Book of Life Stories

Roseline & Willy Tencer

Both Willy’s and my parents were Holocaust survivors from Poland who, against all odds, endured the unimaginable horrors and losses of the Shoah. 

My father lost his wife and two little girls in the gas chambers. After the war, despite his profound grief, he found the strength to start a…

Mindy & Steven Shinoff

As proud members of our vibrant Jewish community, we have contributed to and immersed ourselves in our community in a meaningful and rewarding way. Although we began contributing later than we should have, we are proud of the impact we have been able to make recently. 

Steve was born in Mo…

David z”l & Dorothy Samuel

Dorothy Samuel was born March 13, 1934. Her parents, Sam and Rose Goldhar, both immigrants from Poland, worked seven days a week operating a cigar store, as well as a delicatessen on St. Clair Avenue West near Northcliffe Boulevard. Dorothy, older brother Leo, and her parents lived in tight …

Jeanette & Colin Podolsky

When we decided to leave apartheid South Africa, we knew we had to go somewhere that had a strong Jewish community. Arriving in Canada was a shock to the system in countless ways. There was, however, one constant that made us feel like this crazy, snowy, new place was home. Being a Jew in To…

Leslie & Nir Orbach

Whether at home or in the community, we approach our relationships with each other, our children, our family, friends, colleagues, and community with respect, open hearts, and open minds. These principles guide us—not only in our commitment to philanthropy, but in our daily lives. 

At th…