Accession Number
2004-3-6
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-3-6
Material Format
textual record
architectural drawing
Physical Description
12 drawings: blueline and pencil: 111 x 77cm or smaller
1 folder of textual material
Date
1924-1981
Scope and Content
This accession consists of the original architectural plans of the Kiever Synagogue in Kensington Market as well as plans drawn by Martin Mendelow for the Synagogue's restoration in the early 1980s. Also included is a Mendelow drawing of the Minsk Synagogue and textual materials relating to the Kiever
Custodial History
Materials were kept by Martin Mendelow
Administrative History
Martin Mendelow is a well known architect working in the Toronto area. His professional association with the Kiever Synagogue began when he was hired as architect of the Synagogue's restoration, which was completed in the early 1980s
Subjects
Architecture
Synagogues
Name Access
Anshei Minsk Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Menedelow, Martin
Places
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 27; File 436
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
27
File
436
Material Format
graphic material
Date
24 July 1979
Physical Description
3 photographs : b&w (3 negatives) ; 28 x 28 mm
Scope and Content
File consists of three negatives of Martin Mendelow and Sol Edell examining a book outside in front of the Kiever Synagogue.
Notes
Photos by Graphic Artists Photographers, Toronto.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Mendelow, Martin
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 27; File 308
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
27
File
308
Material Format
graphic material
Date
Nov. 1977
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w (2 negatives) ; 28 x 28 mm
Scope and Content
File consists of two negatives depicting Martin Mendelow standing in front of a small plane.
Notes
Photos by Graphic Artists Photographers, Toronto.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 27; File 448
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Photographic and audiovisual collection series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
27
File
448
Material Format
graphic material
Date
21 Oct. 1979
Physical Description
12 photographs : b&w (6 negatives) ; 21 x 26 cm and 28 x 28 mm
Scope and Content
File consists of six photographs and six negatives of an unidentified meeting. Martin Benjamin and Joey Steiner are identified.
Notes
Photos by Graphic Artists Photographers, Toronto.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2004-1-5
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-1-5
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
86 photographs : col. (26 negatives) ; 10 x 15 cm or smaller
Date
1975-1982
Scope and Content
Accession consists of photographs of the synagogue interior during the restoration and one exterior view dated 1975.
Descriptive Notes
Photographs taken by Michael Shockett, for the Archives Committee.
Subjects
Architecture
Synagogues
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 21
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
21
Material Format
textual record
Date
1976-1985
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of records documenting the Ontario Jewish Archives fundraising activities for the Kiever Synagogue restoration project. Included is correspondence, brochures, contact lists for potential donors, and meeting notices.
Access Restriction
Closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director (and whomever else) prior to accessing the records.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 24
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
24
Material Format
textual record
Date
1978-1980
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of proposed and revised budgets from MGG Construction Consultants Limited and the architect Martin Mendelow.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 26
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
26
Material Format
textual record
Date
[ca. 1982]
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of lists and reports outlining work completed and remaining on the Kiever Synagogue restoration as well as lists of contractors hired.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 27
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
27
Material Format
textual record
Date
1981-1983
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of quotes submitted by contractors for work to de done on the Kiever Synagogue.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 28
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
28
Material Format
textual record
Date
1982-1983
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence and invoices from contractors who were hired for the Kiever Synagogue restoration.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 32
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
32
Material Format
textual record
Date
1976-1979
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1794
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1794
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[1975?]
Physical Description
1 photograph
Scope and Content
Sol Edell is on left.
Notes
Photograph was taken by the archives.
Name Access
Edell, Sol, 1919-2000
Mendelow, Martin
Subjects
Architects
Committees
Synagogues
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 474-475
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
474-475
Material Format
graphic material
Responsibility
Kayla Armel
Date
1975
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. ; 9 x 8 cm
Scope and Content
Photographs of Kiever Synagogue, Toronto, during restoration and sandblasting.
Notes
Acquired June 11, 1975.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Architecture
Synagogues
Places
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 20
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
20
Material Format
textual record
Date
1975-1981
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of meeting notices and a meeting agenda.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 22
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
22
Material Format
textual record
Date
1976-1989
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence and legal agreements regarding the legal title to the Kiever Synagogue and the OJA's half-interest in the property.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 23
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
23
Material Format
textual record
Date
1979
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence and by-law notices for the designation of the Kiever Synagogue as a heritage site.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 29
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
29
Material Format
textual record
Date
1978-1983
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence, pages from a financial ledger, and balance sheets.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 30
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
30
Material Format
textual record
Date
1976-1982
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence with Wintario.
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 1019
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
1019
Material Format
textual record
Date
1976
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Access Restriction
Records in off-site storage; advance notice required to view.
Accession Number
2005-2-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 620-622
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
620-622
Material Format
graphic material
Date
Dec. 1975
Physical Description
6 photographs : (3 negatives)
Scope and Content
Left to right: Martin Mendelow (architect); Stephen Speisman (CJC archivist); Samuel Ross (president of the Kiever Synagogue).
Notes
Negative: 2:5:20A; 2:5:21A.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Mendelow, Martin
Ross, Samuel
Speisman, Stephen A., 1943-
Subjects
Meetings
Synagogues
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 31
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
31
Material Format
textual record
Date
1976-1987
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence, a Wintario grant application, and Wintario grant payment applications.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
David Pinkus fonds
The Kiever Shul series
Construction and restoration file
Level
File
ID
Fonds 138; Series 5; File 20
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
David Pinkus fonds
The Kiever Shul series
Construction and restoration file
Level
File
Fonds
138
Series
5
File
20
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
graphic material (electronic)
architectural drawing
Date
1927-[ca. 2009]
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
29 photographs : col. (27 negatives); 10 x 15 cm and 35 mm
Other material
Scope and Content
File consists of records documenting the construction and restoration of the Kiever Shul. Included are architectural drawings; textual records such as correspondence, notes, price lists, fundraising speech, and Toronto building permit; and graphic material such as photographs, sketches, and a printed copy of a photo collage.
Notes
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION NOTE: Also included are 1 optical disc; 1 collage : col. photographs; 4 sketches; and 9 architectural drawings. The optical disc contains 225 MB of photographs and comes with 27 negatives.
STORAGE LOCATION NOTE: Eight of the nine architectural drawings are stored in box 8 on shelf 124-5; the optical disc is stored in drawer 4 on shelf 147.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
1990-5-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1990-5-4
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
11 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 25 cm or smaller
Date
[ca. 1900]-1946
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material pertaining to the Rosen, Silver, and Winkler families. Photographs include views of Abraham Silver's two tobacco and grocery stores in Toronto ( one at Spadina and Adelaide), and pictures of family members in unidentified locations. Documents include a marriage registration certificate for the 1912 marriage of Alexander and Freda Rosen, a 1939 letter attesting to the Canadian naturalization of Elik Rosen in 1914, and a Certificate of Canadian Naturalization for Rachel Rosen (1946).
Name Access
Winkler Family
Rosen Family
Silver, Abraham
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Portraits series
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 18; Series 1; Item 27
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Portraits series
Level
Item
Fonds
18
Series
1
Item
27
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1965]
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 12 x 8 cm
Admin History/Bio
Martin Irwin Lockshin was born in Toronto in 1952, the son of Louis Leon and Sylvia Lockshin (née Freedman). He received his PhD from Brandeis University in 1984 and is also an ordained rabbi.
Currently, Professor Martin Lockshin is an associate professor of humanities in the Department of Languages, Literature, and Linguistics at York University. He has published extensively and recently completed a term as director of York's Centre for Jewish Studies.
Scope and Content
Item is a bar mitzvah portrait of Martin Lockshin.
Subjects
Bar mitzvah
Rabbis
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2015-6-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2015-6-2
Material Format
graphic material (electronic)
Physical Description
39 photographs (tiff)
Date
1923, [1950?]-[2011?]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of photographs documenting Martin Charney and his family. Included are portraits of Martin as a child and young man, wedding photographs of Martin's grandparents in Johannesburg (1923), images of Martin's bar mitzvah and weddings, photographs of Matin's family in London en route to Montreal, images of Martin and his family in Montreal, images of Camp Timberlands (New York), images of the Anglo-African Glass Company, images of Martin with his family in South Africa and images of Martin's family at weddings and bar mitzvah's in Toronto. Of note is an image from the dedication of Chabad Lubavitch in Thornill (2011). Identified in the images are: Martin Charney, Jack Frenkel, Doris Levinstein, Max Charney, Leah Charney, Candy Charney, Rabbi Gansberg, and Norman Charney.
Administrative History
Martin was born in Johannesburg in 1947 to Max and Joan Lena (née Frenkel) Charney. He has a younger brother, Norman. Max owned a glass manufacturing business called Anglo-African Glass. In 1963, the family left South Africa and immigrated to Montreal, Canada. They left South Africa because Max anticipated a future of political uncertainty. The family remained in Montreal for 7 years, before returning to South Africa in 1970. During this time, Martin graduated from high school and attended Sir George Williams University (now Concordia) where he studied for a 4 year Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Max built three office buildings in Sherbrooke, Kingston and Valleyfield and had six One Hour Martinizing laudromats. Joan was a Home Maker - never having done domestic work before.
Soon after returning to South Africa in 1970, Martin married Yaffa (née Franco). They had one daughter, Candyce Jasmine. They divorced in 1980. In 1982 Martin married his second wife, Basia (nee Sztrom). They had four children together: Candy, Leah, Avi Jack and Mirelle Feiga. All 5 children were born in Johannesburg. Martin worked as a real estate broker in South Africa and as a finance resource consultant concentrating on factoring accounts receivable in Toronto.
Due to the worsening violence in South Africa, Martin immigrated to Thornhill with his family in 1999. Martin and Basia divorced soon after immigrating here and Martin eventually re-married to a Canadian Judy Rosenberg. Martin continued in the same line of work once he arrived in Canada; however, he had to build his business back up again from scratch. Martin volunteers with a variety of organizations, including: Circle of Care, Tomchei Shabbos, HOD (Hebrew Order of David - Lodge Ramon) and Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel. He is a member of Chabad Lubavitch at 770 Chabad Gate in Thornhill.
Subjects
Immigrants--Canada
South Africa--Emigration and immigration
Name Access
Charney, Martin, 1947-
Places
Johannesburg, South Africa
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-1-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-1-7
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder
Date
1931-1932
Scope and Content
Accession consists of two items that belonged to Philip Martin. The first item is a 1931 Central High School of Commerce yearbook. The second item is a letter written by the proprietor of Scarfe's French Beauty Shop in Toronto, to Lillian Noble, in which the former denies the latter employment on the grounds the latter is Jewish.
Custodial History
Linda Martin, Philip Martin's daughter, found the letter inside the yearbook when she was sorting through her father's things after he died. It is unknown how Philip came into possession of the letter.
Administrative History
Philip "Phil" Martin was born on November 5, 1913. Growing up during the Great Depression, he did not have the means to attend university. Instead, he became a businessman in Hamilton, Ontario, where he owned a sporting goods store. Philip continued to run his business until the age of forty-seven. When he was forty-eight, he went back to school and became a chiropractor. After graduating, he practiced for over twenty years.
Philip was deeply involved in the Jewish community. In Hamilton, he belonged to Beth Jacob Synagogue, where he was an active member. He was a volunteer for United Jewish Appeal and was an active member of the Toronto Jewish Free Loan Society. Joining Beth Tzedec, he sat on its ritual committee. Philip was also president of Upper Canada Lodge and volunteered at the Harold & Grace Baker Centre Shabbat services.
Philip and his wife Laura had three children: Marleen, Sheila, and Linda. Philip died on December 20, 2002.
Descriptive Notes
Physical description: The yearbook contains approximately thirty-five signatures, presumably of other Central High students.
Conservation: The letter has been encapsulated.
Availability other formats: The letter is also available as PDF.
Subjects
Antisemitism
Discrimination in employment
School yearbooks
Name Access
Central High School of Commerce (Toronto, Ont.)
