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Morris Lofsky scrapbook [textual record] – 1930-1955.

Accession Number: 1988-4-8

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1988-4-8

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 scrapbook

Date: 1930-1955

Scope and Content: Accession consists of a scrapbook created by Morris Lofsky. The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings of Zionist and labour materials. Of particular note is a stop-work broadside featuring information about the march and demonstration at Queen's Park from 1933 in protest of the pogroms of German Jews leading up to the Second World War. There are also several strike notices from the furrier, dressmakers, and other unions.

Administrative History: Morris Lofsky lived with his family in the downtown Kengsington market area of Toronto. He worked as a fur worker and was an active member of the Jewish community.

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: Demonstrations; Labor; Zionism

Places: Queen's Park (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Raxlen family [multiple media] – [192-?]-1975.

Accession Number: 2003-5-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2003-5-5

Material Format: multiple media

Date: [192-?]-1975

Scope and Content: The records in this accession document the Raxlen family and the Raxlen Clinic and Doctor's Hospital that was set up by the Raxlen brothers. The records also include personal correspondence between Katie Cherney and her mother, family photographs, greeting cards, press clippings and a booklet of articles written by Rabbi Fine of Peterborough. This booklet includes translated documents that he produced as rabbi from 1926 to 1934. Finally, there are three historic postcards documenting Holy Blossom's building on Bond Street, Jarvis Collegiate, and the Doctor's Hospital

Custodial History: Records were collected by Karen Fejer, the daughter of Alexander Raxlen.

Administrative History: The Raxlen brothers were born in Toronto in Cabbagetown, where their father operated a grocery store. The four brothers were Saul, Benjamin, Alexander, and Sam. All of the brothers graduated in medicine during the 1930s, except for Sam, who became a dentist. Together, they opened up the Raxlen Clinic in 1937, which was located on Carleton Street.; In 1953, the brothers opened their own private hospital, the Doctor's Hospital, which was located on Brunswick Avenue. The hospital started in a ninety-year-old building that was owned by a religious order. The brothers modernized and expanded it from a facility accomodating 59 patients to one that could hold up to 168 beds by 1955. It soon became the largest privately-held, non-profit hospital in North America. By the time the brothers sold it during the late 1970s, it had 554 full-time staff and five hundred hospital beds.; The other family documented in this accession is the Cherney family from Peterborough. The patriarch and matriarch were Abraham and B. Cherney. They had two children, Katie ("Kaye") and Meyer. Abraham and B. divorced, and Abraham remarried and had three more kids: Harry, Helen, and Louis. The family remained in Peterbough, but the ex-wife moved to Toronto. Kaye married Dr. Alexander Raxlen, and they had three children. Karen Fejer, their daughter, is the donor.

Use Conditions: Correspondence is restricted. Researchers must contact donor for permission to access them. The rest of the collection is open.

Descriptive Notes: Restrictions on access, use, reproduction, and publication: Some of the photographs are the property of the City of Toronto Archives.

Subjects: Families; Hospitals; Rabbis

Name Access: Doctor's Hospital (Toronto, Ont.); Fine, Abraham

Places: Peterborough (Ont.); Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Anshel Wise [textual record] – 1923-1971.

Accession Number: 1991-1-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1991-1-3

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 12 cm of mainly textual material

Date: 1923-1971

Scope and Content: Accession consists of materials created by Anshel Wise which document his family and travel business. It consists of genealogical information on his family, two ledgers from his business which document transactions and shipping dates, one scribbler which includes information on steamship sailings, one blank letterhead with his company's logo, and a photograph of his fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Administrative History: Anshel Wise emigrated from Poland in 1910 and established his home in Toronto. He opened up a cigar store on Dundas street, which later turned into a travel agency called A. Wise Travel Bureau.; During the course of his career, Anshel helped bring in hundreds of Jews from Europe, primarily Poland using the shipping lines. He spoke many languages and was able to assist the community by providing advice and services in this area. Later in his career after the establishment of the welfare state, he began helping residents of the St. John's Ward by providing advice, finding the required documents that they needed and helping them apply for retirement benefits.

Subjects: Business; Immigrants--Canada

Name Access: Wise, Anshel

Source: Archival Accessions

David Waserman [textual record] – 1928-1929.

Accession Number: 1981-4-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1981-4-5

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 2 folders of textual records

Date: 1928-1929

Scope and Content: Accession consists of David Waserman's Polish passport, Canadian immigration identification card stamped at Halifax upon his arrival on the Megantic, two copies of his birth certificate, a Polish police clearance document, and an army service book. There is also a Polish passport for Syma Nachsztern and her immigration identification card stamped upon arrival on the SS United States.

MG_RG: MG1

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada

Name Access: Waserman, David

Places: Canada; Poland

Source: Archival Accessions

Toronto Jewish Medical Association and Mount Sinai Hospital [textual record] – 1925-1960.

Accession Number: 1976-10-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1976-10-3

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 26 cm of textual records and graphic material

Date: 1925-1960

Scope and Content: Accession consists of: Toronto Jewish Medical Association minute book (1925–1936); minutes, clinical records, research papers and other records of the Mount Sinai Clinical Association (1932–1953); Mount Sinai Hospital medical staff minute book (1943–1953); a copy of Dr David Eisen's publication "Toronto's Jewish doctors" (1960); and a photograph of the installation of officers of the Mt. Sinai Hospital Clinical Society (1939).

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

Descriptive Notes: Availability of other formats: Dr. Eisen's "Toronto's Jewish Doctors" publication has been digitized and is available as a PDF file. The photograph of the officers' installation has also been digitized and is available as a JPEG image.

Subjects: Hospitals; Physicians

Name Access: Eisen, David; Pollock, Ira; Mount Sinai Hospital; Toronto Jewish Medical Association

Source: Archival Accessions

Joseph Kalman Wainryb [graphic material, textual record] – 1921.

Accession Number: 1979-12-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1979-12-5

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 4 cm

Date: 1921

Scope and Content: Accession consists of documents and a passport photograph pertaining to the immigration of Joseph Kalman Wainryb (Wajnryb) age 17 from Warsaw, Poland to Toronto in 1921.These include his passport, legal and medical certificates, and ship's cabin and landing cards.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada

Name Access: Wainryb, Joseph Kalman

Source: Archival Accessions

New Canadians from the Soviet Union Inc. [textual record] – 1977-1978.

Accession Number: 1979-9-28

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1979-9-28

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 5 cm of textual records

Date: 1977-1978

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material created by the New Canadians from the Soviet Union Inc. This includes a photocopy of the organization's by-laws and letters patent, newsclippings, event programs and invitations, meeting minutes, and correspondence and bulletins from various organizations concerned with Russian Jewry.

Descriptive Notes: Language: A majority of the records are in Russian.

MG_RG: MG2 B1z

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Jews--Soviet Union

Source: Archival Accessions

Jack Shindman [sound recording, textual record] – 1977.

Accession Number: 1983-1-10

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1983-1-10

Material Format: sound recording; textual record

Physical Description: 2 audio cassettes; 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1977

Scope and Content: Accession consists of an interview and corresponding transcript, with Jack Shindman, past-president of JIAS, on immigration and his family.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families; Nonprofit organizations

Name Access: Shindman, Jack; Drutz, Danny; Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (Toronto, Ont.)

Places: Rovno, Ukraine; Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Chaim Weizmann at rally at Varsity Stadium, Toronto – [ca. 1939].

Accession Number: 2004-9-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2004-9-1

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

Date: [ca. 1939]

Scope and Content: This accession consists of one black-and-white original photograph depicting Chaim Weizmann speaking at a rally in Toronto at Varsity Stadium on Bloor Street. Pictured from left to right are: Rabbi Samuel Sachs, J. J. Glass, Chaim Weizman, David Dunkelman. The photo was taken by Mel Hundert (the donor), who was present at the rally

Custodial History: Photo was kept by donor

Subjects: Demonstrations

Name Access: Weizmann, Chaim.; Glass, J.J.; Dunkelman, David.; Sachs, Samuel, Rabbi

Places: Bloor Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Canada (Central Region) [textual record] – 2 May 1976.

Accession Number: 1979-9-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1979-9-5

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 2 May 1976

Scope and Content: Accession consists of one booklet for the annual meeting of the Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Canada, Central Region held at Temple Sinai with guest speaker Mr. Gaynor Jacobson, executive vice-president of HIAS.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada

Name Access: Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (Toronto, Ont.); Jacobson, Gaynor; Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto

Places: Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Joe Krapivka [textual record] – 1911.

Accession Number: 1979-9-29

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1979-9-29

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1911

Scope and Content: Accession consists of one original and one photocopy of Joe Krapivka's naturalization certificate. According to the certificate, Joe immigrated from Russia and became a restaurant keeper in Toronto.

MG_RG: MG1 A1

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Restaurants

Name Access: Krapivka, Joe

Source: Archival Accessions

Mount Sinai Hospital Highlights [textual record] – 1978–1979.

Accession Number: 1979-12-13

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 1979-12-13

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 5 newsletters

Date: 1978–1979

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting Mount Sinai Hospital. Included are issues of Highlights for February 1978, June 1978, October 1978, April 1979, and November 1979.

MG_RG: MG2 01c

Subjects: Hospitals

Name Access: Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto, Ont.)

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Rabbi Gringorten [graphic material] – [between 1940 and 1947].

Accession Number: 2008-11-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2008-11-3

Material Format: graphic material

Physical Description: 2 photographs : b&w and sepia ; 21 x 26 cm

Date: [between 1940 and 1947]

Scope and Content: The accession consists of two photographs of Reverend Saul Wolf Gringorten and his wife Rachel.

