A conversation with Seattle native, proud Sephardic Jew, longtime community builder, and dedicated steward of Jewish education, Norman Behar

What did you know about Sam Israel and the Foundation before you joined the board?

My connection to Sam and the Foundation goes back quite a few years. As a teenager, I visited and camped on Sam’s property. I remember going on Jeep rides with Sam, touring his property, and driving into Soap Lake. He was a kind man with strong opinions, and I learned a lot listening to his stories and life experiences.

Years later, when he set up the foundation, I remember feeling closely aligned with the priorities he set forth around Jewish education, summer camp, and supporting initiatives in Israel. I’ve had a positive association with Samis over a long period of time, and I have fond memories of the time I spent with him.

Before joining the board, had you formed an impression of what it would be like, and since joining, has anything surprised you?

I’ve been struck by the level of professionalism of the staff, the commitment of the trustees, and the active committee structure. There’s a tremendous amount of thought that goes into how the endowment resources are invested and how funds are granted to various organizations and causes. I currently serve on several committees and have been very impressed by the level of preparation from the staff, and the trustees’ commitment to perpetuate Sam’s legacy and priorities.

Could you describe your path to joining the board?

I’m a Seattle native and have lived here my entire life. I grew up attending Congregation Ezra Bessaroth and have taken an active role in perpetuating our synagogue’s liturgy and customs that were brought to Seattle by immigrants from the Island of Rhodes who founded the Congregation. Those pioneers include Sam’s family, and I recall Sam reciting our Holiday tunes as we toured his property.  

I’ve been deeply involved in the Seattle Jewish community for a long time.  My day school experience includes attending and graduating from the Seattle Hebrew Academy, sending our children there, and serving on the board for many years including as a past president.  I also served on the board of Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and continue to take an active role in many Jewish causes.

Since joining, is there a story, event, or experience that has been particularly meaningful for you?

For me the most meaningful part has been the day school visits. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Seattle Hebrew Academy, Seattle Jewish Community School, and attend the groundbreaking ceremony at Barnabie Point for the Jewish Day School. It was fantastic to see how engaged and excited the students are in their learning as they build their Jewish identities and values. I’m passionate about Jewish education and the foundation it creates for our young people to emerge as proud, confident, future leaders.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your own Jewish journey as a Sephardic Jew in Seattle, and how it ties to the Samis mission?

My Jewish identity and Sephardic roots have played a huge role in who I am as individual, the life that I choose to live, and my values. Three of my grandparents immigrated from the Island of Rhodes, and I grew up hearing stories and reading about life on Rhodes.  More recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Rhodes and see the beautiful Island that housed such a vibrant Jewish community prior to the Holocaust.

The pioneers who immigrated from Rhodes brought Jewish values, and a dedication to family and community we should all seek to emulate. They also had a tremendous work ethic that allowed them to succeed and build new lives in Seattle.

When I look back, I don’t know how the pioneers did it. Many were immigrants who made their living with shoe repair businesses, fish markets, and produce stands yet they still managed to pull together their resources to build beautiful Sephardic congregations and institutions that perpetuate the founders’ legacy.

While I take great pride in my Sephardic identity, I feel like I am very integrated with the broader Seattle Jewish Community. My view is that we really need to reach out to as many Jews as possible regardless of background or affiliation to grow and build a strong, vibrant community.

It seems day school is the area of philanthropy that resonates with you most. Would you say that, or that everything is equally important?

I think day schools represent the “gold standard” for Jewish education because they create an immersive environment that carries forward over a number of years.  However, I also recognize the need to reach far more youth than we currently do through our day schools and believe summer camps serve a very important role in bringing youth together in a Jewish environment that creates lasting memories and friendships.  

What do you envision for Seattle’s Jewish community 10 or 20 years from now?

Despite the many headwinds that we are facing, I am personally optimistic about our future. We have great leaders, teachers, and volunteers who are committed to building a bright, vibrant future for our youth. As Jews, we have to lean in and take pride in our identity. By investing in Jewish education, summer camps, and supporting Israel experiences we are providing our young people with the skills, knowledge, pride, and resilience to emerge as strong future leaders.