Robert Shelley
Robert Shelley Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
In considering a charitable gift, there are a number of thoughts that go through my mind. First and foremost, what is the purpose of the gift? As a donor, I’m passionate about donating to Jewish causes that ensure the longevity of Judaism and take care of those who don’t have the ability to take care of themselves. I feel it’s the role of every Jew to give back in whatever capacity possible, whether it’s in time, effort or money. It’s about giving of one’s self to those less fortunate. My grandmother was a great influence on me growing up, instilling the importance of our religion and the importance of being proud of our heritage. She taught me to never feel ashamed of being Jewish, and to lead a life we can all be proud of in our community. These are values that I also share with my wife, Geniene. That is why I’m a member of three synagogues – Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus, Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center and the Willie and Celia Trump Synagogue in Williams Island. Raised with an orthodox background, I have been a member of
Beth Torah since 1972. More than a synagogue, it has been my and my family’s home, where we have celebrated my children’s weddings, bris and baby naming, and unfortunately also mourned. During my tenure as a member, I have been involved in many capacities culminating with my Presidency. One of the highlights was the building of the new campus. It was an honor to be asked to chair and build the campus. I never understood the important role a synagogue plays in our lives until I spent three years working with our clergy to bring their dream to reality. It was a life changing and eye-opening experience. In memory of the loss of my beloved grandson, I built the Shelley Learning Center on the Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus. It was important that our children have a place to grow and build a strong foundation for their Jewish heritage. I’m a proud Grandparent donor at JAFCO and a Pacesetter- level donor at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. I’m also a commissioner in Aventura. In each capacity, it’s about utilizing one’s skills to better serve our community and help create a safer environment for our children and their future. I established a legacy gift to help ensure there would be funds available for future generations for education, as well as the teachings of our rabbis in our community. As a Forever Pacesetter, I am proud that my support of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Miami Jewish community as a whole will continue in perpetuity. I consider it a privilege that I’m financially capable to make this everlasting commitment, and have no doubt, I will increase it over time.
I want my legacy to be one where I gave from the heart, a heart that cared to try to make the Jewish community a little bit stronger, healthier, safer and to create an environment where our children are proud of their heritage, and know the importance of passing it on to future generations. I want to be remembered as a person who couldn’t say no to the less fortunate and couldn’t say no to creating a Jewish legacy my family could be proud of. L’dor v’dor , from generation to generation, and from strength to strength. May we all give with this blessing to make our Jewish world, a better place to live, learn and continue to grow.
Temple Beth Am AND Rambam Day School
Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
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