- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- Fonds
- Fonds
- 21
- Material Format
- graphic material
- textual record
- Date
- 1937-[197-?]
- Physical Description
- 37 cm of textual records
- 8 photographs : b&w and col. ; 21 x 26 cm or smaller
- 2 posters : 36 x 28 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim was incorporated in December 1937 and was in operation until the mid-1980s. It was the first yeshivah in Canada. Following the Orthodox tradition, the yeshivah offered rabbinical training and ordination, after-school Jewish education for boys in elementary and high school, and operated Gan Yelodim, a day nursery and kindergarten for boys and girls. The yeshivah had a synagogue and banquet hall. Many graduates of the yeshivah went on to occupy rabbinical positions in the United States and Canada, including Rabbis Erwin Schild of Adath Israel Congregation, Gedalia Felder, Joseph Kelman, and Bernard Rosensweig.
- The yeshiva's history can be traced to 1935, when Rabbi Nachman Shemen organized a small class in the attic of the Chevra Shass building on Cecil Street. Soon thereafter, lessons were relocated to a small rented home on College street. Philanthropist Moses Oelbaum, first president of the yeshivah, purchased a building for the yeshivah at 414 Markham Street in 1938. In 1942 the yeshivah took possession of a second building at 399 Markham to use as a dormitory for out of town students and refugees, and a chapel. In 1946 the yeshivah bought a new facility at 709 College Street. In 1949 they opened Gan Yelodim Hebrew Day Nursery and Kindergarten for boys and girls. In September 1959, the yeshivah moved to 475 Lawrence Avenue, where they remained until they closed. Yeshivah Torath Chaim received financial support from the United Jewish Welfare Fund from 1944 to 1960, and was affiliated with the Bureau of Jewish Education for many years.
- The yeshivah had a board of directors with elected officers. Moses Oelbaum was the first president, succeeded after his death by his son J. Irving Oelbaum, who served from 1942 until 1946. J.I. Oelbaum served as president from 1942 To 1946. Louis Zuker took over as acting president, until elected to the position of president in 1948. Zuker was president until at least the mid-1970s. Rabbi Abraham Price served as dean of the yeshivah from its founding until his death in 1994.
- The yeshivah was involved in several instances of refugee sponsorship. In 1942, Rabbi Price orchestrated the release of around 50 refugee students from European Yeshivas who were being interned at a camp in Quebec, and brought them to Yeshivah Torath Chaim. In 1949 the yeshivah collaborated with the Canadian Jewish Congress to bring over around 55 Holocaust survivors from a yeshivah in Prague. These students worked in Toronto while studying at Torath Chaim.
- Custodial History
- The custodial history for this fonds is unclear. No accession records exists for this fonds.
- Scope and Content
- The fonds documents the administrative, educational, and religious functions of Yeshivah Torath Chaim from 1942 to 1977. The 38 files include minutes, financial reports, correspondence, legal documents, and enrollment records. Most of the records relate to the school, but there is some documentation and financial records relating to the yeshivah synagogue, and a very little relating to Gan Yelodim kindergarten. The fonds also includes some personal correspondence of Rabbi Price.
- Also included are 8 photographs, including two of the building on College Street.
- Name Access
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada
- Subjects
- Yeshivas
- Related Material
- See accession 1995-8-1.
- Creator
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary
- Accession Number
- 2005-2-8
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 1
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1947-1973
- Physical Description
- 4 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains annual and interim financial reports for Yeshivah Torath Chaim and its capital account prepared by Eisenberg, Dworkin, Katz, Kirsh & Young Chartered Accountants, Jordan and Jordan Chartered Accountants, and Seymour B. Brudner Chartered Accountant.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 2
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1947-1956
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains annual reports prepared for the Torath Chaim Congregation by Eisenberg, Dworkin, Katz, Kirsh & Young Chartered Accountants.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 3
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [between 1947 and 1959]
- Physical Description
- 2 posters : 36 x 28 cm
- Scope and Content
- This file contains two copies of a poster advertising Yeshivah Torath Chaim.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 4
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1950-1954
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains two folded brochures and two advertising cards for Yeshivah Torath Chaim's school, synagogue and kindergarten.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 5
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1937-1938
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains Yeshivah Torath Chaim's letters patent, indicating the first directors of the yeshivah.
