Dr. Arthur Helft Israel Fund

The Dr. Arthur Helft Israel Fund at WDS was established by Malka and Dr. Steven Helft in memory of Steven’s father. The fund supports initiatives at WDS designed to deepen the connection between WDS students and the State of Israel through experiential learning, curricula and the celebration and commemoration of significant events on Israel’s calendar.

 

Dr. Helft was passionate about his family, community, and his work. He spent 40 years as a general and trauma surgeon in New York City. He was incredibly devoted to his patients and was widely known as a very kind and talented man. He viewed the practice of medicine as a sacred calling which he pursued in a quiet and modest way. He was a Major in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, functioning as Chief of Surgery at a large Air Force base. His interests were many and he had an unlimited quest for knowledge, particularly in the Sciences and Ethics. His greatest passion was studying the Talmud, which he completed more than two times. He self-published two books about ethical issues and Talmudic dialogue. He was very involved in leadership and philanthropy at his local synagogue in Englewood, New Jersey.

 

The State of Israel played a vital role in Dr. Helft’s life. He enthusiastically supported a multitude of organizations dedicated to strengthening the security and prosperity of the State and its people. He volunteered as a surgeon at Shaarei Tzedek hospital for a brief period and dreamed of living in Israel some day. He was blessed, later in life, to have a residence in Jerusalem which he visited frequently. He read Israeli newspapers daily in an effort to perfect his Hebrew language skills. When visiting Israel, he immersed himself fully in Hebrew language and culture, and in Torah Study.

 

In the words of Malka and Steven, “It is a great honor to dedicate the Israel Fund at Westchester Day School in his name. It is our wish that this program will help foster and intensify the love of WDS students for the land and its people.”

 

We thank the Helfts for this remarkable gift that will greatly impact WDS students for many years to come.

 

If you would like to contribute to the fund, please complete the form below and enter “Dr. Arthur Helft” in the “In Memory” section.

 

May Dr. Helft’s memory be a blessing.