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Becoming actively involved with the Jewish community was
a natural evolution for me. I was born in Moncton, New Brunswick,
and lived there until I was 5 years old. Although the Jewish
community was very small, it was vital. My family lived two
doors away from the synagogue, and my father — knowing
the need for supporting the Jewish community — would
drive the visiting Shlechim around the city to raise much
needed funds. They were always welcomed into our kosher home
and were made to feel a part of our family and small community.
After the war, trains carrying holocaust survivors en route
to Montreal and Toronto stopped in Moncton. My mother was
one of the people who brought food and clothing to these new
immigrants.
On one occasion, a family arrived with a very sick baby boy.
My mother immediately took the frantic family to see our own
doctor; medication was provided for the child, and the family
was able to continue on their way. Many years later my mother
received an invitation to this boy’s Bar Mitzvah. It
is this kind of connection to Jewish life that affected me
profoundly.
Still in my early years, we moved to Montreal, where my brothers
and I would receive a more comprehensive Jewish education.
We all attended Talmud Torah, and my eldest brother went on
to study at the Yeshiva in Brooklyn. I kept my Maritime connection;
I went back to Camp Kadimah every summer.
To my husband Edward and me, supporting the Jewish community
has always been extremely important. It is a fundamental part
of our shared value system.
I have reached a point in my life, where I realize it is necessary
for me to take a stand on certain issues that threaten Jewish
people around the world - especially antisemitism. One of
the ways I could help was to raise my voice and get involved
– both personally and financially.
Last November in Israel, I saw first hand what life is like
when you live with the daily threat of terrorism. It is our
responsibility to help; I wanted to show my solidarity by
making a special gift.
It is important that the next generation continue to feel
the genuine need to give. My daughter has gotten that message.
My father used to say, "When you give from the heart,
the pleasure of giving is your reward."
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