Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

Series

Fonds

4

Series

7

Material Format

textual record

architectural drawing

graphic material

Date

1913-1999

Physical Description

22 cm of textual records

4 architectural drawings

2 photographs

Admin History/Bio

Shomrai Shabbos is an orthodox congregation which was founded in 1896. Sol Edell’s grandfather, Rabbi Yosef Weinreb, served as rabbi of the congregation from 1900 until 1942. The synagogue was in several downtown locations until it moved to its present location on Glengrove Avenue in North York in 1966. The congregation has grown steadily over the years and now has a membership of over 350 families. Sol Edell’s family were members of the congregation when he was a child. Although he retained his membership in the congregation after his marriage, he rarely attended the services at the synagogue. However, he did continue to participate in fundraising on behalf of the synagogue.

Custodial History

The earlier records were collected by Sol's grandfather, Rabbi Yosef Weinreb, or his father, Paul Edell. After their deaths, Sol maintained his membership in the congregation and continued to receive material from the synagogue.

Scope and Content

Series consists of records documenting the establishment, construction, membership and activities of the Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue. Included is correspondence, speeches, technical drawings, financial records, ledgers, a tribute book, legal records, flyers, bulletins, marriage certificate receipts, certificates, invitations, a photograph, and stationary.

Name Access

Felder, Gedalia, Rabbi

Yosef, Weinreb, Rabbi

Subjects

Architecture

Synagogues

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

1

Material Format

textual record

Date

1959-1963

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Admin History/Bio

Shomrai Shabbos synagogue was built on Glengrove Avenue.

Scope and Content

File consists of an offer to purchase the property on Glengrove Avenue as well as the statement of adjustments and lawyer's correspondence relating to the purchase of the property. In addition, there is another offer to purchase a property on Lawrence Avenue.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

2

Material Format

textual record

Date

1959-1963

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of legal documents relating to the mortgage on the Glengrove Avenue property purchased by Shomrai Shabbos as well as lawyer's correspondence relating to the discharge of the mortgage.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

3

Material Format

textual record

architectural drawing

Date

1960-1964

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

4 technical drawings : blueline ; 59 x 109 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondece from the architects, Kaplan and Sprachman, relating to the design of the new Shomrai Shabbos synagogue on Glengrove Avenue. Also included are floor plans, elevation drawings, and detail drawings by Kaplan and Sprachman.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

4

Material Format

textual record

Date

1963-1964

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence from J. P. Conforzi and Associates, consulting structural engineers relating to the construction of the Shomrai Shabbos synagogue.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

5

Material Format

textual record

Date

Oct. 1966

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of an invitation to the dedication ceremonies of the new Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue on Glengrove Ave. West.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

6

Material Format

textual record

Date

1958-1963

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence from contractors relating to the renovation and repair of the Shomrai Shabbos synagogue.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

7

Material Format

textual record

Date

1939, 1960

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of the deed and correspondence relating to the maintenance of the Shomrai Shabbos cemetery on Roselawn Avenue.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

8

Material Format

textual record

Date

1959-1962

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence relating to insurance on the Shomrai Shabbos synagogue as well as a building located in the Roselawn cemetery.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

9

Material Format

textual record

Date

1961, 1992

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of publicity leaflets and correspondence relating to the publication of books written by Rabbi Felder. In addition, there is correspondence relating to a memorial book published by Shomrai Shabbos following the death of Rabbi Felder in 1992.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

10

Material Format

textual record

Date

1962, 1972

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence relating to a testimonial dinner given in honour of Rabbi Felder as well as the commemorative journal.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

11

Material Format

textual record

Date

1961

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of a series of newspaper articles written by Rabbi Felder in the Yiddisher Zhurnal about his recent trip to Israel.

Subjects

Yiddish newspapers

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

12

Material Format

textual record

Date

1980, 1989

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of an invitation to a testimonial dinner honouring Rabbi Felder, the spiritual leader of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue as well as a commemorative dinner journal.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

13

Material Format

textual record

Date

1986-1987

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence relating to the appointment of Rabbi Yaakov Felder as spiritual leader of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue as well as an invitation to the installation ceremony.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

14

Material Format

textual record

Date

1970

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of an invitation to the bridal tea of Rabbi Felder's finacee, Chana Ita Ehrmann.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

15

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

Date

1913-1928

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

2 photographs (1 negative) : b&w ; 20 x 26 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of marriage certificate receipts for marriages performed by Rabbi Weinreb at 26 Henry Street as well as a photograph of Rabbi Weinreb leading a march in commemoration of the proclamation of the Balfour Declaration. Also included is a certificate that Rabbi Weinreb received for collecting money to help people make aliyah in their old age (4 Oct. 1923).

