The Polinsky family roots are in Europe. Our father, Sam, came to Winnipeg from Russia, and in 1921 started City Auto Wrecking at Main and Sutherland Streets. Our parents were involved with the Peretz School and provided their three children with a home environment rich in Yiddishkeit.

I (David) was born in Winnipeg, attended Peretz & Machray Schools and St. John's High, and took "hechera" (higher) courses at evening school. As a teenager, I began working in the family business and remained there until we sold it in 1992.

In addition to my work, family and involvement in the community have enriched my life. Betty (Weidman) and I have been married for 58 years and had two children - a son (deceased at age 24) and a daughter, Shirley, married to Archie Stone, who have given us two precious grandchildren. We have also enjoyed our extended family consisting of my brother, Ron, his wife and his children, and my sister, Blumie (Portnoy) and her husband and children.

For 60 years, I have been active in C.J.A., having served as a canvasser and chairman and derived great pleasure from the Friday noon C.J.A. cheverahs. The energies I exerted for C.J.A. reveal my belief in the importance and relevance of tzedakah and my desire to instill this belief in others. I have also been dedicated to the work of the Jewish Foundation, serving on its Distribution and Audit Committees and on the Board of Governors. The United Way and the J.N.F. were the other major areas of my community activities. Betty has been involved with Hadassah, Youth Aliyah and the C.J.A.

At this point in our lives, we have some observations and concerns about the Winnipeg Jewish community. We are pleased that in the last few years more people have become aware of and involved in the important work of the Foundation. Also, the Campus is a delight, and, hopefully, it will help to preserve the enjoyment of a sense of community for future generations. However, we think that young people seem too concerned about their lifestyles and are not willing to sacrifice for the sake of community. It is, therefore, important that we educate and instill in our children the importance of Yiddishkeit - who we are, and the great value of a strong community. Betty and I have chosen to purchase a life insurance policy designating the Foundation as beneficiary as our means of ensuring the future of our community and that by example, we might encourage our peers to do the same.