Martin, Philip, 1913-2002
Noble, Lillian
Scarfe's French Beauty Shop
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Sylvia Schwartz fonds
Child portraits series
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 80; Series 3; Item 17
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Sylvia Schwartz fonds
Child portraits series
Level
Item
Fonds
80
Series
3
Item
17
Material Format
graphic material
Date
2 Apr. 1945
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 9 cm and 11 x 8 cm
Admin History/Bio
Martin Hurwich is the Son of Dr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Hurwich.
Scope and Content
The item is a portrait of a 10 year old boy who is seated and facing the camera.
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.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Passenger Names
Jones, Martin
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Jones, Martin
Page Number
758
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Photographer
Harvey and Adena Glasner
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Martin, Robert
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Martin, Robert
Page Number
548
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Photographer
Harvey and Adena Glasner
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Martin, Robert
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Martin, Robert
Page Number
594
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Photographer
Harvey and Adena Glasner
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Level
Item
ID
Item 619
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
619
Material Format
graphic material
Date
Dec. 1975
Physical Description
2 photographs : (1 negative)
Notes
Negative: 2:5:18A.
Acquired 1975.
Name Access
Canadian Jewish Congress
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Meetings
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2002-10-9
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2002-10-9
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
ca. 50 photographs : b&w and col. ; 26 x 35 cm or smaller
Date
1933-1971
Scope and Content
Accession consists of textural records, including an Israel postage stamp (1954); a US postage stamp (1932); and Philip Martin's membership cards to Central High School of Commerce Literary Society (1930–31), Central Commerce Association (1933–34), Central High School of Commerce Old Boys' and Girls' Association (1932–33), General Accountants Association (1933–34), Aleph Zadik Aleph of the B’nai Brith (1934), Kibitzers Klub, and the Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild. The photo collection consists of studio portraits of various family members and a photograph of the exterior of United Clothing Store at Queen and Soho Streets in Toronto.
Administrative History
Philip Martin (5 Nov. 1913–20 Dec. 2002), the son of David Martin (b. ca. 1881, Romania) and Clara (née Herman) Martin (b. ca. 1884, Romania), was born in Ontario, Canada. In 1921, the Martin family lived in Toronto Ward 4, Kensington Market, at 59 Leonard Ave. Philip’s father David was a salesman for United Clothing Stores and his mother Clara was a homemaker who eventually worked as a saleslady (1931). In 1939, Philip married Dr. Laura (Lottie) (née Levine) Martin. Dr. Laura Levine graduated from University of Toronto medical school in 1938. She was one of 10 women to graduate in a class of 110 students. She continued her graduate studies, worked for a time at Windsor's Grace Hospital and eventually specialized in Dermatology. At one point, Phillip and Laura settled in Hamilton where Philip ran a successful sporting goods store. With an ambition to improve himself, Philip pursued a career in chiropractic medicine. He graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1966 and went on to run a private practice for 20 years. Philip and Laura returned to Toronto in 1970 and Philip joined the CMCC staff as a clinician in 1980. He went on to specialize in the field of nutrition.
Subjects
Families
Storefronts
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1996-3-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1996-3-1
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1931
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a photocopy of the memoir of Joseph Martin, written in Yiddish with an English translation.
Places
Timmins.
Englehart.
Source
Archival Accessions
Passenger Names
Martin, Mr. & Mrs.
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Martin, Mr. & Mrs.
Page Number
366
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Photographer
Harvey and Adena Glasner
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Martin, Robt. & Agnes
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Martin, Robt. & Agnes
Page Number
397
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Photographer
Harvey and Adena Glasner
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Accession Number
2004-2-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-2-1
Material Format
graphic material
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
34 photographs : col. ; 26 x 21 cm and 10 x 15 cm
Date
1980
Scope and Content
Accession consists of 33 photographs of the interior of the Kiever Synagogue at 28 Denison Square, Toronto, and one exterior view of the shule, as well as a letter from the Toronto Historical Board to Dr Stephen Speisman, Director of the Ontario Jewish Archives.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-11-9
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-11-9
Material Format
graphic material
textual record
Physical Description
29 photographs : col. ; 10 x 15 cm
2 folder of textual records
Date
1988-1989
Scope and Content
This accession consists of photographs taken at the Kiever Synagogue and two pieces of correspondence regarding services at the shul. The photographs depict people inside the sanctuary during a service, possibly a bar mitzvah, as well as people seated outside at patio tables. The photographs were taken on 15 July 1989.
Custodial History
There is no acquisition information for these records. This accession number has been assigned by the archivist.
Use Conditions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the Archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Level
Item
ID
Item 48
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
48
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1959
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
Item consists of one black-and-white photograph of a sketch by Aba Bayefsky of the Kiever Synagogue.
Notes
Credit: Aba Bayefsky
Name Access
Bayefsky, Aba, 1923-2001
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, 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
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
David Pinkus fonds
The Kiever Shul series
Level
Series
ID
Fonds 138; Series 5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
David Pinkus fonds
The Kiever Shul series
Level
Series
Fonds
138
Series
5
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
graphic material (electronic)
architectural drawing
object
Date
1912-2016
Physical Description
ca. 76 cm of textual records
ca. 150 photographs : b&w and col. (29 negatives) ; 22 x 28 cm or smaller
other material
Admin History/Bio
The Kiever synagogue, also known as the Kiever Shul, is a Modern Orthodox Jewish synagogue in Toronto. It was founded in 1912 by a small congregation of Jewish immigrants from the Kiev Gubernia of the Russian Empire (now Ukraine) and formally incorporated in 1914 by the granting of the Letters Patent by the Provincial Secretary. The congregation’s formal name is "The First Russian Congregation of Rodfei Sholem Anshei Kiev." According to the earliest congregational records, Max Bossin was president in 1912. At first, services were held in members’ homes and later in a rented house on Centre Avenue in The Ward. Not being able to afford a rabbi, services were led by members, including Cantor Herschel Litvak.
In 1917, sufficient funds were raised to mortgage a house at 25 Bellevue Avenue on the outskirts of Kensington Market. The congregation relocated there, and the facilities were enlarged in 1921 with the acquisition of a second house. In 1927, a new synagogue, which was built on the site of the two houses and designed by a Jewish architect named Benjamin Swartz in the Byzantine Revival style, was completed to accommodate increasing number of congregants. During the construction from 1924 to 1927, religious services were conducted at the home of Mr. Silverman at 29 Wales Avenue. Equipped with a rabbi and a proper synagogue, the Kiever was able to play a larger role in the Toronto Jewish community. The shul offered Yiddish and bar-mitzvah lessons, a youth minyan led by Fischel Cooper, a credit society, as well as a women’s auxiliary.
Several decades later, the Kiever’s membership declined in the 1950s and 1960s due to demographic changes—Jews began leaving the downtown core for the north end of town. The synagogue building deteriorated. In 1973, the Archives Committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress Central Region decided to help preserve it, and by 1982, sufficient funds had been raised to restore the building. In 1979, the Kiever Synagogue became the first building of Jewish significance to be designated a historical site by the province of Ontario and has been protected under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act since then.
Some of the founders included: Molly and Isadore Pinkus, B. B. Smith, Yehudah Leib "Louis" Bossin, Isaac Mosten, Jake Dubin, Harry Cohen, and Wolf Ganz. The congregation's first and longest-tenured rabbi was Solomon Langner, who served from around 1929 until his death in 1973. Sheldon Steinberg served as rabbi from the time of Langner's death until the mid-1990s. David Pinkus served as president of the Kiever Shul from the late 1970s to 2011. As of 2022, the synagogue president is Adam S. Cohen.
Scope and Content
Series consists of records documenting the administration and activities of the Kiever Synagogue. Included are financial documents, tax forms, insurance documents, receipts and invoices, the 50th jubilee book, accounting ledger books, address books, membership lists and application forms, printed copies of emails, correspondence, meeting minutes, by-laws and regulations, legal documents, certificates, cemetery deeds, funeral record books, files on construction and restoration, seats arrangement charts, raffle tickets, High Holiday service cards, artworks, and historic papers dating from the 1920s and 1930s. Also included are photographs featuring the Kiever Shul, two architectural drawings, and a wooden gavel.
Notes
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION NOTE: Also included are 9 architectural drawings, 1 photo collage, 4 sketches, 2 drawings, 1 wooden gavel, and 1 optical disc that contains 225 MB photographs.
Access Restriction
Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA director prior to accessing some of the records.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
David Pinkus fonds
The Kiever Cemetery series
Level
Series
ID
Fonds 138; Series 6
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
David Pinkus fonds
The Kiever Cemetery series
Level
Series
Fonds
138
Series
6
Material Format
textual record
architectural drawing
graphic material
Date
1919-2016
Physical Description
ca. 27 cm of textual records
76 photographs : col. (27 negatives) ; 22 x 28 cm or smaller
1 architectural drawing
Scope and Content
Series consists of records documenting the cemeteries of the Kiever Synagogue located at Mount Sinai Memorial Park and the Dawes Road Cemeteries. Included are cemetery plot maps, cemetery record books, burial plot cards, occupant location lists, statements, financial documents, meeting minutes, correspondence, legal documents, photographs, and architectural drawings.
Access Restriction
Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA director prior to accessing some of the records.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2016-3-48
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2016-3-48
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
15 photographs : b&w and col.
Date
[196-?]-1985
Scope and Content
Accession consists of photographs of the Kiever Synagogue. There are 12 images in black and white of both the exterior and the interior. These photos appear to be from the 1960s. There are also three colour photographs, two of which are of the exterior and one of which is of the interior during a service.
Custodial History
There is no information on the acquisition of this material. There is a name on the envelope that holds the photographs but the name cannot be deciphered.
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto, Ontario
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2021-10-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2021-10-1
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
object
Physical Description
30 cm of textual records
5 photographs : b&w & col. ; 30 x 20 cm or smaller
2 metal award certificates : 28 x 21 cm
1 key : framed in a wooden box
Date
1913-2013
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records related to the Kiever Synagogue or had been stored at the synagogue. Included are certificates (1930-[1961?]); a print of the 1913 Officers and Members of the Grand Order of Israel of Canada; a poster of Yitzhak Ben-Zvi (president of Israel) presented by National Committee for Labour Israel for Israel Histadrut campaign; National Synagogue Directory issued by Canadian Jewish Congress Charities Committee (2011-2012); The Jewish Magazine (2006); Baycrest Men's Service Group Honour Roll books (1993-1997, 1999); shabbat, wedding, and bar mitzvah/bat mitzvah benchers (1965-2013); newspaper clippings; blessing guides; and administrative material such as receipt books (1933-1934), Synagogue Laws and Customs (1976), and a memorandum of agreement (1920). Also included are photographs featuring David Pinkus, Nate Leipciger, students of Talmud Torah Eitz Chaim (1936), and the top view of bimah and chuppah of the Kiever Synagogue, which was taken at Samara Kaplan’s wedding (2004); and miscellaneous material such as raffle tickets (1928), invitation tickets from Chevra Kadisha (1928), and record books of Toronto Free Loan Association. This accession also includes the following artifacts: two metal certificates of Recognition of Service Award granted by State of Israel Bond and Canada-Israel Securities Limited (1964 and 1965) and a skeleton key framed in a wooden shadow box, which is possibly the original key to the building. People identified in the photograph of students of Talmud Torah Eitz Chaim (1936) are: Solly Speisman (second row, fourth from left), Myer Orzench (second row, far right), Hymie Reingewietz (second row, sixth from left), Mr. Hoffman (teacher, left-hand side), and Mr. Nobleman (teacher, right-hand side). Myer Orzench was the second vice-president of the Kiever Synagogue; Mr. Nobleman was father of Ben Nobleman, the municipal politician of York Region.
Custodial History
Records deposited by David Moyal of the Kiever Synagogue.
Administrative History
The Kiever synagogue, also known as the Kiever Shul, is a Modern Orthodox Jewish synagogue in Toronto. It was founded in 1912 by a small congregation of Jewish immigrants from the Kiev Gubernia of the Russian Empire (now Ukraine) and formally incorporated in 1914 by the granting of the Letters Patent by the Provincial Secretary. The congregation’s formal name is "The First Russian Congregation of Rodfei Sholem Anshei Kiev." According to the earliest congregational records, Max Bossin was president in 1912. At first, services were held in members’ homes and later in a rented house on Centre Avenue in the Ward. Not being able to afford a rabbi, services were led by members, including Cantor Herschel Litvak. In 1917, sufficient funds were raised to mortgage a house at 25 Bellevue Avenue on the outskirts of Kensington Market. The congregation relocated there and the facilities were enlarged in 1921 with the acquisition of a second house. In 1927, a new synagogue, which was built on the site of the two houses and designed by a Jewish architect named Benjamin Swartz in the Byzantine Revival style, was completed to accommodate increasing number of congregants. During the construction from 1924 to 1927, religious services were conducted at the home of Mr. Silverman at 29 Wales Avenue. Equipped with a rabbi and a proper synagogue, the Kiever was able to play a larger role in the Toronto Jewish community. The shul offered Yiddish and bar-mitzvah lessons, a youth minyan led by Fischel Cooper, a credit society, as well as a women’s auxiliary. Several decades later, the Kiever’s membership declined in the 1950s and 1960s due to demographic changes—Jews began leaving the downtown core for the north end of town. The synagogue building deteriorated. In 1973, the Archives Committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress Central Region decided to help preserve it, and by 1982, sufficient funds had been raised to restore the building. In 1979, the Kiever Synagogue became the first building of Jewish significance to be designated a historical site by the province of Ontario and has been protected under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act since then. Some of the founders included: B. B. Smith, Yehudah Leib "Louis" Bossin, Isaac Mosten, Jake Dubin, Harry Cohen, and Wolf Ganz. The congregation's first and longest-tenured rabbi was Solomon Langner, who served from around 1929 until his death in 1973. Sheldon Steinberg served as rabbi from the time of Langner's death until the mid-1990s. David Pinkus served as president of the Kiever Shul from the late 1970s to 2011. His parents, Molly and Isadore Pinkus, were co-founders of the shul. As of 2022, the synagogue president is Adam S. Cohen.
Descriptive Notes
LANGUAGE NOTE: material is in Yiddish, Hebrew, and English.
Availability of other formats: digital preservation copies for some documents have been created and are available in PDF, JPG, and TIF formats.
Subjects
Synagogues
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Julius P. Katz fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 55; Series 2; File 52
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Julius P. Katz fonds
Subject files series
Level
File
Fonds
55
Series
2
File
52
Material Format
textual record
Date
1938-1941
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
This file consists of correspondence between Katz, President of Mizrachi Organization of Toronto with Martin Cohn, Executive Director and Florence Hutner, Assistant Executive Director of United Jewish Welfare Fund of Toronto.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1748-1767
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1748-1767
Material Format
graphic material
Date
29 Jul. 1975
Physical Description
20 photographs
Notes
Credit Lou Kernerman.
Name Access
Canadian Jewish Congress. Central Region
Subjects
Fund raising
Synagogues
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2004-1-6
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-1-6
Material Format
architectural drawing
Physical Description
7 drawings : blueline prints ; 61 x 50 cm
Date
[ca. 1923]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the Kiever Synagogue in downtown Toronto. Included are architectural drawings of south and west elevations, cross section, details of window frames and balcony basement, the ground floor, and roof and balcony plans. Benjamin Swartz was the architect.
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.
Subjects
Synagogue architecture
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Swartz, Benjamin, 1899-1961
Places
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 18; Series 3; File 31
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gordon Mendly fonds
Events and organizations series
Level
File
Fonds
18
Series
3
File
31
Material Format
graphic material
Date
22 Sep. 1963
Physical Description
5 negatives : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of four group photographs of members of the Kiever Synagogue seated with Rabbi Solomon Langner and one image of a member standing next to the Aron Kodesh.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Langner, Solomon
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
David Pinkus fonds
The Kiever Shul series
Photographs of the Kiever Shul file
Level
File
ID
Fonds 138; Series 5; File 2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
David Pinkus fonds
The Kiever Shul series
Photographs of the Kiever Shul file
Level
File
Fonds
138
Series
5
File
2
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1935-[201-?]
