The following is a reprint of the JCF's Money Matters column, published in the February 19, 2025 issue of the Jewish Community Voice, titled, "It's Been a 'Super' Time for Life & Legacy at the JCF":
In recent weeks, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey had a momentous Super Sunday/ Super Week, and the Philadelphia Eagles became Super Bowl champions–both incredible and hard-earned achievements.
In addition to these “super” events, we here at the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. (JCF) enjoy celebrating the successes of the Life & Legacy initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF), which could very well be referred to as “Super Sustainability for South Jersey.”
To continue the theme, let’s look at “Six Super Storylines for Life & Legacy Locally:”
• Legacy Giving Grows in SNJ: The Life & Legacy initiative that arrived in Southern New Jersey in 2014 has flourished, resulting in more than 600 philanthropic community members committing to leaving an after-lifetime gift, which we estimate will result in $23.25-million in future endowment fund assets. These funds, in turn, provide vital, recurring income each year to benefit the Southern New Jersey Jewish community.
• Create Your Jewish Legacy Today: Unlike trying to win a Super Bowl, creating your Jewish legacy can, fortunately, be easy to do and cost nothing during your lifetime. You can add wording to include a gift in your will or estate plans, or you can update your beneficiary designations of your IRA, life insurance policy, or other financial account. By indicating a percentage or specific dollar amount that you are comfortable leaving for the community, you will be helping to ensure our future while also leaving one of your last lessons to your loved ones about the importance of helping others.
• Save the Date: March 17! Periodically, the JCF aims to recognize and thank legacy donors for their support, and we are excited to host a Legacy Thank You Event on the night of Monday, March 17. Anybody who has created a legacy commitment or started an endowment fund with the JCF can join us for free for the Katz JCC’s Jewish Film Festival kickoff event, which includes a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a showing of “Alliance” at 7 p.m. RSVP is required. Visit jcfsnj.org/legacy-thank-you
• Increase Your Impact by March 31: The end of Year 2 of Life & Legacy Plus falls on March 31. This means that if you create a new legacy commitment, formalize an existing legacy commitment, and/or donate to a Life & Legacy endowment fund before then, you can help your selected local Jewish organization(s) earn incentive grants of $1,800 each. To learn more, contact JCF Assistant Director Mike Staff at (856) 673-2528 or mstaff@jfedsnj.org
• Attend a Legacy Conference on April 28-29: Each year, the HGF hosts an informative and enlightening Leadership Conference to engage community leaders on the topic of legacy giving. Held in Springfield, MA, the event features top-tier speakers, interactive programs, and fabulous networking opportunities with hundreds of colleagues from across the continent. There is no charge to attend; guests only pay for travel and lodging. The JCF is forming a delegation of SNJ attendees. Please contact Mike Staff to learn more.
• Savor a Legacy Story: During their lifetimes, Miriam and Shelly Faktorow actively participated in the JCC’s Jewish Film Festival (referenced above) and loved to be part of its success. They served on a planning committee, attended many programs, and ultimately decided to create an endowment fund to support the Film Festival. Now their legacy lives on even though they both sadly died within the past six years. May this story inspire you to establish your own legacy during your lifetime.
Thank you to the many donors, like the Faktorows, for embracing Life & Legacy and becoming “super heroes” for our Jewish community.
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