Annual Chanukah dinner at Machzikei Hadas .
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 5-010-01
- Date
- December 7, 1947
Banquet at Machzikei Hadas Congregation.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 5-316
- Date
- February 1, 1943
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Date
- February 1, 1943
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 5-316
- Notes
- Sam Kardash is located at the bottom right of the photograph.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Black marble pen holder and pen presented to L. Gunner.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- object
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 5-328-01
- Date
- 1960
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- object
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Date
- 1960
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 5-328-01
- Conservation
- Metal inscription plate is corroding.
- Acquisition Source
- Sol Gunner
- Notes
- The inscription reads as "L. Gonner" and should have read as "L. Gunner." Pen sits in groove in base via a strong magnet.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Broadside advertising a performance by Cantor Avraham Yosef Levinsky.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 poster
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 99-02
- Date
- March 1930
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- textual record
- Physical Description
- 1 poster
- Date
- March 1930
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 99-02
- Storage Location
- Located in OS Mixed Box 15
- Conservation
- This broadside received conservation treatment from conservator Kyla Ubbink in the summer of 2009. It is now flattened, de-acidified, backed and repaired as well as encapsulated.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Channukah Banquet at Machzikei Hadas Congregation on Murray Street in Ottawa.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 5-317
- Date
- 1946
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Date
- 1946
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 5-317
- History / Biographical
- Mrs. Rachel Gunner (shown with pearls) is Sol Gunner's mother.
- Notes
- L-R: Rabbi Lifschutz (standing). Rabbi B. Kravetz (seated), Mr. Lachavitz, guest from Montreal next to Rabbi. Others are Harry Pleet, Bertha Pleet, Mr. & Mrs. H. Sedelnick and Mrs. Rachel Gunner.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Chanukah evening at Machzikei Hadas Congregation or Members of the Board.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 4-063
- Date
- [1947-1948]
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Date
- [1947-1948]
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 4-063
- Storage Location
- vault
- Notes
- L-R: Front row; A. Goren, M. Bordelay, A. Appotive, B. Greenberg, A. Fireman, H. Gencher, H. Weiner, J. Morris, M. Greenberg, L. Goren, and I. Zunder. Second row; A. Kevanstein, O. Petigorsky, I. Weiner, H. Sidelnik, H. Pleet, S. Saslove, Rev, N. Borenstein, Rev. S. Zuckerman, E. Weiner, and B. Taller. Third row; M. Nadolny, G. Applebaum, B. Applebaum, I. Nadler, M. Pleet,, J. Beckman, L. Snyder I. Finkelstein, T. Bordelay, S. Wiseman, and M. Shulman. Top row; J. Butovsky, Mrs. S. Zuckerman, Mrs. B. Polowin, B. Polowin, Mrs. H. Pleet, Mrs. J. Butovsky, Mrs. S. Eisenberg, Mrs. B. Taller and Mrs. S. Tanner.
- Related Material
- Also numbered 5-015 and CA1311.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Citizenship Court Reception, Sisterhood Machzikei Hadas.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 5-295-01
- Date
- July 19, 1995
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Date
- July 19, 1995
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 5-295-01
- Acquisition Source
- Gail Victor
- Notes
- L-R: Thelma Steinman, Perla Abtan, Hennie Honigman, Doreen Arnoni, Rhoda Levine, Lieba Kranzberg, Dora Litwack.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Citizenship Court Reception, Sisterhood Machzikei Hadas.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 5-295-02
- Date
- July 19, 1995
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Date
- July 19, 1995
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 5-295-02
- Acquisition Source
- Gail Victor
- Notes
- L-R: Rabbi Bulka, Perla Abtan, Hennie Honigman, Thelma Steinman, Judge Judy Parish, Lieba Kranzberg, Rhoda Levine, Dora Litwack and mountie.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Conservator on scaffold stabilizing plaster for removal.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 14-046
- Date
- [1978-1979]
Decorative silver tray presented to L. Gunner.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- object
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 5-329-01
- Date
- 2011
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- object
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Date
- 2011
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 5-329-01
- Acquisition Source
- Sol Gunner
- Notes
- Tray presented in recognition of being a lifetime Machzikei Hadas Congregation member.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Exterior of Machzikei Hadas Synagogue.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 5-080-03
- Date
- [195-?]
