The beautiful thing about endowments is that once they are established, they continue in perpetuity. Generations will come and go, but endowments never die. Consider the following hypothetical example.

Morris had a special love for Israel. From his first lessons in Hebrew school he was intrigued by this tiny Jewish nation. As a young adult he finally got an opportunity to visit this place he had only read about. The experience was so profound that it changed his life. He saw the joy on his mother’s face from having a large part of her family with her: husband, sisters, parents, nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren. As a result of Morris’ experience, he made sure that his children all had the opportunity to travel to Israel on various youth programs. In turn, his children also created a bond with the Jewish State.

Not long after that first of many trips to Israel, Morris’ mother passed away. The experience he had with his mother and extended family remained a powerful and vivid memory. Many years later, Morris wanted to do something to honor his mother’s memory and provide a vehicle to help teenagers have an “Israel Experience.” He, along with his wife Esther, created a Living Legacy through a scholarship fund named for his mother, by setting up a Donor Advised Fund within the Foundation of the Jewish Federation’s endowment.

Since Morris and Esther set up the endowment fund they have provided assistance to more than a dozen young teens who needed financial assistance to get to Israel to have an extraordinary educational experience. And they also enjoy a wonderful sense of satisfaction knowing that for generations to come they will be aiding in the forging of bonds between Jewish teens and Israel, the Jewish nation.

Endowments are powerful tools for creating legacies and providing a deep sense of significance. Perhaps you would like to consider one for yourself, or for someone in your life who you want to honor in this way.

There are many possibilities with the Foundation of the Jewish Federation, and we would like you to consider this kind of philanthropy. It doesn’t require a large sum of money and the process is amazingly simple. For as little as $5,000 you can create a Living Legacy and watch and enjoy the good you can do for your community. You’ll be surprised how easy it is and how good it will make you feel when your own endowment “comes to life”.Please note that the information above is not intended as legal or financial advice. If securing the future of the Jewish people is important to you, including the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties in your estate plan will help you to accomplish this goal. To learn more contact David Schultz, Foundation Director, or Bob Seltzer, Esq., Executive Vice President, Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties. 822-4404