Apr 5, 2016

Create a Jewish Legacy Surpasses $40 Million in Estimated Legacy Commitments Toward a Brighter Jewish Future

Just four years since its introduction in Miami, Create a Jewish Legacy (CJL), a philanthropic program that empowers participants to dedicate long-term financial support for specific Jewish institutions, agencies and causes, has achieved a major milestone, securing more than $40 million in estimated legacy commitments from nearly 600 individuals and families throughout the Miami Jewish community.

“CJL has made a transformational impact on our Jewish community,” said Lily Serviansky, Chair of The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. “It has created a cultural shift by putting future community needs and legacy giving in the forefront of donors’ minds. At the same time, organizations in our community have a greater understanding of the importance of endowments for future financial security.”

The 15 Jewish institutions that are currently participating in CJL include Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus/Hochberg Preparatory School, the Alper JCC Miami on The Jay Morton-Levinthal Campus, the Galbut Family Miami Beach Jewish Community Center on the Simkins Family Campus, Hebrew Academy (RASG), Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Kesher L.D., the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center on the Sanford L. Ziff Campus, Scheck Hillel Community School, Talmudic University, Temple Beth Am/Temple Beth Am Day School, Temple Beth Sholom, Temple Israel of Greater Miami, Temple Sinai of North Dade, and University of Florida Hillel.

“Nothing else feels as good as making this type of forever gift,” said Andrew Wolf, Chair of the Professional Advisors Council of The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. “People become very excited when making these commitments because they define who we are and what matters to us in maintaining a vibrant Jewish community.”

Donors can have a permanent impact on the future of the Miami Jewish community by making a legacy gift of any size. Through this one gift, they can support those organizations and areas of interest they care most about, such as their synagogue, JCC, educating children, caring for the elderly and Israel advocacy training on college campuses, just to name a few.

There are a number of easy and tax-smart ways to do this. For example, Andrew Wolf explained, he and his family chose to purchase a life insurance policy with proceeds ultimately benefiting the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Naming one of more charities as a beneficiary in a will or retirement plan are other examples.

“CJL has proved to be a phenomenally successful effort because it appeals to people who have long-standing relationships and heartfelt connections to our Federation and other worthy institutions,” said Wolf. “Each legacy gift is about sharing a growth experience and becoming a stakeholder in the future of our Jewish community.”

A benefit of participation in CJL is the ability to share one’s personal story and motivation for philanthropy with family and members of the community through the Book of Life, an online album that will contain personal stories and photographs that honor each donor. It is also intended to inspire others in the community to follow their example and invest in the future of the Jewish people at home and abroad.

Coordination of Create a Jewish Legacy has benefited from the generous support of two national organizations – The Jewish Federations of North America and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY program.

For more information about The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s Create a Jewish Legacy program, contact CJL Director Judith Margolis at 786-866-8490 or [email protected].

Andrew Wolf, Chair of the Professional Advisors Council of The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation; Arlene D. Schiff, National Director of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY program; and Lily Serviansky, Chair of The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation