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Rabbi Meir Zvi Levy [textual record] – 1939.

Accession Number: 2005-9-7

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2005-9-7

Material Format: textual record

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Date: 1939

Scope and Content: Accession consists of a notice in Yiddish from Rabbi Meir Levy announcing to the Jewish community that shochtim Yichiel Wagman and Soloway, Hymie Weisfeld, Lazar Salkovitch, and Moishe Gross are valid, certified kosher butchers. These shochtim, it states, are well known in Toronto, learned in Torah, and they have been certified under the strictest rules of kashrut.

Subjects: Religion; Food; Occupations

Name Access: Levy, Meir Zvi; Wagman, Yichiel; Weisfeld, Hymie; Salkovitch, Lazar; Gross, Moishe

Source: Archival Accessions

Larry Cohen (Niagara Falls, Ont.) [graphic material (electronic)] – [193?].

Accession Number: 2007-6-32

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2007-6-32

Material Format: graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 2 b&w photographs (copies)

Date: [193?]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of two scanned photographs of work scene in front of the Myer Salit Scrap Metal yard, Niagara Falls.

Custodial History: The records were transferred to the OJA as part of the Ontario Small Jewish Communities initiative.

Administrative History: The donor, Larry Cohen, was born 1931. His grandfather, Myer Salit, was born in Brest Litovski, Poland. At the age of twenty-three he booked passage to America on the S.S. Norge. On June 28, 1904 the ship struck a reef off the coast of Scotland and sank. Mr. Salit survived, along with approximately 160 other passengers, and made his way to New York and then St. Catharines, where his brother-in-law, Harry Rubin, was a scrap metal dealer. In 1905 he moved to Niagara Falls and set up his own scrap metal business. He was the first Jewish resident of that community.; Over time, the business prospered and grew. After the Second World War, his son-in-law Irvin Feldman and grandson Larry Cohen joined the business. The company began to diversify, selling new and used steel products to local industry. Myer Salit passed away in 1958 and left the business in the hands of Irvin and Larry. By the 1960s, the company branched out and became a reinforcing steel (rebar) fabricator and changed its name to Salit Steel.; During the 1980s the family sold off the scrap metal division of the company. Mr. Feldman retired and the responsibility for managing the firm was shared by Larry Cohen and Steven Cohen, Myer's great-grandson. The company has continued to expand and diversify and currently serves the needs of Southern Ontario.

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

Descriptive Notes: Related Material Note: See AC 302 for an oral history for Larry Cohen.

Subjects: Occupations; Communities

Name Access: Salit, Myer

Places: Niagara Falls, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Joseph Fremar - 14 May 1974

Name: Joseph Fremar

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 14 May 1974

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Joseph Fremar

Number: OH 21

Subject: Business; Food; Occupations

Interview Date: 14 May 1974

Quantity: 2 cassettes (1 copy); 1 MP3 file

Interviewer: Bess Shockett

Total Running Time: 12:59 minutes

Conservation: Copied to cassette tape in August 2003.; Digitized in June 2010.

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

Biography: Joseph "Joe the Orange Man" Fremar was a produce merchant in Kensington Market and opened his location at 234 Augusta Avenue in 1938. Fremar, commonly referred to as the "Orange Man," was a member of the Kiever Synagogue.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Fremar, Joseph; Kiever Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.); Shockett, Bess

Geographic Access: Augusta Avenue (Toronto, Ont.); Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Joseph Fremar, also known as "Joe the Orange Man," talks about the social politics and financial expectations around belonging to certain Toronto synagogues versus others.

In this clip, Joseph Fremar, also known as "Joe the Orange Man," talks about the changing population of Toronto

Harry Finkelman - 1972

Name: Harry Finkelman

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 1972

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Harry Finkelman

Number: OH 28

Subject: Antisemitism; Education; Occupations; Pharmacists

Interview Date: 1972

Quantity: 1

Interviewer: Morris Silbert

AccessionNumber: 1978-2-2

Total Running Time: 028A: 46 minutes 028B: 7 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003

Notes: Parts inaudible

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

Biography: Harry Finkelman was born in 1909 in Hamilton and was one of the first Jewish pharmacists in Hamilton. His father was a tailor and an active member of several Jewish organizations including the Hess Street Synagogue and the Talmud Torah. Harry attended the Talmud Torah and was involved with Young Judaea and groups from the Talmud Torah. In this interview, he discusses the early history of Hamilton and discrimination against Jews entering the professions.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Finkelman, Harry; Silbert, Morris

Geographic Access: Hamilton (Ont.)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 28 - Finkelman\OH28_001_Log.docx; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 28 - Finkelman\OH28_002_Log.docx

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Harry Finkelman shares some of his early memories of the Hamilton Jewish community in the 1910s. He notes name of shops, shop owners, streets and describes some of the synagogues

In this clip, Harry Finkelman describes the difficulty for a Jew in the 1920s to find a placement to complete a mandatory three-year apprenticeship before he could enter pharmacy at aniversity.

Jack Abel - 1986

Name: Jack Abel

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 1986

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Jack Abel

Number: OH 34; OH 35

Subject: Antisemitism; Cemeteries; Labor unions; Occupations; Recreation; Societies

Interview Date: 1986

Quantity: 2

Interviewer: Morris Silbert

Total Running Time: 034A: 31:10 minutes 034B: 31:10 minutes 035A: 31:10 minuets 035B: 13:52 minuets

Conservation: Copied August 2003

Notes: The end of the reference copy of AC 35 is not very audible. The original cassette may be clearer.

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

Biography: Jack Abel's career in the garment industry began in the 1920s taking him through the dressmaker's strike of 1932. Abel's experiences with antisemitism were numerous. He participated in the Christie Pits riot, he was active in politics, and he became an early member of the Mozirer Society. Abel became financial secretary of the Mozirer Society and was involved in the purchase and administration of the Roselawn and Bathurst Lawn cemeteries.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Abel, Jack; Mozirer Sick Benefit Society

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 34, OH 35 - Abel\OH34_001_Log.docx; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 34, OH 35 - Abel\OH34_002_Log.docx; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 34, OH 35 - Abel\OH35_001_Log.docx; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 34, OH 35 - Abel\OH35_002_Log.docx

Source: Oral Histories

Dr. Coleman Solursh - 3 Jan. 1985

Name: Dr. Coleman Solursh

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 3 Jan. 1985

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Dr. Coleman Solursh

Number: OH 40; OH 41

Subject: Physicians; Societies; Occupations; Medical care

Interview Date: 3 Jan. 1985

Quantity: 2

Interviewer: Morris Silbert

Total Running Time: 040A: 34 minutes 040B: 31 minutes 041A: 11 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003

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

Biography: Coleman Solursh was born in Toronto in 1906. He graduated as a physician in 1932. He worked as a lodge doctor. He was involved in the Toronto Jewish Lodge Doctors Association. He worked in the field of family medicine and was appointed chief of the Department of Family Practice at Mount Sinai Hospital. He was appointed associate chief of medicine at Baycrest, Jewish Home for the Aged. He married Zelda Singer, a third-generation Canadian. Zelda's maternal grandfather was appointed colonization chairman in 1897 for Baron de Hirsch settlement for Jewish immigrants. Zelda's father, Manny Singer, was the first Jewish pharmacist in Toronto. Zelda's uncle, Fred Singer, was the first Jewish member of parliament for Ontario.

