Why should you consider leaving a legacy gift to the URJ?
Robyn and I had decided to offer a Legacy Gift to URJ Camp Coleman. Camp Coleman holds a special place in our hearts. We firmly believe in its mission to create meaningful Jewish experiences that build Jewish lives one child at a time. By supporting the camp’s vital work, we hope our gift will ensure that countless campers continue to build a strong Jewish identity and develop deep connections to their heritage for generations to come. - Jay and Robyn Gellman
I am honored to have made a legacy commitment to the URJ. This is my gift to the generations who will come after me, the ultimate L’dor V’dor. It expresses my hopes and dreams for the future, for the URJ to continue to thrive in our important work serving the Jewish community. - Jane Taves
Being part of Reform Jewish life has been integral to our family. The URJ not only supports our congregation but also serves as a voice for our values. It is our obligation, responsibility and honor - especially during these challenging times - to help guarantee its future with a gift in our estate plan. - Bette and Alan Cotzin
When I think about what I am leaving my children, their inheritance is more than what I leave TO them, it is what I leave FOR them. URJ has always been in my will because one of the greatest gifts I can give them is a world where Reform Jewish Torah and values, our commitment to peoplehood, justice, inclusion, democracy, Israel and Reform Zionism, continue to shape our future. For me, that is more than a "charitable remainder." It is my love for them, and my legacy to them. - Shoshana Dweck
Since our founding, the Union for Reform Judaism has been building and strengthening Jewish communities across North America. The URJ is a powerful force dedicated to inspiring and educating multi-generational communities to cultivate a deep and lasting connection to Jewish life. As you consider the things in your life that you treasure, such as family and community, we ask that you also look forward to ensuring the values that matter to you are secured for the future. You can do this by making a legacy gift, also called “planned gift,” or “gift in your will” to benefit the future of the URJ.
Your Legacy Gift Commitment Form
If you have already included the URJ in your estate plan or you would like to do so, please complete this Legacy Gift Commitment form so we can add you to our URJ Legacy Society.
Legacy Gifts May Be Arranged in Several Ways
There are many easy giving options to choose from. These strategies of giving not only benefit the URJ, they can enhance your personal financial security as well. Our donor relations team is available to help guide you and your advisors, either by phone or in person. Contact Kerry Leaf at 212-452-6521 or plannedgiving@urj.org.
Gifts Made Through a Will
A bequest is a gift made through a will. Your attorney would include your gift in your estate plan. After planning for your loved ones, this gift in your will allow you to make a gift without using your assets during your lifetime. You may provide a gift in your will to the URJ as a specific amount or percentage. See sample bequest language, below.
Retirement Plans
Making a gift through a retirement account, such as an IRA, 401(K) or 403 (b) plan is a simple way to make a legacy gift. This gift may also provide tax benefits to your heirs. You can make a gift by adding URJ as a beneficiary of a percentage of the fund along with your other named beneficiaries. Designating the URJ as a beneficiary of a retirement plan does not require you to change your will.
Life Insurance
You can make a gift to URJ using life insurance. If you have a policy that no longer serves its original purpose, you can add URJ as a remainder beneficiary. Similar to a gift in your will, you would retain control over the policy during your lifetime. If you choose to gift the ownership of the policy, or if the policy is still in premium payment mode, you may be entitled to additional tax benefits.
Bank (POD)
A legacy gift may be made with assets you already own. Many donors choose to add URJ as a remainder beneficiary (or, referred to as payable on death of POD) of an existing bank or investment account. This gift doesn’t necessitate the need to change a will, and it can usually be done online.
Legacy giving, or planned giving, is an expression of your values and commitment to the future of URJ and the Jewish community. There are many ways you can make your gift, and we are happy to support you through the process. Contact Kerry Leaf at kleaf@urj.org for a confidential conversation about what your legacy will look like.
Sample Bequest Language
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to The Union for Reform Judaism, whose North American headquarters are located at 633 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017; ATTN: Development:
[Choose one:]
- _______% of my gross estate as finally determined for Federal estate tax purposes.
- The sum of $_______ dollars.
For further information, contact Kerry Leaf at 212-452-6521 or plannedgiving@urj.org.
Download a copy of this bequest language.
Have you made a legacy gift? We want to thank you!
If you have made a legacy gift to URJ, we hope you will share that news with us. Individuals who make a planned gift (legacy gift) become part of the Eitz Chayim Legacy Society, a group of like-minded people who want to support the future of the URJ. We recognize and honor individuals who inform us of their intentions, as well as respecting the anonymity of donors upon request. To let us know that you already committed to a future gift (whether to the URJ, the RAC, a URJ camp…), you can call or email plannedgiving@urj.org or 212-452-6521.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is not provided as legal, tax or other professional advice. The material is general in nature and may not apply to all individuals. State laws vary, and tax laws change from time to time. It is recommended that individuals consult with their own tax and financial advisors concerning the benefits and consequences of making a planned, or legacy, gift.
Contact Us
We would be happy to talk with you, and your advisors, if you have any questions about your charitable giving. All conversations are confidential and nonbinding. Please reach out to: Kerry Leaf at plannedgiving@urj.org or 212-452-6521.
Contact Us
We would be happy to talk with you, and your advisors, if you have any questions about your charitable giving. All conversations are confidential and nonbinding. Please reach out to: Kerry Leaf at plannedgiving@urj.org or 212-452-6521.
