Miriam and Dror Zadok
Miriam and Dror Zadok Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Miriam and Dror Zadok’s remarkable journey began in the bustling streets of New York City in 1967, when fate brought together two individuals deeply passionate about Jewish education. Miriam, a daughter of Holocaust Survivors from Poland, and Dror, born in Israel in 1946 before the establishment of the State, shared a profound commitment to their heritage and a vision for a better future. Their paths
crossed while Miriam pursued studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary and Dror at the Herzliah Hebrew Teachers’ Institute. United by their aspirations and fueled by their shared values, they embarked on a journey that would shape not only their lives but also the lives of countless others. In 1969, Miriam and Dror exchanged vows of love and commitment, marking the beginning of a partnership destined for greatness. Their honeymoon in Miami Beach served as a catalyst for their decision to make Miami their home, drawn by its vibrant Jewish community and its resonance with the spirit of
Israel they both cherished. Central to Miriam and Dror’s upbringing was the principle of tzedakah , instilled in them from a young age despite their modest means. Miriam fondly recalled her parents’ involvement in organizations like Hadassah and B’nai B’rith, while Dror remembered the iconic Jewish National Fund blue box that was displayed in their home. From these humble beginnings emerged a steadfast dedication to giving back, exemplified by their commitment to tithing—a practice they carried with them throughout their lives, ensuring that generosity remained at the core of their existence. Their journey took a new turn in 1979 when Miriam and Dror ventured into entrepreneurship, launching their own business selling items at a local flea market. Through perseverance and hard work, they transformed this venture into a thriving enterprise, eventually diversifying into the perfume industry and real estate. Yet, amidst their professional success, their commitment to serving their community never wavered. Throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, Miriam and Dror emerged as leaders in the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, channeling their resources and influence toward addressing the needs of their community. Dror’s involvement in the Allocations Committee brought to light the stark realities faced by many in the Jewish community, inspiring them to do more despite the challenges. Miriam’s philanthropic journey reached new heights in the 1980s when she began making Lion of Judah-level gifts to
the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign. It was during this time that they learned about the opportunity to endow their Lion gift through life insurance, a concept introduced by Mikki Futernick. Inspired by this idea, the Zadoks made a $250,000 legacy commitment, becoming Forever Pacesetters as a couple, with Miriam earning the distinction of being a Forever Lion. This commitment to philanthropy extended further with the establishment of the Zadok Family Philanthropic Fund, ensuring that their legacy of giving would endure for generations to come. Miriam and Dror’s philosophy on giving is simple yet profound: it is both a privilege and a duty to help those in need. For them, the act of giving is not just about financial support but also about empowerment and fulfillment — the more they give, the more they receive in return. This ethos has guided their philanthropic endeavors for more than 25 years, with recent initiatives such as the IRA Charitable Rollover reflecting their adaptability and foresight in financial planning. As they reflect on their legacy, Miriam hopes to be remembered as a proud Jew, while Dror aspires to be known as a builder of Israel. Yet, their legacy extends far beyond personal accolades, encompassing the profound impact they have had on their family and community. Miriam and Dror Zadok’s story is one of resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment — a testament to the transformative power of giving and the enduring legacy it creates.
Temple Beth Am AND Rambam Day School
Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
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