Life & Legacy members celebrate year five of the legacy building program and take part in appraisals of art and jewelry.

On June 8th, our community celebrated completing another year in the Life & Legacy program with the “From Treasure to Tzedakah” event. This year, the event was held at Congregation Micah.

In addition to celebrating another year in the program, you will find a list of donors in the centerfold spread for this month’s edition of the Observer, honoring all those who have contributed to securing the financial future of Nashville’s Jewish community.

Over the past five years, the 13 organizations participating in the Life & Legacy program have obtained 811 letters of intent from more than 300 individuals with a total value estimated at $23 million. Over $500,000 has already been received by these organizations. This program has been successful due to the efforts of the volunteers who serve on the Life & Legacy committees for each participating organization.

Life & Legacy assists communities across North America, through partnerships with Jewish Federations and Foundations, to promote after-lifetime giving to build endowments that will provide financial stability to Jewish day schools, synagogues, and social service organizations, and other Jewish entities.

One of the reasons for the success of the Life & Legacy program is that it allows donors to use their resources to take care of their families first, while also leaving something for the Jewish organizations that are important to the donors. Another reason the program is successful is that it is accessible to people of all ages and income levels due to the variety of options for donating.

Donors have many options for after-lifetime giving. They may leave a bequest in their will or add their chosen organizations as a beneficiary to a 401(K), an individual retirement account (IRA), or an annuity. Donors in the Nashville community who need assistance deciding which method of giving works best for their families can consult members of the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC), a resource provided by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.