VOLUME 21, N O. 1 WINTER 2011

Hebrew Camp, c. 1947. Jack Chetner is the tall fellow in the middle of the back row. Photographer: Matthews. Source: Ellen Hector Barbarie. JHSSA #260

Dvorah Smolensky, Esther Weisz and Jack Alberta’s Hebrew Camp Chetner, was formed to work out the details. We were all in our teens and in high school. Where do you start? The daily program - a First for ming was easy. We copied our experience in the Zionist Young Judean camps, but all By Jack Chetner (Rebirth), at Chestermere Lake. Continued on Page 5 Jack Chetner’s memoir of the Alberta In the mid-1940s many students of the Hebrew encouraged us to Talmud Torah belonged to a “ Chug seek further information. Our archives con - Ivri ” Hebrew-speaking club. The group In this Issue: tain a 1997 letter from Bill Cohen about his would meet regularly at members’ homes Alberta’s Hebrew Camp ...... 1 Hebrew Camp days. Rabbi A. Horowitz, in and have discussions on various important Nate Sanofsky Comes to Calgary ...... 2 his memoir, Striking Roots, also provides subjects entirely in Hebrew. President’s Message ...... 2 further information about the start of the Many of these students were also mem - Letter to the Editor ...... 3 camp . We have included excerpts from bers of “ Yehuda Hatzair ” (Young Judeans), Rabbi Lewis Ginsburg’s Eulogy these two sources as addenda to the Chet - and would attend their two-week summer for Sydney Kahanoff, 1980 ...... 4 ner memoir. There are some inconsisten - camp held at Sylvan Lake or Gull Lake. Jay Joffe Memorial Program ...... 5 cies regarding dates and locations in the These Young Judea camps were conduct - Sisters Recall Hebrew Camp ...... 6 sources and we would like to receive verifi - ed in English. The “ Chug ” decided Alberta Aron Horowitz: Hebrew and cation of the exact dates and locations for should have a two week Hebrew-speaking Hardship at Camp Techiyah ...... 6 the camps from our readers. camp, and so work began to try and make Bill Cohen: Happy Hebrew Camper .... 6 There were many firsts created by Rabbi this a reality. Thank You to All Our 2011 Members ... 7 Aron Horowitz in Calgary and other parts of Rabbi Horowitz found a small camp that JHSSA News ...... 8 Canada. One of them was the first Hebrew- would be available at Chestermere Lake, JHSSA Spring Program ...... 8 speaking camp in Canada –“Techiyah ” near Calgary, and a committee, including

COMPLIMENTARY COPY – PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING JHSSA 2 THE JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA WINTER 2011 Nate Sanofsky comes to Calgary

Nathan Sanofsky (1889-1979) was inter- month I already had 5 bicycles. [By now] I’m “When I’ll have enough money, I’ll go.” viewed by JHSSA volunteers Bertha Gold 17, and in a year’s time I had 120 bicycles Then I kept on saying, “I’m sick.” They sent and Helen Goldenberg in 1974. The follow - and I sent for a sister mine home, and she me every day to a doctor –“What’s the mat - ing is an excerpt from a long interview, edit - come down and I took her in and she ter?” At first I said it was my stomach. ed for publication by R. Kerr. We hope to helped me to run [it], and all the girls and When the doctor hears that he gives a publish the rest of the interview, dealing boys used to come and help me. [Now] I glass castor oil. Next time – “I have a sore with Mr. Sanofsky’s many business ven - rent the bicycles out – 50 cents an hour a hip.” – put iodine on it. It was either castor tures , in a future issue of Discovery. new bicycle, 25 cents an hour, old bicycle. oil or iodine. Finally they take you down – then the doctor said, “Well I’ll send you to I came to Canada in 1911, from Russia. And to rent their license, and anybody took My father was a milner [sic], a flour milner a bike had to sign his name in a book in Continued on Page 3 in Russia, and then he passed away young. case an accident, and what time he took it He left alone a mother with 5 brothers and 2 out and what time he bring back the bicy - President’s Message sisters, and the brothers worked to support cle. I made big money. Betty Sherwood Mother. Then in 1910 they called me in the army When I was 13 years old I left home. Two and took me to Vilna. They asked me if I got One of the goals of the JHSSA is to brothers was way out in the Ukraine and a trade – I said no. They started training sol - educate both Jewish people and the they had their own business, and I thought diers like with a mask and bayonet and they general public about the accomplishments I’ll go to them – I was already a plumber, had [only] one mask, and I said to them – of southern Alberta Jewish communities and what you call iron work. That was my how would you like me to make you a cou - and so in the early months of 2011 , it seems trade. They had a big shop – they had 120 ple of masks? “If you can make them, then fitting to take note of events as far back as: men working near Ukraine. you’ll go free in the shop and they’ll give you 1881 – Jewish lumbermen and farmers I went to work for them. Then they whatever you want.” I went down and in lived briefly in the Medicine Hat region. 1891 – 791 Jews had settled in the North- bought me a bicycle already, and every - two days I had two masks exactly the same West Territories. body was rich and everybody came and as the ones they brought. 1901 – Frank, Alberta, named for Henry asked me – Teach me how to ride a bicycle. There was 13 soldiers Jewish in our Frank , was founded. They gave me one dollar, two dollars – the company, and every day one used to 1911 – The cornerstone for the House of first bicycle in town. In a month’s time I had desert. And the captain said, “Sanofsky, enough money to buy 2 bicycles – next Jacob Synagogue was laid on 5th Ave. E. when are you going to desert?” And I said, 1911 – In Lethbridge the Hebrew Con- gregation was incorporated. 1921 – Local women formed |the Calgary Chapter of Hadassah. 1931 – Drumheller’s Jewish population was 44. 1931 – The Polish-Jewish Family Loan Association was inaugurated. 1931 – A junior Hadassah group per- formed its first “Jewish” play in English. 1941 – Young Judea established its annual summer camp. 1951 – Beth Congregation (est. 1935) affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative . 1961 – The Calgary Chevra Kadisha (est. 1904) opened its chapel on 17th Ave. W. 1971 – Calgary’s first Jewish MLA, Ron Ghitter, was elected. 1981 – The Calgary Jewish population reached 6 ,085. The staff and volunteers of the JHSSA revel in the enjoyment and pride of keeping our history alive. Please join us by sharing Nate Sanofsky in his store, Pleasant Confectionary, with his creation, a “bowl” atop the wine bottle made from the stories, photos, artifacts and docu- Eddy matchsticks, without glue, 1939. Source: Riva Wolf. JHSSA #2521 ments of your family or organization. WINTER 2011 THE JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA 3

Nate Sanofsky comes to Calgary Continued from Page 2

registrar – “for 5 rubles you get anything” – he obtained a passport as Chaiken, his mother’s name.] In Berlin – they stopped me – my eyes got red. I went to an eye doctor. He said there’s no use to go to Canada. They won’t let you in, but if you want to go to London – in London you’ll go see a doctor there. [We] went to London. I went every day to the doctor – he put drops in the eyes but it did - n’t help. My brother had a girlfriend – she ran away from Russia to London. Finally I found her and I told her the story. She said she had a friend, “He’s got a captain who’ll put you on a ship like nothing”. He took me down to the ship and the captain said “Sure”, took me inside the ship, and I stayed there and I come to Halifax. On the ship is another boy, crying. He said he’s got to have $25 to show otherwise Chanukah menorah made by Nate Sanofsky in use at they don’t let him off. I said, “Here. I got $25 House of Jacob-Mikveh Israel, 1994. Many individuals and institutions benefited from Nate’s skill as an iron to give it to you, and when you get off you’ll give me the money back.” He got the $25 Nate Sanofsky and son Abraham (Al) at Jewish worker. Photographer: David Craimer. JHSSA #2141.33 National Literary Club picnic, 1925. Source: Riva Wolf and we all went off the ship. He went the hospital. If you spend three months in through the gate and I seen they put him in do. I don’t know where to go, and I go 9th the hospital and you come back sick, then a car on the train, and me they put me in Avenue East, at night. I walked in [to the you’ll go home. But if you are alright you’ll another room in the station and I can’t go, grocery store] just before they closed – go for 3 years hard labour. Take this or the and I seen already the train is going away they closed at eleven. And I walked in to other.” I said I’ll go to the hospital. I and my $25 is goodbye, is gone. them, and Uncle Chaiken came and all of thought, what have I got to lose? Well I sit there and wait. Finally two them. They took me home and that night I I stayed three months and they gave Jewish men come in. They said [in Yiddish] was staying with them. me a letter saying I’m 100%. I went back in “How is it you came in on the ship and you the army and I thought, that’s no good. never register with the doctor?” “I didn’t ‘Cause the sergeant said already, “When know – they didn’t call me to the doctor and the new papers come back and you’re I didn’t hear about it.” “Well I’m sorry”, they Letter to the Editor: alright, there will be trouble for you Sanof - said, “but I think we’ll send you back.” I Trail, BC Photo Correction sky.” On Saturday I said to the sergeant – said “You can’t send me back. I ran away can I go uptown for a while? “Are you from the Russian army and if I go back Thank you very much for sending me the sure you’re coming back?” “Sure I’m com - they’ll send me for three years to Siberia copy of your issue. It was interesting read - ing back. I’ve got everything here.” And I for hard labour.” Well they went away and ing, a lot of history there. left everything. I went to a Yiddishe [Jew - I was sitting there a couple of hours, and I was in Trail in 2000 and saw the great ish] store. I said I want to run away from the two men came in – rich people – two change in the city, the bridge that had the army. I want to give you my uniform. Jewish men, and they start talking to me seemed so high and so long was now very Will you give me a shirt and a pair of pants and I told them everything I did, and they low and short as compared to the newer and shoes? “Oh, I can’t do it – go to anoth - went in the office to the officials and they bridge. The hospital in which I was born er store.” I went to another store and he talked and talked and they come out and was a parking lot. And the smelter was would do it. – I had to give 10 rubles. He they said – all right, you could go. much closer to the downtown area where gave me old pants and shoes and an old And I went away, and that’s how I come. my father had his shop. shirt, and I went to a barber shop and I never find out [who those people were]. I Two small alterations: Morris Goldstein’s shaved off my mustache. And I go to the come to Calgary. I had my tickets to Calgary. shoe shop was next door to his son-in-law station and the train came in and I went The Chaikens were here and Jack Leo Levey. The photo from Dinah Spindel back to Homli [Gomel?] . [Horodezky] was here. I had their address – has someone called “Nana”, definitely not I find a letter from my brother – the the Chaikens on 9th Avenue – the store. Bessie Goldstein, my grandmother. Perhaps addresses where to go, and I went to find I get off at the station and I thought I’d a member of Dinah’s family? them – relatives. [Nate and a cousin get a taxi to drive me down and I stayed Again, thank you. decide to leave Russia, and at a Yiddishe with my suitcase, and I don’t know what to Lola Gordon 4 THE JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA WINTER 2011 From our Archives Rabbi Lewis Ginsburg’s Eulogy for Sydney Kahanoff, 1980

Rabbi L. Ginsburg (1924-1993) was a well other members of family, loyalty to friends known speaker at many events in Calgary in and associates, awareness of responsibili - the 1970s and 1980s. This touching eulogy ty and duty. (slightly abbreviated here) for Calgary busi - Hence, at this afternoon ’s service, we nessman and philanthropist Sydney speak not of his passing, but of his life. For Kahanoff (1922-1980) was donated to our Syd Kahanoff gave away the substance of archives by Pat Kahanoff Smolensky. Today, his spirit to living. Apropos of years, such as the Kahanoff Foundation, established by those of Syd Kahanoff, the poet has written: Sydney in 1979 is one of Canada’s largest “Let none of you weep for me / Especially private foundations. you with whom I’ve smiled / Nor bow down My Dear Friends: Out of the midst of a your head in utter grief. / Put on no mourn - busy, vigorous and vibrant life, Syd Kahanoff ing, as if the pall / Induces forgetfulness and Sydney Kahanoff, 1970s. Source: Calgary Jewish has been summoned from us. I know of no conceals all / We’ve done together. / We News collection. JHSSA #1048 words that can even adequately describe have lived: Remember! / Say not that I have Australia for some six years, he was a his departure from our midst. Our mind died , that this is death . / Say that I have member of the team that found the first informs us of the grim fact, but our heart lived, enjoying each mortal breath. / We commercial petroleum site in Queensland, rejects the thought, and agitated by this have learned and laboured and wrought . / the Mooney Field . inner division, one cannot in any detached What our hands found to do we sought / In He had been appointed by the previous way properly reflect upon it. quest to raise to nobler height. / My life was government as a member of the Petro-Can Only the Bible, with its economy of lan - blessed in the living , / My death hallowed Task Force. He was the sole representative guage and its rugged forthrightness, can because of giving . / Life to me was chal - from the Petroleum Industry to be named to give us a description of how a good man lenge . / I was happy to live.” that four-man unit. is taken from us. In the Book of Genesis, This simple sonnet tried to express what Syd was united in marriage with his we read: is in all our hearts. A good man’s race is run beloved Fern in 1951. Together they walked “And Enoch walked with G-d, and he – a marathon of good living. His victory we the roadway of life hand-in-hand. They was not; for G-d took him.” acclaim, although the runner is spent; yet, inspired one another in serving their fellow The years of Syd Kahanoff were char - not before he attained his goal and felt the human beings. Their deeds, on behalf of acterized by a verve for living. Unto life he laurel of life securely in his hand. Life was community were many, particularly in the brought activity, devotion, initiative and his victory – not the grave’s. Now he gives to area of education, medical care and enterprise. His days were marked by love those who come after him the charge that research and Israel, land and people. They of wife, parents, devotion to siblings and the course is never finished. We are urged did not aspire to publicity nor commenda - to carry on the aspirations of this