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DONORS
WHO GIVE: LEE & JERRY LEVY
Lee and Jerry Levy
They don't always agree, but after 58 years of marriage, say Lee and Jerry Levy, "We cooperate." And that's what they have done with their family and their philanthropic endeavors.
Jerry explains that they first wanted to provide for their children. They have
four sons (and eight grandchildren) who live from Singapore to next door and
who have encouraged them to enjoy spending on themselves. "So we've done
a little of that, but we also wanted to give back to the institutions that have
given to us." They established a foundation and have kept it flexible. "It's
an umbrella entity which can help a number of charitable organizations," says
Jerry. "Right now, it's CBI and one other, but we hope it will grow, and
there may be more charities at a later date. An added benefit is that we receive
income during our lifetimes."
They both agree that the synagogue is a worthwhile organization because it preserves
Judaism. Says Lee, "If I only could support one organization, it would
be the Reform synagogue."
At CBI, they have made friends, celebrated simchas and enjoy being connected
with other Jews. Lee serves on the CBI Board and is Chair of the Kehillah/Caring
Community Committee. "If we are really a community, we're there for each
other."
Lee is particularly hopeful that one day CBI will be able to establish a transportation
system for people who want to attend services and other events, but can't get
there. "I think that computer matchmaking can help people get together
for carpooling."
Both Lee and Jerry feel that Bonnie Graff does a terrific job encouraging the
Chavurot system within CBI. "With such a large congregation it helps when
it comes to finding people with whom we feel comfortable."
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Jerry is a vice-president of the Men's Club, taught computer classes for Yasher
Koach and was a member of the Endowment Committee that helped expand his knowledge
about the importance of endowment.
When people say they want to leave everything to their children, Lee and Jerry
smile. They feel that making a gift of endowment in a sense does leave something
to their children and grandchildren. "If people care about the future of
their family and the Jewish community, this is the only way to go."
From early on, Jerry was always interested in science and loved hearing what
Lee, an RN, had done during her working hours. Finally, after several successful
careers following graduation from Yale University, with encouragement from Lee,
he followed his dream to become a doctor. Returning to Connecticut, Jerry completed
his pre-med requirements at Wesleyan University and then entered medical school
(at 30, Jerry was considered a bit old). The Navy paid for the last year of medical
school, while they took in boarders and Lee taught nursing classes in their home.
At one point, Lee worked six nights a week until midnight; Jerry had study groups
at home and took care of their first two boys during the time Lee was working.
Lee later obtained two master's degrees and became a Licensed Clinical
Social Worker.
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As a young girl, Lee remembered going to temple with her grandmother. She recalls
the music, the big words and the dome, which is where she figured God lived.
A few years later, her Girl Scout membership sowed the seeds of helping others
by nursing, teaching and practicing social work.
Jerry's parents took him to temple services, and he was national president of
Mu Sigma, a Jewish fraternity. He says that in medical school it all came together. "That's
where I felt altruistic. As part of my training, I lived with a country doctor
who made house calls and connected with his patients who were mountain people.
I delivered a patient's 12th baby (which she named after Lee), and then
I had to hassle the "establishment" to get her a tubal ligation."
Lee and Jerry say, "CBI is bigger than all of us. With its long history
and this outstanding community, it is short-sighted not to contribute and do
what we can to make sure the temple is here for generations to come." On
this they agree 100%.
Return to Donors Who Give
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