- Notes
- The letters patent are bound with a blue ribbon and red provincial wax seal in the corner.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 6
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1943-1958
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains lists of board members and the executive of Yeshivah Torath Chaim. They list members' addresses and positions.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 7
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1947-1966
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains chronological minutes for board of directors meetings from 1947 to 1966. Most of the minutes are typed, but some are handwritten.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 8
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1952
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains minutes of meetings to improve Yeshivah Torath Chaim's banquet hall. The committee dealt with painting, drapery, etc.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 9
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1952-1953
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains minutes from two meetings of the board of education: one on November 5, 1952, and the second on June 15, 1953.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 10
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1954
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains the minutes of a May 27, 1954 meeting of the parents teachers association.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 11
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1942-1966
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains correspondence documenting the administrative functions of Yeshivah Torath Chaim, and documenting the relationship of the yeshivah with both their staff and with other organizations in Toronto, including the United Jewish Welfare Fund of Toronto. The correspondence includes both originals and copies, as well as the resignation letter of J.I. Oelbaum, president of the yeshivah from 1942-1946.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 12
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1953-1962
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains correspondence documenting the relationship between Yeshivah Torath Chaim and the Bureau of Jewish Education between 1953 and 1962. Most of the correspondence is from the bureau to the yeshivah.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 13
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1956-1973
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Admin History/Bio
- Louis J. Zuker was a lawyer and president of the board of Yeshivah Torath Chaim from 1948 until at least the early 1970s.
- Scope and Content
- This file contains correspondence from Louis J. Zuker, Barrister and Solicitor, who acted as Yeshivah Torath Chaim's lawyer. It documents real estate transactions, mortgages, etc. which Zuker undertook on behalf of the yeshivah.
- Name Access
- Zuker, Louis J.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 14
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- [1947?]-1959
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains letters which Yeshivah Torath Chaim sent to supporters, dating from roughly 1947 to 1959. The letters ask for financial support, invite supporters to high holiday services, and alert them to special events and meetings.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 15
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- [between 1947 and 1959]
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains letters to parents from Yeshivah Torath Chaim, informing parents of school policies and meetings, and asking for support.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 16
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1942-1962
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Admin History/Bio
- Rabbi Abraham A. Price was a prominent Rabbi and Talmudic scholar in Toronto. He was born on December 10, 1900 in Stopnitz, Poland to Rabbi Joseph and Basia Price. He married Sarah Wine, and had two children: a son, Moshe Leib, who predeceased him, and a daughter, Leah (Lola) Zuchowsky. He also had a brother Lazar.
- Price lived in Poland until 1923, when he moved to Berlin and became a banker. He left Berlin for Paris in 1931, and lived there for 6 years before fleeing to the United States in 1937. Rabbi Price originally went to New York City, but spent only ten days there before moving to Toronto.
- Rabbi Price studied with world-famous scholars Rabbi Abraham Borenstein and Rabbi Sillman, by whom he was ordained at the Rabbinical Seminary Sochatzow (Sochatov), Poland in 1919. He was hired in 1937 by Moishe Oelbaum, Moishe Sigal, and W.J. Silverberg to head Yeshivah Torath Chaim and to act as the official rabbi of Chevra Shas Congregation. Price remained dean of the yeshivah until at least 1985. He published ten volumes of highly acclaimed rabbinical studies, including three volumes of Mishnath Avraham with commentaries of the Book of the Pious "Sefer Chasidim," which were awarded the Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook Award of Merit in 1965. It was the first time this prize was given to an author outside Israel.
- Price was one of Toronto's most influential rabbinic authorities. He worked tirelessly to help European yeshivah students during and after the Second World War. In 1942 he orchestrated the release of over 50 German-Jewish men from an internment camp in Quebec, and brought them to study at the yeshivah. In 1948 he again intervened to sponsor 55 young yeshivah boys from Prague. He brought these boys to study at Torath Chaim as well.
- Rabbi Price died on Thursday, March 31, 1994 in Toronto. His estate donated his collection of over 3000 printed rabbinical works to the University of Toronto Library, including over 300 items printed before 1800.
- Scope and Content
- This file contains correspondence sent and received by Rabbi Abraham A. Price between 1942 and 1962. The letters relate to Rabbi Price's involvement in having Jewish-German internees released from internment camps in 1942, and Czechoslovakian refugees brought over to study at the yeshivah in 1948. It also includes inquiries made and references given about former students.
- Name Access
- Price, Abraham A., 1900-1994
- Subjects
- Rabbis
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 17
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1954-1964
- Physical Description
- 3 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains eight Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) class journals which were filled out by teachers at the yeshivah between 1954 and 1964. The journals give information on enrollment, attendance, as well as student names, ages, addresses, day-time public schools, and grades.
- Physical Condition
- The class journals are dirty and stained.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 18
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1953
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains student registration cards detailing students' names, birthdates, addreesses, bpublic schools, previous Jewish education and parents' birthplaces and occupations.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 19
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1955-1962
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains the enrollment applications for Yeshivah Torath Chaim for 1955, and for 1960 through 1962. The forms detail students' birthdates, addresses, public schools, grades, parents' names and occupations, synagogue and society affiliations, previous Jewish education and tuition fees.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 20
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1952-1958
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains carbon copies of Yeshivah Torath Chaim's monthly enrollment reports from 1952 through 1958. These reports were created for the Bureau of Jewish Education.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 21
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1952-1956
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains left reports for the Yeshivah Torath Chaim, which were filled out for students leaving school. They cover from 1952 to 1956, and document students' reasons for not continuing their education with the yeshivah.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 22
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- [ca. 195-?]
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains report cards created by the teachers of Yeshivah Torath Chaim. They provide information on enrollment and specific lessons and subjects taught.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 23
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1953-1956
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains lists of Yeshivah Torath Chaim's students, indicating their names and addresses, parents' names and occupations, and the amount of tuition paid. It also includes list of those receiving free tuition.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 24
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- [194-]
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains the curricula of Yeshivah Torath Chaim from the 1940s. It contains details in both Hebrew and English for each grade.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 25
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- [between 1947 and 1959]
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains a blank report card of the Yeshivah Torath Chaim at their College Street location.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 26
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1953
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains a programme from Yeshivah Torath Chaim's ordination exercises in honour of Rabbi Benjamin Hauer, Rabbi S. Phyvle Rosensweig, and Rabbi Benjamin L. P. Urman. The exercises were held Sunday, March 8, 1953 at the yeshivah synagogue.
- Name Access
- Hauer, Benjamin
- Rosensweig, Rabbi S. Phyvle
- Urman, Rabbi Benjamin
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 27
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1954-[197-?]
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains an application form for Yeshivah Torath Chaim's Gan Yelodim Nursery School for the 1954-1955 school year, and an application form for membership at Yeshiva Torath Chaim Congregation.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 28
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1947-1952
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains lists of tickets sold for high holiday services at Yeshivah Torath Chaim.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 29
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1955-1974
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains six tickets for high holiday services at Yeshivah Torath Chaim.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 30
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1956-1966
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains signed contracts between Yeshivah Torath Chaim and contractors, caterer Mary Kirshenblatt, and a caretaker.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 31
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1942-1946
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains: two statutory declarations in the matter of the 1942 sale of premises 399 Markham Street, Toronto to Yeshivah Torath Chaim the Deed of Land for 399 Markham St.; and an Offer to Purchase made by Yeshivah Torath Chaim to the Iwansker Mutual Benefit Society in 1946.
- Name Access
- First Hebrew Roumanian Congregation
- Iwansker Mutual Benefit Society
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 32
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1954
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains a guarantee made by Cudek Weinberg of Toronto to receive and maintain Moses Gerstner during his stay in Canada, and to assume financial responsibility for him. The guarantee is signed and dated April 22, 1954.
- Name Access
- Weinberg, Cudek
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 33
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1945-1960
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains financial statements, budgets, and supporting records for Yeshivah Torath Chaim from 1945, and from 1952 to 1960. These records document teacher and office salaries, yeshivah activities, day-to-day administrative expenses, donations, enrollment, etc.
- The record from 1945 shows food and clothing expenses incurred on behalf of internees released from German internment camps in Canada in 1942.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 34
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- [between 1942 and 1949]
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Admin History/Bio
- In 1942, Rabbi Abraham A. Price of Yeshivah Torath Chaim orchestrated the release of around 50 German-Jews who were being interned in Canada and brought them to study at the yeshivah.
- Scope and Content
- This file contains a prospect card to raise money for internees studying at Yeshivah Torath Chaim.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 35
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1945-1954, predominant 1945
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains monthly trial balances drawn up by Yeshivah Torath Chaim. These records document the yeshivah's operating costs. The balances from 1945 document the money spent on around 50 German-Jewish internees who were studying at the yeshivah.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 36
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1954
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains a certificate of award presented to Yeshiva Torath Chaim by the 1954 Yiskor Fund Campaign of the Jewish National Fund and the United Jewish Relief Agencies of the Canadian Jewish Congress.
- Physical Condition
- The edges of the certificate are discoloured, perhaps from acid migration.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 37
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [1947?]-[197-?]
- Physical Description
- 8 photographs : b&w and col. ; 21 x 26 cm or smaller
- Scope and Content
- This file contains two photographs of Yeshivah Torath Chaim's premises on College Street, which they had from around 1947 to 1959. One of these photographs is a Turofsky.
- This file also contains four colour photographs taken at a formal function. Two are family photos, one is a photo of an unidentified man, and the fourth is of another man with his wife walking down an aisle.
- The seventh photograph shows two unidentified men sitting at a poolside.
- The last photograph shows Rabbi Abraham A. Price addressing a group of people. A panel of men sits behind him. It appears as though this is taking place in a synagogue.
- Name Access
- Price, Abraham
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Yeshivah Torath Chaim Theological Seminary of Canada fonds
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 21
- File
- 38
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1938-1956
- Physical Description
- 1 folder textual records
- Scope and Content
- This file contains three Hebrew primers used at Yeshivah Torath Chaim.
- Name Access
- Indelman, Elchanan
- Bachrach, Kalman
- Source
- Archival Descriptions