devoted tion for their human concerns. Rather, they man to reach the goals that he envisioned. saw a need and sought to meet it. Syd’s A native of Winnipeg, Syd was reared own deep satisfaction came from enriching and educated in the Saskatchewan village in may ways, subtle and overt, the lives of of Mildred and in the high school in Prince those about him. Albert, subsequently studying engineering Syd evinced great dedication unto his physics at the University of Saskatchewan. family. His love for his mother was beyond He entered the petroleum industry and measure. In fact, his years were measured achieved distinction in his chosen field. by a love of people. Hence, his response to Syd, who served four years with the air those who needed his help, the gifts which force, was a radar mechanic here and he could and did provide. overseas, was co-founder and president of He found joy in the pulse and beat of life Voyageur Petroleum Ltd. He served that and its dynamics. Yet, there was always firm, which was established in 1966, as time to pause for human concerns and for president until 1978, and resigned his post friendship. He knew challenge, signifi - as board chairman only shortly before his cance, enthusiasm, happiness in the realm passing. He held postings, including that of of business activity. president, with the Independent Petroleum In the Torah we learn that Moses was Association of Canada. Having resided in Rabbi Lewis Ginsburg, c. 1970. JHSSA #1802 Continued on Page 5 WINTER 2011 THE JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA 5

Alberta’s Hebrew Camp a First for Canada Continued from Page 1 activities, including sports, would be in the Smolensky, who immediately joined our out the help and efforts of the Smolensky . anger at the Council for dismissing us. In his family we would never have been able to Unlike the Young Judean camp , we had own quiet way, Dvorah’s father, David have this great experience of a Hebrew- no parent group making all the necessary Smolensky, calmed us down and patiently speaking camp. arrangements for kitchen, food supplies asked exactly what we required. After For me there is a personal postscript. and other essentials. We concluded that some discussion he said he would help us Many years later I was to meet Mr. Samuel since we were all students at the Talmud out by not only providing the pots, pans and Dattner as the father of my wife-to-be, Torah we would ask the Calgary Jewish dishes, but would, as well, take charge of Sylvia. I wondered if he would remember Community Centre for use of their kitchen providing the food and groceries for the the confrontation we had. He remembered equipment and other aids. camp. [The Smolensky family ran the large the kids with “chutzpah”, but respected our So three nervy teens asked to attend a Riverside Hardware store. ] zeal and the fervor for our aims. meeting of the Jewish Community Council Work began in earnest to recruit There were many firsts in our years at and make a pitch for help. We were very campers and staff for the camp. Rabbi and the Calgary Talmud Torah. Camp Techiyah positive in our approach, but were soon Mrs. Horowitz, Ephraim and Dvorah Mala - was only one of them. very disappointed. Mr. Samuel Dattner and muth, and Mr. Walker, all teachers from the Jack Chetner was born and grew up in Mr. Morris Wolochow, both of whom were Talmud Torah, would be the leaders. A won - Calgary, and graduated from the high school very prominent in the community at that derful cook, Mrs. Lorinczc , was hired. Hebrew program run by principal Aron time, were against our request. Counselors for the cabins were all sen - Horowitz at the Calgary Talmud Torah. Along Mr. Dattner had just refurbished the ior campers and all paid the required camp with several other graduates, he attended kitchen equipment at the Community Centre fee. No one was paid or given a free ride. the Teachers Institute of the Jewish Theo - and said they would not be loaned out to a It was not a large camp, but we had one logical Seminar and New York University, group of kids. Mr. Wolochow was the treas - camper from Winnipeg and two from earning a graduate degree in education. urer of the Young Judean Camp Committee Edmonton. The camp was a success and Chetner joined the faculty of the Edmon - and could see no reason for another camp lasted for two years, 1945 and 1946. It was ton Talmud Torah (a day-school) in 1952, and led by a group of kids. The Community the forerunner of the larger Hebrew camp, became principal in 1954. He left the school Council agreed. Massad, in Eastern Canada, also created in 1972 and was active in national Hebrew Dvorah, Esther and I, with tears in our by Rabbi Horowitz and the Keren Ha-Tar - Education and in real estate until 1992. eyes, got on our bikes and rode to the buth (a Hebrew education alliance). His parents were Abraham and Rachel Smolensky house on 8th Avenue East. We The camp did not lose money and paid Chetner, homesteaders at the Montefiore were greeted by Dvorah’s mother, Pauline all expenses, although in retrospect, with - Jewish farm colony near Sibbald. He