Administrative History: Saul Wolf Gringorten and his wife Rachel Gringorten (née Melnick) were born in Poland in 1876 and 1881 respectively. They moved to Canada in 1910 with their eldest child. They subsequently had five more after their arrival.Their children included Morris, Jennie, Jacob, Esther, Louis, and Isaac.; Rabbi Gringorten served as spiritual leader, teacher, shochet, and mohel for the Brantford Jewish community after his arrival for thirteen years. He then moved to Toronto during the early 1920s and became the principal of a Jewish school. The family lived at 26 Cecil Street at that time and then moved to 393 Markham Street during the late 1920s or early 1930s. He became active in the Jewish community, serving as vice-president of the Sons of Jacob, a board member of the Folks Fareign, and the first trustee of the Old Folks Home.; Rabbi Gringorten and his wife moved to California during the 1940s in order to live in a climate that was better for their health. Rachel passed away in 1947, and the rabbi followed in 1959.

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: Immigrants--Canada; Portraits; Rabbis

Name Access: Gringorten, Saul, Rabbi, 1876-1959

Source: Archival Accessions

Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (JIAS) Canada [textual record] – 1980.

Accession Number: 2009-3-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2009-3-5

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1980

Scope and Content: Accession consists of a report prepared by JIAS Canada detailing the situation of recent immigrant arrivals to various small communities in Ontario. The communities discussed are Cambridge, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Ottawa, St. Catharines and Windsor.

Custodial History: The custodial history for this item is unknown. The accession number has been assigned by the assistant archivist.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Communities

Name Access: Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (Toronto, Ont.)

Places: Cambridge (Ont.); Hamilton (Ont.); Kitchener (Ont.); London (Ont.); Ottawa (Ont.); St. Catharines (Ont.); Windsor (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Mount Sinai Hospital [graphic material] – 2006.

Accession Number: 2009-3-6

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2009-3-6

Material Format: graphic material

Physical Description: 2 photographs : col. ; 10 x 13 cm

Date: 2006

Scope and Content: This accession consists of two photographs taken by Judith Ghert of the former Mount Sinai Hospital facade on Yorkville Ave. The facade was saved from demolition, moved back from the sidewalk and is now being incorporated into a new condo development on the site that will feature retail space on the ground level.

Subjects: Hospitals

Name Access: Ghert, Judith; Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Eve Rosen Gordon (Kitchener, ON) [graphic material (electronic)] – 1926.

Accession Number: 2009-6-9

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2009-6-9

Material Format: graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 1 photograph (jpg)

Date: 1926

Scope and Content: Accession consists of one scanned family photograph of Eve's family shortly before their emigration from Russia to Canada.; Back row, left to right: Raizel Rosen, Yisroel Rosen. Front, left to right: Pesa Rosen holding Edith Rosen, Eve Rosen and Avraham Rosen.

Administrative History: Eve Rosen Gordon was born in Russia in 1923. When she was three years old, her parents and paternal grandparents came to Canada with Eve's sister and brother. Her uncle Aaron Rosen had been in Kitchener, Ontario since 1903. His business was scrap metal, and Eve's father joined him in the work to pay off their tickets from Russia. Following that, he peddled with a horse and buggy. In 1933 he launched his own business, clearing and filling the swampy land by hand to build a multi-generation business, Rosen and Sons, which eventually moved into industrial waste.

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: Families; Immigrants--Canada

Places: Kitchener (Ont.); Russia

Source: Archival Accessions

Eve Rosen Gordon (Kitchener, ON) [graphic material (electronic)] – 1931.

Accession Number: 2009-8-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2009-8-5

Material Format: graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 1 photograph (jpg)

Date: 1931

Scope and Content: Accession consists of one scanned photograph of Beth Jacob Synagogue in Kitchener with Avraham Rosen on the steps.

Administrative History: Avraham Rosen was the patriarch of a Russian family that settled in Kitchener in the early twentieth century. His son Aaron Rosen came in 1903, raised a family, and established a successful rag and scrap metal business. Avraham and his wife Pesa came with their son Israel and his family in 1927. Avraham Rosen lived in Kitchener until his death in 1939. Israel's daughter Eve (the donor) still lives there.

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: Immigrants--Canada; Synagogues

Name Access: Beth Jacob Congregation (Kitchener, Ont.)

Places: Kitchener (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Dr. Rolf Lederer [textual record] – 1970-1997.

Accession Number: 2010-11-16

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2010-11-16

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 45 cm of textual records

Date: 1970-1997

Scope and Content: This accession consists of records related to Rolf Lederer's role with the Canadian Jewish Congress' Chaplaincy Services Committee, JIAS, and Congregation B'nai Torah. The records include meeting minutes and agendas, correspondence, reports, financial records, bulletins, invitations, and pamphlets, In addition, there is one document that lists the founders of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto.

Custodial History: The records were in the possession of Rolf Lederer until they were donated to the Archives on 22 November 2010.

Administrative History: Dr. Rolf Lederer was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1934. His family immigrated to South Africa in 1936 and Rolf remained there until 1961, earning his medical degree from Cape Town University. After completing his psychiatric training in Edinburgh and Boston, Rolf settled in Toronto in 1968. There he set up private practice as a General Psychiatrist.; After moving to Toronto, Rolf became actively involved in the Jewish community and served on a number of committees. He was on both the local and national board of directors of the Jewish Immigrant Aid Society (JIAS) as well as a number of JIAS sub-committees, including the South African Jewish Association of Canada (SAJAC), the Local Case File Committee and the Management Committee.; From 1985 to 1988 Rolf was chairman of the Canadian Jewish Congress’s (CJC) Chaplaincy Services Committee. He was also a member of other CJC committees; including, the Jewish Cultural Council and the Joint Adult Education Committee. In addition, Rolf co-founded the Jewish Genealogical Society (JGS) in 1985 and served as the society’s president from 1987 to 1991. Finally, he was an active member of B’nai Torah Congregation, serving as secretary and first vice-president in the early 1980s

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

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Lederer, Rolf, 1934-

Source: Archival Accessions

Rolf Lederer [textual record, graphic material] – 1980-2000, predominant 1980-1990.

Accession Number: 2011-6-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2011-6-4

Material Format: textual record; graphic material

Physical Description: ca. 25 cm of textual records; 1 photograph

Date: 1980-2000, predominant 1980-1990

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records documenting Rolf Lederer's involvement with JIAS, the Canadian Jewish Congress's Chaplaincy Services Committee, the Toronto Jewish Congress Ontario Region Archives Committee, SAJAC, and the Jewish Genealogical Society. JIAS records make up the bulk of the accession and include; statistical reports; meeting notices; agendas and minutes for various committees, such as the Executive Committee, Immigrant Case Committee, Integration Committee and the Board of Directors; newsclippings, correspondence, programmes, reports, JIAS Information bulletins, and JIAS News newsletters.; Chaplaincy records include meeting notices, agendas and minutes, bulletins, invitations, brochures, and general correspondence. JGS records include one photograph of a plaque awarded to the agency and correspondence regarding its cemetery project. Archives Committee records include event invitations, correspondence, and documents related to the Sense of Spadina tour. Finally, accession also consists of SAJAC News publications (1989), correspondence with the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists and a Congregation B'nai Torah dedication banquet programme (1984).

Custodial History: The records were in the possession of Rolf Lederer until he donated them to the OJA on June 22, 2011.

Administrative History: Dr. Rolf Lederer was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1934. His family immigrated to South Africa in 1936 and Rolf remained there until 1961, earning his medical degree from Cape Town University. After completing his psychiatric training in Edinburgh and Boston, Rolf settled in Toronto in 1968. There he set up private practice as a General Psychiatrist.; After moving to Toronto, Rolf became actively involved in the Jewish community and served on a number of committees. He was on both the local and national board of directors of the Jewish Immigrant Aid Society (JIAS) as well as a number of JIAS sub-committees, including the South African Jewish Association of Canada (SAJAC), the Local Case File Committee and the Management Committee.; From 1985 to 1988 Rolf was chairman of the Canadian Jewish Congress’s (CJC) Chaplaincy Services Committee. He was also a member of other CJC committees; including, the Jewish Cultural Council and the Joint Adult Education Committee. In addition, Rolf co-founded the Jewish Genealogical Society (JGS) in 1985 and served as the society’s president from 1987 to 1991. Finally, he was an active member of B’nai Torah Congregation, serving as secretary and first vice-president in the early 1980s

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Lederer, Rolf, 1934-; Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Toronto; Southern African Jewish Association of Canada; Canadian Jewish Congress. Ontario Region; Ontario Jewish Archives

Places: Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Dr. Stephen Speisman interview [moving images] – July 1985.

Accession Number: 2011-4-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2011-4-3

Material Format: moving images

Physical Description: 1 DVD

Date: July 1985

Scope and Content: Accession consists of one DVD copy of a July 1985 interview of Dr. Stephen Speisman by the donor, recorded at the TJC Archives. Dr. Speisman discusses his family's connections with the Gold family because of their common background in Ostrow, Poland. He also talks about the socialist views of many Jewish immigrants, the factors influencing their desire to emigrate in the First World War era, their early experiences learning English, the reasons for Anglicizing their names, and the cultural values that Polish Jews brought to Canadian life.

Custodial History: DVD copy created from original videocassette created by the donor.

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

Descriptive Notes: Use Conditions: Any re-use requires written permission of the donor.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families; Socialism

Name Access: Speisman, Stephen A., 1943-

Source: Archival Accessions

Bella Wilder [graphic material, textual record] – 1919-1939, [ca. 2005].

Accession Number: 2013-3-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2013-3-1

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: ca. 71 photographs; 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1919-1939, [ca. 2005]

Scope and Content: Accession consists primarily of photographs documenting the early life of Bella Wilder (née Goldbach) and her family in Poland. Included are images of Bella with her siblings and friends, group photos of Bella at her Jewish school in Poland, a group image of Victor in the Polish army, and other photographs of Bella's family and friends. Also included are two family histories documenting the story of Bella's mother, Shifra Frimeth Goldbach, and the story of Max and Bella Wilder, which was written by their granddaughter Sandee Sharpe. Of particular note is a 1925 school photograph of the Workers Evening School in Opatow (?), which has Yiddish writing suggesting that the school may have received aid from an organization referred to as "Gives Relief" in Toronto.