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Date
- [195-?]
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 5-080-03
- Storage Location
- vault
- Acquisition Source
- Estelle Gunner
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Exterior of Machzikei Hadas Synagogue. Rocks and beebee guns were shot through the windows before it was demolished, damaging zodiac murals inside.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 5-080-02
- Date
- [ca. 1979]
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Date
- [ca. 1979]
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 5-080-02
- Storage Location
- vault
- Acquisition Source
- Estelle Gunner
- Notes
- The Synagogue was demolished in 1979 and only the murals, the Oren Kodesh and some of the pews were salvaged.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Interior of Machzikei Hadas Synagogue
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 12-005
- Date
- [ca. 1970]
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Date
- [ca. 1970]
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 12-005
- Storage Location
- workroom and vault
- Creator
- Studio Impact, Ottawa
- Notes
- The Synagogue was demolished in 1979 and only the murals (not including urns and lettering on east wall), the Oren Kodesh and some of the pews were removed.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Material Type
- multiple media
- Physical Description
- textual records, graphic material, objects
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Date
- 1908-2016
- Scope and Content
- BOX 1 - Various
A folded poster donated by Estelle Gunner in 2009 showing several photographs of Machzikei Hadas on Murray Street on one side and model of new synagogue in Alta Vista. Produced for purpose of advertising telephone campaign for pledges to pay for new building. Rabbi Bulka's photo an…
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Material Type
- multiple media
- Physical Description
- textual records, graphic material, objects
- Scope and Content
- BOX 1 - Various
A folded poster donated by Estelle Gunner in 2009 showing several photographs of Machzikei Hadas on Murray Street on one side and model of new synagogue in Alta Vista. Produced for purpose of advertising telephone campaign for pledges to pay for new building. Rabbi Bulka's photo and message included (see 5-080-03);
A copy of an interview with Mr. Laibel Steinberg on the early history of the congregation - Date Unknown;
Sisterhood of Machzikei Hadas Senior Girls of the Junior Congregation formal tea invitation. Hostesses - Debbie Applebaum, Enid Appotive, Ilsa Dubrovsky, Barbara Greenberg, Minchie Goldberg, Adele Goldstein, Zena Koffman, Norma Kufsky, Shelly Segal, Eleanor Schwartz, Eleanor Steinberg - 1963
Notices of Formal Meetings, 1958-1974 (with gaps);
A list of past presidents;
The original mortgage agreement for M. H. Clarence St., 1908;
Bylaws of Machzikei Hadas Congregation, 1919;
Constitution and Bylaws, 1959;
Declaration of trust (two originals - one signed, one unsigned), 1930;
Mortgage documents, 1916;
Correspondence - Legal, Corporation Statements, 1928-1936, 1946, 1960;
Member Lists, 1949, 1970, 1971, 1972 (includes a list of leaders for various committees within the congregation and a letter that was sent to new congregants - 1971-1972);
Three certificates of Pew Ownership - H. Steinman, 1933; Max Drazin, 1931; H. PLeet, 1931;
Application cards for membership - One completed, many blanks, 1950's;
An agreement of Seat Purchase for H. Steinman, 1927;
A list of Officers of the Corporation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews and their bylaws, 1949;
Contract with Cantor Reverend Nathan Borenstein, 1957;
Burning the mortgage banquet, 1947;
Hebrew Publishing Compnay calendar, 1936;
Financial Reports, 1955, 1960;
Copy of Ben Karp Yiddish Bar Mitzva speech, 1930;
A file of material donated by Oscar Petegorsky in the Fall of 2002 - A receipt for Oscar Petegorsky for the sum of $25.00 for the purchace of a burial plot for Mr. Slack - 1934, An account statement from A. J. Freiman Limited showing a $100.00 fee for the decoration of his department store building on Rideau St. to decorate it for the King's visit - 1939, An invoice to Mr. Steinberg detailing expenses to be paid - 1939, A pamphlet announcing the final shabbat (shabbos) service at Machzikei Hadas on Murray Street;
A Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 1967;
A small file of newspaper clippings;
Murray Street blank stationary;
Cornerstone contents; a list of names on paper in the cornerstone. It came in a tin box which was stolen during a break-in.
