The Director of the OJA, Dr. Ellen Scheinberg, delivers a number of different presentations and workshops to organizations and groups throughout the year. The fee is based on the size of the group, as well as the organization’s annual budget. All proceeds benefit the OJA and its mandate to preserve the records of the Ontario Jewish community.

Preserving Your Family Treasures
This workshop can be delivered by PowerPoint or as a group discussion without the computer and projector. It is intended to provide some tips and teach some rudimentary skills to the general public about how to preserve their family records, in particular paper records like diaries and correspondence as well as photographs. The presentation is approximately 45 minutes in length and 15-30 minutes is spent at the end of the session examining some of the treasures that the group has brought in or answering questions that the audience may have.

The Ontario Jewish Archives: Over Thirty Years Preserving the Past
This PowerPoint presentation examines the role and history of the Ontario Jewish Archives since its foundation in 1973. Many are unfamiliar with the working of an archives. Hence, the intent is to reveal the important work and programming that goes on within this key heritage institution that is part of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. The presentation also showcases some of the precious records and artifacts that are housed within the OJA’s state-of-the-art vault.

Jewish Women of Toronto
This PowerPoint presentation looks at the history of Jewish women in Toronto since the early years of the community. It examines some of the first pioneers like Dorothy Dworkin, Ida Siegel and Dora Till who established some of the key institutions within Jewish Toronto. The role of women’s organizations such as Hadassah-Wizo and the National Council of Jewish Women is also explored. Finally, the presentation ends with an examination of some of the Jewish women in recent years who have achieved a great deal of success and fame.

The History of Jewish Toronto
This PowerPoint presentation examines the long and fascinating history of Jewish Toronto. Starting in 1826, with the arrival of the first Jewish visitor, this talk reveals the role and deeds of the early Jewish pioneers and the important institutions that they set up during their time. It also explores a number of important themes such as immigration, education, business, culture etc… that served in defining the community. The presentation last approximately 60 minutes and 20 minutes is set aside for questions at the end.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Photographs
This PowerPoint presentation explores how to read a photograph. While some have stated that a photograph can tell a thousand words, in many cases, we end up inheriting photos that we know nothing about. As a result, it is important to be able to locate the clues that exist within each photograph, in order to establish when it was created, where it was taken and who the individuals are within the image.

Toronto’s First Synagogues
In 2004 the Ontario Jewish Archives launched its first virtual exhibit called “Toronto’s First Synagogues”. This exhibit is located on the OJA’s web site and includes the histories of five early shuls, complimented by historic records and artifacts. This presentation provides an exploration of the site and a glimpse into the workings of each synagogue and history of early Jewish Toronto.

Ontario’s Small Jewish Communities
The Ontario Jewish Archives launched its most ambitious virtual exhibit “Ontario’s Small Jewish Communities” in November of 2009. It was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and included the histories of eleven small Jewish Communities across the province. This presentation provides the audience with a glimpse into each of the communities, highlighting some of the 900 or so artifacts, records and video clips that are showcased on this site.