Jacksonville Jewish Foundation
P.O. Box 24847 - Jacksonville, Florida 32241 - Phone (904) 394-0720 · FAX (904) 394-0956
Email: [email protected]
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Ali M.
I was born August 15, 1989, in Ft. Lauderdale and
am the only child of Alan and Jan M. My grandmother
Louise M. passed away before I was born
and my grandfather, Morris died when I was very
young. But I am happy to know my mother’s parents,
Ernie and Estelle K, and to see them and have them
as a part of my life. In 1990, when I was one year old
my parents and I moved to Jacksonville and we celebrated
my first birthday here. We moved to Jacksonville because
my father had accepted the position of the new Executive
Director of the Jacksonville Jewish Federation.
After spending Kindergarten through 2nd grade at
Solomon Schechter Day School, I transferred to Crown
Point Elementary School. Theatre is my passion and I
am fortunate now to be attending middle school at the
LaVilla School of the Arts. In the fall of 2003, I will continue my education as a ninth grade student
in the vocal music department of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.
My parents and I have been members of the Jacksonville Jewish Center since moving to
Jacksonville. We are also members of the Jewish Community Alliance. While attending Douglas
Anderson I will be continuing my Jewish education in the Beit Midrash Hebrew High School
program.
On December 21, 2002, I had my Bat Mitzvah. It was a wonderful experience, and for me, a
great accomplishment. For my mitzvah project I collected 52 cans of food to donate to the Jewish
Family and Community Service food pantry. In addition to my Bat Mitzvah, celebrating Jewish
holidays with my family and friends are some of my strongest memories of being Jewish. Because of
my father’s work at the Federation, I am surrounded with Judaism. I feel it is a blessing.
“Carpe Diem - Seize the Day”, is my philosophy of life. For me it means that we should learn to
never take anything for granted because tomorrow you might not have it. With “Carpe Diem” as my
philosophy, participating in the B’nai Tzedek program has become my way of acting on what I believe.
I like to help people in all ways possible. My Bat Mitzvah weekend may be over, but the tzedaka I
give now will be available even in the future when I am older. The B’nai Tzedek program is helping
people to learn about the need for doing mitzvahs and giving tzedakah in our community. It helps us
all to learn more about how to take part in Jewish life and fulfill the mitzvah of tzedakah according to
the commandment today and in the future.
When people look at the Book of Life and see my story, I hope they will think of me as a person
who is passionate about many things. I hope they will always think of me as a happy person with a
great future.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Arnold S.
My family first came to Jacksonville in 1895 when my
great, great grandparents, Alois and Lena K, left New
York. Today I am part of the fifth generation of my
family to call Jacksonville home.
My family and I are members of the Jacksonville Jewish
Center as we have been since my great grandparents
joined the original synagogue located in Springfield. It
was at The Center that I was called to the holy Torah
on June 14-15, 2002 on the occasion of my Bar Mitzvah.
I am proud of the many members of my family who have
contributed to the building of the Jewish community in
Jacksonville. Their contributions range from serving as
the President of the synagogue, sitting on the Board of
Directors, acting as Sisterhood leaders, and scout leaders.
I sincerely hope to carry on my family tradition by devoting my knowledge, efforts, and resources to
the betterment of the local Jewish Community, Israel, and all around the world.
I attended the Solomon Schechter Day School from pre-school all the way through the end of
elementary school. I am continuing my Jewish education by attending Beit Midrash. I am a
member of Kadima, and I participate in other activities at the JCA.
I am an eighth-grade honor roll student in the Gifted program at Darnell-Cookman Middle School.
I am a member of the prestigious National Junior Honor Society, and I am also a member of the
Darnell-Cookman soccer team, which has won more than 100 consecutive games. Go Vikings!
Being the procrastinator that I am, I often put things off until the last minute. In this case it was
my Bar Mitzvah project. Usually procrastinating is bad, but there is an exception for everything.
I elected to participate in the B’nai Tzedek program when I found myself nearing my Bar Mitzvah
without a service project. In this case, procrastination resulted in my participation in a very worthy group.
Besides giving me with a Bar Mitzvah project, the B’nai Tzedek program is helping me to mature
into a responsible Jew. I am helping those in need with the generous help of the Gottlieb Family
and the Jacksonville Jewish Federation. The B’nai Tzedek program is truly a wonderful way for
young people such as myself to perform a worthy mitzvah and follow the commandment of Tzedakah.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Barbara & Larry Jaffe
My mother, Lois Gefen came from a long line of
Southern, Reform Jews. Her mother and father
Marion and Herbert Isaac were born in Florida.
My maternal great- grandmother was born and
raised in Charleston, South Carolina. My father
Sidney Gefen was an Orthodox Jew. His
parents, Nathan and Bertha Gefen were observant
Jews. I recall hearing the story of how his family
would take the chametz outside and burn it before
Pesach. My sisters, Ann (Grenadier) and Carol
(Greenspan), and I were born and raised in
Jacksonville. The Isaac family was one of the early founders of the
original Temple in Jacksonville.
Max and Libbie Jaffe, my husband Larry’s parents, kept a traditional
Jewish home. Larry and his sister Diana (Bailey) were born and raised
in St. Augustine. Larry’s father, Max, was a lay rabbi in the community.
His paternal grandfather, Morris was a rabbi. His paternal
grandmother, Libby, supported his efforts and functioned as the community
rebbitzin in Poland. Larry’s maternal grandparents, William and Minnie
Pinkoson were merchants in dry goods. Larry grew up in the house next
to the synagogue. Larry and I both come from long traditions of Jewish
families.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are my experiences with USY,
BBG and the Leadership Training Institute at Camp Blue Star in
North Carolina. I have established lifelong friendships as a result of these
wonderful programs. Larry recalls many fun times as a youngster
involved in the Boy Scouts and high school athletics.
Barbara & Larry Jaffe
Larry relocated to Jacksonville where we met, to accept a position as a
C.P.A. with the firm of Reiders, Fink and Co. He went on to become
involved with the Jacksonville Jewish Center as treasurer and Vice
President. Larry has two children, Andrea and Daren Jaffe.
My involvements in the Jacksonville Jewish community include National
Council of Jewish Women, a founding member of Jewish Community
Alliance, founding President of Shir-li Hadassah, Chairman of the
Investment Committee of the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation.
My children Bradley and Sandy Zimmerman both attended Solomon
Schechter Day School. They have fond memories of their experiences at
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Lauren and Garrett Jaffe, our
grandchildren, continue the tradition of attending Solomon Schechter
Day School started by Bradley and Sandy. Joshua and Brooke
Zimmerman are still babies but we hope someday they will also attend
Solomon Schechter.
Larry and I and our family enjoy Jewish traditions and rituals. We
are all very involved in the Jacksonville Jewish community. For us
Tikkun Olam is our responsibility. It is up to us to make the world a
better place because we live in it. We view every day of our lives as a
thread in the tapestry of life. It is up to us to make the threads that
become that fabric rich and interesting through our life experiences and
through what we share with others.
Name
Date
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Barry Zisser
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, my father was an immigrant to this country
and my mother was the daughter of immigrants. They instilled in my brother and I
the importance of Tzedakah.
I was educated in the public school system of the City of New York, graduating
from Midwood High School and then from Brooklyn college, part of the City
University of the City of New York, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree
with a major in Accounting.
While in college, I participated in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training
Corps, and upon receiving my bachelor's degree, I also received a commission as a
second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
While serving on active and being stationed in Savannah, Georgia, I was fortunate
enough to meet the lady who turned out to be my life mate and best friend, the former
Eunice Price of Jacksonville, Florida. We were married in 1959.
After my discharge from the United States Air Force, I was accepted into and
attended the University of Florida, College of Law from which I graduated in
December1962. Eunice and I and by that time our daughter, Melinda, who was
born in Gainesville in 1961, moved to Jacksonville, where I began my law practice.
I have continued my legal practice in Jacksonville since January 1963.
In October 1963, our son, Howard, was born.
Eunice and I are now the proud grandparents of four children, MacKenzie Rae
Zisser, born in January 1995, Alexandra Renee Barter, born in November 1997,
Noah Grayson Zisser, born in December 1998, and Samantha Haley Barter, born
in May 2000.
Barry Zisser
I have previously served as a member of the Boards of the United Synagogue of
America, Southeast Region, Jewish Community Alliance, Jacksonville Jewish
Federation, and the Board of Beth Shalom Congregation. I was fortunate enough
to have served as the President of Beth Shalom Congregation for two years, and
presently serve as a member of its Board of Trustees and have been elected to the
honorary lifetime position as Yo-Etz. I am presently serving as an active member
of the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation.
I have written articles and given lectures for the Florida Bar and hold an AV
rating from the Martindale-Hubbel Legal Directory. I previously served as a
member of the Elected Civil Service Board of the City of Jacksonville and was
appointed the first Chairman of the Jacksonville Alcoholic Rehabilitation Advisory
Board.
I enjoy flying, traveling, hiking, walking on the beach, and rooting for the Florida
Gators and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Benjamin F.
My name is Benjamin F.
I was born in Rochester, MN
in 1986, but my family and I
moved very soon after down to
Jacksonville in 1987, only 6
months after my birth. There,
we became members of the Jacksonville Jewish Center where I
grew up as a Jew. My brothers, my sister and I all became
B'nai Mitzvot at that synagogue and began our Jewish young
adult lives. I remember very vividly going to pre-school there,
my first service in Junior Congregation, activities in Chalutzim,
Kadima, and USY, heart-warming events with Rabbi Kentof
(especially his whitewater rafting trips and night games), my years
of schooling at Hebrew School and Beit Midrash, and of course,
attending my own Bar Mitzvah. Although I do not plan to live
here as an adult, I will always keep the Jewish Jacksonville
community in a special place in my heart and plan on bring my
children and grandchildren to visit.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
David Alan Kossak
Randell Courtney Kossak
At a very young age, our parents instilled in us the
concept of giving. David’s father was very active in
many Jewish and non-Jewish organizations during
his lifetime. Courtney attended a non-profit
elementary school in her community. It was
connected with the Catholic faith.
Courtney comes from a family of two. David comes from a larger family
of five. Among the things that Courtney and David have in common is
that they are both the youngest children in their families.
Both Courtney and I grew up in homes filled with education, an intense
desire to be successful and to engage in community activity. I can tell you
that by creating the William and Sylvia Kossak Endowment Fund, we
hope to give in perpetuity in memory of my father, who we miss so very
much. We recognize that by creating the William and Sylvia Kossak
Endowment Fund we will be able to help the Jacksonville Jewish
Foundation on a current or as needed basis.
We trust that one day our children, Brandon and Kennedy, will look
upon this page with great pride. We also hope that our words will
motivate other children to strive hard, stay focused, and be true to their
faith and principles. We are honored to have the opportunity to contribute
to the Book of Life program.
Name
Date
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
David Schnipper
I grew up in a
traditional, loving
Jewish home. We
celebrated Jewish
holiday's together and
attended synagogue
services at the Center.
My mother told me that
I learned to speak
Hebrew even before
I spoke English. I still
go home for holidays,
and during Pesach there
is no chametz in my
parent's home. My childhood was filled with such wonderful experiences with my
parents and grandparents.
My mother's parents, Harry and Ruth Horowitz, provided her with a Jewish
education. And my father's parents, Sidney and Sophie Schnipper, kept a kosher
home. I have fond memories of all of them and of Uncle Jack, Grandma Sophie's
long time partner. He is a great person and I learned a lot from him. Both of my
parents, Robert Schnipper, M.D. and Ellen Schnipper, had a Jewish education
and take Judaism very seriously. My grandparents and parents all passed their
Jewish beliefs, rituals and traditions on to my sisters and me.
I was exposed to a Jewish education at a very early age and attended the Solomon
Schechter day school through fifth grade. We studied Hebrew for half of the day
and English for the rest of the day as well as played a lot of football. When I was
ten years old I went to Israel with my family. Even then security was tight when
traveling to Israel. We were searched when we went to the airport. What I
remember most was our visit to the Western Wall and all of the tiny slips of paper
stuck into the crevices.
When I was in school they didn't teach children about Judaism in the public schools
here. I guess that's the South. But I think it's sad. I remember when I had to tell my
basketball coach that I couldn't play a game because it was Rosh Hashanah and I had to
explain to him what it meant. I was a minority in school. We are the minority.
David Schnipper
Edith Horovitz, her mother Hordie Gendzier and others taught me to prepare for
my Bar Mitzvah. My mother used to take me to her house for lessons. On June
6th and 7th, 1986, I chanted my Haftorah and Torah. After three years of intense
studies with Edith and Ted Gross and years of Hebrew school I had my Bar
Mitzvah at the Center. Both of my sisters, Elizabeth (Maidman), who is older and
Lauren Schnipper who is younger, have had their Bat Mitzvah's at the Center.
For me, being Jewish is what you make of it. Although, I must say there were
times as a young child when I saw my neighbors celebrating their holidays and
receiving presents that I thought it would be nice to have a Christmas like
celebration.
I feel that the Jewish religion is the correct religion. I am happy to be Jewish and
I feel very strongly about it. When I have children I will raise them Jewish and
expose them to all of our traditions and rituals. I like the unity that is part of our
Jewish heritage unlike other exclusive religions. Judaism is part of who I am.
Like an arm on my body, this is how being Jewish is for me.
I grew up in a good family and learned that it is important to allocate a little of
what you make and give it back. I don't think enough people give back. For me, if
you don't give back you're nothing. I knew I always wanted to give back. I grew
up playing a lot of basketball at Burnett Park and someday I hope that I can be
instrumental in seeing that park redone.
I asked myself, so how do I give back and support Jewish causes I care about?
