Accession Number
1998-3-13
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1998-3-13
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1974-1980
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records of Congregation B'Nai Israel in Galt, Ontario. Included are minutes of general and executive meetings, letters to the congregation from the executive, a list of congregation members and non- members in the community, a list of the executive, sisterhood,and committee chairs, and information about religious services and cultural activities.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-38
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-38
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
2 folders of textual records
Date
1953-1968
Scope and Content
Accession consists of synagogue material including minutes of meetings, a list of members, bulletins, school information, correspondence, and a JNF tree order application form.
Administrative History
In 1973 the City of Galt, the towns of Preston and Hespeler, and the hamlet of Blair were amalgamated to form the City of Cambridge.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-2-5
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-2-5
Physical Description
14 photographs : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm or smaller
Date
[1955]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of photographs from a B'nai Israel Congregation Purim carnival.
Responsibility
Photographs by Lou Lessin, London, Ont.
Administrative History
In 1899, London established its first permanent synagogue at the corner of Richmond and Simcoe Streets. The B'nai Israel Congregation operated from this location until 1917. With the rapid influx of Jewish residents at the turn of century, the congregation eventually relocated to the site of a former church located at the corner of Wellington and Grey. B'nai Israel operated from this new home until 1960. On September 11, 1960, B'nai Israel Congregation consecrated its new purpose built synagogue at the then northern border of the city. Praised for its ultramodern design, the synagogue complex designed by architect Philip Carter Johnson, housed a school, social hall and youth centre.
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.
Descriptive Notes
HISTORY/BIO NOTE: A History of the Jewish Community of London Ontario by Bill Gladstone.
CONSERVATION NOTE: Photos were originally mounted on display boards. The photo backing has been removed where possible. All identifying information included in the photo captions was on the original display board.
Subjects
Synagogues
Purim
Places
London (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-92
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-92
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
9 photographs : b&w ; 20 x 19 cm or smaller
Date
1954-1973
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material pertaining to Congregation B'Nai Israel of Galt/Cambridge, Ontario and the Jewish communities of Galt/Cambridge, Preston, and Hespeler, Ontario. Materials include newspaper clippings, photographs, minutes of the synagogue executive and general meetings, a program for an arts and crafts sale at B'Nai Israel, and a 1954 survey of the three communities prepared by the Research Committe of the Canadian Jewish Congress, Central Region.
Administrative History
The City of Galt changed it's name to Cambridge in 1973.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Cambridge, Ont.)
Places
Cambridge, Ont.
Galt, Ont.
Preston, Ont.
Hespeler, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-11-12
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-11-12
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
technical drawing
Physical Description
56 cm textual records
172 photographs
2 technical drawings
Date
[194?]-1998
Scope and Content
Accession consists of minutes of meetings, ledgers, correspondence, notes, and photographs documenting the former B'nai Jacob Congregation in Niagara Falls. The material includes records of the Rose Dunkelman chapter of Hadassah (1940s–1950s), Sisterhood (1970s), the merged Hadassah-Sisterhood (1977–1986), Lundy's Lane Cemetery, and the Niagara Falls Jewish Federation (1943-1966). The records include a file with lists of Torah Fund donations, the constitutions of Sisterhood and of B'nai Jacob, many copied newspaper clippings about the Greenspans and Barbara Frum, and a copy of the 1953 CJC Community Self-Survey. There are also two copies of the 1977 Sisterhood New Year's community directory and textual and graphic material on the Holocaust Memorial at the cemetery. Records also include a photocopied chapter from a young adult book telling the story of Niagara Falls resident Irving Milchberg and how as an adolescent he survived the Second World War in Nazi-occupied Warsaw after escaping from the ghetto.
Accession includes 172 photographs; ninety-six are colour prints from the 1998 Holocaust Memorial dedication ceremony in the cemetery and the rest are special events and shul members in the 1960s and 1970s. In addition there is a collage of twelve photographs picturing music classes and performances. Finally, two oversized landscape technical drawings also relate to the proposed Holocaust Memorial.
Photo Caption 001-007: Festival of Holidays at B’nai Jacob Congregation, Niagara Falls, 1980.
Administrative History
B'nai Jacob Synagogue was a Conservative shul founded in 1918. It amalgamated with the Reform congregation in St. Catharines and became B'nai Tikvah in 1998 and is still located in the original shul building in Niagara Falls.
