In some sense, my desire to endow my annual gift to The Associated represents an affirmation of my belief in the future of the Jewish people and the Baltimore Jewish community, in particular. Our people have endured and thrived through thousands of years and challenges. I am willing to bet on our Jewish community that it will be here in the future. I want to participate in the Jewish community long after I am no longer physically present on this earth. In some respects, this is also a stab at immortality. I want to stand up and be counted as a member of the Jewish community even after I die.
This brings me to a further reason for endowing my annual gift. While I do not know if my children will live in Baltimore, I am confident they will participate in their own Jewish communities. But, I do know where I come from – where my life, family and identity were nurtured. I am eternally grateful to the Baltimore Jewish community, and endowing my gift enables me to express this gratitude in an eternal way.
