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Pearl Freedhoff [textual record, graphic material, object] – 1922-1997.

Accession Number: 2022-7-6

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2022-7-6

Material Format: textual record; graphic material; object

Physical Description: ca. 8 cm of textual records; 25 photographs : b&w and col. ; 21 x 26 cm or smaller; 1 medal : bronze

Date: 1922-1997

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual records, photographs, and a bronze Shekel Medal for Israel’s twenty-fifth anniversary, most of which document Pearl Freedhoff and her Jewish communal and public service activities.; Textual records include public speeches, handwritten notes and short writing pieces, invitation and greeting cards, correspondence, materials relating to the sisterhoods of Beth Tzedec and Goel Tzedec synagogues, Pearl’s 1940 National Registration certificate, materials documenting the Ontario Bicentennial Award and dinner, and the 1981 royal tour of Canada, newspaper clippings relating to Pearl’s Jewish communal and public service activities, and an advertisement that Pearl made for Lido Spa. Also included are newsletters, magazines, and bulletins, which document Pearl’s experience in wedding consultation and her active involvement in Toronto Hadassah-WIZO and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Jewish Home for the Aged; and travel itineraries and promotional materials for Israel and the Orient trips, which were issued by Toronto Hadassah-WIZO, B’nai Brith, and travel agencies they were in co-operation with. Textual records also include a small number of bulletins and magazines as well as a twenty-fifth anniversary book of Baycrest men’s service group, which document the accomplishments of Pearl’s husband, Dr. Samuel Freedhoff.; Photographs feature the Goel Tzedec Sisterhood, trips to Israel organized by Toronto Hadassah-WIZO, the wedding of Linda Greene (Lorne Greene’s daughter), and various social and political events that Pearl attended.; Accession also includes a bronze Shekel Medal for Israel’s twenty-fifth anniversary. It was presented to Pearl to commemorate her inscription as a governor of the Haifa Community College.

Custodial History: Records were in the possession of Judith Golden, Pearl's daughter, until being gifted to the Ontario Jewish Archives on 14 July 2022.

Administrative History: Pearl Freedhoff (née Narrol) (1906-1997) was born on 17 September 1906 in Toronto to Harry Narrol and Esther Narrol (née Newman). She had four siblings: Albert, Gertie, Hilda (m. Spivak), and Mendell (died as infant). Pearl married Dr. Samuel Osias Freedhoff (1903–1973) in 1927 and had two children: Stephen and Judith. Samuel was the son of Harry Freedhoff and Molli Freedhoff (née Bohnen). Pearl graduated from the University of Toronto, School of Social Work, and Samuel graduated from the School of Dentistry. Both were members of Goel Tzedec Synagogue, with Pearl serving as sisterhood president from 1949 to 1950 and Samuel as president of the men's club in 1952.; Pearl was an active member of the Jewish community and served on executives and boards in many Jewish communal organizations, including the Canadian Hadassah-WIZO Toronto Centre, the sisterhoods of Goel Tzedec and Beth Tzedec Synagogues, and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Jewish Home for the Aged. She had a political interest in the Progressive Conservative Party and was active in federal and provincial politics; she served on the boards of the Victorian Order of Nurses and Ontario Housing Commission and was included in special dinners such as dinners for the royal family. In addition, she had an outstanding reputation as a bridal and bar-mitzvah counsellor for over thirty years. In 1984, she was awarded the Ontario Bicentennial Medal in honour of her contributions to the community at large.; Pearl passed away on 18 December 1997.

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: Politicians

Name Access: Freedhoff, Pearl, 1906-1997

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Allan Grossman [graphic material] – [196-?].

Part Of: Zionist Organization of Canada fonds; Publicity photographs of people and events series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 28; Series 6; File 73

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Zionist Organization of Canada fonds; Publicity photographs of people and events series

Level: File

Fonds: 28

Series: 6

File: 73

Material Format: graphic material

Date: [196-?]

Physical Description: 2 photographs : b&w ; 9 x 12 cm

Scope and Content: The file consists of photographs of Allan Grossman.

Name Access: Grossman, Allan, 1910-1991

Subjects: Politicians

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Allan Grossman [textual record, graphic material, object] – [ca. 1922]-[194-].

Accession Number: 1990-4-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1990-4-3

Material Format: textual record; graphic material; object

Physical Description: 1 m of textual records and graphic material; 1 badge : felt and metal, blue, silver and white ; 10.5 x 10.5 cm; 1 pin : metal, white, blue and gold ; 1 cm.

Date: [ca. 1922]-[194-]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual records and graphic material documenting the life and career of Allan Grossman. Also included is a Jewish Boys in Training Crest of Merit badge (ca. 1922-1924), a white felt badge with a blue Magen David in the middle and in the four corners with metal plates attached to the material, each one with a different symbol, and an Ostrovtzer Independent Mutual Benefit Society pin (ca. 1940s).

Subjects: Politicians

Name Access: Grossman, Allan, 1910-1991

Source: Archival Accessions

Sam Factor [textual record, graphic material] – 1895-1962.

Accession Number: 1999-6-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1999-6-2

Material Format: textual record; graphic material

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 21 photographs : b&w ; 22 x 30 cm or smaller

Date: 1895-1962

Scope and Content: Accession consists of photographs documenting the life, career and activities of Sam Factor and his family. Textual material include correspondence, press clippings, and Factor's education and law school records.

Administrative History: Sam Factor (1892 -1962) was a Liberal member of parliament for Spadina, served in the armed forces in the Second World War, and was appointed a judge in the County of York.

Descriptive Notes: Idenification is provided for the photographs.

Subjects: Politicians

Name Access: Factor, Sam

Source: Archival Accessions

Herbert Orliffe [textual record] – 1960-1967.

Accession Number: 1980-12-9

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1980-12-9

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 2 vol. of textual records

Date: 1960-1967

Scope and Content: Accession consists of two bound srapbooks documenting the political and communal life of Herbert Orliffe. Included are newsclippings and official invitations to ceremonies and events.

Administrative History: Herbert Orliffe (1905-1967) was a QC barrister and solicitor who owned his own practice, Herbert Orliffe QC. He specialized in labour law and was the first Chairman of the Ontario Jurisdictional Disputes Commission. He was born on May 5, 1905 to Anne and Charles Orliffe in Newcastle, England. Herbert married Ida Goren and they had four children: Annabel, Joan, Barbara and Robert. His affiliations included: Jewish Public Library, Canadian Jewish News, Jewish Welfare Fund, Board of Jewish Education, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Sunnyside Lodge IOOF, Palestine Lodge AF & AM, Toronto Board of Trade, and the Empire Club. Herbert was also the first Jewish Chairman of the Toronto Board of Education in 1952, an alderman for Ward Four in 1954, and a member of Municipality Toronto Council in 1956. He died suddently of a heart attack in 1967.

Subjects: Politicians; Scrapbooks

Name Access: Orliffe, Herbert, 1905-1967

Source: Archival Accessions

Dave Korman, Englehart, Ontario [graphic material] – [194-].

Level: Item

ID: Item 805

Source: Archival Descriptions

Level: Item

Item: 805

Material Format: graphic material

Date: [194-]

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 13 cm

Admin History/Bio: Dave Korman was the former mayor of Englehart, Ontario and a pioneer farmer at Krugerdorf.

Scope and Content: This item is a portrait photograph of Dave Korman of Englehart, Ontario.

Notes: Photo by Duke Studios; Acquired in 1976.

Name Access: Korman, Dave

Subjects: Farmers; Politicians; Portraits

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: Englehart (Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

Lawrence Kert - 6 Oct. 1975

Name: Lawrence Kert

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 6 Oct. 1975

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Lawrence Kert

Number: OH 5, OH 6

Subject: Gold miners; Lawyers; Politicians; Prisoners of war; World War, 1914-1918

Interview Date: 6 Oct. 1975

Quantity: 3 WAV files; 4 cassettes (2 copies)

Interviewer: Stephen Speisman

Total Running Time: 1:30 min.

Conservation: Copied to cassette in August 2003; Digitized between December 2014 and February 2015

