LIFE & LEGACY in Dayton: Assuring Jewish Tomorrows, Today

“This organization is a constant in my life.” “This place is my second home.” “I come here to be accepted and be who I am.”

These are just a few of the responses I heard while attending the LIFE & LEGACY team meetings at the beginning of January. The teams ~ from Beth Abraham Synagogue, Chabad of Greater Dayton, Hillel Academy of Greater Dayton, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Services, Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, Temple Beth Or, and Temple Israel ~ came together to design their Legacy plans and discuss why they feel the LIFE & LEGACY program is vital to the Dayton Jewish community.

The responses were quick and passionate. Although they varied, all shared a common thread. In order to ensure the survival of a vibrant, thriving Dayton Jewish community, it is imperative we prepare for the future now.

A program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, LIFE & LEGACY is a four year partnership program that assists communities across North America, through partnerships with Jewish Federations and Foundations, to promote after-lifetime giving to benefit Jewish day schools, synagogues, social service organizations and other Jewish entities. As one of 52 other communities across the country who are investing in their collective future with the guidance and support of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the Dayton Jewish community will plant seeds for the next generation.

The program allows dedicated community members to make a significant difference during their lifetime and ensure community organizations have the ongoing funding they need to continue serving the community’s needs long into the future.

As my ancestors planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me.

~ Ta’anit 23a

As my ancestors planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me.

~ Ta’anit 23a

As my ancestors planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me.

~ Ta’anit 23a

We are fortunate to live in such a compassionate and driven community. These feelings were very evident to me at the recent LIFE & LEGACY training session held in January. Team members from all of the participating organizations joined together with Tammy Dollin, our LIFE & LEGACY Community Consultant. It was such a pleasure to hear what motivates individuals to invest in securing a lively and thriving Jewish community. As the Director of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Dayton, I realize how lucky I am to work with wonderful community members and lay leaders who genuinely care about our local organizations.

Although Jewish Dayton has changed, the passion is still palpable. We have seen a recent influx of young Jewish professionals move into the area. There are numerous families in the area who are working to instill Jewish values in their children. People rely on community organizations to provide cultural, religious, and educational experiences for not only themselves, but the Dayton community at large. Our more seasoned generations are as active as ever. When I look at Jewish Dayton, and ask myself “Why invest in our legacy?” these are just a few of the things that come to mind.

Why do you want to leave a legacy? I encourage you to reach out to your organization’s staff and lay leaders and share with them what you love about the Dayton Jewish community, and why you feel it is important to be an active community far into the future.

It is a privilege to hear your stories, and a privilege to help tell our community story.

For more information about LIFE & LEGACY, contact Janese R. Sweeny, Esq., Foundation Director at (937) 401-1542 or jsweeny@jfgd.net.