Showing 13 results

Oral history interview with Ann Krieger. Ann speaks on the Jewish community in Vancouver around the early turn of the century. She speaks of O’Bryan Hall and the two Jewish groups - orthodox and reform - that had no meeting place for High Holy Days, and rented O’Bryan Hall and held services together. They hired a rabbi (from Seattle).

Originally, David Oppenheimer and Ann's brother-in-law [Milton], were in business together, managing the Oppenheimer Brothers Ltd.. David's grandfather started the business, then David's father (Simon) and mother died, left two children -- mother's maiden name Leiser, an old Victoria family. Milton Oppenheimer was Simon's brother, he married his sister-in-law's sister, and adopted the two children, David and Ruth, and subsequently had Edith, who was Ann's sister-in-law.

Milton brought the business over to Vancouver, which became head office, with Victoria still in operation.

Ann remembers Milton as a very fine man, and felt sure he must have been active in the community. His wife Amy was Jewish (she was a Leiser), but anti-Semitic, and had no Jewish friends at all. David married a non-Jew, and Milton objected to the marriage. Edith had a few Jewish friends, but knew the Wassermans and the Evans family; she was sent to Berkeley to meet Jewish people.

Ann tells of a collection of Oppenheimer memorabilia that Edith had and suggests that Cyril contact her about seeing the material and copying some of it.

Oral interview with Anne Melul. Interviewed by Rebecca Lahr for SLAIS Oral History class.
Anne Melul has been active in the Vancouver Jewish community since her arrival in 1962, and has been shaped by formative experiences in studying abroad, teaching, traveling, motherhood, and 52 years of marriage to her husband Albert Melul, She has also been an active member of the National Council of Jewish Women and the Sephardic Orthodox congregation Beth Hamidrash.

Oral interview with Bea Goldberg. Interviewed by Irene Dodeck. Bea has been involved with numerous Zionist organizations throughout her life such as Young Judaea and Canadian Hadassah-WIZO.

Oral history interview with Charlotte Piek who was born in Munich. She moved to the United States in 1939 with her husband. Mrs. Piek talks the intermingling of the Jewish communities in Munich while she was growing up and living in Germany pre-WW2. She was very active with B'nai B'rith and talks about her work with them.

Oral history interview with Deborah Riverbend who was born in New York City in 1944, the same as her mother, although her father was born in Russia in 1902.

Oral history interview with Gloria Levi. Gloria (née Hammerman) Levi was born in 1937 in Brooklyn, New York. From a very early age, Gloria understood the importance of engaging in her community and dedicating herself to issues of social justice. Since moving to Canada in the 1950s, she has continued to help improve the lives of those around her through her work with groups such as Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, Habitat for Humanity, Innovative Care Advocacy, and other organizations in Vancouver.

Gloria is a Gerontologist, Social Worker, and Author. With 30 years of experience in the field of aging as a social services consultant, trainer, and educator. Gloria has authored among other works "Dealing With Memory Changes As You Grow Older". Undergoing a Google search for Gloria Levi will find that she is extremely active in the community and sits on a variety of boards. Please take note of her work with the Louis Brier Home and Hospital as well as Habitate for Humanity.

Oral history interview with Joan Vanderveen-Berlow who was born in Saskatoon in 1935 but shortly moved with the family to Vancouver. Received her Master's degree in sociology in Boston, later in life was the founder and creator of the Temple Sholom and Reform Congregation. She remained an active member in the Jewish community, doing her best to help it develop.

Oral history interview with Leonard and Sylvia Narod.

Interview with Linda Stein. Interviewed by Michelle Mina. Linda discusses her family history and their contribution to the Cape Town Jewish community, including the establishment of synagogues. Upon immigrating to Vancouver as a dental hygienist, she became involved in the local Jewish community.

Oral history interview with Marjorie Groberman who was born in Edmonton in 1919. Marjorie started the first State of Israel Bond drive and chaired the Jewish Federation.