Dolly Harris
Dolly Harris Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
For Dolly Harris, giving back has never been simply an act of philanthropy. It is a way of life, one rooted in family, Jewish tradition, community and a deep love for Miami. A recent Forever Lion, Dolly’s connection to Miami’s Jewish community stretches back nearly 80 years. She arrived in Miami in 1947 from Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh, just as she was turning 17. Her older brother was attending the University of Miami,
and Dolly soon followed in his footsteps. In those days, UM students attended classes at the university’s South Campus, near what is now Zoo Miami. It was also during those early years in Miami that Dolly met the man who would become her husband, Ernest Harris. They met at a party and married the following year, when she was just 19 and a sophomore at UM. Their wedding was officiated by Rabbi Morris Skop, the first rabbi of the newly established Temple Judea.
The connection was particularly meaningful. Dolly’s parents were deeply involved in Jewish philanthropy and were among those who helped establish the Coral Gables Jewish Center, which later became Temple Judea. Dolly continued her studies at UM after marrying. When asked what she remembers most about her graduation, she answered with a laugh: “Well, I was five months pregnant!” Dolly and Ernest (OBM) were married for 62 years and raised four children. Today, their family has grown to include 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren—remarkably, all of whom live in Miami. Family and community have always been closely connected in Dolly’s life. As a young family, they moved to Pinecrest and began attending Temple Beth Am, where Dolly has worshipped ever since. Dolly credits her friend Joan Getz with introducing her to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, beginning a relationship that has spanned decades. She first met Joan back at UM, and the two ended up being neighbors in Pinecrest all those many years later. The motivation behind Dolly’s philanthropy is deeply personal. “My mother’s life was truly dedicated to Judaism,” she says. “She modeled that commitment for me.” Her mother’s example inspired Dolly to become involved with and support numerous Jewish organizations throughout her life. “The idea of Judaism is to share,” she says. “Once you have achieved, you really have to give back.” That philosophy is at the heart of Dolly’s decision to endow her
Lion gift and become a Forever Lion. While the opportunity to support the Federation’s work was important to her, the Golden Care program was especially meaningful. “Having someone to take you to your doctor and be that extra ear in the room, coordinate all the medications you take, and be your advocate, etc., is really helpful,” Dolly explains. Her dear friend, Irene Baros, whom she has known for more than 70 years, was the first to tell her about Golden Care. Their friendship runs even deeper, as Irene’s mother and Dolly’s mother were also the best of friends.
Dolly and Irene From a 17-year-old newcomer to Miami in 1947 to a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and longtime supporter of Jewish Philanthropy, Dolly’s story is deeply woven into the fabric of Miami’s Jewish Community-and through her Forever Lion gift, that story will continue well into the future.
Dolly at her 95th birthday
Temple Beth Am AND Rambam Day School
Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
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