Search Results - The Canadian Jewish Heritage Network - Alex Dworkin Canadian Jewish Archives

An address about Alex Betcherman and the Betcherman Family

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106372

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Physical Description: 2 tapes

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: May 9, 1995

Scope and Content: Subject: Dr. Irving Betcherman Interviewer: N/A Date: Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: Side A (41:32) -A speaker introduces Dr. Irving Betcherman. Irving was born in Ottawa in 1924 and attended York Street Public School. He went to High School at Lisgar before attending Queens Univer…

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Physical Description: 2 tapes

Scope and Content: Subject: Dr. Irving Betcherman Interviewer: N/A Date: Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: Side A (41:32) -A speaker introduces Dr. Irving Betcherman. Irving was born in Ottawa in 1924 and attended York Street Public School. He went to High School at Lisgar before attending Queens University and Osgoode Hall at the University of Toronto. The speaker goes on to list his many accomplishments and positions held. -Dr. Irving Betcherman begins his speech by paying tribute to his late uncle Alec Betcherman. To do this he reads an excerpt honoring Alec in the Jewish Bulletin. -The Betcherman family had two large businesses in ottawa; one was in scrap metal (which Alec ran) and one was in metal refining (which Irving's father ran). -On top of his company Alec was very involved in the community, he founded Camp B'nai B'rith and a scholarship program for children, he was instrumental in the creation of Beth Shalom, as well as donating his farm to become the Rideauview Golf Club. -Irving tells a memorable story about ALec and his intense games of Gin on his weekly train to Montreal. -during World War II Alec was a very important consultant to the Canadian Government. He founded to Canadian Secondary Material Association and persuaded many scrap metal dealers to join to support the homefront war effort. For this work he was made an honorary president for life of the association. -Irvings grandparents came to Pembroke in 1905 with Alec and his siblings from Russia. Alec was 13 at the time. The family settled in Pembroke since an existing member of the family already lived there. -in 1910 the family moved to Ottawa so the children could receive a better jewish education. Irving recalls his family being very involved in the Rideau Street Synagogue and he has fond memories of his parents playing tennis on the courts behind the synagogue. -Irving then details all of the children and their marriages; Alec married Molly Florence, Annie (?) married a man named Charles, Abe married Fanny Smith, his father Meyer married his mother Rose, his uncle Bill remained a bachelor, and Lynne married an American named Jack. -Irving then discusses his mother and her legacy and praise in the community. -Irving then recalls the 1930’s and how his father and uncles business grew due to demolition contracts. He recalls his father being away for work often and going to a Nickel Refinery demolition on the weekends with his father. -Irving then mentions the Zagerman family in Ottawa and how they were his family's business competition. -In the late 1930’s the Betcherman brothers expanded the business into manufacturing brass pieces. shortly after the businesses split and Alec ran the scrap metal business as Irving's father kept the manufacturing and refinery business. -Irving recalls all of the cousins becoming involved in the business just as he did. Himself and his cousin Sam came to run the business. -Irving discusses how post war the industry became much more competitive. -In 1957 they purchased a metal plant in Toronto. In 1964 they rebuilt the Toronto plant in a new location and in 1978 Irving sold his remaining shares to his cousin Sam. -irving concludes by touching on the impact his uncle Alec and aunt Molly had on the jewish community in Ottawa, Molly still serves on a committee welcoming new families to the city. And Irving closes his lecture by reading an excerpt from the Bulletin about his uncle Alec. -There is a question period where the impact Alec had on Camp B'nai B'rith is revisited. END OF SIDE A NOTE: the original recording abruptly cuts off during the question period of the lecture.

Date: May 9, 1995

Publication: Dr. Irving Betcherman

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Notes: Raw file recording contains 2:28 minutes of an unrelated news report.

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address about her grandparents; Mrs. Gittel Cohen Agulnik.

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106404

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: July 15, 1987

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: July 15, 1987

Publication: Mary Goldberg

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Notes: 1. The first Jewish caterer in Ottawa and her husband George Goldberg who was the first Jewish hairdresser in Ottawa. 2. AV 1004. Subject: Gittel Cohen Agulnik and George Goldberg Interviewer: Mac Lipson Date: July 16th Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 57:46 -Gittel Cohen Agulnik was the first jewish caterer in Ottawa. Mary Goldberg, her granddaughter, recounts her memories of her grandmother. She has fond memories of her grandmother taking her to Sunday school, living with her, and calls Gittel the heart of the family. -Mary’s first memories of her grandmother are from around 1920 when Mary was 7 years old. She recalls her grandmother cooking through the night on Fridays because there were no freezers so all the food for catering had to be done the day before. -Mary went to sunday school when she was young, she remembers learning jewish history and recalls some of her teachers. -Mary was born in Ottawa in 1911. At the time they lived in a house on St. Patrick. Gittel was a marvelous cook and Mary talks of watching her cook and the smells of her favorite dishes. -Mary also recalls a time when her sister got Scarlet Fever and the family was quarantined for 6 weeks.Gittel spent the whole time with Mary's sister taking care of her. She also speaks of a time in 1918 when the whole family got pneumonia and Gittel cared for them. -Mary described her grandmother and her personality. She remembers her as a small woman who was kind, helpful, humorous, and warm. -Mary’s prized possession is a piano her grandmother got for her. She recalls her grandmother picking out the piano for her and paying for it. Mary has kept this piano her entire life and treasures it. -Gittel was a natural cook, she never had to taste anything and it was always perfect. Mary recalls one of her first jobs with Mrs. Florence. Gittel would go over on Friday morning, cook various meals, and get paid $5 and bus fare. Gittel was also very kind and helpful; she would often help new mothers in the community when they had a new baby and she would help with the cooking. -Mary believes one of her grandmother’s first big catering jobs was the Finklestein’s wedding 1920. Mary recalls the smell of the soup and chicken from the wedding. She remembers her grandmother having women who helped her with the prep but Gittel always did all the cooking herself. Mary also touches on the challenges of cooking on a large scale in 1920. -Once Gittel remarried in her 70’s she retired from catering and Eva Goldfield took over. While she was retired Gittel still cooked for her family and Mary recalls her sister Ruth going to Gittels every week for Sabbath dinner. -Mary never learnt her grandmother’s recipes and recalls memories of her grandmother standing up for her when she did not eat meat as a child. -Gittel never had teeth and Mary regrets never taking the time to get dentures made for her. -Mary discusses changes in Jewish cooking, catering, and lifestyles now from when she was growing up. The recipes now are much healthier, all the fat and grease is removed. She speaks of how distractions have changed the lifestyle in the community and how her neighbourhood of Sandy Hill no longer has a Jewish presence. Mary also touches on how uncommon intermarriage was and how it is much more accepted now. -Mary then talks about her late husband, George Goldberg. He was a hairstylist from England and the first jewish hairdresser in Ottawa. -George and Mary met at a social hall across the street from Freiman’s Store. Mary was performing there and George asked her if she would like to accompany him as he was a violin player. The two began playing together when she was 15 and he was 21. -Mary then details the beginning of their relationship and their disapproving families due to the age difference. The two were engaged when she was 18 and were married in Montreal. They were happily married for 55 years. -When George first arrived in Canada he worked in a barber shop and cut hair for the men in the House of Commons. He wanted to expand into women's hair and began working at a salon on Bank Street. He then went to Freiman’s Department Store and pitched an in house salon to Mr. Freiman. Mary recalls George cutting Lillian Freimans hair and her loving it so much A.J. Freiman gave him a salon chair in the store. -When George’s salon opened in the store there was a line around the block. George worked in Freiman’s for many years and Mary talks about the expansion of the business. -Following this George opened his own salon on Sparks Street which he ran for 20 years. -Mary and Mac (interviewer) then look at an engagement scroll Mary was given on her engagement. It is signed by Reverend Mirsky and is very unique to the era. -Mary then talks further about the social hall she met George at. She discusses entertainers, singers, musicians, and dancing.She also talks about how it was a place newcomers to Ottawa came to meet people. -Mary then talks about some old photographs of her family. -Mary went to school on Kent street growing up, and then transferred school to Elgin. She studied for 2 years at Lisgar Collegiate and then went to business college to study stenography. -Mary discusses her career as a stenographer and later on working in the salon with George. -Mary discusses the 1930’s in the salon. She recalls the machines, the hairstyles, and her husband's techniques. -Mary discusses George’s clients at the shop who included the dancers from the Gatineau Country Club and Sir Arther Meighen. -George passed away at the age of 80. END OF TAPE

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address about his parents Joseph and Rose Ages

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106368

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: September 24, 1999

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: September 24, 1999

Publication: Murray Ages

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address about Lillian Freiman

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106440

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: October 17, 1999

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: October 17, 1999

Publication: Betsy Rigal

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Notes: Date Digitized: May 3, 2021 Digitized by: Grace Turner Number of Cassettes: 1 Subject: Lillian Freiman Interviewer: N/A Date: October 17, 1999 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 47:07 -Betsy is introduced prior to her talk on Lillian Freiman. Betsy’s education, family, career, and notable work in the community are mentioned. -Betsy begins her talk by thanking those who helped her in her research. -Lillian Freiman was a doer who had a deep passion for charity and for the less fortunate. -Lillian was born to Paulene and Moses Bilsky in 1885 in Mattawa. She was the 5th of 11 children and grew up in a very religious household. -Early in her life she set herself apart with her work in the community; she established the Hebrew Benevolent Society before marrying her husband. -In 1903 Lillian married Archibald (A.J.) Freiman. -In 1913 the family moved to 149 Somerset street into a beautiful house. Lillian furnished the house and hosted all of her committees in the home. Betsy makes special mention of the fact that Prime Minister Laurier lived just around the corner and would always tip his hat to Lillian on his daily walks. -the family also had a house in Britannia where Lillian and the kids would spend the summer. Britannia was described by the family as the Coney Island of Ottawa. This cottage was later replaced by the family's Meech Lake cottage. -Lillian’s work focused primarily on juvenile court during the First World War. Betsy recounts some of the cases Lillian worked on, all of which show her passion for justice and charity. -In 1917 the Spanish flu epidemic arrived in Ottawa and Lillian was asked by the mayor to organize and supervise the effort. She oversaw 1500 volunteers during the epidemic. -Lillian and A.J. were both supporters of Zionism, in 1903 Lillian attended her first zionist convention and from there became involved in the movement. -In 1919 A.J. became the president of the ZIonist Organization which lead to Lillian takign on more. She became the president of Hadassah and began the Helping Hand Fund. By 1925 Hadassah had 68 Chapters across Canada. -In the summer of 1920 Lillian became aware of many orphans living in the Ukraine in poor conditions. She began a campaign to bring them over to Canada and find families for them. She chaired the Jewish War Orphans Committee and brought over 146 war orphans. One of which, Gladys, was adopted by Lillian and her family. -Betsy then lists Lillian's various committees and charities, some of which include: The Ottawa Girl Guides, The Armenian Polish relief Fund, The National Institute for the Blind, and The Women’s Auxiliary. -In 1923 Lillian and Hadassah raised funds to open a women’s agricultural school in Palestine. In 1927 A.J. and Lillian visited Palestine for the first time where they met the staff and students of the school who affectionately called Lillian the “Mother of their School”. -In 1935 the Canadian Hadassah dedicated the year of 1935 to Lillian for all of her work. -In 1934 King George the Fifth awarded Lillian the british order, she was the first jewish Women in Canada to receive this award. And in 1937 both A.J. and Lillian were awarded the Silver Jubilee by The Crown. -June 2nd 1939 was Lillian’s 54th birthday and a jewish music concert was performed for her with her favorite artists. -In 1939 Lillian was in poor health but she still continued her work in charity. She worked with the Hadassah and Red Cross to provide blankets, supplies, and an army hospital for the war effort. -Betsy then discusses Lillian’s children and their marriages and careers. -On November 2nd 1940 Lillian passed away at the age of 55. During her funeral service many notable families attended including the Mayor and The Prime Minister. -betsy concludes by discussing Lillian’s giving spirit and reads tributes to her memory. -there is then a question period where Stories of Lillian’s work is shared, her education is discussed, and her early upbringing. END OF TAPE

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address about Nathan Edelstein’s father Hyman Edelstein

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106376

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Physical Description: 2 copies

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: May 5, 1987

Scope and Content: Subject: Nat Edelstein on his father Hyman Edelstein Interviewer: N/A Date: May 5, 1987 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 52:15 -Hyman Edelstein was born in Dublin Ireland in 1889. His parents were Abraham and Shayna Edelstein. The family had 5 sons and 3 daughters. They lived in a s…

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Physical Description: 2 copies

Scope and Content: Subject: Nat Edelstein on his father Hyman Edelstein Interviewer: N/A Date: May 5, 1987 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 52:15 -Hyman Edelstein was born in Dublin Ireland in 1889. His parents were Abraham and Shayna Edelstein. The family had 5 sons and 3 daughters. They lived in a small house in Dublin and had a picture framing shop in the front. -Nat then reads a poem Hyman wrote about his parents house and workshop. -in 1903 Hyman entered High School in Dublin and received numerous academic awards. Hyman had poems published in Dublin as early as the age of 15. -Nat then reads a poem his father wrote about leaving High School. -Hyman attended Trinity College in Dublin until 1912 when he moved to Canada. During his time in school he excelled in both classics and mathematics. -when he first got to Ottawa he moved into an apartment at 351 Bay Street. Here he taught piano and worked in a store. -Nat talks about his fathers “divided loyalty” upon arriving in Canada; his father had a deep connection and attachment to Ireland. -In 1912 Hyman wrote for the Canadian Jewish Times in Montreal and in 1913 he moved to Montreal. -Nat also discusses the other organizations he was a part of in Ottawa and Montreal such as a Literary and Dramatics Society in Ottawa and the Canadian Authors Association. -In Montreal Hyman met Elsie Hornstein who he would later marry. Hyman wrote many poems about Elsie and Nat reads one. -Hyman spent 1913 to 1917 in Montreal editing before returning to Ottawa in 1921 with Elsie and their two sons. -Nat recalls the 1920’s and 30’s in Ottawa, poetry was not in demand and he says his father fit the starving artist role. Nat tells a story of going around to businesses after school trying to sell his fathers books for grocery money. -Nat then discusses Samuel W. Jacobs political win and and reads an article his father wrote about how the election united jewish communities. -Hyman was a passionate Zionist and was very active in zionist organizations. Nat reads one of his fathers poems about zionism. -In the late 1920’s Hyman founded the peoples forum in Ottawa for people to openly discuss their opinions. He also became active in the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), the early NDP political party. In 1933 Hyman wrote an article in which he says he sees the ideals of the testament in the CCF. -In 1930 Hyman became the first editor of the Jewish Standard in Toronto. -Nat talks of his fathers writing style and how he often infused latin in his writings. -Nat talks about his fathers hobbies; he was an active cricket player, loved music and played the violin. Nat then reads one of his fathers poems that highlights his love of music. -In 1950 Hyman organized a literary night where irish writer Padraic Colum and Hyman did a joint reading. -Hyman passed away in 1957 and in his last year he compiled a collection of writings on the jewish community that he had planned to publish. -Nat concludes by discussing his fathers sense of humor and reflecting on the relationship he had with him. -There is then a question period. END OF TAPE

Date: May 5, 1987

Publication: Nathan Edelstein

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address about the family members, the origins of the Roger and Rose Greenberg family, and the development of their business leading to the development of Minto Construction

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106439

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: October 22, 1995

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: October 22, 1995

Publication: Lorry Greenberg

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Notes: Subject: Greenberg Family Interviewer: N/A Date: October 1995 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 75:30 -Lorry begins his speech with his mother and fathers early lives. His father Roger was 1 of 4 boys while his mother Rose came from a large family of 18/21 children. In 1915 Roger and Rose came to Canada. -The couple lived in billings bridge and had to learn to quickly adapt to their new country. During this time Roger caught Tuberculosis and had to spend some time in a sanitarium in Montreal. Once he returned he began his career as a peddler. -Roger and Rose had 5 children at this time; Lou, Jen, Gilbert, Grace, and Irving. -Lorry also talks of George H. Nelms, the former mayor of Ottawa, introduced Roger to the stock market. Unfortunately, this meant that when the crash happened and the great depression hit Ottawa the Greenbergs were affected. -By 1930 Roger and Rose were able to open up a small grocery store on the corner of Bank and Belmont, the family was making a good living there. -In the following years the supermarket’s started to open in Ottawa, this severely affected the family store as they saw customers switch to loblaws due to finances. Lorry tells a story of a customer telling his father he has to shop at loblaws instead of his store. -This forced Roger to go back to peddling and his older brother Lou also worked with his father to help make ends meet. -The family moved to a house on Monk Street where Lorry recalls his siblings doing homework in the kitchen. But by the 1920’s the family needed more space so they moved to 370 clarence Street. Clarence Street was a large home that his mother decorated with bright colors. -Lorry recalls memories of the neighbourhood and especially the local butcher who would wrap meat in dirty newspapers. -Roger then became a junk peddler. This meant he collected scrap iron, metal, cowhides, fabrics to resell or recycle. -Lorry’s brother Lou went into car sales during this time and his sister Jen became a salesperson in the Market. In 1940 his other brother Gilbert was able to purchase his own truck to assist his father with peddling. -Lorry then talks further about his siblings and the family dynamics between them. -Grace, who as a ballet dancer went to Montreal to study Ballet. When she returned she wanted to open a school so Rose and Grace opened a ballet school in the house on Clarence Street. Lorry recalls kids coming from around the city to be taught by Grace. -Lorry then discusses his own childhood. He was known as “Killer Greenberg” because him and his friends were known to run Sandy Hill. -In 1945 when the war ended Lorry’s two older brothers returned home. While in Europe they had learnt a new technique for reselling rags as wipers for car shops. The family decided to try this technique and created a small working plant in their backyard to wash and cut the rags and package them for sale. This business took off and became the number one product for the family. -Shortly after Rose suggested they also sell sugar bags for linens, just as they had been using in their own house. These two products became the source of income for the family. The family moved to Island Park Drive into a big house. -In 1950 a major production plant in Ottawa went bankrupt and the family was able to purchase a real plant in Hull to create their products. The business continued to grow and Lorry talks of his experiences working in the business during this time. -In 1950 the Red River overflowed and threatened much of Winnipeg. At this time the main line of defense was sandbags to stop flooding. The government of Canada needed someone to supply as many bags as possible to the effort, the Greenberg’s got this contract and supplied bags for all of Ontario to WInnipeg. This contract was a big step forward for the family as it alleviated much of their debt. -By 1954 Roger told the boys to leave the family business and move into real estate and development since he had seen the success one can have in that industry. -Together they bought their first apartment buildings and flipped them for a profit; after doing this a couple times the family could see the opportunity for growth. The brothers went to procure a loan for their business and The Minto Corporation was born. -The Minto group sold their first home in 1955, and shortly after Roger passed away. AT this time the brothers took a very hands on approach to the company. -Lorry then talks about the expansion of the business before his mother passed away in 1958. Shortly after in 1961 his brother Lou left due to health problems and in the following year Lorry left the corporation to focus on his public service. -Gilbert and Irving carried on the business and continued to expand. By the end of the 1970’s they had expanded into the Florida Markets. -Unfortunately, Gilbert passed away and left Irving at the helm. Irving took all of Gilbert's children under his wing and showed them the ropes so they could maintain their shares of the corporation. -Irving began to expand the business into commercial real estate; he began with the Carlisle Building and Minto Place. Lorry also tells a story of the family travelling from hotel to hotel and taking notes to know what accommodations to put in new builds. -By the end of the 1980’s Minto had built so many properties they could have housed the population of Kingston Ontario. -Lorry concludes by talking about the next generation of Greenbergs and all the promise that they bring to the business and the family name. -The talk concludes with a question period. END OF TAPE

