Gary Hirschberg
Gary E. Hirschberg believes in paying it forward. He’s driven to give back to the Jewish community that’s given him so much in his young life.
His grandfather taught him many life lessons, including the value of supporting your community. And Gary heeded what his grandpa told him. Back in college, he launched a program to bring Jewish college students to Ukraine to hold seders for Jews in the former Soviet Union, who had never before celebrated Passover. “That lit a fire in him that continues to burn,” said his wife, Hannah.
Then, last year, a pivotal experience on a JUF Mission to Ethiopia inspired Gary to encourage young, talented Jewish professionals to get involved in JUF. Also, a strong believer in the mission of Hillel, which strives to make best use of the talents in the organization, Gary has served on the board of both International Hillel and Vanderbilt Hillel, where he met his wife.
At home, he loves hosting large Shabbat dinners with delicious food, good company, and lots of spirited singing.
“Gary is a true tzedek (righteous person). His sole motivation for the work that he does is a belief in strengthening the Jewish community both near and far,” Hannah said.
Juggling a demanding career and his deep commitments to philanthropy, Gary still manages to be home at night to sing his young son his favorite lullaby,“Eli, Eli.”
Name:
Gary Hirschberg
Age:
34
Pays the bills:
Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor; Goldman, Sachs & Co.
On the side:
Cook, racquetball player, history aficionado, wannabe poker player, fisherman
Relationship status:
Taken
Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
Dedicated to serving clients, loving husband, and tickle monster extraordinaire!
Celebrity doppelganger:
Paul Newman (from Exodus)
How do you Jew in Chicago?
Hosting large Shabbat dinners in our home with enthusiastic z'merot (festive Shabbat tunes) sessions, attending Hillel services, and just recently—exploring Tot Shabbats around the city.
Passions:
I learned from my grandfather many years ago the idea that you work hard so you can support your family, live a good life, but most importantly support your community. My passions match this sentiment. I love spending time with my son and beautiful wife, enjoying a great meal with good friends, and am an ardent supporter of Israel and the broader community. I am also fortunate to love what I do for a living and am passionate about the markets and running my business.
How do you give back?
Having met my wife at Vanderbilt Hillel, we believe strongly in the mission of Hillel and I currently serve as both the chairman of the Nominating Committee and on the Executive Committee for International Hillel. I also sit on the Midwest Board of Anti-Defamation League and am Vice President of the Hillel at Vanderbilt University. Locally, I sit on the board of Stage 773, a collaborative community theater and acting school. We also believe in supporting those organizations that do work in areas of our core values and which maintain a high standard of fiscal responsibility. In addition, I take particular pleasure in helping others find opportunities to express their passions through philanthropy.
Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
Start a foundation dedicated to early childhood education, advancing the moral tenets of the Jewish people, and funding biblical archaeological projects. Yes, I am one of the three people who subscribe to the magazine Biblical Archaeology Review.
Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
I strongly believe that the future of the Jewish people is with our college-aged youth and connecting them with their Jewish roots. The work that Hillel is starting today should have significant impact on the community to the point where we will have a solid group of leaders to take the mantel from the previous generation.
Me in 10 years:
On vacation, sitting with a glass of wine and a plate of hummus and pita in our apartment overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem surrounded by my wife, son, and his future siblings.
