Jewish Neighbourhoods The Great
of Toronto Forest Hill-Cedarvale By Kyle Gordon
While the hill is still there, the forest is long gone. And what’s replaced it, some might argue, is more beautiful than what came be- fore. Incorporated as a village in 1923, Forest Hill is one of the most desired neighbour- hoods in Toronto. Spend a day strolling along the winding streets that intersect Spadina Road and you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon the properties of some prominent Jewish families. In fact, Jews comprise a quarter of the 73,810 residents. “Aside from its central location, much
of Forest Hill’s appeal is its accessibility to synagogues, day schools, shops and restau- rants,” says a Forest Hill Real Estate agent. Holy Blossom Temple (one of Toronto’s old- est Jewish congregations), Te Village Shul, Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish Centre and Beth Tzedec “are right in the middle of what is one of the hot-houses for Jewish education in Toronto,” says Rav Baruch Frydman-Kohl, Beth Tzedec’s senior rabbi. While “Holy B’s” roots have been planted at 1950 Bathurst St. since 1938, the Latner Centre is gearing up for a new home on Spadina Road. “It’s a wel- coming and vibrant community that caters to a mix of young singles, couples and fami- lies living in the area,” says Gary Diamond, a member of the Centre who recently moved
Illustration by Clare Mallison
to Forest Hill from the Annex. Amidst the hustle of urban living is the
small-town mentality of the Village. Tere’s no better place to awaken your inner child than with an ice cream from Village Chill or a visit to the local barber. Te Forest Hill Barber Shop has been offering reason- ably priced haircuts and good conversation since 1931. “You have lawyers and doctors who walk in the door, pick up a broom and start sweeping. Tese are guys who wouldn’t normally be cleaning floors, yet here they are. You’re never going to get that at another salon,” says Joshua Sugar, a regular in Nick Vitantonio’s chair for 28 years. If kibitzing over coffee is right up your
alley, then take a seat at one of the Village’s many patios. Starbucks, Second Cup, Hope Street Café and What a Bagel are always bustling with young families. As is Mashu Mashu Mediterranean Grill — particularly on Sunday evenings. But arrive late and risk missing out on the shawarma. Head west on Eglinton Avenue and you’ll
hit another popular Jewish strip. Jerusalem Restaurant has been pleasing the locals with middle-eastern cuisine since 1971. On Shabbat, and the eve of any Jewish holiday, you can bet that Nortown Foods will be
Winter 2011 friday night 21
packed with people lining up to get their challah, gefilte fish and chopped chicken liver. And you’re likely to end up schmooz- ing with a handful of people you know, too. Israel’s Judaica Centre is another integral
“We are part of a community and we do what we can to support the people who are very loyal to us.”
part of Eglinton’s Jewish culture. Te shop has been stocking its shelves with books and religious items for all types of simchas for almost 20 years “We are part of a community and we do what we can to support the people who are very loyal to us,” says Amit Bitnun, manager of the store. Whether you’re a “FH” veteran, a new
addition or an empty nester returning to your roots, in this ’hood one thing’s for sure: you’ll never be alone on Shabbat.
From Kensington to the 407, the distinct sights, sounds and flavours of where we live
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