For us, Jewish life has always been grounded in family, responsibility, and showing up wholeheartedly for one another.  

We were both raised in traditional Jewish homes, surrounded by extended family and anchored by shared rituals. Shabbat dinners, holidays, and tables filled with cousins, aunts, and uncles were not simply celebrations—they were living lessons in belonging. Judaism was not something proclaimed; it was something practiced. It revealed itself in how our parents guided their homes, treated others with dignity, and stayed deeply connected to community.  

Those values remained with us as we built our life together. We met young, began with very little, and worked steadily to create a future for our family. When success came, we understood it as both a blessing and a responsibility. Giving back was never about recognition; it was about honouring what we had been given and doing what felt right.  

Jewish education has always held a special place in our hearts. Our children attended Jewish day school, and today we see that same commitment reflected in our grandchildren. We believe deeply that education—formal and informal—is the cornerstone of a vibrant Jewish future. It instils pride, strengthens identity, and equips young people with the confidence to engage proudly with the world around them.  

Over time, our philanthropy has become more intentional. We support Jewish causes that strengthen community, care for those in need, and safeguard continuity across generations. Some of this work is visible and personal: helping families celebrate Passover with dignity or supporting grassroots programs where the impact is immediate. Other efforts are quieter but equally vital: investing in community security and advocacy to ensure our safety and voice. All of it matters.  

Since October 7th, our sense of purpose has sharpened. That painful day reminded us that if we do not invest in our own community, no one else will do it for us. We feel an even greater responsibility to stand up, contribute, and help ensure that Jewish life in Toronto remains strong, secure, and vibrant for generations to come.  

What brings us the greatest joy is knowing that our giving touches real lives, enabling families, students, and children to experience Judaism fully and proudly. Philanthropy is not something deferred to the future. It is a living expression of our values, shared with our children and grandchildren, and rooted in the example we were given.  

If there is a legacy we hope to leave, it is a simple one: to live with integrity and purpose, to care for family and community, and to help build a Jewish future that is resilient, proud, and enduring.