A Minutes Ledger and its translations, 1946-1960?;
A plaque regarding the Machzikei Hadas murals;
Artifiact, ironstone plate with a decal of 264 Murray Street synagogue, dated September 24, 1973. Signed by Saul Saslove, President, Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka. Donated by Mrs Ben Karp, 2004 located in small records centre box;
An Alta Vista location Bingo advertisement matchbook;
Machzikei Hadas constitution, 1975;
A Jewish National Fund certificate from the Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood stating that two trees have been planted in honour of Minnie Drazin for being "Woman of the Year," 1967;
A file on the Coat of Arms for Machzikei Hadas, 1994;
A book written by Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka called, "An Unforgettable Hour: Congregation Machzikei Hadas receives a coat of arms,"1997;
Machzikei Hadas Calendars;
BOX 2 - Various
A "History" file - Machzikei Hadas but also many other handwritten notes from former Archivist Shirley Berman on a variety of subjects. There is an interview from 1950 from Jacob Freedman. He talks of coming to the city, meeting John Dover, Jacob Cohen, Moses Bilsky, Issacher Dov Berman and others. He talks about the Shohets of Ottawa and matters of Kashruth and the early competing Minyanim.
Three pages on the history of the Machzikei Hadas congregation and synagogue.
Sylvia Kershman's notes and Remembrances, 2001;
Promotional brochure for the Alta Vista synagogue location, date nknown;
Dedication - Script and Direction by Sol Max "Memory Lane," June, 1974;
Rosh Hashanah, 1973;
Max Nadolny dinner, 1976;
Program for the Sefer Torah Presentation, 1979;
Burn the mortgage campaign, 1981;
25th Anniversary, 1999;
Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka - Invitations and programs, 1982-1993;
Correspondence from Jack Haberman, 1977;
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Passover preparations, list of Officers, list of activities, 1971, 1982-1990;
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Invitations, 1981-1989;
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Strawberry Tea
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Sale of Israel Bonds, 1966-1987;
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Minutes, 1949-160 (file states that contents are on loan from Bessie Applebaum);
Machziei Hadas Sisterhood - Administrative Documents and notes, 1987;
Machzikei Hadas - Debut Theater, contains many advertisements for local businesses, date unknown;
Newsletters and Announcements, 1982-2006;
Fundraising for Capital Campaign, $2,000,000.00, possibly 2006;
Shabbat-iton, 1990, 1991, 1997, 2002;
Announcements, various dates begining 1981;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 1975-1984;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 1985-1990;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 1997-2001;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 2002-2008;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 2008-2013;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 2013-
General Information from the Machzikei Hadas website, December 22, 2009;
The Future of the Congregation, 2009, 2011;
Members Information, 2009-2005;
- Date
- 1908-2016
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Storage Location
- 1 box in OS
- History / Biographical
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation began as a small group of people who worshipped in a home on St. Patrick Street owned by Mr. and Mrs. Goldberg. They met every Shabbat, winter and summer, paying 25 cents per week for dues. Then one High Holiday, they rented a hall at the corner of Dalhousie and St. Patrick Street for one month covering Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and charged $1.00.
In 1908, approximately 15 to 20 families bought the building at 264 Murray Street, the former site of Adath Jeshrun Congregation and repurposed soda water factory of Michael Fine, and returned it to its original religious function. 264 Murray Street became the first permanent Machzikei Hadas synagogue. Laibel and Max Steinberg and Kseil and Abraham Applebaum worked on 264 Murray to transform it into a synagogue again.
