This is our new donor-recognition society to honor those people who have committed themselves to the future of our Jewish community.

The Society encompasses all donors who either have pledged to leave a bequest or already maintain an endowed gift at the Tidewater Jewish Foundation.

Within the Simon Family Legacy Society there are five levels of honor. By pledging to bequest a gift to our Jewish community in your will, you have taken your first step. Once your endowment is established, you will have moved to the next level and will be honored as a member of the Gesher Society. As a way to say "thank you" to donors who establish large endowments, membership in our highly revered Mitzvah Society, Tree of Life Society, or Eternal Light Society is determined through your aggregate balances maintained for the benefit of all TJF Affiliates and the Foundation itself.

Eternal Light Society
$1,000,000+ aggregate endowment or completed bequest

Tree of Life Society
$500,000+ aggregate endowment or completed bequest.

Mitzvah Society
$200,000+ aggregate endowment or completed bequest.

 Gesher Society
Completed commitment through
actuated fund or bequest

Simon Family Legacy Society members are invited to include their photo and personal statement in our multimedia Endowment Book of Life. When you sign the Endowment Book of Life you are saying: "I believe in my community and our legacy."

The Endowment Book of Life is an interactive, multimedia display that combines traditional Jewish values with modern technology. The sculpture that houses the Book is on display in the Cardo of the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community. It is shaped as a Torah scroll and uses real sheepskin parchment from Israel. Also on the sculpture is an outline of the Jerusalem landscape. Within the sculpture is a flat-screen television that utilizes DVD technology to provide a way for families to communicate their values and commitment to the Jewish ideals of tzedakah and tikkun olam by creating and sharing their family statements.

Your gift can take many forms:

• A Bequest in your will
• A Charitable Trust
• A Life Insurance Policy naming the Foundation as owner and beneficiary
• An Endowment Fund (such as a Donor-Advised Philanthropic Fund, an Unrestricted Fund or a Field of Interest Fund)
• An Ezra Charitable Gift Annuity
• Donated Real Estate

Whatever you decide, the Foundation's Professional staff can provide free consultation to you and your financial advisor.

To join The Simon Family Legacy Society contact  Marc Davis, Director of Administration, 965-6105 or mdavis@ujft.org.