Accession Number

1983-10-2

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

13 cm of textual records

Date

1941-1946

Scope and Content

Accession consists of material documenting B'nai Brith and its Aleph Zadik Aleph youth fraternal organization. Included are: correspondence, an AZA member's manual, a questionnaire for high school students prepared by the Committee on Vocational Guidance and filled out by the donor, correspondence, programs, and newsletters.

Custodial History

Evelyn Goodman passed along the material that Jack Schwartz left for the archives to Stephen Speisman, the then director of the Ontario Jewish Archives.

Subjects

Fraternal organizations

Youth

Name Access

Aleph Zadik Aleph

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2018-9-2

Material Format

graphic material

textual record

Physical Description

16 cm of textual records

1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 10 cm

Date

1945-1992

Scope and Content

Accession consists of records related to the Shaar Hashomayim Congregation and B'nai Brith of Sudbury, Ontario. Included are Shaar Hashomayim cash receipt books for donations and membership dues, income and expense ledgers, bank reconciliation statements, a change of address notice, list of members of the Jewish Community of Sudbury, B'nai Brith Sudbury Lodge No. 1592 membership record book, and a letter from the Canadian Jewish Congress with a population list of Jewish communities in Ontario based on the 1971 census. Also included is a photograph taken at a B'nai Brith banquet in the mid-1950s. Pictured in the photograph are David Schwartz, David Greenspan, David Valensky, Sam Speigel and D. Field.

Subjects

Synagogues

Fraternal organizations

Name Access

B'nai B'rith

Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue (Sudbury, Ont.)

Places

Sudbury (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

Sub-series

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1958]-1973

Physical Description

226 negatives : b&w ; 20 x 26 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio

B’nai Brith is the oldest Jewish service organization in North America. It was founded on 13 October 1843 by a group of eleven men in New York City.

Originally called Bundes-Brueder [League of Brothers], with the alternate title of “The Independent Order of B’nai Brith,” they later shortened their name to simply “B’nai Brith,” meaning sons of the covenant.

In an attempt to unite Jewish communities, they developed an inclusive membership mandate that does not discriminate against ethnic or religious sects. The initial vision of the organization was to develop a national Jewish organization, which would provide aid to all Jewish citizens. These goals have long since been realized. The organization currently has lodges internationally, and B’nai Brith membership is in the millions.

B’nai Brith cites its main goals to be: reaching out to those in need, fighting antisemitism and prejudice of any kind, and promoting human rights and world peace. One of their most recognized accomplishments is the formation of the Anti-Defamation League, which combats antisemitism and promotes human rights.

In Canada, the first B'nai Brith lodge, Canada Lodge, was founded in Toronto in 1875; it folded in 1894. Other lodges were formed in Montreal (in 1881) and Victoria (in 1886). These lodges were disbanded around the turn of the century, and the organization did not have much of a presence in Canada until the outbreak of the First World War. Shortly afterwards, in Toronto, B’nai Brith had fifteen lodges and eleven chapters. The lodges were the men’s groups and the chapters were for the women; in addition, there was also the B’nai Brith Youth Organization, called the Hillel Foundation, which was located at the University of Toronto.

The lodges primarily work in the community in a fundraising capacity, but many of the lodges also support various causes, such as youth and senior programs.

Scope and Content

Sub-series consists of negatives documenting the events and activities of several B'nai Brith lodges in Toronto. The images depict meetings, installation banquets, special events, theatrical productions, and group photographs of the executive and officers of the various lodges. The negatives have been arranged chronologically by event and are described at the file or item level.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Accession Number

2016-1-2

Material Format

graphic material

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 36 x 34 cm

Date

1935

Scope and Content

Accession consists of one black and white photograph of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge, no. 836 installation dinner and dance, which took place at the Royal York Hotel, on January 14, 1935. Individuals identified in the photo include: Carl Kayfetz, Mel Bochner, Dr. Joseph Gollom, Sam Sable, Moe Palmer, Sam Bregman, Sam Staiman and Sol Staiman.