Physical Description
122 photographs : b&w and col. (2 negatives) ; 22 x 28 cm or smaller
Scope and Content
File consists of photographs featuring the Kiever Shul from different periods of time, including before and after the restoration that took place in the 1980s; photographs of 1935 Kiever outing; and those that depict a Torah reading at the Kiever. Also included are photographs featuring Sydney Bossin and Morris Cohen at the Kiever. Sydney Bossin was Max Bossin’s son.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 293-392
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
293-392
Material Format
graphic material
Date
Apr. 1974
Physical Description
198 photographs : b&w (99 negatives) ; 21 x 26 cm or smaller
Scope and Content
Interior and exterior views of Kiever Synagogue.
Photo #293: pictured leading services from the bimah are Michael David (taller boy) and Earl David (shorter boy).
Photo #306 includes Sam Ross, president of the congregation (left) and Cantor Federman (right).
Photos #353-358 are of Mr. and Mrs. Izekovitch (shammes) standing in the basement of the synagogue.
Notes
Photographs were acquired in November 1974.
Name Access
Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Architecture
Synagogues
Places
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 4; Series 10; File 33
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Heritage series
Level
File
Fonds
4
Series
10
File
33
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1979]
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 12 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of a photograph of the interior of the Kiever Synagogue.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Name
Martin Maxwell
Material Format
moving images
Interview Date
10 Jun. 2010
Source
Oral Histories
Name
Martin Maxwell
Number
OH 385
Subject
World War, 1939-1945
Interview Date
10 Jun. 2010
Quantity
1 reference DVD (WAV file); 1 archival DVD (WAV file)
Interviewer
Sam Gojonovich
Total Running Time
26:55
Notes
This interview is part of the Memory Project event held at Lipa Green on 13 May 2010 in partnership with the Historica Dominion Institute.
http://www.thememoryproject.com/search?query=maxwell
Biography
Martin Maxwell born in Vienna in 1924 was transported to England as part of the Kindertransport project. Martin enlisted in the British Air Corps in 1942 and served as a glider pilot in the British Army. Stationed in Europe, Martin was involved in the D-Day and Arnhem campaigns. He was imprisoned as a Jewish prisoner of war in Hanover, Germany and in 1948 participated in the war crimes commission in Washington D.C.
Material Format
moving images
Original Format
DVD
Transcript
.25-1.06: Maxwell, born in Vienna, was one of 10,000 children to be transported to Great Britain as part of the Kindertransport project. 1.07-2.03: Maxwell discusses his service as a glider pilot in the Air Corps of the British Army. 2.04-4.00: Maxwell discusses his participation as a glider pilot in the D-Day operation. 4.01-5.08: Maxwell provides a brief description of his training as a fighter pilot. 5:09-5.30: Maxwell discusses an incident involving his evacuation via submarine from Europe back to England. 5.35-7.12: Maxwell discusses his involvement in General Montgomery’s Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem in Holland. 7.13-7.52: Maxwell discusses an injury he suffered during his participation in Operation Market Garden. 7.53-8.35: Maxwell discusses the armistice which allowed the dead and wounded, including Maxwell, to be moved from the field to a hospital. 8.36-9.00: Maxwell describes an incident that occurred while he was held at SS barracks in Appledorn. 9.01-10.11: Maxwell describes his imprisonment as a Jewish prisoner of war (POW) in Fallingbostel, a camp near Hanover, Germany. 10.12-11.15: Maxwell relates a humorous incident that occurred during his imprisonment in POW camp 11.16-13.10: Maxwell describes the sixty-fifth anniversary of the liberation of Holland. 13.11-13.33: Maxwell discusses photographs taken during the sixty-fifth anniversary. 13.34-14.09: Maxwell talks about his motivation for joining the army. 14.10-14.22:Gojonovich is formulating his next question. 14.23-15.22: Maxwell recalls an antisemitic incident he experienced during his service. 15.23-15.55: Maxwell discusses the eighty Jewish paratroopers buried in the cemetery at Arnhem. 15.56-17.20: Maxwell discusses the events that led to his participation in the War Crimes Commission held in Washington, D.C. in 1948 17.21-18.09: Maxwell discusses his present day work with war veterans and Holocaust education. 18.10-20.42: Maxwell relates the story of a chance encounter with a young girl at Bergen Belsen. 20.43-22.00: Maxwell talks about the honour he received in Holland when he was presented with the torch of freedom.
Source
Oral Histories