Lester and Bernice Margolis Donate to the Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater New Haven, Camp Laurelwood, and Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel.
About four years ago, Lester Margolis approached members of the Jewish community concerning the state of neglect of many area Jewish cemeteries — Lester was especially distressed concerning his baby grandson’s grave. Issues of concern for Lester and for others who became involved included neglected overgrown, debris-strewn cemeteries. Many of the area Jewish cemeteries, especially the smaller cemeteries not connected to a synagogue shared the same problems– no or little money for basic maintenance let alone for necessary repairs, each cemetery separately contracting for services, and too few involved individuals to take care of the older cemeteries. In response to Lester’s advocacy, the Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater New Haven was established. After spending the last few years in Florida, Lester and Bernice will be moving back to New Haven this fall in order to be closer to friends and family