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How Can I Create a Jewish Legacy?
“My wife, Malerie, and I grew up very differently. she lived in Greenwich CT, and went to Bi-Cultural Day School. Giving to Jewish causes is in her DNA. Her family had a JNF tzedaka box at home for spare change. Her mom was the local Hadassah president. I, on the other hand, grew up in the small town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee where there were eight Jewish families. We went to synagogue in Nashville – a 75-minute drive each way. Even though we were not religious, we knew we were Jewish and what that meant.
Today, after being involved at Temple Beth El and other Jewish organizations in Stamford, we realize the critical role these institutions play in the lives of their members. If we don’t make a legacy gift to ensure they continue to flourish, they may not survive, and the next generation might not be as involved as ours. We feel it’s our responsibility to do our part.”
— Jeff and Malerie Cohen
Think about your vision
Creating a Jewish legacy involves a gift, but it starts with your vision. And that vision can include not only Temple Beth El, but other Jewish organizations within our community. As such, you are encouraged to first think about what is most important to you.
Ask yourself:
- Which charitable organizations, in addition to Temple Beth El, do I support now, and why? Which ones truly embody my values?
- What kind of world would I like my family and future generations to live in?
- Which organizations should receive a legacy gift from me so my vision of the future can get closer to reality?
Make a commitment
You don’t have to figure out your legacy gift right away. But when you’ve made the commitment to remember Temple Beth El and other organizations in your plans in some way, you’ve made the most important step.
Fund your legacy gift
There are different ways to plan a legacy gift. 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 gift in your will or trust
- A beneficiary designation in your retirement account
- A life insurance policy designation or gift
- An outright gift using cash, stock, real estate, or other property
- A charitable trust
For more information on these options, see Funding a Legacy Gift.
Be an example to others
Once you’ve planned your legacy gift, please let us know by submitting the Letter of Intent form. We will follow up with a personal thank-you note and formal acknowledgment (with your permission) as a member of Temple Beth El’s LIFE & LEGACY Honor Roll.
