More Toronto Hebrew Benevolent Society Historical Material Uploaded (see article below)

Pictures & Historical Highlights from the 60th Anniversary Membership Drive (half way down the page)

More THBS Historical Documents & Pictures Coming

Howard and Lawrence Federman have been going throught their late father Stan's belongings and have given me a box of old THBS pictures and documents. I have been going through all this material, scanning it and posting it on our website. Have a look at the new material and stay tuned for lots of new historical atifacts. 

Perry - THBS Website Adminstrator  

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.