Use Conditions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the Archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Subjects
Communities
Synagogues
Name Access
B'nai Jacob Congregation (Niagara Falls, Ont.)
Places
Niagara Falls (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1982-2-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1982-2-3
Material Format
object
Physical Description
1 key
Date
1921
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a gold key presented on 18 September 1921 to Fred and Sophie Torno at the opening of the Eastern Children of Israel Congregation, popularly known as the Berkeley Street Synagogue.
Descriptive Notes
B'nai Israel Hamizrachim.
MG_RG
MG 3 A 43
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
Eastern Children of Israel Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Berkeley Street (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
The Shuls Project fonds
Ontario synagogues series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 64; Series 2; File 4
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
The Shuls Project fonds
Ontario synagogues series
Level
File
Fonds
64
Series
2
File
4
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1979
Physical Description
14 photographs : col. slides, b&w negatives ; 35 mm
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Cambridge, 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
Cambridge (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1088
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1088
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the cornerstone for the B'nai Israel Synagogue in Timmins, Ontario. The stone was laid by Charles Pierce around 1928.
Notes
Location of negative: 13:4:0.
This photograph is identical to photo #1089.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1089
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1089
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the cornerstone for the B'nai Israel Synagogue in Timmins, Ontario. The stone was laid by Charles Pierce around 1928.
Notes
Location of negative: 13:4:1.
This photo is identical to photo #1088.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1090
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1090
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the exterior of Congregation B'nai Israel in Timmins, Ontario.
Notes
Location of negative: 13:4:2.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1091
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1091
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the exterior of Congregation B'nai Israel in Timmins, Ontario.
Notes
Location of negative: 13:4:3.
This photograph is similar to photo #1092.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1092
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1092
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the exterior of Congregation B'nai Israel in Timmins, Ontario.
Notes
Location of negative: 13:4:4.
This photograph is similar to photo #1091.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1095
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1095
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the Congregation B'nai Israel sanctuary, in Timmins, Ontario.
Notes
Location of negative: 13:6:7.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1096
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1096
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the Congregation B'nai Israel sanctuary, in Timmins, Ontario. Pictured is the seating area, the ark and the bimah.
Notes
.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1098
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1098
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the Congregation B'nai Israel's sanctuary. Pictured is the seating area.
Notes
.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1099
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1099
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the Congregation B'nai Israel's sanctuary. Pictured is the seating area.
Notes
.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1100
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1100
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the Congregation B'nai Israel's sanctuary. Pictured is the bimah and the ark.
Notes
.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2007-6-31
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2007-6-31
Material Format
textual record (electronic)
Physical Description
1 document (4 jpgs) : col.
Date
[19--]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of scanned copy of the constitution of the B'nai Jacob Congregation of Niagara Falls, 4 pages in four separate files.
Subjects
Synagogues
Communities
Name Access
B'nai Jacob Congregation (Niagara Falls, Ont.)
Places
Niagara Falls (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Level
Item
ID
Item 2396
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
2396
Material Format
graphic material
Date
11 Nov. 1977
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 11 cm
Scope and Content
This item is a photograph of the exterior of Congregation B'nai Israel in Timmins, Ontario.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Architecture
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Accession Number
1978-9-4
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2011-9-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2011-9-2
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
Date
[between 1960 and 1962]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of one photograph of the sign from the Eastern Children of Israel Congregation, located on Parliament Street, just north of Shuter Street, in Toronto. The sign is in the shape of an arc and was situated on the second floor of a brick building between two windows. It was written in Hebrew and mentions both the synagogue and a Talmud Torah.
Custodial History
The photograph was in the possession of Dr. Dorothy Pullan. She mailed it to the OJA in September 2011.
Administrative History
The Eastern Children of Israel Synagogue (Bnai Israel Hamizrachim or Eastern Children's Congregation) was founded in a house on Berkeley Street before the First World War. Its first synagogue was built at 177-179 Berkeley Street and officially opened in 1918. A Talmud Torah was later added onto the back. The synagogue was bulldozed in 1960 to make way for the Moss Park housing project, although the land sat vacant until 1962. The synagogue subsequently moved to 270 Parliament street until 1962, just north of Shuter Street, but is no longer in existence.
