Are endowments only for older, wealthier generations? That’s the myth that the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Philadelphia – the new name for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s endowments program – is working to debunk.

“Certain planned giving vehicles, such as life insurance, are even more cost-effective if done at a younger age instead of waiting to be  more established in a career and life journey,” said Chief Planned Giving Officer Jennifer Brier of the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation.

In addition to cost-effective planning, those who create a legacy gift early on have the opportunity to be a part of a collective support network for the community they care about.  

The following three young professionals have already established their planned gifts through life insurance policies, leveraging lower premiums to create a larger impact for the Jewish community. Working closely with Brier and her team, they each tailored their gifts to reflect their personal values and aspirations for the future.

“Making a planned gift is something I had been considering for years. I made the decision to do it now because as antisemitism continues to rise locally and globally, my belief in a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come is secure. To me, making a gift to sustain a philanthropic investment in perpetuity is the best way to affirm my unwavering commitment to making Jewish life meaningful and accessible, not only for my lifetime, but well beyond it. I follow in the footsteps of others in my family, in a bygone generation, who made the same commitment, for the same reasons. I honor the past and the future by making a planned gift.” - Danielle Weiss, Life Insurance Donor

"As a product of the Philadelphia Jewish community, this organization is near to my heart. Despite living outside of Philadelphia for nearly a decade, I often think about how its Jewish community shaped me through transformative institutions, such as Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, Har Zion Temple, Jewish camps and others. I want to ensure these institutions continue to serve the important needs of our community for generations to come.” - Michael Shaid, Life Insurance Donor 

"Raised in the Philadelphia Jewish community, I experienced firsthand the influence of a supportive and vibrant Jewish Federation. This experience motivated me to join the National Young Leadership Cabinet, the Jewish Federations of North America's leadership training program, to continue my family's tradition of giving. By endowing a gift, I deepen my dedication to the Jewish Federation's vital efforts, creating a lasting impact that grows over time." - Joey Schorr, Life Insurance Donor 

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Anyone, regardless of age and financial background, is able to create a lasting impact that is right for them. Find the right path for you to create your legacy by visiting jewishphilly.org/future. Or contact Jennifer Brier, Chief Planned Giving Officer, at jbrier@jewishphilly.org.