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

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

2004-5-84

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

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

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

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

2017-3-5

Material Format

graphic material

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 43 x 18 cm

Date

1944

Scope and Content

Accession consists of a photograph of guests at the Weigman Tribute Dinner, Toronto, 1944. Photographer is E. MacKintosh.

Name Access

Jewish National Fund

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

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

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

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

2022-8-4

Material Format

architectural drawing

graphic material

object

textual record

sound recording

Physical Description

ca. 11 m of textual records and other material

Date

1930-2012

Scope and Content

Accession consists of records documenting the life and career of Rabbi Benjamin Friedberg. Included are subject files, eulogies, sermons, marriage records, funeral record cards, conversion certificates, gittin (Jewish divorce documents), addresses for High Holiday services, and photographs. Also include are a few artifacts, such as felt patches and medallions, as well as sound recordings. A large number of documents are relating to Rabbi Friedberg's rabbinical career at Beth Tzedec Congregation.

Administrative History

Rabbi Joseph Benjamin Friedberg (1927-2022) was born on June 26, 1927, in Toronto to Chaim (Chamel) and Rochel Rose Friedberg. Rochel Friedberg was born in Polaniec, Poland (Russian part of Poland), the daughter of Moshe and Sura Poss. Rochel had little formal education but learned Talmud from her father. In her youth, Moshe came to Toronto to make a living and had to leave the family behind; shortly thereafter, World War I broke out, and Rochel was sent to the town of Stopnitz. She was then sent to Crackow to work. Rochel married Chaim (Chamel) Friedberg from Patchenev, who was enlisted in Pilsudski’s army. Before the Great Depression, Rochel and Chaim immigrated to Canada. Later on, Chaim took ill and had to go to the Western Sanitarium; soon after that, he passed away in 1957. Rochel passed away in 1992.

Rabbi Benjamin Friedberg was a native of Toronto and received his basic religious and secular education there. He attended Harbord Collegiate in his youth. After spending a number of years at the Yeshiva University in New York, he returned home to attended the University of Toronto, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. In 1950, Rabbi Friedberg entered the Rabbinical School of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He received his Master of Hebrew Letters degree and rabbinical ordination in 1954.

Rabbi Friedberg’s first pulpit was in Rochester, New York. He served as assistant rabbi at Beth Tzedec Congregation in 1955; and then as rabbi of B’nai Israel Congregation in London, Ontario. In 1959, he received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario in Bible and Archaeology. As part of his doctorial program, he studied in the Department of Archaeology and Bible at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; he also spent several years studying in the Department of Religion at the University of Ottawa with special emphasis on the Samaritans.

In 1961, Rabbi Friedberg was called to the pulpit of Agudath Israel Congregation in Ottawa, Ontario, where he served for thirteen years until 1974.

In 1974, he was appointed senior rabbi at Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto. His major emphases in the congregation were the development of both child and adult education and emphasizing Israel as the dominant fact in Jewish life today. Much of the programming at Beth Tzedec that he instituted dealt with Israel.

Rabbi Friedberg’s interest in Jewish education was responsible for the founding of a Hebrew High School in Ottawa. His concern with Jewish youth prompted him to devote his time as counsellor to the Hillel Organization on the campuses of the University of Western Ontario, Carleton University, and the University of Ottawa. He taught Bible, Biblical Hebrew, and courses in Judaism at the University of Ottawa; and was an occasional lecturer at the University of Western Ontario in the Orientals Department. While living in Ottawa, he was active in a number of Jewish communal organizations. He was the founder and the organizer of the Ottawa Soviet Jewry Committee and was head of the Jews in Foreign Lands Committee and Canada-Israel Committee. Also, he was on the Social Welfare Council and was chairman of the Aliyah Committee in Ottawa.