Subjects

Clubs

Name Access

B'nai Brith Canada

Source

Archival Accessions

Level

Item

Item

6049

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[194-?]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w

Scope and Content

Item is a photograph of the Knights of Pythias Judea Lodge #52 in Toronto. Front row (L to R): [Unidentified (1)], Lou Sobel, Gordon Mendly, Harry Silverstein, [Unidentified (5)], [Unidentified (6)], Ben Liebseman, [Unidentified (7)], Morris [Rutapple], Dave Kasdan, Mac Cole. Second row seated (L to R): Bernie [Wecksler], Sam Bernstein, Lou Green, Milton Hurwitz, [Unidentified (5)], [Unidentified (6)], [Unidentified (7)], [Unidentified (8)], Sam Weiss, Ben Goulding, [Unidentified (11)], [Unidentified (12)], Phil Louis, Lottman, Sam Lottman, [Al] Goldstein. Third row standing (L to R): [Unidentified (1)], [Unidentified (2)], [Unidentified (3)], [Unidentified (4)], Laurence Sandy, Harry Gardner, Alex Richmond, Joe Gutman, [Unidentified (9)], [Unidentified (10)], Harry Gilbert, Ben Marks, Henry Marks, [Unidentified (14)], Sam Marks, Lou Goldenberg, [Unidentified (17)], [Unidentified (18)], [Unidentified (19)], Mike Kraft, [Unidentified (21)], [Unidentified (22)], Saul Greenwood, Joe Lollman, [Unidentified (25)], Max Sinukoff, [Unidentified (27)], Myer [Rutapple], Lou Mendelson. Top row (L to R): Sam Blackstein, [Unidentified (2)], Max Webber, [Unidentified (4)], [Unidentified (5)], Jack Phillips, Sam Mandle, [Unidentified (8)], Morris Saltsman, Jack Strauss, Arnold Phillips, Sam Silverstein, Sam Wise, George Bernstein, Al Zigelstein, Saul Freedman, [Unidentified (17)], Harry Sugarman, Monte Gould, [Unidentified (20)], [Unidentified (21)], [Unidentified (22)], Ben Grossman.

Notes

For partial identification, see accession record.

Subjects

Fraternal organizations

Portraits, Group

Repro Restriction

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

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Accession Number

1992-6-3

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Zionist Organization of Canada fonds

Central Region sous-fonds

Community correspondence series

Level

File

Fonds

28-1

Series

6

File

25

Material Format

textual record

Date

1965-1967

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

The file consists of correspondence concerning the Jewish Music Festival, United Jewish Appeal campaigns, community lectures and events, and lists of contributors to the United Israel Appeal.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

Item

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

Item

3

Material Format

graphic material

Date

25 Oct. 1971

Physical Description

1 negative : b&w ; 6 x 6 cm

Scope and Content

Item is an image of four officers of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge standing in front of a cake. There is also a poster on the wall for the Youth Service Fund campaign.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Cowan family fonds

Level

File

Fonds

102

File

13

Material Format

textual record

object

Date

1969-1979

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

1 plaque

Scope and Content

File consists of material pertaining to Saul Cowan's participation In Manor-Metropolitan Lodge of B'nai Brith. Included is a news clipping, bulletins, a program for a Diamond Jubilee event, an International Human Rights Covenant card, and a plaque presented to Saul Cowan for his work in the "Clowns Unlimited" program.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Accession Number

2019-5-2

Material Format

graphic material

textual record

Physical Description

30 cm of graphic material and textual records

Date

1963-2019

Scope and Content

Accession consists of material documenting Don Mills Lodge, B'nai Brith. Included are six issues of Planet Observer (2016, 2018--2019); seven issues of the Planet (1994-2008); a twenty-fifth anniversary publication (1982); a program for a fiftieth anniversary gala (2007); a bulletin (October 2015); a copy of the constitution and by-laws; three issues of 2131 News (March 1963, June 1963, and March 1964); a copy of the lodge's charter (1957); and seven albums containing letters, photographs, and printouts documenting events, achievements, and volunteer services (1977-2011).

Administrative History

In 1956, a group of men living in the newly developed area of Don Mills came together to establish a B'nai Brith lodge. On March 16, 1957, District Grand Lodge No. 1 granted a charter to Don Mills Lodge No. 2131 to operate in the city of Toronto. The lodge was one of several that belonged to B'nai Brith Canada; B'nai Brith Canada, in turn, belonged to B'nai Brith International.

