3 minute read
A Life of Resilience and Philanthropy
Dorothy Schwebel – A journey of giving from Youngstown to Naples
By Paula Filler, Life & Legacy Endowment Chair
Dorothy Schwebel grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Polish Holocaust survivors who hid in Russian woods to escape the concentration camps. Details of her parents’ ordeal remain sparse, and their emigration to the U.S. brought new challenges, including financial hardship and a lack of resettlement support. Her father, though well-educated in Europe, began his American life on a factory line before his skills earned him an office position. Dorothy was only 15 when she lost her father at age 56 — a formative loss that shaped her perspective.
Dorothy’s commitment to philanthropy, and specifically to Jewish causes, was inspired by her husband and his family. At twenty-two, her journey into charitable work began with the Youngstown Pomegranate Society. Ever since, Dorothy has donated annually to Jewish Federations, motivated by a belief that “It is the right thing to do.” Alongside her husband, she was involved in numerous Jewish and non-Jewish charitable organizations in Youngstown, fostering a legacy of service and community engagement.
As time passed, the Lion of Judah program and its membership in Youngstown diminished. Upon relocating to Naples, Dorothy quickly joined the Lion of Judah cohort and WCA, finding joy in the activities and forming close, lasting friendships — a sisterhood she treasures. Though not observant, Dorothy remains deeply committed to her Jewish identity and values. She ensured her two daughters and son received Jewish education and camp experiences. She believes her ability to volunteer and transmit traditions was aided by having the time and resources to do so. Dorothy acknowledges the challenges faced by Jewish families today, noting that the necessity of dual incomes leaves little time for volunteer work. She is delighted that her granddaughters have embraced their Jewish heritage.
Dorothy has endured profound tragedies, losing her daughter at age 36 and, more recently, her husband. She attributes her resilient spirit and unwavering dedication to volunteerism and her philanthropy to a deep understanding of her family’s history and her own journey. Dorothy feels fortunate to be part of the Naples Jewish community, appreciating the friendships and sense of belonging provided by Jewish Federation. “Naples,” she says, “has become her ‘happy place,’” and she is grateful for the opportunities to contribute to the community through both her time and philanthropy.
