Involvement in the Community and Political Life
In addition to their commitment to the Jewish organizations in town, many of Peterborough’s Jewish residents participated in non-Jewish and municipal activities as well. For instance, several were members of the Kiwanis, Masonic and Oddfellows societies. Ruth Black played a visible role in one of the city’s annual celebrations, serving as Parade Queen one year.
Some community members also assumed important leaderships roles. For instance, Mrs. Low, Mrs. Zacks and Mrs.Cherney served on the Civic Hospital Board during the 1950s. Mrs. Low also served on the Town Planning Board and the local Council of Women. Finally, Mrs. Cherney served as President of the University Women’s Club during that decade. She and her husband were also active in the Little Theatre.
There were also some individuals who represented their professional societies. Dr. Louis Zacks was President of the Peterborough County Medical Association and Jacob Low served as President of the Peterborough Bar Association. The latter was also involved in politics, serving as Secretary of the Liberal Association.
Many of the local Jews who owned businesses were involved in the chamber of commerce. During the 1980s, Isadore Black served as President of this important organization. He was also committed to inter-faith dialogue and served as Co-Chairman of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews. His contributions to the city were recognized in 1991, when he was voted Citizen of the Year. And in 2002, he was granted the Queen’s Medal, which was created that year to celebrate the monarch’s 50th year on the throne, and honoured Canadians who made an “outstanding and exemplary contribution to their communities or to Canada as a whole.” Erica Cherney has also become one of the city’s outstanding citizens. Just a few of her many accomplishments include: being the first female Chair of Trent University’s Board of Governors and receiving an honourary doctorate there; being named Peterborough’s Citizen of the Year; and serving as President of the Board of the United Way and Vice Chair of the Board of TV Ontario.
