Ruth Bader Ginsburg - One Generation

AP Photo by Kevin Wolf

75 year old Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was in the news this past week for undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer. We wish her well. Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993 as the sixth Jewish justice and the second woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg is well known for her earlier work with women's rights.   

In 2008, we were able to catch most of the television documentary "The Jewish Americans" on PBS when it aired. Interviewed in the program, Justice Ginsburg spoke of being born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to a working class family. For those parents who believe in the power of education and have high hopes for your children's future, following is a memorable quote from the program. 

"What's the difference between a bookkeeper in New York's garment district and a U.S. Supreme Court justice?" 

"One generation."

One generation. Proof that great things are still possible in this country if you stay serious and work hard for it. That's why given the chance, our own parents left families, friends, and established lives behind and immigrated to the States from halfway around the world. Even if they toiled, their children would achieve. Please, never forget the sacrifices of others, and never waste a precious second of the wonderful opportunity you've been given.