019
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
Fonds
17
Series
2
File
1019
Material Format
textual record
Date
1976
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Access Restriction
Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
Accession Number
2005-2-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 17; Series 2; File 1137
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
Fonds
17
Series
2
File
1137
Material Format
textual record
Date
1996
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Jewish National Fund
Subjects
Anniversaries
Cities and towns
Access Restriction
Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
Places
Jerusalem
Accession Number
2005-2-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 17; Series 2; File 1316
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
Fonds
17
Series
2
File
1316
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[between 1965 and 1975?]
Physical Description
4 photographs : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of four photographs of a bar mitzvah at the Kiever Shul. They depict a young man at various points in the temple.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Bar mitzvah
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
Series
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10
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
Clergy sub-series
Level
Sub-series
ID
Fonds 4; Series 5-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Adas Israel Synagogue series
Clergy sub-series
Level
Sub-series
Fonds
4
Series
5-2
Material Format
textual record
Date
1963-2008
Physical Description
3 folders of textual records
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of correspondence relating to Adas Israel's search for a rabbi and cantor. It also includes programme books from tribute dinners honouring Rabbi Morton Green and Cantor Kirshblum.
Name Access
Adas Israel Congregation (Hamilton, Ont.)
Jewish National Fund
Green, Morton (Rabbi)
Subjects
Cantors (Judaism)
Rabbis
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
David Pinkus fonds
Level
Fonds
ID
Fonds 138
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
Accession Number
2013-7-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2013-7-2
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
31 Mar. 1985
Scope and Content
Accession consists of one Jewish National Fund certificate issued to Louis Gelber and Sara (Morris) Gelber.
Name Access
Gelber, Louis
Gelber, Sara
Jewish National Fund
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2013-9-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2013-9-4
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 15 cm
Date
[ca. 1950]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a photograph of Ella Fleischmann standing in her kitchen in Toronto next to her Jewish National Fund (JNF) Charity box (tzedakah box).
Custodial History
The photograph was in the possession of Ella's niece, Lilian Rosenthal. She gave it to the OJA on behalf the Ella's daughter who lives in Israel.
Use Conditions
None
Name Access
Fleischmann, Ella
Jewish National Fund
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2016-3-48
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
2018-1-9
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-1-9
Material Format
textual record
sound recording
Physical Description
10 cm of textual records
1 audio cassette
Date
1960-1997
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records related to Gordon Kushner's activities as music director of Beth Tzedec Congregation. The accession includes Kushner's compositions for V'al Kulam (1982), Mi Sheberach (1983), and Tikanta (1987) along with a collection of compositions by Srul Irving Glick, Paul Kowarsky, and Sid Robinovitch. Of particular note is a composition commissioned by the Canadian Jewish Congress for the Jewish Music Festival 1960. Recordings of selections from Robonvitch's compositions are included in an audio cassette. Also included are correspondence, meeting minutes, repertoire and music lists, and choir membership lists, and program books related to the activities of the Beth Tzedec choir and its performances, such as its participation in various Jewish music festivals. In addition, there are records related to Mel Sach's resignation from the Toronto Jewish Cultural Council as program coordinator; bulletins of Beth Tzedec Congregation, and Jewish Music Committee meeting minutes.
Administrative History
Gordon Kushner (1916-2007) was the music director of the Beth Tzedec Congregation (previously Goel Tzedec) in Toronto from 1948 to 1999. Born in Winnipeg, Kushner trained as a pianist under Gwendda Owen Davies and appeared with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in 1940. After serving as a bandsman in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War, he resumed his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto under John Weinzweig in theory and conducting in 1946. As music director for Beth Tzedec Congregation, he composed several choral compositions for the synagogue and coordinated the Beth Tzedec Choir's participation in various concerts and events across Toronto, including the Jewish Music Festival sponsored by the Music Committee of the Toronto Jewish Cultural Council of Toronto Jewish Congress. Kushner was active in the cultural activities of the Toronto Jewish community. He was a member of the education and cultural committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress in 1950 and became co-chair of the central region music committee in 1967. Kushner was also a music educator and during the 1960s taught at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music Summer School, which he became director of in 1969. He served as the Principal and Vice-Principal of the Royal Conservatory of Music from 1978 to 1991.
Subjects
Music festivals
Synagogue music
Name Access
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Kushner, Gordon, 1916-2007
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-11-5
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-11-5
Material Format
textual record
graphic material (electronic)
textual record (electronic)
Physical Description
7 cm of textual records
285 MB of photographs and textual records
Date
[188-]-2018
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the From Latkes to Laffa exhibition that was held at Beth Tzedec Congregation in 2017. Included are textual records organized into the following files: Planning, Introduction, The Ward, Kensington, Eglinton, Dairy/bagels, Delis, Kosher, and New trends. There are two additional files without names that contain additional material related to the exhibition. Also included are electronic records, primarily graphic, that relate to the exhibition. The latter have been organized into two folders: Photographs and USB.
Administrative History
From Latkes to Laffas was an exhibition at Beth Tzedec Congregation's Reuben & Helene Dennis Museum that explored the history of Toronto's Jewish restaurants. The exhibition opened on Wednesday the 6 September 2017.
Descriptive Notes
Source of supplied title proper: Title based on a label on the side of the binder.
Subjects
Ethnic restaurants
Name Access
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Rothstein, Gella
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-2-8
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-2-8
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
2 folders
Date
1970-1973
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the Airst family. Included are photographs of Malcolm Airst at his bar mitzvah in 1970 and Randall Airst at his bar mitzvah in 1973. The b'nai mitzvah took place at Beth Tzedec in Toronto where the family were members and Malcolm completed ninth grade at the United Synagogue Day School.
