Heritage – Yerusha Winter 2012 Tevet/Shevat 5772 Volume 14, No. 2 HERITAGEHERITAGE www.jahsena.ca The Journal of THE JEWISH ARCHIVES & HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF EDMONTON & NORTHERN ALBERTA

Inside: The 100th Anniversary of the Edmonton Talmud Torah.

Jews in t h Film Ta l m u d To r a h Ce l e b r a t e s i t s 100 An n i v e r s a r y , page 5 Ma y 11t h - 13t h , 2012

South African Jews in Edmonton page 6

Childhood Memories page 10

Hold the date: Sunday, Photos of the first, second and March 18th third Talmud Eva Olsson Torah Schools Holocaust See article pg. 4 Survivor Talk 2 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca HERITAGE • Winter 2011 hwry From the Archivist’s Desk..., by Debby Shoctor HERITAGEHERITAGE The Journal of the Jewish Winter, 2011 Archives & Historical Society of Edmonton and Northern Archivist’s Report, AGM 2011 Alberta President t’s been another busy year at the Archives, Iand I just want to highlight a few things Jini Vogel that have been happening. Archivist & Editor As usual, we published three newsletters Debby Shoctor this year, and they are getting longer and longer! The average now is 16 pages, not 12. Treasurer There are just so many good stories out there! Howard Davidow And the good news is I have had to write very few of the articles myself! This year, we Secretary had an excellent series from Paula Kirman Hal Simons on Edmonton Jews in the Media: Radio, Television and Film. This follows her earlier Vice Presidents article on Jewish Journalists. The last install- Expedition group: Debby Shoctor, Michael Dawe, Judy Goldsand ment will be out in January. We also had a Jim Vincent, Stephen Vincent, Mr. Lawrence. Marcus Miriam Rabinovitch wonderful article from Lawrence Herzog on photo. the 60th Anniversary of Beth Shalom, and excellent book, I have a copy in the Archives, Members-at-Large it came out just in time to celebrate. Our or they are still available from Audrey’s. On Dr. Manuel Friedman, own Board Member, Caroline Ullman, has another publishing note, local authors (who Mel Wyne, Caroline Ullman, become a regular columnist, writing about you can read about in another excellent Phil Lister, her genealogical adventures, and her column Heritage article )David Mannes and Debby Dr. George Goldsand, was even picked up by Shem Tov, the journal Waldman have also recently published books, of the Toronto Jewish Genealogical Society! as has Stacy Schiff, a part-time Edmontonian Doreen Jampolsky, Ron Bercov We have also had great response from casual and JAHSENA member. Past-President contributors, including Ruth Nolan, Henry I finished my term on the Edmonton Dan Kauffman Goldberg and Dr. Eric Schloss, whose next Heritage Council this year, and it was a article will appear in this issue. We have very interesting experience. Historians, Founding President articles coming in from Leah Goldford, Archivists and others from across the City Uri Rosenzweig Aaron Oshry, Esther Starkman and George came together to form this organization, Goldsand as well. This is becoming a real which advocates for heritage and culture in Graphic Design community forum. our City. It appointed the first Historian PageMaster Last year’s Spring program saw Helen Laureate of the City of Edmonton, Ken Waldstein Wilkes of Vancouver come to Tingley, and has begun work on creating a speak about her book, “Letters from the Lost,” City of Edmonton Museum, which will most Mailing Address a story of discovering her family’s ties to the likely be housed on the old Royal Alberta JAHSENA, 7200-156 St., Holocaust. She was jointly sponsored by us Museum site, when it moves to its new build- Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 1X3 and the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, and ing downtown. In addition, they publish a spoke to the annual Holocaust Symposium regular newsletter, have a website, hold confer- Telephone: (780) 489-2809 for Grade 12 students while she was here. ences and have instituted a grant program Audrey’s books came to set up a table to for cultural organizations. To subscribe, go Fax: (780) 481-1854 sell her books, and she appeared there for a to the Edmonton Heritage Council Website: Email: [email protected] signing as well. After she left, her book was www.edmontonheritagecouncil.org, or Website: www.jahsena.ca. voted to become the Alberta Reader’s Choice join their Facebook page. One of the more Book Award winner. Thanks to all of you interesting projects they are working on is a who voted for her. If you want to read this Continued on page 14 HERITAGE • winter 2011 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca 3 Michael Paull Embarks on Epic Ethiopian Adventure ichael was born in Edmonton 55 years tion change of Ethiopia. Riding may not be Mago, and still lives one block away from the hardest part of the adventure as he sets up where he grew up. Both his parents were born his own tent each night while the wild animals 82 years ago, in Edmonton and still live of Kenya and Tanzania will be out there. He there. As a matter of fact his brother, sister, will be flying home from Cape Town the day th aunts, uncles and cousins all seem to live in before the 100 anniversary of Talmud Torah Edmonton still, so what is Michael Paull in May. thinking? As much as this will be quite an adventure, Michael is not doing this without a cause. In Michael is leaving on a 12,000 kilometer, January of 2011 he went to Ethiopia and did 120-day, bicycle adventure that will be taking research into helping out Ethiopian villages get him through 10 African nations on his quest fresh, clean water piped right into their village. to ride from the North of Africa to the South “The obvious reason for helping out is that of Africa. clean drinking water should be the basic right Leaving January 8th 2012, he will start his of every person in this world,” says Michael. long adventure in Cairo, riding through the 45 The extras come in with washing their food, plus degree temperatures of the desert down cleaning their hands, growing their own food, through Sudan across the 18,000 meter eleva- and now the girls who normally fetch the water Michael Paull – supplied photo can get educated instead. Michael won’t be alone on his ride as he will There is a website that has been created: be riding with 43 other riders from 15 differ- www.H2OPIA.ca so you can follow along with ent countries. “We will all meet each other the his adventure. day before the ride and hopefully we will like Michael Paull is a long-time JAHSENA mem- each other.” Everyone has a choice if they want ber. In the insurance business, where his father to ride for charity or not and as Michael says worked for 45 years, his mother was a former “I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to show City Councillor. Michael is married to Colleen people how they can help the ones that don’t and they have three children: Alex, Samara and Michael Paull in Ethiopia – supplied photo have the basics”. Dena. their only choice. They embark of the city by the Japanese. The Far Side of the Sky: on a luxury cruise to China. A Eichmann comes to Shanghai A novel of love and stark contrast to the life they pressing his allies to hand over leave behind and the one they are the Jews of the city. Franz is torn death in Shanghai, by going to. between his new found love and Daniel Kalla The Adler family adapts to the safety of his family as he tries their new life, Franz finds hospi- to evade the Nazis’ global reach. Harper Collins, 2011. tal work and we glimpse Jewish The Far Side of the Sky has a Reviewed by Daniella Drisdell life in Shanghai. The community lot going for it and I would rec- strains with the influx of so many ommend it on many counts. It is he Far Side of the Sky is an ambitious Jewish refugees. There is illness fast-paced, smart and very inter- novel. It is a love story, a historical and epidemics and many surger- esting. Though the story held my Tnovel and a political thriller to boot. It ies. This is where the author, Daniel Kalla, attention I found the characters wooden, tells the story of Dr. Franz Adler, a Jewish shines. He is an emergency room doctor sometimes stereotyped and hard to connect widower in Vienna, a surgeon caught in in Vancouver, B.C. and his descriptions of with. There is the hooker with the heart the aftermath of Kristallnacht. His clinic is various procedures had me grinding my of gold, the sympathetic enemy, the power- looted and gutted, his brother lynched and teeth. Gruesome but fascinating; he writes hungry boss. Even Franz, our hero, was too left hanging on a lamp post. Franz must about the Whipple procedure, the removal self-sacrificing and ethical. I wanted to yell find a way out of Austria before it’s too late of a pancreatic tumor that Steve Jobs “Ask Sunny out already!” While the story for his mildly handicapped daughter and actually underwent. There is also love and did not draw me in emotionally, the medical his newly widowed sister-in-law. In one of romance as Franz falls for Sunny, a bi-racial details and this little-known history of his many efforts to obtain exit visas he has nurse and his sister-in-law also finds a new the Jewish refugees of Shanghai, will stay a chilling meeting with Eichmann. Rejected life and love. with me long after the characters fade into by all the embassies, Shanghai becomes Tensions erupt with the occupation memory. 4 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca HERITAGE • Winter 2011 The Edmonton Talmud Torah Edmonton’s Jewish Day School turns 100

