Who will preserve our history, my history, Jewish history?

Create a legacy that preserves our collective Jewish story for generations to come.

The Center for Jewish History is home to five partner organizations: the American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum, and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.

Together, the collections, housed at the Center for Jewish History, comprise more than 500,000 volumes, 100 million documents, and thousands of works of art, textiles, ritual objects, recordings, films, and photographs. Through preservation, digitization, research, and public programming, the Center ensures that the history, culture, and heritage of the Jewish people remain accessible to future generations.

A planned gift to the Center is an investment in this enduring mission.

The Legacy Society

Honoring those who help preserve Jewish history for generations to come.

The Center for Jewish History gratefully recognizes the individuals and families who have made a planned or estate gift to support our future. Their generosity ensures that our extraordinary collections, stories, and cultural heritage will continue to inspire and educate generations to come.

With gratitude, we recognize our Legacy Society members:

Anonymous
S. R. Bortner, M.D. z”l
Joshua M. Gendel z”l
Beatrice Gold z”l
Barbara Gordon z”l
Reba Herson z”l
Robert M. Kern z”l
Estate of Gerald Kramer z”l
Ruth Levine z”l
Estate of Anita K. Linker z”l
Enid Ain & Richard Rizzo
Edward S. Sandrow z”l
Rona Schneider z”l
Estate of Joseph E. Silverman z”l
Bruce Slovin z”l
Jeffrey Webber z”l

We are deeply grateful to our Legacy Society members for their commitment to safeguarding Jewish history.

Join the Legacy Society. Create your lasting legacy.

By informing the Center of your planned gift, you become a member of the Legacy Society and may enjoy invitations to special programs, subscriptions to Center publications, and recognition of your generosity, unless you prefer to remain anonymous.

Create Your Legacy

There are many ways to include the Center for Jewish History in your estate and philanthropic plans. Whether you wish to make a gift through your will, establish an endowment, or designate the Center as a beneficiary of your assets, we welcome the opportunity to help you explore your options.

1. Gifts Through Your Will or Living Trust
   

   A charitable bequest is a simple and meaningful way to support the Center's future. You can designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset to benefit the Center.

   A bequest allows you to retain control of your assets during your lifetime while creating a lasting charitable legacy.

2. Gifts That Provide Income
   

   You can support the Center while potentially receiving income for yourself or a loved one through a charitable remainder trust (CRT).

   Alternatively, a charitable lead trust (CLT) allows you to provide ongoing support to the Center during a specified term, with the remaining assets eventually passing to your heirs.

   Depending on your circumstances, these arrangements may provide tax and estate-planning benefits.

3. Endowment Gifts
   

   Establish a permanent endowment in your name or in honor or memory of a loved one. An endowment creates a lasting source of support for the Center and its mission.

   You may establish an unrestricted endowment, allowing the Center to direct resources where they are needed most, or explore a designated purpose, subject to the Center's approval and policies.

4. Beneficiary Designations
   

   You can name the Center for Jewish History as a beneficiary of certain assets without changing your will. These may include:

   • Retirement accounts, including IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s.
   • Financial accounts, including savings, checking, and brokerage accounts.
   • Life insurance policies.

Simply contact your financial institution or insurance provider to request a beneficiary designation form. You may also share a copy with the Center so we can acknowledge your intentions.

Begin the Conversation

Your legacy can help ensure that Jewish history is never forgotten.

Whether you are considering a bequest, an endowment, or another planned gift, the Center's Development Office welcomes the opportunity to speak with you confidentially about your philanthropic goals.

Contact the Center for Jewish History:
15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011
212-294-8309
development@cjh.org

The Center’s Federal Tax ID number (TIN) is 13-3863344

The information presented on this webpage is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Planned giving strategies and their potential tax implications vary depending on individual circumstances and applicable laws. Please consult your attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional before making a planned gift. The Center for Jewish History encourages prospective donors to discuss their intentions with the Development Office.