An early accomplishment of the lodge was to raise funds for the purchase of North York's first ambulance, which provided the impetus for the development of the area's ambulance service. Other philanthropic endeavours over the years have included Monte Carlo nights, which raised funds for muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis associations, and an annual dinner draw run in cooperation with B'nai Brith Canada. Since the 1990s, the lodge has operated a bingo at two locations in Toronto to raise money for B'nai Brith and other communal activities. In addition, it has given thousands of dollars to a variety of organizations including Camp Oochigeas, the Canadian Association for the Riding Disabled, the Canadian International Scientific Exchange Program, CNIB, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, the International Schizophrenia Foundation, the Magen David Adom, the Pride of Israel Synagogue's Kosher Food Bank, Sheena's Place, and YouthLink.

In the mid-2010s, the Don Mills Lodge began operating with the Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge (LMOL) of B'nai Brith. Since beginning to operate jointly, the lodges have ceased to have their own presidents.

As of 2019, the lodge currently participates in and sponsors the following community programs: the Ride Programme, which delivers coffee and donuts to police vans; a Hanukkah party and summer picnic for the foster children of Jewish Family & Child (JF&CS); the Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow; a Shabbat service for veterans at Sunnybrook Hospital; apple-picking for Kadima residents; the ALS walkathon; and the Out of the Cold program.

The lodge's first president was Manny Widman, who served from 1957-1958. Subsequent presidents have included: Herbert Liebman (1958-1959), Joseph Skolnik (1959-1960), Allan N. Lewis (1960-1961), Harold Chapman (1961-1962), Irwin Borins (1962-1963), Gerald Rafelman (1963-1964), Morley Torgov (1964-1965), Murray Page (1965-1966), Lowell Biderman (1966-1967), Earl Segal (1967-1968), Leon Tessler (1968-1969), Sam Brown (1969-1970), Joe Feller (1970-1971), Dave Sugarman (1971-1972), Marvin Cohen (1972-1974), Allen Werger (1974-1975), Murray Stitsky (1975-1976), Syd Feldman (1976-1977), Maurice Wesfield (1977-1978), Michael Brodsky (1978-1979), Shelly Goldstein (1979-1980), David Grader (1980-1981), Howie Cohen (1981-1982), Tom Kolin (1982-1983), Gerry Rowan (1983-1984), Andrew Stevens (1984-1985), Harold Bricks (1985-1987), Jerry Freud (1987-1988), Vic Blackman (1988-1989), Gary Feldman (1989-1990), Charles Bleier (1990-1991), Lou Ginsberg (1991-1992), Len Berk (1992-1994), Debby Goldstein (1994-1995), Esther Saxe (1995-1997), Joanne Bleier (1997-1998), Hermy Gimpel (1998-2000), Allen Burke (2000-2001), Eli Goldberg (2001-2002), Henry Gimpel (2002-2003), Ken Waldman (2003-2005), David Grader (2005-2006), Sheldon Saxe (2006-2008), Allan Wilson (2008-2009), Ava Brodsky (2009-2011), and Brenda Stevens and Robbi Wilson (2012-2013).

Descriptive Notes

Availability of other formats: One of the albums has been scanned and is available as a PDF file.

Name Access

L.M.O.L. Don Mills Lodge B'nai Brith

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Part Of

B'nai Brith Lodge No. 1154 fonds

Level

Fonds

Fonds

91

Material Format

multiple media

Date

1931-[ca. 1974]

Physical Description

16 photographs and other material

Admin History/Bio

Brantford’s B’nai Brith Lodge No. 1154 was formed on 31 December 1931 with Max White as its first president. B’nai Brith is an international service organization that was first formed in New York in 1843 to unify the American Jewish Community. B’nai Brith lodges began appearing in Canada in the late 1800s and by 1981 Canadian membership in the organization had grown large enough for the establishment of a separate Canadian district, B’nai Brith Canada. As a member of B’nai Brith, the Brantford lodge shared its mandate of assisting those in need both at home and abroad, supporting the state of Israel, and promoting human rights. The Brantford lodge has not been active since 1974. Brantford’s Jewish community has been largely inactive since 2001, when the diminishing Jewish population finally forced the closure of Brantford’s synagogue, Congregation Beth David.

Scope and Content

Fonds consists of records documenting the founding, presidents, and charitable activities of Brantford's B'nai Brith lodge No. 1154. Included are photographs, certificates, banners, a bell, plaques, a chanukiah, a charity box, pins, and a medal. Records are arranged at the file-level, with two items attached directly to the fonds-level.

