My Jewish memories are all of Temple Emanu-El — I think back on my bar mitzvah, Confirmation class, and going to Southside Baptist Church for religious school during the construction of the new building. After college I joined the Temple as soon as I moved back to Birmingham. When we got married in Savanah, I was thrilled that Temple Emanu-El was with us for this important event in our lives — as Cantor Roskin performed our wedding ceremony.

Meredith grew up in Huntsville with family who was also very involved in their synagogue, and coming to Temple Emanu-El has always been so welcoming as we both have so much family and friends of all different ages scattered throughout the congregation. While we are not a regular “temple-goers”, having a strong Reform Jewish congregation is an important staple of our Jewish community. Therefore, our Temple’s future is very important to us.

With my work with the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, I have a unique perspective on how meaningful a strong endowment or foundation can be. I look at it as a savings account or retirement fund — as it will make a big difference down the road. That’s an important reason why we’ve chosen to make an Annual Endowment Gift each year. If we all could make a habit of contributing to it — even if its only a small amount — it will gradually grow strong over time and will be able to ensure financial security for the future. That’s incredibly important to us.