As an Orthodox Jew, Dr. Donald Liss is a firm believer in the importance of philanthropy and charitable giving. Over the years, Donald has donated both his time and money to organizations that support people in his local community and those in need around the world. He feels incredibly fortunate to have achieved great success in his professional life, and is grateful for the opportunities he has to help others.
Donald Liss views success as a blessing to be shared with others. For Dr. Liss, charity is an acknowledgement of where you are in the human race and a kinship with all of G-d’s other creations. He is a major proponent of Maimonides’ Eight Levels of Charitable Giving, with the underlying idea of concentric circles governing how to best distribute these blessings.
First and foremost, Donald Liss has a strong, moral obligation to support Jewish people in particular. Donald and his family are big supporters of United Jewish Appeal, a central force for communal planning and philanthropy in the New York Jewish community. The organization is committed to helping people in need, inspiring a passion for Jewish life and learning, and strengthening Jewish communities around the world. Through its network of nearly 100 beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, United Jewish Appeal is able to help over 4.5 million people each year, from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world.
Outside of the Jewish community, Donald Liss is a big supporter of his children’s schools, local museums, and a number of environmental causes, especially the National Park Service. The underlying concern across all of Donald’s philanthropic endeavors is the preservation of excellence in American society through the support of information and culture.
