Articles of Interest

As Book of Life Chair, Bonnie Goldstein explains, “Everyone who makes a legacy gift to the Jewish Foundation, whatever the size, is invited to leave a second legacy, in the form of their own personal story which has led to their Jewish community commitment. Their reflections today are preserved for tomorrow in a spectacular presentation book, as well as electronically displayed in a special kiosk at the Lipa Green Centre for Jewish Community Services.”

Bonnie describes the project’s vision through the words of Yitzhak Navon, Israel’s fifth President. “Navon spoke about Jewish peoplehood being rooted in shared stories, shared values and shared hopes and fears,” she says. “We must ensure that the collective memories, which help to define us, will be there as a source of strength, wisdom and blessing for our children’s children.”

Ensuring that her own children would be enveloped in such a blessing has been a driving force in Camille Dan’s leadership journey. Her small town Ontario upbringing provided a different life experience than what her future children would know in Toronto. But ultimately, for Camille, the lesson that illuminates her philanthropic path is a global one. “Any good that an individual does, every kindness big or small, has a significant ripple effect and the power to become a giant act,” Camille reflects.  

“By example,” she continues, “I have taught my children the Jewish value that no matter what our situation, each one of us has the ability to improve the world.   We leave a legacy behind us in how we live and what we pass on. For me, participation in the Book of Life symbolizes my intentions that the giving continues.”

Kurt Rothschild echoes Camille’s sentiments, writing in the Book of Life, “To safeguard and promote Jewish continuity, the funding of Jewish education is first and foremost on my list of obligations.” A role model to hundreds for decades, Kurt chose to devote himself fulltime to community work more than thirty years ago. He has witnessed unimaginable growth in our Jewish community.  

“In the early 1900’s, immigration created a downtown shtetl, expanded by post-war survivors,” Kurt explains. “We greeted immigrants to Toronto from around the world and of all affiliations, and through it all we have remained loyal to Israel. I have seen that even the youngsters here who are not religiously inclined, have a good feeling about being Jewish.”

In the face of rising assimilation and anti-Semitism, Kurt remains optimistic about the future. He credits our relative youth as a Jewish community with keeping us closer to our heritage, saying “we haven’t yet lost sight of what’s important. Do you know that twice as many Canadian Jews visit Israel as our American counterparts? We are one of the most educated communities on the continent, and we have a larger contingent of community-minded activists who generously contribute to our shared future.”

Wendy Eisen is no stranger to activism. Her sixteen years advocating on behalf of freedom for Soviet Jewry reinforced her belief that the power of a few could change the course of history. Wendy always found exciting avenues for dynamic self-expression. "Taking on leadership roles was second nature to me; growing up, I lived it. My parents were involved with philanthropy and Jewish communal life, so I couldn't imagine doing anything else."  

A stalwart United Jewish Appeal campaigner, Wendy continues to keep communal work front and centre, strengthening Jewish identity in Toronto and in Israel, saying: "I have always believed that no one becomes less fortunate by giving."

Elliott Eisen was born into a strongly Zionistic family, where two of his paternal uncles fought in Israel's War of Independence. His Jewish Day School Hebrew was enhanced as a teenager when he spent the summer working on the kibbutz that one uncle helped build and where he and his family still live today. "My mother's involvement in Toronto's Jewish community," explains Elliott, "inspired me to participate in a UJA leadership training program where I learned about fundraising and later became involved with several social service agencies."

“We hope that each person who makes a legacy gift to the Jewish Foundation will write another page in the Book of Life,” says Bonnie. “Often the simplest stories resonate most profoundly. By including your story in the Book of Life, you will embark on a wonderful journey through your past, often with the involvement of your family.”

“Our commitment to teaching others about Jewish values is a common goal of our community.” As a former teacher, education is paramount to Bonnie. “My hope for the Book of Life is that these personal narratives will be shared throughout Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Each story offers a life lesson and I would like as many people as possible to read them so they will understand the true values of the Jewish people. In this tangible way, we will leave a rich legacy, inspiring others and encouraging philanthropy by example.”

What else would you expect from the People of The Book?