Fonds consists of records relating to Rabbi Reuben Slonim's career. The textual records are divided into five series: Research material, which focuses on the Middle East Conflict; Articles and manuscripts, written by Slonim for the Toronto Telegram; Correspondence and subject files, with topics including Slonim's editorship at the Toronto Telegram, John Bassett, Zionist Movement, and the Middle East Conflict; Rabbinical/congregational records; and Personal files, which are comprised of correspondence and personal medical matters. The fonds contains photographs showing Rabbi Slonim visiting Israel and meeting Israeli officials; Rabbi Slonim with author Leon Uris in Toronto, and with President Gamal Abdel Nasser in Cairo, 1954-1974. The fonds also contains a cartoon by Andy Donato showing President Lynlon B. Johnson and Levi Eshkol,[ca. 1968]; and drawings of Rabbi Slonim done during his trip to Israel in 1949. Fonds consists of maps of Israel and the Middle East focusing on the political, economic and military situation at the time of the June 1967 Israeli - Arab conflict. Also included are tourist maps of Jerusalem and Lebanon.
Slonim, Reuben, 1914-2000 : Reuben Slonim was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1914, the son of Max and Gissie Slonim. He received his M.H.L. degree and ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, in 1937. He served as rabbi of McCaul Street Synagogue, Toronto, 1937-1940; civilian chaplain, R.C.A.F. 1940-1943 and in London, Ont. where he founded Beth Shalom Congregation. He also served as rabbi of Community Temple, Cleveland, Ohio, 1943-1944; Temple Beth El. Troy, New York, and the Jewish Chaplain, New York State Assembly, 1944-1947. He was rabbi of Beth Tzedec Congregation, 1947-1955 and Beth Habonim, a liberal-Conservative congregation, Toronto, 1960-1983. Rabbi Slonim served as associate editor of the Toronto Telegram from 1955 until it ceased publication in 1971. He made numerous visits to many countries in the Middle East. After his retirement from The Telegram he was a regular columnist for the Toronto Star and the Globe & Mail. As well, he lectured across Canada on Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the Middle East
and appeared frequently on television and radio. Many people recognized him as a spokesman for reconciliation and peace between Arabs and Israelis. He published the following books: "In the Steps of Pope Paul", 1965; "Both Sides Now - 25 Year Encounter with Arabs and Israelis", 1972; "Family Quarrel", 1977; "Grand To Be An Orphan", 1983 and "To Kill A Rabbi", 1987.
Rabbi Slonim was very active in Toronto Jewish communal life. He served as president of the Toronto Zionist Council, 1947-1952, the United Jewish Welfare Fund, and in various capacities with the Canadian Jewish Congress. He was a member of the Rabbinical Assembly of America and founding president of the Association for the Living Jewish Spirit, Toronto. He died in Toronto in 2000.
