My first contacts with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland occurred when I was in my early twenties. I was strongly influenced by my mother, Hilda, who was actively involved with the Federation, and Mr. Julie Kravitz who became both mentor and friend, after my father’s passing in 1955, at age 47.

After the 1967 war, Julie insisted that I join him on a Federation mission to Israel. My impressions from that first trip established my strong emotional connection with Israel and the Federation.  Those connections have motivated me ever since.  At the time I was not in a position to “give something back to the community.” I was, however, not too young to recognize the moral obligation of tzedakah.

I soon learned that my heartfelt concerns for our local Jewish community, its institutions, and the State of Israel could best be carried out through active involvement in the Federation. At the Federation I met and interacted with the leaders of our Jewish community. I came to appreciate how the programs and activities of the Federation were making a difference in all lives, not just those in need who were less fortunate.

Over the years, my work at the Federation transformed my prior, more widely held concept of “giving ‘til it hurts,” to the more personal one of “giving ‘til it feels good!” Ultimately, it is that feeling which has led me to make a substantial Legacy commitment to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.