Toronto Hebrew Benevolent Society

THBS is Celebrating 125 years!

The Toronto Hebrew Benevolent Society has a rich heritage and tradition in promoting Jewish culture and fostering Jewish fraternity and benevolence in the Greater Toronto Area since 1899.

As one of the largest societies of its kind in Canada, the THBS remains an active and vital part of the community.

2024 Annual Brunch

Our annual brunch was held on November 3rd at the Richmond Hill Country Club and was a very successful event enjoyed by all attendees. We had a new member installed and Mel gave a brief history of our society. Too see pictures of this event, please click here.

A brief history of the THBS

During the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, large numbers of Jews immigrated to North America. Among these Jewish immigrants, it became common practice to establish mutual benefit societies.

In return for annual dues, members received assistance in several areas, such as medical or financial expenses, as well as cemetery privileges and community social programs.

Incorporated in 1899, the Toronto Hebrew Benevolent Society (THBS) was the first Jewish mutual benefit society in Ontario not associated with a particular synagogue. The first meeting of the Toronto Hebrew Benevolent Society took place in January 1899 and the Society received its charter from the Ontario Government in February 1899.

The members were mostly immigrants from eastern Europe; the original thirty-five members were all cloak makers. In addition to its sick benefits and burial functions, the THBS also provided organized social programs for the community.

125 years later, the THBS is still active today, offers social events, meetings, and charity work and continues to maintain its cemetery properties and provide burial plots. It supports several organizations, such as Beit Halochem, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Israel Cancer Research Fund, and United Jewish Appeal, among others.

To find out how to be a member, please contact us.