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I grew up in Montreal and did not
have much affiliation with the Jewish community there. As a child, I attended
synagogue on a weekly basis but my family observed this custom mostly out
of respect for my grandfather who was quite religious and lived with us.
When he died, we slowly let go of the tradition that previously existed
in our home.
 My parents worked very hard to make ends meet. We lived modestly. But
they always found something to give when the Jewish community came calling.
And I did the same, independent of my parents. Giving tzedakah was a natural
practice in our home.
I moved to Toronto when I was in my thirties and, by sheer coincidence,
landed a job with the federation. Only after I began working at UJA Federation
did I become more involved as a volunteer and truly aware of the scope
and reach of the organization.
Recently, when I made
a decision to draft my will, I had no offspring with whom to leave my estate.
I did not want some stranger deciding where my money should go. I made the
decision to inquire about setting up a legacy in the form of an endowment
with the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto.
I was interested in having my endowment
directed to help children. The foundation suggested a project in Israel
that matched my request. I wanted to be sure that someone, who is in need
of support, could benefit from what I have. That really makes me happy.
To have my name attached to something purposeful gives me a profound sense
of fulfillment and assures me that something I chose will have guaranteed
funding.
Having set my endowment
with the Foundation, I am confident that there are young people out there
who will have a chance in life because of my gift.
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