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

Biography: Lawrence Kert was born in 1896 and graduated as a lawyer in 1920 from the University of Toronto's Osgoode Hall. Kert served as a lieutenant in the Canadian Army during the First World War and became a prisoner of war when his plane was shot down in Germany. After his return to Toronto, Kert became a member of the J. Singer & Company law firm. Kert was instrumental in organizing the Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto and the Oakdale Golf and Country Club; he also sat on the board of the Goel Tzedec Synagogue. Kert passed away in 1976.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto; Goel Tzedec Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Geographic Access: Englehart (Ont.); Mattawa (Ont.); Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: OH 005 Side 1: 00:24: Lawrence discusses his family’s arrival to Canada. His parents were born in Vilna and came to Montreal in the early 1880s. His parents met in Canada and were married in Sherbrook. 1:45: Lawrence explains how his father settled in Mattawa, Ontario, near North Bay. 3:15: Lawrence discusses the large Kert family, which settled in Canada and the United States. All the Kerts were related. He mentions one branch in Ottawa, Abram Kert, and shares an anecdote about a cousin, Big Isaac, who lived in Montreal. 6:23: Lawrence’s parents were Henry Isaac and Rachel Isaac (née Vineberg). 6:43: Lawrence chronicles his father’s start in Canada. Initially, his father peddled around Cornwall, Ontario. Then wet to the Klondike. By 1890, he had generals stores set up in Mattawa and Peterborough. He later returned to the Klondike for a short time. He remained in Mattawa for fifteen years. The family moved to Montreal in 1903. 8:34: Lawrence recalls one other Jewish family in Mattawa, the Stern family. 10:31: Lawrence explains why his father returned to Montreal. His father was invited to supply produce to the contractors who were constructing the Timiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway in northern Ontario from 1903 to 1905. 13:10:Lawrence explains how his father was able to earn the contract with the railway. 13:49: Lawrence’s father opened a store in Leskeard. 14:29: Lawrence shares an anecdote about the initial discovery of silver in Cobalt by Fred LaRose, a blacksmith. 15:40: Lawrence explains how his father agreed to build a hotel in the new town site of Englehart in 1904. 17:07: Lawrence’s father sold the produce business to a cousin, Charlie ?Bernstein, who maintained the business in Cochrane for about fifty years. 17:54: The hotel burned down in 1918. Lawrence’s family lived in Englehart from 1905 to 1921/22. 18:22: Lawrence discusses his father’s participation in communal activities in Mattawa and Englehart. He was elected to serve on the school board. He was a supporter of the Conservative Party. Lawrence describes both his parents as socially involved and well-liked. 21:18: Lawrence’s mother was active in the Daughters of the Empire. 21:36: Lawrence discusses the Jewish communities of Englehart and neighbouring Krugersdorf. The synagogue was burned down by a bush fire in 1906. Lawrence had his bar mitzvah in Englehart. After the synagogue burned down, services were held in private homes, including the hotel. 25:38: Lawrence discusses other Jews who lived in Englehart. He lists names and describes their businesses. 27:51: Lawrence discusses Jewish life, practice and education in Englehart in the time period of 1905/06 to 1911. OH 005 Side 2: 00:33: Lawrence recounts a story involving a cousin who was staying with his family at the hotel. 3:24: Lawrence explains that his father built a hotel in Englehart in 1904 and stayed until 1920. The hotel was destroyed by a fire. Lawrence explains why his father did not rebuild the hotel. 4:18: Lawrence’s father started to work in the fur business. He sold the raw furs to St. Louis or to Montreal. 5:16: In 1922, Lawrence’s family moved to Montreal. 5:41: Lawrence was born in 1896. He moved to Englehart at age nine. 6:00: Lawrence discusses his Jewish education. His family belonged to Shaarei Shomayim in Montreal. When they moved to Englehart, they had a teacher. 7:10: Lawrence mentions a warm relationship between his father and Rabbi Jacobs, the head of Holy Blossom on Bond Street in Toronto. 9:13: Lawrence attended the Bond Street synagogue. 9:50: Lawrence became a member of Goel Tzedek. 10:00: Lawrence and his sibling attended high school in Hillbury. He reports not experiencing of antisemitism. 11:39: Lawrence explains how he moved from Englehart to study law at the University of Toronto in the summer of 1914. 12:55: At the outbreak of the war, Lawrence participated in the officers’ training corps at the University. He explains his training and describes how, in 1915, at age eighteen, he qualified as an officer with the Algonquin Rifles. While overseas, he trained as a pilot. 15:42: Before going overseas, Lawrence was the officer in charge of a scout troop in his battalion. 16:20: Lawrence describes the accommodations made for veterans who returned to University of Toronto in 1919. He explains how he was able to complete three years of law school and graduate in the summer of 1920. 18:28: Lawrence lists some of the prominent graduates from his year. 19:01: Lawrence explains that was shot down over Germany in 1917, where he spent the remainder of the war. 20:15: Lawrence explains where he resided while going to university. 21:43: Lawrence describes his involvement with the Jewish community in Toronto. He attended Goel Tzedek and had Jewish friends. 22:42: Lawrence discusses how he got involved at Goel Tzedek and lists some of the families who were members. He explains how he got know Toronto relatives of his oldest brother’s wife. 26:29: Lawrence suggests that university students were welcomed by both clergy (he cites Rabbi Price) and the lay community (he cites the Coopers). 27:22: Lawrence became a charter member of the first B’nai Brith Lodge in 1920. 28:32: Lawrence articled with a non-Jewish firm: Faskin-Robinson. After graduation, Lawrence started a small law firm with Joe Singer. They stayed together for forty-five years.

Source: Oral Histories

Irving Chapley [graphic material] – [ca. 1965].

Part Of: Gordon Mendly fonds; Portraits series

Level: Item

ID: Fonds 18; Series 1; Item 5

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Gordon Mendly fonds; Portraits series

Level: Item

Fonds: 18

Series: 1

Item: 5

Material Format: graphic material

Date: [ca. 1965]

Physical Description: 1 negative : b&w ; 18 x 13 cm

Admin History/Bio: Irving Chapley was a North York city councillor and member of Metropolitan Toronto Council from 1974 until his death, making him one of the city's longest running representatives. He was born in 1924 and was married to Norma (née Levinson) and had two children: David and Rosanne. He was an active member of B'nai B'rith before entering into the political sphere. The Irving Chapley Community Centre and Park is located in his former North York ward on Wilmington Avenue. Chapley died on 21 June 1992, at the age of 68.

Scope and Content: Item is a portrait of Irving Chapley.

Subjects: Politicians

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

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Judge Samuel Factor, Q.C. [graphic material] – [ca. 1960].

Part Of: Gordon Mendly fonds; Portraits series

Level: Item

ID: Fonds 18; Series 1; Item 7

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Gordon Mendly fonds; Portraits series

Level: Item

Fonds: 18

Series: 1

Item: 7

Material Format: graphic material

Date: [ca. 1960]

Physical Description: 1 negative : b&w ; 18 x 13 cm

Admin History/Bio: Samuel Factor was born 26 October 1892, in Russia to Morris Factor and Rivka (née Sprincen) Factor. He came to Canada in 1902 with his family and attended McCaul Street School, Jarvis Collegiate Institute and went on to study law at Osgoode Law School. In 1917, he left his law practice to enlist in the University Officers' Training Corps and served with the Canadian Army in the First World War, attaining the rank of Lieutenant in 1918.; In 1922, he married Ida (née Levine) and had two children: Martin and Shera (Abrams). After Ida's death in 1953, he married Florence Factor.; In 1923, he was elected as a trustee to the Board of Education and was subsequently elected Alderman for Toronto's Ward Four in 1926, and again in 1929. In 1930, he became Ontario's first Jewish M.P., winning the Spadina riding for the Liberal Party. He was re-elected in 1935 and 1940. In 1945, he was appointed County Court Judge for York County, after serving as squadron leader during the Second World War. He died while still a practicing judge on 21 August 1962 at the age of 69.

Scope and Content: Item is a portrait of Judge Samuel Factor, Q.C.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Judges; Politicians

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

Source: Archival Descriptions

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John J. Glass [graphic material] – [ca. 1960].

Part Of: Gordon Mendly fonds; Portraits series

Level: Item

ID: Fonds 18; Series 1; Item 12

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Gordon Mendly fonds; Portraits series

Level: Item

Fonds: 18

Series: 1

Item: 12

Material Format: graphic material

Date: [ca. 1960]

Physical Description: 1 negative : b&w ; 18 x 13 cm

Admin History/Bio: John Judah Glass was born 31 October 1895, in England, the son of Morris and Pearl Glass. In 1907, Glass immigrated to Toronto, two years after his father. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1917 and received his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1921. He married Anne Ethel (née Horowitz) and had two children: George and Jesse.; Glass was a practicing barrister and solicitor and a member of the Canadian Bar Association. He served with the Canadian army during the First and Second World Wars. He was a member of the Toronto Board of Education (1928-1930), was Alderman with the Toronto City Council (1931-1934), and was a Liberal MPP for St. Andrew's Riding (1934-1943).; He was on the Board of Governors of Beth Tzedec Congregation; was the past president of the Toronto Zionist Council; was on the national and regional executive of the Zionist Organization of Canada; was a founder of the Canadian Jewish Congress; was the past president of Toronto B'nai B'rith; was a founder and first president of the General Wingate Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion; and was affiliated with the Toronto Council of Christians and Jews, the Palestine Lodge, the Jewish Home for the Aged and Baycrest Hospital, the Jewish Historical Society, United Jewish Appeal, Jewish National Fund, and the State of Israel Bonds.

Scope and Content: Item is a portrait of John J.Glass.

Name Access: Glass, John Judah, 1895-1973

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Lawyers; Politicians

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

Source: Archival Descriptions

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City of Toronto Municipal Handbook signed by Mayor Nathan Phillips [textual record] – 1957.

Part Of: Larry Becker collection

Level: File

ID: Fonds 34; File 66

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Larry Becker collection

Level: File

Fonds: 34

File: 66

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1957

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of an annual 296 page Municipal Handbook containing official information relative to the administration of the City of Toronto, for citizens of Toronto and others. Book is dated May 1, 1957. It is signed by Mayor Nathan Phillips for Mrs. Edna Louise Sutherland.

Name Access: Phillips, Nathan, 1892-1976

Subjects: Politicians

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Signed portrait of Nathan Phillips, Q.C. Mayor of Toronto [graphic material] – 1961.

Part Of: Larry Becker collection

Level: File

ID: Fonds 34; File 67

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Larry Becker collection

Level: File

Fonds: 34

File: 67

Material Format: graphic material

Date: 1961

Physical Description: 1 photograph

Scope and Content: File consists of a signed self-portrait of Mayor Nathan Phillips wearing his chain of office, given to his friend, Fred Shockinger. Photograph is signed Dec.1,1961 and taken by Studio Cavouk.

Name Access: Phillips, Nathan, 1892-1976

Subjects: Lawyers; Politicians; Portraits

Source: Archival Descriptions

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Nathan Phillips [textual record] – 1956.

Part Of: Larry Becker collection

Level: File

ID: Fonds 34; File 69

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Larry Becker collection

Level: File

Fonds: 34

File: 69

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1956

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of three items: a message from Nathan Phillips on the occasion of the centennial celebration of the founding of the Jewish community of Toronto, dated Sept 5, 1956; a list of officers belonging to the Jewish National Club; and a pamplet for the Jewish National Brotherhood with a smiliar list of names.

Name Access: Phillips, Nathan, 1892-1976

Subjects: Politicians

Source: Archival Descriptions

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David Croll [textual record] – 1953.

Accession Number: 2016-11-32

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-11-32

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1953

Scope and Content: Accession consists of an election pamphlet for Liberal Party candidate David Croll for the Spadina riding.

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: Political campaigns; Politicians

Name Access: Croll, David, 1900-1991

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Ellen Shirley Cole [textual record, graphic material, moving images] – 1939-2006.

Accession Number: 2018-5-11

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2018-5-11

Material Format: textual record; graphic material; moving images

Physical Description: 15 cm of textual records and graphic material; 1 U-matic 3/4" videocassette

Date: 1939-2006

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records documenting the life of Ellen Shirley Cole (née Robins) and her husband Albert (Tubby Cole). Included are elementary and high school records belonging to Ellen and Tubby Cole, and photographs of Ellen and Tubby and their parents and children. Also included are: newsclippings and photographs of UJA events featuring Tubby Cole as Man of the Year in 1977, as UJA Chairman in 1978, Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin and Pierre Trudeau; Ellen's community activities; actress Toby Robins (Ellen's sister), and brothers Carl and Jack Cole of Cole's bookstores. Also included are programs and invitations to UJA yearly campaign events, a speech presented by Joe Clark, M.P., to Beth Emeth Bais Yehudah Synagogue, a scrapbook of Harbord Collegiate newsclippings featuring outstanding athlete Albert Cole, a possible UJA event donor list, and a 50th birthday poem written to Ellen from her sister Toby Robins.

Administrative History: Ellen Shirley Cole (née Robins) was born in 1929 in Toronto. Ellen and her husband Albert (Tubby) Cole were active and dedicated members of the Toronto Jewish community. She was a member of Hadassah and the UJA Women's Campaign where she had the opportunity to meet with dignitaries such as Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin and Pierre Trudeau. Ellen was the sister of the late actress Toby Robins and sister-in-law of Carl and Jack Cole of Cole's bookstores. Ellen enjoyed her role as homemaker and was noted for being an outstanding hostess and cook. Ellen passed away March 22, 2018.

Subjects: Philanthropists; Politicians

Name Access: Cole, Ellen

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Singer family [textual record] – 1911-1987.

Accession Number: 2019-1-6

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2019-1-6

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 2 folders

Date: 1911-1987

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting two generations of the Singer family. Included are: a College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario certificate for Bessie Thelma Pullan (1911), a Law Society of Upper Canada certificate for Burrell Milton Singer (1937), a Department of National Defense (Army) certificate for Burrell Milton Singer (1946), a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons (RAM) of Canada constitution (1952), a Mount Sinai Chapter RAM by-law booklet (1952), a Mount Sinai Chapter RAM invitation to its sixty-first convocation (1954), and a Law Society of Upper Canada certificate for Burrell Milton Singer (1987).

Custodial History: Records were donated by Burrel and Carolyn Singer's son Tom.

