My connection to Judaism and the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto came later in life. Growing up in a Jewish neighbourhood, I took for granted the role and importance of that community. It was 

simply there, woven into the fabric of my everyday life. But as I grew older, I began to truly appreciate its value and recognized my responsibility to participate and contribute proactively. 

Two pivotal moments crystallized the importance of our Jewish community for me. 

The first was when I learned that Holocaust survivors in our city were struggling to afford food. I was stunned. How could this be possible in a community with so much financial strength? That day, I made my first donation. It opened my eyes to the needs within our community and sparked a desire to become more engaged.  

The second moment was when I became a father. I realized that my children were not growing up with the same sense of community I had experienced. Today, our community feels more fragmented. Our children don’t all go to the same schools, play on the same teams, or socialize in the same neighbourhoods. It takes more effort to create and maintain that connection to Jewish life. I want my kids to feel deeply connected to their Jewish identity and to understand the importance of community. 

It is impossible to speak about being Jewish today without reflecting on October 7th. Although I had considered establishing a donor advised fund (DAF) with the Jewish Foundation before, the events of that day and everything that followed made the decision clear. It was a wake-up call from a false sense of security that I—and, I believe, many in my generation—had been living with. We can no longer afford to be complacent. We must step up as leaders within our community. 

I was in awe of how UJA Federation of Greater Toronto responded after the attacks. I know of no other organization that could have mobilized so quickly and effectively. It reinforced my belief in the importance of supporting our community through strategic and impactful giving.  

By establishing a DAF with the Jewish Foundation, I can be intentional and thoughtful about my philanthropy, while also teaching my children the values of giving and community. Every year, my children and I sit down together to decide which Jewish charities to support. We live a fortunate life, and I want them to understand that not everyone shares that privilege. More importantly, I want them to learn about our shared Jewish history and the importance of standing together as a community.  

If I can instil in my children the values of compassion, generosity, and Jewish identity, then I will have succeeded—not just as a father, but as a Jew.