Tikkun olam (repairing the world) is the work of the Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. Last night, the organization’s founding in 1920 was celebrated.

I was honored to be asked to speak. This is what I said.

When Ben Rosenberg, a suitor of humble origins, came to ask Stewart and Sylvia Hecht for the hand of their daughter, Babette, they said yes. In the Baltimore Jewish community of 1945, some parents – perhaps many, would have said no.

That yes blossomed into a story of love and legacy – as my parents set the example for my brothers Stewart and Bruce and myself, and we set out to make our example – in the city of Baltimore, Annapolis, the State of Israel, and elsewhere.

I hope that I am setting a similar example for those who are watching me. My niece and nephew, Rachel and Elliot; my grand niece Liv; my family and friends; and those who need our assistance the most. When The Associated has called on me to support the mission, I have been happy and proud to be on the bus.

Whether the vision is for an expanded dialogue about Israel, opportunities for young people to engage in Jewish ecology, or the preservation of our history through the Jewish Museum, I not only believe in The Associated’s vision, but I have helped create it for the next century.

Five years ago, Marc Terrill asked me to join the Board of Governors of The Associated. At first I was hesitant. “I already go to enough meetings,” I told Marc.   But, in this case, because of, and in honor of my parents’ involvement, I too, like Grandpa and Grandma, said yes.

I’m glad that I did.