- Part Of
- Zionist Organization of Canada fonds
- Central Region sous-fonds
- Subject files series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 28-1
- Series
- 7
- File
- 4
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1966
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- The file consists of general correspondence between Lodge members, notices of events, copies of the bulletin "Scope," and attendance sheets for meetings.
- 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
- 5
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1967
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- The file consists of general correspondence between members, invitations to the 38th anniversary dinner, notices of meetings, agendas of meetings, a copy of the script for the play "The Executive Meets," and a copy of the programme of the 38th anniversary dinner.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Zionist Organization of Canada fonds
- Subject files series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 28
- Series
- 5
- File
- 2
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1967-1970
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- The file consists of attendance, membership and birthday lists, a programme of the 38th anniversary dinner, slate of officers nominated for the year 1968-1969, copies of the Ajalon Lodge News, a schedule of lodge meetings, Kovod Night participants, announcements of meetings and events, and general correspondence between members.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Zionist Organization of Canada fonds
- Subject files series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 28
- Series
- 5
- File
- 3
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1971-1976
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- The file consists of notices of events and meetings, general correspondence, lists of members, copies of the Ajalon Lodge news letter.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Maurice Berg fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 41
- File
- 12
- Material Format
- graphic material
- textual record
- Date
- 1965-1970
- Physical Description
- 1 book
- 5 photographs : b&w and col. ; 13 x 18 cm or smaller
- Scope and Content
- This file consists of one book entitled Ajalon Lodge : a chronicle of achievements, 1929-1979, published to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Ajalon Lodge. It contains a history of the Lodge, photographs, and articles by members about Lodge activities.
- This file also consists of photographs of Maurice Berg and members of Ajalon Lodge. The events include the Ajalon Executive, including Ben Marks, Mark Zimmerman, and Willie Zimmerman among others, at their March 1965 anniversary; an Ajalon party for John Devor in 1966; and Ajalon dinners. There is also a photograph of Ajalon presidents taken in 1970.
- Notes
- Some of the photographs in this fonds have been included in the book. See book for identifications.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Ajalon Lodge fonds
- Level
- Fonds
- Fonds
- 72
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- object
- Date
- 1929-1986
- Physical Description
- ca. 1.25 metres of textual records
- ca. 15 scrapbooks
- ca. 20 objects
- Admin History/Bio
- The Ajalon Lodge was first organized on 10 March 1929 as the Ajalon Club of Young Judaea. The founding members were Abe Bohnen, Hyman Cohen, Isaac Gringorten, George (Hamell) Himmelstein and Lou Hochman. The group met at the Zionist Institute at 206 Beverley Street in Toronto. The name was selected by Abe Bohnen and Mark Zimmerman, the Young Judaea supervisor, from a map of Palestine which hung in the Young Judaea library.
- The first leader of the club was Morris Kertzer followed by Al Zimmerman. In 1930 the lodge began to record its activities in scrapbooks, which it later named the Ajalon Archives. The archivists over the years included Max Schwadron, Ben Marks, Myer Bromberg, and Willie Zimmerman.
- The club was actively involved in Young Judaea literary, social, and fundraising activities. In 1935, the club graduated from the Young Judaea movement and become a lodge of the Zionist Order Habonim. By 1939 however, the Ajalon, Balfour, Bialik, and Jaffa lodges merged into the Toronto Habonim Lodge due the waning membership as many men went off to war. After the war, the four lodges returned to their original state. In 1940, the lodge acquired club rooms on the third floor of the Zionist Building and in 1944 several wives of lodge members organized the Ajalon Ladies Auxiliary. By 1953, Habonim became the Zionist Men’s Association of Canada, an affiliate organization of the Zionist Organization of Canada and by the 1960s, Ajalon Lodge became directly affiliated with ZOC. Over the course of its existence membership in the lodge has been between 40 and 90 members.
- Ajalon Lodge participated in many fundraising campaigns for Jewish organizations in Toronto, such as the Jewish National Fund and the United Palestine Appeal. Many of its members also served on the board of directors for organizations such as the Toronto Zionist Council and Young Judaea. The lodge was involved in several fundraising initiatives, including the establishment of a kindergarten in Ashkelon, Israel in 1972. In later years the Ajalon Lodge was affiliated with the Zionist Organization of Canada.
- Custodial History
- The records were in the custody of both Willie Zimmerman and Meyer Bromberg before they were donated to the Archives in 1984, 1988, and 1994.
