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UJA Federation of Greater Toronto : Communications Department [graphic material, textual record] – 1983.

Accession Number: 2004-5-47

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2004-5-47

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: ca. 10 photographs : b&w; 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1983

Scope and Content: Accession consists of photographs of the UJA Federation on moving day from the J. Irving Oelbaum Centre at 150 Beverley Street to the Lipa Green Building at 4600 Bathurst Street. Also included is a program for the dedication ceremonies of the Lipa Green building.

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

Subjects: Charities

Name Access: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Source: Archival Accessions

Associated Hebrew Charities [textual record] – 1912-1914.

Accession Number: 1979-1-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1979-1-4

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1912-1914

Scope and Content: Accession consists of a minute book outlining activities of the Associated Hebrew Charities. Included is a letter written to the charities by a woman named Mrs. Green of Coldwater, Ontario, requesting Passover relief support to purchase a set of hens. Also included is a summary of a visit to the 17th American Zionist Convention in Rochester, New York, 1914. The author of the summary is unknown, but is most likely Ida Lewis Siegel.

Administrative History: The Associated Hebrew Charities (AHC) was formed around January 1912, although it is possible that they were working informally before that time. The AHC consisted of eight socieites operating in Toronto, including the Jewish Free Loan and the Hebrew Ladies' Aid Socity. Each society maintained their separate identity and sent three representatives to sit on the Cooperative Relief Board of the AHC. Each society's president presided over the AHC meetings in turn. The AHC was tasked with dispensing charity and providing direct support to families in need as well as Jewish hospital patients, namely in the form of Passover relief. They operated out of 218 Simcoe Street.

Descriptive Notes: Associated Material Note: See accession 2008-3-5 for the finanical ledger book of the Cooperative Board of Jewish Charities.

MG_RG: MG 2 O 1M

Subjects: Charities

Name Access: Associated Hebrew Charities

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Sadie and Nathan Friedman [graphic material] – [ca. 1930].

Accession Number: 2005-11-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2005-11-5

Material Format: graphic material

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 10 cm

Date: [ca. 1930]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of one photograph of Sadie and Nathan Friedman standing in a field at Crystal's Resort in Pontypool around the summer of 1930.

Administrative History: Nathan Friedman (b. 1906-d. 1954) was born in Poland and Sadie (Book) Friedman (b. 1911- d. 1991) was born in Hamilton, ON. They were married in Toronto in June 1929. Nathan worked as a furrier in Toronto. They began vacationing in Pontypool during the early 1930s and originally rented a loft in the Crystal's barn. Later they rented a cabin at Crystal's Resort. The donor, Jerry Friedman, is the son of Nathan and Sadie.; Pontypool was a popular summer resort spot for vacationing Jews from the 1940s to the 1960s. The area was relatively cheap and had a pond as its swimming spot. Kosher meals would often be brought in for the vacationers who arrived on two trains daily from Union station. Charlie and Surah Crystal were the owners of several resort cabins resort that was popular amongst the Jewish vacationers.

Subjects: Charities; Outdoor recreation; Vacations

Name Access: Friedman, Nathan; Friedman, Sadie

Places: Pontypool, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Bess Shockett, Committee for Yiddish [graphic material, sound recording, moving images, textual record, object] – [193-]-2006.

Accession Number: 2009-6-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2009-6-5

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

Physical Description: 187 photographs : b&w and col. ; 24 x 20 cm or smaller; 20 audiocassettes; 10 videocassettes; 1 folder of textual records; 1 object

Date: [193-]-2006

Scope and Content: Accession consists predominantly of records collected by Bess Shockett in her work with UJA Federation's Committee for Yiddish and Friends of Yiddish. The accession also contains some personal family records. The photographs document programmes of the Committee for Yiddish in the late 1980s and 1990s, including an outdoor Yiddish concert, several International Conferences of Yiddish Clubs (1995, 1998, 1999), Sunday morning Yiddish classes, and a 1993 Hanukah concert. There are also three photographs of the New Fraternal Jewish Association and its celebration of J. B. Salsberg's eightieth birthday in 1980. The videocassettes contain recordings of other events including a storytelling workshop, Purim Mystery Night, a farewell for Miriam Waddington and several Sof Vokh (weekend retreat) programmes of 1993.; The twenty cassette tapes feature panel discussions, lectures and interviews, including "Yiddish education," "Yiddish and the Media," "Yiddish and the Younger Generation," "Yiddish and the Performing Arts," and "Yiddish Language and Translation." There are several interviews with Yiddish poet Avrom Sutzkever, as well as two Toronto Yiddish concerts. Other tapes contain radio interviews with [Aaron?] Lansky; "Chava Rosenfarb--Book Fair", 1988; "Plenary reports and presentations"; and an episode of the program The Forward Hour on Peretz Miransky, an influential Polish writer in the inter-war years.; Personal records in the accession consist of family snapshots dating from the 1930s and 1940s. These were taken in Israel and include images of farming, landscapes, travel, a canal, groups of people, city buildings, and processions. These photos all have Yiddish writing on the back. There is one formal portrait, ca. 1890s, of an elderly Jewish man. As well, there is a folder of original and photocopied poetry (in Yiddish) written by a Jack Shockett.; Accession also includes a Yiddish typewriter, in case, that Bess used in the late 1960s/early 1970s when the Committee for Yiddish was under Congress.

Custodial History: Records were entrusted to the estate of Bess Shockett after her death, and given to her Committee for Yiddish colleague Ethel Cooper, who brought them to the archives.

Administrative History: Bess Shockett was born in the Ukraine in 1919. Her father, Solomon Maltin, was the mayor of the town and helped establish a number of Jewish community institutions. He and his wife had two sons along with Bess: Sam and Ben. In 1925, the family moved to Montreal. As an adolescent, Bess became very active in the Jewish community and joined the United Jewish People's Order. She helped organize a union for workers in the knitting industry and later did the same for fur workers. She also travelled to Winnipeg to organize a laundry workers union. She met her husband, Barry Shockett, in Toronto and they married in 1952 and had three children: Michael, Elka and Eric. Bess eventually became very active in the Toronto Jewish community, particularly in regards to supporting and launching several innovative Yiddish programs. She staffed the office of CJC's Committee for Yiddish in its early years, and was Director from 1974 to 1989. She helped found the Friends of Yiddish in 1985 and served as executive vice-president until her death on August 27, 2007.

Descriptive Notes: There is little written material; what there is (captions and poetry) is mostly in Yiddish; some captions are in English.

Subjects: Committees; Yiddish language

Name Access: Committee for Yiddish (Toronto, Ont.)

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Isaac Segal - 1972

Name: Isaac Segal

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 1972

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Isaac Segal

Number: OH 25

Subject: Antisemitism; Charities; Communities

Interview Date: 1972

Quantity: 1

Interviewer: Morris Silbert

AccessionNumber: 1978-2-2

Total Running Time: Side 1: 46 minutes 15 seconds; Side 2: 45 minutes 50 seconds

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: Isaac "Ike" Segel, the son of Russian immigrants, was born and lived in Toronto’s Ward district until 1900 when the family moved to Orillia, Ontario. Isaac recalls his experiences as one of three Jewish boys attending the local Orillia high school and working in his father’s general store. In order to provide a proper Jewish life for Isaac, the family returned to Toronto. In 1917 Isaac enlisted in the army and after his father’s death in 1918, Isaac made his home in Hamilton, Ontario. He was a business executive, active on several executive committees of Jewish and Zionist organizations in Hamilton.; Issac maried Esther Segal (née Kenen) who was influential in the National Council of Jewish Women, Hamilton Branch, and their successful attempt to repeal the law that refused the right of women to serve on jury duty.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Beube, Lillian; Segal, Esther; Segal, Isaac; Silbert, Morris

Geographic Access: Hamilton (Ont.); Orillia (Ont.); St. John's Ward (Toronto, Ont.)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 25 - Segal\OH25_001_Log.docx; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 25 - Segal\OH25_002_Log.docx

Source: Oral Histories

Fanny Gertzbein - 2 Oct. 1984

Name: Fanny Gertzbein

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 2 Oct. 1984

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Fanny Gertzbein

Number: OH 33

Subject: Charities; Immigrants--Canada

Interview Date: 2 Oct. 1984

Quantity: 1

Interviewer: Morris Silbert

Total Running Time: OH 033: 27:34 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003.

Notes: Language: Fanny often speaks Yiddish with Morris Silbert providing a translation.; Related group of records external to the unit being described: accession 2019-7/2 includes comments by Gella Rothstein on this oral history.

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

Biography: Fanny Gurtzbein (née Goldhar) immigrated from Poland to Toronto in 1903. Fanny lived with her parents and siblings in Toronto's Ward district. Although raised in poverty, Barney, Fanny's brother, went on to become a successful furrier; Fanny's mother, Tzyerl Goldhar, became the organizer of the Mothers and Babes Summer Rest Home.

Material Format: sound recording

Language: Yiddish; English

Name Access: Goldhar, Myer; Goldhar, Tzeryl; Goldhar, Barney; Gurtzbein, Fanny

Geographic Access: St. John's Ward (Toronto, Ont.)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 33 - Gertzbein\OH33_001_Log.docx

Source: Oral Histories

Dr. Mattie Rotenberg - 26 Feb. 1976

Name: Dr. Mattie Rotenberg

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 26 Feb. 1976

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Dr. Mattie Rotenberg

Number: OH 63

Subject: Antisemitism; Rabbis; Charities; Influenza; Balfour Declaration; Immigrants--Canada; Women's clothing; Women; Department stores

Interview Date: 26 Feb. 1976

Quantity: 2 cassettes (1 copy); 2 WAV files

Total Running Time: 62:52 sec.

Conservation: Copied to cassette in August 2003.; Copied to digital file in June 2014.; Side 2 of the original cassette is damaged. The tape continually speeds up and slows down.

Use Restrictions: Copyright is not held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.

Biography: Mattie Rotenberg was the daughter of Russian immigrants. She grew up in Toronto's Ward district and received her degree in mathematics and physics at the University of Toronto. In 1920, she became the first secretary of the Jewish Immigrant Aid Society in Toronto.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Toronto; Hillcrest Progressive School; Goel Tzedec Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.); University of Toronto; T. Eaton Co

Geographic Access: Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: Introduction of Dr. Mattie Rotenberg to the audience 0:00-:49 Family History 0:50-4:00: Rotenberg, daughter of Russian immigrants, recounts the story of her parents’ immigration and arrival in Toronto during the early 1890s. 4:01-7:35: Rotenberg recalls her childhood memories of life growing up in Toronto’s Ward district during the era of “great” Jewish immigration. 7:40-11:10: Rotenberg recalls happy childhood memories living on Regent Street, then a primarily non-Jewish neighbourhood. 11:11-13:40: Rotenberg recalls the Great Fire of Toronto of 1904 that destroyed a large section of downtown Toronto. 13:45-15:19: Rotenberg recalls the open-air streetcar that ran along Toronto’s beltline, the City Dairy, and Riverdale Park. 15.20-18.02: Rotenberg recalls Rabbi Jacob Gordon of Goel Tzedec Synagogue and Rabbi Julius Price, the synagogue’s first English-speaking rabbi. 18:03-21:00: Rotenberg discusses her education at the Dufferin Elementary School and Jarvis Collegiate, her family’s first telephone, riding in a motor car, Massey Hall and Jarvis and Sherbourne Streets considered to be the choice residential district of the time. 21:01-22.00: Rotenberg recalls Dr. Sandler, Toronto’s first Jewish doctor to practice in Toronto’s non-Jewish community. 22:01-22:59: Rotenberg recalls the Queen Street shopping district, the Willinsky’s department store, and Hadassah’s first bazaar held at Toronto Armory. 23:00-23:47: Rotenberg recalls antisemitic incidents that occurred in Toronto during the late 1920s. 23:48-24.33: Rotenberg discusses the Orange Lodges’ influence on civic politics, prejudice towards the Jewish and Catholic communities, and the anti-French-language campaign Rotenberg discusses life in Toronto then and now 24.34-25.30: Rotenberg recalls the changes to Gerrard Sreet East, from a tree-lined street to concrete sidewalks. 25.31-26.48: Rotenberg recalls being the only Jewish student at Jarvis Collegiate. 26.49-27.20: Rotenberg discusses her Jewish education. 27.22-28.06: Rotenberg provides an anecdote about local Jewish news and gossip. 28.07-29.18: Rotenberg discusses the hardships of housekeeping. 29.20-30.25: Rotenberg discusses women’s fashion during the early 1900s. 30.26-31.05: Rotenberg discusses Eatons and Simpsons before the introduction of the cash register. 31:26-33.23: Rotenberg discusses life in Toronto during the early years of the First World War. Rotenberg recalls recruitment meetings held at the Armoury and the crowds that gathered to view war bulletins posted in the window the Telegram’s office on Bay Street. 33.24-36.28: In this portion of the interview, Rotenberg describes the University of Toronto as being an extremely “WASPish” place run by professors with chauvinistic attitudes 36.29-37.23: Rotenberg discusses the problem faced by Jewish women looking for a teaching position. 37:24-39:12: Rotenberg recalls Dr. (Canon) Cody, president of U of T, and his witch hunts for students believed to have Communist leanings. 39:13-40:05: Rotenberg recalls Toronto’s flu epidemic following the First World War. 40:06-41:07: Rotenberg recalls the announcement of the Balfour Declaration in 1918 and the city’s commemoration parade to honour the declaration. Side 2 0:00-:46 : Commemoration of the Balfour Declaration continued. 0:47-4.09: Rotenberg discusses her job as secretary to JIAS during the 1920s. She describes JIAS as an “embryo” started by a few dozen men working to provide aid for Jewish immigrants. *Speech garbled in some sections* 4:10-6:24: Rotenberg discusses the founding in 1929 of the Hillcrest Progressive Day School, whose main motive was to provide a comprehensive Jewish education. 6.25-6.36: Rotenberg discusses the making of liquid hydrogen at the University of Toronto’s physics building during the early 1920s. 6.36-10.00: Here the sound quality becomes poor and Rotenberg’s voice is garbled. 10:00- 21.45: Question period. Sound quality poor and garbled. END

Source: Oral Histories

Ida Siegel - 22 Jul. 1971

Name: Ida Siegel

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 22 Jul. 1971

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Ida Siegel

Number: OH 166; OH 167

Subject: Charities; Women

Interview Date: 22 Jul. 1971

Quantity: 2

Interviewer: Eva Kayfetz

Total Running Time: OH166A: 47.minutes OH166B: 5. minutes OH167A: 29. minutes

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: Ida Siegel (née Lewis) (1885-1982) was born 14 February 1885 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1894, Ida and her family moved to Toronto. On 14 February 1905, Ida married Isidore Hirsch Siegel. They had six children. An extremely active communal leader, Ida helped found Daughters of Zion in 1899, the Herzl Girls Club in 1904 and Hadassah in 1916. In the mid-1920s, Ida established The Mothers' and Babes' Rest Home,a camp for poor women with young children. She helped organize the first free Jewish dispensary in Toronto which eventually developed into Mount Sinai Hospital. Ida was also very active in womens peace movements, the Toronto Board of Education and the Toronto Bureau (elected to Board, 1930-36) of Jewish Education. In 1917, Ida helped to organize Federation of Jewish Philanthropies which later became the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Hadassah-WIZO of Toronto

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Ida Siegel discusses the formation of Hadassah in Canada and how it evolved into Hadassah-WIZO. She describes the creation of separate Hadassah branches.

In this clip, Ida Siegel explains the events that led up to the formation of a committee that she headed to write a aonstitution for Hadassah. She describes some of the struggles she encountered in the process.

Freda Manson

Name: Freda Manson

Material Format: sound recording

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Freda Manson

Number: OH 213

Subject: Social workers; Public welfare; Fund raising; Charities; Jewish philanthropists

Quantity: 2 cassettes (1 copy) 2 WAV files

Interviewer: Gil Levine

Total Running Time: 56 minutes

Conservation: Copied to cassette in January 2015; 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: Freda Manson attended the University of Toronto during the 1930s, earning degrees in psychology and social work. Freda was the first Jew employed by the Toronto Children's Aid Society. She also worked for the Jewish Children’s Bureau from 1934 to 1941. Freda served as chair of the Staff Association, representing social workers from both the Child Welfare Association and the Welfare Association.

