Accession Number
2012-3-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2012-3-7
Material Format
moving images
Physical Description
2 CDs (1:22 and 52:15)
Date
2009-2010
Scope and Content
Accession consists of two CDs of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto's Book of Life ceremonies from 2009 and 2010. The CDs feature introductions and speeches as well as individual recognition of the honourees.
Custodial History
The CDs were transferred by Janice Benatar, senior endowment associate for the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto.
Administrative History
The Book of Life, established by the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto in 2003, is an ever-growing collection of stories written by donors who have left a legacy to the Jewish community by way of a bequest in their will, a life insurance policy, or with a permanent endowment fund at the Foundation. The Book of Life is stored at the Lipa Green Centre where it is also available in digital format. It is also on the internet; see http://www.feduja.org/bookoflife/.
Use Conditions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the Archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Descriptive Notes
Availability of other formats: VLC media file.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2014-2-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2014-2-4
Material Format
textual record
graphic material (electronic)
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
1 CD
Date
2008-2013
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records related to the Societies Division of Jewish Foundation including invitations to Spring Luncheon for Societies and other events, and 1 CD of Masada chapter of Lithuanian Jews photographs and society member lists. Accession also contains 2013 Book of Life signed stories.
Administrative History
The Book of Life is an archival collection of family stories from those who have left a legacy to ensure the future of the Jewish community through tzedakah.
Name Access
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-5-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-5-1
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
4 cm of textual records
Date
2002-2009
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, the endowment development program of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Included are promotional materials, brochures, annual reports, reports to the community, event and exhibit program guides, newsletters and newspaper articles.
Custodial History
These records were transferred to the OJA from the Creative Department.
Use Conditions
UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2012-9-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2012-9-4
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
3 cm of textual records
Date
2009-2012
Scope and Content
Accession consists of the signed pages form the Foundation's Book of Life for the years between 2009 and 2012.
Custodial History
The records were transferred to the Archives by Janice Benatar, Senior Endowment Associate with the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
Administrative History
The Book of Life is a collection of family stories from those who have left a financial legacy with the Jewish Foundation. The book is both hardcopy and online. A complete list of Book of Life signatories can be found on their website at: http://www.jewishfoundationtoronto.com/Our-Activities/Book-of-Life
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2015-5-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2015-5-3
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
2014
Scope and Content
Accession consists of signed pages for the 2014 inductees into the Jewish Foundation's Book of Life. Names include: Cecil and Elaine Brauer; Congregation Bina; Senator David Croll; Joel Cuperfain; Judy Feld Carr; Mike and Sue Feldman; Marvin and Lillian Goldman; Judi Gottlieb; Daniel Hornik; William Lipsey; Mintz Family; Nathan Peck; Lori Rosenthal; Michael & Lom Schelew; David M. Sherman; Harold and Joan Somer; Didi Urbach; Saul Wagman; and Ernest (Ernie) Weiss. Also included is a program book from the Book of Life ceremonies.
Subjects
Philanthropy and fundraising
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2015-12-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2015-12-3
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
2 folders of textual records
Date
2014-2015
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a Jewish Foundation Report to Community for 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 as well as Book of Life stories for 2015. Individuals entered into the Book of Life for that year include: Harvey Atkin and Celia Tessler Atkin; Leonard Borer; Beverley D. Burdeyney; Arnold Buxbaum; Miriam Fish Coven; Paul Engel; Cynthia Gasner; Anette Goldstein; Al and Margaret Goodman; Irving and Barbara Green; Shirley Jackson; Lagover Mutual Benefit Society; Eleanor Nadler; Rochelle Reichert; Michael and Lili Shain; Hush and Sally Sherman; Michael B. Soberman; Frieda Torkin; Goldie and Sol Wassermuhl; Lynda Weinrib.
Custodial History
The records were transferred to the Archives by Janice Benatar, Director, Donor Development for the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto.