Descriptive Notes
Availability of other formats: Also available as a JPEG file.
Subjects
Signs and signboards
Synagogues
Name Access
Eastern Children of Israel Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Parliament Street (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
The Shuls Project fonds
Ontario synagogues series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 64; Series 2; File 33
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
Accession Number
2015-7-12
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2015-7-12
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Physical Description
2.1 m of textual records and graphic material
Date
1904-2015
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records related to the precursor synagogues of Congregation Or Shalom: B'nai Israel and B'nai Moses ben Judah. Records include committee records, board meeting minutes, flyers and invitations, newsletters and bulletins, by-laws, sisterhood records, men's club records, photographs, Board of Education minutes, records related to the London Talmud Torah, minute books of the Daughters of Israel, correspondence, financial records and scrapbooks. There is also a small amount of material related to the National Council of Jewish Women, London Chapter and the London Jewish Community Council and Federation.
Custodial History
Records were donated to the OJA by Congregation Or Shalom, who has an archival repository at the synagogue under the guidance of Dr. Jack Rosen.
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
B'nai Israel Synagogue, (London, Ont.)
B'nai Moses ben Judah (London, Ont.)
Congregation Or Shalom (London, Ont.)
Rosen, Jack
Places
London, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 4; File 8
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
4
File
8
Material Format
textual record
Date
1985-1994
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Torah (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
1976-10-1
Source
Archival Accessions
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
Part Of
The Shuls Project fonds
Reference series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 64; Series 5; File 61
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
Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Catharines, Ontario fonds
Level
Fonds
ID
Fonds 76
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
Level
Item
ID
Item 1093
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1093
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the exterior of Congregation B'nai Israel in Timmins, Ontario.
Notes
Location of negative: 13:5:4.
This photograph is similar to photo #1094.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1094
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1094
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the exterior of Congregation B'nai Israel in Timmins, Ontario.
Notes
Location of negative: 13:5:5.
This photograph is similar to photo #1093.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1101
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1101
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the Congregation B'nai Israel's women's gallery.
Notes
.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
1975-006
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1975-006
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
3 cm of textual records
Date
1912-1922
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a financial and meeting minute ledger book (1912–1922) and a photocopy of a financial and meeting minute ledger book (1914–1922) of the B'nai Zion Synagogue in Cobalt, Ontario.
MG_RG
MG3B15
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
B'nai Zion Synagogue (Cobalt, Ont.)
Places
Cobalt, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1977-12-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1977-12-4
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
ca. 120 cm of textual records
Date
1904–1969
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the First Narayever Congregation of Toronto. Included are membership books, minute books, insert cards used to record aliyah pledges, correspondence, ledger sheets, contracts, and other material.
Administrative History
In 1914, Jews from eastern Galicia (now in modern Ukraine) established the First Narayever Congregation in Toronto as a landsmanshaf, i.e. a society of Jewish immigrants from the same town or region. The synagogue takes its name from the small market town of Narayev, which is located in eastern Galicia. The synagogue's founders belonged to the working class and many worked in Toronto's garment industry.
Initially, congregation members met in different locations, but by 1923 their numbers and financial means had grown such that they were able to rent a small house at 70 Huron Street at the corner of Huron and Dundas. This house served as the congregation's home for twenty years.
The congregation's first president was Israel Chaim Katz and its first meeting was held at the Katz home at 156 William Street. The congregation's first rabbi was Solomon Langner, who was hired by the congregation in 1923. He retained this affiliation despite serving the Kiever Synagogue as a full-time rabbi from 1929 until he died in 1973.
In 1943, the congregation purchased property at 187-189 Brunswick Avenue from Bethel Church. This is where the the synagogue is located today.
In 1950, Henry Young became president of the congregation. He occupied that position until his death in 1976. Shalom Langner, the son of Rabbi Solomon Langner, succeeded Young as president.
As Toronto's Jewish population began to move north, the First Narayever continued to serve Orthodox Jews living downtown. In the 1980s, the congregation struggled to balance the needs of this older generation with the young generation's desire to make the synagogue more egalitarian with respect to gender. In 1983, the congregation's new leadership team successfully advanced a proposal to allow the full participation of women in traditional services. This innovation led to several long-standing members taking legal action, but their case was dismissed on the grounds that it was not a matter for civil law.
