For 100 years, Ruth (Rivka) Unger lived her life as many women of her generation did. She came to Canada early in the century, worked in a factory on a sewing machine, married, had children and coped with the tragedies mat life meted out. At her 100th birthday party, surrounded by family and friends, Unger…
Centenarian is a Drildzer stalwart
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At age 100, Jack Stopper, who is known as Mr. Drildz, is a delight to talk to. He has a remarkable recall of a century of history, as well as a keen sense of humour, despite some hearing difficulties. He was interviewed at his home and workshop in Thornhill, where he has lived with his…
Centenarian says she is ‘young at heart’
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Sadie Shapiro’s sparkling blue eyes are an expression of the positive outlook on life she has had for 100 years. Interviewed at her residence at Cummer Lodge, Shapiro spoke of her eventful life and her philosophy that has kept her cheerful and optimistic despite many adversities. Shapiro was born in Toronto on June 14, 1908.…
J.B. Salsberg remembered 10 years later
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The life of Joseph (J.B.) Salsberg, humanist, labour leader, political activist, politician, newspaper columnist and a man who dedicated his life to Yiddishkeit and the advancement of social justice, was remembered and honoured recently on his 10th yahrzeit (anniversary of his death). More than 300 people gathered October 28 (2008) at Bialik Hebrew Day School,…
Toronto’s Rabbi Shemen adds to Jewish scholarship
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Talmudic scholar, journalist and the author of more than 20 books, Toronto’s Rabbi Nachman Shemen recently published (1989) two volumes titled Jewish Attitudes Towards Man. Shemen’s latest contribution to Jewish scholarship includes interpretations on Biblical, Talmudic, rabbinic and literary studies. The two volumes, published in Tel Aviv In Yiddish, discuss issues that date back to creation…
Pre-1950 Jewish Toronto manuscript published
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A 60-year-old manuscript titled The Rise of the Toronto Jewish Community has been found in the archives of Beth Tzedec Congregation. Ralph Berrin, a volunteer in the Beth Tzedec Museum, brought the manuscript to the attention of Bill Gladstone, the publisher of Now and Then Books. Gladstone identified the author as the late Shmuel Mayer…
Independent 97-year-old leads a fulfilling life
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At 97, Anne Gitterman could be the poster model for successful aging. Gitterman is legally blind, travels in Toronto with Wheel Trans, and has an oxygen tank for when she needs it. Yet she participates in a weekly pottery/sculpting workshop at Bernard Betel Centre. “Whenever one of my students or someone new to pottery says…
Chmielniker Society carries on heritage
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The memory of a murdered Jewish community has been kept alive for years by members of the Chmielniker Society of Toronto. Chmielnik, located in the southeast of Poland, was once home to more than 8,000 Jews before World War II. This was in a town of 10,000. The Chmielniker Society is made up of those who…
Benevolent society celebrates its 110th anniversary
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The Toronto Hebrew Benevolent Society, the oldest Jewish mutual benefit society in Ontario, and possibly in Canada, has been serving the needs of its members for more than a century. The benevolent society recently celebrated its 110th anniversary with a dinner and dance at Beth Torah Synagogue. Howard Federman, a fourth-generation member, is the organization’s…
Boys club members still gather 60 years later
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In 1949, a group of teenage boys from working class families living in the College Street corridor joined together to form Club Orion. They met at one of the YMHA buildings at 12 Major Street, just north of College Street. With very little money to spend on recreation, the boys arranged sports activities and social…
