His family was in the poster business for four generations, and he is writing a coffee table book about the family and their posters with his daughter Lori Gale. 

“My grandfather, Norman I. Shapiro, started a small printing business in his basement with a little printing press in 1914. He was one of seven brothers. In the late 1920s and early ‘30s, they expanded to seven cities. They printed posters for circuses, carnivals, movies, vaudeville, racing, burlesque and more. We are creating a colorful coffee table book with these images and stories. And there are wacky stories!  

Judaism and the values of Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah are integral parts of his life. 

“As a family, we celebrate the major Jewish holidays and light Sabbath candles when the children are over for Friday night dinners. Our family really identifies more with the cultural aspects of Judaism. What is meaningful to us is leading a moral and ethical life, setting a philanthropic example for younger members of the family, working for social justice and fairness in our community, treasuring Israel with its achievements and challenges, respecting our environment, preserving our Jewish history and being intellectually curious.  

These are all important aspects to what it means to us to be Jewish. I want to leave this world a better place than I found it — for both Jews and non-Jews.” 

His love of history led to greater involvement with The Associated. 

“For years, I always volunteered during Super Sunday and donated to The Associated. But I wasn’t really an active participant. Then shortly after I sold one of my businesses, my friend, Jim Rothschild, who was president of the Jewish Museum of Maryland (JMM), contacted me. He knew of my interest in Jewish history, genealogy, art and antiques and thought I might be a good fit for their board.   

The year was 2008. Over the next 16 years, I served as the JMM’s vice president, president and chair of their Collection, helping build the museum’s collection of Jewish history and artifacts.  While I was JMM president, I was put on The  Associated’s board. It was there that I learned the importance of their wide-ranging work serving Jewish Baltimore and beyond.” 

His work with The Associated now encompasses oversight of the area Hillels. He believes they are an important bridge to Jewish continuity. 

“Since October 7, the Hillels became more important than ever as a safe haven for Jewish students. A place where they can proudly express their Jewishness. The campus Hillel is where Jewish students can meet Jewish friends, maybe Jewish spouses, and find comfort being around others with a common background.” 

Although we didn’t understand his words, it was clear that it was a pro-Israel rally. So, when people clapped, we clapped. It was very moving.” 

A recent trip to Central America included dinner with the Israeli Ambassador in Panama. 

“My daughter Lori and her family are friends with the Israeli Ambassador Itai Bardov’s family. When she heard we were visiting Panama City, Panama, she connected us. We met at the Ambassador’s home for dinner with his family. He serves Panama and four other countries in the region, and as a result, he travels extensively. He talked about presenting Israel’s view of the war as well as sharing technological and agricultural advancements the country is making. Many of the people he met never heard Israel’s side of the story. 

 A man of many hobbies 

Gardening, cycling with his friends on the trail, photography, family genealogy, computers, photo restoration — and skiing. At 78, he still skis the black diamond trails in Vail. Although he says, “it is getting harder to find contemporaries to ski with.”