I went to a private school and almost everyone I knew there was incredibly wealthy. The tuition was eye-wateringly high (I had an academic scholarship) A lot of the kids were horrifically spoiled, abusive and nasty people, because of their wealth.
Some were not, however. One of the wealthiest families there, the “Karro” family. Mrs. “Ava” Karro was best friends with my mother. They met while raising money for a ritual bath, and became friends with fierce devotion.
The Karros were delightful, generous, kind people. While they lived very well, they lived well below their means and made sure their kids had ordinary lives. They lived in a very large, very nice house, but they did not have servants and such. The kids did their own chores. In high school, the kids took the train and bus to school (no cars till after high school, and they had to pay for it themselves), had modest allowances and had to work summers for larger purchases like said car.
The Karros instilled their kids with hard work ethic and with community service. Each of the three kids volunteered with causes that were important to them. All three took on the cause of children with disabilities, and actively worked to raise money for inclusive summer camps.
Most importantly, they really focused on having a family that was filled with love and affection. They focused not on what they could buy their kids, but what they could give their kids, joy and good morals.
Mrs. Karro showed kindness and beauty and generosity in all she did. I remember her finding out there was a young girl in the community who was in a bad family situation.
Mrs. Karro heard about this girl, and decided this kid needed a smile for Hannukah, since it was clear, this girl wouldn’t have much of a holiday.
She showed up one day at the girl’s door. “Hi, I’m taking you to the Lion King and to My Favorite Dessert Place.” Just surprised a 12 year old child with what was the hottest tickets on Broadway and the most incredible Kosher restaurant, because she could. Spent the day with the girl and made it the most magical day and saved Hannukah.
She did things like that all the time. And her kids saw and became just like her. They are humble, charitable, and kind. They work regular jobs and no one knows how big their trust funds are. They donate a lot to good causes (and I mean, A LOT) Her grandchildren are very humble and down to earth, and have no idea how wealthy they are, and live in ordinary homes.
Mrs. Karro knew wealth was a test and she made sure her family passed it. Even when stricken with a terrible brain cancer, she never wavered in her kindness to others.
May her memory be blessed. She is very missed.
By Elke Weiss
On the other hand
Did you just say I Can't have everything?
