WHAT IS LIFE & LEGACY?
LIFE & LEGACY is a 4–year partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) that assists communities across North America, through partnerships with Jewish Federations and Foundations, to promote after-lifetime giving to benefit local Jewish day schools, synagogues, social service organizations and other Jewish entities. Through training, support and monetary incentives LIFE & LEGACY motivates Jewish organizations to secure legacy gifts, steward donors and integrate legacy giving into the philanthropic culture of the Jewish community. The vision of the program is that generous and forward-thinking members of the community will have an opportunity to express their passion, purpose and commitment to the future of our most valued Jewish organizations.
WHY CREATE A JEWISH LEGACY
You can have an impact on the future of Jewish life with a legacy gift of any size. Through this one gift, you can support organizations you care about such as Federation, your synagogue, JCC, or Jewish Day School. You can also fund programs that safeguard and strengthen Jewish life here in the Lehigh Valley, in Israel, and around the world while focusing on specific areas of interest including seniors and Holocaust survivors, Israel experience and advocacy programs, and so much more. Express your values, honor your heritage, and do something lasting and significant for the community you care so much about. Creating your Jewish legacy ensures that you will be remembered while your work and Jewish values will continue beyond your lifetime. It is also a meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one while providing for a vibrant Jewish community for generations to come.
You can make it happen in five easy steps:
1. Reflect on your Jewish passions and discuss them with your loved ones.
2. Contact the participating organization(s) closest to your heart.
3. Contact Julia Umansky, Director of Gift Planning and EITC or complete a Letter of Intent and return it to the intended organization.
4. Formalize your commitment by having a conversation with your professional advisor* or attorney* or contact julia@jflv.org for more information.
5. Once you've formalized, we encourage you to complete a testimonial to encourage others to make their gift.
WHO ARE THE LOCAL LIFE & LEGACY PARTNERS?
Ten local Jewish organizations have made a commitment to work together to support the future of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community. Talk to any of them to learn more about ways you can support these organizations and beyond.
SEE YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS AND FELLOW CONGREGANTS WHO ARE SUPPORTING LIFE & LEGACY
See how our community came together in celebration of a second year in the LIFE & LEGACY program.
Thank you to everyone who has made a commitment to assure Jewish tomorrows in the Lehigh Valley.
How our community is assuring Jewish tomorrows.
A community-wide partnership to strengthen our endowments and our future.
Please enjoy this video celebrating our community.
"Congregation Keneseth Israel has been an important part of Linda’s life since childhood and our lives since we moved here in 1966. Over the years, we have been involved with numerous committees, leadership roles, life-cycle events, frequent prayer miles and educational and social activities that have enriched our lives. It is our hope that KI will always be there to benefit our KI community in the future. We are proud to be a part of KI’s L’Dor Vador Society."
“I moved to the Lehigh Valley 17 years ago, so I'm somewhat of a newcomer. When it came time to plan for retirement living, I realized that 'home' was here -- where I’ve felt comfortable and been welcomed at Congregation Brith Sholom from my very first Shabbat. I appreciate how important the Endowment Fund is to maintaining the programs and traditions of Brith Sholom. I have chosen to make a current gift from my IRA by taking advantage of the Qualified Charitable Distribution option.”
In partnership with: