Jan 16, 2024

Two Communities, Two Generous Jewish Hearts

A lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts, Ruth Weiss later owned a second home in Key Biscayne, and demonstrated her love and commitment to Israel and the Jewish people through annual donations to the Jewish Federations in both communities. Then, through a gift in her will, Ruth established a Lion of Judah Endowment in Western Massachusetts and Miami, making her a Forever Lion in both places. Ruth also inspired her daughter, Federation Board member Susan Weiss Firestone, to follow in her footsteps as both a Miami snowbird and generous philanthropist. “My mother was the epitome of a strong Jewish woman and was proud to pass this tradition on to her children and grandchildren — of whom, out of everything, she was most proud,” Firestone said lovingly of her mother, who passed away in December 2020. Today, Ruth’s legacy is shared through The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s online Book of Life. To read Ruth’s story, click here. To learn how you can have your story — or that of a loved one — written in the Book of Life, contact Scott Kaplan, Foundation Director, at [email protected] or 786.866.8623.