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Supporting the Jewish community is a family tradition. It
started with my grandparents, who, although they didn’t
have much money, never turned anyone away. It has continued
with the Posluns family being involved in virtually every
Jewish philanthrophy in the city.
My father was president of the YMHA, (now JCC); he helped
raise the money to build Beth Tzedec Synagogue, and was involved
in Baycrest Centre and Mount Sinai Hospital. My uncle Abe
was president of Baycrest Centre, and my Uncle Sam was president
of the Board of Jewish Education.
When I graduated, it was my turn to participate as: President
and Chairman of YMHA, President and Chairman of UJA Federation,
(then called the Toronto Jewish Congress), twice Chair of
the UJA Federation Annual Campaign, Chair of the Lipa Green
Building and Chair of the Bathurst Jewish Community Centre
Building Fund (then JCC). I also served as Chair of the Endowment
Fund at UJA Federation, Chair of the Beth Tzedec Synagogue
Foundation, Chair of the Gallery Campaign of the Royal Ontario
Museum, President of the Toronto Chapter of Hebrew University
and am currently Chair of the Board of the Baycrest Centre
Foundation.
I think it is our responsibility to support Jewish causes,
and to convince other people to do so as well.
I believe in giving back to the community. The more I get
involved, the more committed I become. We must continue our
work here to support Israel, because not only is Israel dependent
on the Diaspora, the Diaspora is dependent on Israel.
I take great comfort in knowing that my family will continue
to live their lives with the values of Tzedakah that my grandparents
and parents passed on to me. My son is active in the Jewish
Foundation of Greater Toronto, and the Associated Hebrew Schools;
my daughter Wendy is involved with the Jewish Foundation,
UJA Federation as well as Hebrew University; and, my daughter
Lynn is chairing the Baycrest Gala this year.
I am proud that my grandchildren are also moving in the right
direction. All of them have been to Israel a number of times
and have seen the projects that we support. They were educated
through the Jewish day school system, and when they received
their Bar/Bat Mitzvah gifts, each gave part to a charity of
their choice.
It is our obligation to take care of our own community. When
you do good deeds for others, you certainly get a lot back.
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