Jewish Canadian Culture?

Factual Questions
1

I was wondering if any anthropologists among you might be able to point me towards a good source of information on Jewish Canadians, particularly our contributions to Canadian Society as a whole.

I’m interested both in historical characters as well as individuals today. Politicians, artists, athletes, businessmen, etc, are all fair game; I’m looking for those who have had an impact.

It turns out that we may be as secretive as some people say, because I’ve spent quite a few fruitless hours on this subject.

Thanks in advance, and if this isn’t an appropriate question, my apologies.

2

Well, the most prominent Candian Jews I’m aware of are…

  1. Lorne Greene, best known as patriarch Ben Cartwright on “Bonanza.”

  2. Leonard Cohen, well-known folk singer and songwriter (best known to most folks for “Suzanne,” but has a devoted cult following).

  3. The Bronfman family, who’ve operated Seagram’s Liquors for many years.

  4. Mordecai Richler, a novelist, essayist, and general man of letters. His most famous book was probably “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz.”

That’s a start, anyway.

                               - best wishes from an Irish Catholic Yank
3

Okay, here goes – a few others that come to mind (best check up on the Jewishness of 2 and 3)

(1) William Shatner

(2) David Barrett, premier of BC in the 70s (I think he is Jewish)

(3) Stephen Lewis, former ambassador to the UN (I think he is too) I seem to recall that he was associated with the NDP in some way – maybe he was the Ontario NDP leader before Bob Rae?

(4) I think there was a ball player for the Blue Jays in the mid-90s who is a Jewish kid from Toronto. Could be wrong, though.

(5) Herb Gray, former deputy PM (he resigned about a year ago IIRC). He is somewhat religious.

There is a book by Erna Paris called “Jews” that traces the history of the Jews in Canada through the early years. Also you might want to look at any issue of the Canadian Jewish News, from any edition, or search their archives if you can – they have profiles on prominent Canadian Jews from time to time.

Hope this helps

4

The Canadian Encyclopedia has about a page on “Jews” and 2 pages on “Judaism” and cites a reference for further reading: B. G. Sack, “History of the Jews in Canada”. The Encyclopedia should be at your local library, and they can probably track down a copy of Sack, if you’re interested.