Custodial History: The records were originally donated to the Jewish Genealogical Society of Canada (Toronto section) by Bella's daughter Ann Sharpe. JGS Toronto donated the material to the OJA a few months later with her consent.

Administrative History: Bella (nee Goldbach) Wilder was born on May 12, 1910 in Opatow, Poland to Chaim Shlomo Goldbach and Shifra Frimeth Schatz Goldbach. Bella's older brothers, Victor, Jack and Hymie began immigrating to Toronto in the 1920s and had saved enough money by 1936 to bring Bella and her mother to Toronto. After arriving in Toronto Bella found work sewing in a factory.; Bella married Max Wilder on September 29, 1939. Max worked at Superior Men's Tailoring where he sewed zippers into men's pants. They had two children together: Ann (born 5 April 1940, married Norman Sharpe) and Stan (born 21 Jan. 1945, died June 1974). Max passed away in 1999 and Bella passed away in 2002.

Descriptive Notes: Availability of other formats: Photographs have been digitized and are available as digital images.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families

Name Access: Goldbach, Shifra; Sharpe, Ann; Wilder, Bella, 1910-2002; Wilder, Max, ?-1999

Places: Poland; Toronto (Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Harry Culiner interview [sound recording (electronic)] – 1975-[ca. 1982].

Accession Number: 2014-3-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2014-3-2

Material Format: sound recording (electronic)

Physical Description: 1 audio recording : mp3

Date: 1975-[ca. 1982]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of one audio recording of an oral history interview conducted by Mike Culiner with his father Harry Culiner. The interview was conducted in San Francisco in the early 1980s. In the interview Harry describes his early life in Russia and in the Russian army, his immigration to Canada and early life here.

Custodial History: The original cassette tapes are in the possession of Jill Culiner, the granddaughter of Harry and niece of Mike. Jill is the daughter of Jack Culiner. She digitized the cassette tape and brought the digitial file into us.

Administrative History: Harry was born around 1885 in Privitnoye (Russia). Around 1904 he went into the Russian army and soon after immigrated to Ontario. He initially worked on the railway in South Porcupine and Cochrane. Around 1918 he moved to St. Catharines and eventually moved from there to the Junction area of Toronto. He opened a menswear shop at 2996 Dundas Street West and lived above the shop. He married Milder Culiner and they had four children together: Alex (b. 1911), Jack (or John) (1913-2013), Norman (b. around 1915), and Mike (b. around 1917). Harry passed away in 1985 or 1986.

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

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada

Name Access: Culiner, Harry

Places: Russia; South Porcupine, Ont.; Cochrane, Ont.; Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

We Are Our Brother's Keeper [moving images] – [ca. 1980].

Accession Number: 2014-12-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2014-12-2

Material Format: moving images

Physical Description: 1 film reel (ca. 22 min.) : 16mm; 1 videocassette

Date: [ca. 1980]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of one film reel and one videocassette copy of the JIAS film entitled "We Are Our Brother's Keeper".

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Nonprofit organizations

Name Access: Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Smith family [textual record] – 1930-1965.

Accession Number: 2014-1-17

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2014-1-17

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1930-1965

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual records documenting the immigration and settlement of Max Smith (Szmidt, Szmit, Szmita) and Pearl (nee Apelbaum?) Smith and their family. Included are Polish identification papers and correspondence with Canadian immigration officials. Also included is correspondence relating to Alexander Najmanowicz.

Custodial History: The records were found by UJA Federation employee Leanne Campbell while she was cleaning out her office for a move. She believes the records belonged to someone who had her office before her. The original owner/source of the records is unknown.

Use Conditions: Closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director prior to accessing the records.

Descriptive Notes: Language note: Polish and English.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada

Name Access: Smith, Max; Smith, Pearl

Places: Toronto, Ont.; Poland

Source: Archival Accessions

Norman Hersch [graphic material, textual record] – 1920-1980.

Accession Number: 2015-3-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-3-2

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: ca. 100 photographs; 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1920-1980

Scope and Content: Accession consists of photographs of the Hersch family, a screenplay by Phillip Hersch, school certificates from Landsdowne School, Canadian naturalization certificates, thank you notes, a New Year's greeting card, and a Polish passport. Included are photographs of weddings, Europe vacations, class photos, houses in Toronto, bar mitzvah, Niagara falls, Channukah, Farms, studio sets, the beach, and snow scenes.

Custodial History: The records were in the possession of Norman Hersch until his death in the mid-1980s, at which point the donor took possession of the records and stored them until donating them to the OJA in March 2015.

Administrative History: Norman Hersch was a special effects technician for the CBC from the early 1950s until his retirement in the mid-1980s. He was married to a French woman from Western Canada named Margaret. He is buried in the Mount Albert area with his wife. He served in the Canadian military during the Second World War and graduated from Central Technical School upon his return. In later years, he started P & M Display in Yorkville. Norman's older brother Phillip was a screenwriter in Toronto. He wrote the CBC series Wojek. Their mother Lily (Polish) volunteered at Mount Sinai Hospital. Their father Alexander (Romanian) worked in stainless steel manufacturing. They lived around Cecil Street. Doug Wardle was a friend and colleague of Hersch's at CBC in the Special Effects Department.

Subjects: Bar mitzvah; Immigrants--Canada; Families

Name Access: Hersch, Norman

Source: Archival Accessions

Denise Rootenberg [textual record] – [ca. 1960]-1999.

Accession Number: 2015-2-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-2-4

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: [ca. 1960]-1999

Scope and Content: Accession consists of Jewish cookbooks from South Africa and Zimbabwe that were collected and used by Denise Rootenberg and her mother Celia. Included are the following cookbooks: "The Traditional Sephardi recipe book" (cookbook by the Sephardic community in Zimbabwe), "Cooking With Confidence" (South African), "Cavalcade Golden Jubilee" (Zimbabwe), and "The Ambuya Nompi Smith Cookbook". Accession also includes two letters written to Denise from her mother-in-law shortly after her immigration to Canada in 1989. One letter includes a recipe.

Administrative History: Denise Rootenberg was born in 1958 in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) to Celia (nee Hofstein) and Harold Sydney Abrahamson. Her parents had both grown up in South Africa but moved to Rhodesia soon after they married. Harold was a pharmacist and Celia taught commercial subjects at a technical college. Denise moved to Cape Town to go the University of Cape Town. She married Lanny Rootenberg in 1981 and they had one son, Mark, born in 1988. Denise and Lanny moved to Toronto in 1989. Lanny's brother was already living here. They struggled initially, but Lanny eventually found work in customer relations management at Price Waterhouse and Denise initially found secretarial work. Denise eventually became an editorial assistant for the Financial Post. She currently does freelance writing for the web.

Subjects: Community cookbooks; Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Rootenberg, Denise

Places: Zimbabwe; Cape Town

Source: Archival Accessions

Levine family [graphic material (electronic)] – [between 1914 and 1916?], 1986-1998.

Accession Number: 2015-3-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-3-3

Material Format: graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 34 photographs (tiff)

Date: [between 1914 and 1916?], 1986-1998

Scope and Content: Accssion consists of photographs documenting the Levine family's immigration to Canada and activities in Saskatchewan and Ontario. Included are images of Mark and Bev during their first few years in Melford, Saskatchewan; family holiday celebrations (Hanukkah and Passover dinners); Shabbat dinners; the Edenbridge synagogue; trips to Niagara Falls; and images taken during trips Elfreda and Alec made to Canada from South Africa to visit Mark. Of note are images taken of Mark and Bev with other South African immigrants at a ski hill in Saskatchewan and at Shabbat dinners in Melford. Also included is a Sweiden family portrait taken in South Africa in the early 1900s.; Photo Captions: 001: Romi’s birthday party at Green Lane school, [1993?]. 002: Isaac (Mark’s father-in-law), Mark and Romi in Toronto, [1991?] 003: Sweiden family portrait taken in South Africa, [between 1914 and 1916?]. Back row (left to right) Dora, Israel. Front row (left to right): Fanny, Becky, and Harry. 004: First Friday night that Elfreda and Alec were in Melford to visit son and daughter-in-law, Aug. 1987. At a Shabbat dinner with six other South African doctors who were in Melford. 005: Pesach dinner in Toronto at the Levine’s, [1993?]. Man on right is Robert Kahn (pharmacist), woman is Ruth Falkstein. Man on left is Sydney Flax (optometrist). Romi is seated at table. 006: First Friday after the birth of Jade, McKee Ave., Toronto, 1998. 007: First Friday night that Elfreda and Alec were in Melford to visit son and daughter-in-law, Aug. 1987. Shabbat with six other South African doctors who were in Melford. 008: Mark at a local ski hill, [1986 or 1987]. Inscription on back of photo reads “Mark in his ski-ing regalia proving he does know how to ski” 009: Mark and Bev standing on the middle of a frozen lake in Melford, Saskatchewan, [1986 or 1987] 010-011: Seder at the Silberbergs 012: Mark and Bev’s flat in Melford (bottom-right apartment), [1987?] 013-014: Group of South African doctors and their wives at a South African party at the local ski hill in Melford, [between 1986-1988]. 015: Mark in Niagara Falls, [ca. 1987]. 016: Mark and Bev at Saskatchewan hospital with newborn daughter Romi, 1987. 017: Mark, Bev, Romi, 1987. 018-023: Shul in Edenbridge, Saskatchewan, Aug. 1987. 024: Jewish cemetery in Edenbridge, Saskatchewan, Aug. 1987. 025-026: Interior of Shul in Edenbridge, Saskatchewan, Aug. 1987. 027:First Friday night that Elfreda and Alec were in Melford to visit son and daughter-in-law, Aug. 1987. Shabbat with six other South African doctors who were in Melford.

