Life & Legacy

1. Why are endowments important? Philanthropic advisors state: If 20% of your operating budget is not coming from your endowments by 2030, then your organization will be in fiscal crisis. $1 million in our endowments would generate approximately $50,000 to our operating budget. 

2. What is the difference between endowments and expendable funds?

• LIFE & LEGACY gifts are earmarked for TBE’s L’Dor V’Dor Endowment. This fund is invested with the Jewish Community Foundation of Ann Arbor. Each year a percentage, typically 5%, is drawn out to offset TBE operating expenses. The principal remains untouched to grow over time. Income earned over 5% is re-invested in the fund.
• Expendable funds, like the Rabbi and Cantor’s discretionary funds and the Members Helping Members fund, are used to support expenses that are not allocated in the budget. The dollars in these funds are not invested and are available immediately to cover expenses.

3. What are some of the ways I can make a legacy gift to TBE?

• Gift (bequest) in will or trust
• Percentage of retirement account – 401(k) or IRA
• Percentage of life insurance policy
• A legacy gift costs nothing now yet gives you the satisfaction of knowing you have provided for Temple Beth Emeth in the future.

4. What are the next steps?

• Think about what TBE means to you and how you can ensure our financial stability in the future.
• Talk with your financial advisor and/or attorney about the best way for you to make a legacy gift.
• Complete the Letter of Intent form (below) and return to Melissa Sigmond at the TBE office: 2309 Packard Street, Ann Arbor 48104

Download the LIFE & LEGACY Confirmation of Gift Form HERE.

Susan Harris, a longtime member of TBE, passed away on March 6, 2022. Prior to her death she submitted a LIFE & LEGACY Letter of Intent (LOI) with a bequest to TBE in her will. The bequest has been realized and invested in the L’Dor V’Dor Endowment Fund. The distributions from this fund are used to offset operating expenses.

Susan was an only child who grew up in a secular Jewish household. She joined TBE in 2000 and went on one of  Rabbi Levy’s trips to Israel. According to Bobbi Heilveil, who spoke at her funeral, “TBE embraced her, accepted her for who she was and became her extended family, as well as her spiritual home.” Susan was a regular attendee at Friday night services, served on the Pulpit Committee, and for many years organized the lay-led summer services.

Susan Harris inspired Susan Gitterman to join the Pulpit Committee. She recalls, “For many years we collaborated on a lay-led summer service; Susan leading the services and my husband David and I leading the music. When I learned that Susan was in hospice, I visited her nearly every week. Because she loved TBE services, David and I once brought a laptop to her so she could attend services virtually. Susan was not fully conscious at the time, but a number of times she surprised us by joining in the singing with us!”

Susan also celebrated Jewish holidays at the homes of congregants. This is what Deb Katz remembers:  “Susan was a frequent participant in our family Passover seders. She would often bring a dish to share or a small gift. One year she brought a long pink scarf. Susan fit right in at our lively seder table, jumping right in with witty quips and banter!”

Susan’s LIFE & LEGACY bequest is an example of how anyone can make an after-lifetime gift with a Letter of Intent. This can be done in a will or trust, a retirement account, life insurance policy, or other giving options. A legacy gift costs nothing now yet gives you the satisfaction of knowing you have provided for TBE in the future.

Susan’s TBE friends contributed to the purchase of a memorial plaque for the TBE Chapel. It will light up every year on her Yahrzeit - another way that Susan will be remembered by her TBE family. May her memory be for a blessing. 

Ann Arbor Chabad
Beth Israel Congregation
Center for Jewish Studies at Eastern Michigan University
Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor
Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor
Jewish Cultural Society
Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County
Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
Temple Beth Emeth
University of Michigan Hillel