The Jewish Hour

LIVESTREAM PREMIERE: TUESDAY OCTOBER 27, 8pm
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Published posthumously in 2016, Michael Mandel’s book The Jewish Hour: The Golden Age of a Toronto Yiddish Radio Show and Newspaper, tells the story of the author’s quest to learn about his late father Max Mandel‘s career as a Yiddish singer and radio personality in mid-twentieth century Toronto. Through archival photos and recordings, as well as articles from the Toronto Yiddish newspaper, the Kanader Nayes (1936-1954), a vivid snapshot of Toronto’s Jewish community in the pivotal periods before, during and after WWII is rendered.

This all-new video podcast brings to life the pages of Mandel’s lovingly researched story, with renowned actor Alon Nashman stepping into the author’s persona as narrator of the original text. Rare photos and musical selections illustrate this colourful tale, featuring a plethora of local performers, cantors, activists and impresarios of the era, including many renowned cultural and political figures.

This dynamic presentation is as much an adaptation of the book upon which it is based as it is an epilogue to Mandel’s original work. The author’s son, violist Max Mandel Jr., provides an introduction, and closing musical performances featuring himself and other family members, continuing their grandfather’s musical legacy.

Michael Mandel z”l (1948-2013) was a law professor at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto for almost 40 years, as well as an author, activist and singer. This book was a labour of love which he completed in the final weeks of his life. The video podcast adaptation of his book is presented in his memory on the 7^th anniversary of his passing.

Presented by Ashkenaz in partnership with Ontario Jewish Archives.