Administrative History
The Book of Life is a collection of family stories from those who have left a financial legacy with the Jewish Foundation. The book is both hardcopy and online. A complete list of Book of Life signatories can be found on their website at: http://www.jewishfoundationtoronto.com/Our-Activities/Book-of-Life
Subjects
Philanthropy and fundraising
Name Access
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2015-12-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2015-12-7
Material Format
multiple media
Physical Description
ca. 10 cm of textual records and other material
Date
1986, 1991-2015
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the personal and professional activities of Janice Benatar. Personal records include a family tree, speeches Janice delivered at the Lipa Lippers Toastmaster's Group meetings, a Sephardic cookbook, immigration papers, and a Sharon School Reunion invitation for alumni living in Toronto. Also included are photographs of Janice with her family, performing in a ballet production with the Academy of Ballet and Jazz, with her newborn son, at her son's bar mitzvah at Chabad Flamingo, and with the keys to her first home in Thornhill. Also identified in photographs are: Elan Levitan, Viviane Benatar, Michael Benatar, Claudia Benatar, Rachel Pasternak, and Samuel Pasternak.
Also included are speeches, invitations, event programs, and video recordings of Book Of Life events as well as a bookmark that was designed by artist Enya Keshet for Book of Life honourees. Finally, accession also includes Professional Advisory Committee meeting minutes (2009-2015) and breakfast seminar presentations (2014-2015).
Use Conditions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the Archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Descriptive Notes
Physical description note: includes 7 photographs, 4 DVDs, 200 KB of textual records, and 1 bookmark.
Subjects
Immigrants--Canada
Nonprofit organizations
Philanthropy and fundraising
Women
Name Access
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2009-9-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2009-9-7
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
8 photographs : col. ; 13 x 18 cm and 11 x 15 cm
Date
2005
Scope and Content
Accession consists of photographs from the 2005 Book of Life celebration held at Beth Tzedec Synagogue. The photos feature honourees such as the Agudath Hamishpoche Society, Paul Morton, Ab Flatt, David Engel and the Konopny family. Book of Life chairs Barbara Bank and Vicki Campbell are also included.
Administrative History
The Book of Life, established by the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto in 2003, is an ever-growing collection of family stories of the organization's donors. Each year the Foundation recognizes new donors who have left a legacy to the Jewish community by way of a bequest in their will, a life insurance policy, or with a permanent endowment fund at the Foundation. The Book of Life is stored at the Lipa Green Centre where it is also available in digital format. It is also on the internet (see http://www.feduja.org/bookoflife/)
Subjects
Philanthropy and fundraising
Name Access
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2012-7-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2012-7-3
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
2.4 m of textual records
Scope and Content
Accession consists of the records created by the office of the president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto (UJA Federation of Greater Toronto).
Custodial History
There is no acquisition information on this material. The accession number has been assigned by the archivist.
Use Conditions
Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Joint Committee with the Bureau of Jewish Education series
Meeting minutes sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 12-1; File 7
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Joint Committee with the Bureau of Jewish Education series
Meeting minutes sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
12-1
File
7
Material Format
textual record
Date
1944
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of the first study report ever conducted on Jewish education in Greater Toronto.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
George Morrison fonds
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 99; Item 32
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
George Morrison fonds
Level
Item
Fonds
99
Item
32
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1978]
Physical Description
1 slide : col. ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
This item is an original slide featuring the stone foundation of the Pontypool Jewish centre, after the collapse of the building.
Subjects
Architecture
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
Pontypool (Ont.)