Administrative History: Leible and Esther Sweiden moved from Lithuania to Capetown in 1890. Leible's brother, Jacob followed him to Capetown around 1902. In 1906, Jacob and his wife Fanny (nee Vickers) immigrated with a small group of other Jewish South Africans to Edenbridge, Saskatchewan. Leible remained in South Africa. Leible's son Israel married Edith (Eadie) in 1934. Israel and Edith's daughter Elfreda (b. 1936) married Alec Levine in 1958. Elfreda was a bookkeeper for various companies and Alec worked for his family's plumbing business. They had three children together: Mark (b. 1959), Carol (b. 1962), and Adrian ( b. 1966).; Mark Levine married Beverley in 1983. They immigrated to Melford, Saskatchewan in 1986. Mark did not know at the time that his great grandfather's brother had immigrated to a nearby area decades earlier and only learned of his story and the Edenbridge Jewish community soon after arriving there. Mark worked as a physician at a local hospital. Beverley had been a pharmacist in South Africa, however, her qualifications were not recognized in Canada and she focused on raising her family. Mark and Bev's daughter, Romi, was born in August 1987. After 18 months in Melford, they moved to Toronto after Mark found work as a pediatric anesiologist at Sick Kids Hospital. In 1998, thier second daughter, Jade, was born. Mark's parents, Elfreda and Alec, immigrated to Toronto in 1999. Mark and other relatives encouraged them to immigrate due to the increasingly dangerous political situation in South Africa. Mark is also an assoicate professor at the University of Toronto. Alec and Elfreda's daughter Carol lives in England and their son Adrian remains in South Africa.

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: Families; Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Levine, Mark

Source: Archival Accessions

Baskind family [textual record, graphic material, graphic material (electronic)] – 1957-2015, predominant 1987-2015.

Accession Number: 2015-2-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-2-5

Material Format: textual record; graphic material; graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 2 folders of textual records; 10 photographs; 21 photographs (tiff)

Date: 1957-2015, predominant 1987-2015

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the activities of Colin and Brenda Baskind. Included are family photographs, such as a wedding portrait of Colin and Brenda, images of family events, graduation portraits of Colin's children, family holiday celebrations, Colin and Brenda running marathons, and the family at a baby naming ceremony for Colin's granddaughter at Darchei Noam Synanagoue. Textual records include thank you letters Colin received from individuals he assisted as President of SAJAC and in other capacities, the CV that Colin used to look for work in Toronto while preparing to immigrate from South Africa, a speech Brenda delivered to a cancer support group regarding her fight with breast cancer and marathon running, newsclippings, certificates, and letters of reference for both Colin and Brenda.; Identified in the photographs are: Colin Baskind, Brenda Baskind, Alan Sandler, Ian Sandler, Lorraine Sandler, Cliff Baskind, Stacey Baskind, Audrey Weinberg, Gerald Weinberg, Solly Simmons, Renee Simmons, Lily Shaie Baskind, Alana Baskind, and Refton Blair.

Administrative History: Colin Baskind was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 20, 1943. As a child, he attended an all boys' school and played a wide variety of sports including, soccer, cricket and rugby. He studied commerce at the University of South Africa and completed a business course through a school in England. While in school he met his future wife, Brenda, on a blind date and they married in 1967. Together they had three children: Stacey, Alana and Cliff.; Colin worked in an import business and Brenda was a nursery school teacher. For a short period of time they cared for the nephew of their maid, whose daughter gave birth at a young age and was still in school. They raised him with their children until his mother was finished school.; Around 1976, Colin and Brenda started to think about leaving South Africa due to the worsening violence and political situation. After first considering Australia, they eventually immigrated to Toronto in 1987. Colin found work in the importing business and Brenda found work at Holy Blossom Temple school. Soon after arriving in Toronto, Colin became involved in the Southern African Jewish Association of Canada. He attended a meeting that had been called to resuscitate SAJAC (the organization, which was formed in 1977, had ceased functioning and there was a need to bring it back to help a new large wave of immigrants). At the meeting Colin was nominated as President and he has held this role ever since. Colin also volunteered with a variety of organizations including, JIAS and JVS. He continued with his athletic pursuits in Canada and jogged, hiked, and cycled in all weather. Around 1998, Brenda started to join Colin and his running group on jogs. Around 2000 they both began running in marathons. By 2015, they had participated in 11 marathons. In 2010, their granddaughter Lily Shaie was born to their daughter Stacey.

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

Subjects: Families; Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Baskind, Colin

Places: Johannesburg

Source: Archival Accessions

Cohen family [graphic material (electronic), textual record] – 1969, 1974-2014.

Accession Number: 2015-3-8

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-3-8

Material Format: graphic material (electronic); textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 18 photographs : tiff

Date: 1969, 1974-2014

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the Cohen family, their immigration to Canada from South Africa, and life in Toronto. Textual records include photocopies of correspondence and paperwork relating to the Cohen's immigration, certificates, and a typed document containing humorous stories their South African friends shared at a "10 Years Out Of Africa" party relating to their adjustment to Canadian life. Also included are family portraits and photographs documenting family celebrations such as weddings and bar mitzvahs. Of note is an image of Vivien and John at the "10 Years Out of Africa" party.

Administrative History: John Cohen was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1944 to Phil and Flora Cohen. Vivien Cohen (née Lehwess) was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1947 to Henry Lehwess and Isle Lehwess (née Wronsky). John's cousin was in physiotherapy school with Vivien, and they were introduced to each other. They married on 3 December 1969 and had three children together: Nicole (b. 1972), Steven (b. 1974), and Jeremy David (1979). Vivien was a physiotherapist, and John was a textile sales agent. Due to the unstable political situation in South Africa, they immigrated to North York in March 1977. For the first few weeks, they lived in a rental apartment in North York. They soon moved into a townhouse nearby. In 1980, they bought their first house in Thornhill. They were both able to continue in their professions after immigrating to Canada. Both of their mothers and many of their friends also moved to Toronto. John and Vivien were members of Shaarei Shalom synagogue for twenty-five years and are now members of Darchei Noam.

Subjects: Families; Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Cohen, John

Places: Johannesburg, South Africa

Source: Archival Accessions

Celia Denov [textual record, graphic material] – 1947-1991.

Accession Number: 2015-5-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-5-1

Material Format: textual record; graphic material

Physical Description: 6 cm of textual records; 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm

Date: 1947-1991

Scope and Content: Accession primarily consists of records related to the immigration of Victor and Bayla Lejzerson from a DP camp in US-controlled West Germany. This includes a large block of correspondence between Victor and his cousins in Toronto, Deborah (Lejzersohn) and David Breslove who helped facilitate their immigration and work placement on a farm in Stouffville and in the garment trade. Also included are materials related to Max and Ethel Siegerman's community involvement including a Toronto Joint Board Cloakmakers Union Golden Jubilee book (1961), a Shaarei Shomayim graduation program (1958), two Adath Sholom Synagogue anniversary books (1986, 1991) and a photograph of Norman and Hinda (Richards) Tobias.

Administrative History: Celia Denov is the dauther of Max (1898-1995) and Ethel (Breslove) Siegerman (1891-1966). Max was a union leader and one of the founders of the Minsker Farband. The Minsker Farband was originally located on Cecil Street until it became the Adath Sholom Synagogue and moved north to Sheppard Ave, eventually merging with Beth Tikvah. Ethel's brother was David Breslove, a teacher, author and founder of the Toronto Jewish Historical Society. He was married to Deborah Lejzersohn and had one son. Hinda Richards was a member of the Breslove family and married her music teacher, Norman Tobias. Both were killed in a car accident in 1973. Victor and Bayla Lejerson were married in the DP camp. Both were successful in immigrating to Canada with the help of David and Deborah Breslove.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Refugees

Name Access: Breslove, David; Breslove, Deborah; Siegerman, Max, 1898-1995; Siegerman, Ethel, 1891-1966; Lejerson, Victor; Lejerson, Bayla

Source: Archival Accessions

Percy Skuy [graphic material (electronic), textual record] – 1932-2014, predominant 1947-1978.

Accession Number: 2015-5-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-5-2

Material Format: graphic material (electronic); textual record

Physical Description: 98 photographs (tiff); 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1932-2014, predominant 1947-1978

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the personal and professional activities of Percy Skuy. Photographs include: family portraits, school photographs, images of Percy as an apprentice pharmacist, images of Habonim camp in Vryheid, images of Frances as a child in Sudbury, images of Percy and Frances's honeymoon, images of Percy with his family in Toronto, images of trips back to South Africa, photos from the cottage, images of Percy receiving awards, and street scenes of Kensington Market (1978).; Also included is Percy's memoir entitled "My Story Unfolds", articles written by Percy for the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, and a book written by Percy entitled "Tales of Contraception."

