Brenda Burjaw serves on the Beth Jacob Synagogue executive committee as treasurer, but her contributions are so much deeper than any one title could describe. In addition to working tirelessly to balance our budget, negotiate supplier contracts, and develop exciting and effective events, Brenda is a true leader, who embodies an infectious enthusiasm for teamwork and community engagement. 

Brenda's family have been integral to our congregation for generations, and her personal involvement began from a young age - internalizing the teachings about tzedakah at the Beth Jacob Hebrew School with Fay Schmerling and Gloria Silverman, she went on to become a board member at the Genesis B'nai Brith. Now with a daughter of her own, it was natural for the Burjaw family to engage in a 12 month mitzvah project leading up to her bat mitzvah. They volunteered at fundraisers, purchased school supplies for students in need, and researched other inspiring philanthropists in the GTA. During COVID-19, the mother daughter duo is sewing hundreds of masks to donate to essential workers, volunteers, friends, and family. 

Brenda says,
"Growing up in a family who survived the Holocaust and built a business in Canada, I learned to be a “doer”.  My parents and grandparents taught me the importance of giving back to the Jewish community so that our faith can be available for generations to come. Giving is not a onetime action. It needs to be a way of life."