An $1800.00 mortgage, taken out on May 12, 1908, uses the formal name of the congregation. Signatures include Henry Levine - tailor, Nathan Wolfe - tailor, Benjamin Nathan (son) - peddler, Max Friedman - shoemaker, Max (Mendel) Lachowitz - peddler and Abraham Applebaum - carpenter. The Congregation was incorporated on July 15, 1919 as Machezike Hadath Congregation (a spelling which was later modified).
In 1923, the congregation purchased two homes owned by Oscar Petigorsky at the corner of King Edward and Murray Streets. The synagogue at 259 Murray Street opened in 1929. It was during Abraham Doren's presidency from 1935-1938 that the decorative murals were installed along the women's gallery.
Reverend Baker served as cantor from 1910 until his death in 1945. He was followed by Reverend Nathan Borenstein and Reverend Harry Weissbord. Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka arrived in 1967 and continued in that post into the 21st century.
Machzikei Hadas relocated in 1973 to a newly designed synagogue on Virginia Drive in Alta Vista. In its new location it extends services to 500 families including youth, seniors, educational and public awareness programs. On December 27, 1973, by Letters Patent, the name was changed to Congregation Machzikei Hadas. In 1994 Machzikei Hadas congregation became the first synagogue in the history of the Commonwealth to be granted a coat of arms.
Presidents of Machzikei Hadas:
1925-1932 - Max Drazin
1932-1934 - Abraham Dworkin
1934-1935 - Oscar Petigorsky
1935-1938 - Abraham Goren
1938-1939 - Oscar Petigorsky
1939-1941 - Edward Weiner
1941-1942 - Zalman Silver
1942-1943 - Mendel Steinberg
1943-1953 - Saul Saslove
1953-1955 - Edward Weiner
1956-1957 - Mendel Steinberg
1957-1962 - Saul Saslove
1962-1964 - David Appotive
1964- Max Greenberg
1964-1970 - Rudy Appotive
1970-1973 - Saul Saslove
1973-1975 - Jack Pleet
1975-1977 - Laurence Sugerman
1977-1981 - Harry Rosenberg
1981-1983 - Morris Melamed
1983-1985 - Murray Citron
1985-1987 - Kenneth Miller
1987-1989 - Akiva Kriger
1989-1991 - Stephen Appotive
1991-1993 - Howard Goldberg
1993-1995 - David Kardish
1995-1997 - Louis Honigman
1997-1999 - Hymie Reichstein
2000-2002 - Joel Taller
2003-2006 - David Freeman
2007-2008 - Eric Wilner
2008-2010 - Andrew Fainer
2010-2012 - Harry Prizant
2012- present - Jonah Rabinovitch
- Notes
- 1. Early history quotation taken from Sol Max. Retrospect and Prospect presentation at Machzikei Hadas Dedication, Sunday, June 16, 1974.
2. A documentary by the National Film Board called Bar Mitzvah was filmed at 264 Murray Street, probably the late 1950s, and is available from Adele Sidney.
3. Incorporation date from Rabbi Lifschutz letter, January 17, 1951;
4. A decorative and inscribed silver tray given to L. Gunner in recognition of being a life member of the Machzikei Hadas Congregation. Inscription states, "Congregation Machzikei / Adas / Life Member / Mr L. Gunner." and a black marble pen holder given in recognition to L. Gunner. Inscription reads incorrectly as "L. Gonner". It states, "Chevra Mishnyas / Machzikei Adas / Feb. 21st - 1960 / Sec. L. Gonner". Donated in July, 2011 by his son, Sol Gunner, located in artifacts section of vault.
10. Information pertaining to date of murals obtained from Abraham Goren's daughter, Mrs. Sally Taller in November, 2011. She remembers that he liked colour and was very proud of this accomplishment during his presidency.
- Related Material
- Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka fonds, MG 31, F 14, is available with the National Archives of Canada
See Individual file for Laibel Steinberg's history of early congregation.
See Committee to Save the Murals subseries.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Jewish Public Library Archives
Less detail
Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Material Type
- multiple media
- Physical Description
- textual records, graphic material, objects
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Date
- 1908-2016
- Scope and Content
- BOX 1 - Various
A folded poster donated by Estelle Gunner in 2009 showing several photographs of Machzikei Hadas on Murray Street on one side and model of new synagogue in Alta Vista. Produced for purpose of advertising telephone campaign for pledges to pay for new building. Rabbi Bulka's photo an…
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Material Type
- multiple media
- Physical Description
- textual records, graphic material, objects
- Scope and Content
- BOX 1 - Various
A folded poster donated by Estelle Gunner in 2009 showing several photographs of Machzikei Hadas on Murray Street on one side and model of new synagogue in Alta Vista. Produced for purpose of advertising telephone campaign for pledges to pay for new building. Rabbi Bulka's photo and message included (see 5-080-03);
A copy of an interview with Mr. Laibel Steinberg on the early history of the congregation - Date Unknown;
Sisterhood of Machzikei Hadas Senior Girls of the Junior Congregation formal tea invitation. Hostesses - Debbie Applebaum, Enid Appotive, Ilsa Dubrovsky, Barbara Greenberg, Minchie Goldberg, Adele Goldstein, Zena Koffman, Norma Kufsky, Shelly Segal, Eleanor Schwartz, Eleanor Steinberg - 1963
Notices of Formal Meetings, 1958-1974 (with gaps);
A list of past presidents;
The original mortgage agreement for M. H. Clarence St., 1908;
Bylaws of Machzikei Hadas Congregation, 1919;
Constitution and Bylaws, 1959;
Declaration of trust (two originals - one signed, one unsigned), 1930;
Mortgage documents, 1916;
Correspondence - Legal, Corporation Statements, 1928-1936, 1946, 1960;
Member Lists, 1949, 1970, 1971, 1972 (includes a list of leaders for various committees within the congregation and a letter that was sent to new congregants - 1971-1972);
Three certificates of Pew Ownership - H. Steinman, 1933; Max Drazin, 1931; H. PLeet, 1931;
Application cards for membership - One completed, many blanks, 1950's;
An agreement of Seat Purchase for H. Steinman, 1927;
A list of Officers of the Corporation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews and their bylaws, 1949;
Contract with Cantor Reverend Nathan Borenstein, 1957;
Burning the mortgage banquet, 1947;
Hebrew Publishing Compnay calendar, 1936;
Financial Reports, 1955, 1960;
Copy of Ben Karp Yiddish Bar Mitzva speech, 1930;
A file of material donated by Oscar Petegorsky in the Fall of 2002 - A receipt for Oscar Petegorsky for the sum of $25.00 for the purchace of a burial plot for Mr. Slack - 1934, An account statement from A. J. Freiman Limited showing a $100.00 fee for the decoration of his department store building on Rideau St. to decorate it for the King's visit - 1939, An invoice to Mr. Steinberg detailing expenses to be paid - 1939, A pamphlet announcing the final shabbat (shabbos) service at Machzikei Hadas on Murray Street;
A Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 1967;
A small file of newspaper clippings;
Murray Street blank stationary;
Cornerstone contents; a list of names on paper in the cornerstone. It came in a tin box which was stolen during a break-in.
A Minutes Ledger and its translations, 1946-1960?;
A plaque regarding the Machzikei Hadas murals;
Artifiact, ironstone plate with a decal of 264 Murray Street synagogue, dated September 24, 1973. Signed by Saul Saslove, President, Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka. Donated by Mrs Ben Karp, 2004 located in small records centre box;
An Alta Vista location Bingo advertisement matchbook;
Machzikei Hadas constitution, 1975;
A Jewish National Fund certificate from the Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood stating that two trees have been planted in honour of Minnie Drazin for being "Woman of the Year," 1967;
A file on the Coat of Arms for Machzikei Hadas, 1994;
A book written by Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka called, "An Unforgettable Hour: Congregation Machzikei Hadas receives a coat of arms,"1997;
Machzikei Hadas Calendars;
BOX 2 - Various
A "History" file - Machzikei Hadas but also many other handwritten notes from former Archivist Shirley Berman on a variety of subjects. There is an interview from 1950 from Jacob Freedman. He talks of coming to the city, meeting John Dover, Jacob Cohen, Moses Bilsky, Issacher Dov Berman and others. He talks about the Shohets of Ottawa and matters of Kashruth and the early competing Minyanim.
