Freedmans’ Estate-Plan Gift to Support the Jewish Federation Far into the Future

Sharon and Joel Freedman first connected with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia through their work advocating for Jewish individuals with disabilities. After they assumed responsibility for Sharon’s sister, who is disabled, the Freedmans connected with the Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence (JCHAI) program—an organization providing housing and other assistance for developmentally disabled adults. Since then, they have become very involved with the Jewish Federation philanthropically; Sharon sits on the Board of Women’s Philanthropy, while Joel serves on the Committee for Israel and Global Strategy and is a member of the Board of Trustees. They are also avid mission participants and leaders.

"My first mission was transformative. It was my first time on Israeli soil," Sharon says. "The participants were women of all generations, and I found that so inspirational." Ensuring this Jewish continuity across generations is just one of the many advantages of an endowment at the Jewish Federation.

Sharon and Joel took their time in determining what they wanted their legacy to be. They worked with Jewish Federation Endowment professionals to establish a bequest to the Jewish Federation in their wills as a way to provide long-term support for the causes they care about most. This bequest includes gifts to JCHAI, where Joel is on the Board of Directors, and Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, where Joel is the past president and Sharon serves on the Sisterhood Executive Board. The Freedmans' planned gift also creates a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) at the Jewish Federation in Sharon's name, making her a "Forever Lion," and a Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) Fund in Joel's name.

Sharon and Joel believe their endowment gift is an important way to set an example for their children, Alexandra and Dylan. They feel strongly that committing to a planned gift will ensure that Jewish causes and initiatives can continue far into the future. Joel and Sharon both agree that "It is important to consider the legacy you leave. It is never too late (or too early) to do something significant that will positively impact the future of the Jewish community."