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address about the history of the Loeb Family.

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106479

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: June 9, 2004

Scope and Content: Subject: The Loeb Family Interviewer: N/A Date: June 9th, 2004 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 46:35 **Disclaimer: Racist Language** -Bertram Loeb is introduced. -Bertram begins his talk 100 years before the present date. His father Moses Lepopski left Russia and moved to the Unit…

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Scope and Content: Subject: The Loeb Family Interviewer: N/A Date: June 9th, 2004 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 46:35 **Disclaimer: Racist Language** -Bertram Loeb is introduced. -Bertram begins his talk 100 years before the present date. His father Moses Lepopski left Russia and moved to the United States with his sister who lived in Cincinnati in July of 1911. While in Cincinnati Moses changed his name to Loeb after seeing a financial institution with that name. -Moses had a brother named Issac who lived in Ottawa; in September of 1912 he visited him and decided to remain in Ottawa. -Moses met his wife Rose at a wedding and the two established themselves and their family in Ottawa. Their first son Norman was born in 1914 followed by Bertram, Jules,Henry, David, and Lazarus at 2 year intervals. Bert then details his brother's marriages and children. -Moses bought a store on Broad Street and also worked in tobacco and candy wholesale. -Bert discusses how his parents split the household responsibilities; his father took on the boy's education and finances and his mother took on the household and their religion. Bert discusses his memories of his mothers cooking. -Bert tells a story of his mother cooking chicken. She would purchase a live chicken and Bert would bring it to Reverend Mirsky to be slaughtered. Bert tells a story of the chicken escaping and chasing it down Rideau Street. -Moses was a very disciplined man who believed in working hard and did not believe in gambling. The family was not allowed to have cards in the house and grew up playing checkers and dominoes. -Bert talks about his maternal grandfather who came to Montreal in 1877 and passed away in 1972 when he was over 100 years old. -in 1938 the Rideau Street Synagogue hired a new Rabbi from New York; Rabbi William Margolis. Bert recalls stories of his services and how much he talked. In 1938 Rabbi Margolis invited Bert on a road trip to New York, after dropping Bert off in the city for the night. The next morning when reading the paper Bert recalls seeing MArgolis had been arrested for driving a stolen car. -Bert studied at NYU and recalls his favorite professors, moments, and nights of his education. -During World War II Bert joined the artillery, his brother Jules joined the Airforce, David joined the infantry, and Henry joined the military as a medic. Bert also describes all of the community work the brothers have done through their clubs, associations, and boards. -Moses had a very strong business philosophy he lived by and Bert touches on his fathers beliefs and a story of his beliefs in practice. -Bert's brother Henry opened up his own pediatric clinic but unfortunately was diagnosed with Cancer and he passed away at the age of 28. This severely affected Moses and he passed away 2 years after. Rose was killed when struck by a car in 1963. -In 1956 Bert went to Israel and met the then prime minister who convinced him to open grocery stores in Israel. 1 year later Bert had opened his first store in Tel Aviv. Bert describes some of the troubles surrounding opening the store; however, it is now a successful company in Israel. Bert talks further about his trips to Israel and the people he met **Racist Language Used** -In 1980 Bert and his family had wanted to make a large donation to the Civic Hospital in memory of his brother; however the donation was rejected by the then mayor who was later revealed to be an antisemite. The donation instead went to Carleton University. -Bert concludes by looking back at his life and says he regrets nothing and is proud of where he came from and what he has accomplished. END OF TAPE

Date: June 9, 2004

Publication: Bertram Loeb

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address about the Ottawa Jewish Cemeteries

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106388

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: May 2, 1994

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: May 2, 1994

Publication: Israel Shinder

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

History / Biographical: Topic: Cemetery Policies and procedures Duration: 40:05 Number of tapes: 1 Content warning: discusses the death of children and child graves Question and answer period; Mr. Shinder explains why the Ontario Government became involved in the cemetery. After they were filled and then abandoned, the government had the expense of keeping the places in good shape. In return for caring for the cemetery, they would get a percentage of the sale of every plot, adding to the fund and then investing the money to in turn spend it on maintenance. The government raised the tax on the selling of the plot and added a tax to the cost of the monuments for the monument makers. This money from the monuments is also being put into a fund specifically for monument repair. Both of these funds; the monument and general repair funds are handled by the government The cemetery committee has a strict set of rules surrounding monuments including size, style, artwork etc. What happens if someone cannot afford to pay for their plot? Each synagogue controls its own finances. At Agudath, if someone cannot afford to pay for a plot they will get their plot for free. Shinder became involved after Henry [?] resigned. Shinder was president of the synagogue from 1968-1970, and then took over in the cemetery committee board in May 1970. Agudath cemetery had to look for more land, and Shinder became chairman of the search committee in 1973, looking for more space for the cemetery and doing all the paperwork The board went through the procedure, and had the backing of the 5 synagogues and were able to come up with $100,000 in addition to the cost of land for the new cemetery, which opened in the fall of 1976. Agudath Israel has since added more plots, having initially only used a portion of the land bought, and later developing more. Agudath ran out of land that was allotted in the initial sale, and had to move into a different plot. In the old cemetery there were 3 owners; Beth Shalom, Maziki and Agudath. They bought bits and pieces and Beth Shalom had a lot of land because of the amalgamation Hy Gould was chairman of the old cemetery for years. When he resigned, Shinder was vice chairman in the old cemetery so he took over as chairman of the old and new cemetery. At the rear end of section 1 of the old cemetery, there is a stone gate that at one time was the main entrance to the Jewish Cemetery. A little road circled the gentile cemetery and then went into the Jewish Cemetery. The gateway has names on it. There are some very old graves that are facing the gate, rather than facing Bank St. which confirms this gate was at one point the main entrance Discusses how and where children were buried in the cemetery. Discusses how wash stations are going to be placed near the entrance of the cemetery for washing hands *audio ends*

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address on the Jewish Merchants on Rideau Street in Coral Springs, Florida

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106377

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Physical Description: Tape is damaged.

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: February 1993

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Physical Description: Tape is damaged.

