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"Israel said, Behold our children are our insurance.
G-d said: It is by their hands that I give torah to you"
Song of Songs, Rabbah 1,2,3
Ever since I can remember, giving tzedakah and doing loving
acts of chesed were part of the values and actions passed
down to me from my beloved paternal Bubby z"l and my
dear father z"l.
I have always loved to study and learn Jewishly. I have continually
searched out Jewish learning opportunities. Several years
ago, I found "my" teacher, a wonderful woman whose
Torah teaching enlightens and inspires me. With her, my connection
and commitment to my Jewish path has deepened as my breadth
of understanding of tradition has grown. I embrace with fullness
of mind, heart, and spirit the rich words of our ancestors
as they grappled in their life journeys, with the meaning
and responsibility of Covenant.
The everlasting Covenantal agreement made between G-d and
Abraham, and again at Mount Sinai between G-d and the people
of Israel, is to be guarded, kept, understood, and transmitted
from generation to generation. My knowledge must be balanced
with action. Personal responsibility and obligation to engage
in my Jewish world is the Jewish way! My lech l‘cha journey
begins with me, and as I grow, my personal commitment expands
to embrace family, community, and ultimately future generations.
The concept of leaving an endowment to UJA Federation in
perpetuity allows me the privilege to honour my personal Covenantal
commitment. How exciting to know that I can be connected forever
to my people both in our Toronto Jewish community and in Israel!
By fulfilling this obligation, I become a partner with G-d
in Covenant.
This is an act each of us can do in our own way and at our
own level; it is not about wealth, but rather about responsibility,
commitment, and connection – about doing the right thing.
It is about choosing to seize the opportunity! Each of us
can then form a link between the past and future. To opt in
– to positively engage in this mitzvah - can ensure the
continuity of our people!
You have just read what resonates for me through my voice
and my hope is that my passion will push you to listen to
what stirs a spark within you. I am confident that together
we will create a strong and vibrant Jewish community forever.
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