My mentor, David Kossak, did something similar to what I have done. After
reading his story in the Jacksonville Jewish News I decided that what he had done
was a good idea for me. I feel confident that my gift of a $100,000 variable life
insurance policy to the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation will be used well.
Whatever happens, if I go tomorrow or in fifty years I know that my gift will be
used to support important Jewish causes. And I feel good about that. This is my
way of giving back and I am very happy with what I did. To me it is money.
Money is just money. It is important, but it is not everything.
Someday when people read this about me I hope they will think of me as somebody
who made a difference in other people's lives. I hope they will think of me as a good
person, a good friend, a good brother, a good son, one day a good dad, a good
husband and a good man. I just want to do the right things in life.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Donziger Family
My grandparents came to New York at the turn of the century from
Poland and Austria. My father, Leon, was 5 years old when he
arrived. My mother, Fanny, was born here. They both lived, went
to school and worked in the lower East Side i.e. Hester Street
area. My parents joined me in Jacksonville in 1958, where my
Father and I operated a picture tube rebuilding business.
I understood Yiddish well but spoke little. My Father’s parents
owned a successful produce store in the Bensonhurst area of
Brooklyn. He’d give me a dollar whenever I visited. I remember
him drinking schnapps before dinner and being a good pinochle
player. Both Grandparents played heated games. My mother’s Dad,
Shimon Post was a milliner.
My strongest memories of my childhood was attending an orthodox synagogue (a converted store
under an overhead elevated subway train) with my grandparents. The women sat separately and
the highlights were holiday dinners cooked by Grandma Ella or Ethel. All of them passed away
while I lived in Brooklyn. My Bar-Mitzvah was notable for the lack of my Father, fighting
with the Marines in the Pacific.
After graduating NYU, I volunteered for the Army during the Korean War. My active duty
was limited to Staten Island, New York as a radar technician. With an early discharge to follow
a Masters program in Marketing at CCNY, I set out on a business career.
In September of 1956, I drove from Brooklyn, NY to Jacksonville, in a new Plymouth with no
air conditioning. Little did I know about the torrid summer! My initial thought was Jacksonville
was like Miami... We’re lucky it’s not!
Jacksonville greeted me with a riot at the Beaches on Labor Day as blacks tried to integrate a white
beach. I was single. Sonny and Merle Setzer Hacker was my lone contact. They were kind enough
to introduce me to people that are still close friends today. They recommended a motel on Beach
Blvd with a small kitchen. I came down to do a work-out on an electronics business that rebuilt
television picture tubes in the Springfield area.
In December of 1956 I married my first wife and moved into our house on Marianna Road. We
had two children, Susan and Steven. Susan graduated from Georgia and lives in St. Louis with
her husband David Sherman. Susan does public relations work, charity affairs, and many TV
appearances. They have two children, Sylvie and Keil. My son Steven is a Harvard Law
School and is living in New York. He is single. He has written a book on crime and prisons and
has done TV work in the same field. Steven, prior to law school, was an independent
correspondent for two years during the war in Nicaragua.
Donziger Family
As a young man married in Jacksonville, I was involved with the 32 Club of the Jewish Center
and chaired many social affairs. I became active in Federation, did some soliciting, and
accompanied a Russian emigre dentist in fund raising calls. We became good friends, visited in
Israel, and helped her set up a dental practice in Tel Aviv. We joined the Center and the Temple.
During the last 30 years I was active in executive and Board positions with JCA, River
Garden, and Federation. My pet projects were the capital campaign I ran for JCA and more
importantly, helping found the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation, where I served as the first
President for three years. I am especially proud of the fact that Foundation was done as a
marriage of all Agencies and Synagogues, a true partnership serving all of them in establishing
endowments, donor advised funds, bequests and all forms of giving programs to build a huge corpus.
The income will insure the continuity of the many programs undertaken by the partners. I have
been a frequent supporter of Temple Outreach program and attend both Temple and Center, and
am an associate member of Beth-el at the Beach.
My second wife Karin and I were married in 1977 and will celebrate our 25th Anniversary in
August. We have a daughter Janet, her husband is Wade Nield and three grandchildren,
Michael 16, Alex 10 and Jennifer Rose 8. Janet was converted to Judaism by Rabbi Gaffney.
All three children are involved in Hebrew School. Michael had a Bar-Mitzvah at the Center.
He admires and feels close to Rabbi Kentoff. The Nields now belong to the Temple where I,m
sure Rabbi Matuson will pay special attention.
My newest project is helping Beth-El at the Beaches raise money through Associate Members
and assist them in getting financing for a permanent building. Getting a new synagogue started is a
mitzvah’.
My trips to Israel have given me a strong feeling that the State must exist at all costs! The events
of 9/11 had a profound effect on me. The Middle East Terror situation makes me fear for all the
innocents who may die and the thought of our grandchildren possibly bearing arms. I feel like we
must do the things that are important to us . . . and do it now!
Jacksonville is a great place to live. You can’t beat the outdoor recreational facilities and the many
close friends I’ve made. Karin and I are delighted to play a role in secular and non-secular
charities. She has chaired the Jacksonville Ballet Nutcracker and been active with the Symphony.
Going forward, my goal is to help the Foundation grow so that the income it throws off will one
day exceed our annual Federation campaign, enabling all our partners to fulfill their dreams.
I have seen Jacksonville 45 years ago rampant with segregation and anti-Semitism. There was
no Jewish Community Center (JCA), no synagogues on the Southside, only Beauclerc Country
Club. We have come full circle, although there are still pockets of resistance. . . . narrow minded
people who still behave as if it was 1950. Fortunately, our Jewish Community has distinguished
itself in Jacksonville through it’s activities in the secular area.
Name
Date
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Dr. Roy Julius Sloat & Irene Sloat
My mother and father, Rose and Joseph Sloat emigrated from Lithuania to the United
States in 1905 and then to Jacksonville in 1915 with a son and daughter. Early on my
family became involved in Congregation B‚nai Israel at Duval and Jefferson Streets.
My mother was one of the early founding members of the Ladies Hebrew Sheltering Aid
Society which was a forerunner of River Garden.
I, Roy Julius Sloat, was born in Jacksonville on May 11, 1920. I was educated at
Riverside # 4 Elementary, John Gorrie Junior High, Kirby-Smith Junior High and
Andrew Jackson High School. I had reasonable success playing football and as a result
had a scholarship to the University of Florida. Subsequently I went to the dental school
of the University of Maryland and graduated in 1943. I practiced dentistry for fifty-two
years. Most of these years were in my office in the historic St. James building in
downtown Jacksonville.
I served as President of the Jacksonville Dental Society, the Northeast District Dental
Society of Florida and the Jacksonville Jewish Center Men‚s Club. I have always
taken a leadership role in charitable causes in our community. My philosophy of life has
been always positive and hopeful if not activist. I subscribe to the attitude of „change what
you can and accept what you must.‰ Yesterday is dead and gone and tomorrow is out of
sight. So, be the best that you can be each day and the years will take care of themselves.
I have strong feelings of living in Jacksonville and being involved and identified with the
Jewish community. I am proud of the institutions that have been started and promoted by
the leadership in the Jacksonville Jewish community.
Inspired by the example of our parents, Rae and Nathan Goldin and Rose and Joseph
Sloat, my wife, Irene, and I have established a fund that upon our demise will support in
perpetuity the same Jewish institutions that we supported while living. This fund will be
administered by the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation.
Someday, when and if people read my story in the Book of Life, I hope they will remember
me as having lived with honor, dignity and reflected positively on the Jewish community.
Name
Date
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Erin Rogozinski
My paternal grandparents, Jakob and Ella Rogozinski emigrated from Israel to Jacksonville in
1958 bringing with them my father Chaim. Jakob was born in Poland and Ella in
Czechoslovakia. As survivors of the Shoah, the Holocaust, who lost members of both of their
families, my grandparents have a particular affinity toward leaving a living legacy. Their legacy
is demonstrated by their efforts to perpetuate Judaism in their own lives and through their families.
They have been very involved in helping my parents to raise my sister Rachel, me, my brother
Jonathan and my sister Danielle.
Active in their Jewish community, my maternal grandparents, Ruth and Richard Albert also
share a great love of and desire to perpetuate their Judaism. For them mitzvot is very important
and this belief has been instilled in my mother and in us.
My mother, Jeanine Rogozinski, who has been in Jacksonville for twenty years, grew up in a
traditional Jewish home in Dallas, Texas. Like my father, Dr. Chaim Rogozinski she shares a
strong belief in Jewish values and the importance of a Jewish education. My parents feel that
awareness of Jewish values and nurturing Jewish continuity is important from childhood through
adulthood. I attended Solomon Schechter Day School and my entire family is active in the
Jacksonville Jewish community in many ways.
Some of my fondest memories are of how very special Jewish holidays always are when spent
together with my family including my seven cousins. I also have great memories of my experiences
with Kadima, Chalutzim and USY. But preparing for my Bat Mitzvah was my most gratifying
experience. One aspect of preparing for my Bat Mitzvah was to complete a mitzvah project. My
project included making baskets of toys for terminally ill children and delivering them, along with
my siblings, to the Wolfson Children's Hospital. I remember how we all felt so connected and that
we were really performing a true mitzvah.
I have learned from my parents and grandparents that it is important to help those who can't help
themselves and that this is a true mitzvah. I take pride in my Jewish heritage. I hope that
someday when people read my story in the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation Book of Life they
will remember me as someone who not only felt that it was important to make a contribution but
who actually did make a contribution. My B'Nai Tzedek fund is one way that I feel I can
perpetuate what my family has passed on to me, the importance of perpetuating Judaism and of
leaving a living legacy.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Eunice Zisser
As a young man, my father, Isser Price, emigrated from Poland to the United
States. He met my mother, Rae Gartner, when he lived at my mother's boarding
house in Baltimore. My father stayed in Baltimore only for a short time until he
moved to Florida to work with his brother who was already in St. Augustine.
His parting words to my mother who was only 18 at the time were, "I am going to
come back and marry you." In 1926, my father married his bride in Baltimore,
brought her down to Florida and so began our family's rich Jewish heritage in the
Sunshine State.
While my father lived in Florida and my mother stayed in Baltimore, he wrote her
many love letters, expressing how much he missed her. I am so fortunate to have his
beautiful letters in my possession.
Not long after the wedding, my father brought my mother to Jacksonville, Fla., as
his bride. Mother was born in 1906 and was only 20 years old when she arrived in
Jacksonville. It wasn't long before the Price family began to grow. My oldest
brother Samuel came first, followed by Jack, then my sister Florence (Schemer),
and finally me.
We all grew up here and have made our homes in Jacksonville. I am pleased to say
that, inspired by our parents and their many years of participation in Jewish life
here, today all of us continue to be involved in synagogue life.
As children we went to Schul every Saturday. My parents were very devoted to us
and later to their grandchildren. I recall how my father used to take my boys fishing
and on other trips. Our parents instilled in us the importance of education, in
particular Jewish education. We all attended Hader and we all were confirmed.
When I look back on my childhood, I remember fondly the Tzedakah box always
sitting in the window. I remember my mother dropping coins into that tiny pushke. I
can still hear the coins dropping in the container. She encouraged us to put our
change into it. Today I give my own grandchildren change to put into the Tzedakah
box. I keep a supply of quarters on hand for them. The sound of coins hitting the
bottom of the tin box seems to have more meaning than checks or paper money.
Eunice Zisser
While my parents were deeply committed to Judaism at home, they also took pride
and played an active role in our local Jewish community. Father was instrumental
in acquiring the first bus for the Jewish Center that shuffled children to Hader, then
to Hebrew school.
When no one else stepped up to the plate, my mother funded the expansion of the
Solomon Schechter Day School to add a fourth grade class. Mother wanted her
granddaughter, my daughter Melinda, to be able to continue her Jewish education at
the school. When Melinda was about to enter the fourth grade, the school didn't have
a fourth grade and no funds were available to expand. To Grandma Rae, it was
very important to see that the funds for expansion were available. From there it has
grown to its current size.
Following in my parents' footsteps, my husband Barry and I have taken an active
role in our community. I am a Life Member of Hadassah, the second of four
consecutive generations of life members! I have served as Past President of Shira
Lee Hadassah, of Beth Shalom Sisterhood, and of the Women's Division of the
Jewish Federation. I currently serve on the Boards of the Jewish Federation
and Jewish Family and Community Service. I am a life member of the National
Council of Jewish Women and the River Garden Auxiliary. In addition, I have
served on the Mayor's Advisory Council for the Status of Women, and have served
as a volunteer for Jewish Healing Hands and various other non-profit
organizations.
My philosophy of life is love, live, laugh and be happy. Even though sometimes it's
hard, try to always be positive and have a good time. Someday when people read
this story I hope they will think of me as having been a little instrumental in making
Jacksonville a better place to live. I hope they will think of me as someone who
demonstrated my commitment to the Jewish concepts of Tzedakah, and Tikkun
Olam and to ensuring the future of our Jewish community.
Barry and I hope that we have instilled these Jewish values into our own children,
Melinda and her husband Paul, and Howard and his wife Kathleen, and our
grandchildren, Mackenzie, Alexandra, Noah and Samantha, as our parents have
instilled in us.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Gail Susan Meltzer
The Jacksonville Jewish community became my
surrogate family, as shortly after I arrived in 1976
and my wonderful son Bill was born, my marriage
ended and my ex-husband moved away.
For Bill and me, Jewish life revolved around
the synagogue (we belonged to three: The
Jacksonville Jewish Center, Etz Chaim and
Beth-El Beaches Synagogue), studying Judaism,
celebrating Shabbat, Jewish holidays and simchas with our friends. As
someone who was raised in a non-observant family, finding my "Jewish
soul" was an exhilarating and enriching journey for me.
I was fortunate to also work in this dynamic Jewish community as it
changed and grew. I helped on the JCA building campaign, worked for
the Jewish Federation, and then for ten wonderful years served as the
Director of Development and founding administrator of the River
Garden Foundation, at River Garden/Wolfson Health and Aging
Center (a true community treasure).
After 17 years of "single-hood", I married again in 1998 and left
Jacksonville for a new life with my loving husband, Rick Clark.
Although we now live in Ft. Lauderdale, and my son in Hollywood, the
vibrant Jacksonville Jewish community and my very special friends and
colleagues remain close to my heart. It is a privilege to be included in the
Jacksonville Jewish Foundation's Book of Life.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Gary M. Bloom
The Primary reason for my arranging a bequest to River Garden
Hebrew Home is to honor my mother and father, Sara and Jacob
Bloom, while acknowledging the institution, which sheltered them so well
in their last days.
I am a grandson of Lazar and Fanny Bloom and I.M. (Max) and Ida
Lieberman, as well as the only child of Sara and Jacob Bloom. Both
my parents and grandparents transmitted to me the importance of
community service in the Jewish, as well as the overall community.
My maternal grandmother was one of the founding members of the Ladies
Hebrew Sheltering Aid Society (prior to the establishment of River
Garden). My maternal grandfather - a larger than life individual - was
“a man for all seasons.” His service as a board member and officer of the
Jacksonville Jewish Center; a founder of the Jewish Progressive
Society (and its predecessor); an early supporter of a Jewish state
utilizing his close ties with Senator Claude Pepper; his activities with the
Chamber of Commerce and the first Jewish member of the Lions Club all
culminated in his appointment as Honorary Lt. Colonel of the State of
Florida by Governor Spessard Holland.
My father served his country by volunteering with the Duval County
Mounted Patrol during World War II and was later active with the
Shriners and Masons.
Mother served as President of the Daughters of Israel (Jacksonville
Jewish Center Sisterhood) and was active in Hadassah and a multiplicity
of other Jewish organizations. As President of Beauclerc Country
Club’s Women’s Golf Association, she also volunteered at local hospitals
and River Garden where she played piano for early home residents.
Gary M. Bloom
My entire professional career was devoted to philanthropy including the
United Jewish Appeal of Greater New York, Federation of Jewish
Philanthropies and Brandeis University - working with Abram L.
Sacher. For twenty years I worked for Whitney M. Young, Jr. and
Vernon E. Jordon, Jr. of the National Urban League, and for eight
years with the American Red Cross where I reported to Elizabeth
Dole.
I was fortunate to be in a position to raise millions of dollars in service to
the nation and had the privilege of working with and motivating scores of
prominent individuals from the corporate, foundation and social world.
I acknowledge with deep appreciation the training and inspiration I
received from my family, synagogue and community. As an expression of
my gratitude, I am pleased to be in a position to provide a bequest to
River Garden.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Joan & Ronnie Levin
I am the daughter of Calie and Martin Loss and the
granddaughter of Rose and Morris Berman and Ida
and Jacob Loss. Rose and Morris, my maternal
grandparents, emigrated to the United States in 1890,
from Riga, Latvia. My paternal grandparents, Ida and
Jacob Loss came to the US from Riga and Moscow
respectively.
As a child my home was filled with Jewish observance
and Jewish memories. I have recollections of my
parents participating in Jewish organizations and
always keeping Israel among our highest priorities.
Aunts and Uncles also provided this model, especially when it came to support of Israel.
One of my earliest memories was, as a young child, listening to the radio and hearing the
declaration of independence of the State of Israel by its first Prime Minister, David
Ben-Gurion. This influence has sustained me until this day and has shaped my
involvement in community and overseas efforts.
In 1963 I married Ronnie Levin and in 1966 we returned to Jacksonville, Ronnie's home
town. He is the son of the late Abe and Harriette Levin.
As the generations before us sowed the seeds of tzedaka, so have we felt the importance of
continuing that heritage. We are interested in and recognize the importance of the
advancement of Jewish life in Israel, in at risk overseas communities, as well as in the
Jacksonville community. In order to further this interest, we hope our gift to the
community will help make it possible for our youth to visit Israel, study our history, and
respond to the needs of the community as part of Am Yisrael.
We are pleased that our children Michael and Samantha Levin, Risa and Stuart
Herman, and Dina and Howard Fetner have taken up the reins of community
involvement. It is our hope that our eight beloved grandchildren, Noah, Jenna, Rachel,
Matthew, Naomi, Talia, Jacob and Danielle will, when the time comes, also work
toward the betterment of the community and the world at large.
Name
Date
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Joan & Sonny Waitz
My husband “Sonny” and I grew up with similar Jewish backgrounds-he in
Malden, Massachusetts and I in Everett. His parents were Bella and John
Waitz; Bella arrived in the United States from Russia in 1914, John was born in
America. They owned a small neighborhood produce store. Sonny was their only
child; they all worked hard to make a living. Later on in life my in-laws
spearheaded a drive to purchase an ambulance for Armdi.
My parents were Celia and Samuel Glazer. Celia was born in the United States,
by my dad emigrated from Russia. My dad started out as a violinist and was
active in the shule. My mother was active in Hadassah and president of the Jewish
War Veteran since her brother was killed in World War II.
My Grandma Freida, who also came from Russia, influenced me to be committed
to Hadassah-to be a link in a five-generation life member Hadassah family. “She
taught me how vital I was to Hadassah and how I was needed to help in the picture
of healing, teaching, and medical research for the people of Israel and all mankind.”
Sumner and I were married in 1953, after “Sonny’s” graduation from the
University of Massachusetts and mine from Mt. Ida College. We moved to New
York for a year where he earned a master’s degree in biochemistry at Columbia
University. After a stint in the air force as a captain, we moved to Gainesville,
Florida in 1957 where he pursued a degree in Civil Engineering. While a student
at the University of Florida, he had a Research Assistantship. The results of this
research was published in the Journal of the Florida Academy of Science and
Standard Methods For The Examination Of Water and Sewage. In 1959, we
moved to Jacksonville with our daughters Linda, 3 and Risa, two weeks old. In
1962, our son Ira was born. Our family now consists of Linda and Philip Bloom
and their daughters, Lauren and Sasha, Risa Schneider and daughter Jody, and
Ira Waitz. In 1963 after working for four years as an Engineer with the Florida
State Board of Health, Sonny went into private practice as a Consulting Engineer
(one of the first Jewish Engineers in Jacksonville to have a Consulting Engineering
practice) and at age 71 is still active in the business.
Joan & Sonny Waitz
Lauren has been on USY on Wheels and to Israel and Poland. Sasha is going on
Wheels this summer and Jodi will be at Camp Ramah, where her cousin, Lauren,
will be a counselor.
Our daughter, Linda, was a president of Hadassah and our son-in-law, Philip,
will be president of the Jacksonville Jewish Center in August, 2002. We are very
proud and very blessed to have such wonderful children and grandchildren.
I am very blessed to have a wonderful husband who has always supported my many
endeavors in the Jewish community of Jacksonville.
Hadassah is my love and I have been a Tikva Group president and a chapter
president on and off for eight years. I have held many portfolios in the region board
for over ten years and currently am on the Executive board. I have served on the
Women’s Division Federation as vice president, B’nai Brith Women, have been
co-president of River Garden Auxiliary, and vice president in Synagogue
Sisterhood, as well as working with the Chevra Kaddicha, and am presently on the
board of the synagogue at the Jacksonville Jewish Center.
Sonny has served in the past on the board of the Jacksonville Jewish Center, and in
1996 was given the honor of “Hatan Torah” groom of the torah for his loyalty and
dedication to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. He has given his engineering
expertise to the Center, River Garden, Beth Shalom, and to the Jacksonville
Jewish Alliance.
As you can see, we both feel it is important to be involved in the community to “do”
for other people and to be close to family and friends. We feel it is important to
expand and broaden our own and our families secular and religious knowledge and
experiences, a lifestyle that is being passed down from generation to generation.
Sometimes it is difficult to reach out in so many directions-but it is more than just
existing-it is being where the action is, and being a part of many achievements and
astounding miracles.
Name
Date
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Jordan Allerding
My dad, Scott, was born in Columbus, Ohio
and my mom Robin, was born in Houston,
Texas. They met when they worked together
at a store called Gart Brothers, in Denver
Colorado. My mom worked in the camera
section, and my dad worked in the golf section.
When my mom was twenty-three and dad was
twenty-five they got married in Houston.
On September 11, 1987 (seven years after
parents getting married) I was born in
Denver. Six months later my dad got
transferred to Jacksonville, Florida. When my parents moved to Jacksonville, they joined the
Jacksonville Jewish Center congregation. I went to the Solomon Schechter Day School. I
started school there when I was three years old and went to a different school when I was in 7th
grade. I loved being there even though it was tough. I learned how to read Hebrew. The
teachers there were nice and taught you a lot. My brother Jake also went there. My sister Julia
is at the school now in kindergarten. She loves it. The Jacksonville Jewish Center has been our
congregation ever since we moved here. When I was in 5th grade, I joined a Jewish activity
group called Chalutzim. I ran for treasurer of the group and won. When I was in sixth grade I
joined another activity group called Kadima. Right now I am in my last year in Kadima and I
am the Vice President of Social Actions. Next year, I am looking forward to USY.
My greatest moment in life as a Jewish boy was when I had my Bar Mitzvah on November 17
and 18, 2000. I had to read the second longest Haftarah in the book. It was a great experience
for me. I got to learn how to read the Torah and learn more prayers I didn't know. I was
nervous at first but afterward it felt great. My philosophy of life is to enjoy life as much as I can.
A person only has one life so it shouldn't be negative at all. Every positive opportunity you have
you should take. I love being Jewish. I will do anything in my community that would make it
better. I support this Jewish community a lot. I feel safe where ever I go, even if I walk to
synagogue and everybody notices my kippot that I am wearing.
Now I am 14 years old and I go to DuPont Middle School. I make good grades. The
National Junior Honor Society picked me to be in the society because I made a 3.5 average
throughout the school year. I am on the boys' soccer team. My parents are good to me, taking me
to soccer tournaments, friends' houses, and parties. They take me everywhere. I love to play
sports. My favorite is soccer. I have been playing since I was 5 years old. I am on a traveling
team, which goes all over Florida. I love my Life.
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Kimberly & Richard Sisisky
Both Kimberly and I came from families with long histories
of giving. Kimberly's parents, Doctors Dorothea and
Richard Kleppinger gave liberally of their time and means to
a variety of medical and charitable causes in Pennsylvania
and around the world. Kimberly's brother Trygve and his
wife, Kathleen, are very active in many civic, cultural and
charitable organizations.
I learned from my grandparents and parents at an early age
that giving is good and that it is simply part of what makes
you a whole person. My paternal grandparents, Samuel and Johanna Sisisky, instilled in
my father, Norman Sisisky, the Jewish concept of tzedakah. As my maternal grandmother
Celia told it, my grandfather Isadore Brown was generous to everyone.
My parents, Rhoda and Norman Sisisky, and their parents believed in giving according to
ones means. As a child I recall my mother telling me stories about how my father would
put money into an envelope and anonymously put in the mailbox of a family in the
community he knew was in need of some assistance. Sometimes it was to make a mortgage
payment so that the family could keep their home. We weren't supposed to know about my
father's efforts. After all, it was meant to be anonymous in order to respect the dignity of
the family he wanted to help. To this day, we have no idea how many he helped although
after his death many people wrote to tell us how he had helped change their lives without
telling anyone about it.
Each of my brothers and I have made the choice to carry on this important family
tradition. I have been active in Jewish affairs since moving to Jacksonville in 1988. My
brother Mark is a former President of the Richmond Jewish Federation and is active in
Jewish agencies with worldwide reach. Terry is also very involved in giving in
Richmond. Stuart lives in Miami Beach and gives significantly of his time and means in
that community as well.
My introduction to a more long-range and philanthropic giving came as a result of
conversations with my dear friend and former partner, Robert T. Shircliff. Bob and I
discussed the difference between charitable giving and philanthropic giving. The culmination
of those many conversations was my decision to use community-based foundations as
charitable giving vehicles for the last fourteen years.
Kimberly & Richard Sisisky
Kimberly and I were fascinated with the concept of the Donor Advised instrument and
the idea that we could put funds into a professionally managed foundation and make
recommendations for fund distribution to a variety of charities in which we had an interest.
Our first foundation experience was with the Jacksonville Community Foundation.
When I served as President of the Jacksonville Jewish Federation we discussed many
times the coming transfer of wealth and how it would impact giving in the Jewish community
into the future. We made a decision to plan to take advantage of an opportunity to preserve
the philanthropic efforts of the current generation for the benefit of generations to come. We
decided that our Jewish community needed a Jewish Foundation. All that remained was
the not insubstantial task of selling the concept to the rest of the Jewish community.
Through the substantial efforts of our lay leadership and our skilled professional, Alan
Margolies, the Executive Director of the Jacksonville Jewish Federation, all of our
Jewish agencies and synagogues in the community supported what became the Jacksonville
Jewish Foundation. They all understood that the Foundation had the potential to become
the vehicle that they could turn to for sustainable, long-term funds and how it would
become necessary, even essential, to ensure the future of our Jewish community.
Mike Donziger became our first President. We, figuratively speaking, twisted his arm to take
this daunting task. He accepted graciously and began the tough process of actually starting the
Foundation, recruiting a board, recruiting a professional leader, establishing policies, etc.
Mike did a wonderful job for many years and our current President, Mel Gottleib, has done
a marvelous job of advancing the interest level and commitment of our donors.
I am proud of our efforts to develop the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation and look
forward to watching this Foundation enjoy many years of increasing success. More
importantly, I look forward to watching as we fulfill our mission to ensure the future of
our Jewish community and to perpetuate the efforts of our synagogues and agencies through
the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation.
Kimberly and I are trying to instill in our children, the importance of giving.
It is wonderful watching them participate in Mitzvah Days and in the annual effort
to collect toys to give away to needy children during the holidays. Just as our parents and
grandparents did for us, we hope to instill in our children the values, traditions and love of
giving with which we were we were both raised.
Name
Date
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Mark & Beth Shorstein
Mark and Beth's four children, Daniel, Rebecca, Jennifer and Benjamin, are sixth
generation residents of Jacksonville. Mark and Beth are proud of their children's
active involvement in Jewish life which has included Solomon Schechter Day
School, regular Shabbat and holiday service attendance, B'nai Mitzvot,
participation in the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation's B'nai
Tzedek program, Kadima and USY, and now Daniel's participation with Hillel at
the University of Florida. It is Mark and Beth's hope that the children continue
the family tradition of embracing Judaism and mitzvot.
Mark's parents, Jack and Sylvia Shorstein, kept a traditional Jewish home, and
taught their sons, Mark, Michael and Neal, the importance of Jewish values and
observances. Sylvia, of blessed memory, always showed her boys the importance of
enjoying life while maintaining a strong and disciplined work ethic. Jack has always
had a strong influence on his sons through his unwavering sense of fairness and
justice, and leading by example. Jack has been both a synagogue leader, as President
of Jacksonville Jewish Center, and a community leader through posts such as Vicechairman of the Jacksonville Port Authority. Jack always taught his sons, and now
teaches his grandchildren, that the synagogue is the center of Jewish life and the
source of Jewish continuity.
Beth was born in New York City and lived in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Her parents, Steve and Kris Ochs, raised their children in a home filled with love
and mutual respect. Beth learned much from her father's strong yet sensitive
character, forged as a Holocaust refugee. Beth feels that her father, an engineer, and
her mother, a school psychologist, have had a tremendous influence through their
examples as good caring people.
Mark and Beth's Jewish roots led to their fateful meeting in 1977 in Philadelphia
at the auditions for the play "The World of Sholom Aleichem ". Mark was the
director and producer, and Beth auditioned for the play, and the rest is history.
Mark & Beth Shorstein
Beth has been very active in the community since moving to Jacksonville in positions
from teacher to protective services counselor and investigator intern. Beth has been
President of National Council of Jewish Women; President of JJC Sisterhood;
Chairman of JJC Bikur Cholim committee; and member of the River Garden
Board, among others. She has been active with JFCS as the coordinator for the
Jewish Healing Network and as a counselor. Beth has received awards including
the Michael J. Wilson Social Justice Award from the National Association of
Social Workers; the Young Leadership Award from the Florida branch of the
National Council of Jewish Women; the Woman of Valor Award from the JJC;
and the Leadership Award from the Florida branch of the Women's League for
Conservative Judaism.
Mark attributes his active community involvement to the influence of his parents, his
synagogue, USY and Camp Ramah. Since moving back to Jacksonville in 1980, he
has held various leadership positions such as President of the Jacksonville Jewish
Center; President of Jewish Family & Community Services; Secretary of the
Jacksonville Jewish Foundation; Treasurer of the Jacksonville Art Museum;
Treasurer of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the
Expenditures Sub-committee for the Mayor's Fiscal Policy Advisory Commission;
Board Member of the Jacksonville Jewish Federation; Board Member of the
Jacksonville Art in Public Places Commission; member of the University of North
Florida Accounting Advisory Board; among a number of other positions.
Mark is most proud of having been the recipient of the Jacksonville Jewish Center's
Hatan Bereshit Award for ongoing commitment to the synagogue and local Jewish
community, and of the Jacksonville Jewish Federation's Joe P. Safer Community
Service Award for outstanding service to the Jewish community.
Beth and Mark highly value the importance of family, faith, ethics and fairness. They
feel that Judaism and synagogue provide the cornerstone of their lives upon which all
else is built. Beth and Mark hope that their efforts are making a difference in
improving the quality of Jewish life in Jacksonville now and for the future.
Name
Date
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Ruth B. & Joseph P. Safer
Over one hundred years ago the Safer family came to
Jacksonville, Florida. Joe's uncle, Benjamin Safer, immigrated
to Jacksonville from Lithuania to become the community's first
Rabbi. Benjamin and his wife raised twelve children here. Joe's
father, Max Safer and his mother, Freida, immigrated to
Jacksonville soon after Benjamin.
Joe was born and raised here. On a visit to his sister who had
married and moved to Baltimore, Maryland, Joe's brother in law
and my brother in law arranged a blind date. In June of 1940, the
first time Joe saw me, he told me he knew he wanted to marry me.
After four consecutive dates, on the fifth date Joe proposed. Joe
graduated from the University of Florida and taught school for four years. But when we met in
Baltimore he had no job, automobile, or money and yet he proposed.
Joe's parents were observant Orthodox Jews. Joe attended Hebrew school as a child. When
Joe called his parents from Baltimore to announce our engagement they asked him, is she Jewish.
When Joe said yes they told him they would make the local announcements and buy the ring.
Joe's sister and brother-in law moved to Miami Beach. In November 1940, Joe and I were
married in Miami Beach at the Tides Hotel, the best kosher hotel at the time. It is still there.
With the threat of the draft looming and a new baby on the way our future was uncertain. Joe
was called into service with the U.S. Navy. We lived with my family in Baltimore and Joe P.
was stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland.
Joe's father owned Duval Container Company, a distributor of bottles, barrels and drums. After
he returned from the service Joe expanded the business to include manufacturing corrugated boxes.
When Joe established his endowment fund for the benefit of the Jacksonville Jewish Federation
in 1982 he used Duval Container Company stock to set up the fund. Joe was the first to make this
type of endowment gift in this community.
A volunteer for the Jewish Federation for many years, Joe encouraged the community to build
the Federation facility. He was the initial recipient of a plaque awarded to the member of the
community who was most active with the Federation during the year. The Joe P. Safer plaque
is now awarded annually. Joe is an honorary life member of the Federation.
Joe P. and I helped to found Beth Shalom Congregation and spearheaded the effort to establish
the religious school. Joe conducted services and encouraged young people to learn Hebrew and
participate. As a former member and President of the Board, the education building is named for
him. Beth Shalom Congregation named Joe Man of the Millennium and their 2001 yearbook was
dedicated to his memory. Rabbi Perras stated, "One can only marvel at how Joe P. found the
time and the room in his heart to look after so many causes so lovingly and in such detail."
Ruth B. & Joseph P. Safer
When Beauclerc Country Club was closing Joe worked together with David Stein and others to
encourage the community to start the Jewish Community Alliance. He influenced many people in
our community. Many of today's current Jewish leaders recall Joe's special greetings. Mel
Gottlieb recalls how Joe answered the phone with a warm, "happy holiday morning" or "happy
holiday evening."
Joe P. was always raising funds for some Jewish cause. In a biographical story about Joe
published in the Jewish News, Joe expressed his strong love of and devotion to Israel and his
deep concern for our Jewish homeland. "We depend on Israel to keep Judaism alive and they
depend on us," Joe stated. Joe P. was involved with UJA, JNF, Israel Bonds, JFCS, the
other community synagogues and more.
But Joe also recognized the need for greater community involvement. He helped the Boy Scouts
and the local bowling league. Joe P. believed that we should care for one another no matter what
our religious affiliation. In 1991, he was honored by the National Conference of Christians and
Jews at their annual dinner and presented with their prestigious Humanitarian Award. I have a
copy of the moving video that was produced at the awards dinner. It was shown at Joe's funeral.
Joe was a considerate, kind person who really wanted to help. Many loved him and over 300
came to say good-bye to my beloved husband Joe.
Joe was a devoted husband and family man. Together we raised two wonderful sons. Our older
son, Howard, is an estate planner who graduated from Vanderbilt University and lives in
Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Arlene. Donnie, our youngest, also graduated from Vanderbilt
and is retired from his natural food store in Nashville. Joe and I have five granddaughters, two
grandsons in law and two great-granddaughters. As Joe's devoted wife I worked with him to
initiate and organize Safer family reunions. After thirty years they still continue.
Joe P. was generous with his time and resources. A man with a vision about what was needed;
Joe encouraged others to get involved to turn visions into reality. As Trustee of the Joe P.
Safer Endowment Fund I feel proud of what Joe did for our community. I am fortunate to
have two sons who help with the trust and come to visit me often at the Coves. Joe was at River
Garden and I am at the Coves.
Joe once stated, "I'm delighted I had the parents I had. They made me feel responsible to Jewish
people and causes." At his 80th birthday party our son's presented him with the "Best Papa
Award" and wrote a poem in his honor. We lit our menorah and recited lines from their poem
that included, "You've taught us the mitzvah of caring, sharing and giving to others." This is our
living legacy. After fifty-nine years of happy married life I have a lot of good memories and a
wonderful family.
Name
Date
Name
Date
As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Stephen Silverman
My grandparents, Ida and Jacob Silverman, were second generation Americans. Their parents migrated
to the United States from Germany during the 1860’s; a time for high German migrations to this country.
My grandfather and his family began a Long johns manufacturing business in the Worcester, Massachusetts
area. Their company employed many other members of our family.
My mother, Gladys (Cohen) of Blessed Memory, the second of three children, was born in 1910 in
Worcester. She died in 1986. My devoted father, David Baraby Silverman of Blessed Memory, was
born in 1908 and died in 1968. He was a graduate of Clark University and the Harvard Business School.
In 1928, my father participated in the Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. My parents were married in 1930
in Worcester. My one sister, Joyce, may her memory be for a blessing, was born in 1934; she died in 1995.
I grew up in a home with all of the Jewish traditions of our forefathers. Although I was reared as a
Reform Jew, my parents always kept our home and the holidays in the more traditional form of Judaism.
I loved our family’s approach to Friday night Shabbat dinners, Pesach Seders, and multi-generational
Chanukah parties.
The values that I hold near and dear today are directly related to the ways in which I was taught by my
grandparents and parents. I always remember that my father would say to me: „Always strive to be a
mensch. Always find ways to be charitable. Always love and take care of the family. And, don’t forget the
traditions of our faith.
I attended Temple Emanuel in Worcester, where I was Bar Mitzvah and confirmed. I also graduated
from their high school. In December 1969, I married Judith (Edwards) at the Jacksonville Jewish
Center. We have two wonderful sons, David, married to Jessica and Ari, married to Risa. We now
have one marvelous grandchild, Alexis, named after Judy‚s dad, Alexander.
In 1971 when Judy’s father became ill, we moved to Jacksonville from Worcester. Since then, I have been
involved in the transportation-related industry and the Jewish community. In fact, when we joined the
Jacksonville Jewish Center, we became the third generation of Judy’s family to be members. We became
men and women’s campaign chairpersons. I am fortunate to have been the Federation’s president. I have
also held office in many community and trade associations. But, perhaps, I am proudest of participating on
the boards of the Jacksonville Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Alliance, and the Jacksonville
Jewish Foundation, as well as the Jacksonville Jewish Center.
As I reflect on being an involved member of the Jacksonville Jewish community, I feel fortunate that
during my relatively short time in Jacksonville I have contributed to helping ensure the future of our
Jewish community. Also, I am proud that our family’s name is respected in both the Jewish and secular
communities, and that my efforts have contributed to the growth and survival of Eretz Yisrael.
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As the undersigned, I promise to ensure the future of our Jewish community Klal Israel - by establishing an endowment fund or leaving a bequest to
The Jacksonville Jewish Foundation or any of our Partners.
Sylvia E. Livingston
Stanley & Lynn Livingston
Steven & Susan Livingston
Bert & Demetria Livingston
We are a family first and a product of our times always. Being raised
as part of a fortunate American generation that until September 11, 2001
had little to be concerned about globally.
Our parents lived through what we all remembered as "world wars".
We vowed never to forget the Holocaust so that it would never happen
again...sadly similar tragedies have happened to many ethnic people
around the world since then.
Our family has its roots in Bad Liebenstein, Germany and somewhere in
Russia. "Dad"/"Pop" was raised Horst Rolf Liebenstein and following
his graduation from Illmenau University he immigrated to New York,
U.S.A. by way of Ellis Island in 1938. Horst met Sylvia Estelle
Hurwitz "Mom" and married on June 7, 1942. They raised three sons,
Stanley, Steven and Bert. Dad died on December 14, 1998 and Mom is
now 85 years young with three grandchildren Scott, Stacie and Emily.
Dad founded Horst Engineering & Manufacturing Company in 1946 in
Hartford, Connecticut and moved it to East Hartford in 1950. The
business, now 56 years old and operated by a third generation, Grandson
Scott Livingston, produces precision-machined components and assemblies
for the aerospace and commercial industry. It's motto: "Manufacturers of
Quality to Precision Industry."
Our parents were a product of European/American education, culture
and civilization, something that Nazi Germany could not take away from
them. It was imported to the United States to build a family, home and
business in America.
Sylvia E. Livingston
Stanley & Lynn Livingston
Steven & Susan Livingston
Bert & Demetria Livingston
We were inspired to establish The Harry H. and Sylvia E. Livingston
Philanthropic fund, as well as, three Charitable Remainder Trusts to
endow the fund for the future. Inspired by loving parents and
grandparents who at a time of great stress and personal danger established
a 60-year legacy of love so that future generations could enjoy even
greater love and perhaps greater Peace and Prosperity.
Our ancient scholars expressed the uniqueness of man with admiration
saying: "It is the duty of every person to know and consider himself
unique in this world with unprecedented potentials." We chose to endow
a Philanthropic Fund in honor of our parents with the hope that it will
last forever. Establishing a legacy to benefit both religious and nonreligious organizations that represent the best of mankind through their
works in education, medical research and other "Mitzvah's" for the benefit
of all God's children. We collectively feel this is a worthy endeavor.
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