In three years since Chabad Tomorrow was launched, donors have pledged more than $50 million in legacy commitments, according to Chabad.org.
“People have been receptive,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos Suite 302 in Crown Hights, Brooklyn. “They recognize the value that Chabad brings to the Jewish community, both locally and on a global level. We help them understand that they are the key to a Jewish future.”
“Whether it is in orphanages in Ukraine, a soup kitchen in Israel or Jewish engagement for an isolated child in Middle America, the bottom line is that Chabad is helping people. And we can’t continue to do that without the visionaries who help us,” Kotlarsky said. “And they themselves benefit from it now and in the future. There is no better investment than reaping the benefits with Chabad forever.”
The Chabad Tomorrow Survey, which is available online through many local Chabad Houses around the world, includes questions such as Have you named one or more beneficiaries in your will?; Is Chabad of (pick location) listed as one of the charities?; Which benefits of legacy giving are most important to you? – Knowing that Jewish education will be supported into the future, Setting an example for my family, seeing that charity leads to a better society, or Tax consideration for my estate plan.”
The survey also notes: We would like to recognize donors who are leaving a gift to Chabad of (pick location). How can we honor you?
Acknowledgement at Dinner or Event; Video with your story to be shown on our website; Name recognized on Legacy Tree; or I wish to remain anonymous.
The Chabad Tomorrow website also explains that “a charitable gift annuity is one of the most popular ways to help Chabad and receive income during your lifetime. For example, you can set up a gift annuity and receive a guaranteed payment far above market rates. The current rate for an 80-year-old single life term is 6.8% percent.
You can also make a substantial Jewish legacy gift to Chabad through designating Chabad as the named beneficiary of your existing life insurance policy. This gift can, in some circumstances, be far greater than anything you could donate during your lifetime.