Three pages on the history of the Machzikei Hadas congregation and synagogue.
Sylvia Kershman's notes and Remembrances, 2001;
Promotional brochure for the Alta Vista synagogue location, date nknown;
Dedication - Script and Direction by Sol Max "Memory Lane," June, 1974;
Rosh Hashanah, 1973;
Max Nadolny dinner, 1976;
Program for the Sefer Torah Presentation, 1979;
Burn the mortgage campaign, 1981;
25th Anniversary, 1999;
Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka - Invitations and programs, 1982-1993;
Correspondence from Jack Haberman, 1977;
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Passover preparations, list of Officers, list of activities, 1971, 1982-1990;
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Invitations, 1981-1989;
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Strawberry Tea
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Sale of Israel Bonds, 1966-1987;
Machzikei Hadas Sisterhood - Minutes, 1949-160 (file states that contents are on loan from Bessie Applebaum);
Machziei Hadas Sisterhood - Administrative Documents and notes, 1987;
Machzikei Hadas - Debut Theater, contains many advertisements for local businesses, date unknown;
Newsletters and Announcements, 1982-2006;
Fundraising for Capital Campaign, $2,000,000.00, possibly 2006;
Shabbat-iton, 1990, 1991, 1997, 2002;
Announcements, various dates begining 1981;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 1975-1984;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 1985-1990;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 1997-2001;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 2002-2008;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 2008-2013;
Shuleinu - Machzikei Hadas Bulletin, 2013-
General Information from the Machzikei Hadas website, December 22, 2009;
The Future of the Congregation, 2009, 2011;
Members Information, 2009-2005;
BOX 4 - Ledger books
These books were acquired through the Rabbi Bulka Spring Book Sale
- 5 ledger books form between 1913 and 1935. Books are in Yiddish
- Date
- 1908-2016
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Storage Location
- A.3.1
- 1 box in OS
- History / Biographical
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation began as a small group of people who worshipped in a home on St. Patrick Street owned by Mr. and Mrs. Goldberg. They met every Shabbat, winter and summer, paying 25 cents per week for dues. Then one High Holiday, they rented a hall at the corner of Dalhousie and St. Patrick Street for one month covering Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and charged $1.00.
In 1908, approximately 15 to 20 families bought the building at 264 Murray Street, the former site of Adath Jeshurun Congregation and repurposed soda water factory of Michael Fine, and returned it to its original religious function. 264 Murray Street became the first permanent Machzikei Hadas synagogue. Laibel and Max Steinberg and Kseil and Abraham Applebaum worked on 264 Murray to transform it into a synagogue again.
An $1800.00 mortgage, taken out on May 12, 1908, uses the formal name of the congregation. Signatures include Henry Levine - tailor, Nathan Wolfe - tailor, Benjamin Nathan (son) - peddler, Max Friedman - shoemaker, Max (Mendel) Lachowitz - peddler and Abraham Applebaum - carpenter. The Congregation was incorporated on July 15, 1919 as Machezike Hadath Congregation (a spelling which was later modified).
In 1923, the congregation purchased two homes owned by Oscar Petigorsky at the corner of King Edward and Murray Streets. The synagogue at 259 Murray Street opened in 1929. It was during Abraham Doren's presidency from 1935-1938 that the decorative murals were installed along the women's gallery.
Reverend Baker served as cantor from 1910 until his death in 1945. He was followed by Reverend Nathan Borenstein and Reverend Harry Weissbord. Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka arrived in 1967 and continued in that post into the 21st century.