Rabbi Friedberg was active with the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) and the Canadian Zionist Federation (CZF). He worked actively on behalf of the CJC’s Educational Department. He was on the executive of the CJC Central and Eastern Regions and served as national chairman of the CJC’s International Affairs Committee. As an active Zionist, he served as national chairman of the Hasbara Committee of the CZF and was president of Mercaz Canada, the Zionist organization of the Masorti (Conservative) Movement. He also organized Israel tours and led Israel tour groups for a number of times. Rabbi Friedberg was the recipient of citations of the UJA, State of Israel Bonds, and various other awards in recognition of his communal work. In addition, he had also been invited to serve as a member of Teddy Kollek’s Jerusalem Committee.

Rabbi Friedberg was a contributor to Anglo-Jewish press, television work, and radio. He was chairman of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Religious Advisory Committee and hosted his own television program called “Focus.” He had written for the London Free Press, and the Ottawa Citizen, and a number of Jewish periodicals.

Rabbi Friedberg was married to the former Lola Constant of Montreal (1930-2022). They had three children together—Mark, Gilah, and Esther. Lola Friedberg had a degree from McGill University in Arts and Music. She had given two-piano recitals in conjunction with her twin sister, Miriam “Mitzi” Leboff, on a number of occasions. Lola had taught piano and conducted choirs in Montreal and Ottawa.

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

Rabbis

Sermons

Eulogies

Name Access

Friedberg, Benjamin, 1927-2022

Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Ottawa (Ont.)

London (Ont.)

Jerusalem

Source

Archival Accessions

Level

Item

Item

1175

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[1933 or 1934]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative)

Admin History/Bio

This group was organized by Mrs. Faye Hyman who swept streetcars at night for the Jewish National Fund and who had Tisha B'av collections.

Scope and Content

Item is a photograph of members of the Agudah Lemaan Hakeren. Faye Hyman is pictured in the front row, second from the left.

Name Access

Jewish National Fund

Agudah Lemaan Hakeren

Hyman, Faye

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

1977-1-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2355

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1 Jun. 1965

Physical Description

1 photograph

Scope and Content

Possibly taken at Beth Tzedec.

Notes

Photo by Graphic Artists.

Name Access

Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

Smith, Mr.

United Jewish Appeal

Sugar, Mrs. David

Subjects

Awards

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

3411

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1938

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w

Scope and Content

Many prominent individuals are shown in this photograph, with names written on the bottom.

Name Access

Jewish National Fund

United Jewish Appeal

Subjects

Congresses and conventions

Zionism

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

Beverley Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Accession Number

1982-11-3

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

4215

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1968

Physical Description

1 photograph

Notes

Photo by Graphic Artists.

Name Access

Ben-Gurion, David, 1886-1973

Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

United Jewish Appeal

Subjects

Dinners and dining

Prime ministers--Israel

Synagogues

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

Toronto (Ont.)

Accession Number

1986-1-6

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

4216

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1968

Physical Description

1 photograph

Notes

Photo by Graphic Artists.

Name Access

Ben-Gurion, David, 1886-1973

Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

United Jewish Appeal

Subjects

Dinners and dining

Prime ministers--Israel

Synagogues

Accession Number

1986-1-6

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

4217

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1968

Physical Description

1 photograph

Notes

Photo by Graphic Artists.

Name Access

Ben-Gurion, David, 1886-1973

Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

United Jewish Appeal

Subjects

Dinners and dining

Prime ministers--Israel

Synagogues

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Accession Number

1986-1-6

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

4430

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1986

Physical Description

1 photograph

Scope and Content

Identified in the photograph (left to right) are: Ydave Yacoby; Shmuel Mizrahi; Michael Pluznik; Harvey Joseph, president, Aid to Disabled War Veterans of Israel (Canada).

Name Access

Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

Yacoby, Ydave

Mizrahi, Shmuel

Pluznik, Michael

Joseph, Harvey

Disabled War Veterans of Israel (Canada)

Subjects

Disabled veterans--Israel

Synagogues

Accession Number

1986-12-3

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

Solomon Edell fonds

Adas Israel Synagogue series

Clergy sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

5-2

File

2

Material Format

textual record

Date

1975, 1984

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Admin History/Bio

The Jewish National Fund and Adas Israel synagogue sponsored dinners in honour of Rabbi Morton Green.

