Hyman & Neuman: A Family Who Gives With Meaning

For doctors Sheryl Neuman and Mark Hyman, philanthropy is a way of Jewish life to be passed down to their children. When the oldest of their four sons approached bar mitzvah age, Sheryl and Mark decided to celebrate the event in Israel—and determined that all gift giving would be designated toward an Israel-based charity. With their parents’ help, each of the boys selected the organization that would receive his bar mitzvah gifts, and the family arranged to see firsthand the work being accomplished.

In addition to the family’s focus on Israel, they also dedicate significant support to The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and to local schools, synagogues, and secular causes. “We try to gain an understanding of the different needs that exist,” Mark explains. “Money follows meaning.”

Giving through their charitable fund at The Foundation is a wonderful way for their family to connect to community and make a difference. “When you’re part of The Foundation, you can be bigger than yourself,” Mark says. “However you identify with your Judaism, when we are united, we never lose. The Foundation allows you to express that.”