The Future is Ours to Build: A New Era for Jewish Philanthropy

October 8 was a wake-up call- a moment of clarity that revealed both the challenges and the extraordinary opportunities before us. It reminded us that we are stronger together, that our community is resilient, and that now is the time to act not out of fear but out of hope, strength, and determination.

The Jewish people have faced adversity before, and each time, we have emerged stronger. Today is no different. We are entering a new chapter, one in which we have the power to shape our future through commitment, generosity, and unity. This is our moment to reinvest in our people, strengthen our institutions, and secure a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come.

A Future Strengthened by Giving

Jewish philanthropy has always been the foundation of our community. From building schools and synagogues to funding vital programs that support education, security, and cultural preservation, every act of giving has played a role in sustaining Jewish life. Now, we can elevate that tradition and make an even greater impact.

We are seeing incredible leadership in action. Charles Bronfman’s recent $25 million gift to the Birthright Israel Foundation is a testament to the power of investment in our youth. Mike Leven’s Jewish Future Promise and Jewish Youth Promise invite all Jews—regardless of financial standing—to commit 50% of their charitable giving to Jewish causes. These commitments are more than financial contributions; they are statements of belief in the enduring strength of our people.

Legacy Giving: A Lasting Commitment to Jewish Causes

One of the most powerful ways to secure our future is through legacy giving. This means dedicating a portion of your charitable dollars to Jewish causes that align with your values. This ensures that your impact extends beyond your lifetime, providing critical support to the institutions and initiatives that sustain Jewish life.

Legacy giving allows you to earmark your dollars for the Jewish causes you believe in most, whether it’s Jewish education, combating antisemitism, supporting Israel, or strengthening local Jewish communities. By making these commitments now, you are shaping the future of Jewish life, ensuring that the organizations you care about continue to thrive.

However, some may not feel comfortable providing a legacy gift to an organization while still alive as they do not know if the organization will continue to maintain its core values. For those unsure about legacy gifting, I recommend earmarking funds in a will or trust instead. Whether your passionate about education, medicine, science, human rights, Israel trips, or any other passion, these options will ensure your legacy continues to make an impact.

By setting clear guidelines, you provide your successors with a roadmap for meaningful giving, allowing them to honor your values while staying actively engaged in the philanthropic journey you started. This not only preserves your vision but also inspires the next generation to carry it forward with purpose and pride.

Ethical Wills: Passing Down Values, Not Just Wealth

A financial legacy is important, but so is passing down your values. Unlike legal wills that focus on material assets, ethical wills communicate what truly matters- your Jewish identity, your commitment to community, and the values that have guided your life.

By drafting an ethical will, you ensure that your children and grandchildren understand why you supported Jewish causes and what your heritage means to you. It is an opportunity to tell your story, articulate your dreams for the Jewish future, and inspire your loved ones to continue your legacy of generosity and commitment.

Have conversations with your loved ones about what’s important to you. Find out what matters to them. Share your family values and traditions in building and supporting your Jewish community, the global Jewish community, and Israel. These discussions create a lasting connection between generations and strengthen our shared commitment to a thriving Jewish future.

The Time to Act is Now

We are standing at the threshold of an incredible opportunity. Instead of waiting for change, we can be the ones who create it. Here’s how you can be part of this movement:

1. Join the Jewish Future Promise– Make a moral commitment to passing down Jewish stories, values, and traditions while pledging that, if any charitable contributions are made upon passing, at least 50% will support Jewish causes or the State of Israel. It is not a legal contract but a promise to the next generation.
2. Commit to Legacy Giving– Ensure that the Jewish causes you believe in continue to flourish by making them a part of your long-term financial planning.
3. Write Your Ethical Will– Share your values, beliefs, and hopes for future generations, ensuring your commitment to Jewish life continues beyond your lifetime.
4. Engage in Meaningful Conversations– Talk to your family and friends about your values, their values, and how you can work together to strengthen Jewish life.
5. Support Jewish Institutions– Your contributions help sustain the schools, synagogues, and organizations that are the heart of our community.

The Future Can Be Bright—And It Starts With Us

This is not a time to retreat; it is a time to rise. The Jewish future is not something that will simply unfold- it is something we must actively create. With each commitment, each act of generosity, and each step toward unity, we are building a strong Jewish future, thriving and full of possibility.

We have everything we need to succeed: our history’s resilience, our community’s strength, and our people’s generosity. The question is not whether the Jewish future will be secure but how boldly we will shape it.