Administrative History: Percy Skuy was born in Vryheid, South Africa on February 17, 1932 to Benjamin and Chana (nee Cilevitz) Skuy. Percy is the middle of three children. His siblings are Max (b. 1929) and Rita (b. 1942). At seventeen, Percy began his apprenticeship and education to be a pharmacist. After qualifying as a pharmacist in 1954, he worked for a year at a pharmacy near Johannesburg before starting his travels through Europe, Australia and the United States. He had planned to return to South Africa, however, he did not have enough money for the fare back. Although he did not originally intend to visit Canada, he headed to Toronto to find a job so he could earn money for the passage home. He eventually secured a job with Glaxo Pharmaceuticals as a Medical Sales Representative and decided to stay. In 1959 he completed his requirements to become a liscenced pharmacist in Ontario and was the first South African pharmacist registered in Ontario.; Percy met Frances Goodman in 1960 on a blind date and they married that same year. Frances was a nurse from Sudbury. They had two children together: Beth (b. 1961) and David (b. 1963).; In 1961, Percy began his thirty-four-year long career with the Johnson and Johnson Corporation. He had a variety of roles within the company and was president for twenty-two years with two Johnson & Johnson affiliate companies, namely Ortho Pharmaceutical (Canada) Ltd and Ortho-McNeil Inc. Percy is also the founder of the only museum devoted exclusively to the history of contraception located at the Dittrick Medical History Centre in Cleveland, Ohio.; Throughout his career, Percy has been appointed to a number of government and research councils including: the Premier's Council of Ontario, the Federal National Advisory Council on Pharmaceutical Research, and the Board of Governors of the Riverdale Hospital. In September 1995, Percy was inducted as a Candian Pioneer in Family Planning. He has also been an active member of the Rokeah Chapter of the Rho Pi Phi fraternity.; in 1977, Frances passed away. Percy eventually re-married to Elsa Ruth Snider on December 16, 1979.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Skuy, Percy, 1932-

Places: Vryheid, South Africa; Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Ivor Simmons [graphic material (electronic), textual record] – [194-?]-2015.

Accession Number: 2015-6-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-6-3

Material Format: graphic material (electronic); textual record

Physical Description: 8 cm of textual records; 140 photographs : tiff

Date: [194-?]-2015

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the activities of Ivor Simmons. Included is personal correspondence and photographs of Ivor's early life in South Africa and his family life and activities in Toronto. Of note are family portraits, Bialik Hebrew Day School class photos, Holy Blossom Temple Religious school images, images of the Toronto Island Yacht Club, images of Camp New Moon, Camp Ahmek, and Camp Walden, an image at Crystal Beach, and images of Ivor and his family visiting South Africa. Identified in the photographs are: Ivor Simmons, Milly Simmons, Jack Simmons, Renee Simmons, Gail Simmons, Alan Simmons, Eric Simmons, Anthony Giffard, Theo Wardaugh, Ruth Gold, Marlene Goldbach, Vicki Feraris, and Kim Bresge.

Administrative History: Ivor Simmons was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa in 1937 to Milly and Jack Simmons. He has two younger brothers: Michael (B. 1941) and David (b. 1945). Ivor's father owned a printing business. Ivor studied chemical engineering at the University of Capetown and found work at a petroleum refinery near Johannesburg soon after graduating. Around 1961, Ivor moved to London, England where he worked for the Lummus Company. He moved to Canada in 1963 and settled in Toronto. He worked for Union Carbide for a few years conducting industrial market research and then took a job performing the same work for Falconbridge Nickelmines. Around 1970, he opened his own business called A&A Liquid Waste Removal Company.; Ivor married Renee Rothman in 1966. Together they had three children: Alan, Eric, and Gail. Ivor sold his business in 1997. In his retirement, Ivor has volunteered with a variety of organizations including, animal and bird rehabilitations centres, Friends of Cedarvale, the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, and Trinity College (assisting with its annual book fair). Ivor is a member of Adath Israel Synagogue and was a member of B'nai Brith for many years.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Simmons, Ivor, 1937-

Places: Bloemfontein, South Africa; Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Max Skuy [textual record, graphic material (electronic)] – 1961-[2014?].

Accession Number: 2015-4-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-4-2

Material Format: textual record; graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 14 photographs : tiff

Date: 1961-[2014?]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the activities of Max Skuy. Included are photocopies of short stories and poems written by Max and photographs of Max and Glenda's wedding, portraits of Max and his family, Max at the closing of the synagogue in Vryheid, and the window displays at Max's pharmacy in South Africa.

Administrative History: Max Skuy was born in Karsava, Latvia in 1929 to Benjamin and Chana (nee Cilevitz) Skuy. In 1930, Max and his mother immigrated to Vryheid, South Africa. They joined Max's father who was already living there. Max is the oldest of three children. His siblings are Percy (b. 1932) and Rita (b. 1942). Max married Glenda Silverstone in 1961. They had three children together. Max owned his own pharmacy in Durban called Check Pharmacy.; Max and Glenda immigrated to Toronto soon after Max's mother passed away in 1985. Max's children and brother Percy had already immigrated here. Max found work managing a furniture store in Richmond Hill. He is a member of a short story club and regularly submits stories and poems to the SAJAC News for publication.

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: Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Skuy, Max, 1929-

Places: Vryheid, South Africa

Source: Archival Accessions

Martin Charney [graphic material (electronic)] – 1923, [1950?]-[2011?].

Accession Number: 2015-6-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-6-2

Material Format: graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 39 photographs (tiff)

Date: 1923, [1950?]-[2011?]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of photographs documenting Martin Charney and his family. Included are portraits of Martin as a child and young man, wedding photographs of Martin's grandparents in Johannesburg (1923), images of Martin's bar mitzvah and weddings, photographs of Matin's family in London en route to Montreal, images of Martin and his family in Montreal, images of Camp Timberlands (New York), images of the Anglo-African Glass Company, images of Martin with his family in South Africa and images of Martin's family at weddings and bar mitzvah's in Toronto. Of note is an image from the dedication of Chabad Lubavitch in Thornill (2011). Identified in the images are: Martin Charney, Jack Frenkel, Doris Levinstein, Max Charney, Leah Charney, Candy Charney, Rabbi Gansberg, and Norman Charney.

Administrative History: Martin was born in Johannesburg in 1947 to Max and Joan Lena (née Frenkel) Charney. He has a younger brother, Norman. Max owned a glass manufacturing business called Anglo-African Glass. In 1963, the family left South Africa and immigrated to Montreal, Canada. They left South Africa because Max anticipated a future of political uncertainty. The family remained in Montreal for 7 years, before returning to South Africa in 1970. During this time, Martin graduated from high school and attended Sir George Williams University (now Concordia) where he studied for a 4 year Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Max built three office buildings in Sherbrooke, Kingston and Valleyfield and had six One Hour Martinizing laudromats. Joan was a Home Maker - never having done domestic work before.; Soon after returning to South Africa in 1970, Martin married Yaffa (née Franco). They had one daughter, Candyce Jasmine. They divorced in 1980. In 1982 Martin married his second wife, Basia (nee Sztrom). They had four children together: Candy, Leah, Avi Jack and Mirelle Feiga. All 5 children were born in Johannesburg. Martin worked as a real estate broker in South Africa and as a finance resource consultant concentrating on factoring accounts receivable in Toronto.; Due to the worsening violence in South Africa, Martin immigrated to Thornhill with his family in 1999. Martin and Basia divorced soon after immigrating here and Martin eventually re-married to a Canadian Judy Rosenberg. Martin continued in the same line of work once he arrived in Canada; however, he had to build his business back up again from scratch. Martin volunteers with a variety of organizations, including: Circle of Care, Tomchei Shabbos, HOD (Hebrew Order of David - Lodge Ramon) and Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel. He is a member of Chabad Lubavitch at 770 Chabad Gate in Thornhill.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Charney, Martin, 1947-

Places: Johannesburg, South Africa

Source: Archival Accessions

Silberg family [multiple media] – [ca. 1938]-[ca. 2009].

Accession Number: 2015-9-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-9-2

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: ca. 8 cm of textual records and other material

Date: [ca. 1938]-[ca. 2009]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting the Silberg family's immigration to Ontario, family life in South Africa and Ontario, education, communal involvement in Hamilton, and pharmacy businesses. Included are photographs, correspondence, ephemera from the pharmacy businesses (such as bags and a name tag), newspaper clippings, certificates, invitations, flyers, school transcripts, architectural drawings for Night-Day Pharmacy on Ryman Road East, cookbooks, and photo albums. Also included is a JNF book for a Negev dinner honouring Hilton and Shirley Silberg as well a copy of Beth Jacob Synagogue's 125th anniversary book (the Beth Jacob Family Album).

Administrative History: Hilton Silberg was born in Durban, South Africa in 1951 to Sam and Brina Silberg. Sam worked in the retail furniture business and Hilton has three siblings: Sheryl, Lynn and Brett. Hilton was very active in sports and played soccer, cricket and swimming. At age 11, he started competing in ballroom dancing with his sister Lynn. At age 16, he and Lynn were the South African Juvenile Ballroom Champions and runners up in the Latin American Championship. In highschool, Hilton started his own DJ business which he continued through his first years of pharmacy school.; Shirley (nee Gitlin) Silberg was born in Durban in 1951 to Max and Isabel Gitlin. Max was a physical medicine specialist and Isabel ran his practice. Shirley has two siblings: Brian and Barbara. Shirley was very active in her school's netball, field hockey and swimming teams.; Hilton and Shirley met at the Natal Pharmacy School in Durban and married in 1974. After marriage, Hilton completed his one-year mandatory service in the South African army as an officer. After his service, he and Shirley went on a ten month long backpacking trip which ended at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. This trip was an eye-opener for them and they realized that they no longer wanted to live in a country with apartaid politics. They didn't want to raise children in South Africa. They chose Canada as their destination and applied three times for entry. Thier application was rejected all three times, but Hilton staged a "sit-in" at the Canadian embassy in Pretoria and an immigration officer eventually met with him and overturned thier rejection. They arrived in Canada in August 1977.; They went to the University of Toronto School of Pharmacy for two years to re-license in Canada. In the evenings they worked in a pharmacy owned by their Canadian sponsor. In 1981, Hilton and Shirley partnered with their Canadian sponsors and opened the Amhurst Pharmacy in Dundas. In 1982 the pharmacy's name was changed to Hilton's Pharmacy. In 1987 Shopper's Drug Mart purchased Hilton's Pharmacy. The Silberg's stayed on to operate two of the franchises in Dundas. In 1992, Hilton and Shirley left Shppers Drug Mart to open the DayNight Pharmacy on the east Hamilton Mountain. This was the first pharmacy in Hamilton to remain open until midnight. Their pharmacy eventually expanded to include five stores. In 2007, they sold their business to Rexall Pharma Plus.; Hilton and Shirley have three children: Mark, Maxine and Brad. Hilton and Shirley were very active in Hamilton's community. Hilton was involved in a variety of organizations including, Beth Jacob synagogue, Shalom Village, and Jewish National Fund Hamilton. Shirley has volunteered with various Hamilton JCC programs, the Hamilton North End Breakfast Program, the 'Out of the Cold' Program, Goldie's Place day program for adults at Shalom Village, and the Jewish National Fund Hamilton.

