“Our pride in being Jewish motivates us to do all we can to support and look after our community.” 

From their early days, they were secular Jews but never hid their identity, nor ever felt the need to. Norman grew up in the Bathurst and Wilson area, and later closer to Finch Avenue. Shelley, born in the small town of Tillsonburg— located southeast of London, Ontario—moved to Bathurst Manor when she was seven years old. She was brought up in a secular home. Her mother was the notable sculptor Anne Harris, whose pieces can be found on display across the city of Toronto. Her art is on display outside Baycrest and Sunnybrook hospitals, among other locations, and is indicative of the family’s contribution to society. While they both attended public school and private summer camps, they were again surrounded predominantly by Jewish peers. It is significant to note that Shelley was the first bat mitzvah at Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda synagogue in the Manor. 

In light of the state of the world today—which is alarming both as Jews and as strong supporters of Israel—their commitment to helping their community is steadfast. But they recognized this duty many, many years ago. They have long subscribed to the notion that if Jews do not take care of themselves, nobody else will. 

And over the years—between Norman’s involvement chairing various divisions at UJA Federation, as well as his membership with the Jewish Foundation’s Professional Advisory Committee, among many other volunteer positions with other charities, like Ve’ahavta and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital—the importance of being actively engaged in community, Jewish and beyond, never waned. 

Shelley had intended to study at Hebrew University, but the Yom Kippur War curtailed those plans. Nonetheless, both of them have visited Israel for a combined eight times. And they hope and pray for peaceful days to come and to visit again in the near future. 

Their legacy gift with the Jewish Foundation ensures they can continue to support what matters to them, even after they are gone, and to motivate others to follow suit. Norman’s children Sheldon and Andrea, and his grandchildren Parker and Miles, will receive an inheritance, but they have enough that can benefit so many more. What is most important is that they have applied a direct indexing strategy so these designated charities will benefit the most from their estate as the value will be preserved. Norman’s financial background clearly influenced this decision, and he encourages others to explore this option.