Legacy Circle Program Booklet

Remembering CONGREGATIONSHOMREI TORAH

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Established in 2008, the Legacy Circle honors members who have remembered Shomrei

Torah in their estate plans and encourages others to do the same.

Why Make a Legacy GiftJewish tradition teaches that one of our key duties is to make the world a better place for future generations — Tikkun Olam. This reflects the Jewish values of Justice (tzedakah), Compassion (chesed) and Peace (shalom). It is a call to action. It recognizes that each act of kindness, no matter how small, helps to build a new world.

You make your annual pledge to ensure Shomrei Torah is here for you today. But have you considered who will take care of Shomrei Torah in the future? By including Shomrei Torah in your will, you can continue to make a difference and build a better place for generations to come.Your legacy can reflect everything that is most important and meaningful to you. The legacy planning process can engender heartfelt conversations with your family and build even stronger bonds with Shomrei Torah.The act of creating a legacy empowers you to complete the work of your heart, and to enjoy the peace that it brings.

About the Legacy Circle

How to Join the Legacy Circle1. Discuss your goals and desires with your family.2. Consult with your estate planning and tax advisors on how to best

implement your wishes. Members of the Endowment and Gifts Group are also available to have a discussion with you.

3. Name Congregation Shomrei Torah in your will, trust or insurance policy.

4. Obtain a copy of a Letter of Intent from Executive Director, Fran Brumlik, or Irv Rothenberg, Chair of the Endowment and Gifts Group.

5. It’s that easy, and all contacts and information are confidential.

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Legacy Circle Members• RosanneArthur• BillieBlumenthalandCyWilcox• LindaandDanBornstein• FlorenceBoxerman• MarshaandKeithBoxerman• RachaelandJimCutcher• NancyandReedFerrick• JudyFreedmanandBillSkoonberg• JanetandIraGelfman• JanGilmanandMichaelTonjum• LauraandRabbiGeorgeGittleman• PaulaandAlbertHandelman• MarshaandDonaldJacobs• SueLewisandDaveSilacci• MargaretLivingstonandShirleyLiberman• CynthiaandMannyNestle• MarcyPluznick-Marrin• Ruth(andRabbiMichael)Robinson• PhyllisandArnieRosenfield• ColeenandIrvRothenberg• DianneSmithandBenjaminBenson• SueandEdSmith• MarleneandMartinStein• JaneandSapirWeiss

“Of Blessed Memory”• LaurDeAguiar• EstherLang• PaulLevine• EvelynandDanWinston

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Rosanne Arthur and her family first joined Shomrei Torah in 1995. Like many

families, they joined so their daughter might receive a Jewish education that ultimately led to her Bat Mitzvah in 1999. Rosanne is so pleased that her daughter received a fine education and has made lifelong Jewish connections as the result of her time at Shomrei Torah. Today Rosanne’s daughter remains active in collegiate Jewish life and has a strong Jewish identity.Rosanne and her husband feel especially connected to and grateful for Rabbi George Gittleman. They left the synagogue for a time when their daughter finished her Jewish

Rosanne Arthureducation, but chose to return several years ago because of their appreciation of Rabbi George. Rosanne feels that Rabbi George is “amazing” and for her brings “life to Judaism.”Her decision to participate in the Legacy Circle jelled with the possibility of “retiring the synagogue’s debt.” She hopes someday that the mortgage is history and that Shomrei Torah can continue to thrive and expand as future needs dictate. Her ultimate hope is that more Jews in Sonoma County will affiliate with the synagogue and enable it to become more of a true center of Jewish life in this community.

