I grew up belonging to one of the pioneering Jewish families in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a small child, there was no synagogue so the community built one. My father built the synagogue and served as one of its first Presidents. There was no Jewish Education. A Jewish preschool was started. My mother and other committed women and men worked hard to start the preschool.

A small and tireless group of committed Jews started the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada. Both my parents and grandparents gave generously.

As a small child, there was much discussion about the formation of the State of Israel. My father and other community leaders worked hard to sell bonds and support the fledgling State. When my father showed me a commemorative gold coin he was given, I learned what a menorah was. I imagined that if I held the coin very tight, I might be able to go to Israel someday.

As I grew older, the values of giving and more importantly the happiness of giving a philanthropic gift were instilled in me. I dedicate my involvement with the Jewish Community Foundation to my Grandparents, Murray and Aggie Wollman, Sydney and Lena Moss and to my beloved parents Melvin and Corinne Moss who
always led the way in trying to teach that to help one another in the Jewish Community is to help all Jews to survive, be strong and go forward.

I am grateful that my son Jonathan will be a part of the Marks Family endowment. I know he will continue a legacy of giving. He understands the responsibility well. A Jewish Day School education helped make him into a kind and caring man committed to Judaism and Israel.

May many Jewish lives be touched by the Marks Family endowment.