Ruth Weiss OF BLESSED MEMORY
Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Ruth Weiss OF BLESSED MEMORY
Born in 1933 in Massachusetts, Ruth Calish married Franklin (Fred) Weiss — whom she lovingly called Freddy — in 1957 and the couple settled in Longmeadow, a community in Western Massachusetts. There, they completed their family with two beautiful daughters, Susan and Debra. Ruth’s love and commitment to Israel and the Jewish people were evidenced by her leadership and
philanthropy to many Jewish causes. Her numerous roles included serving as President and Campaign Chair of the Women’s Division and General Campaign Chair of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, Chair of Israel Bonds, and Board member of the Jewish Endowment Foundation, as well as creating the Generation to Generation Society, ensuring support for the community for generations to come. Ruth also served for 14 years on the National Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Federations of North America. In 2008, she was honored with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland
Award in Western Massachusetts. This award was established by National Women’s Philanthropy to honor extraordinary women who embody the spirit and vision of Lion of Judah through a commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam . In the 1980s, Ruth and Fred had the opportunity to purchase a winter home in Key Biscayne, and Ruth became a supporter of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, too. When she wasn’t at home in Massachusetts, she was an active member of the Key Biscayne community and led that Campaign division in the 1990s and 2000s. Ruth passed away in Key Biscayne in December 2020 and left a legacy in both her native Western Massachusetts and her adopted hometown of Miami. Through a gift in her will, she established a Lion of Judah Endowment in the two communities — and is remembered as a Forever Lion in both places. “My mother was the epitome of a strong Jewish woman and was proud to pass this tradition on to her children and grandchildren — whom, out of everything, she was most proud,” said Susan, who followed in her mother’s footsteps. While maintaining a home in Western Massachusetts, Susan also lives part-time in Key Biscayne and has supported the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign since 2011. Today, she proudly serves on Federation’s Board of Directors and continued making a Lion of Judah-level donation in Miami in Ruth’s name following her mother’s passing until her estate was settled. She knew her mother would always want a gift to be counted in her name.
Temple Beth Am AND Rambam Day School
Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
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