My family and I emigrated from Germany in 1938; saved from the tyranny of the Nazis. Little did we know that we had survived what proved to be the most catastrophic event of the 20th century — the Holocaust. The blue tzedakah box always sat on our kitchen counter — the lesson — to always give back and never forget our Jewish heritage.

As a member of the San Diego Jewish Community, I have continued my commitment to its causes and to Israel. I am proud to know that this legacy will continue.