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Helen z”l & Gordon z“l Clarfield |
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My parents, Helen (Rosen) and Gordon
Clarfield z”l met in 1951, and were engaged three weeks later. They
married in Toronto on June 8th, 1952, then lived, and loved, together for
41 years, until my mother passed away in 1993. My dad kept on loving her
until he too passed away, in June 2004. They left behind 2 sons, 2 daughters
and 2 grandchildren.
 My parents shared a familiar story with many Jewish people of their generation.
Their families came to Toronto from Poland in the early 20th century and
they grew up in Kensington Market. They were the first generation that
made the transition from shtetl life in eastern Europe to modern, urban
life in Toronto. They were a bridge connecting traditional Jewish values
with contemporary Canadian culture.
When I think of these combined values, a mix of Jewish tradition and
Canadian urban, I think they well represent my parents. My parents strongly
believed in the foundation and principles of the Jewish religion and culture.
They also strongly believed in the freedoms, opportunities and responsibilities
of being a dedicated Canadian and an involved Torontonian.
They were deeply involved
in all facets of the Toronto Jewish community. Whether it was Jewish family
services, education, religious study and practice, day camps, overnight
camps, health services, sports, arts & performing arts, community activities,
outreach, support of Israel.
– my family participated actively,
and have been both the lucky participants and dedicated supporters of these
programs in the Jewish community. My parents’ generation was dedicated
and strong enough to have envisioned, built and cultivated these institutions.
Our generation has been lucky enough to take them for granted as being part
of everyday life.
When I think about my
parents’ lives and their connection to the Jewish Community, it begs
one important question - how will we continue to support their interests?
How will we continue to make Jewish community programs just as ubiquitous
and available for future generations?
I think my parents’
story can provide some guidance. My parents loved and believed in our community,
and did everything they could to support it, including providing a legacy
through UJA Federation, as a way to ensure these combined Jewish and Canadian
values.
I hope our community
will continue to thrive, and my parents’ commitment will live on for
generations to come.
Stuart Clarfield,
on behalf of the Clarfield family
(Janice, Sarah, Dana & Jonathan Clarfield, Robert & Jeremy Wulkan)
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