Date: February 1993

Publication: Joseph Feller

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address on the Kravetz Family and Talmud Torah

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106378

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: June 14, 1999

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: June 14, 1999

Publication: Aviva Freedman

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Notes: Subject: Aviva Freedman and her Parents Interviewer: N/A Date: June 14, 1999 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 47:12 -Aviva Freedman was born in Ottawa to Rose and Rabbi Boruch Kravetz. In her introduction Rose and Boruch are introduced as important members of the Ottawa Jewish community and the educational philosophy of the Talmud Torah and Hillel Academy. -After Rabbi Kravetz’s untimely death His wife Rose and Aviva moved to Montreal where Rose finished high school and went on to complete an Bachelor of the Arts, a Masters, and a Doctorate. -After she married Jack Freedman they spent some time living in Boston before returning to Ottawa in the mid 1970’s where they have remained since then. -Aviva is an active member of the jewish community in Ottawa. -Aviva begins her talk with her parents early life in Bialystok Poland. Both of her parents were born in Bialystok and came from very different backgrounds. Her father came from a poor but well educated family. While her mother came from a wealthy family. -Despite this difference in upbringing the two shared an outlook on wealth, they saw little value in money and focused on an educated and ethical life. -Aviva then focuses on the unique environment Bialystok created; it was a community of orthodox, zionist, and feminism that melded into a progressive jewish community. She also discusses the progressive educational system there; they adopted North American innovations and had “hebrew immersion” where both religious and secular classes were taught in hebrew. -Aviva then touches on her father's early education, as well as his experience in the first class of a yeshiva university in Poland. Her mother was also very educated and trained as a pharmacist in Poland. -Unfortunately, when the Kravetz’s arrived in Canada they came to Quebec where women were unable to be pharmacists so she changed her career path; however, once they moved to Ontario, where women could be pharmacists, she never learnt of this policy change and did not return to her career. -Aviva then touches on her mothers struggle upon coming to Canada; Bialoystok was a progressive and feminist community and North America did not have the dame ideals when they arrived in 1938. -Rabbi Kravetz was made principal of the Talmud Torah when he arrived in Ottawa. He was well regarded in the community as an inspiring teacher and an advocate of educational philosophy. -Aviva then recalls a story of her mother and her traveling to Israel in the 1960’s where they met a relative of her father, they reminisced on his spirited youth and passions. -An important part of Rabbi Kravetz’s stance on education was the relationship between student and teacher. Aviva describes the description of this relationship in the Talmud and how it influenced her own teaching as well. She then discusses how many of his past students have reached out to her with stories of her father and how he inspired them. She also mentions how her parents had such a love for education that they constantly opened their home to students. -From 1945 to 1948 her father founded the Hillel Academy. Aviva recalls how her father experienced resistance in the community due to cost and fear of isolating young jewish students. -Aviva then mentions how her father came to North America already with a respect for North American philosophy and education and used this to influence the Talmud Torah and Hillel. He focused on inspiring students and using education as its own reward, he also banned corporal punishment and worked to inspire the teachers withe ducational philosphy. -Rabbi Kravetz educational philosophy was to strengthen identity and build the jewish community rather than trying to blend into the community. -Aviva speaks on her recollections of her mother; Rose was an active member of many jewish organizations and Aviva remembers her mom going from tea to tea all the time. She speaks on the many friends the Kravetz’s had in the community; some of which include the Shapiros, Lobes, Kissels, and the Goldbergs. -To conclude Aviva talks of her fathers zest for life; his love of the outdoors, swimming, learning, good food, and of comedy. She expresses this through a story of her father swimming at summer camp. -The talk is concluded with a comment from the audience. END OF TAPE

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

An address on the Max family,

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106430

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: October 24, 2001

Scope and Content: Subject: Max Family Interviewer: N/A Date: October 24, 2001 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 52:30 -Leonard begins his talk with a story about his father Sol Max as an MC for an event. After some further stories Leonard begins detailing his family history. -The Max family began with…

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Scope and Content: Subject: Max Family Interviewer: N/A Date: October 24, 2001 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 52:30 -Leonard begins his talk with a story about his father Sol Max as an MC for an event. After some further stories Leonard begins detailing his family history. -The Max family began with his paternal grandparents Max and Annie. Max was Max Kovolski and was originally from Russia. Annie was originally from Poland. The two were married and arrived in Canada around 1906.. -Max worked as a tailor and shortly after arriving in Canada Annie and Max had Leonard's father, Sol, in 1908. They then had Sarah in 1911 and Arthur in 1917. DUring the wartime Max worked tailoring military uniforms and furs. Sometime in the late 1920’s/early 1930’s Max was trying to save money on a new sign for the tailor shop and found it was cheaper if the name was shorter. So he legally changed his last name to Max so it could be shortened on the sign. -The Max family is made up of many families; the Goldberg family from New York, the Dover family from Eganville, the Polowin family, and The Abrams family in Montreal. Leonard goes into detail about how each family is related to one another. -Leonard details his mother and fathers early life together. His mother Lillian Abrams was a pianist and Sol took to her very fast. Leonard talks about the beginning of his parents' relationship and the love letters they wrote back and forth during their engagement.The two were married in Montreal at the Windsor Hotel. -Leonard speaks of his grandparents Max and Rose. Max passed in the 70’s and Rose passed when she was 99. -A common theme of the Max family is their love for music. Grandpa Max was well known for his singing voice and was active in the King Edward Street Shul Choir. Leonard's dad studied violin and was a part of a local symphony. Leonard’s mother was a pianist and their home was always full of music. Leonards brother Mark formed a band named The Courier’s and Ann had some musical talents. In addition Leonard brought Leonard Cohen, a university friend at the time, to B’nai Brith for a couple weeks. -Leonard talks of his father Sol and his uncle Arthur’s working relationship. They ran the shop together and Arthur worked on designs for the military. Leonard recalls a story of Arthur designing a uniform for soldiers in the north. His designs were so well received that he got a personal letter from the head of the British Navy. -Leonard concludes by discussing his family in the present time. He speaks of his aunt and uncle's lives and marriages as well as his children's marriages and careers. -There is a question period where someone reminds Leonard of his fathers work with the Kiwanis Club in Ottawa. Sol and Leonard were lucky enough to get to put on a play at Madison Square Gardens during a Kiwanis Club trip. Leonard talks about his memories of the trip. END OF TAPE AT 52:30

Date: October 24, 2001

Publication: Leonard Max

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

Anglican Mission to the Jews.

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106967

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: May 7, 1998

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: May 7, 1998

Fonds No.: O0045

Notes: Subject: The Anglican Mission in Lowertown Interviewer: N/A Date: May 7, 1998 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 1:00:04 -Rev. Peter Meggs begins his talk by discussing Brian Doyle's book, Angel Square. In the book Doyle discusses the three main schools in lowertown, their squabbles, and the story of a young boy attempting to track down the person who insulted his friend's father. -In October of 1915 Rev. Mark Malbert came to be appointed as head of the Anglican Missionary to the Jews in Ottawa. Malbert had been raised jewish and converted to Christianity, this made it much easier for him to connect with the jewish community in ottawa. Meggs reads an excerpt from Malbert's report in 1915 on his work in the Anglican Mission. -Rev. Meggs references various hymns and excerpts from various church documents address the “evengizing of the jews” as early as 1908. -In 1909 Sarah Klusner was a point of contact for the Dionysius on the Anglican Missionary work. She discusses classes they are hosting as well as their door-to-door work. Rev. Meggs discusses how despite her reports to the Dionysius of success the mission was very much failing. Instead the Anglican church simply dismissed it by saying the jewish community was dead in ottawa. -Rev. Peter Meggs continues by detailing more reports coming from Ottawa in 1911 and more of what missionary work the congregation was doing. -In 1912 the Anglican church founded a committee focused on the conversion of Jews in the Ottawa area. Meggs discusses the committee’s goals, problems, and plan. He also details what Malbert was doing and his mission work. -Meggs discusses how despite the false reports from the church the jewish community in Lowertown at this time was thriving and growing. -In 1921 the dionysius opened a reading room at 388 McClaren and signed a 5 year agreement to the mission. This program was a complete failure; in the 8 months they were open the missionary reported 1 man using the space. In 1924 the church pulled its funding of the mission and relocated Malbert to Poland. -After this Rev. W.S. Weary (?) took over as head of the mission; he only dedicated 1 day a week to the effort and he quickly fell ill and all work on the mission stopped. For 4 decades there was no longer any Anglican Missionary to the Jews. -Meggs talks about some reports from the 1930’s before in 1941 the church formally disbanded the missionary work in Ottawa. -Meggs concludes by talking about the 1980’s and onward. The church has changed its thought on missionaries, they are focused now on dialogue and understanding between the faiths. -There is a question period following his talk. END OF TAPE

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

The Art of Jewish Genealogy.