Accession Number
1980-6-3
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
179
Material Format
textual record
Date
1969-1970
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
207
Material Format
textual record
Date
9 Jan. 1970-22 Dec. 1970
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
224
Material Format
textual record
Date
5 Mar. 1973-18 Dec. 1973
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence and reports.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Client agency correspondence series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 18; File 31
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Client agency correspondence series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
18
File
31
Material Format
textual record
Date
1960-1963
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence with the National Foundation for Jewish Culture.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2017-11-6
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-11-6
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
2017
Scope and Content
Accession consists of signed pages for the 2017 inductees into the Jewish Foundation's Book of Life. Names include: Earl (Mann) Zimmerman; Rosenbaum/Posmantier Family; Loretta and Harold Grammer; Alice Herman; W. Bernard Herman; Fernande and Marco Zevy; Susan Laufer and Barry Greenberg; Elliott and Lisa Michaelson; Naomi Matlow, Orli Matlow and Yael Matlow; Terry Shane and Marci Tracheter Shane; Daniel and Karen Sacke; Ashkenaz Foundation; Rabbi Arthur Bielfeld; Rafi Yablonsky; Elaine and Alfie Lightstone; Simon and Brenda Benattar; Elli and Tova Schochet; Frank and Sarah Fleisher; Irwin and Miriam Goldstein; Jean and Harold Bernholtz; Harold and Shelley Wolkin; Tommy and Susan Jutcovich; Judy Winberg; Randy Spiegel; Marcia and Arthur Zaler; Frank and Nancy Laurie; and the Diamond Family;
Subjects
Philanthropy and fundraising
Name Access
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2014-1-15
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2014-1-15
Material Format
textual record
moving images
sound recording
Physical Description
ca. 3 m of textual records
ca. 20 video cassettes
ca. 5 audio cassettes
Date
[ca. 1970]-[ca. 2010]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of textual records, and audio-visual material documenting the operations of Hillel and its predecessor organization, the Jewish Students Federation.
Subjects
Education
Nonprofit organizations
Name Access
Hillel of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2014-8-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2014-8-7
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
ca. 30 cm textual records
Date
1995-2007
Scope and Content
Accession consists of documents related to Hillel of Greater Toronto. Types of materials include meeting minutes, flyers, correspondence employee manuals and financial statements.
Subjects
Education
Nonprofit organizations
Name Access
Hillel of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2014-11-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2014-11-1
Material Format
multiple media
Physical Description
ca. 30 cm textual records
ca. 100 photographs
ca. 150 slides
Date
[198-]-2005
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records of Hillel Toronto. Records include a photograph album documenting the construction of the Wolfond Centre for Campus Jewish Life, slides from various Hillel programs, auditor reports, job postings and correspondence.
Descriptive Notes
Availability of other formats: Digitized materal.
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 4; File 156
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
4
File
156
Material Format
textual record
Date
1992-1994
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 4; File 157
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
4
File
157
Material Format
textual record
Date
1992-1994
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 4; File 158
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
4
File
158
Material Format
textual record
Date
1992-1994
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 4; File 159
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
4
File
159
Material Format
textual record
Date
1992-1994
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 4; File 160
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
4
File
160
Material Format
textual record
Date
1992-1994
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 17; Series 2; File 1131
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
Fonds
17
Series
2
File
1131
Material Format
textual record
Date
1996
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Access Restriction
Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
Accession Number
2005-2-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Zionist Organization of Canada fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 28; Series 5; File 81
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Zionist Organization of Canada fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
Fonds
28
Series
5
File
81
Material Format
textual record
Date
1975-1976
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
The file consists of correspondence between the executive of the Jerusalem Foundation and Dr. George Liban. The file also includes a photostat of a newspaper article concerning the Zionist Organization of Canada dedicating its second building in the Youth Centre Project at Canada Forest and loans to the Jerusalem Foundation.
Name Access
Jerusalem Foundation
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
200
Material Format
textual record
Date
14 Jan. 1970-10 Dec. 1970
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
257
Material Format
textual record
Date
2 Feb. 1972-11 Aug. 1972
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2022-3-12
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2022-3-12
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
13 cm of textual records
Date
1997-[ca. 2012]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the Ashkenaz Foundation. Included are memorandums of understanding between UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and Ashkenaz Foundation (2004–2010), a copy of the original letters patent that was issued on 21 July 1997, brochures and flyers, and Ashkenaz records for the years 2004–2012.
