Shabbat Shalom,
A question for all of us to consider: What does it mean to leave something lasting behind? Not just in memory, but in action—something that will continue to nurture and sustain long after we can no longer guide it. Our children and grandchildren certainly serve as our legacy. Still, what about something even larger that would directly impact others?
In the story of Noah, after the flood (Genesis 9:12–13), G-d sets the rainbow in the sky as a sign of an eternal covenant between G-d and all living beings for generations to come. The rainbow is a promise that transcends any single lifetime. It represents continuity, responsibility, and hope for the future.
Endowing what we care about most is a natural extension of this idea. When we create an endowment, we do more than fund programs— we ensure our values live on and that the community we cherish continues to thrive beyond our lifetime. At the Jewish Alliance, we see every day how legacy gifts help sustain the fabric of our community. At the same time, many ongoing initiatives would be strengthened even further through endowment support, your endowment support. These include efforts that:
- educate our children
- keep our community safe
- fight antisemitism and hate
- develop future leadership
- support arts and culture
- care for our most vulnerable
These initiatives and others bring us together in times of celebration and challenge. They are acts of faith—faith in our people, in our traditions, and in the future. I invite you to consider helping to grow the Jewish Alliance endowment. Think about which initiative resonates most deeply with you. And if none of these immediately speak to you, I welcome the opportunity to connect and explore what does. By doing so, you become a partner in securing the strength and vibrancy of our community for generations. Whether through a legacy gift, a planned contribution, or a commitment in your estate plan, your support ensures that the Alliance will continue to be here —serving, connecting, and caring— into the future.
Our tradition speaks often of “l’dor v’dor”—from generation to generation—not only as a hope, but as a responsibility. Legacy is not only about what we leave behind; it is about what we intentionally pass forward. As we enter Shabbat, a time that itself is a weekly reminder of renewal and continuity, I invite each of us to consider: What am I passing on? What will endure because of me? What do I care most about today that will make a difference tomorrow? And how might I take a step—be it large or small—to ensure it continues?
May this Shabbat bring you peace, reflection, and a deep sense of connection with those who came before us and those who will follow.
Shabbat Shalom,
Harris Chorney
Interim President & CEO
