Caren and Adam Levin, Marvin and Stefani Levin: Two Generations of Family Create Endowment Funds

Adam Levin hadn’t planned to create a legacy gift when he heard a presentation at a the Jewish Federation Endowments Corporation meeting about using life insurance to fund one. “My wife Caren and I are relatively young and in good health, so for us this was a cost-effective way to make a meaningful charitable gift,” he explains. Adam and Caren feel good knowing that their support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the programs and services it funds will transcend their lifetimes.

Jewish philanthropy is in Adam’s genes. “I remember many evenings when Mom and Dad were out attending board meetings or volunteering for a variety of philanthropic programs,” he recalls; “they often talked about the many charities they were involved with during family meals.”

Adam’s father Marvin Levin remembers his own father, Harry Levin, as “very charitable and very generous to many Jewish causes.” While Harry also contributed to non-Jewish charities, “Dad always emphasized the importance of Jews supporting programs and services that strengthen our Jewish community.”

The elder and younger Levins share similar frustrations – too many good causes and insufficient time and resources to support them all. They created their endowment funds to make certain that the many causes they have donated to throughout their lifetimes will continue to be supported for generations to come.

Stefani Levin, Adam’s mother, is deeply concerned about the “future health and welfare of the Jewish community.” She is particularly troubled by the results of the Jewish Federation’s 2009 Jewish Population Study, which showed significantly decreased numbers of Jews who identify Jewishly. She views the couple’s endowment as a way to support programs “that help our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren build strong connections to their Jewish heritage and strengthen our Jewish community.”

Adam shares his mother’s concerns as well as her commitment to Jewish continuity. He and Caren created their legacy gift in part to help secure the future of Jewish summer camps. “We know from personal experience that these are powerful vehicles for building strong and lasting bonds of friendship as well as bonds to Jewish culture and values,” he says.