Machzikei Hadas relocated in 1973 to a newly designed synagogue on Virginia Drive in Alta Vista. In its new location it extends services to 500 families including youth, seniors, educational and public awareness programs. On December 27, 1973, by Letters Patent, the name was changed to Congregation Machzikei Hadas. In 1994 Machzikei Hadas congregation became the first synagogue in the history of the Commonwealth to be granted a coat of arms.
Presidents of Machzikei Hadas:
1925-1932 - Max Drazin
1932-1934 - Abraham Dworkin
1934-1935 - Oscar Petigorsky
1935-1938 - Abraham Goren
1938-1939 - Oscar Petigorsky
1939-1941 - Edward Weiner
1941-1942 - Zalman Silver
1942-1943 - Mendel Steinberg
1943-1953 - Saul Saslove
1953-1955 - Edward Weiner
1956-1957 - Mendel Steinberg
1957-1962 - Saul Saslove
1962-1964 - David Appotive
1964- Max Greenberg
1964-1970 - Rudy Appotive
1970-1973 - Saul Saslove
1973-1975 - Jack Pleet
1975-1977 - Laurence Sugerman
1977-1981 - Harry Rosenberg
1981-1983 - Morris Melamed
1983-1985 - Murray Citron
1985-1987 - Kenneth Miller
1987-1989 - Akiva Kriger
1989-1991 - Stephen Appotive
1991-1993 - Howard Goldberg
1993-1995 - David Kardish
1995-1997 - Louis Honigman
1997-1999 - Hymie Reichstein
2000-2002 - Joel Taller
2003-2006 - David Freeman
2007-2008 - Eric Wilner
2008-2010 - Andrew Fainer
2010-2012 - Harry Prizant
2012- present - Jonah Rabinovitch
- Notes
- 1. Early history quotation taken from Sol Max. Retrospect and Prospect presentation at Machzikei Hadas Dedication, Sunday, June 16, 1974.
2. A documentary by the National Film Board called Bar Mitzvah was filmed at 264 Murray Street, probably the late 1950s, and is available from Adele Sidney.
3. Incorporation date from Rabbi Lifschutz letter, January 17, 1951;
4. A decorative and inscribed silver tray given to L. Gunner in recognition of being a life member of the Machzikei Hadas Congregation. Inscription states, "Congregation Machzikei / Adas / Life Member / Mr L. Gunner." and a black marble pen holder given in recognition to L. Gunner. Inscription reads incorrectly as "L. Gonner". It states, "Chevra Mishnyas / Machzikei Adas / Feb. 21st - 1960 / Sec. L. Gonner". Donated in July, 2011 by his son, Sol Gunner, located in artifacts section of vault.
10. Information pertaining to date of murals obtained from Abraham Goren's daughter, Mrs. Sally Taller in November, 2011. She remembers that he liked colour and was very proud of this accomplishment during his presidency.
- Related Material
- Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka fonds, MG 31, F 14, is available with the National Archives of Canada
See Individual file for Laibel Steinberg's history of early congregation.
See Committee to Save the Murals subseries.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Machzikei Hadas Congregation in Ottawa murals, detailed painted star of David at the bottom of the arch.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 14-028-02
- Date
- [1978-1979]
Machzikei Hadas Congregation in Ottawa murals, view of balcony and murals.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 14-042
- Date
- [1978-1979]
Machzikei Hadas Congregation in Ottawa murals, view of mural and stained glass Star of David
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : co;.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 14-027-01
- Date
- [1978-1979]
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : co;.
- Date
- [1978-1979]
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 14-027-01
- Notes
- There are other related photographs on file.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail
Machzikei Hadas Congregation in Ottawa murals, view of mural and stained glass Star of David
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 14-027-02
- Date
- [1978-1979]
Machzikei Hadas Congregation in Ottawa murals, view of murals from the balcony with the north window.
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Fonds No.
- C0010; OJA 14-034
- Date
- [1978-1979]
- Collection
- Machzikei Hadas Congregation fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- graphic material
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col.
- Date
- [1978-1979]
- Fonds No.
- C0010
- Item No.
- OJA 14-034
- Notes
- This photograph was taken just before the demolition of the synagogue.
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
Less detail