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106843

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: September 21, 2007

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: September 21, 2007

Publication: Hymie Reichstein

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

History / Biographical: Topic: Lecture; “the art of jewish genealogy” Date: september 24, 2007 Location: Agudath Israel Synagogue Duration: 1:08:17 Number of tapes: 1 Introduces Hymie. He went to the Montreal Talmud Torah. Graduated from McGill with an electrical engineering degree. Came to the National Research Council and worked there for 35 years, in electrical and communications Hymie has worked closely with the Ottawa Jewish community and its charity organizations. President of the Maziki Hadas from 1997-1999. Served on the Ottawa Torah Institute as treasurer. In 1995 he and other genealogists, founded the Jewish Genealogical Society of Ottawa. This group won an award from the international Jewish Genealogical society. They photographed all the gravestones in an Jewish Cemetery. Hymie thanks Shirley for the introduction and introduces his talk Acknowledges that Jewish family records were destroyed in the Holocaust, but many do still exist Discusses how to start you own genealogy including recalling what you know, getting out documents and photos, record names you find, interview relatives, search for names Discusses how and when Jewish families adopted family names, and how the spelling of those names changed when they came to North America Discusses how to find different spellings of names, using the source “Where Once We Walked” and jewishgen.org or jgsn.org In Ottawa, there is the Ottawa Jewish Archives and the Jewish Historical society, that has marriage records, photographs, biographical files and bulletins Discusses how to find arrival information from 1919-1935 online. Pre 1919 is harder if you do not know the exact year. Government Canada and the Genealogy centre website has research tools for finding immigration records. The family Centre of Prince of Wales drives also has different certificates available from 1869-1907. These records are also available online Discusses the different ways you can find birth, marriage, and death certificates at different Ontario institutions Different countries also have large collections of Jewish records, including the United States, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary. Gabriel Drouin in 1941 in Montreal went around the province and collected all the birth and marriage records. Marriage and Death records are available at LAC from 1926- 1936. Paperman and Sons have funeral records for Montreal, and the large Jewish cemetery records are available online at jewishgen.org Canadian Congress Archives also have plenty of records In Toronto, the archives and 2 main funeral chapels and the City of Toronto archives have records on Jewish families as well. Many jewish marriage records from Ottawa are actually from Montreal, and are located through the Drouin records and online through the Montreal Genealogy Society. Uses the example of how he found his parents wedding certificate in Montreal, and it gave him information about his parents and grandparents. Canadian Naturalization records are the most important records- The Jewish Gen. societies of Montreal and Ottawa cooperated in indexing their records between 1915-1932 for these records. Discusses how he used the Canadian naturalization records to find his wife’s family Discusses the use of Ancestry.com and Rootsweb as websites to find records. Stresses the importance of using maiden names when researching. Discusses the different passenger lists from different American cities that are available through Ancestry or the genealogy society Canadian censuses are also useful for finding records. Discusses different organizations in New York that also hold records including the New York Public Library, and the National Archives of the Northeast Region. Discusses how he was able to use the resources listed to find his family's history Discusses the history books written about shtiebels [?] but people from before the war, and they contain different stories. Different archival institutions have these shteibel [?] history books. Most were written in Yiddish or Hebrew, so Jewish Gen has been working to translate all these books for researchers Discusses different Jewish magazines that come out through the genealogy society. *Audio ends*

Notes: Shirley Berman introduces Hymie Reichstein before his presentation. Question period follows the presentation. The Power Point presentation is 75 minutes. Also on DVD.

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

The background of the Ottawa Vaad Ha’Ir

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106422

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: September 25, 2002

Scope and Content: Subject: Background of the Vaad Ha' Ir Date: September 25, 2002 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: Tape 1 40:24 Tape 2 35:26 Tape 1 John Holzman to introduce Joseph Lieff Son of Bernard and Esther Lieff. Bernard taught at the Ottawa Talmud Torah for over 35 years. Lived on McGee Street…

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Scope and Content: Subject: Background of the Vaad Ha' Ir Date: September 25, 2002 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: Tape 1 40:24 Tape 2 35:26 Tape 1 John Holzman to introduce Joseph Lieff Son of Bernard and Esther Lieff. Bernard taught at the Ottawa Talmud Torah for over 35 years. Lived on McGee Street, and then Daly Avenue Graduated from Lisgar Collegiate, and then from Osgoode Hall Law School. Married to Evelyn Sobcuff, has 4 married children: Elissa, Norman, Susan and Alan, and 8 grandchildren Joe is a lawyer and Deputy Judge for the judicial district of Carleton County, now the Ontario Court General Division from 1976 to recently. Active member of Adath Israel Congregation; president from 1975-77. Active member of the Ottawa Jewish Community Council; president from 1981-83 During his term of president, the Jewish community purchased the Broadview avenue campus. Speaking about the history of the Ottawa Vaad Ha’Ir In 1995 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Vaad, the Jewish bulletin published 13 consecutive articles, by Cynthia Angle about the Vaad. In these, Cynthia talks about Moses Bilsky, the first Jewish settler. Lawrence Freiman’s book “Don’t Fall off the rocking horse” about Moses Bilsky. Cynthia’s articles cover c. 1934 The Ottawa Talmud Torah, located on Gerard St. near Cumberland, part of it is now occupied by the Salvation army. Prior to the Talmud Torah, each of the downtown synagogues had its own little seder and its own rabbi. Each educated its own children. There were 3 separate operations, and a single school was needed. In the 1920s, they acquired title to the former George St. public school. It was an afternoon school from 4-7pm. As enrollment grew, it changed to 2 shifts: 4-6 and 6-8pm. In 1923, Joseph Lieff’s first day. He met Jay Zeliklovitz, Mr. Greenburg, and Mr. Goldsmith. He also met Eli Glominski? They were the rabbis from the 4 synagogues. Moses Loeb was the chairman of the Talmud Torah board 3 of Loeb’s 6 sons would be presidents of the board. The Talmud Torah building became a communal school full of activities, later becoming a community centre Dave Slover’s drama group was based out of there. The Young Judian Orchestra. The B’nai Brith Ottawa lodge. Many junior organizations: AZA, the Hyphers? The YPL. AZA sunday tea dances. They could use the gym space at Number 4 fire station on Cumberland, for a small fee Associated Synagogues; started in the summer in 1931 as 3 select committees of Rideau, Murray and James st. synagogues, whose sole purpose was to engage the rabbis? Nothing could be done without a meeting, and they kept minutes of everything August 24, 1932, a joint meeting of select committees was called, chaired by Solomon Copland who announced Rabbi A.H. Friedman had accepted the offer to act as their spiritual leader for an annual salary of $2500. Called for nominations for officers of the joint select committee; elected unanimously were Tom Sachs, H. Silver and S. Copland.from Rideau st. Shul. M. Lachavitch, Max Dresen, Oscar Pedagorsky from Murray St. Shul. Adolf Shareman, J. Fogle and Abe Bookman from James St. Shul Officers elected were: Alex Bechleman Chairmen, A. Sherman treasurer, Myer Cohen Secretary At another meeting they confirmed the name “Associated Synagogues of Ottawa.” November 2, 1932; confirmed the allotment of $525 to each congregation. King st. Shul was having financial difficulties. May 1932; meeting where the body adopted the recommendations they reduce the Rabbis and Cantor salaries, and stop the services of the choir. Rabbis Collins salary of $4000 was to be reduced to $2500. About a month later, Collins turned their offer down. Not to leave them in the lurch, he agreed to stay on for the coming high holy days, for which he received $340. The other 3 congratulations knew what was going on. December 1932- the Associated Synagogues had a meeting to explore getting together with King St. shul under one spiritual leader King st. Shul appointed a committee to meet with the association- while they were not committing themselves to any definite union, they nevertheless felt that unification under one spiritual leader could result in great benefits for the entire Jewish community. Special meeting of the association announced they had accepted King St. Shul’s offer of $750, as their share of the rabbi’s fees for september 1933-august 1934 Rideau was paying $950, Murray $560 and James $210 to make up the $2500 Rabbi salary Meeting august 1933; called for the purpose of providing relief for the Jews of Germany, and the question of forming a Vaad Ha’Ir was brought up. Moved by Casper Capland. Executives of the Associated Synagogues recommended to their congregations that members be appointed; 8 from King st. Shul, 7 from Rideau, 6 from Murray and 5 from James. To administer the various branches of jewish activities in the city; education, spiritual guidance with power to act for the congregation on the advancement of Judaism in the city. Number of meetings held; 2 years of meetings later; January 30, 1934 special meeting of the Vaad Hakashrut to vote on proposal, Casper Caplan who was acting chairman and president of King St, Shul presented the concept to the gathering Rideau and King had given their approval Murray had not yet voted James had rejected Feb 25, 1934- Murray street wrote they had embraced the idea March 18, 2934- James st agreed. Created a board and appointed a steering committee, adopting the name and setting out the purposes of the body of the membership. April 29, 1934- held their first meeting in the rooms at King Edward Synagogue. A.J Freiman president, Tom Sachs Vice President, V. Pearl Honorary Secretary, L.H. Goldman Secretary. A.J. Freiman had already been the president of the King St. shul for 25 years. President of the Zionist organization of Canada. Member of the actions committee of the world's Zionist organization. Set up a meeting at Freiman’s office with the presidents of the 4 synagogues- this is where they convinced A.J. Freiman to be president. Served for 10 years until June 4, 1944. June 4, 1944- on that day Congregation Adath Jeshurun was honouring the memory of Reverend Jacob Mirsky who had served the congregation for many years. Mr. Freiman delivered a eulogy before passing away. Tom Sachs became president and served for the next 4 years Following Sachs, the constitution was amended to limit the period of president to 2 years. 1973- during Norm Zagerman’s administration, the constitution was changed to allow the community to participate in the voting of officers. It now provides that you have to be adherent to the Jewish faith, residing in the community, who subscribes to the purposes of the council, 18 or older, and a contributor in good standing during the current year to the united Jewish appeal. 28 presidents since Tom Sachs. Gilbert Greenburg And Joseph Lieff were appointed to a committee to make the pitch to the Vaad for funds to cover annual expenses. Joseph joined the Vaad executive when Gilbert was the president. Gilbert wanted to modernize and advance the Vaad Gilbert was also involved in the Hillel Lodge, and set in motion the Broadview Campus Complex Gilbert passed away suddenly in 1980 at age 57. 1984 at Joseph’s final meeting as president where they signed the paperwork to purchase Joseph’s highschool, which would become the Broadview Campus Audio skips It was in 1946 during Tom Sachs’ tenure that Alex Bechelman approached Hy Hochberg about filling positions at the Vaad Ha’Ir at B’nai Brith In 1951, Hy’s responsibilities expanded to include the fundraising campaign for the 3 stage construction of the downtown Chapel St. Synagogue and JCC complex. From 1951-1959, Hy was the executive director of the Vaad synagogue and community centre From 1955-56 he was executive director of the Vaad From 1956-1985 he was the vice president of the Vaad Hy was a driving factor in convincing Canadian Jewish congress that the Ottawa area should be recognized as a separate entity, prior to that it was lumped in with Toronto. In 1985, Hy received the Gilbert Greenburg distinguished service award, posthumously. Tom Sachs had also won the Gilbert Greenburg award, in 1983. When the Vaad began, it consisted of 26 members, representing 4 synagogues, all of them orthodox. Today there are 120 members on the board of trustees, representing 45 agencies of associations, of which 20 are beneficiaries agents, all living in harmony. Sylvia Kurshman thanks Joseph Lieff for his presentation. Tape ends 40:24

Date: September 25, 2002

Publication: Joseph Lieff

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

Board of Director's Meeting of the Ottawa Jewish Historical Society.

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106857

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: June 20, 2001

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: June 20, 2001

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Notes: Meeting held at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre.

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

A Common Thread Interviews

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn109779

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045; 8

Date: [2000]

Scope and Content: Interviews on audio tape with community members include information for the book A Common Thread.

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Scope and Content: Interviews on audio tape with community members include information for the book A Common Thread.

Date: [2000]

Fonds No.: O0045

Series No.: 8

Language: English

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

The Coplan Family

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106379

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: May 1, 1994

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: May 1, 1994

Publication: Lillian Gertsman

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

Daniel Kimmel speaking about the Kimmel Family

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106427

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: October 15, 2003

Scope and Content: Subject: Dan Kimmel and his family Interviewer: N/A Date: Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 30:10 -Dan is introduced before he begins his talk recounting his family's history. -Dan begins with his great grandfather, Aaron Kimmel. He was born in Koval, Russia in 1840. Aaron had 3 kids…

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Scope and Content: Subject: Dan Kimmel and his family Interviewer: N/A Date: Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 30:10 -Dan is introduced before he begins his talk recounting his family's history. -Dan begins with his great grandfather, Aaron Kimmel. He was born in Koval, Russia in 1840. Aaron had 3 kids, one of whom was Jacob who is Dan’s grandfather. Dan talks more about what he knows about his family's time in Russia. -Jacob, Dan’s grandfather, loved learning, came from a religious family, and learnt to speak many languages. -Dan’s father was Arthur (Archie) who was the 2nd of 5 children. Archie left the Soviet Union in 1929 with his brother and on October 24th they arrived in the port of New York with $20 in their pocket. -The brothers took a train to Otatwa and immediately worked to get their parents into Canada. The family settled in Ottawa because they knew friends here and knew the community. -Dan’s mother was originally from Latvia. She came to Canada in 1911 when she was 6 months old. Her father was a shoemaker and the family lived at 101 Clarence Street. Dan’s mother lost her husband Archie very early and unexpectedly. She then took over his store and raised their 8 children. -Dan then touches on the lives of his uncles Jack, Abe, and Sam. -Both sides of Dan’s family spoke yiddish and addressed him by his jewish name; something Dan is very thankful for as it made him fluent today. -Dan speaks about his paternal grandmother and how she ran a fruit shop in the market with his paternal grandfather. -Dan’s family attended Machzikei Hadas and he talks about his memories of past presidents, services, and families in the synagogue. -Dan details his family and all of the marriages between his siblings and siblings in law. -Dan attended Talmud Torah and recalls his teacher Mr. Block. He speaks of his memories of Mr. Block, the school, an assembly in 1948, and the other families that studied with him. -Dan discusses Rideau Street and the surrounding area. He discusses the stores and families he remembers in the area. He discusses the high holidays and seign all of the jewish owned stores close in the market. Dan goes through various occupations and names people he recalls working in Ottawa. -Dan concludes with a note about how the 1960’s sparked rapid change in Ottawa and the Jewish community; he hopes this change continues in the future for a stronger Canada and a stronger Israel. -There is a question period for Dan. END OF TAPE at 30:10

Date: October 15, 2003

Publication: Dan Kimmel

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Notes: 1. Dan Kimmel, Daniel Kimmel.

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

Dave Molot on the history of the Molot Family

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106385

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Physical Description: 2 tapes

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: October 20, 1996

Scope and Content: Subject: Lecture by Dave Molot on the history of the Molot Family Interviewer: Lecture by Dave Molot Date: October 20, 1996 Interview Location: Ottawa, Ontario Length of Time: 52:26 Notes: Introduction made by Dave’s nephew- Henry Would like to thank Lawrence and the society of behalf of the Molot…

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Physical Description: 2 tapes

