Why would I leave a legacy gift to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland?

I connect as a Jew to both the Jewish community of Cleveland and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. My Lion of Judah Endowment validates these commitments.

My parents, Pearl (Pam) and Wilbert (Bill) Metz were involved Jews – giving was in their blood. They gave their money and time to the Jewish community and transmitted Jewish values to me. I attended Park Synagogue Day Camp for five years and spent one college summer in Israel. My dad was a caterer at Park Synagogue and Heights Temple – I grew up in synagogue kitchens!

My father conducted face-to-face solicitations for the Federation’s Campaign for Jewish Needs. At one of his appointments, he could see his prospect was having trouble making ends meet. Rather than pressuring the gentleman to make a pledge, my dad told him to hold off until his business got better – leaving the man with his dignity. This story has stayed with me and continues to make me proud of my dad.

As parents, Phil and I wanted to transmit our commitment to Judaism to our children, Lindsey and Billy. We also gave money and time to the Jewish community; we held leadership roles in our synagogues, the JCC and the Federation; we graduated from the Mandel Symposium; we were participants on the first Federation Mega Mission trip to Israel; we sent our kids to Camp Wise; we continue to be donors to the Federation and recipients of Federation programs. In short, we are a Federation family.

I have made some of my best friends through the Federation and have been afforded many meaningful opportunities. The 8th Night of Chanukah Project allowed me to connect my interest in children and philanthropy – it is a project that my parents would have loved.

My story is one of parents transmitting Jewish values to their children, and my Lion of Judah Endowment is my commitment to the future. L’dor Vador.