is brother to Dov and David Chetner, both of Calgary. Eulogy for Sydney Kahanoff Continued from Page 4 called to Mt. Nebo and was told by G-d to His memory is with us: a life fulfilled, a look into the Promised Land. And there on life of meaning, a precious heritage, the Jay Joffe the summit of the mountain Moses died. shade upon our right hand, the refreshing Memorial Program Moses died, but the vision of the Promised water, the inextinguishable light. May G-d’s Land remained and was later fulfilled. benediction be his crown of glory. May November 14, 2010 No matter when we are called, the Prom - G-d’s comfort be, for you, his dearest ones, JHSSA was pleased to be able to ised Land is always a vision that beckons us, your strength and your stay. acknowledge the hard work of student film - but into which we are denied entrance. Man makers at this year’s Jay Joffe Memorial is finite, but his dreams transcend his mortal Program at the Beth Tzedec Jewish Film frame. The mountain-climber ascends to the Festival . Ariela Karmel and Kaylie Magid - summit of one mountain only to see one son were presented with copies of A Joyful higher, challenging him to scale it. Harvest in recognition of their films, both In the Alps there is a grave of a moun - featuring the personal histories of Calgari - tain-climber, and on its marker are ans. Kaylie’s film, Journey to Canada: The inscribed these words: ‘He died climbing.” Barrons, was screened immediately before This is the secret of man’s divinity that the feature film, Jews and Baseball: An defies his mortality. It is to climb and keep American Love Story . The film was intro - climbing, to bequeath to those who follow duced by local filmmaker Jonathan Joffe the vision of that which one was from afar who pointed out the proud history of the and did not reach in order that others might Calgary Jewish Men’s Baseball League . Kahanoff Family, 1940s. Back: Sydney and Pat. Front: continue to climb. This is the highest tribute Minnie, Albert and Abraham. Source: Pat Kahanoff The audience was treated to a fitting snack we can pay to Syd – “He died climbing.” Smolensky. JHSSA #828 of chips and Cracker Jacks after the film. 6 THE JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA WINTER 2011 The Smolensky Sisters Recall Hebrew Camp By Fay Smolensky Schwartz and Devorah Smolensky Heckelman The two Smolensky sisters have recent - filled with straw and placed on a wooden that there would not be adequate hash - ly submitted their reminiscences about the platform would constitute the mattress in gacha (supervision) and the dishes would founding of the Hebrew Camp in Alberta as the cabin. be returned for use in the Community Cen - part of an essay on the contribution of Rabbi In the spirit of Chalutziyut (pioneering), ter with questions as to their sustained Horowitz to Jewish education in Canada. students did chores in the camp, often . … The objective was to have a total singing as they washed dishes, drew water, Parents of Dvorah, seeing how upset Hebrew speaking environment that would set tables, etc. she was upon her return comforted her and reinforce the school’s formal teaching of As with most community endeavors of assured her that they would provide Kosher language, culture and the sources. It was an educational nature, a significant number dishes, pots and pans – two new sets for hoped that it would attract Hebrew speak - of lay people provided support in volunteer meat and dairy – from their store at no cost ing students from throughout the province services as well as financial resources. Of to the camp. They acquired cutlery from an and beyond. particular note was the contribution made army surplus store and they kashered the The first task was to find an appropriate by Pauline and David Smolensky in provid - two sets in the approved traditional manner . site. Max Katzin, Dave Smolensky and Fay ing Kosher dishes and arranging for the Dave even loaned the camp his car. In sub - Smolensky (Schwartz) investigated possi - delivery of Kosher meat, often delivered by sequent years camps were run by Horowitz ble sites for a two-week camp with lake Dave himself. at other sites, culminating with the final one frontage. They chose a Pentecostal Camp One episode remembered by a partici - at the Chestermere Lake Sea Cadet Camp, on Sylvan Lake. It was not unusual for a pant was the issue of kosher dishes. Two run by Dvorah and Jack. church to run a facility, away from the city, students, Jack Chetner and Dvorah Rabbi Horowitz moved to and that was quite primitive with no running Smolensky, appeared before the board of founded the Canadian near water, no electricity and to rent it out to the Calgary Jewish Community Center to St. Agathe in …several counselors another group for part of the summer. In this request the use of the kosher dishes and were from among those Calgarians who case the campers were instructed to bring pots for the camp. The board argued the had attended Camp Techiyah in Alberta. a large sack of a specified size that, when matter at length. At issue was the concern The Quebec camp opened in July of 1947 .

