Ruth Albert z”l: The Powerful Impact of a Philanthropic Legacy

Sometimes actions speak louder than words. Such is the case with Ruth Albert z”l, who, upon her passing in 2021, left a generous bequest to Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service. 

Ruth and her late husband Herman or “Hy,” as he was known to friends, were quiet, humble, and dedicated philanthropists. They believed in hard work, coupled with kindness, and the importance of giving back to institutions that support those in need in the greater Jewish community. 

Ruth remained at Hy’s side as a dedicated wife and mother, as he rose through the ranks to become the CEO and owner of Spectrum Fabrics, Inc. “They truly loved each other,” said Saul Berkowitz, a family friend and executor of Ruth’s estate. “Theirs was a lifelong partnership built on love, trust, and respect for one another, and this shines through their philanthropy.” 

Ruth and Hy split their time between homes in Purchase, New York and Palm Beach, Florida. Following Hy’s death in 2002, Ruth continued to actively support many of Palm Beach’s finest Jewish and secular institutions including The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Hillel, The Society of the Four Arts, and the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. 

“We are truly humbled by the Alberts’ generous gift,” says Marc Hopin, CEO of Alpert JFS. “The funds will benefit the growing number of individuals and families in Palm Beach County that our agency serves each and every day.” 

Ruth’s legacy gift to our agency is a powerful example of the transformative impact a donor can have in the world long after they are gone. To learn how you too can make a lasting contribution while helping to secure our agency’s future, please contact Kelley Whiter, J.D., Chief Development Officer, at (561) 713-1886 or [email protected].