Book of Life Stories

Farla Efros & Mike Muyal

The Jewish community is a beautiful tapestry—infinitely diverse, yet deeply united. Both Farla’s family and mine exemplify this truth. Our backgrounds are different, yet in profound ways, our Jewish story is the same.  

Our story began with challenges. My parents fled Morocco during t…

Roy & Ronna Birnboim Family

For Roy and Ronny Birnboim, giving is in their DNA. Raised in Winnipeg, both grew up in loving families that instilled strong community values. Roy’s parents, particularly his father—deeply knowledgeable in Torah and Talmud—emphasized derech eretz, treating others with humbleness and r…

Renee Bleeman & Ron Bernbaum

For Ron and I, giving was never a choice—it was simply part of who we are. Growing up in Toronto and North York, raised by immigrant parents who had endured both profound loss and shown remarkable resilience, we learned early that tzedakah isn’t just a good deed, it’s a way of life and…

Naomi Azrieli

Philanthropy is the powerful force that turns compassion into meaningful change. It is more than just the act of giving financial resources—it is a potent catalyst for shaping the future and creating a better world for everyone.  

For as long as I can remember, giving has been an import…

Toronto Federation of Jews of Hungarian Descent

As told by Andy Winter

The history and contributions Hungarian Jews made to the fabric of Toronto society is vast. Many people deserve recognition, including my father, Eugene Winter, who was born on December 31, 1910, in Budapest, Hungary. My father’s life was filled with a love for Juda…