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Billie Blumenthal and Cy Wilcox

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Linda and Dan B o r n s t e i n j o i n e d

Shomrei Torah in 1984, and as Linda says, “the moment we walked in the door, we knew we had come home.” The door then was at a local Baptist Church, as the Methodist Church where the congregation had been worshipping had not yet recovered from a devastating fire.Three children and many lifecycle events later, the Bornstein’s feeling of belonging is as strong as ever. Their commitment and desire to give back to the congregation led Dan to serve two terms as President, and Linda has been an active participant in a wide variety of Synagogue activities. Today they note that while their busy schedules often mean they cannot see the many friends they have made during these years as often as they

Linda and Dan Bornsteinwould like, there is a special joy in seeing and catching up with them at High Holy Days services. Inspired by the gifts of Robert and Claire Harris and Stuart

Sobelman, who once welcomed them into the Shomrei Torah community, the Bornsteins knew they would want to name the Synagogue as a beneficiary in their wills. Their gift is not directed to any particular program or purpose, but can be used where most needed at the time. Says Linda, “the crux of our giving is to continue to fan the flames that join us, so whenever people need to feel they are part of a larger picture, they don’t have to look any further than the CST family photos.”

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Legacy Circle m e m b e r F l o r e n c e

Boxerman has been a member of Shomrei Torah since 1994, when she and her late husband Mel moved here from Waukegan, Illinois, to be closer to their grown children. With a strong history of involvement in the Waukegan Jewish community, where Florence served as President of Hadassah and her husband as synagogue president, it was only natural that they soon became active members of CST. Today, their son Keith Boxerman and daughter Nancy Boxerman Ferrick, both of whom are very actively involved members of Shomrei Torah, continue this tradition.

Florence BoxermanF l o r e n c e f e e l s s t ron g l y a b out the responsibility to suppor t her synagogue, doing whatever she can to help as needed. Her legacy gift is made with no restrictions, but to be used wherever it is most needed. She is proud of Shomrei Torah’s

many accomplishments, including building a home of its own, and feels blessed to be part of such a strong Jewish community, which she now shares with her children and grandchildren.

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Marsha and Keith Boxerman

Ke it h a n d M a r s h a B o x e r m a n

joined Shomrei Torah 12 years ago, excited to become members of a Jewish community that they perceived as inclusive and supportive of justice and kindness. A c c o r d i n g t o Keith, the family has benefitted greatly from their membership, with the spiritual and emotional support of Rabbi George through births, deaths, Bat Mitzvah and the Jewish education of their youngest daughter. And Marsha notes the additional blessing of the many strong friendships that have developed in the process.

The Boxermans decided to join the Legacy Circle in order to express their gratitude for all that they have received over the years, with the hope that it will help insure that Shomrei Torah f lourishes for the benefit of those to come. While their

gift is not stipulated for a particular purpose, Keith commented that he would want it to support the Rabbi, the religious school and the general financial health of the congregation. And the Boxermans both share the vision of many congregants, that Shomrei Torah will indeed become a comprehensive center for Jewish life and a source of wisdom and justice for Sonoma County.

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Rachael and Jim Cutcher

The Cutchers j o i n e d S h o m r e i

Torah in 1996, and as Rachael commented, “we have raised our family in the Shomrei Torah family.” The rel ig ious school and B’nei Mitzvah program have been especially important to the family as their sons have grown, and the Cutchers place a high value on the connection to the Jewish community which the synagogue provides, and which is enhanced by their Chavurah membership and volunteer work.

Jim and Rachael feel it is important to main-tain their commitment to Shomrei Torah and the Jewish comm-unity beyond their lifetimes. They note that remembering the synagogue in their estate plan also sets an example, not only for their own children but for other members

and future generations as well.Looking ahead, they hope that Shomrei Torah will always maintain its warmth and inclusiveness, even as the congregation continues to grow, providing future members the same meaningful connections and worship opportunities that they have enjoyed. Notes Rachael, “remembering Shomrei Torah in your will or estate plan is a simple, painless way to ensure its vitality beyond our own lifetimes.”

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Nancy and Reed Ferrick j o i n e d

Shomrei Torah about 12 years ago, enrolling their son Jordan in the religious school’s first kindergarten class. Through the years the entire family has been actively involved in the synagogue — Reed currently serves on the board and Nancy played a major role in the capital campaign that led to the building of our current congregational home.The Ferricks view Shomrei Torah as their community, always there for them in good times and bad. Over the years Nancy notes they have made many lasting friendships, and feels it is important to insure that future generations will find the same welcoming community there for them.

