Why I Give to LIFE & LEGACY®: Jeff Siegel 

April 1, 2022

Through the years, several local Jewish agencies have influenced my life and been integral to both my family and me, most notably the Barshop Jewish Community Center (JCC) and Hebrew Free Loan – San Antonio (HFLA-SA).  

From 2009 to 2010 I underwent major life transitions. With the recession affecting so many, my previously successful business was suddenly suffering. Additionally, my personal life went through an upheaval.  I needed some relief from the overwhelming financial pressure.   

I contacted Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio and Laura Richardson,  Executive Director, walked me through the loan process, and I quickly submitted my application.  Within a few days, she handed me a check.  All the pressure I’d been feeling was instantly lifted.  

I paid off that loan and took out another. After retiring my 2nd loan, I voluntarily gave up my confidentiality and attended a board meeting to share my story.  I was glad for the opportunity to thank everyone and explain what those loans had meant to me.  When Laura asked if I’d consider joining their board, I knew it was time for me to give back to the Jewish community which had always been there to support me. 

Fast forward to the time my kids were of college age. Their mother and I had only put enough money in savings to cover three years at a public university.  I worried about how we could close that gap. After an HFLA-SA board meeting, I happened to mention my concerns to Laura. Through her laughter, I remember hearing, “DUH!.” Again, HFLA-SA immediately took the pressure away, as my children applied for interest-free Education Loans.  This past December, my son, Jason graduated with a double major in finance and marketing from the University of Houston, DEBT FREE. My daughter, Megan, is a junior at UTSA, and thanks to HFLA-SA, in 2023, she too will graduate debt-free, having earned a master’s in accounting. 

I will always appreciate how HFLA-SA was there for me, as well as my children during crucial times, extending much-needed support. That is why I continue to proudly serve on the HFLA-SA Board and why I have included them in my LIFE & LEGACY® giving. I want to do whatever I can to ensure the Association is able to continue providing this important community resource to my children’s generation, my grandchildren, and all those who follow. 

For different but equally strong emotional ties, I am extremely pleased to have designated the JCC and Campus in my LIFE & LEGACY Letter of Intent.  

As a young adult, anytime I moved to a different city, the first thing I did was join the local JCC (in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio).  More than just a building, this is the place where I always feel at home, where I knew I could meet other Jewish people, work out and enjoy playing ball.  To this day, many of my closest friends are people I met at these three JCCs. 

My son’s handprint is one of the originals on the wall in front of the JCC at the Campus near the garden.  Every time I see that handprint, I am reminded of all the incredible times Jason and Megan spent at the J, participating in sports, camps, and so many other activities.  The JCC has played an integral role in my life and that of my children.  It is my pleasure to give back to this vital Jewish institution. I want to know my grandchildren and their children will have the same opportunities to participate in sports, camps, and the myriad of events the JCC will offer them as my children were fortunate enough to have had.   

I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the LIFE & LEGACY  initiative and hope with my stories, you will feel a stronger attachment to the agencies I have chosen to include.  Regardless of which organizations you designate, you should know your contributions will have a lasting impact on San Antonio’s entire Jewish community for years to come.