This month marks the beginning of a new fiscal year. Reflecting on our accomplishments this past year we are thrilled that the Jewish Foundation and our family of donors made a powerful difference shaping the Jewish future by distributing millions of dollars to worthy causes and organizations across our community, in Israel and around the world. Our year also included several exciting initiatives that have helped our foundation grow stronger and more vibrant, including: a LOJE Thank You event featuring guest speaker: Jeff Kopstein 2 sold out PAC events for Professional Advisors 4 B'nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy programs on the topics of: Leadership, Peoplehood, Tikkun Olam and Jewish Identity and the addition of 20 inspiring donor stories in the Book of Life, which we will celebrate at our annual celebration in October. We welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your philanthropic goals, funding opportunities and ways for you to make meaningful connections to our community. Have an enjoyable summer. Fred Waks

Keeping Yiddish Culture Alive

The Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto supported Yidishtog, the community’s annual celebration of Yiddish language and culture. The Ashkenaz Foundation presented the 2014 Yidishtog closing evening Yiddish concert, featuring Vira Lozinsky and the Emil Aybinder Ensemble from Israel, who are recognized as one of the best Yiddish singers today. (Forverts, New York).  

The next day, as an added treat, Vira gave a presentation in the gymnasium at Bialik Hebrew Day School for grades 5-8. The musical performance was interspersed with Q&A between Vira, the Ashkenaz Foundation Artistic Director and the students. When the students were asked by their teachers what they had learned, their responses conveyed an appreciation of the artistry in Yiddish music, an understanding of the historical and cultural importance of Yiddish song and the Yiddish language, and the importance of keeping Yiddish alive for future generations.

You are never too young to be a philanthropist

There is no better feeling than knowing you have given someone something of value. For Carly Lanfer, that feeling was heightened on a recent visit to Israel with her family – where she got to visit the Zipori Educational Warm Home in Bat Yam. In honour of her bat mitzvah last year, Carly chose to donate some of her gifts to support the Warm Home program, which is a safe and nurturing place for students in grades one and two to spend time after school between the hours of 1-5:00pm while their parents are at work. At the Warm Home, teachers and counselors help with homework, Hebrew, Math and English literacy and the students are offered a hot nutritious lunch. Carly understands that “if you can get a good education – you can really do anything you want.” To read her full story, please click here.

Mazel Tov Talia Aaron, Jacob Eisen, Jonelle Grossman, Benjamin Rosenthal, Jack Tanenbaum and families, on the celebration of your recent bar and bat mitzvahs. We look forward to your continued commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam.

August
Leave a Legacy Series: Start Your Estate Plan
August 20, 2014

September
Investment Committee Meeting
September 3, 2014

Professional Advisory Committee Meeting
September 4, 2014

Board of Trustees Meeting
September 10, 2014

United Jewish Appeal Annual Campaign Launch
September 10, 2014

Leave a Legacy Series: Wills, Trust & Financial Planning
September 17, 2014

October
Book of Life Annual Celebration
October 29, 2014