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I was born in Cardiff, South Wales - a safe haven for my
parents who were fortunate enough to flee Germany in 1939.
Though my sister and I were both born in Wales, we always
identified and understood the values and traditions of my
family’s life as part of the Jewish community of Germany,
where our family had lived happily and prosperously for many
generations before the tragedy of the Holocaust.
In 1949, we made the ocean voyage to Canada, eventually settling
into the wonderful community of Toronto. My sister and I grew
up in a very traditional home. From our parents we learned
a love of Judaism and the importance of giving, not only financially,
but of ourselves.
I met my husband, Henry, during my last year of high school.
We have been married for 40 years and are blessed with four
children and 14 grandchildren. Growing up, our children always
saw us being very involved in a host of community endeavours.
Today, my husband and I are extremely proud that our children
are all participating in meaningful ways in their respective
communities, be it in Israel, New York or Toronto.
My own involvement began in the early years of my married
life with Associated Hebrew Schools, my children's school.
One day I received a call asking me to help with an outreach
program to bring more observant women into the UJA Federation
system. It was a call that would launch an entire Jewish communal
career for me. I went on to chair Women's Campaign & Advocacy
and was one of the founders of Lion of Judah in Toronto.
Today, I am still involved in UJA Federation, UIA Federations
Canada, the Centre for Jewish Studies at York University and
Keren Hayesod.
This year, I am the Co-Chair of the Education Committee for
the Jewish Agency. I always think what glorious moments I
would have missed out on had I said no instead of yes.
I made my Lion of Judah Endowment because I wanted my gift
to carry on in perpetuity. When I reflect on our past, I come
to the conclusion that our survival and what we possess today
are not the result of any wise decisions, but rather a gift
from G-d, and, having been blessed with this gift, I feel
that it is incumbent upon me to share in every way possible
my good fortune with the rest of Klal Yisroel.
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