By Debby Shoctor

he Edmonton Hebrew Association, Tnow known as the Beth Israel Synagogue, was formed on August 12, 1906 with the objective of providing Edmonton’s small but burgeoning Jewish Community with the institutions and personnel necessary for maintaining a traditional Jewish way of life. The con- struction of Edmonton’s first synagogue, the Beth Israel, began on August 17th, Laying of the cornerstone at the First Talmud Torah Building, 1926. JAHSENA Archives photo. 1911 on a lot donated by William “Boss” Diamond, Edmonton’s second Jewish school opened in 1927 and graduated its were supported by the fundraising efforts resident, who had moved to Alberta from first class of five students in 1928, under of the Magen David Bridge Club, a group Vilna, Lithuania to join his brother, Jacob, the directorship of Moshe Goelman. He of mothers, grandmothers and others, Alberta’s first Jewish resident, in Calgary and his wife Kayla taught at the school for who contributed their weekly winnings in 1892. 28 years. A Mother’s Auxiliary was formed to supporting the school program. The The Talmud Torah School was formally in 1927. This group would organize the half-day English curriculum at Talmud organized in December of 1912, upon school lunch and taxi program, collected Torah followed provincial standards while completion of the Synagogue building tuition fees, provided supplies and equip- the Hebrew curriculum freed students at 95th St. and Rowland Road. They ment, and raised funds, aided by Hadassah from after-school cheder classes. After Mr. began after-school religious classes in the and the National Council of Jewish Goelman left for Israel, Leo Pekarsky took basement of the Beth Israel Synagogue, Women. In 1928, the school graduated its over as Principal. He in turn persuaded with its first principal, Aaron Wershof, first five teenagers, who had completed the Moshe Yedlin and his wife Tova to come a Lithuanian-born graduate of Slobodka full, seven-year course of study. to Edmonton in 1951. An earnest and Yeshiva. By 1915, there were 52 children In 1933, Talmud Torah began Hebrew scholarly teacher, Yedlin held a degree in enrolled in afternoon classes at the Talmud Day School for grades 1 and 2. It was history and philosophy from the Hebrew Torah. In the early 1920s, Eli Gorelick and modeled on the first Hebrew day school University of Jerusalem, served in the Baruch Katznelson, were recruited to the in Poland, which had been established in Haganah and had taught in Montreal and teaching staff. In 1923, Leo Pekarsky a Goniondz during the German occupa- Regina before coming to Edmonton. He young man from Poland, arrived in town tion of 1915 under the direction of Leo continued to teach Hebrew language and and was hired to teach at the school, while Pekarsky’s teacher, Moshe Levin. During literature as well as Jewish history and he finished his education at the University the 1930s, there was also a Yiddish day culture to Talmud Torah children for three of Alberta. In 1925, due to overcrowd- school in Edmonton, the Peretz Shul, decades. ing and a desire to have students attend which offered competing education in In 1953, a larger school building was Talmud Torah full time, construction Yiddish. However, by the end of the opened at 133 St. and 106 Ave., which began on a Talmud Torah School Building decade, it had folded. From the 1930s helped to accommodate all the post-war on 103 Street south of Jasper Ave. The onward, the programs at Talmud Torah Continued on page 9 HERITAGE • winter 2011 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca 5 Broadcast Media: Jewish Edmontonians in Radio, Television, and Film Part Three: Film By Paula E. Kirman he final installment about people from the Sociology. Career-wise, he became an indepen- the musical Cats Tlocal Jewish community in broadcast media dent filmmaker and professional photographer. and worked in the focuses on those who have worked in the film He visited the Montefiore colony near Sibbald, American Ballet industry. Alberta in the mid-‘70s, which was a Jewish Theatre with such settlement. He photographed the area and notable dancers as Arthur Hiller interviewed the remaining residents, making Mikhail Baryshnikov, Arthur Hiller was 22 oral history tapes now in the Provincial Agnes De Mille, and born in Edmonton Archives. He also went to Los Angeles at a George Balanchine. on November 22, later date to interview other residents who were He was also a regular 1923. He attended living there. on the television Victoria High Dolgoy’s doctorate was research on the series Fame. School along with Fafafini of Samoa (a “third gender” in Samoan Rodnunsky made Leslie Neilson and society – men who are raised as women), and the move to feature films and has written, shot, Joe Shoctor. After he moved to American Samoa later in his life, edited, produced, and directed almost 50 of serving in World marrying his wife Rasella Tufue in 2004. In them, working with numerous Academy Award War II, he graduated the local Jewish community, he is probably winners and nominees. with a Bachelor of best known for his research and writing for Josh Miller Arts from University the documentary From Pedlars to Patriarchs: A College, University of Toronto in 1947, then Legacy Remembered (2004) for Jahsena. Dolgoy Josh Miller, son of was granted a Master of Arts degree in psychol- died in May of 2006. the late Justice Tevie ogy in 1950. and Arliss Miller, Hiller got started in show business in the Jim Rodnunsky graduated with a 1950s in Toronto where he worked for the Rodnunsky developed the Cablecam, a cam- Bachelor of Arts CBC as a television director, then went on to a era device that is mounted on a rope and oper- from the University career in Hollywood films. He has been nomi- ated by remote control, allowing it to provide of Alberta in 1977. nated for and received numerous awards from overhead and rapid-moving shots, particularly He owns Edmonton- film festivals and professional associations, for televised sports and in films like Hook, True based Panacea including being nominated for an Oscar for Lies, and Con Air. He received three Oscars for Entertainment, Best Director in 1971 for Love Story. He served his Cablecam work, most recently Scientific which is responsible as President of the Directors Guild of America and Engineering Awards at the ceremony held for the television from 1989 to 1993 and as President of the on February 12, 2011. series Anash and the Legacy of the Sun Rock and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Born James Lewis Rodnunsky on July 18, the film Freezer Burn: The Invasion of Laxdale from 1993 to 1997. 1956 in Edmonton, he was a professional starring Tom Green and Crispin Glover. In 2002, Hiller received a star on Canada’s freestyle skier and a film editor in television. Miller has been working in film since he Walk of Fame in Toronto and in 2006 he His father, Albert, founded the Lethbridge graduated from film school in 1981. His was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. Symphony Orchestra and was a concert pianist. particular areas of focus are feature films, Married since 1948 to his wife Gwen Pechet, The Rodnunskys moved to California when television series, and documentary programs. “I Hiller has two children and two grandchildren. Jim was a teen, completing grade ten at Ross always liked the idea of telling stories and the Sheppard High School. He graduated from the visual media was a great way for one’s work to Reevan Dolgoy University of California, Los Angeles, in politi- be seen by a wide audience,” says Miller. Reevan Dolgoy cal science and economics. He lists the professional accomplishment was a born in He married Lisa Cooperstein in 1996. The of which he is most proud as receiving the Edmonton in 1942. couple had three children: son Daniel and Alex Barris Award from the Writers Guild of His parents were daughters Tatiana and Alexandra. Rodnunsky Canada in 2006 “in recognition of my efforts to Dr. Max and Raye died from brain cancer on June 10, 2011. He mentor emerging writers.” Spevakow Dolgoy. is also survived by two brothers in California, Miller is also very involved with the local The oldest of three Serge and Pierre. Jewish community. “I currently sit on the board boys (his brothers of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton and are Len and Mark), Serge Rodnunsky serve as Chair of the Edmonton Jewish Film he attended the One of the brothers of the late Jim Festival committee,” he says. “As a kid, I headed University of Alberta, Rodnunsky, Serge is a filmmaker, actor, and the local USY chapter and of course attended earning a doctorate in dancer. He has choreographed a number of Talmud Torah and Camp BB Riback.” films and television shows and appeared in Continued on page 16 6 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca HERITAGE • Winter 2011

