Magazine

Why Tzedakah on the High Holidays? by Rabbi Aaron Lerner, president & CEO This piece was originally featured in the August 2023 Giving Voice. As we enter the High Holiday season, Jewish wisdom offers a prescription of teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (money to help others) to assist us as we attempt to wipe…

Rabbi Aaron Lerner Takes the Helm Rabbi Aaron Lerner, president and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation, brings a unique blend of financial, rabbinical, and nonprofit expertise to the position. He cares deeply about the community and is passionate about impactful philanthropy. Question: Tell us about your family and what you like to do in…

Jewish tradition views giving back as a universal obligation independent of time or circumstance. At the Jewish Community Foundation, we customize our philanthropic guidance for every donor, whatever their age or stage in life. From teaching families about financial literacy to helping identify charitable passions and advising on charitable estate planning, we’re here to serve…

by Steve Gamer, Vice President of Advancement Financial services institutions play a vital role in the smooth functioning of our society. Among many other things, they enable us to secure home mortgages, finance business transactions, and take out loans for college. Yet, there is one area of impact where a bank or brokerage firm’s abilities…

My Final Reflection by Marvin I. Schotland, President & CEO I learned a long time ago that when you become a donor at The Foundation, it’s not just a fund you acquire; it’s also a family you join. And just like a loving family can nourish its members in innumerable ways, so too The Foundation’s…

by Naomi Strongin, Vice President, Center for Designed Philanthropy When people learn that I work at the Jewish Community Foundation, they often ask how their favorite organization can receive funding. The question implies their view that The Foundation is laser-focused on sending money to nonprofits in need — but that is not The Foundation’s whole…

At the time of this writing, the war in Ukraine is raging and the horror of the unfolding tragedy is unbearable. It’s beyond shocking to watch the most violent attack on a European country since WWII unfold before our eyes. Perhaps by the time this issue of Legacy reaches you, there may be a negotiated…