Subjects
Bar mitzvah
Name Access
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-3-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-3-1
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
6 photographs : col. ; 21 x 15 cm or smaller
Date
[197-?]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the Airst family. Included are five photographs taken at Malcolm Airst's bar mitzvah, which was held at Beth Tzedec in Toronto, and one photograph of Malcolm's sister, Lisa. Also depicted in the bar mitzvah photographs are: maternal grandfather Alexander Stolberg; parents Herman Airst and Faye Airst; and younger brother Randall Airst.
Descriptive Notes
Physical description: The five bar mitzvah photographs are glued to a matte board.
Subjects
Bar mitzvah
Families
Name Access
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2020-1-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2020-1-4
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
3 booklets
Date
1913–1960
Scope and Content
Accession consists of three booklets donated by Albert Edelstein that document Toronto's Jewish community. Included are a copy of the Constitution of the Congregation Rodfei Shulem Anshe Kiew (1913), better known as the Kiever Synagogue; a tribute book honouring Dr. Chaim Shidlovski (1865–1925), which was published by Farband (ca. 1920s); and a program for the United Jewish Appeal of Toronto's Victory Celebration Dinner, which was held at the Regency Towers Hotel on 26 May 1960.
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
Language: Tribute book is in Hebrew.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 27; File 189
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
27
File
189
Material Format
graphic material
Date
January 1975
Physical Description
12 slides : col. ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
File consists of twelve 35mm slides depicting a UJA-Israel Special Fund campaign event with Golda Meir at Beth Tzedec. Murray Koffler, Eddie Creed, and Joan Lipson are shown in some of the slides.
Notes
Slides processed by Benjamin Film Labs.
Name Access
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Meir, Golda, 1898-1978
Subjects
Prime ministers--Israel
Synagogues
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 27; File 206
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
27
File
206
Material Format
graphic material
Date
3 Feb. 1976
Physical Description
41 photographs : b&w (37 negatives) ; 28 x 28 mm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
File consists of four photographs and thirty-seven negatives of a UJA event with Menachem Begin at Beth Tzedec. Lionel Schipper, Issy Sharp, and Wilf Posluns are identified.
Notes
Photos by Graphic Artists Photographers, Toronto.
Availability of other formats: Also available as digital images.
Name Access
Begin, Menachem, 1913-1992
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Prime ministers--Israel
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 27; File 424
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
27
File
424
Material Format
graphic material
Date
15 May 1979
Physical Description
3 photographs (2 negatives) : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm and 28 x 28 mm
Scope and Content
File consists of one photograph and two negatives of USDS students (and teacher?) holding a $600 cheque for UJA, raised by a Bowlathon. Rachel Forman, Jessica Rudolph, Lisi Tesher, Moshe Bell, Jessica Benattar, Greg Sigel, and Danny Morgenstein are identified.
Notes
Photos by Graphic Artists Photographers, Toronto.
Availability of other formats: Also available as digital images.
Name Access
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 27; File 436
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
27
File
436
Material Format
graphic material
Date
24 July 1979
Physical Description
3 photographs : b&w (3 negatives) ; 28 x 28 mm
Scope and Content
File consists of three negatives of Martin Mendelow and Sol Edell examining a book outside in front of the Kiever Synagogue.
Notes
Photos by Graphic Artists Photographers, Toronto.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Mendelow, Martin
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
George Morrison fonds
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 99; Item 49
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
George Morrison fonds
Level
Item
Fonds
99
Item
49
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1978]
Physical Description
1 slide : col. ; 35 mm
Name Access
Beth Midrash Hagadol Synagogue
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Goel Tzedec Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Architecture
Synagogues
Repro Restriction
Copyright is not held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Places
Bathurst Street (Toronto, Ont.)
Accession Number
1980-6-3
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
George Morrison fonds
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 99; Item 50
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
George Morrison fonds
Level
Item
Fonds
99
Item
50
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1978]
Physical Description
1 slide : col. ; 35 mm
Name Access
Beth Midrash Hagadol Synagogue
Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Goel Tzedec Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Architecture
Synagogues
Repro Restriction
Copyright is not held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Places
Bathurst Street (Toronto, Ont.)
Accession Number
1980-6-3
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 2950
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
2950
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1933
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w
Scope and Content
Identified in this photograph are: Fischel Cooper in centre; [Al Green?].
Name Access
Cooper, Fischel
Green, Al
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Youth
Repro Restriction
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.
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
1979-8-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1439
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1439
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1941]
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of Fischel Cooper with boys from his youth congregation. Cooper was associated with the Kiever Synagogue. Boy on far left is Norman Trachter.
Notes
Acquired June 22, 1975.
Name Access
Cooper, Fischel
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Trachter, Norman
Subjects
Youth
Repro Restriction
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.
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
1977-6-10
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1437
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1437
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1941]
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of a group of men associated with the Kiever Synagogue in Toronto. Left to right: Harry Trachter; [unknown]; [unknown]; Fischel Cooper; Israel Sakowick; [unknown]; [unknown].
Notes
Acquired on June 22, 1975.
Name Access
Cooper, Fischel
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Trachter, Harry
Sakowich, Israel
Repro Restriction
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.
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
1977-6-10
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 283
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
283
Material Format
graphic material
Date
16 Jun. 1974
Physical Description
1 slide
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Exhibitions
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.
Places
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 288
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
288
Material Format
graphic material
Date
16 Jun. 1974
Physical Description
1 slide
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
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.
Places
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 289
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
289
Material Format
graphic material
Date
16 Jun. 1974
Physical Description
1 slide
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
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
Level
Item
ID
Item 290
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
290
Material Format
graphic material
Date
16 Jun. 1974
Physical Description
1 slide
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogue architecture
Places
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions