We both grew up with Jewish identity deeply embedded in our daily lives, though in different ways. For me, Jeremy, my connection to Judaism began with Israel. I was drawn to its history, its stories, and the events that shaped it. My mother shared that passion. She was always volunteering and actively committed to Israel, so it was a constant presence in our household.
Jo-Anne’s experience was different. Growing up, her family held synagogue services in their basement, and she remembers attending regularly, surrounded by a strong sense of community and belonging. Together, these early influences, a deep connection to Israel, and an equally strong connection to Jewish communal life shaped our understanding that Jewish identity is not just something you learn about, but something you live every day.
From a young age, tzedakah was a central value in both of our families. Our parents and grandparents modeled philanthropy in meaningful ways. We were expected to donate a portion of our bar and bat mitzvah gifts to charities of our choosing, with at least one supporting a Jewish cause. That sense of responsibility was important to both our families.
Today, those values guide how we live and give. Our philanthropy reflects what matters most to us, including the Jewish community, Israel, healthcare, and children in need, all things supported by the Jewish Foundation. Through our fund, we distribute to organizations like Jewish Family and Child Service so that we support children who don’t have access to the same opportunities as our own, with the goal of creating lasting impact for them. We see philanthropy not only as giving, but as an ongoing process of learning, understanding needs, and building relationships within the community. We also involve our children in these decisions, encouraging them to think about how they can make a difference.
Growing up in Canada, we experienced a society that felt both safe and inclusive. The rise in antisemitism in recent years has only deepened our sense of responsibility, not just to our own community, but to fostering understanding more broadly. In response, we’ve made a deliberate effort to build bridges beyond the Jewish community. One meaningful way we’ve done this is by bringing non-Jewish friends to Israel, giving them the opportunity to experience firsthand what makes the country so unique and complex. These shared experiences have helped cultivate greater understanding, empathy, and allyship. For us, supporting the Jewish community also means actively supporting the wider community in which we live.
Our hope for our legacy is that our children carry these values forward. We want them to understand that Jewish life is rooted in action, responsibility, and care for others. Recognition is not what drives us. What matters is contributing in ways that are meaningful, lasting, and impactful. If we can pass on a sense of empathy, purpose, and commitment to making the world a better and more connected place, then we will have achieved what we set out to do.