The First Narayever's identity continued to evolve. In 2009, its membership voted to allow its rabbi, Edward Elkin, who began serving the congregation in 2000, to officiate at same-sex marriages.
MG_RG
MG3 A55
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
First Narayever Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1979-11-12
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1979-11-12
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 volume
Date
1979
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a Shaarei Shomayim jubilee book, the First Fifty Years.
MG_RG
MG3 A31
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
Shaarei Shomayim Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2022-2-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2022-2-4
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
13 cm of textual records
Date
[197-]-2008
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the Sons of Jacob Congregation of Belleville, Ontario. Included are meeting minutes, handwritten notes, and a copy of the synagogue's constitution, as well as other textual records.
Custodial History
The files belonged to the donor's parents. The latter were active in the Sons of Jacob Congregation (Mike's mother was the secretary for a time).
Descriptive Notes
Availability of other formats: Constitution also available as a PDF file.
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
Sons of Jacob Congregation (Belleville, Ont.)
Places
Belleville (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
General community activities series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 11; File 98
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
General community activities series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
11
File
98
Material Format
textual record
Date
2005
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of a 50th jubilee book.
Name Access
Beth David B'nai Israel Beth Am (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Anniversaries
Synagogues
Places
North York (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
General community activities series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 11; File 101
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
General community activities series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
11
File
101
Material Format
textual record
Date
1971-1984
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of invitations and programmes.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Torah (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
1979-9-37
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1979-9-37
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
2 cm of textual records (1 vol.)
Date
1969
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a book entitled "History of Beth Jacob Congregation, 1896-1969", published in honour of the Hamilton congregation's 80th anniversary.
Administrative History
Beth Jacob Congregation was founded in 1886 by an Orthodox faction of the Reform Congregation Anshe Sholom, who withdrew from the congregation three years earlier to form an Orthodox minyan, due to differing views on the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.
Descriptive Notes
Beth Jacob Congregation.
Hamilton.
Multicultural History Society of Ontario.
Subjects
Anniversaries
Synagogues
Name Access
Beth Jacob Synagogue (Hamilton, Ont.)
Places
Hamilton, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1102
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1102
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the Congregation B'nai Israel's sanctuary as seen from the women's gallery.
Notes
.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Synagogues
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1337
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1337
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[194-]
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm
Scope and Content
This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Sylvia Kroch standing on the steps of the Congregation B'nai Israel with the Hebrew teacher.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Kroch, Sylvia
Subjects
Synagogues
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
Timmins (Ont.)
Accession Number
1977-6-5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
1980-6-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1980-6-1
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1910
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a memorandum of agreement beween the trustees of Machziki Hadas and A. Eisen concerning the sale of two seats in the synagogue and a Hebrew prayer book belonging to the congregation.
MG_RG
MG 3 A 6
Subjects
Prayer books
Synagogue seating
Name Access
Machziki Hadas Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-5-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-5-7
Material Format
object
textual record
Physical Description
1 object
1 folder of textual records
Date
[197-?]-2017
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the Beth Torah Congregation in Toronto. Included are a stole (sash) from the synagogue choir and the summer 2017 issue of the Jewish Review, which features a profile of Yossi Sapirman, the senior rabbi of Beth Torah.
Subjects
Choirs (Music)
Rabbis
Synagogues
Name Access
Beth Torah Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Sapirman, Yossi
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2013-5-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2013-5-2
Material Format
multiple media
Physical Description
10 cm of textual records and other material
Date
2011-2012
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records documenting the 100th anniversary celebration of Congregation Knesseth Israel. The records were compiled in an indexed binder by Edwin Goldstein, president of the synagogue. Included are newsclippings, press releases and advertisements; invitations and programs; a commemorative calendar; a volunteer t-shirt, a kippa and a gift bag; correspondence with the Ontario Trillium Foundation; information on a guided architectural walking tour of the area; an Israel Today DVD featuring the synagogue; the book "One Hundred Years at the Junction Shul" written by Neil Ross and Lorne Miller; and a DVD compilation featuring video and photographic highlights from the various anniversary events.