Scope and Content: Subject: Lecture by Dave Molot on the history of the Molot Family Interviewer: Lecture by Dave Molot Date: October 20, 1996 Interview Location: Ottawa, Ontario Length of Time: 52:26 Notes: Introduction made by Dave’s nephew- Henry Would like to thank Lawrence and the society of behalf of the Molot family for honouring them and giving Dave the honour of presenting the history of the family A few personal memories: immediately after the war, Dave and his wife Lottie and their daughter and Lottie's parents moved into an apartment above his grandparents so Dave’s parents. Dave came back in 1945, so the Henry was 6, but he remembers the activity Lastly, he remembers working in the drug stores, he worked at most of them. He worked mostly at 580 Rideau where Dave was the manager. Uncle Dave was always an active person, always running off to B’nai B’rith meetings, Kiwanis meetings, never missing a golf game, first at the Gatineau and then the Rideau View With that he presents “Giant” Molot to speak about the family Dave thanks the Ottawa Jewish Community and the Ottawa Historical society for giving him the honour and privilege of presenting the Molot history. Our parents were from Minsk in Russia, soon after they married they left Minks and traveled to Kurgan? Turkestan Kurgan? is 100 miles what was then the capital of Turkestan and now is is Uzbekistan, about 400 miles north of the border of Afghanistan During their years in Kurgan? They built up a lovely business and had 6 boys who survived. The first boy unfortunately died at his bris, the Moil, who had been drinking, spilled a bottle of carbolic acid on the baby. Carbolic acid, probably diluted with water, was used in those days as an antiseptic. Then came the boys who ultimately came to Ottawa: Sam, Las, Abe, Lous, Saul, David Around 1912, the well educated and beloved governor of Turkestan passed away and his cousin was appointed in his place. As a result, life dramatically changed for the worse. This new governor was an old time version of Hitler and Stalin. He immediately began to pick on the Jewish population He prohibited Jewish prayers and imposed other restrictions to the Jews including they could no longer own property or businesses unless they converted to christianity. Dave’s father, being an outspoken man, landed himself in jail. After his release he began to prepare to leave Russia. He had a half brother in New York and a cousin in Ottawa Fortunately, he chose Ottawa where his cousin Jacob Reuban, who had married a member of the local (?) and had left Russia only a few months earlier had come and settled in Ottawa. His father landed in Ottawa with a field of his boys, Sam, Las, and Abe in December 1913. Their mother stayed behind with the rest of the family in order to dispose of the business. Then she followed with Reub, Sol, and Dave himself. They arrived in Canada in June 1914. One year later on May 29th Edith their one and only sister was born. In Kurgan his father owned a business and learned the fur trade. He would travel to Afghanistan to purchase the raw pelts and make the fur hats for the Kalzacs. In Ottawa they lived with the Schulman family on York Street for a short while before his father built a 4 home row on Cobourg Street, 67-73 Cobourg. In the early years, his dad made a living by buying and selling raw furs. He had a horse and wagon and would travel up to Almont, Carleton Place, Arnprior, Smith Falls, Perth, etc. purchasing fur pelt from the white and Indigenous Fur trappers (outdated term used) At home on cobourg street, he began making fur coats, then he opened his first store on Bank street near Laurier. He later moved to the south side of Rideau street, between Waller and Nicholas. A few years later he bought some property across the street from the Rideau street business next to Larocks? And built 2 stores on the ground floor. That included 1 for himself, and 6 apartments above. His dad had also built them a new home at 20 Heney street. Sam, Las and Sal became furriers after finishing high school. All learned the fur trade and each went to New York. Sam was the only one who stayed in New York, and became a furrier to the carriage trade. At 25 he was in charge of one of the biggest fur departments in New York City. He changed his name to Molo instead of Molot. He had 2 good ads in Vogue magazine. One ad said he was the son of a Parisian. The other said he was the son of a French Canadian fur trapper. Las and Sal returned to Ottawa and took over their father’s business on Rideau Street When they became residents of Ottawa, their parents and family became members of the Rideau Street Shul. This shul had monthly meetings, which was in those days a very important day,. It was the highlight of social activity in the community. At one very important meeting, there was a discussion regarding one of the kosher butchers in town. There must have been 5 kosher butchers at the time. 4 of the butchers came and said the 5th one was doing something forbidden on Shabbat and should therefore lose his kosher license so they would get more customers. After much arguing, his dad got up and said “if this is the case, then this shul should have a new president, because according to the constitution, the president was not allowed to work on Shabbat” 3 days later, the Shul board advised his dad that he was suspended for 3 shul meetings for insulting the president As a result of the butcher up roar and his father’s punishment, at least 20-25 members resigned. First they held meetings at their home on Heney street, then they rented a hall at the corner of Nelson and Murray street. At that time, the old Murray street shul was on the north side of Rideau between Nelson and King Edward. In 1927, the Murray st. Shul, decided to build the largest shul at the corner of Murray and King Edward When that happened his dad and his friends decided to become members of the new synagogue. His father purchased a life seat to help the synagogue that was having a hard financial time, and then after that all he had to pay was his membership fees. During the winter in the early 20s, the Jewish boys were able to rent a basketball gym above the number 4 fire hall station. One year, the Molots and Abelsons had a friendly argument, and as a result a challenge game was arranged. The Abelson boys Jess, Nat, and Sid. Molot boys Las, Abe and Reub Each chose the rest of their teams from outside of their families. The Abelsons chose 3 men from the senior city league, the Molots chose 3 Jewish boys from the Junior league; Mo Lapelle? Harry Burger, Abe Black. Before the game started, his father arrived and went around placing bets on the Molot boys. Molot team won the game and the next morning his dad gave them each a share of his winnings When he entered First (?) Collegiate he wanted to be in the top tier math class. And they put him and another fellow into Botany. So they told the principal. When they went to the botany lab, the teacher stood up and said I understand some of you boys don’t want to take Botany, you want to take math, so if that is you, stand up. Both Dave and his friend stood up and the teacher collected their names. Except Dave’s friend was rather short, so the teacher walked right buy him Las, who was an excellent boxer and basketball player, was on the Jewish basketball team and on the senior league city team, who’s players included Phil Horowtiz, Harold Pearl, Ralph Pearl, Sam Golberg, Ed Miller, Mo Abramovich who was from Montreal. The team won the championship in Ottawa and then they had to go to Montreal to take on the Montreal team. The Montreal team had done an excellent job at waxing the floor on the basketball court. They did such a good job that the Ottawa boys slipped and had a disastrous defeat. Now during high school, Abe, Rueb, Sol and Dave worked as delivery boys at Aikons Drug Store at the corner of Charlotte and Rideau, 580 Rideau Street. They worked at night from 6-11 pm, to have some spending money. The pay was 50 cents per night. In summer they got there on their bikes, in the winter they had to walk. They didn’t clean the snow then like they do now so when you walked, if you were short like Dave, the snow was up to your knees. Abe and Reub both attended the University of Toronto. Abe had already spent 1 year at McGill and then decided to join Reub, and become a pharmacist. They graduated in 1932. Abe received the class gold medal. Abe left McGill. In 1980, Dave received a phone call from a man named Lionel Ashley? Who had gone to school with Abe, both highschool and McGill. Ashley said “did Abe ever tell you why he only went to McGill for one year?” Dave said no. Ashley said Abe was a very clever boy and the reason why he never went back to McGill was because they had a Jewish quota, and that’s why he was not readmitted. That is why, Abe had to change his mind and decided to go into pharmacy In the pre war years, to obtain a degree it was first necessary to serve a 3 year apprenticeship in the pharmacy, you worked before you went to school. After the apprenticeship period, one went on to the university of Toronto for 2 years, where at the end of that, one received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy plus a pharmacy degree in science, which enabled the graduate to open a pharmacy in Ontario. Now times were tough in 1932 when they graduated. However Abe managed to find a job at a Pharmacy on Wellington Street. Reub unfortunately could not find any work at all, so in April 1933, he started up his own pharmacy at 480 Rideau Street, just near the corner of Augusta In 1933, Dave was in Montreal, trying to get any kind of Job. He was staying at the YMCA paying 25-35 cents a night. In April 1933, Reub called Dave to come back to Ottawa and start his apprenticeship at his new pharmacy. Reub’s business was not very good at the start. They installed a lending library in the drugstore, where Reub would purchase books and rent them out for 2 cents a day. They did more business with the library than they did with the prescriptions for the first 2 years, then the pharmacy really improved and they got rid of the library. When Dave was apprenticing with Reub, he remembers tampons came on the market. He remembers a young woman who was having difficulty with the product because she wasn’t using it correctly. April 25, 1933- December 24, 1933 was the first prescription file at Molot pharmacy. In this file, they filled 500 prescriptions during that time. In those months, they were lucky to do that, and if you add up the repeat prescriptions that’s about 5 prescriptions a day. In November of 1981, 48 ½ years later, they sold the pharmacy to (?) pharmaceuticals in Toronto. At that time, their smallest and last remaining pharmacy at 580 Rideau street was filling 200 prescriptions a day. Back in 1935, Abe opened up his first drugstore at 586 Bank street, between Chamberlain and Rosebery. Abe was a real practical joker. One day he was going to put a sign up in the window when the messenger boy asked how he was going to stick that sign up in the window, so Abe said he needed a rubber hammer and rubber nails. So he sent the kid down the street to get the materials for him. The kid was gone all day. In September 1937, Aikon drugstore went bankrupt. Since his father had bought the building a year earlier, Abe decided to take over that store, but left Mr. Aikon managing the business. The pharmacy was renovated and restocked, and they hoped that this particular store, which had been a pharmacy for over 50 years, would be a success once again. 1938, Dave graduated pharmacy school in Toronto and returned to Ottawa. Reub asked Dave to help out for the summer, which he did, even though Dave had plans to go up to Northern Ontario where he had heard from school friends that there were good employment opportunities for him there. However, Reub wanted him to take over the new place on Rideau street, to see what was wrong with it because it was not bringing in new business In took Dave 2 weeks to find out there was something drastically wrong, and it was Mr. Aikon. They had to fire him. It was tough and took a lot of courage. Sandy Hill was particularly Gentile, there were not many Jews there, and for 25 years Mr. Aiken himself had been a prominent member in that community. He had at one time owned 3 pharmacies, lived in the Glebe, but was now destitute. Unfortunately, Mr. Aiken’s family had spent beyond his means, and after being let go in order to escape he moved to Toronto and opened a pharmacy there. That was the last time they heard from him. September 1st, 1939, after closing the pharmacy that night. Dave and 2 helpers were doing inventory when the radio was interrupted, with the announcement that Germany had invaded Poland. Dave recalls looking around the store and thinking that he wouldn’t be there for long Sunday September 10, 1939, Dave was with Bert Loeb and Dr. Joe Greenland. They were sitting in the beer garden at Saddish (?) hall sipping beer, when they heard Prime Minister Mackenzie King announce that Canada declared war on Germany. Dave told his friends he was going to enlist. Before leaving the hall he bumped into Harold Copland, and told him his intentions. Harold said he had a very good friend who was a colonel in a regiment, and wanted Dave to join his friend. The next day, Harold called Dave and gave him the phone number of his friend. He put in a call and they said they were recruiting so he went up right away. He went up to Slater street and there he was interviewed by Dr. Sam Merski who was a major. The recruiter said they needed a pharmacist and that Dave was joining a medical unit. Unit 5CCS; Number 5 Casualty Clearing Station, and he described it like MASH without Hawkins or Radar. The way the outfit functioned was to accept the wounded from a field ambulance and then after emergency operations ship them back to a general hospital. In the unit at that time besides himself and Dr. Merski was Dr. Eddie Wallstein, Joe Wolf who moved out of Ottawa and went to Toronto, and Norman Taller. A year and a half later when they were overseas, Archie Taller joined their unit. After Dave enlisted, he phoned Reub and Abe to tell them what he had done, and they would have to get someone else to run the pharmacy. It was a change for Dave who now had to take orders instead of giving them One of his reasons for enlisting so early: before the war with Hitler raving away in Europe, here in Canada, Jews were having problems. In the summer of 1938 or 39, there was an antisemitic man in Hull (Gatineau) named Tissot He would send hoodlums over and they would paint swastikas on stores owned by Jewish people. Dave also recalls going to a meeting at Dr. Sam Merskis’ office; there were 8 Jewish boys there. The purpose of the meeting was to try and find out who the hoodlums were. For 2 weeks at night they would travel around the shopping areas in cars carrying baseball bats hoping to find the antisemites. However they never found them That was in addition to the weekly news reports from movie news? Because there was no TV news at the time There you would see terrifying news of Hitler and his croonies screaming, yelling, their terrible messages. After joining the army, Dave was stationed at the exhibition grounds, then Petawawa for a year and then overseas. In England Dave met his wife Lotta. Before the war, Lotta lived in Luneburg, Germany. In 1938 she applied for a passport and the official forgot to stamp it with the letter J. Therefore she was able to leave Germany for London England. Once she was over in London she was able to obtain sponsors for her parents and brother to come to England in July 1939. They were very lucky. The first time he met Lottie was at a hospitality hall organized by a friend, Mrs. Elton, who had been head of the women’s division of B’nai B’rith and she had opened what they called Wolburn house, for the Canadian Jewish soldiers. Here they met old friends, met Jewish girls, and enjoyed coffee, cookies, and dancing. The first time Dave was with Sam Merski and his friend Mark Abramson. Mark, who was in the air force, was killed in Denmark in May 1944. Dave was in England until after the high holidays 1943, and Dave indicates there is a picture present of Lottie and some of the boys who were in the army from Ottawa They were shipped to Sicily in Italy. Dave had to leave behind his pregnant wife. Lottie and he were married in England November 18, 1942. He was in Italy until March 1945. June the 6th, 1944, Rome was taken by the American Army. The American general Mark Clark would not allow other troops, for example Canadian or Polish, to stay in Rome. They would enter to tour but could not stay. June 7 or 8th, Dave was in Rome with a gentile friend when a civilian approached, wanting to sell him postcards. By this time he could speak Italian so he asked him if there were any Jews around. No matter where he was, Dave was looking for Jewish people, and he found some. The civilian said yes he was a Jew, so they got talking, and he told Dave that the synagogue which had been closed since the beginning of the war was opening that night. So Jimmy and Dave attended the service. The chief Rabbi had been hiding in the Vatican, during the war and he gave the sermon. Dave found out after that the Rabbi had given up his Jewish faith and had converted to Catholicism. After the service, Jimmy and Dave wandered down to the Jewish ghetto which was not far from the synagogue, where they sat in a tiny wine cafe. A woman sitting near them began to tell Dave how much the Jews had suffered during the war. He asked her if she was Jewish and she said she was Catholic. She asked Dave if he was Catholic and he said no he was Jewish, and within 10 minutes that place was loaded with Jewish people and they shared lots of wine and missed their bus back to their billets. But they talked an American into giving them a ride back. In late March 1945, the Canadian army was transferred to Belgium. In May 1945 they arrived in Amersfoort Holland, where they liberated 2 Jewish families who were originally from Amsterdam. They had been hiding in the attic of a home for over 2 ½ years. They were very happy to see Dave and to find out that he was Jewish. When Dave got up to Belgium he managed to get a week’s leave to go up and meet Lottie for the first time in almost 2 years, and to see his daughter for the first time, who was then 1 year old. In August 1945, Dave returned to Canada and civilian life. At first he did not want to return to the pharmacy as he recalled in the prewar years he had to open the store at 8 in the morning, and close after 11 at night. He wanted to spend more time with his wife and child. However, Reub and Abe convinced him that times had changed and things were different, meaning the hours were only 9 to 9. So early September 1945 he went back to work in the drug store, taking up the old store at 580 Rideau Street. In December 1946, they lost their dad, and their mother now took over at the head of the Molot clan, and they decided they were going to pool their resources together and those left behind by their father. First they sold their holdings on Cobourg street. Dave said although any family their size is prone to arguments, his family was quick to forgive after an argument. Reub was an excellent athlete in high school, he held the track record for the 100 yard dash, was an excellent boxer and basketball player. Years later in 1947, he coached the Ottawa B’nai B’rith intermediate basketball team. It was such a good team that it defeated Montreal, and won in the semi finals in Moncton, New Brunswick, before advancing to the Canadian finals in Waterford, Cape Breton. It lost in a 2 game series by only 2 points. In April 1953, they decided to tear down the pharmacy at 580 Rideau street. They replaced it with an office building and put in a new drug store The plan at first was to put a building all around the old store, and that way the business could move into the new building temporarily while they tore down the old building and rebuilt it, with the purpose of moving back in. But the man who did the construction work forgot to fix the foundation of the old store and it all caved in. So for 9 months Dave was out of business, so he moved in with Reub for the 9 months During the 9 months he worked with Reub at 460 Rideau. In 1940, Reub had moved his store from 480 to 460 Rideau, a plot of land he built the store and 2 apartments above it, that Reub’s family later moved into. In late december 1953, when the 5 storey building was completed and the new drug store was finished, Dave returned to his old location. In 1954, they decided to close down 460 rideau street because it was too close, and Reub and Dave joined together at 580 rideau Street A few years later the Molot family purchased property on Cartier st at the corner of MacLaren. There they constructed a 90 unit apartment building, and Reub and Edith named the apartment building after the Molot family- calling it SADLERS Laz retired from the fur business in 1954 and Sal came up to Ottawa from New York to take over. Laz had handled the family real estate until he retired to go south around 1975. He had to obtain a passport, and at the passport office in the interview the man in charge said “Mr. Molot I’m sure you’ve been in Canada for at least 50 years, we’ve heard your name quite often. Can you give me the name of someone you might have known 50 years ago?” Laz said yes, he remembered Rabbi Burger, Rabbi Merski, both the man had never heard of. Laz said he recalled Father Miron. Audio cuts out…restarts 45:11- 45:24. Dave recalls they gave National Drug 100% of their local purchases, which was a blessing in disguise because National Drug was having financial issues, especially with the rise of antisemitism from the Gentile pharmacists. However, the Loebs, who were part of National Drug eventually returned the favour. After Abe took over the McArthur Plaza store, they sold the Bank street store, which 3 years later became and remains a Christian Bible book store. They concentrated on the 5 remaining stores, later selling each in turn as years went by. First the (M) store, then one year later the McArthur Plaza to one of their old time managers, who had been with them since he graduated. The manager’s son, who is also a pharmacist, is the present owner. As for 580 Rideau, in the office building with the pharmacy they needed a place for people to go for lunch so they put in a snack bar- they put in a small restaurant at the rear of the pharmacy with 26 stools and 4 booths. Dave said he did more business that first year than he did 15 years later, when he closed the snackbar when he renovated the pharmacy for the 5th and last time. It cost him about $400 a month just to have his breakfast there. Within one year of opening the new pharmacy and snack bar in 1953, 6 small restaurants had opened between him and Ambrose. By the time he closed the snack bar 15 years later, there were 13 small restaurants in that area. He remembers the Ambrose restaurant said Dave had no business going into the food business and he said don’t worry we’re selling Jewish spaghetti not Italian spaghetti. Shoppers City West? Created a whole new concept for all pharmacies in Ottawa. It was the city’s first discount pharmacy and proved successful. So when they took over the pharmacy in the East, they converted it also to a discount operation. Finally after they got rid of the snack bar at 580 rideau st, this pharmacy too was converted to a discount pharmacy. They retained the regular staff, but there were no more charge accounts and no more deliveries. Prior to becoming a discount store, they had been giving a 10% discount to their Jewish customers. After meeting with their auditors, they were forced to acknowledge that the discount was not profitable. As a result, they arranged a meeting with all the Jewish pharmacists in town and at this discussion it was agreed by all to terminate the courtesy discount because it was getting around to the Gentile people. Reub wrote a beautiful letter explaining why the discounts would stop. However, not long after they learned that 3 of the pharmacists had decided to continue the discount and in no time at all they lost about 75% of their friends. However, their store became more profitable because of their Gentile customers. One telephone call from a former customer said he wouldn’t work with Dave because he can get his discount elsewhere, but he really appreciated Dave and Reub’s dedication to their customers. As the years went on, they regained some of their customers and they introduced a loyalty discount. During their years in business, a number of Jewish boys worked in the pharmacy as apprentices. Including Marty Ginesberg, Dave Edleson, Jack Aberman, Bernie Goldberg, Norman Firkin, and 2 others from Toronto who did not like Ottawa so back they went. In his 48 years in Molot Pharmacies, Dave has wonderful memories of all the people he knew. He looks back at the lasting impact the pharmacy had on the Ottawa area. During those years they were not only business men, but a great asset to the medical profession. Molot furs, Dave’s dad, Laz and Saul also contributed to making the Molot family a great asset to the Ottawa community. To this day, Dave still maintains contacts with a number of old staff who had been with them for a number of years. Even after 15 years of retirement, Dave still runs into customers, who still remember and miss him. Audio ends with a audience member asking “what do you take for bad colds” Audio ends- 52:27

Date: October 20, 1996

Publication: David Molot

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

Dora and Abraham Lithwick

https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106423

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Fonds No.: O0045

Date: May 14, 2001

Collection: Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Material Type: sound recording

Date: May 14, 2001

Publication: Barry Lithwick

Fonds No.: O0045

Storage Location: vault

Archival / Genealogical: Archival Descriptions

Repository: Ottawa Jewish Archives

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