Endowment is for older people, right? WRONG!
Leave a Legacy Month is a great time to reflect on your own story and create a Jewish legacy through The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, just like Pearleen Lederman did. Pearleen, a 33-year-old from Aventura, has joined our Heritage Society. We recently sat down with Pearleen to discuss her decision to leave a legacy gift.
Q. What inspired you to start your philanthropy at such a young age?
A. Giving is in my DNA and is one of my core values. I learned this from my grandparents and my parents. Also, the Legacy Match Life Insurance Program makes it so easy to leverage your gift through life insurance, especially with The Foundation paying 50 percent of the annual premium! Knowing that I am helping to ensure the future of our Jewish community is amazing.
Q. Can you share a memorable experience that had an impact on you?
A. I moved here with my parents from Colombia as a toddler. Living Jewishly was extremely important to my parents. Before they even had a house here, I was enrolled at Scheck Hillel Community School. It's just who I am. There are so many impactful moments that, at the time, I had no idea the Greater Miami Jewish Federation played a crucial role in. The Federation-supported March of the Living, Hillel and JCC - these experiences shaped my childhood.
Q. What advice would you give young people who want to make a difference?
A. You don't need to have millions in the bank to make a meaningful contribution. If we all do our part, our community will thrive. With Federation, I know that my endowment will support the Jewish community through the Annual Campaign long after I am gone, and I know that it will be given responsibly to so many organizations.
Q. What role do you think social media plays in modern philanthropy?
A. In a post-October 7 world, we are pulled in so many different directions, and social media is driving those conversations. If done right, it can really encourage, educate and increase philanthropy.
Q. What are your long-term goals for your philanthropy?
A. I hope I can continue to give financially, but most importantly, give my time. That is just as important. I try to balance my time and priorities. I choose to fill my spare time with things that give meaning to my life. I am excited to be the next Co-Chair of the Young Leadership Division. I want to make sure that our community is Jewish Miami Proud and united. We are stronger together!
To learn more about how to create your legacy (AT ANY AGE), please contact Scott Kaplan at [email protected] or 786.866.8623 or Miriam Masia at [email protected] or 786.866.8627.
Click HERE to learn about The Foundation's Legacy Match Life Insurance Program.