Bill Cohen – Happy Aron Horowitz – Hebrew and Hebrew Camper Hardship at Camp Techiyah Former Calgarian William (Bill) Cohen It was painful for me, as it was for the strengthening of enjoyed his two weeks at Hebrew camp. youngsters, when I saw them coming out the movement. The He recalls Camp Techiyah in a letter crying from the meeting. The committee campers spoke only from his home in California. had absolutely refused to lend them the Hebrew throughout The camp was held at Sylvan Lake, dishes of the community centre. The prob - this time. where the Calgary Hebrew School had lem was resolved by Mr. and Mrs. Dave The treasurer, rented for two weeks the camp facilities Smolensky, who lent them some dishes Yaakov Chetner, Rabbi Aron Horowitz, 1944. JHSSA #71 of the Pentecostal Church, at the north from their store. who planned the end of Sylvan Lake. They rented a ramshackle camp from a budget, made the “And yes we all did speak Hebrew for church. The cabins had no beds or other purchases, etc., was a mere boy of fifteen. two weeks at camp. All the activities furniture. We slept on sacks filled with Their spirit and sense of achievement were were conducted in Hebrew. From sun - straw. There were no inside toilets or run - high and they continued to speak for years rise service of raising the flag to all ning water, and it took much resourceful - about their camp experience. meals, discussions, games, food serv - ness to turn the surrounding grounds into a From Aron Horowitz , “Striking Roots: ice, KP, etc., to flag lowering, it was all in sports field. Reflections of Five Decades of Jewish Hebrew. They were inspired by what they had Life,” 1979, p.116. Rabbi Aron Horowitz was .... I took no pictures and I have no learned about Kibbutz life in Eretz Israel to principal of the Calgary Talmud Torah from pictures. It occurred to me that maybe model their camp after it. The name 1942 to 1946, and from 1952 to 1955. my fellow campers or their children T’chiyah , revival, was chosen as a symbol Horowitz was educated in Palestine and in might have pictures or memorabilia that of their participation in the rebirth of the New York. Much of his career was spent in they wish to share with the historical Hebrew culture. Everybody shared equally Canada, where he was a Hebrew educator, society and its readers. in the expenses and in the work, and a high-ranking Zionist official, and an Bill and Bernice Cohen now live in nobody received any pay. active proponent of Canadian Hebrew Cupertino, California . Although the duration of the camp was School education. only two weeks, it contributed much to the WINTER 2011 THE JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA 7 Thank You to all our 2011 Members Membership donations Saul Osadchey Allen & Wendy Jerry & Faith Dubisky Allan & Sharon Sattin are used to support the Maurice & Myra Mendelman Norman & Ruth Dvorkin Robert & Tamara Seiler projects and operations Paperny Miriam Milavsky Dave & Delsie Dworkin Judy Shapiro & Richard of the JHSSA which is Phil & Judy Parker Eva Muskovitch Reva Faber Bronstein an independent, self- Paul & Katherine Stuart & Elaine Myron Paul Finkleman Harry & Janet Sherman sustaining organization. Pearlman Keith & Barb Samuels Halley Girvitz Ruth Sherwood We issue official tax Donna Riback Cliff & Ruth Secter George & Sondra Svetlana Shklarov receipts for all Faith Riback Ruth Shapiro Goodman Morley & Cheryl Shore donations. Our Murray Robins Jack & Betty Sharp Sam & Anne Goresht Laura Shuler membership year is from Stan & Carey Smith Evelyn Sheftel Bruce & Jeannie Mackie Shuler September to August. Coleman & Sybil Arnold Sherman Groberman Brian & Gail Sidorsky Welcome to our 20 new Staniloff Betty Sherwood Henry & Avrona Gutman Helen Signer members . Special thanks Israel & Bryna Switzer Rae Smithens Lucille Hanson Morley & Karen Sklar to all those members Darlene Switzer-Foster Sheldon Smithens Nelson & Debbie Halpern Tillie Sklar who have made extra Phil & Ruth Ullman Joe & Sondra Spier Zelda Hanson Pat Smolensky donations beyond their Fania Wedro Jack & Shauna Switzer Naomi Hashman Barry & Debby Smolkin membership fees for our Rose Zivot Evelyn Viner Cy & Mona Joffe Jerry Snukal 20th anniversary year . The Alvin & Mona Libin Paul Ziff Jonathan Joffe Jerry & Judith Sperakow Please inform our office Foundation Chevra Kadisha of Lily Joffe Sam & Ida Switzer of any omissions or Waterman Holdings Calgary Sandra Kalef Jack Van Ameringen corrections. Out of Town Benefactors Out of Town Patrons Ariela Karmel Helen Walker Irena Karshenbaum Sandra Morton Weizman Calgary Benefactors Marilyn Belzberg Jonathan Anschell Larry & Deborah Katz Jack Wise Hy & Jenny Belzberg Joel & Annette Bermack Murray Blankstein Naomi Kerr Edward Wolfman Clara Blackstone Rosalind Corenblum- Jack & Sylvia Chetner Morley & Eta Kerr Leon & Lillian Ted Busheikin Citron Herb Guttman Sarah Jane Kerr-Lapsley Zimmerman David & Glenda Chetner Delores Corenblum- Stan Guttman Oscar Kirshner Elliot & Minnie Zuckier Martha Cohen Rosen Betty Horodezky Allan & Annette Kolinsky Calgary Jewish Les & Hazel Cosman Murt Davis Cyril Leonoff Frances Kolinsky Academy Sidney & Bronia Bernard Ghert George & Connie Nagler Sharna Laven Jewish War Veterans of Cyngiser Sonny & Gena Gorasht Fred Schaeffer Leslie Levant Canada, Post #2 Harris & Lynette Dvorkin Dora Gray David Sidorsky Jean Libin Jack & Rose Edelson Beryl Libin Nat & Betty Starr Out of Town Members Saundra & Harold Lipton Clifford & Marla Michael & Phyllis Marc & Suzanne Francis Bondaroff Julius Lister Eisenberg Moscovich Waterman Rena Cohen Barry Litchinsky Jack & Brenda Les Moss Fred & Joyce Zemans William & Bernice Cohen Kaylie Magidson Eisenberg Jared Polsky & Debbie Calgary Members Gary & Francoise Betty Mayer Lil Faider Levy Ethel Allman Dvorkin Lee Moster Stephen & Miriam Field Sylvia Polsky Gerry Barron Tish Dvorkin Roberta Nitkin Milton & Maxine Michael Shafron Jean Barron Barry Finkelman Susan Podlog Fischbein Eric W. Slavens Shel & Cylia Bercovich Mel & Deana Fishman Mel & Reata Polsky David Halpern Calgary Patrons Rudy & Jeanette Berger Judith Ghert Tiby Presma Barry & Ila Hardin Doreen Abugov Francine Wapple David Joffe Shirley Rabinovitch Noel Hershfield Sam & Lauren Bell Bermack & Sheila Lucien & Carole Agi Romer Segal & Gordon & Eva Hoffman Trudy Cowan & Leon Bermack Lieberman Eliezer Segal Barbara Joffe Luker Marni Besser Chuck Mozeson Ben & Mona Rosenbaum Frank Kettner Labie & Eleanor Doctor David & Sonia Bickman Ida Rodich Molly Ross William & Lea Kohn Nadine Drexler Wayne Bobroff Roberta Sheps Stuart & Irene Ross Barbara Libin Leo & Arla Friedman Anne Brodsky Andria Spindel John Rothschild & Carol Phil & Harriet Libin Ralph & Sheila Gurevitch David Busheikin Goldie Steele Weiner Joel & Sally Lipkind Leon & Becky Hapton Geta Churgin Chiara Switzer Leah Saltman Rose Lister Lil Hershfield Jeri Churgin Jay Switzer Marilyn Samuels & Larry & Sandy Martin Joe & Maureen Katchen Cheryl Cohen Sharon Switzer David Craimer Harold Milavsky Minnie Kowall Emanuel & Donna Cohen Bev Walker Harry Sanders & Kirsten Walter & Jessie Ron & Barb Krell Geneva Cohen Elizabeth Yan Olson Moscovitz Miriam Meir Les & Mim Diamond Allen County Public Miriam Sanders Therese Nagler Lorne & Zena Drabinsky Library 8 THE JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA WINTER 2011 JHSSA News JHSSA 20th Annual Meeting The AGM program also featured Big and sharing your story through the Jewish October 18, 2010 Shoes to Fill: Footsteps of our Pioneers , a Historical Society of Southern Alberta – you are making your communities stronger. Over 85 people were in attendance at presentation of selections from our archives Strength can be drawn from the past. our 20th AGM, featuring special guest, that was compiled by Barb Joffe and This society provides a valuable Alberta Minister of Culture and Community Therese Nagler and performed by them resource for students, historians and others Spirit, the Honourable Lindsay Blackett. An together with David Busheikin, Trudy looking for information about their roots. excerpt from