The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia for the first time hosted a luncheon to thank members of its new Tikkun Olam Society, which recognizes anyone who has included the Jewish Federation in their estate plans.
On Tuesday, May 3, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia for the first time hosted a luncheon to thank members of its new Tikkun Olam Society, which recognizes anyone who has included the Jewish Federation in their estate plans. At the Jewish Community Services Building in Center City Philadelphia, 36 Tikkun Olam Society members enjoyed lunch, which was followed by a Dvar Torah by Rachel Gross, director of planned giving and endowments; greetings from Campaign Chair Gail Norry; and remarks by Morey Goldberg, president of the Federation Endowments Corporation.
The event’s special guest was Sarita Russ Gocial, chair of the Jewish Federation’s Annual Memorial Ceremony for the Six Million Jewish Martyrs and the daughter of Holocaust survivors, who talked about her journey tracing her family’s roots in Poland along with her children and grandchildren.
Tikkun Olam Society member Richard Atkins shared what led him to provide for the future of the Jewish community through the Jewish Federation. “I wanted to do something to honor my parents. I chose to partner with the Jewish Federation because things are constantly changing. I know whatever the future needs are here and in Israel, the Jewish Federation will change with the times and their professionals will address whatever the needs are.”
For Tikkun Olam Society member Joan Waldman, the inspiration for her gift was her mother. “She was a very giving and charitable person, especially to Jewish organizations. Plus, it is part of Jewish tradition. I am supporting the Jewish Federation because the things they do make an impact in the Jewish community, like helping the Jewish elderly, while also keeping alive Jewish traditions. It is also important to me that some of the support goes to Israel as well.”
Donor Frank Brodsky also noted how his parents’ generosity guided his support of the Jewish Federation. “I was blessed to have parents who exposed me to charitable giving. I have been involved with the Jewish Federation for a long time, and I wanted to help continue the great things the Jewish Federation does.”
The Tikkun Olam Society was launched last year to formally recognize all community members who are including a gift of any size to the Jewish Federation in their estate plans through a will, charitable gift annuity or other estate-planning vehicle.
“The Tikkun Olam Society reinforces the idea that every gift, of any amount, matters and makes a difference,” said Ellen Sklar, senior endowment officer at the Jewish Federation. “One does not need to be wealthy to make a legacy gift. There is a place at the Jewish Federation for anyone who cares about making our future Jewish community viable and stable for future generations.”
Members of the Tikkun Olam Society also will be recognized at the Jewish Federation’s 20th Circle of Partners celebration, being held on June 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park. Entertainment by the Bobby Block Orchestra will be followed by a dessert reception. Circle of Partners honors donors who have generously supported the Jewish community through a Jewish Federation annual gift for 25 years or more.
If you would like more information about the Tikkun Olam Society, including the Jewish Federation in your estate planning or the upcoming Circle of Partners event, please contact Ellen Sklar at 215-832-0574 or esklar@jfgp.org.
