Elie Wiesel once said, “Life is not made of years, but of moments.”
We are charged with making our moments mitzvahs. We are charged with making our moments count!
I grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with only seven Jews in my high school. After moving to Miami, I met my wife, Arden Magoon. We got married at Temple Israel, where Arden’s grandfather was one of the founding members. When we moved to Bay Harbor Islands, we joined Temple Beth Sholom and have been members for over 25 years. We have three wonderful children: Jared, Micah and Lily who all became B’nei Mitzvah at TBS. Arden also celebrated her adult Bat Mitzvah here. We went on the Magical Mitzvah Tour to Israel where we renewed our wedding vows with Rabbi Glickstein, and Jared had a Bar Mitzvah ceremony.
For our children, growing up at the Temple has helped them form deep connections with their Jewish identity and their love of Israel. Our son Micah completed a semester abroad in Israel at Tel Aviv University. Jared had his Bar Mitzvah in Israel. Lily attended High School in Israel and is doing an internship in Tel Aviv this Summer. The connection we all have and need to have with Israel is essential. This connection is a central part of who we are as a people. Instilling Jewish values in our children is what makes this journey even more meaningful.
As Karsons, we have always believed in Jewish tradition and family values. I know we all have fond memories of making a Tzedakah box and then finding something to go into that special box. Arden and I have always been philanthropic. As we get older, we are more able and comfortable to give more and contribute to causes that are meaningful to us. 
As a TBS Past President, President of the Glickstein Foundation, and long-term members; we have always been ardent supporters of our temple. We have participated in the Legacy Endowment Campaign and are Circle of Giving Benefactors.
In thinking about the future and the importance of Tikkun Olam, we made a commitment to include the TBS in our estate plans. We were very introspective about what we wanted to happen when the time came. While we all want to take care of our families, Arden and I agreed that creating a Jewish legacy was just as important. To that end, we have formally documented our planned gift with the Temple. We encourage all of you to consider participating in this initiative.
Continuity of Jewish values is very dear to us. Our calling to give back to the community has given our family so much. We will continue to work to address the financial needs of our Temple. We must remain strong and relevant as our Jewish world changes more than we ever imagined.
Our Temple is strong. Our Temple is thriving. Our Temple is an amazing Jewish space. We all should be proud of our Jewish moments.
-Jack Karson