| Legacies in Action: Mort Vogelson |
| Mort Vogelson passed away in 2003, but his name and values live on through his tzedakah. Mort strongly believed in the importance of Jewish education. Although he was a teacher and administrator in the New York City Schools, Mort once said that he received the most gratification teaching Judaism to children in a residential treatment center for the emotionally disturbed, many of whom could not afford this education. Each year, funds from his legacy give local Jewish children the opportunity to attend the Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School and San Diego Jewish Academy. |
| Reflecting his deep commitment to strengthening the State of Israel, the Mort Vogelson Memorial Fund for Israel provides annual support for three critical social service organizations in the Jewish state. In addition, funds support Jewish Family Service and Seacrest Village Retirement Communities. |
| Mort passionately expressed his beliefs and values in the Jewish Community Foundation’s Book of Life writing: “As a child growing up in Brooklyn, I received a Jewish education and was taught the mitzvah of “tzedakah.” I remember placing a few cents in a tin box (pushka) that hung on the wall. The continuation of Judaism rests with future generations. Jewish children growing up in our community should all have a religious education and be aware of their heritage… It is my hope that all Jewish children in the San Diego community will grow up as delighted and grateful to be a Jew as I am. To me charity and community are closely linked. If we don’t help each other, who will? |
| The giving of charity is greater than all offerings.” |
