Mazel tov to Bob Horenstein, Chief Community Relations and Public Affairs Officer, who just celebrated his 30^th anniversary at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland! His incredible work on community relations – with other faith-based and ethnic groups, political leaders, and so many more – is truly remarkable. As the work of our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) becomes even more vital with the rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel activities, I am grateful for Bob’s leadership. I want to publicly thank Bob for everything he continues to do – and you can, too, by sending him an email here.

In April 2023, I attended the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in Tel Aviv. There, Israeli President Isaac Herzog unveiled a new global dialogue initiative – Kol Ha’Am (Voice of the People) – to address the growing rifts within the global Jewish community amid the turmoil over the proposed judicial review changes.

Sadly, October 7 put everything on pause. This week, President Herzog relaunched the initiative with a survey for Jews around the world to select the five most significant challenges out of a list of 10 facing the Jewish people. Make your voice heard among the global Jewish population by taking this very brief survey here.

On a lighter note (more serious thoughts later on), today is National Tell a Joke Day. Here are the 113 best jokes of all-time according to Reader’s Digest. (I am just sharing the link, I did not write the jokes.)

Here are a few:

• “Did you know, if you get pregnant in the Amazon, it’s next day delivery?”

• “I tried to steal spaghetti from the shop, but the female guard saw me and I couldn’t get pasta.”

• “My dad suggested I register for a donor card. He’s a man after my own heart.”

• “What kind of animal do you not want to play poker with? A cheetah.”

(Come on, you chuckled a little?)

The Jewish Federation is pleased to present this “Jewish Calendar Sensitivity Guide” that goes through 2027. The calendar is mailed out to all schools and other secular organizations so the general community better understands the Jewish calendar and the various holidays throughout the year.

On a more serious note, the month of August is designated as Make a Will Month. It is a nationwide initiative encouraging individuals to create or update their wills, ensuring their wishes are honored, and their legacies preserved. This initiative spans across the professional advising landscape, urging everyone to take action in planning their estates. 

For the Jewish community, Make a Will Month represents an important opportunity to underscore the significance of leaving a lasting legacy. There are various ways you can support Jewish institutions and causes you care about, ensuring that your values and giving traditions are carried forward.

Including the Jewish community in your will allows you to contribute to the ongoing support and development of organizations that are meaningful to you. The Jewish Federation was blessed and honored this past year with multiple bequests totaling over $3.6 million.

Feel free to contact organizations you care about to talk to them about your estate plans. The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation coordinates the LIFE & LEGACY program, which simplifies the process of making commitments to multiple organizations in one place, eliminating the need to approach each one individually. This can include synagogues, schools, community service agencies, or any Jewish institutions that are important to you. 

Benefits of Leaving a Legacy: 

• Ensuring Future Support: Contributions help secure the necessary funding to sustain the Jewish community and its values for future generations.

• Promoting Jewish Values: Publicly committing to leaving a legacy encourages younger generations to embrace tzedakah and community support.

• Personal Impact: You have the flexibility to direct funding to organizations that matter most to you, whether it is a synagogue, Jewish school or camp, the Jewish Federation, or another cherished cause.

On a national level, Americans tend to be generous, with 60% giving to charity annually, according to many surveys. The Jewish community donates at even higher rates. However, fewer than 10% of wills and estate plans include a charitable bequest.

Many people make annual contributions, like to the Jewish Federation’s Campaign for Community Needs. Regular giving is the lifeblood that allows charitable organizations to fulfill their mission. A bequest will ensure that your support continues uninterrupted long after you are gone.

Some people think they may be too young to make a legacy gift. It is never too early to plan ahead. Any person, no matter their age, can identify the causes and organizations they wish their assets to support after they are gone.

Do I need a lawyer to do this? There are many legacy gift options that do not require an attorney. Consider naming your favorite nonprofit as a beneficiary of a portion of your retirement fund, brokerage account, or life insurance policy. This can often be done online or by signing a form. You can even revise such designations if you later change your mind. Still, it is highly advisable to work with an attorney to create a comprehensive estate plan.

It is important to remember that you can stipulate how the recipient organization uses your bequest, such as specifying it support a particular program or to establish a designated fund. Nonprofit organizations have ethical and legal obligations to honor donor intent. That said, you do not have to restrict your gift; in fact, general funding is what every nonprofit most needs.

As a parent, my children come first. Every parent wants to make sure their children are taken care of. Perhaps consider leaving a portion of your estate to charitable causes. You will not only provide for your children, but you will also convey a powerful statement about your charitable values.

I want to reinforce that you do not have to be a millionaire to leave a bequest. The great thing about legacy giving is that you can make a bequest in any amount. The recipient organizations will gratefully cherish your gift no matter its size.

I hope this month, and into the future, you will consider including a charitable bequest (to the Jewish community) in your estate plans.

Shabbat shalom.