Writer, tailor Martin Greenfield featured at the annual Dor L’Dor event

Members of the community attend the Dor L’ Dor event on April 30. /Jewish Alliance

Jewish community comes together to celebrate foresight and long-term giving

Those who attended the Dor L’Dor Society event on April 30 were reminded of the importance of a Jewish legacy.  The gathering, at the home of Ron and Karen Markoff, featured Martin Greenfield, world-renowned tailor and author of “Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents’ Tailor.” This is a memoir of a Holocaust survivor who suffered unimaginable horror but emerged with dreams of success.

Now 86 and working with his sons, Greenfield dresses Hollywood’s finest and Washington, D.C.’s most powerful, including Presidents Eisenhower, Clinton and Obama. He exemplifies the faith, courage, and hope that keep each of us going during difficult times, and shared memories of his resilience and stories of his strength with those who attended. “I believe in God, whether I’m right or wrong. I believe there is someone or something God gives me whenever I need help,” said Greenfield.

Greenfield went on to share that speaking at the Dor L’Dor event was the first time he’s been invited to speak in a private home, and how pleased he was do so. “I’m used to speaking to large crowds across the country so you don’t know if they are paying attention. It is such a delight to join you today. You have to pay attention. And I thank you, and I thank America for liberating me. It’s the reason I wrote this book.”

Alliance President and CEO Jeffrey Savit spoke about the Dor L’Dor Society, which recognizes and honors those in our community who have included the Jewish Federation Foundation in their estate plans or have established a permanent endowment fund. “Dor L’Dor means generation to generation” because future generations will benefit from our generosity. If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll consider what you’d like your Jewish legacy to be, and join the Dor L’Dor Society,” said Savit. 

Sharon Gaines, Jewish Alliance board chair said, “The Jewish Federation Foundation endowment, established decades ago, has significantly shaped our future and has benefitted our community here in Rhode Island and abroad. As a result of our endowment and annual campaign, I’m proud to say we are able to educate our youth about the Holocaust by sending them on the March of the Living program, 2-week experience sponsored by the Jewish Alliance every other year. The program allows teens from around the world join together in Poland and Israel to remember the past and ensure the future.”

The Dor L’Dor event concluded with Greenfield signing his books for guests and answering questions about his life, the importance of young people learning about the Holocaust and giving back to one’s community. 

For more information about creating a Jewish legacy, contact Trine Lustig, vice president of philanthropy at 401-421-4111, ext. 223 or tlustig@jewishallianceri.org. 

JENNIFER ZWIRN is in Grants and Philanthropy at the Jewish Alliance.