Reseda Resident Returns to His Roots to Give Back

Growing up in Reseda, California, in the 1960s and ’70s, Dr. Jeffrey Lauber lived just three blocks from Los Angeles Jewish Health. “I rode my bike past it every day to get to Reseda Elementary and later to Cleveland High School,” Jeffrey says. “As a kid, I never understood what was happening inside of the buildings. All I really knew was that it was a fixture in the community.”

By the time Jeffrey completed college, medical school and his residency, he had gained a renewed interest in his Jewish heritage. He set up a dermatology practice in Newport Beach, less than two hours from Reseda. Soon after, he was taking philanthropy more seriously, giving back to every Jewish organization he could, including Los Angeles Jewish Health.

Today, Jeffrey is 61. As he doesn’t have a wife or children, and his mother passed away, he wanted to be sure the lion’s share of what he’s worked for during his career went to a worthy cause. So, he designated Los Angeles Jewish Health the beneficiary of his retirement plan.

Jeffery shares, “My mom taught knitting classes to residents at the Jewish Home. She cared for a woman who was a resident at the home. It was a big part of her life. So this gift feels like I’m completing my life circle, like I’m returning to my roots.”

He adds, “Even if your connection to your Jewish ancestry is remote, it’s still a connection. Riding my bike past as a kid, I would never have considered it would feel this good to honor that heritage.”

Start your legacy of giving today. Contact Aaron Levinson at (818) 757-4416 or aaron.levinson@jha.org to learn more.