Nancy and Reed Ferrick Reed and Nancy commented on how fortunate we are to have attracted staff like Rabbi George and Leira. In addition, Reed noted our outstanding religious school and our wealth of programming, which help make Shomrei Torah such a unique and special

community.The Ferricks have not yet determined the particular program or purpose of their legacy gift, but feel strongly that they wish to help ensure a welcoming home for Reform Judaism in the community. They added that this will require a healthy financial outlook for the synagogue, one that will enable Shomrei Torah to continue to offer to future generations the high quality of education and programming, led by an exceptional rabbi and staff, that we enjoy today.

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Judy Freedman and Bill Skoonberg

Judy and Bill met in July of 1999, and the following year

Judy went on a trip to Israel with Rabbi George and members of the congregation. Soon after, Judy and Bill joined Shomrei Torah and discovered what a wonderful congregation it is. Over the years, Judy has worked on several committees and served as board secretary, while Bill has volunteered for various projects and worked with Ruth Lachman when she was editor of The Voice.It is the sense of community that drives Bill to belong to several committees and to continue helping with various projects. He recognizes the strong leadership at Shomrei Torah and values the opportunity to work with congregation members to make the world a better place. The welcoming spirit of the CST community has convinced Bill to provide a legacy to be used for whatever purpose it might best serve.

Throughout his life, Judy’s father worked for and donated time as a publicist to Jewish organizations. He set a good example for her while in his eighties by volunteering to teach current events to seniors at Jewish Family & Children’s Services in the San Fernando Valley.

Judy says that her membership at Shomrei Torah has provided her with a strong connection to the Jewish community and to the larger Santa Rosa community. “I would like to give back to this wonderful synagogue so that others might feel as welcomed as I do.”

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Originally from S o u t h e r n California,

Ira and Janet Gelfman a f f i l i a t e d w i t h Congregation Shomrei Torah about nine years ago after moving to Sonoma County to pursue retirement. Both the Gelfmans had long and productive careers in addition to raising their family. They now feel that they are ready to give back to the community that welcomed and embraced them. Ira and Janet are active members of CST. Either together or individually, they serve and/or work for the Elisha’s Pantry Committee, Legacy Committee, Oneg Shabbat Committee, Finance Committee and the committee to retire the building’s mortgage.In addition, they regularly attend and feel they benefit from Friday night services and feel a sense of contentment by doing so at the end of each week. They enjoy the words shared by Rabbi George and, more recently, the messages of Rabbi Stephanie Kramer.Their decision to name Congregation Shomrei Torah in their wills, like many

Janet and Ira Gelfmanpeople, began when they redid their end of life documents. Each made a decision to give back to their “Jewish home” here in Santa Rosa and to provide for the future of CST in order to preserve the congregation and have it continue for many years ahead. They are passionate about the

continuation of a non-judgmental Jewish community in Sonoma County that is accepting of all people regardless of personal life choices.The Gelfmans have two main directions for their gift. They eventually hope to see the “building on the hill” owned by the congregation free and clear. They also hope to see the long term continuation of Elisha’s Pantry based on the needs of whole community for food.In addition to giving via their wills, they also are generous toward Elisha’s Pantry now. They have asked their children and extended families to send monetary gifts to the Pantry instead of gifting them on special occasions. It means a lot to them that their families honor this request.

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Jan Gilman and Michael Tonjum

Jan and Michael joined Shomrei Torah in 1996,

although Jan had actua l ly been a member in the late 70s. Being actively involved in synagogue life has long been a tradition in Jan’s family, with both her father and grandfather playing significant roles in the family’s synagogue in Terre Haute, Indiana. Jan stated that her synagogue membership allowed her to support the local Jewish community and offered meaningful volunteer opportunities, as well as providing a place to worship. Michael has supported Jan in her many roles in Shomrei Torah, including board membership and several years as chair of human resources. He has also been active himself, and enjoys many aspects of synagogue life.

