Dvorah and Jack Colker

Dvorah and Jack Colker have a well-established set of priorities. First among them is their large and loving family, including nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The couple proudly displays photos of the extended Colker clan in their living room.

Among Dvorah and Jack's other interests are books, theater, movies, and golf. They also value Judaism very highly. Their home is filled with Judaica and awards from Temple Beth Am, where both Dvorah and Jack have served as president. "Sometimes you don't know when you're walking into a Jewish house," Dvorah explains. "There is no mistaking it here."

The couple met when they were teenagers in Hashomer Hatzair, a Zionist youth group. Married in 1949, they have been to Israel at least a dozen times and have made sure that all of their grandchildren have visited as well; one of them even made aliyah.

The Colkers support a variety of causes, including Jewish National Fund, Israel Bonds, the Jewish Federation, Hadassah, and cancer research. One organization they care deeply about is Los Angeles Jewish Health, which they repeatedly describe as a "life saver." Growing up in Boyle Heights, they were familiar with the Home (whose original campus was located nearby), but it wasn't until they had a personal experience that they realized how special and important it truly is.

As they got on in age, neither Jack's brother, Abe, nor Abe's wife, Phyllis, was able to hear or speak. It became apparent they needed assistance, and, in 1992, Dvorah and Jack encouraged Abe and Phyllis to become residents of the Home.

Phyllis passed away four years later, but Abe spent a total of 12 happy years living at the Home. Jack recalls that his relationship with his brother became like Tuesdays with Morrie. He would visit Abe each week, stopping at a deli to pick up cod, lox, and other treats. Abe's face would light up when Jack came into his room, and the two would spend hours visiting.

Dvorah remembers that, even in Abe's final years, when paralysis rendered him unable to use sign language to communicate, nurses at the Home took terrific care of his needs. It was this experience that compelled the Colkers to support LAJH; ultimately, they decided to name the Home in their will. "You write a check and your children won't know," Dvorah says. "But we made sure to say something about it in our will. When the time comes, our kids will read it and understand how important the Home has been to us."

Their bequest, points out Dvorah, also showcases something important about philanthropy. "You don't have to be wealthy to leave something to the Home," she says. "Every little bit helps and sets an example for others to follow." As Jack puts it, the Home has served the community well, but "we need to keep at it. We need people, especially young people, to see the Home in person. Having that firsthand perspective can be incredibly motivating." Of course, the Colkers themselves serve as the greatest illustration of what this motivation can do. Because of their generosity, they can be assured that countless seniors in need are able to live an active life in a warm and vibrant Jewish setting.