Material Format: sound recording

Geographic Access: Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: Side 1 00:09: Freda explains how she became interested in social work. She describes her educational path starting in undergraduate studies in psychology. Freda explains that her parents encouraged her to attend university. 5:45: Freda “confesses” that she was not involved in political or social action on campus as an undergraduate. Her sole involvement was fundraising on behalf of her sorority. 7:25: Freda graduated with an undergraduate degree in psychology. She pursued social work along with four-to-five other Jewish students. 8:43: Freda completed the two-year social work course in one year and two courses and then apprenticed at the Toronto Children’s Aid Society. Freda explains that, soon into her apprenticeship, it was necessary to take over her supervisor’s case load. 10:47: At age twenty-three, in 1933, Freda graduated from the Department of Social Work and got her first job with Toronto Children’s Aid Society. 11:16: Freda discusses the impact of the Depression years. The area she served was Regent Park. 13:36: Freda discusses the role and responsibilities of a social worker working for the Protection Department. 15:19: Freda explains that her time at Children’s Aid could not be extended beyond six months past her apprenticeship, because the CAS policy was to only hire Protestant workers for permanent positions. 17:06: Freda was the first Jewish worker to have worked for Toronto CAS. 17:38: Freda makes a distinction between the staff and the board of CAS and notes that her supervisor would have liked her to remain in the position. 18:29: Freda worked for the Jewish Children’s Bureau from1934 to 1941. The director was Anne Gussack. 19:28: Freda could not confirm whether the Jewish Agency’s policy was to hire Jewish-only staff but noted that most clients did not speak English. 20:04: Starting salary was $75/month. 20:38: Freda describes her work responsibilities with the Jewish Children’s Bureau. 22:10: Freda presents various reasons to explain why children ended up in foster care. 25:48: Freda mentions another important job responsibility: they introduced a short-term, live-in housekeeping service in homes where the mother was incapacitated in some way, thus allowing the children to remain in the home. 28:23: Freda describes the formation of the Jewish Family and Child Services. Circa 1936/37, there were several agencies all located on Beverly Street, including Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters, Jewish Children’s Bureau, and the Jewish Child Welfare Association. Side 2: 00:00: Freda continues to explain the formation of the Jewish Family and Child Services. 1:33: Freda discusses the conditions of employment: the salary, the working conditions, the challenge of money allotment (e.g., funding for programs versus salaries). 5:15: The agency received funding from Jewish philanthropy (no public funding). 5:49: Freda addresses the issues that led to the creation of the Staff Association, including poor salaries and the request by the board to forego their salaries in order to pay families. 8:35: Freda lists some of the board members: Ben Sadowski was chair of Jewish Welfare; Bert Davis was chair of Jewish Children’s Bureau. 10:26: Freda mentions the role of Sam Kronick as a fundraiser. 13:36: Freda lists some individuals who were involved in the labour movement (e.g., Dora Wilensky as director of Jewish Family Welfare, Bobbie Parker, etc.). 14:41: Freda was named as chair of the Staff Association representing the two Jewish agencies (Child Welfare Association and the Welfare Association). She outlines the objectives (ensure fair salary, receive regular salary, proper working conditions) and discusses negotiations. 16:05: Freda describes a negotiations meeting held at the home of Ben Sadowski, the president of the Family Welfare Board. 19:40: Freda explains the conception of the association. 20:48: Freda discusses the attitude of the board toward the association. 21:58: Freda describes the negative reaction of the Canadian Association of Social Workers toward the association. 22:56: Freda opines on the main accomplishments of the association. 26:30: The association later became part of the United(?), and Professional Workers, then part of the National Union of Public Service Employees and then part of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 265.

Source: Oral Histories

Arthur Gelber - 28 Nov. 1990

Name: Arthur Gelber

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 28 Nov. 1990

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Arthur Gelber

Number: OH 241

Subject: Antisemitism; Arts; Charities

Interview Date: 28 Nov. 1990

Quantity: 2 cassettes (1 copy)

Total Running Time: 1:6 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003; Digitized 2014

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

Biography: Arthur Gelber was born on 22 June 1915 in Toronto. He was educated at Upper Canada College. He married Esther Salomon and had four daughters. Arthur was actively involved in Jewish and general community activity. Among his accomplishments, Arthur served as chair of the National Arts Centre Corporation, chair of the Advisory Council Ontario Cabinet, past president of the Canadian Conference of the Arts, past president of the National Ballet, Board of Directors of the American Council for the Arts, Ballet Opera House, National Ballet, Stratford Festival, life director of the National Theatre School of Canada, governor of National Theatre School of Canada, former honorary chair of the Performing Arts Development Fund, and former governor of York University, trustee of the AGO, decorated with the Order of Canada, recipient of the Centennial medal in 1967, Diploma D’honneur 1978, Queen’s Jubilee Medal, vice-president of America-Israel Cultural Foundation, executive of Canadian Jewish Congress, president of Toronto Zionist Council, president of United Jewish Welfare Fund, second chair of the UJA in 1949, chair of the United Jewish Relief Agency, and chair of the United Jewish Appeal.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: United Jewish Relief Agency; UJA Federation of Greater Toronto; Ontario Arts Council

Geographic Access: Toronto

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Source: Oral Histories

Bess Maltinsky Shockett - 8 Nov. 2004, 7 Dec. 2004

Name: Bess Maltinsky Shockett

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 8 Nov. 2004, 7 Dec. 2004

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Bess Maltinsky Shockett

Number: OH 288

Subject: Committees; Labor; Labor unions

Interview Date: 8 Nov. 2004, 7 Dec. 2004

Quantity: 4

Interviewer: Jillian Gould

Total Running Time: OH 288A: 31 minutes; OH 288B: 31 minutes

Conservation: Copies made for Bess' son Michael on four ninety-minute tapes

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

Biography: Bess was born in the Ukraine in 1920. She immigrated to Montreal in 1925 with her parents and two brothers. She married Barry Shockett in 1952 and had three children. As an adolescent, Bess became very active in the Jewish community and joined the United Jewish People's Order. She helped organize a union for workers in the knitting industry and later did the same for fur workers. She also travelled to Winnipeg to organize a laundry workers union. She helped found the New Fraternal Jewish Association in 1960 and was actively involved in the organization. She became very active in the Toronto Jewish community, particularly in regards to supporting and launching several innovative Yiddish programs. She staffed the office of the Canadian Jewish Congress' Committee for Yiddish in its early years and was director from 1974 to 1989.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: United Jewish People's Order; New Fraternal Jewish Association; Committee for Yiddish

Geographic Access: Montreal; Toronto

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Digital file

Source: Oral Histories

Bess became president of the Youth Division of the United Jewish People’s Order in Montreal in 1946. In this clip, Bess shares some of her memories and experiences as a representative to the First International Conference of Youth held in Prague in 1947.

In this clip, Bess discusses the events that led up to the formation of a new left-leaning organization, the New Fraternal Jewish Association, which broke away from the United Jewish People’s Order in 1960.

