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To give back to community is a value passed on in our family
through generations. My grandparents, Sam and Ruth Reitman,
set a strong example in our family. With a successful business
in Canada they never forgot their roots and always gave generously
of their time and money.
Blessed with many opportunities, they taught their family
that with privilege comes responsibility.
Yet tzedakah was never seen just as an obligation but also
as an honour.
Raised in Montreal, both Jill and I remember the examples
our own parents set in our respective homes. My parents were
actively involved in community as were Jill’s. I particularly
remember attending many community philanthropic events with
my parents when I was a youngster, and the experiences and
lessons were imprinted in my memory.
As an only child, it is incumbent upon me to ensure these
traditions live on. As such, when Jill and I married and made
Toronto our home, we were committed to raising our family
with the Jewish and community values we both had experienced
growing up. Our sons Sam and Richard participate in tzedakah
in many ways.
The needs of the Jewish community – near and far –
will evolve but there will always be need. We count on UJA
Federation to help us determine how best to respond to these
needs.
We are proud to be Jewish and part of this community. Through
the Sam and Ruth Reitman Foundation, my grandparents’
legacy will live on. This tribute must also be shared with
our respective parents, who taught us well: Cyril and Dorothy
Reitman and Leonard and Janet Goldberg. Our hope is that our
own children and their children will continue to do their
part to keep the Jewish world strong.
L’dor vador, from generation to generation. Hinenu:
We are here.
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