Chair's Message

Phyllis Angel Greenberg

Chair

A quarter of a century of Jewish film! What a wonderful past to celebrate, a present to enjoy, and a future to anticipate! For 25 years, the Toronto Jewish Film Foundation has been bringing the Jewish and wider community together to share in the magic of films of Jewish import from around the world. The spring Festival has touched so many – eliciting smiles, laughter, tears and, to no surprise, discussion. This was always, and still is, the goal of the organizers, programmers and Board members.
I am so proud to be associated with the dedicated staff and volunteers who make the plans a reality.
To mark this milestone year, our devoted Board of Directors joins me in reflecting and celebrating.

On behalf of all of us, I wish you another engaging, thought-provoking, informative and entertaining Festival. Happy 25th! Thank you for continuing to share and enjoy this artistic journey, and may we all continue to go from strength to strength.

Barbara E. Bernstein

Secretary

To me TJFF means springtime, opening night festivities, patron events, hidden gems from around the world, meeting the filmmakers and a great community of other crazy film buffs. Thank you to my dear friend Vicki Campbell (z”l) who schlepped me to my first film over 12 years ago. She opened up a whole new world for me.

David Beutel

Treasurer

I have enjoyed attending TJFF for many years as it has a unique way of bringing together many communities of film lovers (not just Jews) of all ages. I am always enlightened and entertained after a showing. I joined the TJFF Board to play a small part in helping to continue to deliver this quality programming to as many people as possible. Happy 25th, TJFF!

Ralph Goldsilver

Director

As a child of survivors, I think it is important to keep the Jewish culture alive and pass it on to our children and grandchildren. While our synagogues and Jewish charities do their part, the films are more easily relatable for our next generations.

Carol Lavine

Director

I have been involved with TJFF since the very beginning – from volunteer, to nosh coordinator, to silent auction co-chair and Board member. After 25 years I am so proud of what has been accomplished by the staff and volunteers and the prominent status that TJFF has in our city. The films have moved me; the yearly re-acquainting with fellow filmgoers is always special. What an experience and education!

Karen Leitner

Director

I am so pleased to be a new member of the Board. I love films that tell stories with Jewish and Israeli themes that showcase our unique history and culture. I am very excited to be part of an organization that is celebrating 25 years of bringing film with Jewish themes to Toronto.

Sylvia Peck

Director

TJFF has contributed to the lives of so many of us in the Toronto community. We have had the opportunity to see films made by Jewish/Israeli writers, actors, and producers from throughout the world. Through TJFF, I have met so many people who reflect various values and different ideas within our common culture. Serving on the Board has been a privilege.

Barbara Peltz

Past Co-Chair

The films give me a powerful sense of Jewish peoplehood. Seeing them at the Festival gives me a wonderful reminder of our vibrant Jewish community.

Dayle Rakowsky

Past Co-Chair

I am a visual learner. I have always learnt so much about our international communities, our culture and our history from our films. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to witness the excitement and support the Toronto Jewish Film Foundation has received from the community over the last 25 years. As a past co-chair of the Board, I am very proud to have played a role in the development of this organization.

Sharon Weintraub

Director

It has been my great pleasure to be involved with the Festival since the very beginning. With the fabulous films and the people who make it all happen, it just keeps getting better.

Allison Weiss

Vice-Chair

I am particularly proud to be part of TJFF for many reasons, but the main one is simple: the films. The variety of films that we screen is not only relevant to Jewish people but to people in every community. It is an honour to work with such a talented group of people who manage to put on an amazing Festival year after year.