Subjects

Marriage records

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Physical Condition

The certificate is in fragile condition and is starting to tear across the centre. Tape is adhered to sections on the back of the document.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

16

Material Format

textual record

Date

1961-1963

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence from the Associated Hebrew Day Schools relating to the Rabbi Yoseph Weinreb Memorial Scholarship which was sponsored by Shomrai Shabbos synagogue. Also included are donation receipts.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

17

Material Format

textual record

Date

[195-]-1963

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence to Shomrai Shabbos members relating to the purchase of High Holy Day seats as well as High Holy Day tickets.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

18

Material Format

textual record

Date

1958

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence relating to the purchase of trees by the Shamrai Shabbos synagogue as well as a certificate from the Jewish National Fund.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

19

Material Format

textual record

Date

[198-]-[199-]

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of publicity flyers and correspondence announcing programs sponsored by Shomrai Shabbos including lectures, receptions and picnics.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Material Format

textual record

Date

1954-1964

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Admin History/Bio

Dr. I. M. Rabinowitch was a Montreal physician who had originally lived in Toronto and was a member of Shomrai Shabbos. In addition to his medical practice, he also lectured on topics related to Orthodox Judaism.

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence from Dr. Rabinowitch relating to Zionist programs sponsored by Shomrai Shabbos as well as his dues and donations. The file also contains copies of speeches delivered by Dr. Rabinowitch at the synagogue. Of note are letters from Dr. Rabinowitch regarding the possible relocation of the synagogue and his strong opposition to political Zionism.

Name Access

Rabinowitch, I. M., 1890-1983

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Item

1

Material Format

textual record

Date

4 Sep. 1954

Physical Description

1 booklet

Scope and Content

Item is a booklet titled "The Shomrai Shabos Congregation of Toronto: An Appreciation (With Comments on Decorum in Synagogues)." The following is written near the bottom of the front cover: "A sholosh se'udos address to the Shomrai Shabos Congregation, Toronto, Ont., Sept. 4, 1954."

Subjects

Speeches, addresses, etc

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Item

2

Material Format

textual record

Date

17 Dec. 1955

Physical Description

1 booklet

Scope and Content

Item is a booklet titled "The Sedra Mikketz: Its Significance." The following is written near the bottom of the front cover: "A yahrzeit address to the Shomrai Shabos Congregation of Toronto, at kiddush, Saturday, December 17th, 1955."

Subjects

Speeches, addresses, etc

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Item

3

Material Format

textual record

Date

1 Feb. 1960

Physical Description

1 letter

Scope and Content

Item is a letter addressed to Paul R. Edell, Esq., the then president of Shomrai Shabbos, dated 1 February 1960. Attached to this letter is "a copy of a self-explanatory letter addressed to Mr. Louis Rotenberg, of Toronto, to-day [1 February 1960]." The latter addresses "possible changes in the Shomrai Shabos Congregation," specifically a possible "move to a new site in the north end of the city." Said letter also outlines its author's attachment to the synagogue and his anti-Zionism.

Subjects

Zionism

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Item

4

Material Format

textual record

Date

22 Mar. 1960

Physical Description

1 letter

Scope and Content

Item is a letter addressed to Paul R. Edell, Esq., the then president of Shomrai Shabbos, dated 22 March 1960. Attached to this letter is a copy of a letter addressed to Rabbi G. Felder. In the latter, the author expresses his relief that Shomrai Shabbos does not intend to sell its synagogue on Brunswick Avenue. The author then goes on to express his hatred of "Political Zionism, the Godless State of Israel, and the modern Orthodox Synagogue with its compromises." Finally, the author expresses his desire that the synagogue remain independent "of any other organization, such as the Canadian Jewish Congress, etc."

Name Access

Canadian Jewish Congress

Subjects

Zionism

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Item

5

Material Format

textual record

Date

7 Sep. 1960

Physical Description

1 booklet

Scope and Content

Item is a letter addressed to Paul R. Edell, Esq., the then president of Shomrai Shabbos, dated 7 September 1960. The letter mentions an enclosed cheque for $140.00 that is intended for a yahrzeit donation in memory of the author's father; a yahrzeit donation to the chevra kadisha; dues for himself in the coming year; dues for Mrs. R. Rabinowitch for the coming year; a seat for High Holidays for the author's sister, Mrs. B. Fox; a High Holidays donation for the rabbi; a High Holidays donation for the baal t'fillah; and a High Holy Days donation for the baal t'fillah.

Subjects

High Holidays

Yahrzeit

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Item

6

Material Format

textual record

Date

31 Aug. 1961

Physical Description

1 letter

Scope and Content

Item is a letter addressed to Paul R. Edell, Esq., the then president of Shomrai Shabbos, dated 31 August 1961. The letter mentions an enclosed cheque for $165.00 that is intended for annual dues for the author in the coming year, annual dues for Mrs. S. Rabinowitch, annual dues for the hevra kadisha, a yahrzeit donation to the synagogue in memory of the author's father, an annual High Holidays donation to the synagogue, an annual High Holidays donation to the rabbi, an annual High Holidays donation to the ba'al t'fillah, and an annual High Holidays donation to the ba'al kora.

Subjects

High Holidays

Yahrzeit

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Item

7

Material Format

textual record

Date

29 Dec. 1961

Physical Description

1 letter

Scope and Content

Item is a letter addressed to Paul R. Edell, Esq., the then president of Shomrai Shabbos, dated 29 December 1961. In the letter, the author touches upon a conversation he had with the recipient of the letter about the late Louis Rotenberg, his own last will and testament, and his intense dislike of political Zionism.