Use Conditions
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Subjects
Festivals
Nonprofit organizations
Name Access
Ashkenaz Festival
Ashkenaz Foundation
Places
Canada
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 17; Series 2; File 519
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
Fonds
17
Series
2
File
519
Material Format
textual record
Date
1991
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Access Restriction
Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
Accession Number
2005-2-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 17; Series 2; File 797
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
Fonds
17
Series
2
File
797
Material Format
textual record
Date
1974
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Access Restriction
Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
Accession Number
2005-2-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 17; Series 2; File 1073
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
General office subject and correspondence files series
Level
File
Fonds
17
Series
2
File
1073
Material Format
textual record
Date
1975
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Access Restriction
Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
Accession Number
2005-2-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Hillel Foundation, University of Toronto fonds
Level
Fonds
ID
Fonds 65
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Hillel Foundation, University of Toronto fonds
Level
Fonds
Fonds
65
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
architectural drawing
Date
1945-1988
Physical Description
3.72 m of textual records, graphic material and architectural drawings
Admin History/Bio
The B’nai Brith Hillel Foundation was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923 by Rabbi Benjamin Frankel. The University of Toronto chapter was established in 1946, by which point there were over one thousand Jewish undergraduates at the university. Hillel’s mandate was to foster students’ Jewish identity, creating a religious, cultural, and communal environment and coordinating the activities of many affiliated sub-groups. Hillel was supported by the B’nai Brith Foundation and the United Jewish Welfare Fund (later the Toronto Jewish Congress), with increasing operational funding from the latter as the decades passed.
Hillel’s predecessor at the University of Toronto was the Menorah Society, founded in 1917 and disbanded in 1931 due to waning interest. In 1944 the Jewish Student Fellowship was formed, and on January 23, 1946 it was transformed into the University of Toronto B’nai B’rith Hillel Foundation.
Hillel chapters were run with the guidance of a professional appointed by the B’nai Brith Hillel Foundations at American and Canadian Universities. During the period covered by this fonds, U of T Hillel had four directors: Rabbi Aaron Kamerling (director 1946-1970), Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezri (1970-1971), Ben Mayer (1971-1978), and Gerry Fisher (1978-1981). The director answered to a board of advisors, drawn from the university and Jewish communities, that was responsible for maintaining Hillel House, overseeing staffing, and representing the foundation to the public. Early chairmen of this board included Edward E. Gelber, Jack D. Pearlstein, Cyril Houser, Dr. Alexander Lipson, Sidney Midanik, and E. M. Sprackman.
At the day-to-day operations level, Hillel was run by an elected council of thirteen students under the director’s guidance. At U of T, the Hillel student council created and implemented a yearly program, edited the literary magazine and Hillelite bulletin, and over the years maintained the following standing committees: religious; cultural; house; social; publicity; art, music and drama; United Jewish Appeal; debates; membership; and seminar. The council met monthly and was required to call general meetings bi-monthly.
Hillel’s first administrative offices were at 492 Spadina Avenue, with programs held in various locations, including the B’nai Brith Youth Organization space at 750 Spadina Avenue, and local synagogues. From the beginning, Hillel joined forces with the B’nai Brith Youth Organization to raise funds for a permanent home on campus for Hillel. Programs in the early years included Shabbat services and lectures, arts performances, dances, personal counseling, and courses such as Jewish literature and Hebrew. Three times a year Hillel published the Scribe, a literary magazine addressing topics of Jewish heritage, life, and prominent figures. This was replaced in the 1950s by an annual magazine named Reflections. The Hillelite bulletin informed members of activities and events. Hillel continued to build the Judaica collection of its Norman Raitblat Memorial Library. It also sent delegates each year to the Hillel Summer Institute in New York State; the Brandeis Camp Institute, a leadership training program sponsored by the American Zionist Youth Commission; and, beginning in 1948, the Inter-Hillel Conference, which was hosted alternately by Queen’s University, McGill University, and U of T.
In 1950, Hillel acquired a house at 186 St. George Street. Hillel House was formally dedicated at Convocation Hall on January 21, 1951. In December 1977 Hillel House was destroyed by fire, after which its offices were moved to space in the YMHA building at Bloor and Spadina. Programs were hosted for several years at ‘The Lower East Side’ in the Newman Centre at 89 St. George Street. In June 1979 Hillel acquired office space in a house at 604 Spadina Avenue.
In the 1970s Hillel’s numbers across North America were in decline. In 1974 the Jewish student population at U of T was approximately 3000, but only 400 were registered members. This slump was apparently reversed by the end of the decade, however, when student interest grew enough that a general council of forty students was established to supplement the elected student council (steering committee). 1970s programs included conventions and retreats, United Jewish Appeal fundraising campaigns, a Shabbat co-op, a choir, the Coffeehouse lounge, a film series, a music club, a library society, an annual Purim Bash, an art festival, and counseling groups.
