Past Programs

The First Jew in Canada: a Trans Tale

In 1738, a young transgender man named Jacques LaFargue set off from France to what is now Quebec City, determined to make for himself a new life. The First Jew In Canada: A Trans Tale is his largely untold story.

OJA and TDSB Partnership

In May 2019, the OJA partnered with the TDSB to educate students on the Jewish history of Kensington Market.

Stories of Spadina with a Spin

April 29, May 6 & 13, 2018

Three special walking tours inspired by the exhibition A Place for Wholesome Amusement

Ignite: Night of Jewish Learning

Dec. 16, 2017: Prosserman JCC, Toronto

An evening of learning on the 4th night of Chanukah.

From Delis to Dairy: Kibitzing about Kensington's Early Jewish Restaurants

Nov. 15, 2017: Lillian Smith Public Library, Toronto

A night of reminiscing about Kensington's restaurant history. 

Toronto Jewish Film Festival Screenings

May 8 & 15, 2016: Empress Walk and Bloor Cinema

The OJA-produced film Building History: The Story of Benjamin Brown, and Shtetl in the City: Memories of Toronto's Jewish Community featuring the stories of long-time Toronto residents.

Benjamin Brown Plaque Presentation

April 5, 2016: Urbanspace Gallery, Toronto

The OJA and Heritage Toronto unveiled a plaque commemorating Jewish architect, Benjamin Brown.

Koffler Salon: Memory and Architecture

March 21, 2016: Koffler Gallery, Artscape Youngplace, Toronto

An evening dedicated to the intersections of memory, urban sites and architecture in Toronto, set against the backdrop of the exhibition Benjamin Brown: Architect.

I.P. Sharp Lectureship

Dec. 2, 2015: University of Toronto

Technology Serves Remembrance: Yad Vashem's Breakthroughs in Accessing Holocaust Documentation.

Unfire: Unpacking the Jewish Camp Experience

May 23, 2015: Miles Nadal JCC, Toronto

How did your camp years shape you? A thought-provoking session as part of the Downtown Tikkun Leil Shavuot program.

Tramvay Lider (Streetcar Songs)

May 11, 2015: First Narayever Congregation, Toronto

A morning dedicated to Yiddish song, poetry and the Jewish history of College Street.

Beyond Bubbie

Nov. 2013: Al Green Theatre, Toronto

An extraordinary evening dedicated to food, family, and the stories that link them together.

Labor Lyceum Plaque Presentation

May 2013: Toronto

The OJA and Heritage Toronto presented a plaque commemorating the historic Labor Lyceum at 346 Spadina Ave., its former site.

Jewish Mosaic Museum

May 27, 2013: Paul Penna Downtown Jewish School, Toronto

During the 2012-2013 school year the OJA collaborated with Paul Penna to bring the archives into grades 3 and 4 classrooms. This program culminated in the Jewish Mosaic Museum.