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HELPING TO PERPETUATE CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL-A YEAR END REFLECTION
By Ron Fox, Vice President of Finance & Endowment Committee Member
Each calendar year, we have the opportunity to reflect on the numerous events that have occurred in our lives and in the world, both positive and negative. Year's end marks the passage of time and should awaken our need and desire to give thanks for being able to live in such a glorious place as San Diego with the hope of continuing to enjoy living here in good health and peace.
One hundred and forty two years ago, the founders of Congregation Beth Israel made a commitment to a beginning that affected both the existing small congregation of that time and, unbeknownst to them, the congregation we have grown to today, especially with our wonderful new facility. Now, with pride, we can say, we've built it and "they" have and will continue to come for many decades.
Unfortunately, the one thing neither our ancestors nor many congregants recognized during the ensuing years, was the necessity of building a substantial and ongoing Endowment Fund. Had our current congregation been the beneficiary of a $20+ million dollar endowment fund to help support the many current and growing activities of CBI our fmancial well-being would have been assured. Well, they didn't do it, so now we must.
If we don't pay close attention to CBl's long-term financial well-being, our congregation could continue to find itself enduring the constant battle to balance our budgets, with the strong desire to continue expanding our activities and helping those in need. At the same time we would be struggling to keep from raising dues and asking for money.
None of us likes to be under fmancial pressure, either personally or with the organizations in which we participate. Therefore, wouldn't it be judicious for each of us to consider putting a plan in place that would guarantee a solid fmancial future for our congregation?
None of us will be here forever, however our own mortality, while inevitable is still difficult to face. But, when you do think about it, think how much good can come of adding a bequest to your will that will go to the congregation upon your demise? It's something that all too often is not thought about at the appropriate time, and the desire that we might once have had, to leave a legacy, possibly goes unfulfilled.
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During Chanukah we give gifts to our children, grandchildren and even to our great-grandchildren. What better gift could we give to our descendants than to make certain that our congregation will continue to grow and enjoy a financially solid existence far into the future? Please take a moment now and think about our congregation, your desires regarding its and make it a point to discuss with our professional consultants what you'd like to do to help insure the vitality and viability of CBI for our descendants.
You could decide to give a gift to our Endowment Fund through our new Dor l' Dor Society. You will be receiving information on this new area of financial opportunities for the benefit of CBI. Any of the levels listed would be a wonderful way for you to participate and to leave your own personal legacy to CBI's future.
You could establish anyone of several financial instruments (such as a trust, pooled income fund, bequest, insurance, etc.) that would be handled in an appropriate manner (selected by you) during your life and thereafter. We have many capable professional experts on our Endowment committee who would be pleased to meet with you and explore the Dor l' Dor opportunities that would best relate to your wishes.
We ask that you give consideration to a course of action and take the necessary steps to achieve this great opportunity of mitzvah . There are many levels of involvement listed in the Dor l' Dor brochure as well as other areas of opportunity. I'm certain each congregant and or family that desires to do so, can define a level of participation that would be appropriate to each of their wishes and circumstances.
I wish you all good health, peace and happiness in the coming year and look forward to your thoughtful response to the Dor l' Dor Society mailing and or the expression of your own ideas.
Shalom,
Ron Fox
Vice President of Finance & Endowment Committee Member
If you have questions regarding the Fund, please call the Jewish Community Foundation at 858-279-2740. If you are interested in a confidential appointment to explore ways in which you may wish to make an endowment gift, please contact Stuart Simmons, Executive Director, at 858-535-1111 ext. 3113.
Merle Brodie, a member of our congregation and our Endowment Committee, serves as Director of Philanthropy at the Jewish Community Foundation. If you are interested in learning more about tax saving strategies through charitable giving, please call Merle at 858-279-2740.
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