I can still remember as a youngster, seeing my parents put money in the blue box. They explained that the money went to by land in Israel to rebuild their homeland. This was my first exposure to tzedakah. Little did my parents realize what a family tradition they had started.
Upon returning home from World War II, I immediately began soliciting for and contributing to the Federation Campaign.
We reap “nachas” in seeing our children follow our example by becoming involved in and serving the Jewish community. Daughter Vicky chaired fund raisers for the Tri-City JCC and was named ‘Woman of the Year’. Son Marc and wife Ellen chaired the Young Leadership division of Federation. Marc was recipient of the Cy Clark Young Leadership Award and Ellen the Lee Amada Award. Ellen also served as President of Solomon Schechter Day School. My grandchildren have followed the example of their parents and are active in the Youth Group at Beth El. Scott is president of Senior USY and Stephanie is president of Junior USY.
One of our proudest moments was a Super Sunday in which three generations took part. Evy worked the registration desk, as she had done for many years, Marc, Ellen and I worked the telephones and Scott and Steph worked as runners.
As I observe the commitment my children and grandchildren have made toward supporting the Jewish community I feel confident that our family tradition of tzedakah will continue for many more generations to come.
