Giving back and supporting the community is a huge Jewish value. My kids understand legacy because they see it in practice, and they see how we give back. It’s not only about giving money but time as well. You give to an organization because you care and want them to succeed.
When I first heard about legacy giving, it was kind of a lightbulb moment of the ease of being able to participate. Anyone can do it – it’s not just major donors, it’s that anyone can be part of it and give an impact. It’s buying in to an organization and showing love to an organization for any amount of a gift that a person is able to give. It’s so nice to be able to be part of an inclusive process.
I am leaving a legacy gift to Jewish Family Services because I see what they do in the community and how they help people. I remember being on the board of another organization a long time ago and someone came to the board asking for money. And then someone said, no, you call Jewish Family Services, because they coordinate everything. And we can support them, but JFS works directly with the person in need.
I was also very active at the College of Charleston Jewish Studies program. It made a huge impact in my life, including going to Israel.
With Hebrew Orphan Society, I see the good deeds, not just that we do, but that the members within the organization are involved with different aspects of the community.
Through the Temple, my heart is with it just as much. I recently got a call as the co-chair of the Coming Street Cemetery committee. They didn’t know where the person who needed to be buried was a member, or if they were a member of any synagogue. But after a conversation with another committee chair, we said, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to bury a Jewish person here if they need to get buried, and we’ll worry about the finances however we can. The Temple’s designation to the cemetery means we can bury people with dignity whether they have the means or not.