Hillel also served as the voice of Jewish students at the university. The U of T chapter participated in the fight against quotas for Jewish students and faculty, advocated for kosher food availability on campus, and was successful in persuading the university to avoid having examinations on Jewish holidays. In addition, Hillel often represented the views of the Jewish community to the general student population. It has been involved in the dissemination of Holocaust awareness material and in counteracting propaganda against Israel.
In 1970, partnering with the Jewish Student Federation of York University, Hillel established the Free Jewish University. Its courses were held on the U of T and York campuses and featured free courses covering a range of intellectual, personal and practical topics. Also in conjunction with York, Hillel published Or monthly newspaper and the Masada quarterly magazine. The latter evolved into a non-partisan newspaper, Migdal, which in turn became Images in the early 1980s. In addition, the Jewish Students’ Enquirer was published monthly, a joint publication of Jewish students at U of T, York University, Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, and Seneca College.
In 1978, with a view to modernize and reinvigorate its image, Hillel changed its name to the Jewish Students’ Union–B’nai Brith Hillel. The decision involved some contention with the Hillel advisory board, and reflected a closer association with the Toronto Jewish Congress. A third unofficial organization name, J.U.S.T. (Jewish University Students of Toronto), was used for the monthly newsletter, J.U.S.T. News. This newsletter was briefly renamed The Rolling Scribe before being discontinued in 1980.
The 1980s saw Hillel coordinating the efforts and activities of a large number of interest groups: Student United Jewish Appeal, Toronto Student Zionists, Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry, Jewish Residence Council, Jewish Studies Course Union, Student Mobilization for Jews in Arab Lands, Moadon Aliyah, Canadian Branch: North American Jewish Students Network, and Israeli Students Organization. Hillel is now represented on three Toronto universities and three college campuses.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists mainly of textual records created, received and maintained by Hillel directors from 1945 through 1988. The records document the directors’ administration and programming activities, Hillel events, and relations with outside organizations. The most concentrated set of records are those of Rabbi Kamerling from the 1940s and 1950s. The fonds is comprised of correspondence, memoranda, reports, newspapers and newsletters, publicity material, calendars of events, financial records, event programmes, and catalogues. There are blueprints of the proposed extension to Hillel House in the 1960s, the mid-1970s renovations, and the new Hillel House on Huron Street considered in 1978. The fonds also includes annual reports for 1953-1955 and 1960-1970, and a number of publications (incomplete sets): the Hillelite and the Hillel Scribe from the 1940s, the J.U.S.T. (Jewish University Students of Toronto) News, its successor The Rolling Scroll, and newspapers Masada, Migdal, Reflections, Or, and the Jewish Students’ Enquirer.
The fonds contains 130 photographs, predominantly black and white, in the form of prints, contact sheets and 35mm negatives. Aside from 32 head shots of speakers and performers from 1950s events, the photographs date from the 1970s. There are images of plays, meetings, special events, and executive members.
Fonds is arranged with each director’s files separate and in approximate alphabetical order by file name. The files are loosely based on subject/function, likely as they were originally created. Rabbi Kamerling’s records are in two groups since they were acquired in two accessions (see note below).
Notes
Availability of other formats: A small amount of material has been digitized.
Name Access
B'nai Brith Hillel Foundation at the University of Toronto
Related Material
See MG 9 for a more complete run of publications with which Hillel was involved (eg. Midgal, Images).
Arrangement
Processing of the collection maintained each director’s files separate and in their original order. Following the Hillel House fire in 1978, Rabbi Kamerling’s records (1945-1955) were acquired by the Archives. In 1986, additional Kamerling files were acquired (1946-1970). These overlapping sets of records were described and processed separately.
Creator
B'nai Brith Hillel Foundation at the University of Toronto (Toronto, Ont.)