Scope and Content

File consists of programmes and invitations to testimonial dinners given in honour of Rabbi Morton Green as well as a newspaper article about his tenure at Adas Israel.

Name Access

Jewish National Fund

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Clanton Park Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

6

File

13

Material Format

textual record

Date

1955-1956

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence with the Hebrew Men of England congregation regarding the loan of a sefer Torah, and correspondence with the Community Service Division of Yeshiva University regarding the loan of prayer books. Also included is a letter thanking Beth Tzedec synagogue for donating a lectern, reading table, and other items to the newly established congregation.

Name Access

Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

Hebrew Men of England Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Yeshiva University

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

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

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

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

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Level

Series

Fonds

37

Series

1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956-1978

Physical Description

447 photographs : b&w and col. (392 negatives) ; 26 x 21 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio

The Negev dinners were established in 1948, coinciding with the creation of the State of Israel, as an annual fundraising dinner. The Jewish National Fund hosted these annual dinners in honour of a leading Canadian citizen, and the proceeds from the dinners were used to establish JNF projects in Israel in the name of the honouree. The JNF projects have, and continue to do so today, raised money to purchase land in Israel's Negev desert and for re-forestation efforts.

The annual dinner was dedicated to a member of the Toronto Jewish community, who had demonstrated outstanding support and commitment to the Community and to the State of Israel. In honour of this individual's contributions, the secured land in Negev was named after them. The honourary guests were presented with awards of appreciation from members of the Canadian and International Jewish community, often including delegates from Israel. The dinners were attended by prominent members of Toronto's Jewish community, including politicians, business men, and philanthropists.

Each subsequent dinner became larger and more successful in its aim to raise funds for Israel, as a result this event soon became the most significant Jewish event in Toronto. As well, it was also the largest annual kosher meal served in Toronto.

The JNF produced an annual Negev Dinner yearbook, commemorating the event, and documenting both the lives of the honouree's family and the current activities of the JNF. As well, the names of individuals who donated money for the JNF projects were recorded in the Souvenir books under patrons and sponsors of the dinners.

Scope and Content

Series consists of negatives taken by Al Gilbert documenting eight Negev Dinners hosted by the Jewish National Fund. The images depict the various activities undertaken at these dinners including: the procession and introduction of the head table guests, the presentation of awards, speeches, toasts, presentation of flowers to the honouree or the wife of the honouree, and the entertainment. The majority of the negatives are portraits taken of the guests posing with the honouree and his or her family. One dinner in this series was dedicated to the Toronto Jewish Community (1956) on the year of its centenary, while the others are in honour of one significant member of the community.

There were Negev dinners held across Canada; however, the dinners in this series were all held in Toronto and were primarily attended by members of the Toronto Jewish community. The honourees documented in this series include: 1956, Toronto Jewish Community; 1966, Bert Godfrey; 1967, Nathan Silver; 1968, Phil Givens; 1970, Leon E. Weinstein; 1973, Rt. Hon. John G. Diefenbaker; 1974, Phil Granovsky; 1978, Eric and Esther Exton.

Notes

Selection for this series reflects the various activities of the Negev dinners, including: speeches, toasts, award presentations, dinner tables, introductions, honourees, entertainment and presentation of flowers. In addition, we selected a sample of images documenting the dinner tables and guests who were not part of the evening's programme, and therefore, would not be captured in the aforementioned criteria.

Name Access

Negev

Jewish National Fund

Godfrey, Bert

Silver, Nathan

Givens, Phil

Weinstein, Leon E.

Diefenbaker, Rt. Hon. John G.