Minister Blackett’s speech fol - Cowan, Shari Finkleman, Maxine Fischbein You are helping future generations know lows below. and Laura Shuler, with musical accompani - where they came from and be inspired to A new slate of directors was elected. ment by Deb Finkleman. work towards an even brighter future… Retiring directors David Bickman, Trudy From Minister Blackett’s address: Thank you to each of you for your efforts Cowan, Maxine Fischbein, Darlene Switzer Our country and our province were built to preserve, protect and share your part in Foster and Harriet Libin were thanked for through immigration. Alberta’s cultural mo - Alberta’s history. Volunteers are the heart of their years of service on the JHSSA board. saic is as diverse as the landscape stretching community spirit and your efforts have lead Marni Besser, Lil Hershfield, Harry Sanders across the province. We need to make sure to the 20 years of success for this society. and Laura Shuler were elected to the board. we capture our stories, before they fade. At a subsequent meeting, the board elected Through examining our history, we learn Betty Sherwood as president and Saundra valuable lessons that make us stronger – as Calgary: A New Illustrated History Lipton and Paul Finkleman as vice presidents. individuals and as a society. By protecting presented by Harry Sanders January 9, 2011 The weather outside was frightful, but here was so delightful – here being the JCC Chapel, warmed by the wonderful stories of Harry Sanders, local author and historian. Also a JHSSA Director, Sanders offered a sneak peak at his upcoming publication, Calgary: A New Illustrated History , sharing snippets of Calgary’s past with an enthusi - astic audience of over 20 people. Using completed sections of his book as a jumping-off point, he freely elaborat - ed on places and personalities, adding a Jewish side-bar whenever there was one, as well as the occasional ‘inside’ look at the process of putting together an illus - AGM coordinator Saundra Lipton (right) presenting special guests, CJCC President Adam Singer, MLA Paul trated history. Hinman and the Honourable Minister Lindsay Blackett with the JHSSA publication, A Joyful Harvest, on October 18, 2010. Photographer: Donna Riback. JHSSA #4107.33 DISCOVERY JHSSA Spring Program: Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta The editors welcome submissions for publication relating Founding President: Jay Joffe z”l to areas of Calgary and Southern Alberta Jewish history. CALGARY SONGS Past President: Jack Switzer All articles should be typed, documented and sent for con - President: Betty Sherwood sideration. Original songs celebrating the Vice-Presidents: Saundra Lipton, Paul Finkleman Statements of fact or opinion appearing in Discovery are Treasurer: Lil Hershfield made on the responsibility of the authors alone, and do not legends and characters from Secretary: Zena Drabinsky imply the endorsement of the editors or the JHSSA. Director at Large: Brenda Eisenberg Calgary’s colourful history. Please address all communications on editorial and circu - Directors: Shel Bercovich, Marni Besser, lation matters to: Written and performed by David Busheikin, Clifford Eisenberg, Barry Finkelman, Sheila Gurevitch, Noel Hershfield, Barbara Joffe, Discovery Paulo Finkleman, Deborah Katz, Therese Nagler, Donna Riback, c/o The Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta Harry Sanders, Svetlana Shklarov, Laura Shuler, 1607 - 90th Avenue S.W., Calgary Songwriter and Carey Smith, Sheldon Smithens Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2V 4V7 Recording Artist. Honourary Directors: Hy Belzberg, Jack Edelson, Phone 444-3171 Henry Gutman, Mel Polsky Email: [email protected] Sunday, March 27, 2011 Archivist: Agi Romer Segal Website: www.jhssa.org Office Staff: Naomi Kerr, Roberta Kerr ISSN: 1916 – 3886 3:00 - 5:00 pm Editors: Jack Switzer, Agi Romer Segal

Calgary JCC © 2011 by the Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta (a non-profit, registered society). Donations gratefully accepted.