Notes

Includes 4 plaques, 4 certificates, 1 photo album, 6 objects, and 2 banners.

Photographers and photography studios are identified on the photographs.

Name Access

B'nai B'rith. Brantford Lodge, No. 1154

Creator

B'nai Brith Lodge No. 1154 (Brantford, Ont.)

Accession Number

2001-10-3

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

The Shuls Project fonds

Ontario synagogues series

Level

File

Fonds

64

Series

2

File

33

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1979

Physical Description

17 photographs : col. slides, b&w prints and (1) negative ; 35 mm and 12 x 9 cm

Name Access

Congregation B'nai Israel (St. Catharines, Ont.)

Subjects

Synagogues

Repro Restriction

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

Places

St. Catharines (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

The Shuls Project fonds

Reference series

Level

File

Fonds

64

Series

5

File

61

Material Format

textual record

Date

1951

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File contains a commemorative book for the shul's 25th anniversary (1951).

Name Access

Congregation B'nai Israel (St. Catharines, Ont.)

Subjects

Anniversaries

Synagogues

Repro Restriction

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

Places

St. Catharines (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

8

Material Format

graphic material

Date

23 Jan. 1961

Physical Description

3 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

This file consist of images of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge Executive at Papio's restaurant with a group of teenage boys wearing insignia jackets. One image is of the executive posed with a hockey stick and puck.

Subjects

Hockey

Restaurants

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

Item

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

Item

2

Material Format

graphic material

Date

16 Dec. 1964

Physical Description

1 negative : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

Item is one image of six members of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge bowling group standing with a large trophy.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

11

Material Format

graphic material

Date

10 Feb. 1965

Physical Description

2 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of two images of members of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge at Papio's restaurant, with a group of teenage boys, wearing insignia jackets. One boy is shaking the hand of Mayor Phil Givens, while sitting in a wheelchair.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

13

Material Format

graphic material

Date

14 Feb. 1966

Physical Description

2 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of two images of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge presenting a cheque to the Anti-Defamation League, and to a group of bar mitzvah boys.

Name Access

Anti-defamation League

Subjects

Bar mitzvah

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

15

Material Format

graphic material

Date

14 Nov. 1966

Physical Description

4 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of images taken at a B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge event, which featured several military veterans, and the presentation of a man of the month award to Montague Raisman, for his service to the lodge.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
• 
• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

16

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1 Dec. 1966

Physical Description

8 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of images of performers on stage during a theatrical production held at Beth Tzedec Synagogue. The show was sponsored by the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge. Some of the images also depict residents of the Jewish Home for the Aged, who were bused in for the production.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

18

Material Format

graphic material

Date

16 Oct. 1967

Physical Description

5 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of images taken at a B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge fundraising event. The images depict members of the lodge engaged in a lottery draw and one member pinning a pin on the lapel of another member.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
• 
• 
• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

19

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[14 Feb. 1968?]

Physical Description

3 negatvies : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of one image of members of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge at Papio's restaurant, with a group of teenage boys wearing insignia jackets. There is also one image of the lodge members standing with a cake that has "Happy 13th Anniversary."

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

21

Material Format

graphic material

Date

2 Feb. 1969

Physical Description

6 negatives : b&w ; 6 x 7 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of images taken at a meeting of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge at the Noshery restaurant on Eglinton Avenue. The Noshery was owned by Tom Brown and Max Crystal, and was a popular after-theatre restaurant. The images depict members seated at several tables.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

22

Material Format

graphic material

Date

Apr. 1969

Physical Description

2 negatives : b&w ; 6 x 6 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of two images of a B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge. One member is seated at a piano, while others are playing violins.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

28

Material Format

graphic material

Date

10 Mar. 1971

Physical Description

4 negatives : b&w ; 6 x 6 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of images of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge at Papio's restaurant, with a group of teenage boys wearing insignia jackets. Two of the boys are seated in wheelchairs. One of the images features members of the lodge blowing out a candle on an anniversary cake.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
• 
• 

Part Of

Larry Becker collection

Level

File

Fonds

34

File

85

Material Format

textual record

Date

1964

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of a ticket to a B'nai Brith Sportsmen Lodge event on June 23, 1964.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Solomon Edell fonds

General community activities series

Level

File

Fonds

4

Series

11

File

13

Material Format

textual record

Date

1970-[ca. 1975]

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of records documenting Sol Edell's membership in the J. Irving Oelbaum Lodge of B'nai Brith. Included is a membership certificate, membership contact list, receipt, flyer, and a copy of the lodge's charter.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Accession Number

2021-11-12

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

1 box

Date

1968-2004

Scope and Content

Accession consists of material documenting the Toronto Grand Order of Israel. Included are financial statements, memoranda, and other records.