Cyrel Troster - 28 Nov. 2016

Name: Cyrel Troster

Material Format: moving images

Interview Date: 28 Nov. 2016

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Cyrel Troster

Number: OH 441

Subject: Arts; Charities; Committees

Interview Date: 28 Nov. 2016

Interviewer: Melissa Caza

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

Material Format: moving images

Name Access: Ontario Jewish Archives

Original Format: Digital file

Transcript: OH 441 Part 1 0:22 Cyrel outlines her academic background and discusses her volunteer & professional positions, including Chair of the OJA, Chair of Cultural Planning & Allocation, served on the Board of the Canadian Jewish Congress & Ontario Jewish Congress and currently serves on the Board of OJA. 0:53 Cyrel discusses the history of the Ontario Jewish Archives. Cyrel. & Susan Cohen obtained federal grants to create a local initiative project with the initial focus to collect information on prominent members of the Toronto Jewish community. Cyrel identifies the organizations & individuals who assisted them initially (e.g. Toronto Jewish Historical Society,Victor Sefton) . She discusses the staff, including Steven Speisman, Bess Shockett & Ruth Ladovsky and the location in Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue. 4:53 Cyrel describes the creation of the Sense of Spadina Walking tours which were an offshoot of a living exhibit designed for the Triennial for the Canadian Jewish Congress in 1974. She discusses the contributors to the project, including Steven Speisman, Bess Shockett, Marty Mendelow, Charlie & Peggy Goldsbie and Mrs. Langner, the wife of the Rabbi from the Kiever Synagogue. 6:05 Cyrel describes the successful Sense of Spadina Walking Tours held in June 1974. 7:47 Cyrel discusses the formation of day & evening volunteer committees to help catalogue material in OJA’s new location in the basement of 150 Beverly St. She discusses some of the archival donations e.g. Sidney Harris, Ben Kayfetz. 9:12 Cyrel recalls the move to Lipa Green building in early 1980’s. 9:48 Cyrel describes the OJA office at 150 Beverly. St. She describes some of the historical documents that were discovered in the basement. She discusses the volunteers’ responsibilities. 11:27 Cyrel discusses the function of the OJA committee. She discusses Photo Committee. 13:00 Cyrel discusses early efforts to acquire material for the OJA. 15:56 Cyrel explains why an archive specific to the Ontario Jewish community was established. The effort to establish the OJA arose from a small group of researchers, including Steven Speisman, who recognized the importance of preserving ethnic Jewish history. 17:18 Cyrel explains how the material collected by OJA is unique to & valued by the Ontario Jewish community. 18:48 Cyrel discusses some of the challenges faced by OJA in the early years. 19:58 Cyrel discusses the end result of the Toronto Jewish Historical Society. 20:45 Cyrel discusses the evolvement of the Sense of Spadina Walking Tours. She explains how Ellen Scheinberg, archivist, was pivotal in the advancement of the walking tours. Spadina Walking Tours became a part of “Jane’s Walk”. 24:02 Cyrel shares an amusing story about Henry Papernick, retired lawyer & OJA volunteer. 25:35 Cyrel discusses the contributions made by Brooky Robins, assistant to Steven Speisman. She spearheaded the collection of material from northern Ontario. Also involved was Fred Schaeffer. 26:46 Cyrel discusses OJA hosting various community events to donate materials to the archives. 27:41 Cyrel explains that due to the volume of donated material, off-site storage facilities were used at Yonge & Eglinton. 28:04 Cyrel describes the changes and improvements that occurred after moving to the facilities at Lipa Green. 28:55 Cyrel discusses her responsibilities as Chair of OJA between 1983 and 1998. She mentions that she also served on the Ontario Jewish Congress, Ontario Region Executive & the Toronto Jewish Congress. 30:11 Cyrel explains that Jewish Communist papers were passed on to the collection of Multicultural History at St. Michael’s. 30:36 Cyrel discusses some of the projects and exhibits that OJA pursued. 32:05 Cyrel discusses the efforts made by Sol Edell & Marty Mendelow to fix up the Kiever synagogue in the early 1980’s. 34:25 Cyrel explains why the Kiever synagogue was chosen as a focus for an OJA project. 35:25 Cyrel discusses the special projects & direction of the OJA during the period she was Chair. 36:19 Cyrel discusses the biggest challenges faced by the OJA during her sevice as Chair. OH 441 Part 2 00:00 Cyrel discusses the changes in leadership and operation at the OJA ca 2000. Staff included Brooky Robins, Susan Jackson and Ellen Scheinberg. 1:54 Cyrel discusses the major projects that occurred while Ellen Scheinberg was Director. 3:09 Cyrel discusses her role with the OJA while Ellen served as Director. 4:07 Cyrel discusses the challenges faced by OJA while Ellen served as Director. 5:23 Cyrel discusses the relationship between OJA and other archives and agencies. 8:00 Cyrel addresses the factors that contributed to the success of the Sense of Spadina Walking Tours. 11:13 Cyrel points that out the general groups participating in the Sense of Spadina Walking Tours tend to be Jewish but Jane’ Walk groups are varied & drawn to the neighbourhood. 11:53 Cyrel discusses why the OJA has played a major role in her life. 12:25 Cyrel shares a story from her personal life in order to illustrate the importance of preserving oral histories. 13:51 Cyrel relates a story told to her by Ben Kayfetz about the Strettiner Rebbe on Cecil Street. OH 441 Part 3 00:00 Cyrel describes the efforts of Sol Edell, Susan Brown and Cyrel to put together an audio-visual presentation to mark the opening of the archives. 2:17 Cyrel describes a conceived project that was not realized.

Source: Oral Histories

Jewish Labour Committee [textual record] – 1960-1966.

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

ID: Fonds 23; File 3

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

Fonds: 23

File: 3

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1960-1966

Physical Description: 3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Jewish Labour Committee. The records include correspondence, event invitations and flyers and activity summaries.

Subjects: Committees

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

Jewish Labour Committee [textual record, graphic material] – 1967-1972.

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

ID: Fonds 23; File 4

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

Fonds: 23

File: 4

Material Format: textual record; graphic material

Date: 1967-1972

Physical Description: 3 cm of textual records; 2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 26 x 21 cm and 12 x 10 cm

Scope and Content: This file consists of records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Jewish Labour Committee. The records include correspondence, event invitations and flyers, activity summaries, press releases, speeches and one photograph.

Subjects: Committees

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

Jewish Labour Committee [textual record] – 1973-1975.

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

ID: Fonds 23; File 5

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

Fonds: 23

File: 5

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1973-1975

Physical Description: 3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Jewish Labour Committee. The records include correspondence, event invitations and flyers, press releases and meeting minutes.

Subjects: Committees

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

Jewish Labour Committee [textual record] – 1976-1984.

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds; Jewish Labour Committee file

Level: File

ID: Fonds 23; File 6

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds; Jewish Labour Committee file

Level: File

Fonds: 23

File: 6

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1976-1984

Physical Description: 3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as chairman of the Jewish Labour Committee. The records include correspondence, event invitations and flyers, and press releases.

Subjects: Committees

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

Anti-Nazi Committee [textual record] – 1978.

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

ID: Fonds 23; File 8

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

Fonds: 23

File: 8

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1978

Physical Description: 3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Anti-Nazi Committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress/B'nai Brith Joint Community Relations Committee. The records include correspondence, newsclippings, meeting notices and minutes, bulletins and flyers.

Subjects: Anti-Nazi movement; Committees

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

Anti-Nazi Committee [textual record] – 1979-1982.

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

ID: Fonds 23; File 9

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: File

Fonds: 23

File: 9

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1979-1982

Physical Description: 3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Anti-Nazi Committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress/B'nai Brith Joint Community Relations Committee. The records include correspondence, newsclippings, and meeting notices and minutes.

Subjects: Anti-Nazi movement; Committees

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

Jews in Arab Lands Committee meeting minutes, reports and correspondence [textual record] – 1980.

Part Of: Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds; Committee meeting agendas, minutes, reports and correspondence series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 17; Series 1; File 604

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds; Committee meeting agendas, minutes, reports and correspondence series

Level: File

Fonds: 17

Series: 1

File: 604

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1980

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Subjects: Committees; Jews--Arab countries

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

Accession Number: 2005-2-2

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

Reception Committee [graphic material] – 1969.

Part Of: Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds; Women's Auxiliary series; Fundraising sub-series; Auxilorama '69 file

Level: Item

ID: Fonds 14; Series 4-8; File 11; Item 1

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds; Women's Auxiliary series; Fundraising sub-series; Auxilorama '69 file

Level: Item

Fonds: 14

Series: 4-8

File: 11

Item: 1

Material Format: graphic material

Date: 1969

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Scope and Content: Identified in the photograph is (left to right): Mrs. Posluns, Abe Posluns, Ruth Smith, Mr. Smith, Dora Till, Morris Till, [?], and [?].

Notes: Photographer unknown.

Name Access: Till, Dora, 1896-1987

Subjects: Committees; Portraits, Group

Repro Restriction: Copyright is not held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

General community activities [multiple media] – 1950-2010.

Part Of: Solomon Edell fonds; General community activities series

Level: Series

ID: Fonds 4; Series 11

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Solomon Edell fonds; General community activities series

Level: Series

Fonds: 4

Series: 11

Material Format: multiple media

Date: 1950-2010

Physical Description: 77 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio: In addition to his ongoing involvement with Clanton Park, the Canadian Jewish Congress Archives, the Aliyah Support Group, Jones Avenue Cemetery, Shomrai Shabbos and Adas Israel, Sol Edell undertook special projects on behalf of a wide array of Jewish organizations. These include cultural (Toronto Cantorial Scholarship Fund), educational (Netivot Hatorah and Yeshivat Or Chaim Ulpanat Orot), religious (Union of Jewish Orthodox Congregations), social welfare (Association of Jewish Seniors and Co-Ordinated Services to the Jewish Elderly) and Zionist (Canadian Friends of Yeshivat Hakotel and State of Israel Bonds) organizations.

Scope and Content: Series consists of records documenting Sol Edell's involvement with a wide variety of Jewish educational, social and religious organizations and institutions in Canada, the United States, and Israel. Included are meeting minutes, publications, reports, photographs, correspondence, invitations, programmes, financial records, an architectural drawing, and a sound recording. While many of these organizations such as Eitz Chaim, Or Chaim Ulpanat Orot (educational), Mizrachi Organization of Canada, Emunah Women (Zionist) and Beth Jacob V’Anshe Drildz (synagogue) are orthodox, others such as Associated Hebrew Day Schools (educational), State of Israel Bonds (Zionist) and Co-ordinated Services to the Jewish Elderly (social welfare) have no religious affiliation.

Notes: Physical description note: includes 26 photographs, 1 audio cassette, and 1 architectural drawing.

Name Access: Eitz Chaim; Or Chaim Ulpanat Orot; Mizrachi Men’s Organization; Emunah Women; Beth Jacob V'Anshei Drildz (Toronto, Ont.); Associated Hebrew Day Schools; State of Israel Bonds; Co-ordinated Services to the Jewish Elderly; Camp Moshava; Harbord Collegiate; Netivot Hatorah; Union of Jewish Orthodox Congregations; B'Nei Akiva; Toronto Committee for Bikur Cholim Hospital

Subjects: Charities; Children; Education; Fund raising; Older people; Religion; Zionism

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

Charities [textual record] – 1957-1997.

Part Of: Solomon Edell fonds; Personal series; Charities sub-series

Level: Sub-series

ID: Fonds 4; Series 1-2

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Solomon Edell fonds; Personal series; Charities sub-series

Level: Sub-series

Fonds: 4

Series: 1-2

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1957-1997

Physical Description: 3 cm of textual records

Admin History/Bio: Sol Edell made charitable donations to a large number of Jewish organizations mainly ones located in Canada, Israel and the United States.

Scope and Content: Sub-series consists of correspondence, receipts and certificates from Canadian, American and Israeli educational, religious and welfare organizations and institutions that received charitable donations from the Edell family.

Subjects: Charities; Education; Israel; Religion

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

Archives sub-committees [textual record] – 1986-1987.

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Toronto Holocaust Museum series; Documentation sub-series

Level: File

ID: Fonds 67; Series 28-17; File 1

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds; Toronto Holocaust Museum series; Documentation sub-series

Level: File

Fonds: 67

Series: 28-17

File: 1

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1986-1987

Physical Description: 1 folder textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of meeting minutes and correspondence related to the plans for taping and preservation of Holocaust survivor testimony.

Subjects: Archives; Committees

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

A 'no' to Nazis in Canada [textual record] – 1978.

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: Item

ID: Fonds 23; File 8; Item 1

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Harry Simon fonds

Level: Item

Fonds: 23

File: 8

Item: 1

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1978

Physical Description: 1 article

Subjects: Anti-Nazi movement; Committees

Source: Archival Descriptions

View in hierarchy

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto : Annual Campaign [textual record, moving images, graphic material (electronic), sound recording] – 2000-2009.

Accession Number: 2009-12-15

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2009-12-15

Material Format: textual record; moving images; graphic material (electronic); sound recording

Physical Description: 4 cm of textual records; 3 videocassettes; 10 optical discs (196 mins., 38 secs.); 1278 photographs (jpg)

Date: 2000-2009

Scope and Content: Accession consists of programmes and invitations for Campaign events including Major Gifts, telethons, missions, the Ben Gurion Society, Women's Philanthropy and other divisions' events. There are also three videocassettes with videos for Campaign 2002 ("Israel is Calling"), Campaign 2000 ("The Campaign For Our Children"), and the Campaign 2000 Launch ("Wings of a Butterfly"). Also included in the accession are 10 DVDs, containing: campaign videos for the years 2003 to 2009; a video conference on Jewish morality held for lay leaders in 2003; an audio-only recording of remarks by Professor Alan Dershowitz in 2002; and a canvasser motivation video produced by Federation. There are additional CDs with photographs relating to Hineni, Vision, L.O.J.E., H.O.T. Toronto (Young Leadership Division), Ben Gurion Society, missions and United Israel Appeal Canada; finally, there are audio recordings of speakers from the 2008 2nd Annual UJA Federation Big Ideas Forum. For a detailed list, click here: file://s-oja01\data\Description\Campaign\Creative%20CDs.doc

Use Conditions: Copyright of campaign videos is owned by the production company and NOT by UJA Federation. Researchers must contact Len Pearl to obtain copyright clearance to reproduce these videos. Researchers must be able to specify the exact video and clip when requesting copyright permission.

Subjects: Charities; Fund raising

Source: Archival Accessions

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Jewish Information Service [textual record] – May 1999, Jan. 2001.

Accession Number: 2014-1-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2014-1-4

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: May 1999, Jan. 2001

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Included are two directories created by the Jewish Information Service.; The first directory is the Jewish Community of Greater Toronto, which was updated in May 1999. The directory was divided into seven sections: Introductory pages; Community Agencies; Education and the Community; Israel/Zionist; Organized Community Life; Religious Community Life; and Back Index.; The second directory is the Greater Toronto Jewish Singles Directory: A Listing of Groups and Services, which was published in January 2001. The directory includes Jewish singles and matchmaking groups in the community.

Use Conditions: UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.

Descriptive Notes: Availability of other formats: Also available as PDF.

Subjects: Charities; Directories; Single people

Name Access: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto [graphic material] – [ca. 1980].

Accession Number: 2014-1-14

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2014-1-14

Material Format: graphic material

Physical Description: 94 photographs : col. slides ; 35 mm

Date: [ca. 1980]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of 100 slides documenting UJA Federation employees and the work space at the 150 Beverley Street location and a couple slides showing the construction of the Lipa Green building.

Custodial History: Negatives were found stored in tribute card work space cabinets.

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

Subjects: Architecture; Charities

Name Access: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Source: Archival Accessions

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto [multiple media] – 1960-2011, predominant 2011.

Accession Number: 2014-5-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2014-5-2

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 15 cm of textual records; 8 architectural drawings; 2 CDs

Date: 1960-2011, predominant 2011

Scope and Content: Accession consists of architectural drawings for the construction of the Northern YM-YWHA at 4600 Bathurst Street (1960) as well as floor plans for the proposed re-development of the site in 1999. Also included are submissions for the competition to design and build the Jewish War Veterans of Canada memorial at the Sherman Campus (2011).

Use Conditions: UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.

Subjects: Architecture; Charities; Veterans--Canada

Name Access: Young Men's Hebrew Association (Toronto, Ont.); Bathurst Jewish Community Centre; Jewish War Veterans of Canada; UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Source: Archival Accessions

David Green [multiple media] – [192-]-[200-].

Accession Number: 2014-10-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2014-10-2

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 40 cm of textual records and other material

Date: [192-]-[200-]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records related to the life and career of David Green and the Jaffey family. Records include sound and video recordings of events, Goodwill Sales accounting ledgers, meeting minutes from the Jewish Canadian Military Archives and Museum, David Green's military ephemera, manuals and reports of the Jewish Federation Board of Trustees and Bequest and Endowment Fund, and Jaffey family correspondence and photographs. Records also include certificates of appreciation awarded to David Green, mainly from UJA Federation.

Administrative History: David Green (1919-2014) was born in the Junction in west Toronto. He served as a private in the Canadian army as part of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was captured and designated MIA when he was held as a POW in Belgium. He became a member of General Wingate Branch 256 Jewish Canadian Legion. In the mid-1940s he married his wife, Sylvia (nee Jaffey) (d. 2010) and they had a daughter, Miriam. He was a longtime volunteer for the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. In 1990, he was one of the first individuals to establish an Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto.; The Jaffey family consisted of Kaby Jaffey, his wife, Nellie, and their children Sylvia, Jess and Albert.

Descriptive Notes: Physical description note: Accession also consists of photographs and textiles.

Subjects: Canada--Armed Forces; Charities; Families; World War, 1939-1945

Name Access: Green, David, 1919-2014

Places: Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Jewish Vocational Service [textual record] – 1949-1955.

Accession Number: 2015-9-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-9-3

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1949-1955

Scope and Content: Accession consists of documents such as letters and minutes of meetings of the Jewish Social Service Agencies of the United Jewish Welfare Fund, of which JVS was a member agency.

Custodial History: There is no information on the acquisition of this material. We believe that it likely originated from Milton Friedman, Executive Director of JVS.

Subjects: Charities; Nonprofit organizations

Name Access: Jewish Vocational Service (Toronto, Ont.); Friedman, Milton

Source: Archival Accessions

Rabbinical Welfare Committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress, Central Region [textual record] – 1950-1953.

Accession Number: 2015-9-8

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-9-8

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1950-1953

Scope and Content: Accession consists of a letter from Rabbi Slonim convening a meeting and minutes of meetings of the Rabbinical Welfare Committee over the period.

Custodial History: There is no information on the aquisition of the documents. However, the first letter in the textual records is from Rabbi Reuben Slonim and his name is included on all of the documents in the textual record.