Material Format: sound recording

Language: English

Name Access: Solursh, Coleman; Silbert, Morris; Mount Sinai Hospital; Singer, Zelda; Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care

Geographic Access: Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 40, OH 41 - Solursh\OH40_001_Log.pdf; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 40, OH 41 - Solursh\OH40_002_Log.pdf; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 40, OH 41 - Solursh\OH41_001_Log.pdf

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Dr. Coleman Solursh describes a meeting between executives from the Toronto Jewish Lodge Doctors' Association and representatives from various Jewish Lodges. The meeting resulted in significant changes to the way medical services and payment were provided to the physicians.

In this clip, Dr. Coleman Solursh describes his role as Chief of the Department of Family Practice in the new Mount Sinai Hospital in 1953. He explains how this department pioneered the model for family practice within a hospital setting across Canada.

Dr. Hana Gelber - 29 Jul. 1973

Name: Dr. Hana Gelber

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 29 Jul. 1973

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Dr. Hana Gelber

Number: OH 13; OH 14

Subject: Antisemitism; Families; Occupations

Interview Date: 29 Jul. 1973

Quantity: 2

Interviewer: Stephen Speisman

Total Running Time: 013 Side One 30 minutes; 014 Side One 30 minutes; 014 Side Two 30 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003

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

Biography: Hana Gelber (née David) was born in Safed (Tzfat), Palestine in 1907. She studied sciences at the University of Paris-Sorbonne and prepared her thesis at Hebrew University. She graduated from University of Paris-Sorbonne in 1929. Hana moved to Toronto in December 1929 and married Eddie Gelber in March 1930. Hana and Eddie moved to New York where Eddie was completing his final year at the Jewish Theological Seminary and Hana conducted research at the Rockefeller Institute. They returned to Toronto in July 1930. Hana graduated from Medical School at the University of Toronto in 1934. She completed her medical internship in Palestine. Hana and Eddie lived in Palestine from 1934 to 1939. They returned to Toronto in 1939 where they remained until 1954 at which time they made aliyah. Hana worked at Women's College Hospital until 1954. Hana had three children: Edna, Lynn, and David.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Gelber, Hana; Jewish Theological Seminary of America; Women's College Hospital (Toronto, Ont.)

Geographic Access: New York (N.Y.).; Palestine; Toronto (Ont.); Tsefat (Israel)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 13, OH 14 - Gelber\OH13_001_Log.docx; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 13, OH 14 - Gelber\OH14_001_Log.docx; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 13, OH 14 - Gelber\OH14_002_Log.docx

Source: Oral Histories

Mina Sprachman - 12 Dec. 1978

Name: Mina Sprachman

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 12 Dec. 1978

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Mina Sprachman

Number: OH 142

Subject: Architects; Buildings; Occupations

Interview Date: 12 Dec. 1978

Quantity: 1

Interviewer: Stephen Speisman

Total Running Time: AC142: 31:34 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003

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

Biography: Abraham Sprachman (1896–1971) was as Toronto-based architect who, in partnership with Harold Kaplan in the firm Kaplan & Sprachman, was well-known for the design of art deco and art moderne movie theatres during the 1930s and 1940s and for designing buildings for Jewish communities across Canada from the 1930s to 1960s.; Abraham married his cousin Mina Sprachman in 1921. They had two children, Mandel and Sheila. Mandel followed in his father's footsteps and became a nationally-recognized and acclaimed architect. Both specialized in theatre design and renovations. Mandel became an architect best known for his restoration of the Elgin Wintergarden.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Kaplan & Sprachman; Kaplan, Harold; Sprachman, Abraham, 1896-1971; Speisman, Stephen; Sprachman, Mina

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Mina Sprachman discusses her husband's architectural firm of Kaplan and Sprachman, its Jewish clientele, and the firm's commissions to design and renovate theatres, hospitals, and synagogues across Canada.

Dora Till - 4 May 1983

Name: Dora Till

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 4 May 1983

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Dora Till

Number: OH 151

Subject: Immigrants--Canada; Families; Labor; Labor unions; Women; Occupations

Interview Date: 4 May 1983

Quantity: 1

Interviewer: Stephen Speisman

Total Running Time: 46 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003

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

Biography: Dora Till (née Tobias) was born in New York City in 1896. She came to Toronto in 1900. She married Morris Till in 1918. They had one daughter, Cecile. As a youth, Dora was involved with Herzl Girls and the Boot and Shoe Society. Dora was active in community service and contributed greatly to social service work. She was co-founder and first president for the Mothers' and Babes' Summer Rest Home, vice president of the Hebrew Maternity Aid Society, a board member for the Jewish Family and Child Services, an executive for the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, honorary vice president of United Jewish Welfare Fund, on the board of Canadian Jewish Congress and past president of the Naomi Chapter of Hadassah-WIZO.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Herzl Girls Boot and Shoe Society, 1920; Mothers and Babes Summer Rest Home; Baycrest Hospital; United Jewish Welfare Fund; Beth Tzedec Synagogue; Timothy Eaton Company; Till, Dora

Geographic Access: Toronto; Bronte

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Dora Till discusses some of the services provided by Hebrew Maternity Aid.

Dora Till was co-founder and first president for Mothers and Babes Summer Rest Home. In this clip, Dora describes the efforts to solicit and fundraise on behalf of the Mothers and Babes Summer Rest Home.

Max Enkin - 13 Apr. 1986

Name: Max Enkin

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 13 Apr. 1986

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Max Enkin

Number: OH 113; OH 114

Subject: Antisemitism; Immigrants--Canada; Labor unions; Nonprofit organizations; Occupations; Refugees--Canada

Interview Date: 13 Apr. 1986

Quantity: 2

Interviewer: Phyllis Platnick

Total Running Time: OH113: 19:40 minuets; OH114:

Conservation: Copied August 2003; Digitized 11/28/2011

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

Biography: Max Enkin was founder and a leading member of the Jewish Vocational Service of Toronto. The original purpose of the organization was to help survivors of the Second World War find employment. In 1947, as associate administrator and representative for the men's clothing sector in Ontario, Max Enkin became involved in the Tailor Project. The project was designed to identify and select skilled tailors from the displaced persons camps of Europe and help to settle them in Canada.; Max Enkin was awarded the Order of the British Empire in recognition of services to the Wartime Prices and Trade Board.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Enkin, Max; Platnick, Phyllis

Geographic Access: Toronto

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 113, OH 114 - Enkin\OH113_001_Log.docx

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Max Enkin discusses the organizations, government departments, and union representatives involved in the development and implementation of the Tailor Project.