Descriptive Notes: Physical description note: includes ca. 80 photographs, 4 cookbooks, 1 architectural drawing, 3 bags, and 1 name tag.; Related material note: oral history #419.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families; Occupations; Societies; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Silberg, Hilton; Silberg, Shirley

Source: Archival Accessions

Canadian Jewish Congress, Central Region [textual record] – 1973-1974.

Accession Number: 2015-9-12

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-9-12

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual material

Date: 1973-1974

Scope and Content: Accession file consists of letters, posters, press releases, minutes of meeting and policy statements regarding Israeli prisoners of war in Syria. The documents are from many organizations such as the Labor Zionist Alliance, National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council, Toronto Jewish Youth Council, and the Canada-Israel Committee.

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

Subjects: Demonstrations; Israel--Armed Forces

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

Places: Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Eli Bloch [textual record, graphic material] – 1897-1960, 1993.

Accession Number: 2015-10-6

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-10-6

Material Format: textual record; graphic material

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 2 photographs (tiff) : b&w

Date: 1897-1960, 1993

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the activities of Eli Bloch. Included are photocopies of correspondence, newsclippings, Eli's Canadian certificate of naturalization, travel documents, South African licenses, and a genealogical family tree for the Bloch family. Also included are two photographs of Eli in his later years.

Custodial History: The original records are in the possession of Gerry Bloch, the grandson of Eli Bloch. Gerry is the son of Eli's son Norman.

Administrative History: Eli (Elias) Bloch was born in 1872 to Nokhum Tevel Rabinovitch in Kishinev Moldava. He had four siblings: Golda, Joseph, Samuel and Bertha. In the 1890s Eli and his siblings (with the exception of Golda) immigrated to South Africa. Bertha married Theodore Dissler (an importer/exporter). During the Boer War, Eli and his brother Joseph fought with the Dutch. After the war, Dissler employed Eli in his business. In 1907, Dissler sent Eli to sell ostrich feathers in various cities around the world, including: London (England), Montreal and Toronto. While in Toronto, Eli attended the First Roumanian Hebrew Congregation Adath Israel where he met his future wife Leah Madonik and chose to remain in Ontario, without completing his task of selling ostrich feathers in the remaining cities on his itinerary. He married Leah in 1909. From about 1911 until 1922, Eli and Leah lived in Gravenhurst and ran a general store on the main street. They had four children together: Harry (1912-1945), Rose (1914-1994), Rachel (Rae) (1916-2000), and Norman (1916-1989). Rachel and Norman were twins.; In 1922, Elias and Leah moved to Mactier and opened a general store. By 1926, Leah and the children were living in London, ON and Elias continued to operate the general store. He saw the family regularly. Around 1935, Elias left Mactier. He remained in London until he moved to Toronto in 1942. Elias passed away in Toronto in 1960.

Descriptive Notes: Language note: English, Yiddish, and Russian

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Source: Archival Accessions

Peter Held [textual record, graphic material] – 1963-2014.

Accession Number: 2015-11-12

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-11-12

Material Format: textual record; graphic material

Physical Description: 60 cm of textual records; ca. 30 photographs

Date: 1963-2014

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the career of Peter Held. Included is correspondence, letters of congratulations, event dinner menus, event programs, articles and writings by Held, annual reports, newsletters, reports, newspaper clippings and photographs. The material was originally organized into a series of binders. Original order of the material has been maintained.

Administrative History: Peter E. Held was born in Cape Town, South Africa in Dec. 1937 to Herbert and Hilde Held, Jewish immigrants from Germany. Following Hilde’s death, Herbert moved in with his own mother and stepfather who had also immigrated to South Africa. Speaking only German, Peter grew up trilingual, acquiring German fluency at home and speaking English and Afrikaans at school.; In 1960, after completing his education at the University of Witwatersrand, and five years of clerkship, in Johannesburg, S.A., Held passed the S.A. Public Accountants and Auditors Board Examination. As a newly minted Chartered Accountant, he worked for six months in London, England before arriving in Canada in 1961 as a tourist, intending to stay six months, work his way across North America then head for Australia.; With $24 in his pocket, Held arrived in Quebec and made his way to Toronto where he found work with Dunwoody & Company (now BDO Canada). He quickly proved himself, becoming a partner at the age of 26 years, one of the youngest ever at the firm. He became Toronto Region Managing Partner from 1981 to 1996, and Chief Executive Officer of BDO Dunwoody, where he was responsible for the overall management and leadership of the firm from 1997 to 2001. An employee at BDO Dunwoody for forty years, Held is recognized for his exemplary leadership as he guided it through a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity.; Held was Chairman of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants from 1991-2. He was first vice-chairman, second vice-president, a member of the board of governors, and a participant on various committees for the Canadian Institute. He was also president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario in 1986-87, first and second vice-presidents, and served on various committees for the Ontario Institute. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario awarded Held a Fellowship (F.C.A.) in 1976, Life Membership in 1987, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario Award of Outstanding Merit in 1993, usually awarded to only one individual per year. Held travelled in Canada and abroad on behalf of the Canadian Institute and profession, speaking at various conferences.; Held was also Canada's representative of the International Federation of Accountants from 1995-7 and president of the Toronto Chartered Accountants Association in 1974. He was a Board or Committee member at several other organizations, some are: Ontario Chamber of Commerce, North York General Hospital, University of Waterloo, Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Club, YMCA, Donalda Club, the Royal Canadian Military Institute, and United Way.; Following training in mediation and conflict resolution, Held worked as a mediator and arbitrator at ADR Chambers, conducting mediations dealing with a variety of commercial disputes. He also mediated on professional negligence issues.; Held is married to Gyneth (nee Gordon) from South Africa, a Speech-Language Pathologist in private practice. They have two adult children, Heather (married to Gill) and Michael (married to Krista), and several grandchildren.

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

Descriptive Notes: Language note: English and German.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Source: Archival Accessions

Claude Heimann [multiple media] – 1957-2015, predominant 1974-2015.

Accession Number: 2016-1-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-1-5

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: ca. 10 cm of textual records and other material

Date: 1957-2015, predominant 1974-2015

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

Administrative History: Claude Heimann was born on 21 March 1944 in Johannesburg, South Africa to Wilhelm (Bill) Otto Heimann and Lotte Heimann (nee Rosenberg). He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Witwatersrand in 1966. In 1969, he married Adele Masail at the Pine Street Synagogue in Johannesburg. They lived in Windsor Park, Johannesburg and had two children together: Nicole Heidi (now married to Marshall Starkman) and Marc Steven.; Claude initially worked for Market Research Africa interviewing farm workers across the country. In 1971 he joined Reader's Digest in South Africa as a Research Director. Believing there would not be a peaceful solution to apartheid, Claude had decided at a young age that he would evenutally leave South Africa. He hoped that Reader's Digest was a company that might be able to transfer him to work in another country. Ten years later, in 1981, an opportunity came up with the Canadian edition of Reader's Digest in a similar role. Claude accepted the position and immigrated with his family to Toronto in May 1981. For their first few months they lived at Glengrove Manor on Yonge Street between Lawrence and Eglinton. In July, they moved into their home in Thornhill. Adele initially stayed home with the family, but eventually worked as a bookkeeper for a variety of different businesses.; Claude left Reader's Digest in 1990 to become a partner in Totum Research. Throughout his career, Claude has served on the Research Committee of PMB and has been a member of the Board of Directors of CARF for whom he served as Technical Director. He has also served on a number of other media research related committees, including the Technical Committee of AMPS and the Magazines Canada Research Committee. Claude was also active on the Board of Temple Har Zion, holding a variety of positions, including: regular Board member, vice president for worship, vice president, treasurer, president and past president for two years on the Executive. He also reported Board decisions for the THZ monthly bulletin.

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

Descriptive Notes: Physical description note: includes 2.3 MB of textual records, 6 photographs, 17 slides, and 26.3 MB of photographs.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Occupations; South Africa--Emigration and immigration; Synagogues

Source: Archival Accessions

Janice Benatar|Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto [multiple media] – 1986, 1991-2015.

Accession Number: 2015-12-7

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-12-7

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: ca. 10 cm of textual records and other material

Date: 1986, 1991-2015

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting the personal and professional activities of Janice Benatar. Personal records include a family tree, speeches Janice delivered at the Lipa Lippers Toastmaster's Group meetings, a Sephardic cookbook, immigration papers, and a Sharon School Reunion invitation for alumni living in Toronto. Also included are photographs of Janice with her family, performing in a ballet production with the Academy of Ballet and Jazz, with her newborn son, at her son's bar mitzvah at Chabad Flamingo, and with the keys to her first home in Thornhill. Also identified in photographs are: Elan Levitan, Viviane Benatar, Michael Benatar, Claudia Benatar, Rachel Pasternak, and Samuel Pasternak.; Also included are speeches, invitations, event programs, and video recordings of Book Of Life events as well as a bookmark that was designed by artist Enya Keshet for Book of Life honourees. Finally, accession also includes Professional Advisory Committee meeting minutes (2009-2015) and breakfast seminar presentations (2014-2015).

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

Descriptive Notes: Physical description note: includes 7 photographs, 4 DVDs, 200 KB of textual records, and 1 bookmark.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Nonprofit organizations; Philanthropy and fundraising; Women

Name Access: Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto

Source: Archival Accessions

Les Krawitz [graphic material (electronic), textual record (electronic)] – 2015.

