Will your life's work continue beyond your lifetime?
by Marsha Atkind, Manager of Philanthropic Initiatives

Debby & Mark Brafman’s work will. Several years ago, Debby and Mark created an annual campaign endowment and became Lester Society Sustainers of our Legacy. “Support of Israel is our primary concern,” Debby said. “By endowing our annual gifts, we are helping to ensure that MetroWest’s support for Israel will be there when we are no longer here to help.”

Jackie and Howard Levine are also Lester Society Sustainers – but for different reasons. Jackie explained, “The Jewish community must prosper and grow so that those who come after us will benefit from the strength that resides in us as Jews. We believe that creating an endowment is the best way to ensure the continuity of both Jews and Judaism.”

Like Debby and Mark, Jackie and Howard, you may be a long-time supporter of the Jewish community – making annual gifts to UJA for 5 years, 10 years, 25 years, or more – and yet we cannot promise that the programs you support with your annual gifts will be there for your grandchildren and theirs. Jewish identity and continuity are not things we can take for granted.

There is nothing we can do that is more important than creating an endowment to perpetuate our annual gifts or ensure the future of a program or service that meets the needs our most vulnerable citizens.

UJC’s Annual Campaign Endowment was created for those who believe without question that this community needs to do just that. If you believe that we must continue to educate our children, meet the needs of the poor and elderly, help unemployed or under-employed adults find work, care for those with special needs, or support the State of Israel and Jews at risk around the world, consider endowing YOUR gift – no matter how large or small that gift may be.

Your one-time gift, established as an Annual Campaign Endowment, will sustain your support of the United Jewish Appeal of MetroWest forever, creating a foundation to build upon during the good years and acting as a life preserver during times that are hard.

Creating an endowment is easy. You can, for example, use an insurance policy, make a bequest in your will, transfer money from your IRA (if you are 70.5 years or older), or create a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust, giving you an income for life and benefiting the community when you pass away. For a personal consultation about the method best for you, contact the Jewish Community Foundation at (973) 929-3060 or .

Join the hundreds of donors in MetroWest who have already taken steps to perpetuate their annual gifts. Remember: An endowment is forever.