In this clip, Max Enkin discusses the Liberal government

Lillian Gollom - 8 Dec. 1986

Name: Lillian Gollom

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 8 Dec. 1986

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Lillian Gollom

Number: OH 122

Subject: Families; Women; Occupations; Antisemitism; Hospitals

Interview Date: 8 Dec. 1986

Quantity: 1

Interviewer: Morris Silbert and Nancy Draper

Total Running Time: OH122_001: 31.05 minutes; OH122_002: 17.07 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003

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

Biography: Lillian Gollom (née Slovens) was born in Russia in 1903. She came to Toronto around 1907. She attended Ogness Public School and Canada Business College. She married Nat Gollom in 1924. They had a son and a daughter. Lillian was actively involved with the "Sinai's" and served as president of the organization in 1939. The fund-raising efforts of the the "Sinai's", Ezrat Nashim and "Twigs" assisted with the establishment of the first Mount Sinai Hospital on Yorkville Avenue. Lillian was a volunteer at the hospital. She remained active with the Sinais and involved with the establishment of the second Mount Sinai Hospital on University Avenue. Afterwards, the organization's focus shifted to fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Material Format: sound recording

Language: English

Name Access: Mount Sinai Hospital; Dworkin, Dorothy; Canadian Cancer Society; Singer, E.F.; Gollom, Lillian

Geographic Access: Toronto

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 122 - Gollom\OH122_001_Log.pdf; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 122 - Gollom\OH122_002_Log.pdf

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Lillian Gollom discusses the establishment and early days of the first Mount Sinai Hospital. She describes the fundraising efforts of Ezrat Nashim, the Sinais, and the Twigs.

In this clip, Lillian Gollom relates anecdotes pertaining to the impact of the Great Depression on Jewish families in the early 1930s.

Edna Jacobs - Dec. 1985, Mar. 1986

Name: Edna Jacobs

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: Dec. 1985, Mar. 1986

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Edna Jacobs

Number: OH 125

Subject: Families; Travel; Education; Occupations; Antisemitism; Girl Guides; Religion; Volunteers

Interview Date: Dec. 1985, Mar. 1986

Quantity: 1

Interviewer: Nancy Draper

Total Running Time: Side 1: 36 minutes Side 2: 46 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003

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

Biography: Edna Jacobs (née Frankel) was born on 20 March 1904 in Toronto. Her parents, Sigmund and Paula Frankel, were early immigrants from Germany. Edna attended Havergal from kindergarten through high school. She studied general arts for two years at the University of Toronto. She married Arthur Jacobs, the son of Rabbi Solomon Jacobs, in 1936. Together, they had one daughter, Patsy, and a baby who died during infancy. Edna was involved with the Girls Club and the Junior Council of Jewish Women.

Material Format: sound recording

Language: English

Name Access: Toronto Girl's Club; Toronto Council of Jewish Women

Geographic Access: Toronto; Germany

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 125 - Jacobs\OH125_001_Log.pdf; G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 125 - Jacobs\OH125_002_Log.pdf

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Edna Jacobs shares memories from a trip she and her family took to Biblis, Germany to celebrate her grandparents’ golden anniversary.

In this clip, Edna Jacobs reminisces about several prominent Toronto Jewish families.

Blanche Haber - 18 Dec. 1987

Name: Blanche Haber

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 18 Dec. 1987

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Blanche Haber

Number: OH 189

Subject: Boardinghouses; Families; Immigrants--Canada; Occupations

Interview Date: 18 Dec. 1987

Quantity: 1

Interviewer: Kaylee Gollom Miller

Total Running Time: Side 1 - 31 minutes Side 2 - 31 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003

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

Biography: Blanche Haber (née Heller) was born in a small town in Russia in 1893. She came to Toronto at age eight. Her father worked as a peddler. She married Isadore Haber in 1915. Three of her five children died from illness in their childhood. Before her marriage, Blanche worked as a seamstress. Isadore worked as a tailor, primarily for Eaton's. Like her mother, Blanche took boarders into her home at 112 Parliament Street once married.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Haber, Blanche, 1893-1994; Haber, Isadore, 1887-1982; Manischewitz (family)

Geographic Access: Halifax (N.S.); Parliament Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Transcript: G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 189 Haber\OH 189 notes.pdf

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Blanche Haber describes taking boarders into her mother’s and her own home at 112 Parliament Street.

In this clip, Blanche Haber fondly remembers the warm relationship that developed between her family and the Manischewitz family. She explains that Joe Manischewitz boarded at her family’s home while his family built a matzah factory in Toronto.

Anne Edell and I. S. Edell - 7 Feb. 1984

Name: Anne Edell and I. S. Edell

Material Format: sound recording

Interview Date: 7 Feb. 1984

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Anne Edell and I. S. Edell

Number: OH 208

Subject: Recreation; Education; Occupations; Antisemitism

Interview Date: 7 Feb. 1984

Quantity: 1

Interviewer: Phyllis Platnick

Total Running Time: AC 208A: 40 minutes AC 208B: 18 minutes

Conservation: Copied August 2003

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

Biography: Anne Edell grew up in Toronto. She worked as a bookkeeper in several local Jewish businesses. During summer vacation, Anne would travel to Port Dalhousie, Crystal Beach, and Jackson's Point. I. S. Edell grew up in Toronto. He graduated in education from OCE but was unable to find a teaching position. He worked at the post office for a short time and later in his father-in-law's business.

Material Format: sound recording

Name Access: Edell, Anne; Edell, I.S.; Platnick, Phyllis

Geographic Access: Port Dalhousie; Crystal Beach

Original Format: Audio cassette

Copy Format: Audio cassette; Digital file

Source: Oral Histories

In this clip, Anne Edell shares memories of summer vacations.

In this clip, I. S. Edell discusses the antisemitism encountered by Jewish graduates in the field of education in Ontario in the 1930s.

Hilton and Shirley Silberg - 3 Sep. 2015

Name: Hilton and Shirley Silberg

Material Format: moving images

Interview Date: 3 Sep. 2015

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Hilton and Shirley Silberg

Number: OH 419

Subject: Business; Immigrants--Canada; Families; Occupations

Interview Date: 3 Sep. 2015

Interviewer: Naomi Raichyk

Total Running Time: 1 hr. 34 min.

Biography: Hilton and Shirley were born in Durban, South Africa in 1951. Although both were involved in the Habonim youth movement, the two did not meet until their first year in pharmacy school. After getting married and serving a brief stint in the military, Hilton left with Shirley on a trip overseas that included Europe and the United Sates, but whose ultimate purpose was the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.; Upon arriving in Montreal, the couple decided Canada would be a good place to live. By that point, they had resolved that they did not want their children to internalize the racial norms of apartheid South Africa. Cementing their decision was the fact Shirley’s sister was accepted into Canada shortly after the two returned to South Africa.; Hilton and Shirley’s immigration to Canada was complicated by the fact they were regarded by the government as students, not full-fledged pharmacists. When they came to Canada in August 1977, they therefore had to qualify as pharmacists, which they did by attending university while holding down full-time jobs as pharmacy technicians. Once certified, they moved to Dundas, where they opened a series of pharmacies and raised their children.; In 2007, the couple sold their Day Night Pharmacy chain to Rexall Pharma Plus. In 2014 Hilton and Shirley relocated to Toronto and now spend their time between Toronto and Vancouver to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Material Format: moving images

Language: English

Name Access: Silberg, Hilton, 1951-; Silberg, Shirley, 1951-

Geographic Access: Dundas (Ont.); Durban (South Africa); Johannesburg (South Africa)

