Book of Life Stories

Marcy & Leonard Abramsky

“Always choose influence rather than power. It helps change people into people who can change the world.” - Jonathan Sacks

To look back on 35 years of marriage is to look back on the amazing influences in our lives together as we continue to build our family and give back to our communi…

Lorna and Ernest Gross z”l

My parents, Lorna and Ernie (Ernest) Gross, were born in Canada. My father was born in Toronto on June 23, 1920, and my mother was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan on May 23, 1927. Both of her parents were born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Growing up, my two younger sisters, Barbara Rother a…

Jonathan Kopman & Merick Gollan

As marathon runners, we understand the gradual pace at which you build endurance in order to reach the finish line. Our approach to philanthropy is not too different: we start at a slower and steady pace and, in time, the momentum will build and strengthen.

We have been so fortunate to live…

Jack Frieberg & Sandra Herlick

There are many teachings in Judaism intended to inspire and shape meaningful lives. There are two in particular that resonate with us. The first is ‘Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh B’Zeh’— ‘all of Israel are responsible for each other’. The second from Pirkei Avot is ‘We are not obliga…

Helen Daniels

I like to say that I was raised on bread and butter and Zionism. My father had died when I was only thirteen months old, but our single mom ensured that the importance of both tzedakah and Israel were imprinted very early on the consciousness of my brother Harry and me. Though our small fami…