Yetta Nashman was born in Winnipeg, went to pre-school in Cobalt, Ontario and grew up in Niagara Falls. There she was a part of a small but vibrant Jewish community, many of whose young people went on to outstanding careers in their chosen professions and occupations.

 

Yetta attended the University of Toronto and Queen's University attaining her BA and Teacher's Certificate. For 2 years she taught a classroom in Junior High School before marrying Harold Nashman. They were together for 44 years until Yetta passed away in July 2000..

 

It is interesting to note that Yetta died on the same day in the Jewish calendar on which she was born. This distinction is reserved only for Tzadeks according to Jewish tradition and the manner in which Yetta lived her life validates this belief.

 

Yetta was dedicated to learning and was always in search of truth. As a young mother she was very interested in psychology, believing that having children should require parents to study various aspects of child rearing. Yetta was one of the early local adherents of Adlerian Psychology and was instrumental in bringing Dr. Rudolph Dreikers, one of Adler's colleagues, to Toronto to address an overflow audience. His book, "Children of Challenge", became a virtual best seller amongst young families here in Toronto as a result of Dreiker's visit.

 

Realizing how important parent education could be, Yetta became a presenter for the Parent Effectiveness Training Program. For several years she led discussion and provided leadership and practical parenting tools for young mothers .and fathers seeking support and guidance in their effort to raise healthy, happy children.

 

Once her children were old enough, Yetta returned to school. She received her Master's of Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and taught in the Faculty of Education at York University.

 

Yetta and Harold visited Israel in 1967 and. immediately fell in love with the country. On their return to Toronto they became more involved in Jewish activities and causes in support of Israel. They likewise began a more serious study of Judaism. Yetta in particular found traditional Judaism a source of truth and wisdom that was relevant to life in the 21St century. For her it was truly a blueprint for living, adding new meaning and values to her life experience.

 

Yetta was very involved with the operation of Camp Wahanowin where she shared much of the overall responsibility with her husband Harold. She created a warm and loving environment that encouraged campers to come forward to discuss problems with her, help deal with home sickness or simply get a grateful hug from an understanding camp mother.

 

Yetta and Harold shared their camp program expertise with the Jewish community by establishing a singles organization. Named by-the- pa icipants The Nashman Group", they enjoyed a wide range of programs including a weekend at camp Wahanowin, canoe trips, hiking trips, bowling parties, current events and Oneg Shabbats to name a few. Several... marriages resulted from the program as well as numerous lasting friendships and a closer connection to the Jewish community.

 

As Yetta became more involved in Jewish study, she saw that much of modern psychology had its roots in Jewish traditions. It was this reality that led her to begin efforts to develop a program that combined the guidelines for living of Judaism with the best thinking of contemporary psychology. Thus was born the Jewish Family Institute that was named to honour the memory of her exemplary contribution to Jewish life in Toronto.

 

Yetta and Harold have 5 children, all of whom are successful parents today and each acknowledges the significant impact their mother had on their lives. They remember Yetta every day and thank her for the success of their professional lives as well as the pride they enjoy in their own children...her legacy is huge within her own family and throughout the entire Jewish community.