Original Format: Digital file

Transcript: 00:38 Shirley was born in Durban, South Africa in 1951.; 00:44 Shirley discusses her family history. Her maternal grandparents came to Durban in early 1800s from England. They married in South Africa. Her paternal grandparents came to Durban from Lithuania in the late 1800s. They married in South Africa. Her father was a physician specializing in physical medicine; her mother worked as his secretary.; 03:31 Shirley describes her privileged early home life.; 04:26 Shirley attended Hebrew day school.; 05:06 Shirley describes her education and involvement in sports.; 07:28 Shirley attended the Habonim youth movement.; 08:13 Shirley discusses her early memories of politics and apartheid.; 09:57 Shirley describes the impact an overseas trip to Europe and Israel had on her.; 12:34 Shirley explains that she and Hilton considered immigrating to Canada and Israel. Her sister had immigrated to Canada and her brother had immigrated to England.; 13:31 Hilton and Shirley attended the pharmacy school in Durban.; 14:48 Hilton and Shirley married and moved to Johannesburg. Hilton completed mandatory service in the army.; 15:37 Hilton was born in Durban on 26 October 1951. He discusses his family history. His maternal grandparents came from Lithuania. His mother was born in South Africa. His father's family came from Lithuania. His father was born in Lithuania. Hilton shares a story about his paternal grandmother's voyage from Lithuania to Pretoria with five children. When his parents were married they moved to Durban in the mid-1950s.; 17:46 Hilton discusses his parents. His mother was an occasional secretary. His father was initially a tool and diemaker. Later, he worked in business. Hilton notes that his father was a semi-professional football player.; 20:30 Hilton explains that his mother had a strong Jewish identity, but was not religious.; 21:06 Hilton discusses his education in public school and Hebrew school.; 21:58 Hilton reminisces about his childhood.; 23:25 Hilton discusses how he and his sister became competitive ballroom dancers.; 25:50 Hilton discusses his bar mitzvah training.; 27:02 Hilton was active in the Habonim youth movement.; 27:31 Hilton shares his impressions growing up under apartheid. He discusses discrimination, restrictions, and censorship.; 30:33 Hilton discusses his mandatory military service.; 36:22 Hilton and Shirley discuss how they met and dated.; 37:45 Hilton discusses some of the factors that triggered the couple's decision to leave South Africa.; 43:07 Hilton and Shirley describe how they struggled to accumulate money before leaving South Africa.; 44:12 Hilton describes the efforts made to secure work and a visa for entry into Canada.; 48:31 Hilton and Shirley describe the sentiments that surrounded their departure from South Africa.; 49:40 Hilton and Shirley arrived in Canada on 25 August 1977.; 50:30 Shirley shares anecdotes about her first experiences with household chores.; 54:20 Hilton and Shirley discuss their few acquaintances/contacts when they first arrived in Canada.; 55:40 Hilton explains how his outlook has changed since he moved to Canada.; 57:41 Shirley describes the challenges of juggling work and pharmacy classes at the University of Toronto. Hilton and Shirley share some examples of cultural differences between Canada and South Africa.; 1:01:05 Hilton and Shirley worked as pharmaceutical technicians.; 1:03:53 Hilton explains how they became partners in a pharmacy in Dundas, Ontario. Hilton and Shirley discuss how they settled in and were welcomed into the Jewish community.; 1:10:05 Hilton and Shirley brought Hilton's two sisters, brother, parents, and Shirley's mother to Canada.; 1:11:02 Hilton explains the circumstances that led to a split with his partners. He changed the name of the pharmacy from Amherst Pharmacy to Hilton Pharmacy. He describes the growth of the business.; 1:18:00 Hilton describes the expansion and success of the business to five pharmacies.; 1:20:12 Hilton discusses his involvement in the Jewish and secular communities in Dundas.; 1:20:57 In 2007, the business was purchased by Rexall.; 1:21:33 Shirley explains the circumstances that prompted their move to Toronto via Vancouver.; 1:23:55 Shirley describes a return visit to South Africa with her two youngest children.; 1:25:22 Hilton reminisces about a family trip to London and South Africa in 1980.; 1:27:08 Hilton describes his discomfort during a visit to Durban, South Africa in 1986.; 1:28:40 Shirley relates an anecdote that occurred during their family trip to South Africa.; 1:30:46 Hilton reflects on how much he appreciates being in Canada.; 1:32:50 Shirley identifies becoming Canadian citizens as a turning point in their new life in Canada.

Source: Oral Histories

https://vimeo.com/230208590

Immigration Tribulations

Who Has Left Over Matzah Balls?

The First Midnight Store

Richard Stern - 23 Feb. 2016

Name: Richard Stern

Material Format: moving images

Interview Date: 23 Feb. 2016

Source: Oral Histories

Name: Richard Stern

Number: OH 426

Subject: Immigrants--Canada; Occupations

Interview Date: 23 Feb. 2016

Interviewer: Lisa Newman

Total Running Time: OH 426 part 1: 22 min.; OH 426 part 2: 22 min.; OH 426 part 3: 21 min.; OH 426 part 4: 1 min.; OH 426 part 5: 4 min.; OH 426 part 6: 3 min.; OH 427 part 7: 10 min.; OH 428 part 8: 2 min.

Use Restrictions: Waiting for Richard to sign waiver.

Biography: The firstborn twin (he insists he and his brother are not competitive), Richard grew up in the small town of Muizenberg in an old house on the seafront with his parents and four siblings. Born in 1937, Richard’s childhood was untainted by apartheid, which came into effect eleven years later in 1948. As a child, he played with children of colour on his grandfather’s farm; by adolescence, those same childhood friends were obliged to call him "Boss" on account of his race.; After completing high school at Kingswood College, a Methodist boarding school five hundred miles from where he grew up, Richard returned to Muizenburg where he worked on a farm before going back to school to obtain a diploma in agriculture. Around this time, he had a small mishap working at a winery. He had been warned not to fall asleep while the grapes were fermenting; sure enough, he did just that and the next morning the winery found itself with ten thousand gallons of vinegar.; Richard gained more experience in different wineries after completing a tour of Europe with the National Union of South African Students. He stayed in England and worked at a winery located under the Tower of London and later at wine farms in Bordeaux and the Champagne region of France. While in Europe, his twin brother told him about agriculture in Israel, which prompted him to go there. It was in Israel that he met his first wife with whom he had three children.; Richard worked at several jobs in Israel and opened three of the first Supersol supermarkets there. He also served in the Israel Defense Forces. Eventually though, he decided to come to Canada, which he did with his family in 1963. In Ottawa, he operated a supermarket for a short time before going to work for the head office of Loeb. Through this position, he got to see a good deal of Canada and developed a sense of its geography and a feel for its people.; In the early 1970s, Richard made a living as his own boss in a brokerage business before the Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce recruited him to market Canadian grocery and alcohol products. It was while working for the department that he became a Canadian citizen.; Today, Richard is retired and married to Doris. They have four children and eight grandchildren. He considers himself a Canadian Jew, but retains a strong affection for South Africa and its natural beauty. Since leaving, he has been back to South Africa between twenty and thirty times with Doris.

Material Format: moving images

Language: English

Name Access: Stern, Richard, 1937-

Geographic Access: Cape Town (South Africa); England; France; Israel; Muizenberg (South Africa); Ottawa (Ont.)

Original Format: Digital file

Transcript: 0Part 1:; 00:00 Richard was born in Muizenberg, South Africa on 5 January 1937. He was the first of a set of twins.; 00:57 Richard discusses his grandfather's business in Cape Town.; 01:38 Richard reminisces about his childhood in Muizenberg. He shares memories about school, after-school activities, and his school performance.; 04:06 Richard discusses his siblings: Robert, Maxwell, Peter, and Jean.; 06:11 Richard studied viticulture. He describes the challenges he faced realizing his dreams after leaving his country and support system.; 08:37 Richard reminisces about growing up in Muizenberg.; 09:30 Richard discusses Jewish life and education in Muizenberg.; 10:23 Richard discusses his bar mitzvah.; 11:11 Richard describes the history of his parents' home.; 12:07 Richard recalls his family celebrating Jewish holidays.; 12:42 Richard discusses his affiliation with the Second Muizenberg Jewish Boy Scout group and camp.; 13:15 Richard notes that his father was a leader in the Habonim youth movement, but did not want his children to participate in Habonim.; 14:18 Richard discusses his father's involvement with the scouting movement in Cape Town. His father was involved in Jewish communal affairs. He describes his father's involvement with an entertainment group.; 15:59 Richard discusses the make-up of the Jewish community in Muizenberg.; 16:30 Richard shares stories involving his personal relationships with Black or "coloured" Africans. He relates an incident that occurred during his first work experience.; 19:40 Richard discusses the changes that arose with the introduction of apartheid in 1948. He refers to the risks associated with political involvement against the government.; 22:09 Richard discusses Klingswood College, the boarding school he attended.; Part 2:; 00:00 Richard continues to reminisce about attending boarding school. There were about twelve Jewish students.; 03:42 Richard mentions the Sharpeville massacre.; 04:12 Richard describes the student mix at Kingswood College. He describes exemptions made for Jewish students as well as mandatory church services.; 06:33 Richard describes his pursuits after graduating from Kingswood College. He describes working on farms and vineyards. He earned a diploma in agricultural science from the College of Agriculture at the University of Stellenbosch. He relates stories from his college years.; 11:44 Richard speaks of his travels and work experience in England, France, and Israel after graduating from college.; 14:19 Richard speaks of his contact with Israel's first ambassador to Canada, Michael Comay, and his first marriage to Michael's daughter, Jill. They had two children.; 15:49 Richard discusses his decision to remain in Israel and his early work experience in Israel.; 17:22 Richard describes suffering from jaundice while completing his army training in Israel.; 18:14 Richard was in Canada for six months and then returned to Israel.; 18:18 Richard describes some of the challenges he encountered as manager of some of the newly-opened chain of Supersol supermarkets in Israel.; 21:26 Richard discusses his decision to apply for immigration to Canada.; Part 3:; 00:00 Richard discusses the breakup between the Bronfsmans and Bert Loeb.; 00:58 Richard describes his ten years of work for Loeb's in Ottawa.; 02:50 Richard opens up a brokerage business in 1971.; 03:11 Richard describes how and why he was approached by the government of Canada to work in industry, trade, and commerce.; 03:57 Richard explains how he became a Canadian citizen.; 04:45 Richard describes his involvement in marketing alcoholic beverages and grocery products on behalf of the government of Canada.; 06:01 Richard discusses his post chairing Canada-Israel agreements.; 06:29 Richard describes the events that led to his wife and children returning to Israel in 1967. He notes the likelihood of his moving back to South Africa had his wife not decided to return to Canada.; 07:06 Richard discusses his attachment to South Africa and offers his impressions of the country.; 11:37 Richard praises the liberal political position taken by Jews in South Africa.; 12:30 Richard discusses his ancestry. His paternal and maternal grandfathers came from Germany to South Africa. His paternal grandmother came from New York. He tells some stories about his grandparents.; 14:42 Richard muses about his lack of awareness of different Jewish groups while growing up.; 16:50 Richard discusses his identity as a Canadian Jew.; 18:30 Richard discusses some of his philanthropic support.; 19:55 Richard recalls memories about his grandparents.; Part 4:; 00:00 Richard displays and describes two photographs of himself and his siblings.; Part 5:; 00:00 Richard displays a photograph of the opening of the Voortrekker monument commemorating the Afrikaner scouting movement. Richard discusses his involvement with the movement and his attendance at the opening of the monument.; 01:45 Richard displays and discusses a photograph of his school cadets band.; 03:03 Richard displays and discusses a photograph of his rugby team.; 03:49 Richard displays a photograph of himself and his brother-in-law, Yochanan, while serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Richard discusses how Yochanan was killed in the Golan Heights in 1967.; Part 6:; 00:00 Richard displays and discusses a plaque that was present to his grandfather, Max Sonnenberg, for his service in parliament for twenty years.; 01:38 Richard displays and discusses a book that was written by his grandfather.; Part 7:; 00:00 Richard discusses his work with Agriculture Canada as director of processed food and later director of international marketing. He took early retirement in 1990.; 01:23 Richard displays and discusses a photograph from the International Dairy Congress in 1994. He shares a story about Stephen Lewis, who was a guest speaker.; 03:14 Richard displays and discusses a photograph of Richard presenting a cheque to the deputy minister of agriculture repaying the grant for the Dairy Congress.; 04:12 Richard displays and discusses a photograph that related to his work with the sheep council in 1997.; 05:44 Richard displays and discusses a photograph that related to his work with the cervidae industry.; 06:50 Richard displays and discusses a trophy honouring his father for his contributions to the Community Chest Carnival. Richard shares some stories related to the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg that was started by his father.; 09:56 Richard displays and discusses a program relating to the re-opening of the Masque Theatre in 1999.; Part 8:; 00:00 Richard displays and discusses a photograph from his parents' wedding.

Source: Oral Histories

Scouting

Racism?

Jaime Levy-Bencheton [graphic material (electronic), architectural drawing (electronic), textual record (electronic)] – [1945?]-[ca. 1990].

Accession Number: 2014-9-3

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2014-9-3

Material Format: graphic material (electronic); architectural drawing (electronic); textual record (electronic)

Physical Description: ca. 30 photographs (tiff); ca. 15 architectural drawings (tiff); 3 textual records (pdf)

Date: [1945?]-[ca. 1990]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of photographs and architectural drawings documenting Jaime Levy-Bencheton's architectural career in Ontario and Morocco. The bulk of the material relates to projects Levy-Bencheton designed while working for the Government of Ontario including: a greenhouse for the Ontario Science Centre, OPP Headquarters building in London, ON, Rideau Correctional Centre, and Chestnut Hill (Southwestern Ontario regional archaeological office). Also included are architectutal drawings and photographs related to Levy-Bencheton's private practices in Morocco and Toronto and work for architect Martin Mendelow.

Administrative History: Jaime Levy-Bencheton was born on July 6, 1918 in Casablanca, Morocco. Jaime started a private architectural practice in Morocco in 1945. He immigrated to Canada in 1963 and initially found work with the architect Martin Mendelow. In 1965, he started working for the Government of Ontario's Department of Public Works as a draftsman. Starting in 1969, he worked for the Ministry of Government Services as an architectural job captain until his retirement in 1985. During his career Levy-Bencheton specialized in designing facilities for persons with disabilities and worked on a variety of buildings across Ontario including, industrial, institutional, and office use buildings. In his retirement, Levy-Bencheton became devoted to the study of the Bible and creating Jewish religious art.

Subjects: Architects; Occupations

Name Access: Levy-Bencheton, Jaime, 1918-

Places: Casablanca, Morocco; Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Abe Blankenstein [graphic material (electronic)] – [1955 or 1956].

Accession Number: 2015-4-4

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-4-4

Material Format: graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 2 photograhs : tif

Date: [1955 or 1956]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of two electronic copies of original photographs. The first depicts Abe Blankenstein with his wife Freda on the driveway of their home on St. German Avenue west of Bathurst. The second is Abe Blankenstein with his business partner, Joe Fialkov. Both photographs feature Falco Electric trucks.

Subjects: Occupations

Name Access: Blankenstein, Abe; Falco Electric Co.

Source: Archival Accessions

Alpha Omega Dental Society, Toronto Chapter [graphic material, textual record, moving images] – 1923-2014.

Accession Number: 2015-3-7

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-3-7

Material Format: graphic material; textual record; moving images

Physical Description: 7.2 m of textual records and other material

Date: 1923-2014

Scope and Content: Accession consists of records related to the Alpha Omega Fraternity, Pi Chapter, the Ladies Auxiliary, the AO Alumni Association, the AO Foundation and the AO House Association. Records include meeting minutes and reports, convention programs, general correpondence, newsletters, membership rosters, legal records, programs, photographs, budgets and other financial records, scrapbooks, AORTA yearbooks and efficiency reports detailing the activities of the AO during the year. Of particular note are the meeting minutes of the Mount Sinai Dental Society (1939-1946) and the Toronto Jewish Dental Society (1934-1935). There are also early photographs of John Sherman, one of the original founders of the AO, which were collected for an event in his honour.

Custodial History: The records were housed at the Fraternity House on Willowdale Rd. until its sale and the Fraternity's move to 4600 Bathurst St.

Administrative History: Alpha Omega is an international dental fraternity. It is the oldest international dental organization and was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1907 by a group of dental students originally to fight discrimination in dental schools. Today, with headquarters relocated to Glen Rock, NJ, it is primarily an educational and philanthropic organization. There are chapters and members in cities and dental schools in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Israel, South Africa and Australia/New Zealand. Alpha Omega represents about 6,000 active dentists worldwide.; The Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is dedicated to the following: to be "The Voice of the Jew In Dentistry"; to be "The Voice of Dentistry in all problems concerned with the Jewish Fate"; to uphold "The Image of the Jew in Dentistry"; to fight discrimination in the graduation of dental students from their respective schools, in procedures of licensing boards, in organized dentistry and in the private practice of dentistry.; The objectives of the Fraternity are to promote the profession of dentistry; to establish, foster and develop high standards of Scholarship, Leadership and Character; to inculcate a spirit of fellowship amongst all its members; to create and bind together a body of professional people, who, by scholarly attainments, faithful service and the maintenance of ethical ideals and principles, have achieved distinction; to honour achievement in others; to strive for breadth of vision, unity in action and accomplishment of ideals; to commend all worthy deeds, and if fraternal welfare demands, to call and counsel with its members; to accept, sponsor and develop the cultural and traditional achievements of our faith; to build within our fraternity a triangle, the base of which is Judaism, the supporting sides, professionalism and fraternalism.; The Toronto undergraduate chapter was founded in 1921 at the University of Toronto and the alumni chapter in 1924. The alumni continue to meet regularly and organize a variety of educational, networking, fundraising and social events for its membership.

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

Descriptive Notes: Physical Description Note: Accession inclucdes scrapbooks, graphic material and a film reel.; Use Conditions Note: Financial materials and executive meeting minutes are closed for 15 years from date of creation. Membership rosters are closed for 50 years from date of creation.

Subjects: Greek letter societies; Occupations

Name Access: Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity, Toronto Chapter

Places: Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Leonard Kay [sound recording, graphic material (electronic)] – [ca. 1940]-1975.

Accession Number: 2015-8-1

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-8-1

Material Format: sound recording; graphic material (electronic)

Physical Description: 2 mp3 files (ca. 2 hours); 2 photographs (jpg)

Date: [ca. 1940]-1975

Scope and Content: Accession consists of sound recordings created by Kay Radio. Included is a recording of the North Y groundbreaking ceremonies at 4600 Bathurst Street in the winter of 1958. Some of the individuals identified speaking are: Rabbi Feinberg, Ellis I. Shapiro, Sam Granatstein, Kelso Roberts (Attorney General of Ontario), Fred Gardiner, Vernon Singer, and Mayor Nathan Phillips.; Also included is a recording of the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Nothern Completion Program at the North Y on April 20, 1975. Finally, accession includes one photograph of the Leonard Kay and other men standing outside Kay Radio and one family photograph taken at a wedding reception.

Custodial History: The donor is the son of Leonard Kay. He found the reels in his parents home in Toronto after they passed away. He had them shipped to his home in Florida and digitized them.

Administrative History: Leonard Kay was born in Winnipeg in 1908. Leonard opened Kay Radio near Bloor and Bathurst Street around 1938. The store later moved to 3419 Bathurst Street in the mid to late 1950s. The business installed sound systems, sound trucks, recorded weddings, bar mitzvahs and other events, repaired TVs and installed TV attenae on apartment buildings. Kay Radio installed the sound systems in many of the synagogues around Toronto. Around 1985, Leonard's son, Michael, took over the business. Leonard passed away in 1991.

Subjects: Occupations

Name Access: Kay, Leonard, 1908-1991; Kay Radio (Toronto, Ont.)

Source: Archival Accessions

Cyrel Troster [textual record, graphic material, object] – 1958-1994.

Accession Number: 2015-8-8

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-8-8

Material Format: textual record; graphic material; object

Physical Description: 2 folders of textual records; 1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 25 cm; 1 pair of shoes

Date: 1958-1994

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting the activities of Cyrel Troster and the Edna Shoe Manufacturing Company Limited. Included are lists of elected officers and members for B'nai Brith Women (1970-1971), an invitation to a B'nai Brith Women Covenant Breakfast (1958), an issue of the Zionist student publication "masada" (1977), a schedule for High Holiday services at Darchei Noam (1994), an issue of the bulletin "The Window" of B'nai Israel Beth David Congregation (1977), and an issue of the newsletter "Shirayim" of the Canadian Union of Jewish Studies (1972). Also included are a pair of Edna shoes, a sketch of a shoe, a photograph of shoes, and two templates of shoes documenting the work of the Edna Shoe Manufacturing Company Limited.

Custodial History: Cyrel found the shoes at a secondhand store and purchased them.

Administrative History: Cyrel's grandfather, Charles Troster, owned the Edna Shoe Manufacturing Company Limited, a shoe factory, in Toronto. Cyrel's father and all of her uncles worked there.

Subjects: Business; Fashion and clothing; Occupations

Name Access: Troster, Cyrel; Troster, Charles; Edna Shoe Manufacturing Company Limited (Toronto, Ont.)

Places: Toronto, Ont.

Source: Archival Accessions

Silberg family [multiple media] – [ca. 1938]-[ca. 2009].

Accession Number: 2015-9-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2015-9-2

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: ca. 8 cm of textual records and other material

Date: [ca. 1938]-[ca. 2009]

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting the Silberg family's immigration to Ontario, family life in South Africa and Ontario, education, communal involvement in Hamilton, and pharmacy businesses. Included are photographs, correspondence, ephemera from the pharmacy businesses (such as bags and a name tag), newspaper clippings, certificates, invitations, flyers, school transcripts, architectural drawings for Night-Day Pharmacy on Ryman Road East, cookbooks, and photo albums. Also included is a JNF book for a Negev dinner honouring Hilton and Shirley Silberg as well a copy of Beth Jacob Synagogue's 125th anniversary book (the Beth Jacob Family Album).