Use Conditions

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

Subjects

Fraternal organizations

Name Access

Toronto Grand Order Of Israel

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2023-8-6

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

1 ledger

Date

1962-1983

Scope and Content

Accession consists of material documenting the Farband of Lithuanian Jews. Included is one ledger that runs from 1962 to 1983.

Custodial History

Prior to donation, the item was in the possession of Harry Klaczkowski, whose mother was actively involved in the Farband of Lithuanian Jews as a member of the executive.

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

Language: Yiddish.

Subjects

Fraternal organizations

Name Access

Farband of Lithuanian Jews

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

1982-12-3

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Date

1928-1931

Scope and Content

Accession consists of a Warsawer- Lodzer Mutual Benefit Association dues book and constitution printed in Yiddish.

MG_RG

MG 2 B 1UU

Subjects

Fraternal organizations

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

1996-3-2

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

13 cm of textual records

Date

1935-1967

Scope and Content

Accession consists of meeting minutes for the years 1935-1938, 1944-1945, 1947-1951, 1957, 1959, and 1961-1967.

Descriptive Notes

Language: Yiddish.

MG_RG

MG 20 B-1G

Subjects

Fraternal organizations

Name Access

All for One Mutual Benefit Society

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2018-8-2

Material Format

graphic material

textual record

Physical Description

1 folder

Date

1931-2001

Scope and Content

Accession consists of material documenting the Lagover Mutual Benefit Society. Included are: seven black and white photographs, a past member list, a special section on Lagow from the Kielce-Radom SIG Journal, and a clipping about the society's dedication of one of the twenty stained glass windows in the Baycrest synagogue.

Custodial History

Recording secretary Frances Jacobson donated the records for the Lagover Mutual Benefit Society.

Subjects

Fraternal organizations

Name Access

Lagover Mutual Benefit Society

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2019-1-1

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

7 cm of textual records

Date

1995-2017

Scope and Content

Accession consists of material documenting the Lagover Mutual Benefit Society. Included are meeting minutes for the years 1995 through 2017.

Custodial History

The records were in the possession of Frances Jacobson, the society's recording secretary, prior to donation.

Subjects

Fraternal organizations

Name Access

Lagover Mutual Benefit Society

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2019-5-14

Material Format

textual record

graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description

1 bound portfolio

Date

2015

Scope and Content

Item is a bound portfolio containing a photograph and the story of the Lagover Mutual Benefit Society.

Subjects

Fraternal organizations

Name Access

Lagover Mutual Benefit Society

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Part Of

Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds

Community Relations Committee series

Research Records sub-series

Small Ontario Jewish Communities sub-sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

17

Series

5-4-8

File

3

Material Format

textual record

Date

1965

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence and newspaper clippings from St. Catharines related to hate literatures,

Notes

Previously processed and cited as part of MG8 S.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds

Community Relations Committee series

Research Records sub-series

Small Ontario Jewish Communities sub-sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

17

Series

5-4-8

File

19

Material Format

textual record

Date

1966

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of correspondence and newspaper clippings from St. Catharines concerning Jewish related issues

Notes

Previously processed and cited as part of MG8 S.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Zionist Organization of Canada fonds

Central Region sous-fonds

Subject files series

Level

File

Fonds

28-1

Series

7

File

26

Material Format

textual record

Date

1963-1968

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

The file consists of correspondence, flyer promoting a Jewish book fair and a programme of the Institute of Judaism.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Board of Jewish Education fonds

Subject files series

Level

File

Fonds

48

Series

4

File

416

Material Format

textual record

Date

1953-1973

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Jewish Community Centre of Toronto fonds

Executive director series

Subject files sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

61

Series

1-1

File

9

Material Format

textual record

Date

1955

Physical Description

1 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

This file contains correspondence between David Andrews and various representatives of B'nai Brith Youth Organization regarding the relationship between the YM-YWHA and the B'nai Brith.

Name Access

B'nai B'rith

Accession Number

2004-5-2

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Hoffman family fonds

Community activities series

Level

File

Fonds

6

Series

2

File

2

Material Format

textual record

Date

1965

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of calendar published by B'Nai Brith, Hamilton Chapter.

Name Access

Hoffman, Max

Hoffman, Celia

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Board of Jewish Education fonds

Subject files series

Level

File

Fonds

48

Series

4

File

6

Material Format

textual record

Date

1974-1998

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Philip Givens fonds

Jewish communal series

B'nai Brith sub-series

Level

Sub-series

Fonds

51

Series

9-1

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1946]-1986

Physical Description

2 cm of textual records (1 vol.)

22 photographs : b&w ; 25 x 20 cm or smaller

Scope and Content

Sub-series consists of textual records, photographs and a scrapbook documenting Phil Givens tenure as founding president and member of the Upper Canada Lodge of B’nai B’rith. Included are: a B’nai Brith newspaper, a Phil Givens tribute scrapbook, and numerous photographs of various official functions.

Notes

Photographers and photography studios are identified on the photographs.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Joseph Baruch Salsberg fonds

Jewish community involvement series

Level

File

Fonds

92

Series

4

File

17

Material Format

textual record

Date

1975-[ca. 1985]

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content

File consists of a Jewish National Fund certificate and newsletters of the B'nai Brith International Council.

Name Access

B'nai B'rith

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Catharines, Ontario fonds

Level

Fonds

Fonds

76

Material Format

multiple media

Date

1949-1999

Physical Description

66 cm of textual records and other material

Admin History/Bio

In 1909, the congregation legally adopted the name Chavra B’nai Israel and R. J. Hoffman became the first president. Services were held at a variety of different homes, including those of Mr. Barnett and Mr. Zalavinsky.

After the synagogue was left a large bequest in 1917 by the Friedman family, the congregation decided to purchase the house that it had been renting earlier for $3,500. The partitions between the rooms were removed to construct the sanctuary. It still continued to house the Hebrew school and provide living accommodations for the teacher and shochtim.

Due to the expansion of the community after the First World War, the house became too small to accommodate the congregation. The community therefore began to plan for a new building. The Building Committee accepted a design submitted by Nicholson & McBeth and the shul was built by the Newman Brothers. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 14, 1924. Once the synagogue was completed, a larger ceremony took place in July 1925. Services were conducted according to Orthodox tradition and membership at that time was about 30 families.

The congregation adopted a constitution in 1945. The synagogue remained affiliated with the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. Mixed seating emerged during the later years of the decade; however, Orthodox rabbis continued to serve the synagogue for years to come.

In 1981, the synagogue was incorporated as a charitable and religious organization. It also joined the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism organization. At this time, membership began to decline and they were barely able to maintain a minyan for daily and Friday night services.

In May 2002, B’nai Israel celebrated the 100th anniversary of the community. The celebration included an extended Shabbat service featuring Cantor Howard Shalowitz from New York, followed by a gala dinner on Saturday night with entertainment by the Toronto band Bais Groove.

Custodial History

The records were donated by individuals who were members of the synagogue as well as Congregation B'nai Israel from 1976 until 2009.

Scope and Content

The records document the activities of Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Catharines, Ontario. The material consists of textual, graphic, architectural and electronic records.

The fonds include bulletins, board of governors meeting minutes and reports, anniversary books, correspondence, sisterhood records, financial statements, constitutional documents, committee reports, building plans, Hebrew school materials and other items.

Photo identification:

001. Hebrew school graduating class, 1962. Top row, from left to right: Michael Mandel, Rabbi Dr. Israel Freedman, David Cooperman, Jerry Uretsky. Bottom row, from left to right: Peter Cooperman, Bruce Nepan, Marilyn Granek, Lorraine Tator, Linda Sherman, Rick Uretsky, Howard Slepkov.

002. 1974 bar mitzvah class. Eden Orvitz, Jocques Kesselman, Kevin Semson, Mr. Leo Possen, Ross Metzer, Larry Ritchie, Auby Fenig, Leslie Goldford.

003. B’nai Brith Cub Scouts, Fall 1959. B’nai Israel Scout and Cub Pack. This photo was taken as the Troop prepared for a parade in honour of Baden Powell’s birthday.

