BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — Golda Meir died in 1978, but the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has found a way to bring her back to life — in a manner of speaking — for an event designed to thank those who have contributed to the organization over the past 18 years.
From Federation:
Wherever they’ve supported Jewish Federation campaigns – in South Palm Beach County or in other communities – the remarkable thread of caring for their neighbors and the Jewish people over the years ties them together. Recognizing that this deep-rooted commitment nourishes the seeds for generations, The Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation (JJCF) of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is showing its appreciation for local Golden Givers – those who have given to UJA/Jewish Federation Campaigns nationwide for 18 years or more. On January 22, 2014 at 9:30 am in Zinman Hall on the Federation campus at 9901 Donna Klein Boulevard, Boca Raton, the JJCF will present a collective thank you to these Golden Givers with a Golden Gathering breakfast event. They’re all invited to enjoy Bagels with Golda, a one woman, audience-participatory show featuring Joan Wolfberg as Golda Meir.
Supporting the Jewish community, the State of Israel and the Jewish people through gifts to Federations has been a source of pride and satisfaction for so many local residents, whose examples have motivated countless others. With the Golden Gathering, the local Jewish Federation and JJCF have created an opportunity to thank these Golden Givers for all they have done in the past and will continue to do in the future. Learn what their giving means to just a few of them:
“I applaud all people who have pledged ongoing continuous support for the needs of the Jewish community locally, nationally and internationally because together we really make a difference,” says Dorothy Wizer, Golden Gathering Chair. As a long time, dedicated member who has endowed gifts in both the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and the Richmond, VA Jewish communities, Wizer feels the vital importance of supporting and enhancing Jewish lives in both her communities.
Wizer recalls, “Growing up in a small Jewish community in Richmond, VA, I was raised to help others, to give tzedakah, to be involved. When I gave my first $10 donation, at age fifteen, after hearing Louis Markel speak about the importance of Jewish statehood and why giving to the cause was so important, I was inspired. I have continued to give and be involved in helping each year, and my contribution is as meaningful today as it was then. Through the years, as my own children and grandchildren have become active supporters of Jewish Federations in their own communities, I feel I am part of an important legacy. ”
With his legendary impact on Jewish life in the United States, as well as Israel, Arthur Jaffe understands and has seen the growth of Jewish community during his 92 years. He proudly calls Golda Meir a personal mentor through his involvement with the Machal Movement of overseas volunteers who served in Israel’s War of Independence between 1945-1949. A consistent supporter of UJA/Jewish Federation Campaigns for most of his life, and a pioneer in establishing the Jewish Community Foundations in Pittsburgh and South Palm Beach County, Jaffe has experienced the strength and impact of being a Golden Giver, “Giving to Jewish Federations has built the success of Jewish community around the world. Since the end of World War II, all communities across the United States with Jewish populations banded together to create something remarkable in a relatively short span of time. The Jewish Federation has been a means to organize communities together and create success for Jewish people everywhere.”
Since its establishment in 1979, The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has planted its own unique roots and seen tremendous growth in serving the needs of its community. For Golden Giver April Leavy, this is the Jewish community that inspired her and her family to become deeply involved, “From the time I moved to Boca Raton in 1991, I felt most connected and deeply rooted to this Jewish community. For my husband, my daughter and myself, this Federation has become central to our hearts as our ‘big home.’ I am proud of my daughter’s continuing Jewish involvement. This community created the meaning and commitment for me, and I know that we can continue to attract more people to our mission to make a difference.”
The couvert is $18 per person. Dietary laws will be observed. There will be no solicitation of funds. For information about the Golden Gathering: Bagels with Golda, please call 561-852-6090 or email kristylo@bocafed.org.