In join ing the Legacy Circle, Jan hopes to help insure a continued vibrant center for Jewish life in Sonoma County, in the Shomrei Torah tradition of an open, accepting and diverse communit y. She would like to see her legacy gift be used for youth programs, so

that future generations can enjoy the benefits that have been so important to her family. While her own children and grandchildren no longer live in the local community, she hopes her commitment will provide them with a model that will help insure their own ongoing support of Jewish life wherever they may be.

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Laura and Rabbi George Gittleman

Rabbi George and Laura Git t l em a n

came to Shomrei Torah 16 years ago, with twins Sophie and Levi still in arms. The congregation was thrilled to have its first full time rabbi, and as the Gittleman twins grew, so did the synagogue’s membership, along with its religious, educational, cultural and social offerings. Now in its own home, the congregation continues to offer to the Jewish community an open, inclusive and deep approach to Jewish life, notes Rabbi George, who values the strong sense of community that characterizes the congregation.Along with the sense of community, Rabbi George and Laura value the education that Shomrei Torah, through its religious school, has provided for their children, along with the support for their Jewish home and a locus for meaning in all of their lives.

R a b b i G e o r g e strongly supports planned giving as a way to insure Shomrei Torah ’s f inancial independence and security. He also notes the strength of Shomrei Torah’s lay leadership as an important factor in

guiding the congregation to grow and flourish over the years. Looking ahead, he comments that it is his hope this will continue in the years ahead, bringing to the community a Jewish setting in which all can find meaning and a true “Jewish Home.”And joining the Legacy Circle is a great way we can make sure that “our memories will be for a blessing,” adds Rabbi George.

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Eighteen years ago, Albert Handelman affiliated with Congregation Shomrei Torah

so his children could attend religious school. Despite his divorce, he maintained his membership. What he reports finding, over time, is a rewarding sense of belonging to a Jewish congregation that extends itself into the larger community and takes its responsibility of Tikkun Olam seriously. Albert also reports great respect for the leadership of Rabbi George Gittleman.As time passed, Albert remarried and he and Paula feel they continue to benefit from being part of Jewish life in Sonoma County, They feel they have found a place to stay connected to Jewish life locally even though Paula is not Jewish.

Paula and Albert HandelmanAlbert is an attorney in Santa Rosa specializing in wills and trusts. He clearly understands the value of legacy giving and has graciously helps advise the Legacy Committee to assist those who have interest in planning for the future of CST in this manner. He always is willing to answer questions about legacy planning and giving. Albert is a member of the Legacy Committee. The Handelmans feel that the litmus test of the person’s beliefs is whether or not he or she acts on those beliefs. It appears that this couple acts consistently with what it important to them.The Handelmans’ intent in their legacy giving is to replace their annual financial support, given to the Congregation during their lifetimes, with what they will leave as their legacy. They have no specific direction for their gifting. Rather, their hope is to see CST continue and flourish. Albert says that he hopes the Congregation will continue to grow and expand its services ever greater into the Jewish as well as the greater community of Sonoma County.

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The Jacobs relocated to Sonoma

County twenty one years ago from Southern C a l i f o r n i a . They had been affiliated with other congregations in the locations where they had lived while raising their children. Soon after arriving, they investigated Congregation Shomrei Torah and joined in 1993 in order to have a “Jewish home.”Over the years they feel that CST has been there for them in many ways. Rabbi George performed Jewish naming ceremonies for their grandchildren. They enjoy volunteering opportunities, classes and hospitality at all events and services. They especially relish Chavarah connections, activities and close friendships made with congregation friends.

Marsha and Donald JacobsDon and Marsha decided to make a planned gift in order to help secure the future of Jewish life in Sonoma County for generations to

come. They have seven grandchildren now living in the area who all are in mixed marriages. Through the availability of CST, they are able to take their grandchildren to Jewish services and events and help them know about their heritage. It is the Jacobs’ hope that all children who wish to understand what is means to be Jewish will be able to do so since the CST will be there to show them the ways.In naming Shomrei Torah as a legacy in their wills, the Jacobs hope that the funds will be used where ever future leadership feels it will benefit most. Their main interest is in Jewish ethical and moral education and they hope a portion of their gift will continue to build a robust religious school. They consider it a privilege to belong to Congregation Shomrei Torah and to be able to assist in it vibrant future.

