December 2020

A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION OF
THE GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION

The Hebrew term for gratitude is “hakarat hatov,” which means “recognizing the good.” As Jews, we are thankful and appreciative for all that is good in our lives. We know we are not simply entitled to goodness, but must cherish it and pass it on to others and to the next generation.

We are feeling this now more than ever. As we continue to fight our way through this pandemic, some of us are struggling, hurting, experiencing loss and need help. Many have stepped up to address the increased needs within our community and for that, we are grateful. Our community continues to address the problems of today while planning for a brighter tomorrow.

We are so proud of the good that happens every day through the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, made possible by donors like you. If you are looking for opportunities to continue to make an impact, please follow the link to learn more about Five Tax Smart Ways to Maximize Charitable Giving in 2020. We have also included an updated Post-Election Edition of Charitable Planning Ideas to consider.

Let us know how we can best assist you to bring more of the good to life. Wishing you and your family a happy, HEALTHY and bright Chanukah!




LEZLIE POYASTRO – IN HER OWN WORDS

For Lezlie Poyastro, Jewish education and Israel engagement programs are a top priority. “These programs provide the next generation with a strong foundation of Jewish values that they can build upon to help them navigate life’s challenges.” This belief is what led Lezlie and her husband Miguel to make the decision to perpetuate their Annual Campaign contribution through a life insurance policy, making them Forever Pacesetters and making Lezlie a Forever Lion.

Click here to read more.

GIVING THANKS TO YOU, OUR FOUNDATION DONORS

The year 2020 has been far from typical. We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving, a time when we would normally get together with family and friends and give thanks for all that is good in our lives. For some of us, this holiday was a difficult reminder of how much we miss seeing those whom we most care about in person.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to focus on what really matters and has given us a renewed sense of gratitude for those things that can’t be measured like health, family and relationships.

As treasured Foundation donors, we are grateful to you for making the Greater Miami Jewish Federation one of your charitable priorities and can provide you with resources to engage you and those whom you care about in values-focused conversations.

As a token of our gratitude, we offer: Facilitated Family Conversations Around Your Jewish Values. The Foundation is pleased to provide you with some complimentary tools developed by 21/64 to engage you and your family in conversations around your values and giving.

Click here to read more.

INVESTMENT UPDATE

The Foundation’s Investment Committee, our investment consultant, Cliffwater LLC, and our professional staff are in constant communication and continue to monitor the market situation to ensure the health and preservation of our community funds. We recognize the importance of our role as stewards of these precious financial resources and are proud of the processes we have established to manage Miami’s Jewish community endowment. Click here to read our latest Investment Update. Click here to read more.


Stay Connected with Your Jewish Community

Stay connected to your Jewish community by visiting our Coronavirus Community Resource Page.


Your Donor-Advised Philanthropic Fund at The Foundation

As the current crisis has changed the way we do business, we want you to know The Foundation continues to be fully operational and is making grants on a weekly basis in support of charitable organizations in our local community and around the world. If you already have a Donor-Advised Fund with The Foundation, we encourage you to access your fund through our secure donor portal site. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 and we are here to show you how to securely login with your unique username and password to access your fund, check balances, make grant recommendations, see your giving history and more. Read more.


About The Foundation

Whether you want to make a difference in the world, reduce your taxes or benefit from an increased income stream, The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is ready to work with you, your family and your professional advisors to help you meet your philanthropic goals and find ways to give smarter.

Your Foundation gift can feed the hungry, care for vulnerable, elderly Jews, educate children or fulfill the vision you have for a better tomorrow for the Jewish people. If you want to strengthen Jewish identity, safeguard Jews in Israel and around the world or encourage the next generations to embrace their rich Jewish heritage in meaningful and innovative ways — or all of the above — The Foundation can turn your philanthropic aspirations into reality.



Steve Foldes, Chair of The Foundation
Scott Kaplan, The Foundation Director
Shelly Brodie, Forever Lions Chair
Steven A. Wagner, Investment Committee Chair
Jill Hagler, Director of Foundation Development
Gabriel Simkin, Investment Analyst

Professional Advisors Council (PAC)
Susan Morrison, Chair
Adam Kaplan, Director

Golden Care Foundation
Paul Kruss and Dr. Joseph Singer, Co-Chairs
Mindy Tucker, Golden Care Director
Miriam Masia, Golden Care Assistant Director


Isaac K. “Ike” Fisher, Chair of the Board
Jacob Solomon, President & CEO
Ariel Bentata, General Campaign Chair
Jeffrey Y. Levin, Chief Development Officer
Abbey Feinberg, Annual Campaign Director