Administrative History: The purpose of the Rabbinical Welfate Committee was (quoting from a document dated March 22, 1950) 'to consider matters that are strictly religious in nature. In matters of a community or public relations nature, the Committee will work closely with Congress.'

Subjects: Committees; Meetings; Religion

Name Access: Canadian Jewish Congress, Central Region (Toronto, Ont.)

Places: Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Sandra Samuels [graphic material, textual record] – [191-]-[197-], 1992.

Accession Number: 2015-10-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-10-4

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: ca. 250 photographs (3 albums) : b&w and col. ; 53 x 43 cm and smaller; 9 cm of textual records

Date: [191-]-[197-], 1992

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records related to the Title, Samuels and Fishman families. Included are family photographs, and photos related to involvement with philanthropy and industry, materials related to Reliable Toy Company, Forest Hill Collegiate "Forester" year books, a land deed for the Ansheir Yoisher Misrachi Synagogue in Welland, news clippings relating to Alex Samuels death, a Holy Blossom "Tempelite" year book, a Crown Bakery Bread promotional item, a wedding menu from the marriage of Molly Fishman and Harry Title, Molly Fishman's high school diplomas and JNF certificates. There are a number of photos of the Fishman and Title families in Welland and the United States, photos of the Crowland Volunteer Fire Department with Sam and Frank Fishman, Turk family albums with Moishe Turk and Eva Fishman, an album of a sefer torah dedication to Baycrest Hospital in memory of Leah Fishman, photos of the Samuels family, their trip to Israel, promotional photos from the Reliable Toy Company, Beth Tzedec founding board photos, and B'nai Brith Women photos.

Administrative History: Samuel (ca. 1882-1929, Russia) and Gussie (nee Moscovitz) (b. ca.1884, Romania) Fishman, immigrated to Welland Ontario from Romania. Both arrived to the USA as teenagers sometime around the turn of the century. Samuel and Gussie were married in the USA and by 1920 immigrated with their young family to the historic township of Crowland in Welland County. Here they opened and operated a men's clothing store. Together they had six children, Molly (b. 1909, USA), Abe (b. 1911, USA), Morris (b. 1916, USA), Ruth (b. 1915, USA), Ann (b. 1920, Ontario) and Ethel. Morris married Pauline and lived in St. Catherines, Ruth married Nate Oelbaum and lived in Tucson Arizona, Anne married Alec Rothman and lived in Port Colborne, Ethel married Eddie Matchtinger and lived in Toronto and Abe never married. Yeva Fishman, the niece of Samuel Fishman married Morris Turk. Her father was (Frank Fishman?) and her mother was Sara Leah Fishman. Molly Fishman married Harry Title (Teitelebaum) (b. ca. 1903). They had three children, Greta (nee Title) Greisman, Sandra (nee Title) Samuels and Stephen (m. Carole Hillman, niece of Ben Hillman). Harry Teitelbaum is the son of Israel and Frumeth Teitelbaum. He was born in Gdansk Poland (b. ca., 1903). Harry Title had four younger siblings Lloyd, Birdie (m. Witlin), Arthur and Lorelle (Lieba) the youngest who was born in Toronto. Harry arrived to Canada shortly after the first world war and worked in the garment industry. He and his brother Arthur founded the Title Dress Company in the late 1920s and operated the business out of 355 Adelaide St. West. In the late 1980s, the business moved from this location to Adelaide and Bathurst. Sandra Title (b. Oct 27, 1936, Toronto), the middle daughter of Molly Fishman and Harry Title, married Lawrence Samuels. Together they had five children Joanna, John, Noah, Tom and Caroline. Lawrence was the eldest son of Alex Samuels (d. 1966) and Kate (nee Goldberg) Samuels. He had two younger siblings Herbie and Florence (m. Bill Goodman). Lawrence's father Alex Samuels immigrated to Canada from Dubrovna, White Russia (present day Dubrouna, Belarus). He immigrated to Canada with his parents Samuel and Chana Samuels and his younger siblings Sol, Ben, Riva and Polly. Alex and his brothers Sol and Ben established Reliable Toy Company in (ca. 1929) on Carlaw Ave. They sold the company in 1990.

Subjects: Business; Charities; Families

Places: Welland, Ont.; Toronto, Ont.; Israel

Source: Archival Accessions

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Tomorrow Campaign [textual record] – 2006-2014.

Accession Number: 2016-1-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-1-1

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: ca. 14 cm of textual records

Date: 2006-2014

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual records documenting the fundraising activities for the Lebovic Jewish Community Campus, Sherman Campus and Miles Nadel JCC & Wolfond Centre for Jewish Campus Life. Records include brochures, an exhibit proposal for the National Centre for Jewish Heritage, event programs, newsletters, commemorative books for openings, powerpoint presentations and copies of the publication Vision featuring Philanthropy and Leadership. In addition, there is a special presentation booklet made for the Offer family.

Use Conditions: UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.

Subjects: Charities; Fund raising

Name Access: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Source: Archival Accessions

Debby Solomon-Natan Sharansky [graphic material, textual record] – 1976-[ca. 1990].

Accession Number: 2016-6-12

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-6-12

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: ca. 60 cm of textual records; 11 photographs (3 negatives) : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm or smaller

Date: 1976-[ca. 1990]

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

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

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

Subjects: Antisemitism; Politics and government; Human rights; Demonstrations; Synagogues; Committees

Source: Archival Accessions

Ben Kayfetz [textual record] – 1950-1991.

Accession Number: 2016-3-69

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-3-69

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1950-1991

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

Custodial History: There is no information on the acquisition of this material.

Subjects: Committees; Synagogues; Rabbis

Name Access: Kayfetz, Benjamin, 1916-2002

Places: Toronto, Ontario

Source: Archival Accessions

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto: Office of the President [graphic material, textual record] – 2004-2010.

Accession Number: 2017-4-7

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2017-4-7

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: 8 cm of textual records; 1 photograph : col. ; 13 x 18 cm

Date: 2004-2010

Scope and Content: Accession consists of a photograph of Ted Sokolsky and textual records that include: Centre Square Seniors' Centre Program and Design Brief (2004), Israel Emergency Campaign Fact Finding Trip by Ted Sokolsky and Adam Minsky (2007), Israel Emergency Campaign Proposal Draft 1 (2007) and a photo scrapbook of the Hatzor Ha'Glilit Early Childhood Centre (2010) thanking the UJA for its contribution to the construction of its new building.

Custodial History: Donated by Adam Minsky's office.

Use Conditions: UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.

Subjects: Charities; Israel; Older people

Name Access: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin [multiple media] – [ca. 1920]-2012.

Accession Number: 2017-8-10

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2017-8-10

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 3 cm of textual records; 3 photographs : b&w ; 13 x 9 cm and smaller; 1 DVD

Date: [ca. 1920]-2012

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records related to the history of the Dora Wilensky Salsberg Memorial Fund at Jewish Family and Child. Included are: a Canadian Jewish News feature ("Legacy of Life") on Dora Wilensky; a Dora Wilensky Memorial Fund pamphlet; correspondence from J. B. Salsberg regarding Sharyn’s ongoing role with the Jewish Communal Service Graduate Studies Scholarship Program; correspondence regarding the Fund between Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin and Richard Cummings, Ron Levin, Gordon Wolfe, and Sam Helfenbaum; fund and endowment statements regarding the Dora Wilensky Memorial Fund; and correspondence between Sharyn and the Toronto Jewish Congress Endowment Fund. Also includes: records documenting the J. B. Salsberg Tribute Dinner held at Beth Sholom Synagogue on November 13, 1991; Canadian Jewish News and Toronto Life profiles of J. B. Salsberg; an interview of J. B. Salsberg by Sandy Naiman; J. B. Salsberg's eulogy by Irving Abella; and one DVD of a J.B. Salsberg video tribute. Also includes three photographs of J. B. Salsberg and Dora Wilensky, and four issues of various JF&CS publications.

Administrative History: Dora Wilensky Salsberg was one of Toronto’s earliest professionally trained Jewish social workers and a leader in the Canadian social work field. She was born in Russia on July 28, 1902 to Hyman and Mary Wilensky. She had three younger sisters: Bertha (b. 1903) Jenny (b. 1905), and Fagel (b.1910). In 1907, the family immigrated to Toronto where Hyman worked at a cap factory.; Dora had the highest marks in the province of Ontario upon graduating from high school and graduated as a gold medalist in modern history from McMaster University in Toronto. She initially pursued a career in teaching, but had difficulty securing a job due to discrimination. When her only job offer from Oshawa was given on the condition that she change her last name, Dora decided to become a social worker.; After studying at the New York School for Social Work and working briefly in Chicago, Dora returned to Toronto and took up the position as Executive Director of the Jewish Family Welfare Bureau in 1931. When the JF&CS was formed in 1943 she served as its first Executive Director. Under her leadership, JF&CS gained a reputation as being one of the most advanced and progressive agencies in Toronto. She was among the first to hire a psychiatric social worker and to introduce play therapy as part of treatment; she remained on top of advances being made in the field in other countries and encouraged her staff to regularly engage in professional development activities.; Dora attempted to enter the United States for professional development in the fall of 1948. She was refused entry by the commissioner of immigration and naturalization. Her aim was to attend a postgraduate course in social work at the University of Pennsylvania. In spite of numerous official letters of endorsement, her application for admission was denied.; Dora was also actively involved in various professional organizations. She was a member of the National Board of the Canadian Association of Social Workers, served on the Board of Governors and various committees of the Canadian Welfare Council, and was active on the Social Planning Council (formerly the Welfare Council of Toronto). In addition, she was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Toronto’s post-graduate course in social work. For her service to the field, she earned both the King George V and Coronation medals.; In 1927, Dora married J. B. Salsberg. Although she legally adopted his name, she always used her maiden name professionally. They did not have any children. On March 20, 1959, Dora passed away from cancer at the age of 56.

Subjects: Charities; Charities

Name Access: Salsberg, J. B.,1902-1998; Wilensky, Dora, 1902-1959

Places: Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Creative Department [moving images] – 1998-2006.

Accession Number: 2017-12-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2017-12-1

Material Format: moving images

Physical Description: 8 videocassettes : Betacam SP and Digital Betacam

Date: 1998-2006

Scope and Content: Accession consists of 8 videocassettes that belonged to UJA Federation of Greater Toronto's Creative Department. Cassettes include: United Jewish Appeals The Campaign for Fifty (1998), UJA Federation Symposium of Hope (2003), UJA Federation 2004 "What Will Tomorrow Hold?" Canvasser Training (2003), UJA Federation Tomorrow Campaign "End Video" (2004), UJA Federation Tomorrow Campaign "Tomorrow Campaign" (2004), UJA "Israel Emergency Campaign" (2006)

Custodial History: Amit Louis and Amy Krasin of the Creative Department were cleaning out an old desk in the summer of 2017 and found the tapes. Amit suggested bringing the tapes to the archives, which Amy did sometime thereafter.

Administrative History: UJA Federation's Tomorrow Campaign is Canada’s largest non-profit community development project. It is Federation's response to the need for new facilities and services brought about by the growth of Toronto’s Jewish community.

Subjects: Charities

Name Access: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Places: Israel

Source: Archival Accessions

Alison Himel [textual record] – 1988-1994.

Accession Number: 2017-12-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2017-12-3

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1988-1994

Scope and Content: Accession consists of materials documenting United Jewish Appeal fundraising campaigns. Included are: a spiral-bound booklet for the 1998 UJA Women's Campaign Board of Directors, a "Lion of Judah" card that would have accompanied a pin of the same name, a document outlining canvassing procedures for Lion of Judah and Atarah canvassers, training materials taken from the American UJA National Training Centre Manual, documents from the 1994 UJA Campaign, a 1993 Jewish Agency for Israel budget, and a photocopy of a chart outlining UJA/Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto's local and national allocations.

Custodial History: Alison Himel, the daughter of Malka Green, a well-known philanthropist in the Jewish community, donated the records, which had belonged to her mother, to Ontario Jewish Archives two years following Mrs. Green's passing.

Administrative History: The Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Toronto was incorporated in Ontario in March 1917 to coordinate the fundraising activities of Jewish charitable, philanthropic, and social service agencies in Toronto. In 1918, ten separate agencies were funded by the FJPT. By 1937, fourteen agencies were funded. The Great Depression of the 1930s and the development of several newer Jewish aid, education and medical care organizations created both increased need for resources and growing competition for ever-more scarce dollars. Within a very few years this funding crisis forced a major review of the organization. During 1936 a series of special meetings of leading individuals were held to examine the income and expenditures of all Toronto Jewish agencies and also to speculate about the need for a new Toronto Jewish "Community Chest" as the sole fund-raising organization for a federation of all Jewish agencies including the FJPT. In 1938, the new United Jewish Welfare Fund was formally constituted. Added to the FJPT's previous list of Toronto client agencies in 1938 were: the Canadian Jewish Congress, the Hebrew National Association, the Jewish Immigrant Aid Association, the Mizrachi Society, the Toronto Free Loan Association, the Geverkshaften, and Old Folks Home, and the United Palestine Appeal, raising the total number of agencies to 22. When the State of Israel was established in 1948, the UJWF's annual fundraising campaign was combined with the CJC's United Palestine appeal to form a new, combined campaign named the United Jewish Appeal (UJA). In 1967, the UJA name was legally changed to the United Jewish Appeal of Metropolitan Toronto. In mid-1976, the organization's public name was changed to the Toronto Jewish Congress. Although initially thought of as a merger between the UJWF and the CJC, the actual result was the expansion of the UJWF responsibilities to include local education and welfare services previously shared with the Canadian Jewish Congress, Central Region. The UJWF, however, remained the legal senior entity. In 1991 the public name was again changed to the Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto and in 1999, to UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. By this date, over 30 beneficiary and affiliated agencies, 49 affiliated schools and five Federation departments were fully or partly funded by the UJA Federation. In June, 2010, the organization altered its legal structure, with the senior legal entity becoming the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

Subjects: Charities; Fund raising

Name Access: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Places: Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Shoel Silver [textual record] – 1979, 1989-2005.

Accession Number: 2018-7-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2018-7-2

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 20 cm of textual records

Date: 1979, 1989-2005

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting Shoel Silver's involvement with various committees, including: Project Renewal, NECHAMA. Keren Hayesod, Israel Center for Treatment of Psychotrauma and The Jewish Agency for Israel, UJA and others. Included are reports, correspondence, proposals, a 1979 edition of the Jewish Standard, first edition of the Children's Newspaper in Kfar Gvirol and assorted research material.

Use Conditions: Conditional Access. Researchers must receive permission from the donor prior to accessing the records. Please contact the OJA for more information.

Descriptive Notes: Language: Most of the items are in English, with some items partially or fully in Hebrew.

Subjects: Charities; Israel

Name Access: Jewish Agency for Israel; Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto; Project Renewal (Israel); Silver, Shoel; Toronto Jewish Congress

Places: Israel; Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Act to End Violence Against Women [textual record, graphic material, multiple media] – 1938-2016.

Accession Number: 2018-7-21

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2018-7-21

Material Format: textual record; graphic material; multiple media

Physical Description: 113 cm of textual and other records; 1 scrapbook

Date: 1938-2016

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting the Act to End Violence Against Women organization. Included are: meeting minutes of the executive board; a ledger containing executive board waivers of notice; meeting minutes and resolutions from the yearly conventions; photographs of Act to End Violence Against Women members; correspondence with other organizations; correspondence, research material, public reactions, and ephemera from various campaigns; a commemorative booklet for a B'nai Brith cantorial concert; a scrapbook on the formation of the B'nai Brith Women Claire Morry Chapter; constitutions, constitutional amendments, reports, budgets, resolutions and other records of Act to End Violence Against Women; member lists and honour roll of past chapters; material and correspondence with B'nai Brith Washington; UJA material concerning assimilation and intermarriage and 2001 Jewish census data results.

Administrative History: The first Canadian chapter of B'nai Brith Women International was formed in Windsor, Ontario in 1923. Other chapters were soon formed throughout Eastern Canada and additional chapters were established in Winnipeg and British Columbia after 1949. The organization was initially administered by the American B'nai Brith Women. In 1976, it finally became autonomous (although still affiliated with the American agency) and changed its name to B'nai Brith Women of Eastern Canada. In 1981, its name was changed again to B'nai Brith Women of Canada. In 1995, the organization became known as Jewish Women International of Canada (JWIC). In November 2011, the organization underwent a final name change to Act to End Violence Against Women.; JWIC is committed to social change, with a particular focus on improving the lives of women and their families. In the 1980s, the agency initiated programs to counter domestic violence and began operating safe housing for Jewish women and children known as ASTEH (Alternative Safe Temporary Emergency Housing). JWIC also runs the JWI Residential Treatment Centre for emotionally disturbed youth.

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

Descriptive Notes: Language note: Material in English, Russian and French.