Granovsky, Phil

Exton, Eric

Exton, Esther

Subjects

Awards

Dinners and dining

Fund raising

Arrangement

Series has been arranged into files representing each annual dinner.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Level

File

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

73 photographs : b&w (42 negatives) ; 26 x 21 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of negatives documenting the 1956 Negev dinner held in honour of the Toronto Jewish community's centennial. The dinner was hosted by the Jewish National Fund at Toronto's Royal York Hotel. This honourary dinner was bestowed on the community in celebration of the ongoing committment to fostering a strong, supportive and vibrant Jewish community in Toronto.

The dinner was attended and officiated by prominent members of the Toronto Jewish community, including: Rabbi Stuart Rosenberg, Rabbi David Monson, D. Lou Harris, Stephen E. Berger, Rabbi Charles Bender, Manny Rotman, Sol D. Granek, J. Irving Oelbaum, Meyer W. Gasner, Samuel Feldt, Edward E. Gelber, and Rabbi Abraham L. Feinberg. The images in this file reflect these individuals' participation in the event.

Name Access

Bender, Rabbi Charles

Berger, Stephen E.

Feinberg, Rabbi Abraham L.

Feldt, Samuel

Gasner, Meyer W.

Gelber, Edward E., 1903-1970

Granek, Sol D.

Harris, D. Lou

Jewish National Fund

Monson, Rabbi David

Negev Dinner

Oelbaum, J. Irving, 1899-1966

Rosenberg, Rabbi Stuart

Rotman, Manny

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Admin History/Bio

J. Irving Oelbaum was vice-president of Canadian Jewish Congress.

Scope and Content

Photograph of J. Irving Oelbaum giving a speech at the 1956 Negev dinner held in honour of the Toronto Jewish community on the occasion of its centennial 1856-1956.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Jewish National Fund

Oelbaum, J. Irving, 1899-1966

Subjects

Dinners and dining

Speeches, addresses, etc

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

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

2

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Admin History/Bio

Samuel Feldt was president of Feldt's Sandwich Bar and co-owner of Queen City Bowling. He was the Ontario Jewish National Fund Chairman and was actively involved in several other Jewish organizations. In 1961, he was nominated the Man of the Year by the Negev Dinner association, for which a dinner was held in his honour.

Scope and Content

Photograph is of Samuel Feldt giving a speech at the Negev Dinner in 1956 held in honour of Toronto's Jewish community on the anniversary of its centennial.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Feldt, Samuel

Jewish National Fund

Subjects

Dinners and dining

Speeches, addresses, etc

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

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

3

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 26 x 21 cm and 13 x 11 cm

Admin History/Bio

D. Lou Harris was born in Birmingham, England in 1897 to Esther and Harry Harris. He came to Canada in 1911 and married Eva Feldstein; they had two children named Molly and Charlotte. Harris worked as an industrialist and founded Atlas Radio Corporation in 1920. He was president of Holy Blossom Temple and national chairman for the Bonds of Israel.

Scope and Content

Photograph is of D. Lou Harris giving a speech at the 1956 Negev dinner held in honour of the Toronto Jewish community on the anniversary of its centennial. Harris was chairman for the dinner.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Harris, D. Lou

Feldstein, Eva

Jewish National Fund

Atlas Radio Corporation

Subjects

Dinners and dining

Speeches, addresses, etc

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

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

4

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Admin History/Bio

Manny Rotman was born in 1909 to Chaya and Hersh Leib. He married Goldie Kestenbaum and they had three children: Millie, Jennie and Joe. Rotman was president of a hotel corporation and also worked as a business consultant. He was past president of Jewish National Fund, Toronto B'nai B'rith Lodge, and was actively involved with several Jewish organizations.

Scope and Content

Photograph of Manny Rotman giving a speech as the Negev Dinner Committee Chairman for the 1956 Negev dinner.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Rotman, Manny

Jewish National Fund

Subjects

Dinners and dining

Speeches, addresses, etc

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

7

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

Photograph of a group of standing behind the podium presenting certificates at the 1956 Negev Dinner.

