Mark and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been raised in homes that shared a deep commitment to Jewish values that have shaped the course of our lives. I grew up in Kitchener and Mark in Toronto, and our parents—Linda and Percy Rosen, and Loretta and Harold Grammer—instilled in us a quiet but steadfast devotion to family, giving, community, and Jewish tradition. The Rosen family played an instrumental role in Kitchener’s synagogue, and my parents devoted themselves to their family and community while supporting those in need, often without recognition. Mark’s parents raised their children in the warmth of a traditional Jewish home, with Harold quietly—but generously—supporting causes like UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Baycrest, and Sunnybrook Hospital. It was only after his passing that we truly came to appreciate the breadth of his contributions. 

After my father passed away, I made the decision to step away from work to be more present for my family, and in doing so, I became more involved in the life of our community. I founded a charity; served on the board and executive of Robbins Hebrew Academy, where our sons attended; and on the board and as president of Congregation Habonim. Mark, too, embraced this call—serving on the board of trustees of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, co-chairing the Venture Sinai campaign, and contributing his time and energy to Baycrest. 

Through these experiences, we always strove to teach our sons—Jonathan, Jake, and Simon—that the true measure of a person is not how much they give, but how much they do. To us, this means standing up, speaking up, and showing up—for family, for the community, and for Israel. We want our children to understand that privilege comes with responsibility, and that we are all obligated to leave the world better than we found it. The value of tikkun olam has been passed down to us from our parents, and we are committed to passing it on to the next generation. 

For us, it is about the legacy we hope to leave—one of devotion to Jewish values, hard work, integrity, and meaningful action. It is our greatest hope that these values will guide our children, and they will carry them forward, just as we have. We hope that when they look in the mirror each day, they will know they are living lives of purpose—doing the right thing and continuing to take pride in the Jewish community of Toronto, just as we do, l’dor vador.