Accession Number: 2016-2-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-2-3

Material Format: graphic material (electronic); textual record (electronic)

Physical Description: 1 photograph (jpg) : col.; 44.5 KB of textual records

Date: 2015

Scope and Content: Accession consists of one family history and photograph documenting Les Krawitz and his family. Identified in the photograph (taken in Muskoka) are:; Back row: Son-in-law Shaun Levy, daughter Delia Krawitz Levy, Daughter-in-law Randi Katz Krawitz, son Evan Krawitz (Delia's twin), wife Joan Krawitz, Les Krawitz, son Stan Krawitz, Stan's partner Laura Vasic, grandchildren Chloe and Max (Stan's kids); Front row: grandchildren Jordana (Delia & Shaun's child), Adriana and Jake (Evan & Randi's children)

Administrative History: Les Krawitz was born in 1940 in Brakpan, South Africa to Abraham and Ella Krawitz. In 1964, he married Joan Marks. They had three children together: Stan (b. 1968) and twins Evan and Delia (b. 1971). The Krawitz family immigrated to Toronto in October 1987. Les initially worked with Tandem International (a marketing and sales consulting firm). In 1994, he joined the Sales Development Group (a human resources firm). After four years, he branched out with his own human resources company, Just Solutions Inc. In 2003 he joined his son, Stan's, real estate brokerage, Real Facilities, as a sales manager and realtor. He retired in 2011.

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

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Source: Archival Accessions

Ronnie Roth [multiple media] – 1936-1990, predominant 1951-1990.

Accession Number: 2015-12-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-12-5

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: 4 folders of textual records; ca. 94 photographs : b&w and col. (44 tiff.) ; 20 x 25 cm or smaller; 1 plaque

Date: 1936-1990, predominant 1951-1990

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records documenting the activities of Ronnie Roth. Included are textual and graphic materials relating to Ronnie's personal life and career such as, photographs of family milestones and events; Ronnie's youth and early adulthood in South Africa, his involvement with Betar; and time as a paratrooper with the Israeli Army; Ronnie and Sandra's wedding; travel; Ronnie's insurance broker license graduation; and condolence letters sent to the Roth family after his passing. Also included are records documenting Ronnie's communal involvement, particularly his involvement with B'nai Brith Raoul Wallenberg - Yorkdale Circle Lodge, Antibes-Torresdale Ratepayers Association, and Forest Hill Ratepayers Association . B'nai Brith material includes photographs of Ronnie's participation in B'nai Brith Canada's 1986 Mission to Israel; photographs of events honouring Ronnie and his work; and an issue of The Orbit that eulogizes Ronnie. Finally, the accession consists of a business card for Ronnie's film and video entertainment company in South Africa and a Prime Minister's Certificate of Appreciation from the Conservative Party of Canada.; Identified in the photographs are: Ronnie Roth, Sandra Roth, Chantal [Roth], Gavin Roth, Elana [Roth], Morris Flicht, Frank Dimant, Ralph Snow, Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir, Harry Bick, Sam Pacht, Merv Rosenstein, Ralph Cohen, [?] Steinmetz, Colin Baskind, Dr. Meister, Esther Shiner, Peter Roth, Paul Roth, and Annie Guttman.

Custodial History: Material was in possession of Sandra Roth, Ronnie's wife. Sandra donated it to the OJA.

Administrative History: Ronnie Roth was born on December 24, 1938 to Mr. Dezso (Desmond) and Mrs. Erzsi (Elizabeth) Abraham of Johannesburg, South Africa. Throughout his youth, Ronnie was active in a variety of Zionist groups including: the Zionist Youth Movement of South Africa, Betar, the Zionist Revisionist Organization and the South African Zionist Federation. In his late teens, Ronnie went on Na[c]hal Tzonei-ach and joined the Tzanchanim, the elite paratrooper corps of the Israeli Army. Ronnie served in the military for three years. His time in Israel also included work on a kibbutz.; By the age of 25, Ronnie had returned to South Africa and was a director of the Tollman Group of hotels and manager of the famous Johannesburg restaurant, The Colony. Ronnie married Sandra Benn from Port Elizabeth, SA, in August 1964. Sandra was a singer, dancer and entertainer. After their marriage, they settled in Johannesburg where Ronnie continued to work as an hotelier. Their first daughter, Chantal, was born in 1966 followed by Gavin in 1969 and Elana in 1973. During this period, Ronnie’s community involvement grew as he became Executive Director of Tel Hai in 1968 and served in this role until 1970. He then joined the Jewish United Communal Fund and ran their fundraising campaign.; The Roth’s were unhappy with South Africa’s apartheid politics and were eager to emigrate. Ronnie sought employment opportunity abroad and was offered employment as a fundraiser for UJA Federation in Toronto in 1975. Ronnie accepted the position and immigrated to Toronto in 1976. Sandra followed him with their children a few months later. When he completed his UJA assignment, he became an insurance broker. After a year, he founded KRG Insurance Brokers with two partners in 1980.; Upon arriving in Canada, Ronnie became interested in immigration issues and co-founded the South African Jewish Association in Canada (SAJAC) to help other South Africans with immigration and adjustment to Canadian life. He was the organization’s first president from 1976 to 1981 and again from 1986 to 1987. Ronnie’s involvement in assisting newcomers extended to his roles as Member of the Board of Directors and Member of the Integration Committee of the Jewish Immigrant Aid Society as well as Chairman of the Sherut Shalom Employment & Integration Assistance to African Jews.; Ronnie was also active in B’nai Brith Canada. He joined the Yorkdale Lodge in 1983 and went on to serve as both vice-president and president. During his tenure as president, he played a critical role in the integration of the Yorkdale and Circle Lodges into the unified Raoul Wallenberg Lodge. He also served in various positions at the National level with B’nai Brith Canada, including as National Chairman of the Israel Cabinet, Co-Chairman of the Fundraising Committee and a member of the National Executive and Board of Governors. In 1986, the National Leadership awarded him with the B’nai Brith Canada Achievement Award. In the same year, he and his wife and fellow lodge member Sandra (the lodge’s first female full member) were honoured recipients of the Israel Bonds Negev Award.; Ronnie also held important roles in the community at-large as president of the Antibes-Torresdale Ratepayers Association and Forest Hill Ratepayers Association; president and founder of the Rockford Community Summer Day Camp; Member of the City of North York Condominium Committee; Member of the Board of Directors of Baycrest’s Men’s Service Group; and Member of the Board of Directors of Bank Leumi (Canada).; Ronnie passed away on October 14, 1989 at the age of 50 years.

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: Immigrants--Canada; Societies; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Source: Archival Accessions

Paul Herman [graphic material, textual record] – 1980-2016, predominant 1982-1994.

Accession Number: 2016-3-26

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-3-26

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: 4 folders of textual records; ca. 10 photographs : col. ; 22 x 28 cm or smaller

Date: 1980-2016, predominant 1982-1994

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting the Herman family's immigration to Ontario, family life in Thornhill, education, communal involvement in Hamilton, and their business endeavours with the Firwin Corporation and Simply Extraordinary. Included are photographs; a family history that was written in commemoration of Paul and Miriam's fiftieth wedding anniversary; a selection of annual family newsletters that detail their life in Canada; correspondence documenting Paul's involvement with Temple Anshe Sholom in Hamilton, Ontario; their childrens' school certificates, secondary school diplomas, and post-secondary convocation programs. Also included is business ephemera, such as, business cards and images documenting Simply Extraordinary corporate gift products.; Identified in the photographs are: Paul Herman, Miriam Herman, Brett Herman, and Adina Ward (nee Herman).

Administrative History: Paul Henry Herman was born on July 3, 1940 to Mr. Leslie Elkan and Mrs. Clare Herman (nee Emdon) of Dunkeld West, Johannesburg, South Africa. Paul is the eldest of five siblings. During his youth, Paul was involved in his synagogue and youth groups as well as the Boy Scouts. He attended Stellenbosch Afrikaans University where he earned a business degree and became fluent in Afrikaans. After university, he joined the family uniform business, H. J. Henochsberg, and was sent to England in 1962 for further clothing industry training.; Paul married Miriam Riva Herman from Wynberg, Cape Town, SA on February 6th, 1965. Miriam worked as a social worker at the Johannesburg General Hospital. Their first son, Stanley, was born in 1966 followed by Rael in 1968, Brett in 1970 and Adina in 1974.; The Herman’s were motivated to emigrate out of a desire to prevent their son from having to enlist in the South Africa army [and thereby become involved in military efforts that they did not support]. After the family business was sold, Paul worked as a quality manager at Edgars Stores while periodically travelling abroad with Miriam to seek out emigration opportunities.; The Herman family came to Canada in 1982 and settled in Thornhill, Ontario. Upon arriving in Ontario, Paul found work at a uniform manufacturer (Saint Hill Levine Uniforms) then at Lady Manhattan and Sunshine T-Shirts. In 1989, Paul and Miriam purchased Firwin Corporation, a high temperature insulation manufacturing company. During the family’s early years in Canada, Miriam started a corporate gift business called Simply Extraordinary.

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

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families; Occupations; Societies; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Source: Archival Accessions

Morris Robinson [textual record, graphic material] – 1972-2010, predominant 1977-1983.

Accession Number: 2016-3-60

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-3-60

Material Format: textual record; graphic material

Physical Description: ca. 5 cm of textual records; 2 photographs : col. & b&w ; 10 x 15 cm and 5 x 4 cm

Date: 1972-2010, predominant 1977-1983

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the Robinson family's immigration to Ontario and Morris Robinson's professional history and business activities with Libman and Company.; Included are family correspondence, the Robinsons' customs paperwork and travel documents, Morris' curriculum vitae, professional records and some documentation of his business activities, and genealogical accounts of the Robinson family (including a history by Lilian Henry). Of note is a letter Morris Robinson sent to Irma when he first arrived in Boston on his way to Toronto and letters Morris' parents hand delivered to Irma just before she left with the children to join Morris in Canada.; Identified in the photographs are: Morris Robinson and Phoebe Robinson.

