There is a sense of urgency now to endow the future. If our community had a large endowment, in times of economic uncertainty, we would have a safety net for our future. It is imperative that we secure funds now to benefit our children and grandchildren.

Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s Role in Development

Create a Jewish Legacy is an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston to build a strong, vibrant community, now and in the future with bequests for permanent endowments. It promotes the message that all of us, regardless of age, wealth, or affiliation, have the ability to make a difference for future Jewish generations. As the central umbrella organization for Jewish Houston, it makes sense for Federation to lead this program on behalf of the entire community.

Your legacy can reflect everything that is most important and meaningful to you. The legacy planning process can engender heartfelt conversations with your family and build bonds with your partners in the community.

The act of creating a legacy empowers you to complete the work of your heart, and to enjoy the peace that it brings. You are assured that your work will continue and the Jewish future will be bright.

Passing Your Values

Dor L’dor—from generation to generation

The transmission of values from one generation to the next is one of the most fundamental tenants of Judaism. As our parents and grandparents have built before us, we must create a legacy for our children. Other than leading by example, how do you show the younger generation what you care about? How do you want to be remembered? Creating your Legacy allows you to ensure that those who come after you know your ideals.

Impact on Community

You have the opportunity to determine that your favorite program or community service will exist forever. Your gifts today and your endowment gifts for the future can underwrite vital programs for the Jewish community in Greater Houston, in Israel, and around the world.

Perpetual Impact

Providing for a vibrant Jewish future is one of the most important actions we can take as concerned, committed Jews. Your legacy gift is forever because endowments are permanent. When you create an endowment, the principal is never spent. The balance in your fund is invested; earning income that is then spent to support the organization that you have chosen in perpetuity.

Dozens of Houston area Jewish agencies, synagogues, and other organizations have partnered with the Houston Jewish Community Foundation to help you establish your legacy. Each Create a Jewish Legacy (CJL) participating organization has a strong team of professional and lay trained to help you establish your legacy.

Contact your organization today:

• Congregation Beth Israel
• Congregation Brith Shalom
• Congregation Beth Yeshurun
• Congregation Emanu El
• Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center
• Holocaust Museum Houston
• Houston Jewish Geriatric Foundation
• Jewish Family Service
• Jewish Federation of Greater Houston
• The Emery Weiner School

Chances are you already donate generously to the Jewish charitable organizations of your choice. But have you considered including those organizations in your will, so you can continue to make a difference for generations to come?

Ready to begin? Contact your organization of choice today!

Questions to Consider:

How do I begin?

First, reflect on your Jewish passions. What is important to you about our faith and people? What work in our community do you want to support? Will your children miss a small percentage of your estate if you leave it to the Jewish community? As you shape what you want your legacy to be, keep in mind what you value now. Then, contact the organization you want to work with:

• Your synagogue
• Your Federation
• A school
• A community organization
• A summer camp

When should I start thinking about leaving a legacy?

The answer is different for everyone. Some people make a will after the birth of a child, others may wait until they receive an inheritance. Whether you already have a will or are just getting started, it’s always right to think of how you want to be remembered. Get started today!

Will leaving a legacy gift impact my taxes?

While the impact of your legacy gift will be most clearly felt by the community once you are gone, you may experience tax advantages in your lifetime, and your estate and heirs may benefit from additional tax savings.

Who can help me?

Contact the Houston Jewish Community Foundation to get started on your legacy gift. You may also want to contact you financial advisors and/or estate-planning attorney at this time.

Do I have to make a new will?

No, typically just a few additional sentences to your will in the form of a codicil are enough to make a Legacy Gift. You should not assume your family knows your wishes, so preparing a valid codicil with your lawyer is important. You can also make a legacy gift using your:

• Qualified retirement plan
• Life insurance policy
• Charitable remainder trust
• Charitable gift annuity

There are many different ways to leave your own legacy. Some can even be completed without the help of an advisor, although you are always encouraged to consult a professional to ensure that your charitable plans are consistent with your plans for other loved ones.

Everyone has a unique family and financial situation. Your legacy gift of any size can be designed to match your personal circumstances.

Charitable bequest

An Outright Gift

An IRA or Qualified Retirement Plan

A Charitable Remainder Trust

Named Endowment Fund (Restricted Fund)

Gifts of Real Estate

This information is intended as an educational tool. The information presented is to provide general information only and should not be construed as legal or accounting advice. Because tax and financial consequences involved with any gifting program depend on personal financial circumstances, individuals should consult with their own financial, legal and accounting advisors to review any charitable estate planning options.

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