Jodi and David Miller: Life Insurance Gift Will Fund Endowment

Jodi and David Miller hope that their decision to endow a gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia through the purchase of an insurance policy clears up the misconception that “endowments are something that should only be considered by people who are much older than us and who have a significant amount of wealth.”

The couple did some research and realized that “if we wanted to make this type of gift, it was actually beneficial for us to make it now—when we are younger and in good health,” says Jodi, adding that she and David hope that “by making this gift, we will encourage our peers to also consider endowing their philanthropy.” The Millers’ gift has permitted them to enter the Lions’ Gate of the Jewish Federation Endowments Corporation’s Legacy Society.

The couple feels strongly about the “amazing work” being done through the Jewish Federation and the number of lives being touched. “We feel very blessed and this is the ultimate way of showing our children the importance of tzedakah; we try to model everything we believe in for our children,” says David. Jodi adds, “We have explained to them that this gift will help people even after we are gone.”

Jodi says that she is grateful for the many opportunities that the Jewish Federation has provided to her, David, and their entire family. The Millers’ three children have all attended Jewish day schools that receive the Jewish Federation funding.

“In this crazy world we live in, there is nothing more important than staying close to your Jewish values,” says Jodi, adding that “these values are at the center of everything we do as a family.”

Jodi is gratified that her the Jewish Federation involvement has given her the chance to meet recipients of the Jewish Federation-funded services both locally and in Israel.

“It feels so good to see how we are making a positive difference,” she says. Jodi asserts that philanthropy is a two-way street. “My involvement in the Federation has not only provided me with an opportunity to reach out to our Jewish community, but it has also provided me with friendships that I will have for life.”