store chains. Many became affluent and suc- cessful and respected professionals including Jews in Edmonton of doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers and dentists. In 1912 the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (similar to the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, but national in South African scope) was created and it continues to exist and is active. Between 1920 and 1930 approximately Origin 20,000 Jewish immigrants arrived in South Africa, but by 1930 restrictions were by Aaron Oshry imposed. This influx of Jews later included he Continent of Africa is large, extend- those from Nazi Germany. At that time, Ting from Cairo, Egypt in the North almost all of the synagogues were Orthodox. to Cape Town, South Africa in the South, There never was a Conservative movement. a distance in excess of 10,000 kilometers. The Reform movement however, came into South Africa is a small country located at existence in the early 1930s as a result of the the tip of the African Continent, famous for mass immigration of German Jews. its diamond and gold mines, wines, mineral In 1948 there was an enormous change in wealth, climate and political struggles. It has the political situation as the National Party a population of approximately 55 million, was elected. The National Party had as consisting mostly of blacks, but includes all Barney Barnato, public domain photo. most of its adherents “Afrikaners”, substantial other races. numbers of whom had been involved in and Jews have lived in South Africa since sympathetic to Nazi Germany and pro-Nazi became involved in diamond trading and the first Portuguese Jewish settlers arrived organizations such as the “Ossewabrandwag” mining. Ernest Openheimer was involved in in 1652 in Cape Town. They were non- and the “Greyshirts”. Gold and diamonds, and wrested control of professing Jews, since at that time there Fairly quickly after being elected into De Beers from Cecil Rhodes. He was born was a restriction against the immigration of power, the National Party passed apartheid/ Jewish but later converted to Christianity. non-Christians. racial legislation including the following: He had a compound of about 16 acres Religious freedom was granted by the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act right in the middle of Johannesberg. In the Dutch in 1803 and the first South African (1949), which prohibited marriage between late 1800s, there were about 4,000 Jews Jewish Congregation was founded in 1841 different races; in South Africa, most of whom had been in Cape Town. Eight years later, the first Immorality Act (1950), which prohibited assimilated or had moved from Cape Town synagogue was established there and it sexual intercourse with a person of a differ- to Johannesburg. stands to this day. ent race and made that a criminal offence; In the late 1890s and early 1900s, the The number of Jews in South Africa Population Registration Act (1950), Jewish population swelled to 40,000 mostly remained fairly small until the late 1800s. which registered every person as a member because of Yiddish-speaking immigrants In the early 1800s, Jewish immigrants from of a particular racial group; from Lithuania who fled Europe due to Germany and Holland arrived and traveled Group Areas Act (1950), which required political persecution and pogroms. South into the hinterland from Cape Town, much different racial groups to reside in their own Africa became known as a Lithuanian like the movement of the settlers in the racially divided areas; colony. Many immigrants started out as United States to California and the West. The Suppression of Communism Act peddlers and eventually became businessmen The discovery of diamonds in 1867 in (1950), which banned the South African and shopkeepers. They were extremely Kimberly, attracted Jewish entrepreneurs Communist Party, allowed for arrest and Zionistic with a love of what would become and businessmen from all over the world. detention without trial, and effectively Israel. South African Jewry remains strongly They immediately became involved in the turned the country into a police state. Zionistic to this day. diamond and precious stones industry, Many Jews both individually and in Following the mining boom in the late and many moved north from Cape Town organizations, but of course not all of them, 1800s, Jews became involved in industrial- to Johannesburg. Johannesburg is inland, supported an Anti-Apartheid Movement. ization including food processing, clothing, about 1,500 kilometers north of Cape Town. In 1956 there was a high profile “political” textile and furniture manufacturing. It also Famous Jewish South African entrepreneurs trial which was known as The Treason included insurance, hotel management, were Barney Barnato and Sammy Marks Trial, in which a large number of people advertising, entertainment, creation of super- and Ernest Oppenheimer. Barnato founded were charged with having been treasonous. markets, department stores and discount the De Beers Consolidated Mines. Marks Fourteen of the 23 whites involved were HERITAGE • winter 2011 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca 7

parents were concerned about the future and feared a racial civil war. The number of Jews in South Africa reached a peak of approximately 130,000, and presently that has been reduced to approximately 75,000, consisting of 50,000 in Johannesburg, 17,000 in Cape Town, 3,000 in Pretoria, and the remainder else- where. Almost all Jews have involvement in synagogues; 80% in Orthodox synagogues and 20% in Reform synagogues. (At one point there were in excess of 40 synagogues in Johannesburg.) Nearly 80% of Jewish children were and are enrolled in Jewish day schools (of which there are many) which run from kindergarten to High School. Jewish organizations included the Jewish Board of Deputies, Jewish Guild, Jewish Dramatic Society, and numerous other organizations. Large institutions, such as Arcadia, an orphanage for Jewish children (yes there were Jewish orphans); Sandringham Gardens, which housed sev- eral thousand Jewish seniors and which had Sammy Marks, public domain photo. on site a full-time doctor and Rabbi; and Aaron and Jean Oshry – supplied photo. Our Parents Home, a smaller Jewish seniors Suzman was the only woman in Parliament Jewish. All five whites of the 17 members of home which originally catered to German for many years. Barney Barnato, Sammy the African National Congress (which now Jews. Marks and Sir Ernest Oppenheim have is the political party, which has the majority South Africa was home to many famous already been mentioned. Phillip V. Tobias is in parliament in South Africa), were arrested Jewish personalities. For example, Harry an international anthropologist. for anti-apartheid activities in 1963. Schwarz was South Africa’s first Jewish Why then did Jews leave South Africa and Nelson Mandela, the first black president Ambassador to the United States. Helen how did some of them come to be in Edmonton, of South Africa, was a lawyer, and served the opposite site of the globe? his articles at a time when it was highly In the 1970s, events transpired which unusual to employ non-white profession- caused many Jewish South Africans to leave als, with Jewish solicitor Lazer Sidelsky. the country. They immigrated to Israel, Mandela writes about that in his book the United States, the United Kingdom, “The Road to Freedom”. Mandela said, “I Canada and Australia. In South Africa they have found Jews to be more broad-minded had lived in luxury, more often than not, in than most Whites on issues of race and large homes with swimming pools, in an politics, perhaps because they themselves idyllic climate, usually with several servants. have historically been victims of prejudice.” They had status, money, jobs, family, lifelong Mandela’s defence lawyer, Issie Maisels, friends, and a network of contacts with was Jewish. Jewish lawyers represented banks, professionals, store keepers and oth- many of the accused who were charged ers with whom one comes into contact on a under the oppressive legislation mentioned daily basis. above. For example a Jewish defendant However, fear and violence became a way who was charged under the Suppression of of life. People walked around with revolvers, , Rowley Arenstein, was Communism Act “panic buttons” to push in case of emergency, represented by Jewish lawyers. keys to lock everything, special gadgets to Children of white Jewish parents were lock parked vehicles, car doors were con- sent by them to live and study abroad stantly locked, there was a fear of driving at and remained in their host countries, and Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, DeBeers night, and an absolute fear of driving in areas their parents followed subsequently. Their photo, public domain. Continued on page 8 8 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca HERITAGE • Winter 2011

jews from south africa (Optometrist); Bernice & Simon Kornell Continued from page 7 (Internist); Joe & Myra Siegenberg (sur- geon); Harold and Doreen Siegenberg (Joe other than where whites resided. Guard and Harold built the Arcadia condominium dogs in homes, the ownership and carrying building and named it after the South of handguns, paranoid fear of blacks, fear African orphanage where they were raised); for the future, high fences with barbed Werner Israel, who was a professor of wire (often electrified) were everywhere. Physics and Mathematics and an expert on Dealing with police, state security, and petty black holes; Harold Jacobs (Neurologist); bureaucracy regarding black servants were, Sylvia Hollow; Dr. Vic and Naomi Amato; in all these luxurious circumstances, a daily Jack & Ruth Miller (Jack was the head concern of life. of the Department of Radiology and Between 1970 and 1992, more than Oshry Family: Jean, Karen, Rayna and Friedel – supplied photo. a President of Beth Shalom; Geoffrey 40,000 Jews left South Africa for the and Robin Sperber (a dentist who wrote reasons above. 50% of Jews had a grade 12 or start businesses from scratch with little textbooks on dentistry which were trans- education compared to an average of 23% access to money as their assets had been lated into many languages); Hy and Becky of the white population. 10% of the Jewish frozen in South Africa. Shandling (Hy was a lawyer and Becky was community had university degrees compared Usually the husbands quickly started a Principal of Talmud Torah); Drs. Frank to less than 4% of the white population. working and wives had to learn to cope and Leone Jackson; Wynne and Betsy Rigal Jews were disproportionately represented without family, friends, and with no servants, (Wynne was an Orthopedic Surgeon and in large numbers in commerce and in the to which they had become accustomed. President of Beth Shalom); Derek Spitz, a professions. They relied on the advice and help of other lawyer; and Michael Liknaitzsky, a lawyer Although economically South Africa was South Africans, thereby creating a network who infamously embezzled $8 million in doing well and people were living in these where everyone helped each other whenever trust money and was sentenced to 6 years in luxurious circumstances, South Africans and possible. Although other South Africans the Bowden Institution. many Jews began to leave in order to create helped with apartments, jobs, furniture, After the mid-1970s, many more fol- a better life for themselves, their children, kitchen equipment and the like, and with lowed, too many to name. Most of them and grandchildren. They left in anguish and contacts, they essentially had to make their were doctors, accountants, lawyers, profes- with regret, leaving behind family, life-long own way. sionals and business people. Many soon friends, homes, and social, professional, Jean Oshry, under the auspices of the became successful in their employment, in business, and other networks. Because of National Council of Jewish Women of business and in the professions, especially foreign exchange currency restrictions, they Canada, created a furniture bank. South the many doctors who came. They became were unable to take their money with them Africans in the City donated furniture, chairpersons, presidents, and participants in and often arrived in a new country with kitchen equipment and anything required U.J.A., Beth Israel, Beth Shalom, and The very little in the way of financial resources. by a new immigrant, which was loaned to Federation and in almost every Jewish chari- They had no credit history so were unable newcomers without cost when they arrived. table organization in the city. They were to obtain credit cards or loans from financial Friends (usually who had originally come and are to be found on almost every Jewish institutions. from South Africa) became family with board, charitable organization, and hospital Families were concerned about the whom to celebrate life cycle events and with throughout Edmonton. These included Ram future from a political, social, economic and whom to share Pesach, Rosh Hashanah and Elaine Romanovsky, accountants who security point of view. They feared a racial and other holidays. Some Canadian-born served on the Federation Board and Ram civil war between whites and blacks. Many people helped, but for years considered them was President of Beth Israel Synagogue; had been drafted into the military and were “newcomers”. Gillian and Billy Horwitz (Gillian was extremely unhappy about that. It took them years to re-establish relation- President of Edmonton Hadassah-WIZO They moved to far away countries where ships and it took their wives and children and of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, they had no network, Edmonton being one years to create new ones. They were called and a National Vice President of Canadian of them. They did not know nor had they “newcomers” for years although frequently Hadassah-WIZO); Drs. Phil and Tessa relationships with banks, stores, lawyers, they were successful, involved in the com- Gordon were active in the community and at doctors, accountants, dentists, or for that munity and they and their children were the University of Alberta, where he was head matter, anyone. Many had to retrain, doing well. They were well educated, hard- of the Department of Clinical Medicine and re-educate or write examinations to be able working, and highly motivated. she was a research scientist in Neuroscience. to practice as doctors, lawyers, accountants The following people were the first wave Jane and Edgar Karstaedt (Jane served as and dentists. They had to secure jobs from of immigrants in the early 1960s: Gerry President of the Jewish Senior’s Drop-in strangers, start at the bottom of the ladder, & Marion Marks ( he was a Professor of Centre and was the Executive Director of Pharmacology); Arthur and Sheila Savell Joel Gotlib

HERITAGE • winter 2011 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca 9

the Sexual Assault Centre). We (Jean and He gave me the names of four or five Jewish established here, like the Sperbers who regu- Aaron Oshry) were the last of the old timers lawyers, and I articled to Witten, Pekarsky larly had 30-40 people for breaking the fast. to arrive, in 1974. I was President of the and Vogel, a practice of about 30 people. Two of my brothers followed after, Sol was a Board of Camp B’nai Brith, and Jean was Danny Pekarsky interviewed me, and I lawyer at Witten, and Ronnie was a doctor, a National Vice President of the National was given Tevie Miller’s old chair as my who lived in Lake Louise for 24 years. Council of Jewish Women and a Senator at own. I later went into practice with David The South African Jews have slowly been the University of Alberta. Grossman, and eventually started my own accepted into the community. Many con- How did it come to be that these people firm, where my daughter Karen is a partner. tinue to have South African friends because came to Edmonton in particular? They Sons Clive and Michael own the successful of common interests. Who in Canada came despite the harsh winter as a result of global exchange business, Firma. Jean got knows much about “cricket” or “rugby”? referrals, family, friends, jobs, opportunities involved in all the women’s organizations. They have made a substantial contribution and the ability to immigrate to Canada was The kids were eight, six and four and went to the Jewish community in Edmonton, all easier if moving to a smaller center. to Rio Terrace, and attended Sunday school of its organizations, and to the community I have been asked to make some com- at the Beth Shalom. All the kids had B’nai at large. ments about our personal experience in Mitzvahs and were married here, and our six coming to Edmonton. We came in 1974. grandchildren all live here. We rented a car at the airport, and stayed at When we arrived in July, I phoned the Saxony hotel. Jack and Ruth Miller found JCC, asking what facilities there were avail- an apartment for us which we rented until able to newcomers. We were told everything our furniture arrived. It was stuck for nine was shut for the summer, to call back in months in a revolution in Mozambique. September. The next call we received from I started importing diamonds for a while the community was from UJA for a dona- and then decided to go back to law. I went tion! The old-time Edmontonians were to see Harry Bloomfileld, director of the not very friendly. They referred to us as Beth Shalom, and asked for the names of newcomers for 25 years. We basically relied Micheal, Jean, Aaron and Clive Oshry Jewish lawyers, because I needed articles. on the South Africans who were already – supplied photo

talmud torah Continued from page 4 baby-boomer children who now swelled the community. This building was expanded in 1957 and 1963, giving it a second wing and a gymnasium. The Mother’s Auxilliary continued to run the first and only kosher lunch program in Canada, as it had since 1933. Jack Chetner, a graduate of the Calgary Talmud Torah, served as Principal during these years, the first Canadian-born principal of a Hebrew day school in Canada. The Talmud Torah Home and School Association was estab- lished in January, 1954 with Clara Mintz as founding president. In 1975, under the leadership of Board Dedication of the First Talmud Torah Building. JAHSENA Archives photo. President Howard Starkman, Talmud Torah entered into a partnership with grades 7- 9. In 1999, Talmud Torah again Edmonton Public Schools whereby EPS at the TT100 website: ww.TT100.ca for moved to a new building on 172 St. in the would fund the secular curriculum of the more information. Also, please check out our West End of Edmonton, where it is today. school and Talmud Torah the religious two historical videos on Youtube or on the curriculum. In the early 1990s, the school The TT100 celebrations will take place JAHSENA Facebook Page for more informa- curriculum was expanded to include regu- on the May long weekend here in Edmonton. tion on Talmud Torah. lar day classes for Junior High students in Please contact the school or have a look 10 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca HERITAGE • Winter 2011 Early Memories of a Jewish Community

By Dr. Eric Schloss

rowing up in Camrose, Alberta, my Gearliest memories of the few Jewish families in town included the Kurtzbergs, Eric and Barry Schloss , Sandy Burgess, Pigeon Lake. JAHSENA Archives, donated by Sondra Schloss Their daughter Bertha worked in my dad’s store and another daughter, Minnie and her Yiddish accent.. Postone presided over the wedding and the husband Norman Loomer had also lived in Dr. Ernst Billig and his wife Hilda were chuppa was taken to Stettler by some of my Camrose and were close friends of my par- often at our home to play bridge or canasta Edmonton relatives for the historic occasion. ents. Their son, Herbie, was the first Jewish with mom and dad. The Billigs were prewar Another family, Joe and Ivy Gibbs and their child born in Camrose. I still remember the refugees from Germany and he was the town daughter, born at St. Mary’s Hospital in pungent smell of leather in Mr. Kurtzberg’s veterinarian. He always impressed me with Camrose, also lived in town for a few years. saddlery and shoe repair shop and the his knowledge of history and love of animals One of the most unforgettable characters mouthwatering taste of his wife’s baking as he had run a Horse Hospital in Germany was the inimitable manager of the Ladies’ when my brother Barry and I were brought in World War One when large numbers of wear department in my dad’s store, Mrs. over to visit them at their home near the Jews served in the Army. Sara Fisher. She lived in the elegant Alice skating rink. We were always announced Hymie and Lil Cohen (Corday) operated Hotel on Main Street and came to our by: “Here comes Eric and Barrick” in his a ladies’ wear shop near our store on Main home for dinner on Sunday nights where we Street and he always fascinated all the kids would listen to Fred Allen or Jack Benny on when he was the first to jump on the fire the radio. truck as a member of the Volunteer Fire Many Jewish Servicemen would come to Brigade, waving to us with his trusty axe. our house during the war when they were at He eventually retired when he inadvertently the Camrose Training Camp, and I would chopped a hole in the roof of the drugstore love to try on their military headgear. Sadly, instead of the actual site of the fire in the we were told many years later that many appliance store next door. Their daughter never returned from their overseas service. Carol attended my brother’s birthday par- A frequent guest from the camp was Sam ties and their younger sons were born in Cohen of the Calgary and Winnipeg broth- Camrose. ers who later ran the Saan and Metropolitan The Goldstein family, Rube and Sadie had Stores, and later Sony across Canada. The children closer to my age including Buzzy, Perky and daughter Lynn. Rube Goldstein managed the Brody’s store in Camrose until they left for Edmonton in 1948 when the Warhaft family, Leon and Becky, with their daughters, arrived to take over the manage- ment of the business. The Chatrins, Lil and Ralph (he worked in dad’s menswear department) added to our small community and had two children, Phillip and Beryl, who were contemporaries of my sister, Sondra. They later moved to Eric Schloss, Barmitzvah 1951. JAHSENA Stettler where Beryl was married. Rabbi Schloss House, Camrose, built in 1927. JAHSENA Archives, donated by Sondra Schloss Archives, donated by Sondra Schloss. HERITAGE • winter 2011 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca 11

Ida Margolus Cottage on the neighbour- ing beach of Crystal Springs. The Ostrys, Shulers, Baltzans, and Margoluses were also at the Lake, and that is where I first met Noni Ostry, Judy Shuler and Rona Margolus. Edmonton was the main focus of our Jewish communal involvement. Mom and Dad (usually with Mrs. Fisher) would frequently drive to Edmonton on Sundays to see the travelers at the Macdonald Hotel who were almost all Jewish men from Winnipeg or Montreal. My linger- ing impression was that since all of them smoked cigars, that must have something to do with being Jewish (the poor clothes must have suffered). I was also intrigued that many of the men were called Leon. Eric Schloss and friends, first Bar Mitzvah in Beth Shalom Synagogue, 1951. Left to right, back This was reinforced later when I went to to front: Perky Goldstein, Arnold Bernstein, Johnny Bill, David Lyons, Eric Schloss, Frankie Smith, intern in Montreal and my dad sent me to Michael Goldberg, Susan Schloss, Ronnie Goldberg, David Levine, Sandy Burgess, Keevie Samuels, the Samuelson Factory to order a suit. I Barry Schloss, Eli Shtabsky, Gary Delevie, Marilyn Engle, Sheldon Schloss, Paddy Groves, Danny called back later to find out if it was ready McGill. JAHSENA Archives, donated by Sondra Schloss. and asked to speak to Leon who had helped me. The reply was, “Do you want Leon, the fact that my mother had a beautiful younger Slutker from an early age. We also would see presser, Leon the cutter, or Leon the tailor?” sister visiting from Philadelphia was rather them in the summers on Mameo Beach at In Edmonton, we would invariably visit a big draw to the young Jewish soldiers, and Pigeon Lake and were often at their Cottage my Aunt Fanny and Uncle Joe Samuels on our home became quite a hub. and also next door at their Slutker cousins, Connaught Drive. We also celebrated the I also had several ecumenical experiences Blondie and Zeke. High Holidays, meals and Seders at their as a child in Camrose. My close friend across Other Edmonton Jewish Families home. Their relatives would often be there the street was being raised Catholic by his at Mameo Beach included the Lyons, such as Sam and Mary Samuels and their mother, but his very strict Baptist grand- Rudolphs, Nozicks and Weners, who had son Keevie, the Weinsteins and Riskins. mother down the street did not approve. If neighbouring cottages. I was friendly with Uncle Joe’s aged Mother impressed me as we were playing outside early on a Sunday David Lyons and also his cousin Esther the tiniest adult I had ever seen who only morning, the old lady would grab both of Rose Newhouse who often visited them at spoke Yiddish. Friends of my aunt and uncle us and drag us to the Baptist church on the Lake. We also went over to the Brody were also often at the house, including the the next corner where I still recall the hard Home on the other side of the main pier Rabiners, Bloomfields, Wershofs, Saslows, benches, but we were very loud on the tam- and would frequently see their son Eugene George and Esther Levine, Wisemans, bourine!! Later in Grade 4, my teacher was carefully cycling on the beach road. Another very religious, and I had the distinction of visit was often to the beautiful Charles and Continued on page 12 winning her Bible Contest to be presented with the Prize; a bookmark with a picture of Jesus!! We also had close contact with a few other Jewish families in central Alberta mainly via my mother’s Hadassah Group including Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka and Red Deer. The families would frequently meet on a Sunday in the home of one of the members. The women would have their meeting, the men would play cards, and the kids would do their thing... My Mother was a close friend of Anne Perler, Vera Ragosin, and Bessie Slutker in Family at Eric Schloss’ Bar Mitzvah: Left to right: Becky Schloss, Roy Schloss, Sarah Engle, Joe Wetaskiwin and therefore I knew Molly and Samuels, Rose Samuels, Eric Schloss, Ralph Samuels, Fanny Samuels, Barry Schloss, Allan Schloss, Sonny (Zelick) Perler and their cousin Roz Ann Schloss. JAHSENA Archives, donated by Sondra Schloss. 12 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca HERITAGE • Winter 2011

early memories After the summer, I started to learn Continued from page 11 my Haftorah from Reverend Dorskind (a former chazzan at the Beth Israel) at his Wintrobes, and Dr. Ted Aaron. I was also southside home on 83rd Avenue close to fascinated that my Aunt Fanny’s lady friends Old Scona. I would get off the bus from never seemed to have first names as she Camrose near Whyte Avenue and walk to would always refer to her friends as “MRS. his house for the lessons. Rev. Dorskind’s O Friedman, MRS. Bloomfield, MRS. nephew, Bernie Adell, whose parents had Cooperman, MRS. Wershof or MRS. O. a grocery store at the north end of the Davis”. We also often went over to Rose and High Level Bridge, was another student Ralph Samuels gracious home a few blocks preparing for Bar Mitzvah. He later was away on 132nd street. The first Jewish a Rhodes Scholar at U of A and became wedding I ever attended was as the ring Dean of Law at Queens University. After bearer for the Samuels’ daughter Sadie at Ann and Allan Schloss, Dr. Ernst and Hilda the lesson, I would take the bus or street the Macdonald Hotel when she married Joe Billig at the Schloss house in Camrose. car across the High Level Bridge, down Sheckter. JAHSENA Archives, donated by Sondra Schloss. to my uncle’s store on 101st Street next My parents were early members of cover for the Bima) and also the best flower to the King Edward Hotel. My Uncle and the Beth Shalom Synagogue after their arrangements for the High Holidays. There his brother Ralph were always around the arrival in Edmonton in 1935 with my sister were family traditions and honours at ser- central counter, Ethel Dunn at the cash Sondra, in time to attend the Bar Mitzvah’s vices and every year David Kline and Harold register and Mr. Sid Slutsky at his post of my cousin Victor Samuels and his Samuels would chant haftorahs. My dad and in the Menswear department. I was also cousin Harold Samuels. My brother and I I would also usually walk down to the Beth encouraged by Rabbi Dorskind to observe always had to have a new suit for the High Israel on 95th Street during the “break” on at the Tallis and Tefillin Club organized by Holidays, my mother and sister new outfits Yom Kippur and I was in awe of the differ- Rabbi Postone. Those who had already had and my Dad always had a new fedora for the ent atmosphere in the old shul. Bar Mitzvahs did the davening, including Ed occasion. The Beth Shalom services were To prepare for my Bar Mitzvah in Pakes, Aaron Shtabsky, Howard Starkman, on the upper floor of the Talmud Torah 1951, I would take the bus from Camrose Leo Superstein, Ron Bercov and Danny on 103rd street. Erev Rosh Hashanah was into Edmonton on weekends, starting Pekarsky. Before returning to Camrose, always packed and quite a fashion show for in the Spring, and took my first Hebrew I would often visit with my Aunt Becky the women. The first Rabbi I remember lessons from a Talmud Torah teacher, and Uncle Roy and their kids Sheldon and was Rabbi Hurwitz, but my parents always Mr. Silverman, who was boarding at the Susan who had just moved to Edmonton. spoke glowingly of the previous Rabbi Eisen Goldsand home on 116th street. I began to My Bar Mitzvah was the first in the Main who was admired by the Congregation. meet other kids who were also preparing for Sanctuary of the newly built Beth Shalom All the Samuels families were always there, their Bar Mitzvahs, all living in the Oliver Synagogue on Jasper Avenue and 119th including older brother Jake. Other regular area, including Michael Goldberg, David street. Rabbi Wolfson was the Rabbi (Rabbi members of the Beth Shalom Congregation Lyons and Eli Shtabsky. I went to their Bar Sacks arrived the next year) and many of our at services and in the front rows included Mitzvahs at the Beth Israel shul on 95th friends from Camrose came for their first the Dowers, Margoluses, Klines, Friedmans, street, usually by street car which was in the experience in a synagogue. I think we went Liebermans, Cristalls, Leibovitzes, last year of its operation. Following the ser- to the Rialto theatre after the ceremony and Poderskys, Singers, Millers, Baltzans, vice and reception we were invariably invited Kiddish Luncheon. The evening party was Weislers, Nozicks, and the Bloomfields. to a movie in the afternoon at the nearby in the lower floor Hall, (the main upper Harry Bloomfield served as Gabbai for Gem or Dreamland theatres, but if it was area behind the Sanctuary was initially a countless years and Mrs. Becky Bloomfield more “upper class” we traveled to the Rialto basketball court.) Joe Sheckter, who had led the choir. Mrs. Rose Podersky was the Strand or Empress Theatres downtown. “Dainty Maid Bakery,” prepared a cake for usual pianist when required, and the solo- Others I met were Arnold Bernstein, Harry the celebration. Most of the gifts were pen ists I remember were Phil Lieberman and Friedman, Hershel Sorokin (the only Jewish and pencil sets, brush and comb sets, books, Ethel Dunn, who was also the secretary and Sea Cadet I ever knew), Eliot Phillipson and and the obligatory small shaving kits (I am receptionist at Christie Grants Store for my Marvin Weisler. I also met Phil Mickelson still not sure why a 13-year-old needed a Uncle Joe and his brother Ralph. and renewed acquaintance with Ron Bercov shaving kit!) Forty years later, while visiting Another voice resonating through the who both lived behind the Goldsteins on my folks in Camrose, I noticed my mother Synagogue was that of Mrs. Lillian Kline, 117th street. I knew Ron as “Butch” when still had my bottom bureau drawer carefully particularly during responsive readings. I his family lived next to us at Pigeon Lake packed with the gifts. One of my prized found out later that she and my Aunt Fanny one summer (I hope Ron is not offended by presents, a wristwatch, unfortunately was had a rivalry over who had provided the this expose!) lost several years later at a social function most beautiful Paroches (decorative cloth near Camrose. If you know of anyone who HERITAGE • winter 2011 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca 13

