A Legacy of Celebration: The Susan and Stephen Porter Memorial Fund 

A remarkable story of love, tradition, and community is unfolding at Washington Hebrew Congregation (WHC). It’s a story that begins with a testament to the enduring legacy of Susan and Stephen Porter, a couple who cherished the vibrant spirit of celebration. and is carried forward by their daughter, Emily Porter Gerson, and her husband, Marc Gerson. It’s a story that’s now etched in the formation of the Susan and Stephen Porter Memorial Fund, a new WHC endowment that will enhance holiday celebrations for years to come. By supporting events such as the Hanukkah party, Purim carnival, and Passover seder, the fund will create a more vibrant and inclusive community where everyone can come together to celebrate Jewish traditions.  

A Celebration of Life 

Emily, a dermatologist, and Marc, a lawyer, share deep connections to WHC, with Emily having grown up at Temple, while together, they’ve shared life cycle events here since Rabbi Joseph Weinberg married them over 25 years ago. Emily’s father Stephen Porter had been a member of WHC’s Board of Directors and Susan Porter served on a number of committees, so the Porters’ strong support for the congregation and their commitment to fostering a welcoming community left an indelible mark on their children’s lives. 

Honoring a Dynamic Legacy 

Susan and Stephen Porter were known for their gracious hosting, abundant hospitality, and lively social events. In Emily’s words, “My parents were always the people who hosted get-togethers and parties, and my mom was the ultimate hostess and a really good chef. And my dad was a good networker, connecting people. So, I felt this was a really good way to honor them.”  

Marc vividly recalls that you never knew who would be at a Porter event — a renowned musician, Supreme Court Justice, or figure from the sports world — as their interests ran the gamut from the arts, to law, to baseball (Stephen was instrumental in bringing the Nationals to D.C.). 

Emily and Marc aspire to recreate this spirit of inclusivity and celebration through the Susan and Stephen Porter Memorial Fund. By enhancing holiday celebrations at WHC, they aim to bring people together, making the congregation an even more vibrant and inviting place. 

A Dream Takes Shape 

After both her parents passed away, Emily was determined to keep their memory alive. With guidance from WHC’s Rabbi Aaron Miller, Emily and Marc embarked on a journey to create a lasting legacy. Marc shares, “We spent a lot of time with Rabbi Miller, figuring out what it would be and what it would look like. Something that is really reflective of the fact that they were involved in the community, reflective of their interests and their ideals and their values.” 

Rabbi Miller added, “Holidays like Hanukah, Purim, and Passover are perfect opportunities for our community to connect with the joy of Jewish life. These celebrations show Washington Hebrew at its best, and hundreds of congregants join us for these holidays every year. The Susan and Stephen Porter Memorial Fund will enhance these Jewish moments in ways that our community will be able to immediately see and feel. I am incredibly grateful to the Gerson family for the impact that the Susan and Stephen Porter Fund will make on our congregation for generations to come.” 

A Gift for All 

The Gerson’s vision for the fund goes beyond mere philanthropy. It’s about preserving their parents’ values of inclusivity, hospitality, and community engagement. Marc explains, “We hope that other people who enjoy the enhanced celebrations made possible by the fund will be inspired to contribute. It’s a beautiful testament to the enduring bonds of community.” 

Emily echoes this sentiment, saying, “I want my kids and their kids and anybody who goes there to enjoy the celebrations and know that it was the Susan and Stephen Porter Memorial Fund that brought it. And then my parents’ names and memories stay alive.” 

A Legacy in Motion 

The Susan and Stephen Porter Memorial Fund is more than just an endowment. It’s a living tribute to the values and spirit of Susan and Stephen Porter. It’s a beacon of community, generosity, and the enduring power of celebration. 

In Emily’s words, “I love Washington Hebrew, and it feels like my home away from home.” As the Hanukkah lights shine brighter in 2023, the Gerson’s vision for WHC’s future celebrations comes into sharper focus. In the coming years, the fund hopes to help enhance Purim, Sukkot, and Passover events. The Susan and Stephen Porter Memorial Fund is a living tribute to the Porters’ love of celebration and their commitment to building a stronger community. WHC encourages you to learn more about the fund and consider making a donation to help ensure that the Porters’ legacy of joy and togetherness continues to shine brightly for generations to come. 

If you’d like to make a gift to the Susan & Stephen Porter Memorial Fund, visit whctemple.org/give. 

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