How Can I Create a Jewish Legacy?
1. Think about your vision
Creating a Jewish legacy involves a gift, but it starts with your vision. As such, you are encouraged to first think about what is most important to you.
Ask yourself:
- What charitable organizations have I supported, and why? Which ones would I like to continue supporting past my lifetime?
- What are the causes that I am most passionate about, and why? Which ones would I like to continue supporting past my lifetime?
- What kind of world would I like my family and future generations to live in? How could I help to make that vision closer to reality through my legacy gift?
2. Make a commitment
You don’t have to have figured out your legacy gift right away. But when you’ve made the commitment to set aside a part of your estate for the benefit of the community, you’ve made the most important step.
3. Put together your Legacy Plan
Once you have thought about your legacy and made a commitment, the next step is to specify which organizations and causes your legacy gift(s) will support.
>> A worksheet for putting together a "Legacy Plan"
4. Fund your Legacy Gift
There are many different ways to leave your own legacy. Some can even be completed without the help of an advisor, although you are always encouraged to consult a professional to insure that your charitable plans are consistent with your plans for other loved ones.
Everyone has a unique family and financial situation. Your legacy gift of any size can be designed to match your personal circumstances. Options include:
- A simple charitable bequest in your will or trust
- An beneficiary designation in your IRA or pension plan
- An outright gift using appreciated assets or cash
- A life insurance policy
- A charitable remainder trust
5. Be an example to others
Once you've funded your legacy gift you can become a member of the Legacy Society, which sends out regular correspondence, holds events, and publishes the names of its members with their permission, to encourage others to create Jewish legacies.
Legacy Society members and others who have made a commitment to create a Jewish legacy can write a message to the community in our Endowment Book of Life.
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