Accession Number
1978-3-7
1981-5-2
1988-11-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
61
Material Format
textual record
Date
22 Jan. 1952-29 Dec. 1952
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
65
Material Format
textual record
Date
1952-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
126
Material Format
textual record
Date
7 Jan. 1954-29 Dec. 1954
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
127
Material Format
textual record
Date
11 Jan. 1955-14 Dec. 1955
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
128
Material Format
textual record
Parallel Title
North York Study
Other Title Information
Prepared by the Welfare Council of Metropolitan Toronto
Date
11 Jan. 1955-14 Dec. 1955
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
131
Material Format
textual record
Date
19 Jan. 1956-14 Dec. 1956
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
132
Material Format
textual record
Date
23 April 1956-5 Dec. 1956
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
138
Material Format
textual record
Date
4 Jan. 1957-21 Nov. 1957
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Executive Committee series
Executive director sub-series
Executive director's correspondence sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
5-5-1
File
146
Material Format
textual record
Date
27 Jan. 1958-24 Oct. 1958
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2021-11-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2021-11-3
Material Format
textual record (electronic)
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records (electronic)
Date
2015-2021
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Included are meeting minutes and other records for the UJA Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee (2015–2019) and the Kultura Collective (2018–2021).
Custodial History
At the time of the donation, Sam's job title was director, arts, culture & heritage. Her department was Community Capacity Building.
Administrative History
The Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee of UJA Federation oversaw a strategy to fund and support Jewish cultural institutions, programs and initiatives that offered meaningful connections to Jewish identity and engagement. The committee considered programs that included (but were not limited to) the realms of visual arts, music, literature, dance, film, and theatre.
The following seven agencies fell within the scope of the committee: Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre (UJA); the Ontario Jewish Archives, Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre (UJA); the Toronto Jewish Film Festival; the Ashkenaz Festival; the Committee for Yiddish; the Koffler Centre of the Arts; and the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Committee.
The committee reported to UJA's Community Capacity Building Committee (CCBC), which oversees UJA's investments in the Greater Toronto Area. The CCBC is accountable to UJA's board of directors.
The Kultura Collective is a network of modern Jewish arts, culture, and heritage organizations that coalesced to create the collective. The name is inspired by the Kultur-Lige, an interwar collective that promoted Jewish culture and community across eastern Europe and that was destroyed at the height of its reach and impact. Members of the collective include Ashkenaz; the Canadian-Israel Cultural Foundation; the Committee for Yiddish; the Consulate General of Israel in Toronto; Fentster; the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company; Jewish Music Week; the Koffler Centre of the Arts; the Miles Nadal JCC; the Ontario Jewish Archives, Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre; the Prosserman JCC; the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre; the Schwartz/Reisman Centre; and the Toronto Jewish Film Foundation.
Use Conditions
Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director prior to accessing some of the records.
Subjects
Arts
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2022-9-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2022-9-2
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
13 cm of textual records
Date
2004-2017
Scope and Content
Accession consists of materials transferred from UJA Federation of Greater Toronto's Community Capacity Building department. Included are a number of documents put together by Lord Cultural Resources: a phase-one report titled "UJA: Cultural Components of Central Campus Redevelopment Project" that is dated May 2004, an exhibit master plan on the National Centre for Jewish Heritage (NCJH) that is undated, an interpretative plan on the NCJH that is dated August 2009, a business plan on the NCJH that is dated December 2009, and an interim report on the Jewish Museum of Canada that is dated 20 December 2013. Also included are a small number of financial documents related to Aish HaTorah and the Ontario Jewish Archives, as well as an itinerary for UJA's Centennial Journey to Israel, which took place from 31 October 2017-8 November 2017. Lastly, there is a demographics report issued by UIA Canada's National Task Force on Jewish Demographics that relates demographic information about Jewish Toronto in 2021; the latter is dated 29 June 2009.
Use Conditions
UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2024-3-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2024-3-4
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
7 cm of textual records
Date
2022-2024
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto. Included are envelopes containing gittin (divorce documents). Each envelope contains two gittin as well as the file pertaining to the particular case.
Use Conditions
Closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA director and rabbi in charge of gittin (or the chair of the Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto) prior to accessing the records.
Descriptive Notes
General: Gittin are in sealed envelopes and identified by the surname(s) of parties involved.
Subjects
Divorce records
Get (Jewish law)
Name Access
Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-6-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-6-2
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
20 cm of textual records
Date
1997-2002
Scope and Content
This accession consists of three binders of textual records relating to the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto's internet initiatives, including the creation of the Doing Jewish in Toronto website. The records include reports, email correspondence, budgetary documents, and Internet Sub-Committee meeting minutes.
