Mother’s Day 1934
In 1934, a group of Ha-Gi-La Club members gathered to celebrate Mothers’ Day on Claremont Street in Toronto. The club’s name, which means Happy-Go-Lucky, was originally suggested by Rabbi Jacob Gordon.
From the Archives: Jewish Heritage Month
In 2013, the Ontario Jewish Archives (OJA) acquired hundreds of photographs and films taken by Dr. John Ackerman. Toronto born dentist Ackerman (1921-2008) had a lifelong passion for photography. For over 60 years he captured everyday life in Toronto, summer excursions, military experiences during the Second World War, Jewish community events, world travel and more. […]
From the Archives: Yom ha-Atzmaut
Some 20,000 people participated in the first-ever Yom ha-Atzmaut parade in Toronto that moved along Toronto’s College street and ended with a rally at Maple Leaf Gardens on May 16, 1948. Jewish organizations also demonstrated for Canada’s recognition of Israel. Identified here is Girl Guide leader Mrs. Greenberg and British flag-bearer Gloria Mosoff (m. Roden).
From the Archives: We Remember
The children of Shmuel Toogfogel in Warsaw, circa 1938. It is estimated that 1.5 million children-including these two- were murdered during the Holocaust.
From the archives: Vimy Ridge
Former Ontario MPP John (J.J.) Glass on his way to the unveiling of the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge in 1936 for which he received an invitation. Born in England, Glass (1897-1973) immigrated to Toronto at the age of 10. He served in both world wars and later served as alderman. As MPP, Glass […]
From the Archives: At the seder table
The Shapiro family gathers for Passover seder in the High Park neighbourhood, 56 Indian Rd. Toronto, ca. 1922
From the Archives: Ancestral Discovery
A DNA test led a researcher’s quest to learn more about her father’s family and this photo in the OJA’s collection from the 1923 family reunion of the Brown family. Brown family members identified include: Back row, Sadie, Abe, Leah, Max, Fannie, Max, Lilly and Morris, Centre Row: Becky, Hersh, Massi, and William. Front Row: […]
From the Archives: Yiddish Theatre
Poster for the play Sheindele from Slabodke staring Mischa and Lucy German at the Standard Theatre, 285 Spadina Ave. Toronto, 1928. The Standard Theatre was the first purpose-built Yiddish theatre in Canada.
From the Archives: When Crown Was King
A recent donation to the Ontario Jewish Archives by Max Hartstone’s daughter, Nancy Freeman, includes a collection of photographs documenting the Kensington Market business that Hartstone first opened with partner Benny Richmond at 319 Augusta Ave., Toronto, and its grand re-opening in 1952. Pictured here are business partners Max Hartstone (left), Benny Richmond (right) with […]
From the Archives: Happy Purim!
Guests celebrate at Tamara and Mietek Weinreich’s annual Purim party in Toronto, 1974. Mietek helped found the Anne Frank foundation for needy children in Israel. He also raised funds for Yad Vashem in Jerusalem and Toronto. He was also involved in JIAS where he helped many Russian Jewish immigrants to establish themselves in Canada.