Administrative History: Hilton Silberg was born in Durban, South Africa in 1951 to Sam and Brina Silberg. Sam worked in the retail furniture business and Hilton has three siblings: Sheryl, Lynn and Brett. Hilton was very active in sports and played soccer, cricket and swimming. At age 11, he started competing in ballroom dancing with his sister Lynn. At age 16, he and Lynn were the South African Juvenile Ballroom Champions and runners up in the Latin American Championship. In highschool, Hilton started his own DJ business which he continued through his first years of pharmacy school.; Shirley (nee Gitlin) Silberg was born in Durban in 1951 to Max and Isabel Gitlin. Max was a physical medicine specialist and Isabel ran his practice. Shirley has two siblings: Brian and Barbara. Shirley was very active in her school's netball, field hockey and swimming teams.; Hilton and Shirley met at the Natal Pharmacy School in Durban and married in 1974. After marriage, Hilton completed his one-year mandatory service in the South African army as an officer. After his service, he and Shirley went on a ten month long backpacking trip which ended at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. This trip was an eye-opener for them and they realized that they no longer wanted to live in a country with apartaid politics. They didn't want to raise children in South Africa. They chose Canada as their destination and applied three times for entry. Thier application was rejected all three times, but Hilton staged a "sit-in" at the Canadian embassy in Pretoria and an immigration officer eventually met with him and overturned thier rejection. They arrived in Canada in August 1977.; They went to the University of Toronto School of Pharmacy for two years to re-license in Canada. In the evenings they worked in a pharmacy owned by their Canadian sponsor. In 1981, Hilton and Shirley partnered with their Canadian sponsors and opened the Amhurst Pharmacy in Dundas. In 1982 the pharmacy's name was changed to Hilton's Pharmacy. In 1987 Shopper's Drug Mart purchased Hilton's Pharmacy. The Silberg's stayed on to operate two of the franchises in Dundas. In 1992, Hilton and Shirley left Shppers Drug Mart to open the DayNight Pharmacy on the east Hamilton Mountain. This was the first pharmacy in Hamilton to remain open until midnight. Their pharmacy eventually expanded to include five stores. In 2007, they sold their business to Rexall Pharma Plus.; Hilton and Shirley have three children: Mark, Maxine and Brad. Hilton and Shirley were very active in Hamilton's community. Hilton was involved in a variety of organizations including, Beth Jacob synagogue, Shalom Village, and Jewish National Fund Hamilton. Shirley has volunteered with various Hamilton JCC programs, the Hamilton North End Breakfast Program, the 'Out of the Cold' Program, Goldie's Place day program for adults at Shalom Village, and the Jewish National Fund Hamilton.

Descriptive Notes: Physical description note: includes ca. 80 photographs, 4 cookbooks, 1 architectural drawing, 3 bags, and 1 name tag.; Related material note: oral history #419.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families; Occupations; Societies; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Name Access: Silberg, Hilton; Silberg, Shirley

Source: Archival Accessions

Claude Heimann [multiple media] – 1957-2015, predominant 1974-2015.

Accession Number: 2016-1-5

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-1-5

Material Format: multiple media

Physical Description: ca. 10 cm of textual records and other material

Date: 1957-2015, predominant 1974-2015

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting Claude Heimann's immigration to Canada, career, involvement with Temple Har Zion and family life. Included are photographs, correspondence, newsletters and journals, writings and presentations by Heimann, certificates, newspaper clippings, event and conference programs, and business cards. Also included are documents with the text used for Totum Research's website.

Administrative History: Claude Heimann was born on 21 March 1944 in Johannesburg, South Africa to Wilhelm (Bill) Otto Heimann and Lotte Heimann (nee Rosenberg). He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Witwatersrand in 1966. In 1969, he married Adele Masail at the Pine Street Synagogue in Johannesburg. They lived in Windsor Park, Johannesburg and had two children together: Nicole Heidi (now married to Marshall Starkman) and Marc Steven.; Claude initially worked for Market Research Africa interviewing farm workers across the country. In 1971 he joined Reader's Digest in South Africa as a Research Director. Believing there would not be a peaceful solution to apartheid, Claude had decided at a young age that he would evenutally leave South Africa. He hoped that Reader's Digest was a company that might be able to transfer him to work in another country. Ten years later, in 1981, an opportunity came up with the Canadian edition of Reader's Digest in a similar role. Claude accepted the position and immigrated with his family to Toronto in May 1981. For their first few months they lived at Glengrove Manor on Yonge Street between Lawrence and Eglinton. In July, they moved into their home in Thornhill. Adele initially stayed home with the family, but eventually worked as a bookkeeper for a variety of different businesses.; Claude left Reader's Digest in 1990 to become a partner in Totum Research. Throughout his career, Claude has served on the Research Committee of PMB and has been a member of the Board of Directors of CARF for whom he served as Technical Director. He has also served on a number of other media research related committees, including the Technical Committee of AMPS and the Magazines Canada Research Committee. Claude was also active on the Board of Temple Har Zion, holding a variety of positions, including: regular Board member, vice president for worship, vice president, treasurer, president and past president for two years on the Executive. He also reported Board decisions for the THZ monthly bulletin.

Use Conditions: Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.

Descriptive Notes: Physical description note: includes 2.3 MB of textual records, 6 photographs, 17 slides, and 26.3 MB of photographs.

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Occupations; South Africa--Emigration and immigration; Synagogues

Source: Archival Accessions

Dr. Mark Friedlander [graphic material (electronic), textual record (electronic)] – 1965, 1990-2015.

Accession Number: 2016-2-2

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-2-2

Material Format: graphic material (electronic); textual record (electronic)

Physical Description: 92 photographs (jpgs) : col. and b&w; 1.55 MB of textual records

Date: 1965, 1990-2015

Scope and Content: Accession consists of textual and graphic material documenting the activities and history of Dr. Mark Friedlander and his family. Included is a family history written by Mark's father, Bertie Friedlander and a personal CV written by Mark. Also included are photographs documenting a wide variety of Mark's activities, including his work as an anesthesiologist, Jewish holiday celebrations, his cottage life in Buckhorn, his outdoor activities (such as skiing, canoeing, hiking, cycling, fishing, and ice hockey), Danny's bar mitzvah at Kehillat Shareei Torah, Mark's marriage to Lila, the university graduations of family members, Mark's involvement with March of the Living, his participation in Walk With Israel, and his various trips to Zimbabwe, South Africa and other parts of the world. Of note is a photograph of Mark and his son Danny on Mount Kilimanjaro and images of the Sharon School Reunion which took place at Mark's house in Thornhill. Individuals identified in the photographs include: Dr. Mark Friedlander, Lila Speigel, Eli Friedlander, Danny Friedlander, Paul Ciapparelli, Sergio Ciapparelli, Lou Silver, Dennis Scolnik, Bertie Friedlander, Jarred Goldberg, Mike Green, Warren Liebowitz, Sue Holmes, Hilda Cohen, Florence Weinberger, Vickie Campbell, Joe Feldman, and Martha Shemtov.

Custodial History: The material was in the possession of Dr. Mark Friedlander. All the images he has are digital. He does not have the original prints in his possession.

Administrative History: Dr. Mark Friedlander was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe) in May 1958 to Bertie and Selma Friedlander. Bertie was a pharmacist whose career went from retail manufacturing to regulations, and later an academic in learning and teaching.; Mark attended the University of Cape Town Medical School from 1976 to 1981. Between 1982 and 1987, he lived and worked in : Cape Town, South Africa; London, England; Saskatchewan, Canada and New York City, USA. In 1987 he married Lesley Kane (from London) in London, England and moved to Toronto for Specialty Residency in Anesthesia at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine. During his four year residency, he and Lesley had two sons: Danny (1989) and Eli (1991).; Since 1992 Mark has worked as a staff anesthesiologist at North York General Hospital, Toronto. He is also a part time consultant at the Chronic Pain Management Allevio and Pinnacle Pain Clinics.; Mark and Lesley divorced In 2011. In 2015, Mark married Lila Speigel. Lila had immigrated to Toronto in about 1986 after living in Israel and before that from Caracas, Venezuela. Mark’s community involvement includes acting as a chaperone and physician on the March of the Living in 1994, as a UJA supporter since 1991 and as host of a Sharon Jewish Day School Zimbabwe reunion. He has also volunteered on numerous surgical missions to various countries including, Ecuador, Peru, Russia and Vietnam. He has been a member of Kehillat Shaarei Torah synagogue since 1996.; Mark has an older sister, Wendy (born in 1956), and a younger brother, Gary (born in 1960). Gary is married to a South African and Wendy is married to Dennis Scolnik also from Zimbabwe and they all live in the Toronto area. Mark’s parents, who moved to Israel with Gary in 1977, immigrated to Toronto in 1992 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Mark's father passed away in 2012.

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

Subjects: Occupations; South Africa--Emigration and immigration; Travel

Source: Archival Accessions

Paul Herman [graphic material, textual record] – 1980-2016, predominant 1982-1994.

Accession Number: 2016-3-26

Source: Archival Accessions

Accession Number: 2016-3-26

Material Format: graphic material; textual record

Physical Description: 4 folders of textual records; ca. 10 photographs : col. ; 22 x 28 cm or smaller

Date: 1980-2016, predominant 1982-1994

Scope and Content: Accession consists of material documenting the Herman family's immigration to Ontario, family life in Thornhill, education, communal involvement in Hamilton, and their business endeavours with the Firwin Corporation and Simply Extraordinary. Included are photographs; a family history that was written in commemoration of Paul and Miriam's fiftieth wedding anniversary; a selection of annual family newsletters that detail their life in Canada; correspondence documenting Paul's involvement with Temple Anshe Sholom in Hamilton, Ontario; their childrens' school certificates, secondary school diplomas, and post-secondary convocation programs. Also included is business ephemera, such as, business cards and images documenting Simply Extraordinary corporate gift products.; Identified in the photographs are: Paul Herman, Miriam Herman, Brett Herman, and Adina Ward (nee Herman).

Administrative History: Paul Henry Herman was born on July 3, 1940 to Mr. Leslie Elkan and Mrs. Clare Herman (nee Emdon) of Dunkeld West, Johannesburg, South Africa. Paul is the eldest of five siblings. During his youth, Paul was involved in his synagogue and youth groups as well as the Boy Scouts. He attended Stellenbosch Afrikaans University where he earned a business degree and became fluent in Afrikaans. After university, he joined the family uniform business, H. J. Henochsberg, and was sent to England in 1962 for further clothing industry training.; Paul married Miriam Riva Herman from Wynberg, Cape Town, SA on February 6th, 1965. Miriam worked as a social worker at the Johannesburg General Hospital. Their first son, Stanley, was born in 1966 followed by Rael in 1968, Brett in 1970 and Adina in 1974.; The Herman’s were motivated to emigrate out of a desire to prevent their son from having to enlist in the South Africa army [and thereby become involved in military efforts that they did not support]. After the family business was sold, Paul worked as a quality manager at Edgars Stores while periodically travelling abroad with Miriam to seek out emigration opportunities.; The Herman family came to Canada in 1982 and settled in Thornhill, Ontario. Upon arriving in Ontario, Paul found work at a uniform manufacturer (Saint Hill Levine Uniforms) then at Lady Manhattan and Sunshine T-Shirts. In 1989, Paul and Miriam purchased Firwin Corporation, a high temperature insulation manufacturing company. During the family’s early years in Canada, Miriam started a corporate gift business called Simply Extraordinary.

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

Subjects: Immigrants--Canada; Families; Occupations; Societies; South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Source: Archival Accessions

Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath, Toronto [graphic material] – [ca. 1938].

Level: Item

ID: Item 4175

Source: Archival Descriptions

Level: Item

Item: 4175

Material Format: graphic material

Date: [ca. 1938]

Physical Description: 2 photographs : sepia (1 negative)

Scope and Content: This is a copy photograph taken from the Holy Blossom Temple dedication book, 1938.

Name Access: Eisendrath, Maurice Nathan, 1902-1973; Holy Blossom Temple (Toronto, Ont.)

Subjects: Occupations

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.)

Source: Archival Descriptions

Cantor Bernard Wladowsky fonds [textual record] – 1892-1959.

Part Of: Cantor Bernard Wladowsky fonds

Level: Fonds

ID: Fonds 29

Source: Archival Descriptions

Part Of: Cantor Bernard Wladowsky fonds

Level: Fonds

Fonds: 29

Material Format: textual record

Date: 1892-1959

Physical Description: 40 cm of textual records

Admin History/Bio: Cantor Bernard Wladowsky was born in Smila, Poland in 1870. He graduated from the Imperial Music School in 1887. At the age of 17, he took on his first cantorial post in Kiev. Subsequently, he was hired as cantor in Bakmut, Sevastopol, Constantinople and Bucharest.; In 1907 he emigrated to the United States to accept a position with the Ohev Tzedec Synagogue in New York City. In 1909, he became the cantor of the Anshe Knesset Synagogue in Chicago. In 1912 he was invited to Toronto to assume the post of uber-cantor at Goel Tzedec Synagogue. Later he served at the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue, where he remained until his retirement in 1955.; Cantor Wladowsky was invited to give concerts throughout Europe, the United States and Canada. He was one of the most popular and celebrated cantors in North America. He composed numerous and widely sung liturgical compositions, notably Modim. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Cantors Association of America and the President of the Agudath Ha'hazzanim of Toronto. In addition to his cantorial duties, he was also a mohel and performed circumcisions in Toronto during his career. Cantor Wladowsky died in 1963 at age 92 and is buried in Beth Tzedec Memorial Park.

Scope and Content: Fonds documents the life and activities of Cantor Bernard Wladowsky. The records consist of the following types of material: newspaper clippings, correspondence, record books of weddings and circumcisions, concert programs and liturgical compositions.

Name Access: Goel Tzedec Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.); Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue; Wladowsky, Bernard, 1870-1963

Subjects: Cantors (Judaism); Occupations

Creator: Wladowsky, Bernard, 1870-1963

Accession Number: 1976-10-5; 1980-1-1

Source: Archival Descriptions

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