Administrative History
Congregation Knesseth Israel was established in 1911 at 56 Maria Street in the West end of Toronto. Early 20th century membership in the synagogue consisted mainly of new jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, many of whom lived and worked in the Junction as artisans, peddlers, shop owners and scrap and metal collectors. Known as the Junction Shul, Knesseth Israel Synagogue was built with the labour and funds provided by the founding members and their families.
Orthodox services first began in 1913 and since the 1930s the synagogue has functioned without a rabbi, with services being led by a cantor or the congregants themselves. Some family names associated with this early period include: Alexandroff, Goldstein, Nickolaevsky, Kronis, Greenblatt, Usprich, Tanenbaum, and Naftalin.
Knesseth Israel is the oldest Toronto synagogue still in use as a synagogue today and is now cared for by the descendents of these founding families. Although members of the synagogue are now few (as the Jewish population of the Junction has waned greatly since the 1960s), the synagogue still performs High Holiday services for some 75-80 full members and 300 associate members.
Descriptive Notes
Physical description note: includes 1 text, 3 objects and 2 DVDs.
Subjects
Anniversaries
Synagogues
Name Access
Knesseth Israel (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-10-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-10-3
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 newsletter
Date
Apr. 1978
Scope and Content
Accession consists of the first newsletter issued by Congregation B'nai Kehillah of Toronto. Only the first two pages have survived.
Administrative History
Congregation B'nai Kehillah ("Children of the Communtiy") was the successor group to Toronto's first gay Jewish group, Ha' Mishpachah ("The Family"). The group met for approximately two years in the late 1980s, holding Friday night services downtown at Holy Trinity Church. The group also held High Holiday services one year. In addition to holding religious services, the congregation printed newsletters in 1978 and 1979. And, in conjunction with the World Congress of Gay and Lesbian Jewish Organizations, it hosted a Shabbaton in Toronto with visiting members of gay Jewish groups from the United States.
Descriptive Notes
Availability of other formats: Also available as a PDF.
Associated material: Other records documenting Congregation B'nai Kehillah of Toronto can be found at the Arquives: Canada's LGBTQ2+ Archives.
Subjects
Sexual minorities
Synagogues
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Kehillah of Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1991-5-11
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1991-5-11
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1972-1984
Scope and Content
This accession consists of meeting minutes and correspondence relating to Congregation B'nai Israel and the Cambridge Jewish community, as well as a plan for a synagogue to be built in Moshav Bar-Giora in the Jerusalem corridor.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Cambridge, Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1108
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1108
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 13 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and corresponding negative of the hall in the basement of the Congregation B'nai Israel in Timmins, Ontario.
Notes
Location of negative: 14:2:21.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1109
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1109
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 13 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and corresponding negative of the hall in the basement of the Congregation B'nai Israel in Timmins, Ontario.
Notes
Location of negative: 14:2:22.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1103
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1103
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the Congregation B'nai Israel's classroom, in Timmins, Ontario. The classroom was located upstairs in the women's gallery.
Notes
.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Classrooms
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1104
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1104
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1976
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. (1 negative) ; 11 x 9 cm and 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print and a corresponding negative of the Congregation B'nai Israel's classroom, in Timmins, Ontario. The classroom was located upstairs, in the women's gallery.
Notes
.
Name Access
Congregation B'nai Israel (Timmins, Ont.)
Subjects
Classrooms
Places
Timmins (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
The Shuls Project fonds
Ontario synagogues series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 64; Series 2; File 61
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
The Shuls Project fonds
Ontario synagogues series
Level
File
Fonds
64
Series
2
File
61
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1979
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Notes
Also called the Shaw Street shul.
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
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
1975-005
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1975-005
Physical Description
15 cm of textual records
Date
1928, 1936-1959
Scope and Content
Accession consists of the account books and constitution for the Adath Israel Congregation in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
MG_RG
MG3B14
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
Adath Israel Synagogue (Kirkland Lake, Ont.)
Places
Kirkland Lake, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1981-2-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1981-2-1
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
4 photographs : b&w (2 negatives) ; 21 x 26 cm and 11 x 13 cm
Date
1940-1945
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a photograph of the interior and one of the exterior of the Adath Israel Synagogue in Kirkland Lake with corresponding negatives.
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
Adath Israel Synagogue (Kirkland Lake, Ont.)
Places
Kirkland Lake (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions