Rosh Hashana: Canadian Jewish philanthropists reflect on giving

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Faith can have an impact on how or why a philanthropist makes a substantial donation to a given organization. For the Jewish community, a history of anonymous giving has been part of the religion’s teachings.

More modern charitable giving, however, might include putting one’s name to a substantial donation to bring awareness to a specific cause.

As the Jewish High Holiday Rosh Hashanah approaches, three active members of Canada’s Jewish community share how this time of introspection and renewal affects the faith-driven philanthropist.

Ann Rosenfield, Principal, Charitably Speaking

Faith can influence whether or not a philanthropist puts their name to a large donation. Do different Jewish holidays change this?

“Different Jewish holidays do not change the teaching of anonymous giving. However, different Jewish holidays do have specific connections to charitable giving. For example, there is a tradition of giving a gift of at least two baskets of food for people who are in need. It is common for there to be a community food drive for the holiday of Passover. Weekly, on Shabbat, many people put all their spare change into a special box for charity that they fill up over time, then donate.”

More specifically, as we approach Rosh Hashanah, how does the importance of this time influence donations?

“Rosh Hashanah is a time of introspection where Jews will pray, reflect and repent, and make gifts to charity. Many synagogues will ask members of their congregation to make a charitable gift during this time.”

Linda Frum, Chair, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and former senator

Please share with our readers how you became involved as a leading philanthropist within the Jewish community.

“I think my story is like many among those who are active in the community, in that I was inspired by and learned from the model of others – especially in my family.

In addition to my parents and my husband, my mother’s parents – Harold and Florence Rosberg – were especially influential in this regard. They were among the first Jews to build a Jewish community in Niagara Falls. As successful local merchants, they felt a real responsibility to build their community up, and they took a broad view of what it means for a community to thrive. They were instrumental in building the city’s first synagogue, ensuring there was a kosher kitchen for community events, a Hebrew Sunday school for the community’s kids, social assistance for the vulnerable, and even negotiated with the town to ensure there would be a Jewish section in the local cemetery.

Their lesson to me was that community leadership meant taking care of the community’s daily needs – especially the basic needs of those who are struggling – as well as strengthening the building blocks of the community – such as the core institutions that enable the community to grow and thrive. Their sense of vision and care for the community really shaped my understanding of the importance of leadership and the power of philanthropy to make a real impact.”

Faith can influence whether or not a philanthropist puts their name to a large donation. Do different Jewish holidays change this?

“For some in the philanthropic world, be it within the Jewish community or any other community, giving charity is an opportunity to both make an impact and make a meaningful statement about the values of one’s family. This is often done by donating in a way that honours the name of an inspiring parent or loved one, which can, in turn, inspire others in their own generosity.

Of course, it’s very much a matter of personal choice. Whatever choice a philanthropist makes, the motivation to make a positive difference in the world is ultimately the common denominator. From a Jewish perspective, this is one of those questions that isn’t directly connected to the holiday season, but rather is about whether a family chooses to be public about the causes and projects that matter to them.”

More specifically, as we approach Rosh Hashanah, how does the importance of this time influence donations?

“In general, giving charity is often connected to the holidays in the Jewish tradition. While Judaism is a very diverse religion, this is a highly unifying concept among the various denominations.

There is a recognition that a time for celebration – whether it’s Passover or Rosh Hashanah, for example – is also a time for additional diligence in caring for those in need, including by donating to charities that can help.

Giving to charity is a particular tradition in the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, along with prayer and acts of repentance. This is all in keeping with the idea that the start of the Jewish New Year is a time of introspection on how each of us can become our best selves in the year ahead, and that means living in a way that provides blessings and opportunities to those who may not otherwise have them.

There is also a clear concept within the Jewish tradition that caring for others is a universal responsibility, in that building a thriving and compassionate Jewish community goes hand-in-hand with helping our neighbours of all backgrounds, and ultimately building a thriving and more compassionate Canadian society.

Indeed, we see many who are active in Jewish community philanthropy are also philanthropic leaders in other fields, be it in the hospital sector, higher education, arts and culture, or poverty relief efforts, for example.”

Shannon Gorski, managing director of the Betty Averbach Foundation

Can you share what your role has been within the Jewish community in terms of philanthropy?

“I have been actively involved in the Jewish Community for several years. At one time I was sitting on a total of seven boards and committees. One of the Betty Averbach Foundation’s (BAF) focuses is to support Jewish Continuity. I think it is fair to say that at least a third of the Betty Averbach Foundation’s annual giving goes to support initiatives within the Jewish Community.

My father has been instrumental in shaping the way I give. Although the community receives support through the BAF, I do not use this as my personal vehicle to give.

My father imparted to me what he has referred to as ‘the three W’s – Work, Wisdom and Wealth.’ While I have not always been able to write large cheques, I have felt the value of giving of my time, energy, and wisdom to several non-profit organizations in the Jewish community as well as other non-Jewish community organizations.

Most recently I have taken on larger volunteer roles within the Jewish Community. I am currently serving as the Chair of the Board of Governors for the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Vancouver and the incoming President for The Jewish National Fund, Vancouver Regional Office.

As the managing director of the Betty Averbach Foundation and the Averbach Family Office, philanthropy is part of our fabric. When I, and other members of the Averbach Family, are actively involved in our community, we are living our legacy.”

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, do you feel there is an increase in giving among philanthropists due to this time of introspection?

“The most important aspect of Rosh Hashanah is that it is a time of reflection. A time to reflect on how we have lived our lives over the past year and how we can be better in the coming year.

As our family pursues the creation of a family office, this is what we are doing, as well. We are reflecting on what binds us as a family and the values that are important to us. Applying these values to the family business and how successive generations will demonstrate and perpetuate these values is what a family office is all about.”

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

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