When did you last speak with your family about your philanthropic giving? How can you involve your children? And what’s the best way to create a lasting legacy? These questions and more were discussed among 150 philanthropists from high-net-worth families at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Multigenerational Retreat, held at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif.
Co-chaired by Jewish National Fund-USA Ambassadors Caryn & Mark Israel and Amy Berko Iles, the private gathering welcomed prominent families from across the country for a weekend of meaningful discussions about impactful philanthropic giving, how to identify shared values and methodologies that unite families through effective financial communications.
With an emphasis on ‘family,’ the event featured a warm and festive Friday-night Shabbat dinner. The evening also saw participants present their family histories, which was complimented by an expert genealogist-in-residence who helped attendees better understand their respective backgrounds.
“Lauren and I were delighted to join so many families like our own who care deeply about the land and people of Israel,” said Jewish National Fund-USA president, Dr. Sol Lizerbram. “Sometimes, it’s important to take a step back from our busy lives and see the bigger picture, and I am so pleased that our retreat gave participants this opportunity. I know they highly appreciated the conversations we sparked, especially around initiatives like the Jewish Future Pledge.”
The Jewish Future Pledge is a worldwide movement inspiring Jews of all backgrounds to commit that from the charity they leave at their passing, at least half is earmarked to support the Jewish people and/or Israel.
Reflecting on the event, Jewish National Fund-USA National Campaign Director, Major Gifts, Diane Scar, highlighted the overwhelming positive feedback. “It was such a wonderful weekend,” she said. “It was gratifying to hear attendees say to me, ‘Your organization really cares about us and our family as people. I’m not just a donor!’ and, ‘This is the first time I have had an open conversation about money in front of my adult children. It was liberating and about time! Thank you for helping me facilitate this conversation.’ ”
Participants also shared how the retreat gave them better tools and a forum to convey information about their giving with their children. “I already did a Donor Advised Fund and never discussed it [with my kids]. However, I now want to start one for our next generation!”
To learn more about Jewish National Fund-USA’s major donor societies, email Diane Scar at: dscar@jnf.org (410-486-3317, Ext. 840).