Use Conditions
UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-6-14
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-6-14
Material Format
textual record
object
Physical Description
25 cm of textual records
11 artifacts
Date
[ca. 1967]-2007
Scope and Content
This accession consists of records created by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, including the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, Jewish Toronto Tomorrow and other affiliated departments, committees and agencies. Included is publicity material such as pamphlets, flyers and brochures from various UJA Federation sponsored events, Foundation annual reports, proposals on new developments in Vaughan, demographic surveys, newsletters, campaign materials, Walk With Israel buttons and clothing.
Custodial History
This accession consists of items that were transferred to the OJA over the course of one year by UJA Federation president, Ted Sokolsky. With exception is most of the pamphlets, flyers and brochures, which originated from the Communications Department (now Creative) and were contained in several binders as examples of past projects. All the records were pulled together into this one accession.
Use Conditions
UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2009-6-14
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2009-6-14
Material Format
graphic material
textual record
moving images
Physical Description
4.2 m of graphic, textual and audio/video material
Date
[197-?]-[2008?]
Scope and Content
This accession primarily consists of photographs documenting the events and activities of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, as well as the staff and lay leadership. The events pictured include missions, rallies, fly-ins, telethons, Major Gifts dinners, March of the Living, and Birthright. They also include Campaign divisions like Women’s Division, Young Accountants, and Young Leadership and its program Hands On Toronto ("HOT”). Organizations include Knesseth Israel Synagogue, JCC, the Zaglembier and Ostrovtzer societies, and Bernard Betel Centre. One cubic foot box consists entirely of photographs of Israel @ 50 programs including the “Night of a Lifetime.” There is also a large Israel @ 50 scrapbook of clippings, programs, and feature articles. Two boxes of photographs contain portraits filed by name.
There is a small amount of textual records in the accession, which include binders of newsclippings and brochures kept by the Creative Department, Tomorrow Campaign folios and booklets, and Central Campus vision documents from 2002. As well, there are sixty-eight CDs and DVDs, most of which are promotional videos relating to the Tomorrow Campaign and other UJA campaigns. There are also DVDs of 2008 UJA Big Ideas Forum and one cassette tape of the 2002 annual Lion of Judea luncheon. Finally, there is a DVCam cassette of the 2006 Campaign Closing celebration.
Custodial History
The records were in the custody of the Creative Department of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. As part of Federation's "purge day" on 5 June 2009, the department gathered together their materials and transferred them to the archives.
Use Conditions
Copyright is not held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Jewish Community Centre of Toronto fonds
Executive director series
Subject files sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 61; Series 1-1; File 40
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
40
Material Format
textual record
Date
1951-1953
Physical Description
3 cm of textual records
Admin History/Bio
The Community Chest of Greater Toronto was the former name of the United Way of Greater Toronto. The YM-YWHA was a recipient of funding from the Community Chest, as well as the United Jewish Welfare Fund. Several executives of the YM-YWHA were also officers of the Community Chest, or members of their Board of Directors.
Scope and Content
This file contains textual records relating to the Community Chest of Greater Toronto and their association with the YM-YWHA. This includes correspondence between David Andrews and various representatives of the Community Chest, financial records, and budget allocation reports.
Accession Number
2004-5-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Jewish Community Centre of Toronto fonds
Executive director series
Subject files sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 61; Series 1-1; File 41
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
41
Material Format
textual record
Date
1954-1956
Physical Description
3 cm of textual records
Admin History/Bio
The Community Chest of Greater Toronto was the former name of the United Way of Greater Toronto. The YM-YWHA was a recipient of funding from the Community Chest, as well as the United Jewish Welfare Fund. Several executives of the YM-YWHA were also officers of the Community Chest, or members of their Board of Directors.
Scope and Content
This file contains textual records relating to the Community Chest of Greater Toronto and their association with the YM-YWHA. This includes correspondence between David Andrews and representatives of the Community Chest, reports and conference material.
Accession Number
2004-5-2
Source
Archival Descriptions