Gratitude and Giving

I spent the weekend with three of my very young granddaughters. Their parents are working diligently to instill in them the value of polite conversation and gracious manners, so when I hear the tiny voices saying, "Thank you Bubby," I am warmed that they are succeeding not only in developing manners, but also in creating a sense of gratitude. I like to think that people generally feel gratitude, but it often goes unexpressed. In those cases, the point seems to be missed. If good fortune comes your way and you forget to note it, an opportunity is lost. The positive things in our lives are not to be taken for granted.


In terms of Cardin, this might be a fortuitous time to express gratitude to the many leaders, both lay and professional, whose vision created this institution. Last week, members of our Rabbinic Advisory Council, a group of 6 senior and 2 emeritus rabbis , took time from their very busy schedules to meet with us and share their wisdom about a number of important topics. At the same meeting, four members of the Class of 2011 gave up their lunch period to talk to the rabbis about their Cardin experience. They expressed gratitude for their education here at Cardin and we, in turn, were appreciative of their honest, mature and sincere insights.

In the development office, we are grateful each day for the community-wide support that we have received over the years. We continue to marvel at the generosity of our donors. As we move toward the closing months of the Annual Fund Drive for The Shoshana S. Cardin School, I want to let you know that it is never too late to make your annual contribution. Your gift is essential in helping to continue the excellent programs that make our school the unique place that it is. If you are a parent , alumni parent or family member, you are keenly aware of the benefits that children receive when they attend Cardin. By giving a gift of any size, you are showing your gratitude. We, in turn, will be grateful to you and our students will continue to thrive. As a result, in time, the entire community will be grateful for a new generation of Jewish leaders.


As we pass along to our children and grandchildren the values we hold dear, it is essential that the example we set is strong.


Margi Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Development News

Last Wednesday as part of our regular minyan series, the Cardin community had the privilege of hearing Lee Hendler speak about philanthropy and why it is a Jewish imperative. I am glad that I was able to take a break from planning the Vision in Action celebration honoring Marlene and Stuart Greenebaum, to hear some inspirational words of Torah. Her message to the students about helping others because it is the right thing to do, stimulated thoughtful questions and conversations. It was wonderful to watch as the students absorbed her spirited words describing her experiences as a philanthropist growing up in a non-observant Jewish family; a family who took great personal joy in helping others. As we educate the next generation of leaders for our community, it is my hope that they internalize and appreciate the kind of exchange that took place and that they too consider the needs of others now and in the future.

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Vision in Action

Dewitt Jones is a renowned National Geographic photographer whose work reflects his enormous skill. His patience in capturing the world around him is result of goal-setting and refusal to settle for less than the best shot. He has said” It is passion that gives us the energy we need to creatively tackle the challenges before us. When we couple passion with solid techniques and craftsmanship, we can make our vision come to life.”

In the Cardin development world, our vision is clear, our techniques are proven, and we work consistently to maintain the energy needed to pursue that vision. Our inaugural Vision in Action dinner, honoring Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum for their commitment to our school takes place on Wednesday, October 21. We are hoping that you will join us as we continue to bring our own vision to the forefront in the Baltimore community.

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing