At the annual Harold Grinspoon Foundation Life & Legacy gathering this week, taking place for the first time online, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey and our community partners were honored for successfully completing the four-year Life & Legacy program, which empowers Jewish organizations to integrate legacy giving into the philanthropic culture of the Jewish community.

Paul Rovinsky, Director of the Jewish Community Foundation, who led the heart of NJ's legacy initiatives, accepted a custom designed poster from the foundation on behalf of our community. "This beautiful memento will serve as a touchstone of our community's commitment to a strong Jewish future as well as a testament to what we can achieve when we pull together," said Susan Antman, Executive Director, in thanking Paul for his extraordinary Life & Legacy leadership, commitment, and results. 

(Pictured: After the online ceremony in which the Grinspoon Foundation presented Rovinsky, on behalf of the community, with a professionally-designed keepsake poster, Paul's great niece surprised him with a creation of her own, which Paul said rivaled the professional memento in his eyes.)  

Since Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey invested in bringing the Life & Legacy program to the entire Jewish community in Middlesex and Monmouth counties, and the program began in February, 2016, participating organizations raised over 475 gifts with close to $13.5 million is estimated future value for 18 local organizations. These legacy gifts build endowments that provide financial stability to Jewish schools, synagogues, service organizations, cultural centers, and more. 

"As Jewish Federation and partners continue to provide critical human services to the vulnerable in our community, inspire and empower young people to foster a strong Jewish future, address hate and the security threats it brings, and connect all Jews to advance our shared goals and values -- and especially through these challenging times -- the importance of endowments cannot be understated as essential to strengthen and preserve Jewish life," Antman concluded.

Think about a legacy gift to compliment your annual donation. Thank you and LEARN MORE.