We are a fifth-generation Canadian story, rooted in Jewish continuity, tradition, responsibility, and belonging. David’s maternal grandparents were born in Toronto. Our other grandparents all grew up in Canada, and were active members of the Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal Jewish communities. Supporting our community is something we grew into—first as children, and then together—and giving is a big part of who we are as a couple and family.
Judy: I grew up in Ottawa in a traditional Jewish home where philanthropy was a way of life. My parents, Dora z”l and Sam z”l Litwack, were very committed to Israel. They were active volunteers and leaders, and they supported many Jewish and non-Jewish causes. I grew up canvassing with my grandfather, marching in UJA walks and solidarity protests, welcoming newly arrived Russian immigrants to our seders, and weekly Shabbat visits with the residents of Ottawa’s Hillel Lodge. In high school, I began a lifetime of volunteer leadership positions and focused my professional consulting career on helping charities and non-profits.
David: My childhood was centred around a close, traditional Jewish family. Shabbat dinners, holidays, and extended family gatherings took place around our table. Judaism and supporting our community was lived through presence, consistency, and values passed down by my parents, Donna and Ralph Goldman. A trip to Israel as a teenager, a UJA Young Leadership mission and UJA’s leadership development course solidified my formative Jewish identity. My volunteer leadership positions began in law school, and I continued taking on community leadership positions throughout my legal career.
When we first met, we were both co-chairing UJA young professional divisions. We discovered we shared the same values. As husband and wife, we co-chaired the first UJA Young Leadership Division, and David co-chaired UJA telethons and sat on UJA Executive Cabinets. All of these opportunities deepened our sense of purpose and connection to the Toronto Jewish community and to Israel.
As our family grew, so did our commitment. Our children, Jordana and Evan, volunteered with us at UJA telethons and continued their own volunteering, giving, and leadership positions throughout elementary school, high school, and university. We are proud that our children have continued our traditions, carrying these values forward into their adult lives, homes, and families. Our hope is that our grandchildren and future generations will share these values and this legacy.
At this time of rising antisemitism and uncertainty, we feel a deep philanthropic responsibility to act and to stand visibly and proudly with our Jewish community at home and abroad. We are proud that our legacy donation to UJA will reach across generations and needs, strengthening the entire fabric of Jewish life here and in Israel, today and in perpetuity.