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Sue Lewis and Dave Silacci

Su e a n d D a v i d have been

members of CST for fifteen years. Both feel the synagogue has been a “second home,” and has filled their lives with spirituality, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of community. Sue notes that she was brought up in a Conservative synagogue, and one in which her family was always actively involved. This tradition has clearly characterized Sue’s role at Shomrei Torah, where she has served on the board, chaired numerous committees and projects, and currently is spearheading the Community in Conversation program. Sue feels strongly that only through synagogues like Shomrei Torah can we insure the continued existence of our Jewish Traditions, and feels this creates a personal obligation to help provide a “spiritual home” for future generations.Speaking of his fifteen years as a member of CST, David says he

made the decision to include Shomrei Torah in his will because of all the gifts he has received through his membership, i n c l u d i n g guidance and understanding of life issues. David

comments, “I am very appreciative of how welcoming Shomrei Torah has been, allowing me full participation as a non-Jew.” He adds that he and Sue have gained many close friends with whom they continue to share both good fortunes as well as disappointments, and expresses his hope that their contribution will help future generations receive similar blessings.David and Sue have not specified a particular use for their gift, but want the future synagogue leadership to be able to use the funds as they see fit to ensure the ongoing strength and success of the Shomrei Torah congregation. We thank and honor Sue and David for their generosity in remembering Shomrei Torah and the Jewish tradition of l’dor v’dor.

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Shirley and Margaret joined the Legacy Ci rc le to he lp support the continued deve lopment of C o n g r e g a t i o n Shom rei Tora h as a center for both worship and socia l act iv it ies. Comments Margaret, “ it feels good to give something to

help maintain a vibrant Jewish community.” While their gift is not earmarked for a specific purpose, their long term vision sees CST becoming a complete Jewish center, perhaps similar to San Francisco’s JCC, with the reform synagogue as a key part.

Margaret Livingston sssss and Shirley Liberman

Shirley Liberman and Margaret L i v i n g s t o n

joined Shomrei Torah in 2002, and both have become act ive members, volunteering their time and energy in a number of capacities. Shirley sings in the choir, and both have served on the Board of Directors and worked hard on major congregational events including Purim and Casino Nights. Shirley notes that they especially value feeling part of a Jewish community that is diverse and inclusive of all people, and Margaret adds that most of their friendships in Santa Rosa have developed with other synagogue members.

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Cynthia and Manny Nestle

What do you value m o s t

about CST? What do you hope will endure for your children and future generations (l ’ dor v’ dor)? For Cynthia and Manny Nestle, it’s the Jewish education they have received at CST that motivated them to join the Legacy Circle and include our congregation in their estate planning.The Nestles are among the earliest of a growing group of congregants to remember Shomrei Torah in their will and trust, hoping to secure the education opportunities and strong feelings of community for future generations. “Our decision was prompted by the important role CST and our community has played in our lives since we joined about six years ago,

CST is the only synagogue either of us have ever belonged to,” explains Cynthia.“What has been most significant for us is the adult Jewish education: Torah study, various classes and the excellent speakers who have visited. We had no

formal Jewish education previously, so this continues to be a wonderful learning experience. Our legacy for adult Jewish education will help ensure that these programs can continue to benefit those who come after us,” she says.Manny adds, “It is gratifying to know you can continue to help strengthen the Jewish community and CST far beyond your years as a member. Whatever your passion, there is surely a corresponding need that a legacy can help fill.”

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Ma r c y Pluznick-M a r r i n

and her family joined Shomrei Torah 12 years ago, primarily to ensure that their son could receive a Jewish education and become a Bar Mitzvah. Marcy’s involvement in the B’nei Mitzvah program led to the development of new friendships, and eventually to Marcy’s agreement to chair the parent advisory group for the CST teen program, Tzaddikim. One thing led to another, as Marcy became an active leader, board member, and two years ago assumed the role of Congregation President. Marcy notes that the more she became involved, the more the synagogue meant to her, and came to reflect her deepest values.

