The Ontario Jewish Archives at Forty: Four Decades of Collecting and Sharing our Community's History

On view: September 1-October 3, 2013

A selection of photographs from this exhibition are currently on view at the Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave

In celebration of the Ontario Jewish Archives’ 40th anniversary, this exhibition features our favourite photographs from the OJA’s expansive collection. This exhibition, on view at the Miles Nadal JCC September 1 through October 3, provides an opportunity to be inspired by the rich heritage of our community. From a Kensington Market dairy store, to a cheder (Hebrew School) in St. Catharines, to a three-year old boy receiving his ceremonial first hair cut, and to cottage life in the North; the OJA’s 40th anniversary exhibition tells the stories that have shaped communities around the province. 

Established in 1973, the Ontario Jewish Archives (OJA) is home to Canada’s largest archival collection documenting Jewish life. Included are hundreds of thousands of photographs, films, letters, diaries and other material that compose the textured landscape of Jewish life in Ontario. Our records date from the 1830s to the present and document communities from Windsor to Thunder Bay including families, synagogues, unions, schools, professions, architecture, societies, organizations, athletes, businesses, artists and many other areas of Jewish life. As a department of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the OJA is also the principal repository for the organization and its multi-faceted activities.