- Scope and Content
- This fonds primarily consists of the records collected and created by the Ajalon Archives Committee, under the direction of Max Schwadron, Ben Marks, Myer Bromberg, and Willie Zimmerman. The archives are organized into scrapbooks by year and relate first to activities of Ajalon Club as a chapter of Young Judaea and then to Ajalon Lodge as a chapter of the Zionist Order Habonim. Later scrapbooks represent the lodge’s activities as part of the broader Zionist network affiliated with the Zionist Organization of Canada. The scrapbooks consist of photographs, event invitations, pamphlets and flyers, correspondence, editorial writings, newsletters, newsclippings, meeting minutes, activity reports, and ephemera. They begin in 1929 and run to 1983.
- Also included in the fonds are the meeting minutes, financial reports and general correspondence files of the lodge, as well as several artifacts collected by Meyer Bromberg while he was the acting archivist.
- Name Access
- Ajalon Lodge (Toronto, Ont.)
- Subjects
- Zionism
- Physical Condition
- Some of the early scrapbooks are in poor condition. The pages are brittle and are crumbling along the edges. As well, the scrapbooks require tissue-paper linings between the pages to separate the various media contained within and to prevent any further degredation, particularly of the photographs. Many of the photos in the later scrapbooks require rehousing in acid-free melanex.
- Related Material
- Related material can be found in the Zionist Organization of Canada fonds 28, the Meyer Bromberg fonds, the Maurice Berg fonds and the Willie Zimmerman fonds 41.
- Creator
- Ajalon Lodge (Toronto, Ont.)
- Accession Number
- 1984-11-2
- 1988-6-5
- 1994-10-3
- 2005-4-4
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Zionist Organization of Canada fonds
- Publicity photographs of people and events series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 28
- Series
- 6
- File
- 303
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 1955
- Physical Description
- 4 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
- Scope and Content
- The file consists of photographs of the Ajalon Lodge Israel tour group. A photographs are credited to El Al Israel Airlines is of the tour group on the runway tarmack as they disembark from the airplane. Other photographs in the file are of the group at the Ajalon Lodge.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Accession Number
- 2014-2-10
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2014-2-10
- Material Format
- text
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 30 cm of textual records and graphic material
- Date
- [194-]-[199-]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of records related to the activities of Canadian Young Judaea, as well as a small amount of Ajalon Lodge records that belonged to former member Maurice Berg. Berg was also involved in Young Judaea through the Zionist Organization of Canada. Included are CYJ photo albums documenting various social events as well as several Kinus (1950s-1990s); correspondence, newsletters and reports (1960s-1990s); a CYJ alumni reunion book; Hanoar Hatzioni newsletters (1976-1992); meeting minutes, reports and the constitution (1940s-1960s); two books about A.M. Klein; Ajalon Lodge photo albums and tour of Israel photographs (1960s-1980s, 1979); as well as one pencil drawing of Maurice Berg (1977).
- Subjects
- Recreation
- Zionism
- Name Access
- Berg, Maurice, 1913-1993
- Canadian Young Judaea
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Level
- Item
- ID
-
Item 3871
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Level
- Item
- Item
- 3871
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 7 Mar. 1936
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Scope and Content
- For identification see accession record.
- Subjects
- Anniversaries
- 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
- 1984-1-8
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Accession Number
- 1996-11-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1996-11-1
- Material Format
- textual record
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 10 cm of textual records and some graphic material
- Date
- [196-]-1994
- Scope and Content
- This accession consists of meeting minutes and correspondence relating to the Ajalon Chapter of Hadassah and the Ajalon Lodge Auxilary from the 1960s to 1994. There are many thank-you notes and letters to and from Ajalon Chapter members.
- Administrative History
- Ajalon was a Chapter of Toronto Hadassah-WIZO. Maita Newton was president of the Ajalon Chapter for a term which ended in 1982. The Ajalon Lodge was a men's club for members of the Zionist Orgainization of Canada and its affiliates.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Part Of
- B'nai Brith Lodge No. 1154 fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 91
- File
- 1
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 31 Dec. 1931-15 Apr. 1932
- Physical Description
- 2 certificates : 57 x 46 cm or smaller
- Scope and Content
- File consists of certificates documenting the lodge's founding. Included is a certificate of incorporation from New York's Grand Lodge No. 1, and one certificate from the Order of Aleph Zadik Aleph documenting the lodge's charter members.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Maurice Berg fonds
- Level
- Item
- Fonds
- 41
- Item
- 1
- Material Format
- object
- Date
- 1954
- Physical Description
- 1 trophy : silver and brass, mounted on black plastic ; 15 x 15 cm circumference
- Admin History/Bio
- Ajalon Lodge was originally established in 1927 as a Young Judaea Club. In September 1935, it officially became a lodge of the Zionist Order Habonim. The lodge was very involved in raising money for Israel (mostly through the UJA), promoting Zionism, and recruiting new members for the Zionist Organization of Canada. Many members fought in the Second World War. The wives of some of the members formed the Ajalon Ladies Auxiliary in 1944. Maurice Berg became a member of Ajalon Lodge in January 1933.
- Scope and Content
- Item is an Ajalon Lodge award given to Maurice Berg in 1954. The award consists of a silver cup with two handles mounted on a black plastic stand. A gold plaque is mounted on the stand with a description of the award which reads: "Ajalon Award 25th Anniversary 1954 Maurice Berg."
- Notes
- Artifact #291.
- Subjects
- Awards
- Physical Condition
- In poor condition.
- Tarnished and scratched.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Accession Number
- 1992-7-3
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1992-7-3
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- [193-]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of one original and one copy of a New Moon Lodge brochure. The brochure advertises that it "caters to a gentile clientele".
- Administrative History
- The New Moon Lodge was located on the Lake of Bays in the Muskoka area of Baysville. It was owned by the Simpson family. Al Goodman purchased the property in 1961 and operated it as a Jewish camp called Camp New Moon.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1979-12-8
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 1979-12-8
- Material Format
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- [197-]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of a framed certificate from Palestine Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 559 G.R.C. awarded to Jacob Harry Davis honouring his fifty years of service.
- Administrative History
- The Palestine Lodge was founded in 1920.
- MG_RG
- MG 2 B 1JJ
- 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
- Part Of
- Philip Givens fonds
- Jewish communal series
- Other Jewish organizations sub-series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 51
- Series
- 9-8
- File
- 13
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 25 Oct. 1978
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 13 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- The Palestine Lodge was a Jewish Masonic lodge located in Toronto. It was instituted as Palestine Lodge No. 559 G.R.C. in June of 1920.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of one groupshot of the attendees at a Palestine Lodge meeting. Phil Givens is present in the front row, 5th from the right. It is unclear if he was a visitor or a member.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Accession Number
- 2009-8-1
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2009-8-1
- Material Format
- graphic material
- object
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 15 cm
- 1 banner: 147.3 x 132.1 cm
- Date
- [1957?]-[1963?]
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of one large Central Lodge #2042 B'nai B'rith banner and one copy photograph of members of Central Lodge, B'nai Brith. The felt banner is blue, white, and yellow and has four badges and two ribbons attached documenting the lodges Chai campaigns from 1957–1963. It is stored in a bag.
- The photograph is of four lodge members at a bowling alley. Standing in the back row are Stan Goldfarb (left) and Leo Goldhar (right). Kneeling in front are Larry Goldhar (left) and Murray Greenspan (right).
- Use Conditions
- None
- Descriptive Notes
- Photograph is a copy of the original.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Part Of
- Cowan family fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 102
- File
- 36
- Material Format
- sound recording
- Date
- [after 1962]
- Physical Description
- 1 audio reel (1 hr., 56 min., 48 sec.) : polyester, 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 ips, up to 4 tracks, mono ; 1/4 in.
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of several unidentified recordings, presumably recorded at Wapaska Lodge. There are two sections of two different meetings, presumably held at Cottage 1 of Wapaska Lodge. In the first one, held some time in September, the secretary reads the minute, one of the kids asks about the dance, which is not discussed, and another one asks about the patio party (discussion not included); after a long silent section (unrecorded or deleted), the meeting continues, with the discussion of the Halloween party, the election of cottage representative is conducted (Jane is elected), followed by a discussion about the film nights at the cottage (the kids choose "Almost Angels" as the next film to be shown); after another long silent section, the kids discuss punishments with the adults, and the meeting is adjourned. In the second meeting, the secretary reads the minute, there is some casual conversation, and the recording is interrupted.
There is also a recording of a performance or rehearsal of bluegrass music, presumably performed at Wapaska Lodge.
- Notes
- Physical Descr.: Tape has two sections, one half track (at 7 1/2 ips, only track 1 is recorded) and one quarter track (at 3 3/4 ips, only tracks 1 and 2 are recorded). Tracks 1 and 2 of quarter track section contain the meetings (meeting on track 2 predates the one on track 1); track 1 on half track section corresponds to musical performance.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
- Physical Condition
- Tape is in poor condition -- severely damaged sections (edited out), several other damaged sections, popped strands. Audio quality ranges from fair to poor throughout. No Signs of mold or SBS.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Larry Becker collection
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 34
- File
- 65
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1946
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Accession Number
- 2016-1-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- 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
- ID
-
Item 488
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Level
- Item
- Item
- 488
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [ca. 1919]
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 13 x 18 cm
- Scope and Content
- Item is a copy photograph of the Odd Fellows Lodge, Toronto. Second from left in front row is Harry Shaberman who had a tailor shop at 518 Queen Street West and lived above the store.
- Notes
- A 4 x 5 negative is also available.
- Name Access
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows
- Shaberman, Harry
- Subjects
- Portraits, Group
- Societies
- 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
- Acquired July 8, 1975.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Henry Weingluck fonds
- Level
- Item
- Fonds
- 44
- Item
- 28
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [195-]
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- This item is an original postcard of the exterior of Taub's Lodge in Port Carling, Muskoka. The image on the postcard features several people sitting in front of the lodge house in the summertime.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Places
- Port Carling (Ont.)
- Accession Number
- 1988-2-11
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Passenger Names
- Lodge, Mrs. A. J. & Geo.
- Date Range
- June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
- Source
- Rotenberg Ledger
- Passenger Names
- Lodge, Mrs. A. J. & Geo.
- Page Number
- 458
- Date Range
- June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
- Photographer
- Harvey and Adena Glasner
- Source
- Rotenberg Ledger
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-29
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2004-5-29
- Material Format
- graphic material
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph: b&w; 27 x 95 cm
- 1 folder of textual records
- Date
- 1929
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of a photograph depicting the members of the Judea Lodge Knights of Phythias standing in front of the Ash-Lodge in Toronto, 1929. There is also a Pythian diploma issued in 1929 to Simon Sibulash.
- Administrative History
- Judea Knights of Pythias Lodge #52, Toroonto is affiliated with the international fraternal order Knights of Pythias. The Toronto Lodge is located on 20 Shallmar Boulevard in Toronto.
- The international fraternal order was founded in Washington D.C. by Justus H. Rathbone. The main principles of the Knights of Pythias are friendship, charity, and benevolence. They are dedicated to helping promote world peace
- Descriptive Notes
- Photograph taken by Dominion Panoramic Photographers, N.L. Jones, 56 Carlton St., Toronto.
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- 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
- Part Of
- Larry Becker collection
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 34
- File
- 58
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1924
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a booklet listing meetings of the Sunnyside Lodge, a list of officers and committees and soft ball events for June 1924.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Accession Number
- 2019-5-2
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- 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
- Gilbert Studios fonds
- B'nai B'rith Sportsmen Lodge dinners series
- Level
- Series
- Fonds
- 37
- Series
- 2
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [196-]-1970
- Physical Description
- 125 negatives : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm and 6 x 6 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- B’nai B’rith is the oldest Jewish service organization in North America. It was founded on October 13, 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 B’rith”, they later shortened their name to simply “B’nai B’rith”, 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 aide to all Jewish citizens. These goals have long since been realized. The organization currently has lodges internationally and B’nai B’rith membership is in the millions.
- B’nai B’rith 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 anitsemitism and promotes human rights.
- In Canada, the first B'nai B'rith lodge was founded in Toronto, the Canada Lodge, in 1875, but 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 B’rith 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 B’rith Youth Organization, called the Hillel Foundation, which was located at the University of Toronto.
- In Toronto, the Sportsmen Lodge began as a modest sized group of 100 members in 1954, and doubled in membership over the next 10 years. They sponsored an annual baseball night and a sportswriters dinner that honoured an outstanding sports journalist. The dinner was well known amongst journalists and was well attended. The Sportsmen Lodge also hosted an annual Celebrity dinner, at which a outstanding Canadian personality was chosen and honoured for his or her achievements.
- The lodge was also active in working with handicapped children and in fundraising campaigns.
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of images taken by Al Gilbert of the B’nai B’rith Sportsmen Lodge Dinners at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The files in this series document three different dinners for the years 1969, 1970 and an unidentified dinner from the 1960s.
- Notes
- Selection for this series was based on the various activities and functions of the event. The dinner was held as an annual award ceremony and installation for the newly appointed officers of the Sportsmen Lodge. The criteria used for selection included: awards, speeches, installation oaths, entertainment, and dinner tables.
- Name Access
- B'nai B'rith
- Sportsmen Lodge
- Hillel
- Subjects
- Dinners and dining
- Sports
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Level
- Item
- ID
-
Item 3189
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Level
- Item
- Item
- 3189
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 1925
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs : b&w (1 negative)
- Scope and Content
- This is a copy print of Officers of the Palestine Lodge. A negative has been made from copy.
- Notes
- Identification information available with photograph.
- Name Access
- Palestine Lodge
- 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
- 1982-4-4
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Level
- Item
- ID
-
Item 6571
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Level
- Item
- Item
- 6571
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 1929
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 95 x 27 cm
- Scope and Content
- Item is a group portrait depicting the members of the Judea Lodge Knights of Phythias standing in front of the Ash-Lodge in Toronto, 1929.
- Notes
- Photo by Dominion Panoramic Photographers.
- Subjects
- 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
- 2004-5-29
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- 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
- 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