Most important to Marcy today are the lifelong friends she has made, and the feeling of having a spiritual home for herself and her family. “It is important to me that my kids have a strong Jewish identity, and can walk into a synagogue any place in the world and feel

at home,” Marcy commented.Marcy was prompted to join the Legacy Circle because it offered her the opportunity to help ensure the survival of the synagogue long into the future, offering a thriving Jewish community to future Sonoma County families. Marcy is not dedicating her gift to any special need or program, but will leave it to future leaders to determine how it can best be used. Said Marcy, “I look forward to seeing what directions the synagogue goes as others take on more involved, leadership roles. At the moment, the possibilities seem endless.”

Marcy Pluznick-Marrin

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Ruth Robinson a n d h e r h u s b a n d

R abbi M ic hae l relocated to Sonoma County in 1989 when Rabbi Michael assumed the pulpit at Congregation Shomrei Torah. Ruth and Michael had years of experience working together in various congregations across the United States — he as a rabbi and she as a soloist and choir leader. Their involvement in the Jewish and secular communities of Sonoma County is legend to all who know them.For Ruth, what is most important to her now is the strong sense of community at Shomrei Torah and its place among the larger Jewish community throughout Northern California. She, next to Michael’s

Ruth (and Rabbi Michael) Robinsonside, devoted her life to issues of social justice, and belonging. Shomrei Torah offers her these opportunities in so many ways. Ruth describes it this way: “I need to be part of something strong that contains the powers of creativity, constructive forces in the world,

peace and a love of God that is greater than we can understand.”Ruth’s generous gift was presented with the hope of furthering Jewish ideals, peace and social justice. She hopes, by having the ability to hold these ideals in our minds, that the Congregation will continue through the years furthering cooperation between all faiths in our community.

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Phyllis and Arnie Rosenfield

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Coleen and Irv Rothenberg

Lo n g t i m e members Irv and Coleen

Rothenberg joined Shomrei Torah in 1989 and recall that their first service was also the first service for Rabbi Michael Robinson.“Shomrei Torah means a great deal to us,” notes Coleen, adding “we love what it stands for, and now it feels like coming home to us each time we go. We want to ensure that this spiritual place will be here for generations to come.”

Irv notes, “I was raised Orthodox and had limited understanding of the depth and beauty of my heritage. Shomrei Torah, under the direction of Michael R o b i n s o n a n d subsequently Rabbi George, has made our love for Jewish life f lourish by making

it ‘touchable.’ We also wished to honor Stuart Sobelman and Robert and Claire Harris, whose vision and welcoming spirit to two strangers crafted the rich legacy Coleen and I got to inherit.”The Rothenbergs will help ensure this through the legacy they have created in their wills, which will benefit Shomrei Torah’s endowment fund.

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Dianne Smith and Ben B e n s o n

joined CST in 1989, when the congregation consisted of just 40 households, and only about 80 or 90 people attended High Holy Days. Through the years they have been thrilled to witness and, indeed, spur the congregation’s growth, including the arrival of Rabbi George, development of an outstanding religious school and, of course, the building of a beautiful new synagogue.Ben especially appreciates the fact that the Shomrei Torah of today allows members to fully experience the Jewish values of worship, study

Dianne Smith and Ben Bensonand communit y. Dianne notes that Shom rei Tora h holds her dearest friends and happiest memories. She truly considers it to be her extended family, and has loved working hard with others to make it all possible.Recognizing that

there will always be challenges, Dianne and Ben’s legacy will allow the synagogue to use the funds for whatever purposes a future board may feel are most critical. They note that sustaining a strong and vibrant Jewish community for future generations is the best way possible to express their appreciation for the gifts of past generations that once welcomed them into the Shomrei Torah community.

