Jacob Superstein is known not only in Edmonton but also far beyond its borders. A man with a big heart, a devoted family man, and a businessman, Jacob dedicated much of his life to helping people. Read more on iedmonton.
Moving to Edmonton and Starting a Business
Jacob was born in Pinsk, Poland, in 1915 to a Jewish family. He was one of six children. In 1915, Poland was a difficult place for Jews, with constant violence, persecution, and prejudice. Due to pressure from the authorities, Jacob’s parents decided to seek a better life in another country, choosing Canada for permanent residence. Jacob’s father, Laser, moved to Edmonton in 1927, leaving his wife and children behind in Poland. Ten months later, he brought the whole family to Canada.
The Superstein family settled in Edmonton on 95th Street. Laser, Jacob’s father, started a business after moving, opening two kiosks at the city’s market. Jacob and his siblings finished school in Edmonton and began helping their father in his business.
In 1935, Laser and his sons founded the Edmonton Produce Company, which became one of the largest businesses dealing with poultry meat in Canada.
Jacob Superstein’s Good Deeds
After World War II, the company supplied eggs to Canadian troops in Europe, with Jacob serving as Alberta’s representative on the Canadian Food Production Board. Additionally, Jacob actively provided food assistance to those in need.
He started a tradition of donating over 100 turkeys to various charitable organizations every Christmas, ensuring over 11,000 free Christmas meals each year. In his office next to his home, Jacob personally counted and packed the turkeys into boxes. Together with a driver, he loaded the birds into a car and personally delivered them to organizations. His wife handled writing personalized holiday cards for the recipients.
In 1950, young businessman Jacob was approached by the priests of St. Mary’s Salesian School for Boys for help with meat for special Christmas meals. Jacob not only granted the request but visited the school to assess its needs. For him, the faith of the teachers or students made no difference. His actions connected him to the school, and he eventually became a board member and benefactor. In 1951, Jacob was elected to the school’s board of directors, ensuring it became an interfaith institution.
The Joy of Sharing Society
In 1980, the Superstein family’s food business flourished. Jacob became a co-founder of the Joy of Sharing Society, a charity established after a meeting he and Haim Kemelman held with the neighboring parish of St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The society organized a charity concert to raise funds for the Food Bank at Jubilee Auditorium. The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, led by Israeli conductor Uri Mayer, actively participated. The event raised $50,000 for the food bank.
Recognition and Awards
In 1985, Jacob was awarded the Medal of Merit from the Order of the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem. The following year, he received the Edmonton Silver Ribbon Award for improving the city’s quality of life. In 1987, he was awarded the Order of Canada.
In 1995, the University of Alberta awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. When asked why he helped everyone, including those of other faiths, Jacob replied:
“The Bible says that when God created Adam, he was first and foremost a man—not the first Jew or Catholic. According to the Scriptures, he was the first human being, the father of all God’s children.”
Jacob passed away in 2005 at the age of 90.