Committee for Yiddish, North York, ON

The Committee for Yiddish was created in the early 1960's under the auspices of the Canadian Jewish Congress to coordinate and foster Yiddish cultural activity in the city.

This volunteer group was made up of representatives from community organizations and individuals dedicated to the continuation and celebration of Ashkenazi culture and tradition. The Committee's founding members (including J.B. Salsberg, Sam Lipshitz and Bess Shockett) were legendary lovers of Yiddish, known for their foresight and dedication to ensure that Jewish life in Toronto continue to be enriched by Yiddish language and culture. Although its membership has changed over the decades, the Committee for Yiddish continues to fulfill the mandate set out by its founders.