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Sue and Ed Smith

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Marlene and Martin Stein

Ask Jewish a d u l t s a b o u t

thei r favor ite c h i l d h o o d memories, and a great many will immediately mention Jewish summer camp. And ask about their significant travel experiences, and the answer will very often be their first trip to Israel. Making these experiences available to as many of our young people as possible was the motive behind Martin and Marlene Stein’s incredibly generous gift to establish an endowment fund supporting Jewish camper-ships and youth trips to Israel.“Growing up in Brooklyn, everything I experienced was in a Jewish context. My summers were spent in Jewish ‘sleepaway’ and day camps — and from a young age, my teachers and

parents instilled a love of Israel in me. I feel that camp and Israel are the two opportunities that will truly ‘ last a lifetime’ and strengthen commitment to Judaism,” said

Marlene, who travels to Israel yearly and stocks our Judaica shop with the many beautiful things she finds there. Commented Martin, “Unlike Marlene, I grew up in a neighborhood that was not Jewish, and while I had friends, I always felt I was different and that something was missing. Had I been able to attend camp, and other activities with Jewish kids, I would have been able to fill that gap and understand more about my Jewish heritage.”Words are often not sufficient, but as a beginning we must say THANK YOU to Marlene and Martin Stein. As always, you give us heart, hope and the means to strengthen our future.

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Jane and Sapir affiliated with Congregation Shomrei Torah more than ten years ago with

their young children. They were looking for and found Jewish community and ritual that made them feel comfortable and included. Originally they connected with families through STaRS and felt pleased that their children learned about Judaism and developed Jewish friends. Sapir is from Israel where the couple met many years ago. They frequently return to Israel and enjoy the connection they have with other families in Shomrei Torah who support Israel.Their children are grown now and on their own. Jane and Sapir have reevaluated their estate plan in light of what they would like to see passed on to the next generations. One way they selected to do so was to make a legacy commitment to Congregation Shomrei Torah.

Jane and Sapir WeissThey have no particular preference of what their legacy might help fund, however they want to see the continued success of the Synagogue for future generations. When they moved to Sonoma County more than twenty years ago, they found a limited Jewish community. Through Shomrei Torah’s growth and development the community has become more organized and strengthened. Their hope is that the Sonoma County’s Jewish community will continue to evolve and grow for many generations to come.

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How to fund your Legacy Circle gift to Congregation Shomrei Torah

Once you have decided to help endow the future of Congregation Shomrei Torah by becoming a member of the Legacy Circle, another important decision must be made: How to fund the gift you will be making to fulfill your Legacy Circle commitment. Presented below are a few ways of making gifts, one or more of which may be particularly appropriate for your personal financial and family circumstances. As you read, please remember that these are only suggestions, and you need to carefully consider the impact of any specific approach on your overall financial planning choices. We recommend that you discuss these and perhaps other options with your estate planning and tax advisors. Members of the Endowment and Gifts Group are also happy to begin a discussion with you about the charitable planning opportunities available to you.

Lifetime gifts of cashWhile most Legacy Circle members will choose to defer any funding of their gifts until their deaths, it is possible to begin funding your gift while you are alive. You would simply make cash gifts to CST’s endowment fund, designating each contribution as part of your intended Legacy Circle gift. (If your Legacy Circle gift is intended to establish a new scholarship, fund or program, such scholarship or program will not actually be established until the required minimum level of funding agreed upon between you and CST has been contributed).There are two benefits of funding your Legacy Circle gift in this manner. On the tax side, you will receive an immediate income tax deduction for your gift up to the full amount allowed by law, and you will be able to make gifts at the times and in the amounts which will best suit your individual tax planning needs. On the personal side, you have the opportunity to see the benefits of your gift put into action while you are still alive, giving you the satisfaction of knowing that your generosity has made an immediate and positive impact on the Congregation Shomrei Torah community.

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Lifetime gifts of securitiesThis is similar to making a lifetime gift of cash (or a series of such gifts), but with one substantial difference — if you have appreciated securities in your portfolio, you can generally contribute them to CST without paying any capital gains tax on the appreciation, while obtaining the benefits of an income tax deduction for a charitable gift based on the full fair market value of the securities. Because CST does not pay income taxes, it will obtain the full benefit of the securities at their market value.