Custodial History: Material was in possession of Morris Robinson. Morris donated it to the OJA.

Administrative History: Morris Robinson was born in Cape Town, South Africa, on 27 May 1948 and grew up in Benoni. He completed his bachelor of commerce degree at the University of Witwatersrand and graduated as a chartered accountant in 1973. On 25 February 1973, Morris married Irma Startz, who was born in Benoni, South Africa, on 10 December 1951. Irma earned a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Witwatersrand and went on to obtain a post-graduate higher teacher's diploma. The Robinsons have three sons. Their first son, Marc, was born in South Africa on 26 September 1976 (just a few months after the Soweto riots). Their sons Frank (b. 31 December 1980) and Daniel (b. 12 March 1985) were born in Toronto.; The Robinsons were motivated by political unrest, which manifested in the anti-apartheid Soweto uprising of June 1976, and the desire for a safe future for their family, to seek opportunity abroad and to emigrate. In February 1977, Morris heard through friends about an accounting job opportunity in Canada and was officially appointed to the post of comptroller at Libman and Company, then Canadas’ largest jewellery manufacturer. The Robinsons arrived in Toronto in early 1978 and settled in Thornhill, Ontario. In 1989, Morris became a partner of Libman and Company. During his career in the jewellery industry, Morris was involved with the Canadian Jewellers Association and served as the organization's chair. He was also a founding member and first treasurer of the Diamond Bourse of Canada. Irma pursued a teaching career with the Toronto District School Board, specializing in ESL and eventually becoming the principal at an ESL school for adults. The Robinsons were founding members of Shaar Shalom Synagogue. In 2012, the Robinsons sold the family home in Thornhill and moved into the city to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

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

Descriptive Notes: Availability of other formats: Textual records available as PDF files and photographs available as JPEG files.

Subjects: Business; Immigrants--Canada; Families; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Source: Archival Accessions

Joy Lowenstein [textual record] – 2006.

Accession Number: 2016-3-51

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-3-51

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 2006

Scope and Content: Accession consists of a copy of one family memoir written by Joy Lowenstein, documenting the Lowenstein and Lipinski families.

Custodial History: Material was in possession of Joy Lowenstein.

Administrative History: Joy Lowenstein (nee Lipinski) was born in June 1930 to Rose Davis and Teddy (Edward) Lipinski of Johannesburg, South Africa. Joy married Jules (Julius) Lowenstein on October 8th, 1950 at the Yeoville Shul in Johannesburg, The Lowensteins had three children who were all born in SA: David (b. 1952), Larry (b. 1955) and Kim (b. 1960). The Lowensteins were upset with South Africa’s apartheid politics and wanted to leave when David and Larry had finished their university studies.; David finished his studies at the University of Witwatersrand, but did not wish to serve in the SA army, which was mandatory for all young men. David left SA for Toronto in 1977. Kim, Joy and Jules emigrated from SA to Canada in 1977 and settled in North York. Larry worked abroad in the United States as an American Field Scholar; returned to SA to study at the University of Witwatersrand; pursued studies in law at Oxford; and then joined the family in Toronto in 1979. In Toronto, Joy and Jules opened a gift shop on Eglinton Avenue called Present Place which they owned until their retirement in 2004.

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

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Source: Archival Accessions

Cy Charney [textual record, textual record (electronic)] – 1969-2002.

Accession Number: 2016-2-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-2-4

Material Format: textual record; textual record (electronic)

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 33.2 MB of textual records

Date: 1969-2002

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual records documenting the history and professional activities of Cyril "Cy" Charney and his family. Included is an autobiographical family history entitled "My Story" and a variety of documents that trace Cy's career, including promotional materials from university courses that he taught, a curriculum vitae, copies of his university diplomas, management-related lecture programs, various certificates of achievement, and newspaper clippings.

Custodial History: Material was in possession of Cy Charney. Cy donated it to the OJA.

Administrative History: Cyril "Cy" Charney was was born on 21 November 1944 in Johannesburg, South Africa to Daniel and Dora Charney. His parents emigrated from Lithuania to South Africa before the Second World War. Cy's family moved to Bulawayo in 1950, where his father founded the Anglo African Glass company. The family was involved with the community and were members of the Weitzman Country Club. Cy’s family moved back to Johannesburg after the sudden passing of his father in November of 1954.; Throughout his youth, Cy was involved in South African Zionist organizations. During his early years and into young adulthood, he was part of Habonim, the Zionist-socialist movement. He then went on to join the Hebrew Order of David.; Cy married Rhona on 26 March 1967. Shortly after the Six-Day War, the couple went to make aliyah in Israel. They relocated to Kibbutz Givat Chaim Bet, close to Hadera, some fifty kilometres north of Tel Aviv. Their stay lasted six months, after which they returned to South Africa, where Cy worked in insurance. The Charneys had three chlidren who were all born in South Africa: Daneal (b. 6 February 1961), Thalia (b. 9 July 1970), and Davin (b. 28 May 1972). The Charneys have two granddaughters, Yael and Limona.; As the political situation in SA began to deteriorate in 1976, the Charneys decided to immigrate to Canada. Cy first arrived in London, Ontario, upon arrival to Canada and then chose to settle in Toronto in mid-1980. Rhona and the children arrived three months later, and, in the meantime, Cy had found work with Loblaws. After a year, Cy sought different work opportunities with the Thorne, Stevenson, and Kellogg management consulting group. He then went on to start his own consulting business. Rhona has a master's degree in social work and has pursued her profession.; The Charneys have been part of Temple Kol Ami since 1993.

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

Descriptive Notes: Availability of other formats: "My Story" available as a PDF file.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Places: Canada; South Africa

Source: Archival Accessions

Judelman family [graphic material, textual record] – 1982-1990, 2015.

Accession Number: 2016-5-8

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-5-8

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 1 photograph : col. ; 20 x 25 cm

Date: 1982-1990, 2015

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

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

Administrative History: Alan (b. 1939) and Linda (b. 1945, nee Galland) Judelman were born in Johannesburg, South Africa. They were married on January 5th, 1965. Alan was trained as a chartered account and Lin completed a B.A. degree at Witwatersrand University and teacher training. The Judelmans have three children who were all born in SA: Andrew, Vanessa and Greg.; In 1978, political unrest in SA prompted the Judelmans to emigrate. Upon immigration to Canada, the family settled in North York. Alan graduated as a chartered accountant in Canada and eventually went on to start an environmental services company (Diproinduca Canada). Lin re-trained as a teacher and pursued a B.Ed. at York University. She specialized in ESL, history and guidance over the course of her 21 year career at the TDSB.; Alan was actively involved with the Men’s Service Group at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care in his capacity as the organization’s president. He volunteered with HAIT (organization that promotes head injury awareness and knowledge) and served on the Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living Board of Directors. The Judelmans are members of the Beth Tikvah synagogue and Alan has also volunteered with the congregation.

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

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Societies; South Africa--Emigration and immigration; Synagogues

Source: Archival Accessions

Paul and Colleen (Chips) Klein [textual record, graphic material] – [1969?], 1994-2004.

Accession Number: 2016-6-10

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-6-10

Material Format: textual record; graphic material

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records; 12 photographs : b&w and col.

Date: [1969?], 1994-2004

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the activities of Paul and Chips Klein. Included are photographs, newspaper clippings and a report created by Chipco Canada Inc. regarding visits to a steel factory in Russia. Of note, is a page from a program book relating to the spanish dancing career of Chips (Chiquita) in South Africa.

Administrative History: Colleen (Chips) Klein was born in Johannesberg, South Africa in 1947 to Thea and Abe Abramson. Under the stage name of Chiquita Albeniz, Chips was a spanish dancer with the Mercedes Molina Spanish Dance Theatre in South Africa. She met her husband, Paul Klein, while she was on vacation in Margate, South Africa.; Paul was born in Johannesburg on October 1, 1945 to Dorothea Klein (nee Erlanger, born in Frankfurt Germany) and Horst Klein (born in Berlin, Germany). Paul received a BSc in Metalurgical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand BSc and an MBA at the University of South Africa. He found work in the field of Metalurgical Engineering.; Chips and Paul married in 1969 and had two children together: Lazar and Talia. The family immigrated to Guelph, ON in 1975. They were largely motivated to emigrate because they wanted to raise their children in a country without apartheid. Paul worked in engineering sales. Chips turned her focus to entrepreneurship. She designed and developed the Eye Maker line of mirrors. She also founded a business consultant company in 1982 called Chipco Canada Inc. One of her clients was the Women Inventors Project, which was founded in 1986 to support inventive, innovative and scientific projects. Chips has also delivered workshops and seminars to a variety of organizations. She has won numerous awards, including the South African Women for Women's Entrepreneurial Role Model award in 1998.; Around 1980, the parents of both Paul and Chips followed them to Ontario. Paul and Chips moved to Toronto with their children in 1991. After their move, they became involved in the Chabad Lubavitch of Markham and Paul is currently pesident of the congregation. The Klein family are involved in a variety of sports, including marathon running and water skiing.

Subjects: Habad; Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

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

Jessica Parker [graphic material (electronic)] – 1953, 2010-2011.

Accession Number: 2016-7-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-7-3

Material Format: graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 5 photographs (jpg)

Date: 1953, 2010-2011

Scope and Content: Accession consists of photographs taken by Jessica Parker documenting the following individuals: Ivan Zarenda, Lucille and Aubrey Groll, and Lynne and David Ginsburg. Jessica took these images after interviewing these individuals for an oral history project related to Jewish immigrants from South Africa living in Kingston, ON.

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: Related Material note: AC 431, AC 432, AC 433.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Source: Archival Accessions