found a watch inscribed: “To Eric on his Bar Mitzvah from Aunt Rose and Uncle Ralph,” DONATION CARDS MAZEL TOV please contact me. To Norma Nozick on her 90th In a memoir, it is always interesting to JAHSENA now has donation Birthday, from Linda Goody. reflect on people who have had a significant cards with historic pictures on To Audrey Macklin, on her 50th influence on your life such as many of the people them available for purchase. Mark Birthday, from Eric, Sharon, Arna, mentioned above. However, there is one person your special simchas by sending a Leah, Rachel and Zev Macklin. I would particularly like to recognize and donation to JAHSENA. Contact dedicate these writings to her memory. Shortly To Stephanie Hendin, on assuming after my Bar Mitzvah, my Aunt Fanny and the office for more details at: the Presidency of the Jewish Uncle Joe provided the wedding for Helen and 780‑489‑2809. We have received Federation of Edmonton, from the Mel Macklin at the Beth Shalom. They had the following donations: Board of JAHSENA. “adopted” Helen, a Holocaust survivor, in 1948 and I spent many hours at their home with the SYMPATHY REFUAH teenage Helen. I was in awe of her courage and To Lillian Green, on the death of her SHALEMAH bravery to survive her terrible ordeal during husband, Dr. Leslie Green, from To Anita Sky, from the Board of the war, including forced death marches and Violet Owen; and from the Board of JAHSENA. concentration camps, which somehow she sum- JAHSENA. moned the strength to overcome. She always told me that if she had a son she would call him Eric. Mr. Justice Eric Macklin was born the following JAHSENA Recent Acquisitions year! These items have recently found their way into the 2 photos, 1 cm text, relating to Moshe Yedlin, archives, and are available for research purposes: donated by Dr. Tova Yedlin. “Creature Feature,” a novel by Cantor David Two photos of the grave of Alex Podolsky, z’l, Mannes, 2010, published by iUniverse inc., donated by Michael Paull. Bloomington, Indiana. 17 photos of the Schloss family, donated by One Menorah Curling Club pin, donated by Sondra Schloss of Vancouver. David Levine. 3 photos and 1 cm text relating to the Kline A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from the family, donated by Leon and Betty Kagna. Russian Empire; A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from the Kingdom of Poland; A 16 photos and 10 cm text relating to the Macklin Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from Galicia; family, donated by Justice Eric Macklin. by Alexander Beider, published by Avotanynu, The Jewish Archives & Historical Society of 2008. Edmonton and Northern Alberta is always looking Three bricks from the abandoned cabin of Rabbi for new donations. If you have any personal papers, Blank, on the shores of Blank’s Lake, near Pine photographs, negatives, books, audio-visual recordings Lake, Albera. or other items relating to the history of the Jewish community of Edmonton and Northern Alberta that One green BBYO sweater, circa 1972, donated you would like preserved for generations to come, please by Marshall Shoctor. contact our office at (780) 489-2809. A gavel, Men’s membership paperweight, a photo of Clara Panar and her stove, and 10 cm. of certificates given to Anne and Jack Eaman, New Members: donated by Evelyn Eaman. JAHSENA would like to welcome the A tallith and bag, a set of tefillin and a following new members: ceremonial belt; five holocaust posters from Lodz, donated by Rachel and Fred Garfunkel. Jeff Rubin & Gaylene Soifer, The artifacts were kept concealed by Fred’s father Edmonton, AB during his internment in a concentration camp in Yossi Ovics, Edmonton, AB Belgium during the war. The posters were kept Barbara Wiseman, Montreal, Quebec by Rachel’s father during the war in Krakow. Dr. Tova Yedlin, Edmonton, AB A recording, on vinyl, of Rabbi Sacks singing the Joe Samuels and Helen Macklin March, 1952, Kol Nidre Service in 1955, recorded by CFRN, Andy & Miri Feher, Edmonton, AB. donated by Justice Eric Macklin. donated by Jeff Davis. 14 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca HERITAGE • Winter 2011

archivist’s report for a long time on the premises of the the- Continued from page 2 atre, has also been reproduced in the Park. First owned by H.B. Kline and then by the Google map of Heritage sites in the City of Wasserman family, it was a fixture of the Edmonton, which will launch shortly. early Edmonton Jewish Community. In June, I attended the Association of After attending another interest- Canadian Archives Conference in Toronto, ing International Council of Archives where Michael Gourlie of the ASA, Ellen Conference at the University of Alberta Sheinberg of the Ontario Jewish Archives this summer, I bit the bullet and decided and I presented a research project we had that JAHSENA needed a Facebook page, worked on together entitled, “Oddities in the as that is the way a lot of Archives are Archives.” This presentation examines all of promoting themselves these days. If you the weird and wonderful things which can look on Facebook, you will see that many be found in Canadian Archives which are Canadian and Jewish Archives have pages not really “archival.” This covers everything on which they post events, information and from curling sweaters to W.O. Mitchell’s interesting photos, links and articles. If you moustache. Our presentation was actually are on Facebook, please look for our Page, voted one of the best-liked at the conference, “Like” it, and follow the links to other inter- and we were recently asked to do it again esting Archival pages including the ASA, at the Provincial Archives of Alberta for Wetaskiwin Archives, City of Edmonton Archives Week, in October. Trinity Anglican Church, 1902, Pine Lake, AB. Shoctor photo. Archives, Nova Scotia Archives, etc. While in Toronto, I also met with In addition to Facebook, I have also we showed our films, “From Pedlars to members of ACJAM, the Association of ventured into the land of Youtube, and Patriarchs: A Legacy Remembered,” and Canadian Jewish Archives and Museums, created two videos for the Talmud Torah “Bittersweet Memories: The War Years.” I including Janice Rosen from the Canadian 100th Anniversary, which will take place am also trying to get these films shown at Jewish Congress Archives in Montreal, this coming May long weekend. I have been the new Capitol Theatre in Fort Edmonton Shannon Hodge, from the Montreal Jewish working with their committee, specifically Park, which opened in August. Edmonton Public Library and Archives, and Dorion Lisa Miller, on a documentary film which Journal Columnist Paula Simons wrote a Liebgott from the Beth Tzedec Museum and will be shown at the Gala Dinner, but for- column suggesting that this is the perfect Archives in Toronto. Janice and Shannon mer President Andy Feher has been trying opportunity to get our foot in the door at recently collaborated to launch the Canadian to promote the event to potential guests via the Park, as the Capitol Theatre was built by Jewish Heritage Network, cjhn.ca, an online, Youtube videos, and asked me to make one. the Allen brothers, a pair of American Jews searchable catalog of their combined collec- So we hammered together two videos of the who built most of the early movie theatres tions, which will eventually evolve, we hope, history of the school, put it on Youtube and in Canada, and the Orchestra leader was into a union catalogue of all the Jewish it has received over 450 hits in three weeks! Abe Fratkin, who was also the first conduc- Archives and Museums in Canada. If you want to check it out, you can either go tor of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. This summer saw our participation in to YouTube directly, the TT100 website, or In addition, Kline’s Jewelers, which existed another Doors Open Edmonton, where our Facebook Page if you want to find it. We applied for and received a grant of $7000 from the ASA this year to help digitize our Oral History Collection. This was imperative, as magnetic tape and record- ers are now an obsolete technology and it is

Grave of Abraham Blank, Winnipeg Grave of Judah Blank, Hirsch, Saskatchewa Lawrence, Dave and Vincent examine the map. HERITAGE • winter 2011 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca 15

Collecting at Audrey’s book store, along with Wynne Rigal and Leslie Jacobson, and it was most enjoyable. Even at 92, he knows how to capture and inspire an audience. If he returns, I will be sure to try to get him to speak to us again. The most interesting thing I did this year was to take a trip down to Red Deer with JAHSENA and Chevra Kadisha member David Marcus in search of the lost Jewish colony of Pine Lake. We had known about David Marcus examines the map of the Blank’s this colony for some time, and Red Deer Stephanie Hendin, Jini Vogel and Judy Goldsand Lake Settlement. Shoctor photo.. Archivist Michael Dawe had written an at the Herzl opening. Shoctor photo.. essential that we migrate this material to article on it for Heritage last year. But we before the Winter break to see our Herzl digital form or it will become unreadable. had never actually been down there to see Exhibit, which is on loan from the CZF and With this grant, we were able to digitize what remained of this colony. So on a sunny lawyer David Matlow of Toronto. David most of our collection, and in the future October day, David and I went down to collects Herzl memorabilia and has an out- will record these interviews in MP3 for- visit farmer Jim Vincent and his family, who standing, one-of-a-kind collection, which he mat, so that they can be easily preserved live on the land formerly occupied by these has generously leant us for the next month. and listened to. We have also receoved colonists on the shores of Blank’s Lake. Herzl, the father of Zionism, has become two JFE/UJA surplus grants, one for a This lake is actually named after Rabbi somewhat of a cult figure, and the amount Cemetery website, which would give a his- Abraham Blank, the leader of the colonists, of books, songs and memorabilia of all tory of our Cemetery as well as list all the who, funded by Baron de Hirsch, settled kinds, which pay tribute to him, is astound- graves, pictures of headstones, obituaries there in 1892. These 70 souls were the first ing! We are co-hosting this exhibit with and eulogies in our collection. The other Jewish farm colonists in Alberta. However the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, and would fund an oral history project for the conditions were so bad, the winters so it includes items from our own collections, Russian Seniors, at the Drop-in Centre, harsh and the drought so terrible, that they and the bust of Herzl from the Edmonton which Caroline Ullman is spearheading. could not stay long enough to make their Talmud Torah. The first week of October was Archives homesteading claims. In 1895, they could I continue to receive many reference Week, which coincided with the launch no longer survive, and disappeared. From questions of all types, from people looking of another ASA online exhibit which subsequent research, I have learned that five for their Jewish roots, to those who want we participated in, “Archives in Living families went on to settle at the colony in to convert to Judaism, find matzah for Colour.” Five images from our Archives Hirsch, Saskatchewan, where they remained Passover, or Kosher food for visitors, to appear in this exhibit, which can be for many years. Rabbi Blank, however, being those doing documentary films on Farm seen at: www.archivesalberta.org. We elderly, soon moved to Winnipeg, where Colonies, or Downtown Edmonton build- also were lucky enough to have one our he is buried. We are continuing to research ings, researchers for Fort Edmonton Park, colour postcards chosen for inclusion in this story, and plan another trip there in and those looking for information on their the new 2012 calendar, some of which the Spring, to see if we can find the graves own families. are available from the office. It is a street of any settlers who did not make it. We That’s all for now, but I am sure that next scene of Calgary from the Averbach fonds, would also like to work with Camp BB and year at the Archives will be just as exciting hand-tinted in the 1920s. The calendar is the Nature Conservancy of Canada, which as this year, so please stop by some time and sent to all the MPs and MLAs in Alberta, owns the land on which Rabbi Blank’s visit us at the JCC. and given away or sold by institutional former cabin stood, to set up a memorial members. It was launched at a lovely or interpretive trail, which the campers can lunch at Rutherford House which Jini and visit each year, and learn this tragic story. I attended. Michael Dawe has offered to come in March Rabbi Bernard Baskin, who spoke to us for our Spring Program and speak further last year, paid another visit to Edmonton on this subject. to finalize his donation of books to the I attended an ASA workshop recently University of Alberta Library. I tried to on displaying and conserving Archival arrange for him to again speak to our Materials, which took place at the PAA. It community, but his visit happened right was very interesting and informative, and at Sukkoth, so this was not possible, but helped me with the task of curating our lat- est exhibit. Make sure you come to the JCC Dani Uretsky and Mirim Rabinovitch at the I attended his talk on Antiquarian Book Herzl Exhibit opening. Shoctor photo. 16 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.jahsena.ca HERITAGE • Winter 2011

broadcast media he has one mission: “to make films that affect Glassman’s main profession is still as an illus- people.” Currently he is in post-production Continued from page 5 trator. He is currently illustrating a children’s for Dead Before Dawn, the first ever Canadian picture book for a local author. For more infor- Having been in the film industry for over fully-financed feature in 3D. Federgreen also mation about Felt Up, visit www.getfeltup.net. 30 years, Miller is quite down to earth when it recently started up a Canadian independent Glassman’s website is www.simonglassman.com. comes to describing his greatest productions: film distribution company called Indiecan “My wife Michele and I have been married 28 Entertainment. Jason Margolis years and our three grown children Ben, Sam Originally from Edmonton, Margolis has Mark Dolgoy and Hannah are undoubtedly our greatest pro- made his home in ductions (and probably the most expensive)!” Reevan’s younger brother, Mark Dolgoy Vancouver for a worked as a producer, director, writer, and edi- number of years. Alan Bleviss tor for a number of productions for the CBC, He was part of Bleviss is known as both a voice-over actor CTV, ACCESS, and National Film Board the production and President of the Civil War Token Society. between the late ‘60s and early ‘80s. Dolgoy company Jump He has performed the narration for documen- became interested in film while a student at Communications, taries, film trailers, and other programming Simon Fraser University. Due to the recession and is now a in television, film, and radio. Although he is of the early ‘80s, he enrolled in law school in supervising producer Canadian, he was credited as the voice of the 1984 and practices as an attorney. and writer at Greedy Democratic Party during the Clinton admin- Alan Stein Productions, which istration, and for representatives at all levels runs the series The Stein (1948-1994) was an award-winning across the government in the U.S. Electric Playground. He is a director, writer, filmmaker, broadcaster, and musician. Born in Bleviss graduated from the University picture and story editor, as well as a film school Ontario, but a long-time Alberta transplant, he of Alberta in 1967 and also studied at the instructor. produced and directed the film National Theatre School in Montreal. He cur- Shooting Stars: He has collaborated with Edmonton novel- The Amazing Story of the Edmonton Grads in rently serves as President of their alumni asso- ist Todd Babiak on screenplays such as The 1987, chronicling the history of the women’s ciation and volunteers on the executive of the Great One, a hockey comedy. Margolis directed basketball team. He served as president of the Board of Governors as well. In the book Eat and co-wrote Lucky Stars, a feature film that Alberta Motion Picture Industries Association Me by Kenny Shopsin, Bleviss is credited as screened at several festivals throughout North and a founding member of Film West the inspiration for the “Edmonton” Tuna Fish America, as well as directing numerous award- Associates. Stein was also president of the Sandwich, at Shopsin’s eatery in Manhattan. winning short films. In addition, Margolis has Alberta Union of Students and a member of directed many music videos for artists such Michael Bobroff the Worth Commission on Education. During as Great Lake Swimmers and Andrew W.K. the last part of his career, Stein went into radio Bobroff works as a production executive with Viewers of MuchMusic may be familiar with broadcasting with CBC Radio in 1990, hosting Aquila Productions, a company in Edmonton the Nardwuar the Human Serviette segments the weekday afternoon program . that creates broadcast video productions for Edmonton PM (also popular on YouTube) – Margolis shot Allan Stein Park in the Riverdale neighbour- its clients, as well as offering other services several of these. hood at 10025-87 Street, is named after him. such as live entertainment productions. Aquila Amongst his teaching credentials, he has Productions is owned by the Katz Group, Simon Glassman taught screenwriting at the Vancouver Film where he is also the VP of Marketing. Simon Glassman is a local cartoonist who School and editing and directing at The Art Avi Federgreen recently made the Institute of Vancouver. Other names who should be mentioned Federgreen is a venture into film with here include Lisa Miller (Josh’s sister) and drama producer his first production, Missy Geffen, both of whom run independent who now lives in entitled Felt Up, a production companies. Miller and Geffen Toronto. He grew series of scenes played were both featured extensively in last issue’s up in Edmonton out with puppets, piece about people form the local community where many of his but based on real-life involved with television. family still lives. stories. Additions: Federgreen has been “I’ve been working As much as we tried, it was just impossible involved with the as a cartoonist for five to include everyone in the local community production of dozens years and decided it who works in television! Here is one name we of television shows was worth my time a missed: Steve Glassman is a producer who and movies for both couple years ago to try a new medium,” he says. currently is with CBC Television in Edmonton. television and cinema, including the Gemini- “When working on comics and storyboards It was also brought to our attention that we nominated television series and the for other people’s projects, I was always trying Good Dog neglected to mention Monica Miller of CKUA award-winning film staring Joshua to apply all these different film techniques One Week in the first installment of this series. Miller Jackson, which made more than one million I’d soaked up from being such a movie nerd has been with CKUA since 1977, starting her dollars at Canadian box offices and a top rental into my illustrations. It was more a process of career as a part-time record librarian leading to on iTunes and in DVD sales during its first eventually admitting to myself what I wanted producing and hosting the show How I Hear week of release. to do rather than really deciding on it.” It since 2000. The show airs daily on weekdays His bio on the website for his production Although he will also be releasing a from 1 to 3 p.m. company, Federgreen Entertainment, states that short (five minutes) thriller in the new year,