Administrative History: Louis Michael Singer, K.C. was born in Austria in 1885. When he was three, Louis and his family immigrated to Canada. In Toronto, he attended Jarvis Collegiate Institute. He went on to study law at Osgoode Hall Law School, graduating in 1908. Afterwards, he set up the Singer and Singer law office. In 1914, Louis ran for Toronto City Council, representing Ward 4, and became Toronto's second Jewish alderman. He was re-elected in 1915, 1916, and 1917 only to be defeated in the 1918 election. Thereafter, he returned to his law practice full-time. Louis died on September 23, 1959.; Dr. Bessie Thelma Singer (née Pullan) was born in Russia on June 5, 1888. On July 6, 1911, she married Louis Singer. Two days later, on July 8, 1911, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario admitted her as a member, entitling her to practice physic, surgery, and midwifery in the province. Bessie never practiced medicine; instead, she became a homemaker. She died on January 4, 1947, surived by her husband, Louis, and two sons, Burrell and Ralph.; Burrell Milton Singer, Q.C. was born in Toronto on November 1, 1912. On September 7, 1937, the Law Society of Upper Canada called him to the bar. Burell and his wife Carolyn had two sons: Jeff and Tom. Burrell died on September 26, 1989.

Descriptive Notes: Conservation: Certificates deframed.; General: An annotated copy of Burrell M. Singer's Handbook of Canadian Military Law, which the former co-authored with Lieutenant-Colonel R. J. S. Langford, is available in the OJA's library.; History/Bio note: Bessie Singer's tombstone lists her birth date as July 28, 1890, however, JewishGen has her birth registration as June 5, 1888 and the 1901 Census lists it as July 14, 1888. Bessie's youngest brother Sydney, Harry Pullan was born on Aug. 11, 1890 and therefore the July 28, 1890 date is likely erroneous.

Subjects: Lawyers; Physicians; Politicians

Name Access: Singer (family); Singer, Bessie Thelma, 1890-1947; Singer, Burrell M., 1912-1989; Singer, Louis, 1885-1959

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Kulanu Toronto [textual record, graphic material] – 2005–2011.

Accession Number: 2019-10-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2019-10-1

Material Format: textual record; graphic material

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 6 photographs : col. ; 20 x 26 cm or smaller

Date: 2005–2011

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting Kulanu Toronto. Included are photographs taken Pride celebrations in Toronto in 2009 or 2010; a copy of Kulanu Toronto's constitution dated 12 February 2005; a list of synagogues and other Jewish organizations that marched with Kulanu at Pride in 2010; a letter addressed to Justine Apple from the Holocaust Centre of Toronto regarding the former's program for Holocaust Education Week in 2009; and a printout of a letter to the Kulanu listerve from Helen Zukerman, executive director of the Toronto Jewish Film Festival, regarding the problematic pairing of two films.

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: Availability of other formats: Photographs also available as TIFF files. The textual records are also available as PDF files.

Subjects: Gay pride parades; Politicians; Sexual minorities

Name Access: Apple, Justine; Chow, Olivia, 1957-; Layton, Irving, 1912-2006; Kulanu Toronto; Queers Against Israeli Apartheid

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Phil Givens [multiple media] – [ca. 1925]-1996.

Accession Number: 2019-11-6

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2019-11-6

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 25 cm of textual records and other material

Date: [ca. 1925]-1996

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records related to the Jewish communal and public service activities of Phil Givens. Included are textual records and photographs as well as a small number of artifacts. Included are numerous speeches, municipal, provincial and federal election materials, professional records related to Givens' legal career, Jewish communal records including the Canadian Zionist Federation, the Upper Canada Lodge B'nai Brith chapter, and the Yiddish Committee, biographical materials, letters of thanks, certificates and honours, school graduation composite photographs, and photographs of various events and of the Givens and Rubins families. Artifacts include a Metropolitan Toronto Police Commissioners badge, a City of Toronto Council member pin, a Wingate Legion felt patch, and notably, a Canadian flag and an Israeli flag. The Canadian flag flew over the Canadian parliament, while the Israel flag was raised in the Knesset. Both flags were requested by Givens and were draped on his casket at his funeral. Accompanying documentation is also in the accession.

Administrative History: Philip Gerard Givens (1922-1995) was a municipal, provincial and federal politician, a judge, a police commissioner and an active Jewish communal leader. He is largely remembered as the 54th Mayor of Toronto. Phil Givens was born in Toronto on April 24th, 1922, the only son of Hyman and Mary Gevertz (Gewercz). As a youth, he attended Harbord Collegiate and graduated from the University of Toronto in political science and economics in 1945 and from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1949. In 1947, he married Minnie "Min" Rubin (born February 7th, 1924) and together they had two children, Eleanor and Michael. Givens graduated as a lawyer from Osgoode Hall; however, shortly thereafter he decided to enter politics, running as a municipal school board trustee in 1950. In 1951 he was elected as alderman for Ward 5, serving in this capacity until 1960, when he was subsequently elected as a city Controller. Givens was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1962. Following the sudden death of Mayor David Summerville in 1963, Givens was appointed by City Council as the Mayor of Toronto and was officially elected to the position in 1964, winning a close race against the former mayor, Allan Lamport. As mayor, Givens was automatically a member of the Metropolitan Toronto Executive and Council, the Metropolitan Toronto Police Commission, the Consumer’s Gas Company Executive, the Toronto Hydro Commission and the governing boards of Toronto’s major hospitals. Givens was publicly seen as an affable and populist mayor but his tenure was not without controversy. His support for the construction of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and his decision to acquire Henry Moore’s bronze sculpture “the Archer” for the new Nathan Phillips Square were both highly controversial during his term in office. In particular, the Moore sculpture sparked intense controversy and public debate amongst council members and citizens alike. Although ultimately purchased with private solicited donations, the controversy surrounding the statue’s purchase was still partly to blame for Givens’ 1966 election defeat to William Dennison. In 1967 Givens entered national politics for the second time, the first being a failed 1957 bid in Toronto’s Spadina riding, winning a seat as a Liberal in Toronto’s York West riding. In 1971 he stepped down before the end of his term to campaign for a seat in the Provincial Legislature. Again running under the Liberal banner, Givens won his seat in York-Forest Hill and after the elimination of this riding in 1975, was re-elected in the new riding of Armourdale. In 1977 he retired from politics. He also worked briefly as a current affairs commentator for local radio broadcaster CHUM 1050 AM. In 1977, Givens was appointed as a provincial court judge and chairman of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Commission, serving in both capacities until 1985, when he left the Commission but continued in the judiciary as a civil trial judge until officially retiring from public life in 1988. An ardent Zionist, Givens was also a prominent leader of several Jewish communal organizations. He was the founder and first president of the Upper Canada Lodge of B’nai Brith and sat on the executives of the Canadian Jewish Congress, the United Jewish Welfare Fund, the Talmud Torah Eitz Chaim, the Zionist Organization of Canada, the Toronto Zionist Council, Jewish National Fund, State of Israel Bonds and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. He was chairman of the United Israel Appeal-Israel Emergency Fund in 1967 and the United Jewish Appeal-Israel Special Fund in 1968. From 1973 to 1985 he was the national president of the Canadian Zionist Federation and in the 1990s was the national chairman of the Canadian Jewish Congress’ Committee for Yiddish. Givens was honoured by Jewish community organizations, including the Jewish National Fund’s Negev Award in 1968 and the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews’ Human Relations Award in 1969. As well, in 1972, he received the Award of Honour from the Toronto Regional Council of B’nai Brith. Givens was also known to be a passionate sailor and was a member of both the Royal Canadian and the Island Yacht Clubs in Toronto. He died on November 30th, 1995 at the age of 73.

Descriptive Notes: Physical Description Note: Includes ca. 300 photographs, 1 pin, 1 felt patch, 1 badge, 2 flags, 1 poster, and 2 paper bags.

Subjects: Politicians

Name Access: Givens, Philip, 1922-1995

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Michael Givens [graphic material, moving images, object, textual record] – 1932-2011.

Accession Number: 2020-3-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2020-3-4

Material Format: graphic material; moving images; object; textual record

Physical Description: ca. 300 photographs : b&w and col. (30 negatives) ; 36 x 26 cm or smaller; 8 cm of textual records and other material

Date: 1932-2011

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual records, graphic materials, videocassettes, a scrapbook, and a small number of artifacts, which are related to the Givens and Rubin families and Phil Given's political, Jewish communal, and public service activities. Textual records consist of the Givens family record from Beth Tzedec Congregation; certificates (1932 and 1946); Phil’s campaign material; a birthday greeting to Phil’s mother, Mary Gevertz, from the Government of Ontario (1971); newspaper clippings documenting Phil’s music career in his early years as well as his political, Jewish communal, and public service activities (1932-2011); booklets of B’nai Brith documenting Phil Givens involvement with B’nai Brith Upper Canada Lodge (1949 and 1996); the Phil Givens Negev Dinner programme book (1968); a centennial schoolbook of Harbord Collegiate Institute which Phil Givens attended (1992); and magazines with articles related to Phil Givens’ communal and political activities (1967-1990). Textual records also include invitation and birthday cards (1968-1978), a personal letter and an appreciation message to Phil, and a bulletin of Hebrew Men of England Congregation dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rubin (1966). Graphic materials are comprised mainly of photographs ([194-?]-[199-?]), which include Phil Givens’ professional portraits; Michael Givens’ camping photographs; passport photographs of Phil, Min, and Michael Givens; photographs depicting the Givens family, various social events that Phil and Min attended, Phil’s 1968 political campaign (from the campaign scrapbook), as well as Phil and Min’s trip to Egypt, Russia, and Israel. Graphic materials also include several negatives and over 150 stereo slides featuring the Givens family and events that Phil and Min attended ([195-]1978). Accession also includes fifteen Betamax videocassettes, six passports of the Givens and Rubin families (1965-1983), a SIN card of Mary Gevertz, a scrapbook of Phil’s 1968 campaign, and two metal award and honour panels granted to Phil by the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews and the Bnei Akiva Schools of Toronto (1969 and 1991).

Administrative History: Philip Gerard Givens (1922-1995) was a municipal, provincial and federal politician, a judge, a police commissioner and an active Jewish communal leader. He is largely remembered as the 54th Mayor of Toronto. Phil Givens was born in Toronto on April 24th, 1922, the only son of Hyman and Mary Gevertz (Gewercz). As a youth, he attended Harbord Collegiate and graduated from the University of Toronto in political science and economics in 1945 and from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1949. In 1947, he married Minnie "Min" Rubin (born February 7th, 1924) and together they had two children, Eleanor and Michael. Givens graduated as a lawyer from Osgoode Hall; however, shortly thereafter he decided to enter politics, running as a municipal school board trustee in 1950. In 1951 he was elected as alderman for Ward 5, serving in this capacity until 1960, when he was subsequently elected as a city Controller. Givens was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1962. Following the sudden death of Mayor David Summerville in 1963, Givens was appointed by City Council as the Mayor of Toronto and was officially elected to the position in 1964, winning a close race against the former mayor, Allan Lamport. As mayor, Givens was automatically a member of the Metropolitan Toronto Executive and Council, the Metropolitan Toronto Police Commission, the Consumer’s Gas Company Executive, the Toronto Hydro Commission and the governing boards of Toronto’s major hospitals. Givens was publicly seen as an affable and populist mayor but his tenure was not without controversy. His support for the construction of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and his decision to acquire Henry Moore’s bronze sculpture “the Archer” for the new Nathan Phillips Square were both highly controversial during his term in office. In particular, the Moore sculpture sparked intense controversy and public debate amongst council members and citizens alike. Although ultimately purchased with private solicited donations, the controversy surrounding the statue’s purchase was still partly to blame for Givens’ 1966 election defeat to William Dennison. In 1967 Givens entered national politics for the second time, the first being a failed 1957 bid in Toronto’s Spadina riding, winning a seat as a Liberal in Toronto’s York West riding. In 1971 he stepped down before the end of his term to campaign for a seat in the Provincial Legislature. Again running under the Liberal banner, Givens won his seat in York-Forest Hill and after the elimination of this riding in 1975, was re-elected in the new riding of Armourdale. In 1977 he retired from politics. He also worked briefly as a current affairs commentator for local radio broadcaster CHUM 1050 AM. In 1977, Givens was appointed as a provincial court judge and chairman of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Commission, serving in both capacities until 1985, when he left the Commission but continued in the judiciary as a civil trial judge until officially retiring from public life in 1988. An ardent Zionist, Givens was also a prominent leader of several Jewish communal organizations. He was the founder and first president of the Upper Canada Lodge of B’nai Brith and sat on the executives of the Canadian Jewish Congress, the United Jewish Welfare Fund, the Talmud Torah Eitz Chaim, the Zionist Organization of Canada, the Toronto Zionist Council, Jewish National Fund, State of Israel Bonds and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. He was chairman of the United Israel Appeal-Israel Emergency Fund in 1967 and the United Jewish Appeal-Israel Special Fund in 1968. From 1973 to 1985 he was the national president of the Canadian Zionist Federation and in the 1990s was the national chairman of the Canadian Jewish Congress’ Committee for Yiddish. Givens was honoured by Jewish community organizations, including the Jewish National Fund’s Negev Award in 1968 and the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews’ Human Relations Award in 1969. As well, in 1972, he received the Award of Honour from the Toronto Regional Council of B’nai Brith. Givens was also known to be a passionate sailor and was a member of both the Royal Canadian and the Island Yacht Clubs in Toronto. He died on November 30th, 1995 at the age of 73.

Descriptive Notes: Physical Description Note: Apart from photographs and textual records, this accession also includes 156 stereo slides, 15 Betamax videocassettes, 1 scrapbook, 2 metal award and honour panels, 6 passports, and 1 SIN card.; The content and duration of the Betamax videocassettes need further identification.