ELUL 27 · DAY 27 of 29 · SEPTEMBER 7, 2026
Jewish wisdom is something I learned not only through words, but through the lives of those who came before me. My story begins with my grandfather who came to Los Angeles in 1916 with determination, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility. By 1920, he was serving as the director of the Los Angeles Home of the Aged, and the legacy he began has continued through four generations of our family — from my parents to my husband and me, and now to our children and grandchildren.
I was raised with the understanding that we are meant to care for others and to strengthen the community around us. My family entrusted me with that responsibility, and my husband’s family shared the same values. Together, we inherited a life shaped not by what we own, but by what we give.
For years I thought this was my family’s story. Eventually I realized it had become my own. That is why I chose to devote my time to fundraising, volunteering, and helping sustain the organizations that strengthen our Jewish community. Over time, I came to see that this work is not just important—it is deeply personal. It reflects who we are, what we believe, and how we show up for one another.
What means the most to me is seeing my children carry this tradition forward. Knowing that the values planted by my great-grandfather continue to grow in the hearts of the next generation is one of my greatest blessings.
To me, that is Jewish wisdom: the understanding that a legacy is never measured by what we leave behind, but by what lives on in others.
A few months ago, while compiling a list of contributors for Jewels. I asked my friend Dan who he considered the ultimate matriarch of the Los Angeles Jewish community.
Without missing a beat, he said, “Annette Shapiro.”
“Of course,” I replied.
Annette was legendary. She knew everyone, and everyone knew her. If you had a dream to fulfill, you went to Annette. If you needed to rally the troops, you asked for her help.
So I called Annette and asked if she would write a Jewel. Two days later, I received her first draft. Over the next week, we spoke several times, refining her words and reminiscing about a lifetime of relationships and community.
Two weeks later, Annette passed away.
Rabbi Hillel asked, “If not now, when?”
Annette answered that question with her life—and, in her final weeks, with this Jewel.
May her memory be a blessing. May her legacy remind us that words left unspoken and gratitude postponed may never have another moment.
Think of someone who has touched your life. Write to them. Call them. Tell them now.
Craig Taubman
2 Responses
Craig, this is Annette’s daughter Ilyse Teller.
I had read this the day my Mom passed away. I was cleaning our desk ( we worked together for 15 plus years. I was her executive asst as she always told people, actually I ran her life. She was so busy)
The email she sent you was right there. I had been out of town when she wrote this amazing piece. I gather she left it for me to read, I was blown away that these were literally her last words to our family and the community she loved so dearly. Thank you for giving us this very special gift. Our family will be forever grateful to you.
Happy Healthy New Year
Ilyse
I recently discovered the Jewels of Elul happenstance. My friend was at an estate sale and bought boxes of books for $2. When she was home, she recognized many of the books were “Jewish” and asked if I’d come sort and take them to my synagogue. There were many moments of “awe” – book titles that made me acknowledge that the universe whispers if you’re open to hearing the secrets blown through the wind. In the box was Jewels of Elul VI, discovering it lead me to find the current version online. I hope to embrace a new tradition every Elul hereafter and look forward to future essays and lessons taught by the angels amongst us. Thank you Craig Taubman and the many authors for sparking a new light as we each work to better ourselves in the coming year. Shana tova