Subjects: Charities; Family violence; Women

Name Access: Act to End Violence Against Women

Places: Canada

Source: Archival Accessions

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto [textual record] – 2001-2017.

Accession Number: 2018-9-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2018-9-4

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 42 cm of textual records

Date: 2001-2017

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records created and accumulated by Director, Capacity Building for the Social Services Sandi Pelly. Included are: reports, including annual reports; strategic plans; and studies for agencies funded by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Agencies documented in the records include: Bernard Betel Centre, Circle of Care, Chai-Tikvah Foundation, JACS, Jewish Family & Child, JIAS Toronto, JVS Toronto, Kehilla Residential Programme, Reena, and Zareinu Educational Center.

Custodial History: Shortly after Pelly left UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, her records were transferred to the office of Viola Dessanti, vice president of measurement analytics and evaluation. On September 9, 2018 the archivist went through the records, selected those that had archival value, and brought them back to the archives.

Use Conditions: UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.

Subjects: Charities

Name Access: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto [graphic material, architectural drawing, sound recording] – 2002-2011.

Accession Number: 2019-2-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2019-2-4

Material Format: graphic material; architectural drawing; sound recording

Physical Description: ca.15 cm of textual records 5 DVD

Date: 2002-2011

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material created or accumulated by the vice president, strategic community planning and engagement Robin Gofine during her time at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Through her position with the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Robin Gofine was involved in numerous project proposals. The following are documented in this accession: Sorel Etrog Central Square, Dubi Wall Mural, UJA Arts and Culture Mission, Jewish Museum of Toronto, Vaughan Campus, Central Campus Redevelopment, Centre for Canadian Jewish Heritage and Culture, and Sherman Campus.

Subjects: Charities

Name Access: Gofine, Robin; UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Ed Segalowitz [textual record] – 1999-2013.

Accession Number: 2019-3-6

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2019-3-6

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 3 folders

Date: 1999-2013

Scope and Content: Accession consists of correspondence and other material documenting UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and funded agencies including Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (JIAS) and Community Planning and Allocation (CP&A).

Subjects: Charities

Name Access: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto : Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto [textual record] – 2002-2009.

Accession Number: 2019-5-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2019-5-1

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 4 cm of textual records

Date: 2002-2009

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, the endowment development program of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Included are promotional materials, brochures, annual reports, reports to the community, event and exhibit program guides, newsletters and newspaper articles.

Custodial History: These records were transferred to the OJA from the Creative Department.

Use Conditions: UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.

Subjects: Charities

Name Access: Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto; UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Jewish Family and Child [textual record] – 1922–1936.

Accession Number: 2019-11-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2019-11-4

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 3 folders of textual records

Date: 1922–1936

Scope and Content: Accession consists of three Jewish Family and Child case files.

Administrative History: Jewish Family & Child was established in 1943 from the amalgamation of a variety of different social agencies formed as early as 1868. These included the Ladies Benevolent Fund, the Free Burial Society, Jewish Family Welfare Bureau, Jewish Children’s Bureau, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the Ladies Maternal Aid Society. Much of its funding and support after its inception came from the United Jewish Welfare Fund.; The first executive director of the agency was Dora Wilensky. She was a trained social worker who served for twenty-eight years, until her untimely death from cancer in 1959. Jerome Diamond took over in 1960 and Gordon Wolfe succeeded him in 1981. Ron Levin briefly replaced Wolfe after his retirement in 2003, and was succeeded in 2006 by Dr. Richard Cummings who then retired in 2015. As of 2017, Brian Prousky is the organization’s current executive director.; During the early years, fees were established, but the agency never refused to assist clients because of their inability to pay. JF&CS became one of the first agencies to rely on trained social workers. It was also the first social agency in Canada to become unionized.; Over the years the agency’s role has changed and it has expanded significantly, in terms of its staff and services. After the Second World War it played a pivotal role supporting the Holocaust orphans who came to Canada as refugees, particularly in the area of locating foster parents for these children. By 1957, the agency hired its first counsellor and became a member of the United Community Fund of Greater Toronto. The year 1968 marked the start of JF&CS’ new program involving the use of a mobile treatment centre to reach out to Jewish street kids and in 1974 they established the Jerome D. Diamond Adolescent Centre.; In 1981, JF&CS was mandated by the Province of Ontario as a Jewish children’s aid society responsible for the care and protection of all Jewish youth in the GTA. In 1983 they established the Just-A-Second Shop at 3101 Bathurst Street, which took in used goods from the community to pass on to needy families. Two years later they established the Henry G. Goodman Home for developmentally handicapped children on Wilmington Avenue. The following year marked the opening of the Elm Ridge Group Living Residence for elderly people. In 1988, they opened a special shelter for abused women and children, and in 1994, they introduced their Homework Club for kids.; The current mission of Jewish Family & Child is to support the healthy development of individuals, children, families, and communities through prevention, protection, counselling, education, and advocacy services, within the context of Jewish values. Their services include counselling, rehabilitation and support, foster care, family services, and community services. These services are offered in a host of different languages including Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, French, and English.; JF&CS is an independent organization that receives its funding from a variety of different sources such as UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, United Way Toronto and York Region, the Government of Ontario, and individual donations.; As of 2017, JF&CS has nearly 130 staff providing more than thirty community services with a budget of almost $20 million. Their main office is located in the Lipa Green Centre for Community Services at 4600 Bathurst Street. They also maintain offices and run services out of their downtown branch at 35 Madison Avenue, their York Region branch inside UJA’s 1 Open Door at the Lebovic JCC, and their Jerome D. Diamond Adolescent Centre in midtown Toronto.

Use Conditions: Conditional Access. Researchers must receive permission from the donor prior to accessing the records. Please contact the OJA for more information.

Subjects: Charities

Name Access: Jewish Family and Child

Places: Canada

Source: Archival Accessions

Jewish Community Services buildings, 150 Beverley Street, Toronto [graphic material] – 1980.

Level: Item

ID: Item 3575

Source: Archival Descriptions

Level: Item

Item: 3575

Material Format: graphic material

Date: 1980

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Scope and Content: Item is an interior photograph of the offices of Jewish Community Services buildings located at 150 Beverley Street, Toronto.

Notes: Graphic Artists.; Acquired 1983.

Subjects: Architecture; Charities

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

Source: Archival Descriptions

Jewish Community Services buildings, 150 Beverley Street, Toronto [graphic material] – 1980.

Level: Item

ID: Item 3576

Source: Archival Descriptions

Level: Item

Item: 3576

Material Format: graphic material

Date: 1980

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Scope and Content: Item is an interior photograph of the offices of Jewish Community Services buildings located at 150 Beverley Street, Toronto.

Notes: Graphic Artists.; Acquired 1983.

Subjects: Architecture; Charities

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

Source: Archival Descriptions

Jewish Community Services building, 150 Beverley Street, Toronto, board rooms [graphic material] – 1980.

Level: Item

ID: Item 3578

Source: Archival Descriptions

Level: Item

Item: 3578

Material Format: graphic material

Date: 1980

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Scope and Content: Item is a photograph of the boardroom at 150 Beverley St.

Notes: Graphic Artists; Acquired 1983

Subjects: Architecture; Charities

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

Source: Archival Descriptions

Card issued by Toronto conference for the Jewish war victims, announcing "Orphans Day" on first Yahrtzeit of Y.L. Peretz [graphic material] – 1916.

Level: Item

ID: Item 2476

Source: Archival Descriptions

Level: Item

Item: 2476

Material Format: graphic material

Date: 1916

Physical Description: 2 photographs : b&w (1 negative)

Admin History/Bio: Yahrtzeit card refers to Peretz’s communal work during WWI: "At the outbreak of World War I, Peretz threw himself into relief work. He helped establish a Jewish orphanage and wrote poems for children, one of which lay unfinished when he died of a heart attack on ol ha-mo‘ed (intermediate days of) Passover (3 April).” Source: https://yivoencyclopedia.org/article.aspx/Peretz_Yitskhok_Leybush

Scope and Content: English translation of Yiddish languae Yahrtzeit card issued by Toronto Confrence of War victims announcing Orphans day is as follows: ORPHANS DAY, Toronto Conference for War Victims, photo of Y.L. Peretz,To honour the first yortsayt of the great poet, Y.L. PERETZ, Who fell in the service of Jewish war orphans, Compliments of the Dworkin Brothers.

Notes: From the Seymour and Abi Shatz Collection.

Name Access: Peretz, I. L.

Subjects: Charities; Orphans; War victims

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: 1980-12-2

Source: Archival Descriptions