Aarons’ Gift of Retirement Plan Assets Creates Funds That Match Their Passions

Carol and Bennett Aaron’s investment in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia spans many decades. From an early age, hearing about the State of Israel at the dinner table, through adulthood, when Jewish Day School education became a joint cause close to their hearts, they have always learned about making a true impact in our Jewish communities, here and in Israel. The Jewish values and traditions they learned as youths are the same they would pass on to their own children, just a small piece of the legacy Carol and Bennett have created.

After serving as president of Adath Israel Synagogue from 1975 to 1977, Bennett became president of Solomon Schechter Day School for four years, during which time the Aarons saw the wide array of services and opportunities offered by the Jewish Federation. They saw the organization mobilizing resources in the region to enrich the Jewish experiences of all community members; they appreciated the Jewish Federation’s ongoing support of Israel. Thanks to Bennett’s parents, dedicated Zionists before there was even a State of Israel to support, the needs of our Jewish communities in Israel have always been a top priority for the Aarons. It soon became clear that involvement with the Jewish Federation could strengthen both Jewish Day Schools and the State of Israel at the same time. As they continued their support, they increased their engagement with the organization—even leading several the Jewish Federation missions to Israel.

Bennett served as Board Chair of the Jewish Federation from 1984 to 1987. Following his presidency, Bennett turned his attention to national and overseas commitments. This resulted in his being on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel for 14 years and president of United Israel Appeal. Bennett currently sits on the Board of Trustees; Carol, also a Trustee, sits on the Board of Women’s Philanthropy.

The Aarons have made a gift of retirement plan assets to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. A portion of the gift will be utilized for the Jewish Federation’s Unrestricted Endowment Fund; another portion will create a fund for the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). The third portion is a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) Fund in Carol’s name, providing an annual gift to the Jewish Federation and making her a “Forever Lion.” The Aarons also supported the new, permanent home of Penn State Hillel with the construction of a new facility to be completed next year.