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Influx of poor Hebrews causes problem (1891)

From The Globe, September 10, 1891 The influx of pauper Hebrew immigrants to this port is increasing to such an extent as to cause considerable uneasiness unless some immediate action is taken for its prevention. It was only a few days ago that a party was landed at Quebec, whch after considerable annoyance wee sent…

Goel Tzedec opens on University Avenue, 1907

From the Globe, February 4, 1907 Impressive Dedication Ceremonies Yesterday — Scrolls Removed in State to Their Resting Place in the Ark in Magnificent Meeting Place on University Avenue – Many Gentiles Join Their Hebrew Brethren in Scene of Rejoicing.  The opening services at the magnificent new Jewish synagogue on University avenue near Queen street were…

Toronto merchant leaves stores to sons (1919)

Barnett Danson Left Estate of $22,450 From The Toronto Star, March 20, 1919 Barnett Danson, a merchant, who died November 6 last, left an estate of $22,450, which has been probated on application of Isaac, Joseph and Leopold Danson. Realty totals $22,250 and includes 179 Jameson ave., $4,000; 992 and 994 Queen street west, $4,000;…

Historic postal station on Yonge needs saving

The federal government has plans to sell Postal Station K, the historic art deco building at 2384 Yonge Street, several blocks north of Eglinton, and local residents are up in arms at the thought that a condo developer may take over the property. “This building is of great historic significance, and also stands on the site of…

Sam Harris witnessed Toronto’s great fire of 1904

Adapted from Canadian Jewish News, March 31, 1978 As a delicatessen delivery boy, Samuel Aaron Harris was standing on the bridge spanning the railway tracks at the foot of York Street, watching the flames consume the city of his birth. It was a spectacular sight for the sixteen-year-old boy. The blaze on April 19, 1904…

Greenwalds celebrate 50th (1985)

From the Canadian Jewish News, August 22, 1985 The 50th wedding anniversary of Belle and Harry Greenwald of Linus Road, Willowdale, was celebrated at a luncheon in their honour hosted by their daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Joe Feldman, at the Adath Shalom Synagogue. Harry Greenwald was born in Stacha, Poland in 1911. His parents…

Obits: Fanny Green, Moshe Grossman, Esther Harris

Above: Harry & Esther Harris & Children, Toronto ca 1920. Back row from left: Harold, Meyer, Rachel, D. Lou, Millie, Joe, Ann. Middle: Kay, Jean, Fred. Front: Gertie, Harry & Esther, Leola. D. Lou Harris (top centre in striped tie) became an influential Jewish communal figure. From Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 31, 1971 Fanny Green…

Excluded from YMCA, Jews built their own ‘Y’

A Narrow Policy From an undated newspaper clipping, Toronto, about 1913 When the YMCA authorities determined to segregate their 400 Hebrew members they made a false step. It is true that the action is consistent with the policy of excluding Unitarians from the institution, but the general public who have been subscribing freely to the…

Inside Toronto’s first synagogue on Yom Kippur, 1881

Note: This very early article may be the first significant piece written about the Jewish community of Toronto and any of its synagogues. It appeared only six years after the synagogue was built in 1875 on Richmond and Victoria streets. Like many stories of its kind from that era, it treated the Jews in a…

List of donors to Jewish charities, Toronto 1925

The Federation of Jewish Philanthropies published a partial list of hundreds of donors in the Toronto Star in December 1925. The list, which is reproduced below in full, may be used as a primary genealogical source for those seeking the presence of a person on family in the city at that time. Click to enlarge.…