Standing from left to right are: unidentified, Mark Levy, Stephen Berger, unidentified woman, D. Lou Harris, unidentified woman.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Levy, Mark

Harris, D. Lou

Berger, Stephen

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

10

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

Rabbi Stuart Rosenberg gave the invocation at the Negev dinner. He was the rabbi at Toronto's Beth Tzedec Synagogue.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

Rosenberg, Rabbi Stuart

Subjects

Dinners and dining

Rabbis

Speeches, addresses, etc

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

14

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 26 x 21 cm and 13 x 11 cm

Notes

photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

21

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 26 x 21 cm and 13 x 11 cm

Admin History/Bio

Manny Rotman was married to Goldie Kestenbaum and they had three children: Millie, Jennie and Joe. Rotman was president of a hotel corporation and also worked as a business consultant. He was past president of the Jewish National Fund, Toronto's B'nai B'rith Lodge, and, as well, he sat on many committees and boards for Jewish organizations.

Scope and Content

Photograph is of Manny Rotman, the Negev Dinner Committee Chairman, posing for a portrait.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Rotman, Manny

Kestenbaum, Goldie

Jewish National Fund

Subjects

Businesspeople

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

24

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Admin History/Bio

Ed Gelber, a communal leader, was born on 16 November 1903. He married Anna David and they had three children named Edna, Lynn and David. Gelber was educated as a lawyer and Rabbi, but worked mostly within Jewish organizations as an upper administrator. He was the past president for the Zionist Council of Canada, the Hebrew Schools of Toronto, and the Toronto Jewish Welfare Fund. He also held high posts at several other Jewish organizations and devoted his time and energy volunteering for the Jewish community and the cause of Israel. Ed Gelber eventually relocated to Israel.

Scope and Content

Photograph is of Edward Gelber and Sam Kronick posing with a JNF certificate at the 1956 Negev dinner.

Name Access

Gelber, Ed

Kronick, Sam

David, Anna

Negev Dinner

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

25

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Phillips, Nathan, 1892-1976

Jewish National Fund

Subjects

Politicians

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

26

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Monson, Rabbi David

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

27

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

28

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Admin History/Bio

Rabbi Slonim was born on 27 February 1914. He was married to Rita Short and they had one daughter named Rena. He was a rabbi and a journalist working for the McCaul St. Synagogue, Beth Tzedec and the Telegram in Toronto. Rabbi Slonim held positions at several other institutions outside of Canada. He also belonged to many Jewish organizations and was active within the community.

Scope and Content

Photograph is of Rabbi Reuben Slonim giving a speech at the 1956 Negev dinner.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Beth Tzedec Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)

Slonim, Rabbi Reuben

Short, Rita

Jewish National Fund

McCaul Street Synagogue

The Telegram

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

29

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Berger, Stephen

Rotman, Manny

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

30

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

Photograph of a group portrait at the 1956 Negev dinner.

Standing from left to right are: Eddie Gelber, unknown, unknown, Sam Kronick [seated], Stephen Berger, Manny Rotman, and Harris Gulko.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Kronick, Sam

Gelber, Eddie

Berger, Stephen

Rotman, Manny

Gulko, Harris

Jewish National Fund

Subjects

Portraits, Group

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

31

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

Photograph of a woman holding a bouquet of flowers at the Negev dinner. The woman standing to her right is Li Levy.

Notes

Photograph by Al Gilbert.

Name Access

Levy, Lil

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

36

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm

Name Access

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

37

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm

Name Access

Berger, Stephen

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

38

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm

Name Access

Feinberg, Abraham L.

Jewish National Fund

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

Gilbert Studios fonds

Negev dinners series

Dinner honouring the Toronto Jewish community file

Level

Item

Fonds

37

Series

1

File

1

Item

39

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm

Name Access

Gulko, Harris

Jewish National Fund

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