Subjects

Zionism

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Item

8

Material Format

textual record

Date

12 Apr. 1963

Physical Description

1 letter

Scope and Content

Item is a letter addressed to Paul R. Edell, Esq., the then president of Shomrai Shabbos, dated 12 April 1963. The letter includes the author's good wishes on the occassion of Passover and his reasons for not contributing to the "Moos Chittim Fund," specifically, "that the distribution from this Fund includes the State of Israel." The atuhor goes on to express his opposition to political Zionism and the State of Israel.

Subjects

Zionism

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

20

Item

9

Material Format

textual record

Date

20 Nov. 1964

Physical Description

1 booklet

Scope and Content

Item is a letter addressed to Paul R. Edell, Esq., the then president of Shomrai Shabbos, dated 20 November 1964. In the letter, the author outlines his reasons for declining the invitation of the Shomrai Shabos Congregation to a Hanukkah banquet to be held on 6 December, which would mark the commencement of the construction of the new synagogue. The author goes on to explain that his decision is influenced by a recent development, namely, Shomrai Shabbos' mobilization for Israel Bonds. In the author's view, this constituted official support for political Zionism. Rabbi G. Felder is mentioned in the letter.

Subjects

Zionism

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

21

Material Format

textual record

Date

1959-1999, predominant 1982-1999

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of notices to Shomrai Shabbos members relating to the Annual General meeting and giving details of the agenda as well as the list of candidates running for election.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

22

Material Format

textual record

Date

[1950-]

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos stationery including letterhead, envelopes, dues statements and applications for membership forms.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

23

Date

1960-1964

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence from lawyers and the Public Trustee informing Shomrai Shabbos that the synagogue had received bequests as well as letters of thanks from the congregation to the families of the deceased individuals. The file also contains correspondence relating to any outstanding dues and estimates for preparation of the monuments.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

24

Material Format

textual record

Date

1949-1960, 1984

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of appeals for donations to Shomrai Shabbos synagogue funds including the Book Fund, the Yizkor Fund, the Building Fund and the Charity Fund as well as receipts for donations given to these funds.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

25

Material Format

textual record

Date

1963, 1985-1999

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of notices sent to the membership of Shomrai Shabbos informing them that them of changes in synagogue dues as well as letters from members relating to the payment of dues.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

26

Material Format

textual record

Date

1961-1964

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of invoices, receipts and tax assessment notices relating to Shomrai Shabbos synagogue.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

27

Material Format

textual record

Date

1958-1964

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos's annual financial reports lisiting income, expenses and bank account balances.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

28

Material Format

textual record

Date

1923-1935

Physical Description

4 cm of textual records

Admin History/Bio

Shomrai Shabbos was an orthodox congregation that was founded by Galician Jews in 1896. They originally met in a room on Richmond Street in Toronto. They purchased a building in 1899 on Chestnut Street which was once a mission church. The first rabbi was Rabbi Yosef Weinreb, who was hired in 1899 when the synagogue opened. He was the grandfather of Sol Edell. The synagogue was in several downtown locations until it moved to Glengrove Avenue in North York in 1966. The congregation has its own cemetery located on Jones Avenue in the east end of Toronto.

Scope and Content

File consists of a Shomrai Shabbos ledger listing membership dues and donations for the years 1923 to 1935. The ledger begins with a list of members whose names are written in Englsh and Yiddish. Each member is assigned a number. The ledger includes entries for close to 400 individuals. Each page is assigned a number which corresponds to the names listed in the front of the ledger. Each entry includes the name of the individual, address, as well as the dates of each payment made by the individual to the synagogue.

Physical Condition

Ledger is in very poor condition and requires conservation attention. The spine cover is missing and thread binding is disintegrating, there is some mould damage to the cover and likely some of the pages, the leather corners on the cover are rotting, and there is considerable water damage to the cover and interior pages.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

29

Material Format

textual record

Date

1978-1982

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos ledger book listing assets, liabilities and bank balances.

Physical Condition

Damage to spine. Dampness. Pages falling out. Back and cover may need to be replaced. Requires conservation work.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

30

Material Format

textual record

Date

1956-1959

Physical Description

1 folder textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue bulletins.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

31

Date

1960-1967

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue bulletins.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

32

Material Format

textual record

Date

1971-1973

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue bulletins.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

33

Material Format

textual record

Date

1975-1979

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue bulletins.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

34

Material Format

textual record

Date

1980-1984

Physical Description

1 folder textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue bulletins.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

35

Material Format

textual record

Date

1985-1989

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue bulletins.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

36

Material Format

textual record

Date

1990-1993

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue bulletins.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

37

Material Format

textual record

Date

1994-1995

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue bulletins.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

7

File

38

Material Format

textual record

Date

1998-1999

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of Shomrai Shabbos synagogue bulletins.

Source

Archival Descriptions