Legacy Stories
“When we think of the Endowment - 'Ldor v'dor' immediately comes to mind.”

pizitz_carole-michaelThere is nothing like being at Temple Emanu-EI to provide the feeling of togetherness of our Jewish community. It is the main place we gather for worship services and special occasions, and nothing gives us more pleasure than our extended family all sitting together in the sanctuary pews on the row near the Louis Pizitz window.

The Pizitz family has been an integral part of this congregation since the 1920s – and Rabbi Grafman arrived when I (Michael) was just in 2nd grade. We are thrilled to now have the 6th generation of the Pizitz family growing up here at Temple Emanu-EI with our great-grandson Brody Morrison starting religious school. And, it is very encouraging to see a vibrant and charismatic young rabbi and cantor now at the helm with the congregation continuing to grow and attract young members. The same holds true with the growth of our Grafman Endowment Fund over the years. We’ve both served at various times on the Endowment Board. Years ago when we were first involved, it was perceived that giving to the Endowment was just for older people. However, now there are so many ways for all ages and financial means to participate and continue to grow their endowment gifts over time.

When we think of the Endowment – “Ldor v’dor” immediately comes to mind. Because of the way it is structured, the Endowment is a way for us to create something larger and permanent so that it will endure and be here for generations to come. That is the main reason we endowed our dues – our generation is not going to be here forever, and this is a way to ensure the vitality of our Temple for the future. Growing steadily over time, it is very rewarding to know that our Endowment is now a very vital part of our Temple and is able to fund positions, programs and other enhancements that our congregational dues cannot afford. We’re so pleased to have been able to do our part – it gives us both a real sense of pride.

~ Carole & Michael Pizitz

Reprinted from the 2020 Annual Report

Leaving Your Legacy

As we honor the visionary commitment of these thoughtful philanthropists, we hope, in turn, that others will be inspired to follow their footsteps. Establishing your personal legacy gift of any size is welcomed — and will leave a unique and lasting imprint of your and/or your family’s deep connection to our traditions, culture, values and congregation.

To learn more about the many legacy opportunities available, click here, or contact Alison Berman in the Endowment Office at aberman@ourtemple.org or (205) 397-0814.

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