Charitable contributions have always been part of our family DNA. When I sold my chemical business in 1997, my wife Barbara and I each set up a trust that would provide income for the surviving spouse, while allowing the principal to grow. Upon my death, a portion of the principal will go to a group of charities. Since Temple Emanuel was a major part of our lives, it will be a major beneficiary of our trusts.
When I talk to members as part of the legacy committee, I, of course, encourage them to make a charitable commitment to Temple Emanuel in their estate. I recognize that many members have large families and want to provide for their children and grandchildren, but I feel strongly that every family should leave some part of their estate to charity, if not Temple Emanuel then to some other organization that has had an influence on their life, be it a university, an arts organization, a medical organization, a nature organization. or a food bank. This is a way that all of us can give back something to the society which we have all benefited from.