Increasingly, younger donors are making the important decision to include UJA in their legacy plans. Read inspiring profiles of some of these individuals with remarkable foresight.
Learn more about planned giving for young donors here.
I know people usually think of legacy giving as something for older people, or for a later stage of life, but you can have more of an impact if you start thinking of this at a younger age.
— Ken Eisman
While family is so important to me, I also wanted to make a gift within my capacity to the charities that I find most meaningful in my life. I think it’s important to do what you can and set a philanthropic example for your family and for your community.
— Jillian Merns
I know people usually think of legacy giving as something for older people, or for a later stage of life, but you can have more of an impact if you start thinking of this at a younger age.
— Ken Eisman
While family is so important to me, I also wanted to make a gift within my capacity to the charities that I find most meaningful in my life. I think it’s important to do what you can and set a philanthropic example for your family and for your community.
— Jillian Merns
I know people usually think of legacy giving as something for older people, or for a later stage of life, but you can have more of an impact if you start thinking of this at a younger age.
— Ken Eisman
While family is so important to me, I also wanted to make a gift within my capacity to the charities that I find most meaningful in my life. I think it’s important to do what you can and set a philanthropic example for your family and for your community.
— Jillian Merns
Ken Eisman
It’s the Jewish community — and its future — that motivated Ken Eisman, 35, to make a legacy gift to UJA.
Ken recounts a d’var Torah he heard about Moses, whose dream was to bring the Jewish people to the promised land. Despite a lifetime committed to his people, Moses learns that he won’t cross over into Israel. And yet he persisted in leading them as far as he could go.
“Those words really inspired me to think about my own legacy,” explains Ken. “When I’m not here anymore, won’t I still want there to be fruit of my labor? Wouldn’t I want to do everything I can to ensure the success of the Jewish people even long after I’m gone?”
Shortly thereafter, Ken made the decision to purchase a life insurance policy through UJA, with UJA named as the policy’s beneficiary.
“From an insurance perspective, it makes sense to make a gift like this when you’re younger, when premiums are lower,” a father of two who works in the insurance business as a vice president at HUB International. “I know people usually think of legacy giving as something for older people, or for a later stage of life, but you can have more of an impact if you start thinking of this at a younger age.”
Ken’s UJA involvement began in 2016, when he attended a UJA event. That event turned into another, then another. Then it turned into a mission to Israel, Leadership Labs, Observership, and a Shapiro Family Fellowship.
Now, Ken sits on a Board at UJA and is a member of Cabinet. So what spurred this journey of increasing involvement?
“I had known UJA peripherally before I became involved, but quickly came to more fully appreciate its scope and all the incredible work they do,” Ken explained. “It’s the perfect organization for me to support because I didn’t necessarily have a single passion or cause in mind, but I liked the impact I make when I give to UJA. I could give $1 and it automatically goes to support 12 different things at once.”
Ken’s UJA involvement also cultivated an appreciation for the continuum of the greater Jewish community. “When you grow up in one specific community, whether that’s Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform, you can sometimes think that’s all there is, but being a part of UJA has shown me that we’re truly part of a greater whole,” he said.
Now, Ken’s gift reaffirms his commitment to his philanthropic home.
“There’s always going be need that exists, and my actions today could yield dividends well into the future. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?” asked Ken. “Moreover, I want to impress this lesson on my children. I’m proud that they’ll see I’ve taken the foresight to consider the future for them, for their own children, and grandchildren, and for many generations to come.”
Jillian Merns
Jillian Merns might be better equipped than most people to understand the critical significance that planned giving plays in UJA. The 40-year-old partner at New York law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher helps clients plan their trusts and estates every day.
So it was a no brainer that the longtime UJA leader would step up and make a bequest to UJA in her own will.
“A will reveals what you find important,” said Jillian. “While family is so important to me, I also wanted to make a gift within my capacity to the charities that I find most meaningful in my life. I think it’s important to do what you can and set a philanthropic example for your family and for your community.”
Jillian first became involved with UJA in 2008, as a new Columbia University School of Law graduate. “I joined UJA Young Lawyers to make professional connections, give back, and to learn more about UJA’s work,” she said. “I liked that UJA’s work covers so many areas that I could really diversify my giving with one simple gift.”
Jillian became increasingly involved with UJA, chairing the Young Lawyers Division and helping establish the Lawyers Council and NextGen Trusts & Estates before joining Cabinet. Jillian also saw the world with UJA, traveling on missions to places including Argentina, Cuba, Morocco, and Russia.
“It’s gratifying to see different Jewish communities around the world and discover how UJA’s impact is helping strengthen them,” said Jillian. “It’s very meaningful to be a part of that work.”
It also connects you to a larger circle of people who share your values.
“The community of UJA supporters is incredible, and I’ve met so many friends and interesting people through my involvement with UJA,” said Jillian. “It’s been a big part of my life and I’m grateful for that.”
Jillian concluded, “I urge anyone who has the ability, no matter their age, to include UJA in their wills. It’s a great way to make a statement –— a final statement — about what you find most important in your lifetime for many generations to follow.”
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