The following was written by Hilary Gewant, this year's recipient of The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Joanie Plous Bayer Young Leadership Award. Hilary, a participant in The BJF's new Leadership Writing Project, was invited by The BJF to share some reflections in Update during Thanksgiving week.

By Hilary Gewant

As soon as I could talk, my grandfather, Aaron Aronov, taught me to say "Roll Tide." He was a true fan, right down to his red sport coat and elephant tie!

He took me to my first Alabama football game when I was three. We drove from Montgomery to Tuscaloosa, just the two of us. Fast forward 36 years and I no longer remember much about the game, but the memory of being there with him is more precious than who won that day.

Aaron loved Alabama football as much as anyone, but there were so many other facets of his life that he valued more. Family always came first, no matter what!

If I needed help with a project, he would drop everything (and sometimes even leave a meeting) to help me. If I just wanted a hug on a tough day, he would give me that famous "Aronov hug." He would wrap me in his arms, hold me tight and wouldn't let go until I felt better. Family was always his priority.

Aaron showed me, in his own gentle way, that your family members are the people who will be with you through thick and thin, who know your innermost secrets and love you unconditionally. Value them and your wealth will be unimaginable.

IDENTITY & BELIEFS

Being Jewish is a privilege. Aaron taught me to appreciate the differences in others while maintaining my own identity and beliefs. Growing up in Montgomery, I often struggled with being the only Jewish girl in my grade at school. With his guidance and wisdom, I learned to embrace who I was and what being Jewish stands for. Aaron believed that Judaism was more than simply a religion. It was a way of life that defined everything he did.

While my own journey to Jewish philanthropy and The Birmingham Jewish Federation took me a while to navigate, Aaron always knew exactly where he stood. Thus, I suppose that I didn't get here by accident.

Even as a child, I knew that my grandfather was someone special. He could light up a room just by walking into it. Aaron's twinkling blue eyes drew you in, his hearty laugh made you feel comfortable immediately and his humble nature belied a man of great power and determination. People gravitated to him and he was gracious to everyone.

Although much was asked of Aaron, he gave each person his undivided attention, thought about the conversation and acted on what inspired him.

LESSONS NOT LOST

My grandfather's passion for helping others, both Jewish and non-Jewish, made an impression on me and had a profound effect on the trajectory of my own life. He believed in the importance of strong Jewish communities, was dedicated to Federation causes and took our family on a trip to Israel as my Bat Mitzvah present. Aaron -- which is what I always called him -- wanted me to understand the enormous responsibility that we all have to remain committed to Jewish life, both globally and locally.

He affirmed those beliefs through his community leadership and generosity, even establishing the Aaron Aronov Chair of Judaic Studies at the University of Alabama to encourage the study of Judaism and to enhance campus life for Jewish students. What an incredible legacy to leave to his alma mater, our state and the faith that he so dearly loved!

These lessons are not lost on me. I'm proud to be his granddaughter. I know that he is smiling down on me as I continue to carve my own path in community service through my activities within The Birmingham Jewish Federation. The BJF teaches others about Judaism, works to repair the world and helps us revel in being Jewish -- three things Aaron did everyday in so many ways.

Next month marks 20 years since he passed away, yet I feel like Aaron is always with me. This time of year gives me pause and makes me especially think of him, whether I'm yelling "Roll Tide" at the TV, remembering how he always had to have a bite of what I was eating because it looked better on my plate (even if it was exactly what he had on his!) or longing for one of his hugs.

We had so many great Thanksgivings together and I am grateful everyday of my life for having him as my grandfather. We all have people in our lives who shape us and make us who we are. Sometimes it's not until they are gone that you understand the magnitude of their impact.