Gift from your estate or trustOne easy means of creating your Legacy Circle gift is to include a provision in your Will or revocable living trust which makes a gift to CST. The gift can be stated as a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate or trust, or it can describe particular assets which will be distributed to CST. It is important that in following this approach you make clear that the gift is to fund your Legacy Circle gift, including any special program, scholarship or other fund you intend to endow.

Gift from an IRA, 401(k) account or other retirement plan accounts

Many of us have funded our retirement plan accounts for many years. Most retirement plan account distributions create an ordinary income tax bill for the recipient when the funds are withdrawn. That means if you leave a traditional IRA or 401(k) account, for example, to a family member, he or she will pay income tax each time money is withdrawn from the account. Leaving the same funds to CST will result in no tax to anyone, meaning the funds you worked so hard to save will go further. All things being equal, it is often better to make charitable gifts from retirement account funds while leaving other assets to family members and friends.

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Naming Congregation Shomrei Torah as a beneficiary of your life insurance

There are several ways to use life insurance to fund your Legacy Circle gift. You could name CST as the beneficiary of a portion of the proceeds of a new or existing policy on your life (this would need to be an irrevocable beneficiary designation to qualify as a Legacy Circle gift). Alternatively, you could name CST as the sole beneficiary of a paid-up policy of insurance on your life — if you want to do this, it is best to transfer the policy ownership to CST, which might reap an immediate income tax deduction for you. Yet another means of using life insurance is to take out a new policy on your life which will be owned by CST, and you could pay the premiums on the policy as they came due each year (again yielding potential current income tax deductions).

Gift of the remainder interest in real estateYou can enter into an agreement with CST which provides that you will enjoy the use of your home or other real estate for the rest of your life, and upon your death it will pass to CST. The agreement would spell out the rights and obligations of you and Shomrei Torah over the remainder of your life, for the protection of both parties. One of the nice benefits of this arrangement is that you can obtain an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of the value of the gift to CST.

Establishing a gift annuityA gift annuity operates somewhat like guaranteed payment from an insurance company. You give money to an insurance company or a qualified organization which guarantees a payment to you for the full period of the annuity. In this way you continue to receive an income stream from your assets for the full annuity period and at the end of that period, Congregation Shomrei Torah will receive the remaining principal balance. While, Congregation Shomrei Torah cannot issue a charitable gift annuity itself, we can partner with the

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Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco to help you set up a charitable gift annuity where a major portion of the benefit left at the end of the annuity period will go to CST.

Some slightly more complex vehicles to use in specific circumstances may be Charitable Trusts

(Following is a very brief overview of those trusts — you should consult a professional if considering the use of one of these vehicles.)

Creation of a charitable remainder trust — CRT Charitable remainder trust (CRT) is designed to provide a steady stream of payments to you, your spouse or any other beneficiary you select for life (or for a fixed period of time). The payments can be in the form of either a fixed dollar amount paid out every year or a fixed percentage of the value of the trust assets measured each year. Upon the death of the trust’s beneficiary (or at the end of the fixed period of time), whatever is left in the CRT passes to Congregation Shomrei Torah. Upon the creation of the CRT, you would be entitled to an immediate tax deduction for some portion of the assets donated. The CRT can be funded with cash, securities, or a variety of other assets. Because the CRT is itself treated as a charitable entity, you can contribute appreciated assets which will be sold by the CRT and the capital gain tax will normally be avoided at that time. This can be a useful way to diversify from a single, highly-appreciated investment without losing a lot to taxes before the proceeds can be reinvested.

Creation of a charitable lead trust — CLT In some ways, a char-itable lead trust (CLT) is the reverse of a charitable remainder trust — Congregation Shomrei Torah would receive the initial annual payments from the trust for a specific period of time, and whatever is left after the payments stop will pass to your designated beneficiaries. You may obtain an immediate income tax deduction for the interest projected to pass to CST, or you may be able to greatly reduce the value of the assets eventually passing to the beneficiaries.

Congregation Shomrei Torah • 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404