004. Synagogue board. Top row, from left to right: Harry Offstein, Harry Rubin, Eddie Offstein, Max Silver, Harry Tomarin, Martin Revzin, Jack Engel. Bottom row, from left to right: Ben Fruitman, Dave Katzman, Jacob Cooperman, Joseph Halperin, Saul Granek.

005: Unveiling of Holocaust monument in St. Catharines, Ontario, ca. 1960s. Standing in foreground from left: Herman Majerowitz, Leo Posen, Rabbi Freedman, Jacob Jacobs. Standing centre, behind Rabbi Freedman is Rabbi Joseph Ben David.

Notes

Physical Description Note: Includes 25 photographs (jpg), 8 architectural drawings (jpg), and 1 document (jpg).

Name Access

Congregation B'nai Israel (St. Catharines, Ont.)

Subjects

Synagogues

Physical Condition

Records are in good condition.

Arrangement

The records are arranged at the file level by function.

Creator

Congregation B'nai Israel (St. Catharines, Ont.)

Places

St. Catharines (Ont.)

Accession Number

1976-7-9; 2004-2-4; 2004-2-9; 2004-5-91; 2008-9-1; 2009-8-2; 2009-8-7

Source

Archival Descriptions

Accession Number

1976-10-1

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

ca. 13 cm of textual records

Date

1937–1968

Scope and Content

Accession consists of records belonging to two manuscript groups.

The first manuscript group (MG2 B5) consists of material documenting B'nai Brith Lodge 1234 of Timmins, Ontario. Included are a minute book for the years 1962–1968, an attendance register for the years 1947–1951, a fifteenth anniversary souveneer program from September 1950, two copies of a program for an event featuring guest speaker Senator J. Bradette that was held on 10 January 1954, correspondence for the years 1956–1968, minutes from 1950–1968, and a constitution from 18 June 1936.

The second manuscript group (MG3 B22) consists of material documenting Congregation B'nai Israel of Timmins. Included are six membership cards for the years 1939–1940 and 1940–1941, three seat number cards (no date), a membership account ledger for the years 1942–1948 and 1948–1950, a general financial ledger for the years 1941–1949, membership assessment lists for the yeras 1942–1943 and 1946–1947, and financial statements for the years 1937–1954.

MG_RG

MG2B5

MG3B22

Subjects

Synagogues

Name Access

B'nai Israel Congregation (Timmins, Ont.)

Places

Timmins (Ont.)

Source

Archival Accessions

Accession Number

2007-8-3

Material Format

textual record

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records

Date

1935

Scope and Content

Accession consists of a program from the installation dinner and dance of the Toronto Lodge B'nai Brith, held on 14 January 1935 at the Royal York Hotel.

Source

Archival Accessions

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

4

Material Format

graphic material

Date

8 Jan. 1963

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w ; 13 x 10 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of two images of the B'nai Brith Sportsman Lodge at the Jewish Home for the Aged. The Lodge members are standing with a new food cart, given as a gift to the home, and receiving a plaque from a member of the Men's Service Group in return.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

5

Material Format

graphic material

Date

22 Sep. 1963

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w ; 13 x 10 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of an image of the B'nai Brith Sterling Lodge presenting a cheque to the Jewish Home for the Aged and an image of the Lodge being presented with a plaque of recognition from the National Recreation Association.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

7

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1961]

Physical Description

10 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of images taken at a B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge installation of officers banquet. The images depict several members of the lodge accepting distinguished service awards and several speakers at the podium.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

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Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

Item

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

Item

1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

13 Mar. 1962

Physical Description

1 negative : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

Item is an image of a group of four women, associated with the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge standing with two residents of the Jewish Home for the Aged, who are seated in wheelchairs.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

9

Material Format

graphic material

Date

20 Apr. 1963

Physical Description

9 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of images taken at a B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge installation of officers banquet. The images depict the various members accepting certificates and plaques from the executive, speakers at the podium, and images of lodge members and invited guests.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
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Part Of

Gordon Mendly fonds

Events and organizations series

B'nai Brith lodges sub-series

Level

File

Fonds

18

Series

3-1

File

10

Material Format

graphic material

Date

18 Apr. 1964

Physical Description

12 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 12 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of images of the B'nai Brith Toronto Lodge installation of officers banquet, held at the Inn on the Park. The images depict the passing of the executive gavel, speakers at the podium, group photographs of members and invited guests, as well as individuals receiving certificates and plaques for distinguished service.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

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