Miriam Borden's collection of Yiddish materials has blossomed through various channels, a testament to her unique position as a young Yiddish enthusiast in Toronto. In the vibrant landscape of the city, she notes, "Toronto has a significant Yiddish-speaking population, most of whom immigrated from Montreal, a prominent Yiddish center in the past."

The collection, now a testament to historical shifts, traces its roots to the 1970s when a nationalist party in Quebec prompted a mass exodus of non-aligned individuals, including Yiddish-speaking Jews, to Toronto. Miriam remarks, "This influx brought with it a wealth of Yiddish collections from Montreal, which are now gradually being passed on to the next generation."

Miriam's focus lies on secular Yiddishists, for whom Yiddish represented a cultural and national identity. She passionately states, "Yiddish served as a lifeline through the Yiddish press, Yiddish theater, Yiddish literature, and Yiddish folklore. These individuals considered Yiddish a vital component of their identity."

While Yiddish remains the spoken language for some Hasidic groups, its decline among secular Yiddishists is a point of concern. Miriam's collection comprises materials from deeply involved Yiddish activities, such as the Yiddish Youth Theater in Montreal and the Workman's Circle schools. She notes, "The Workman's Circle was a socialist organization that also taught Hebrew alongside Yiddish for educational purposes rather than Zionism."

Miriam's involvement in preserving Yiddish materials began with the decision of the Workman's Circle in Toronto to sell its building in 2019. She reflects, "I recognized the historical and archival value of their materials and sought to ensure they were preserved." Her dedication extends beyond institutions; she actively collects materials from individuals who reach out to her, often offering Yiddish books or related items.

In 2019, Miriam collaborated with the Wichesky Center, cataloging a vast number of Yiddish books. "Initially, I believed it was a small collection, but upon closer inspection, I realized they had a vast number of boxes filled with Yiddish books." The unique period of state support for Yiddish culture in the Soviet Union during the 1920s and early 1930s led to a significant book trade between Toronto and the Soviet Union, resulting in rare Soviet-era Yiddish books in Miriam's collection.

The size of Miriam's collection is truly remarkable. She recounts, "We cataloged all the books, placing them in new acid-free boxes. In the end, there were approximately 120 boxes, containing around 2,000 books, effectively constituting an entire library." Previously stored in mismatched boxes, including those used for french fries and wine, the books now find a proper home in Miriam's meticulously curated collection.

Miriam expresses gratitude for the generosity of those who shared their books with her, enhancing her collection with unique findings. "This allowed me to enhance my collection with unique findings. These books hold historical value as they were once part of a lending library." Each book bears the stamp of the organization it came from, reflecting the dedication of even the smallest groups to preserving Yiddish culture.

Presently housed at the Wichesky Center, there are plans to restart a lending library. Despite the organization's dedication to radical Yiddishism, very few members now speak Yiddish. Miriam's involvement becomes crucial as an outsider helping to sort and manage these orphaned books.

Miriam's collection encompasses a wide range of materials, including pedagogical resources, a Yiddish typewriter from the 1970s, Soviet-era publications, and unique historical artifacts. She emphasizes, "I'm also collaborating with a growing Yiddish graduate program at the University of Toronto, allowing me to share these resources with students and scholars."

The diversity of Miriam's collection is striking, featuring everything from playful children's books to complex literary works and political pamphlets. "The typefaces, cover designs, and overall aesthetics reflect the vibrant and experimental spirit of Yiddish culture in the early 20th century." Some books showcase avant-garde and artistic fonts, highlighting the innovative and diverse approaches taken by Yiddish printers and publishers.

While some books bear the signatures of renowned artists, many creators remain anonymous. Nevertheless, the artistry and creativity found in these books are a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Yiddish-speaking communities during that era.

In summary, Miriam Borden's collection not only preserves the rich history of Yiddish culture but also shines a light on the immense creativity and innovation of the Yiddish-speaking world in Toronto. Miriam's quotes and anecdotes woven throughout the article provide insight into her passion and dedication, making the collection a window into the multifaceted and dynamic nature of Yiddish culture in the city.