Jewish Community Partners

Marlene Gerson exemplifies how the power of legacy and commitment help build the future of our Jewish community. Through her actions, she is not only making an impact today, but also ensuring that her values and vision are passed down to future generations.

By endowing her annual gift to Memphis Jewish Federation with a life insurance policy, Marlene has established her “Forever Lion of Judah Endowment” (LOJE) and is securing a lasting contribution to her community. This generous act ensures that her support will continue well beyond her lifetime, providing vital resources to help those in need and sustain the mission of the Jewish community for years to come.

Marlene has also made a thoughtful and impactful decision to include her daughter, Stefanie Gerson Mintz, in this legacy, by creating a second LOJE with a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). This act of tzedakah empowers the next generation to take an active role in sustaining Jewish values and charitable giving. This gesture goes beyond a financial contribution; it is a way to instill a deep sense of responsibility and passion for helping others in need.

Marlene’s decision to use life insurance and a QCD to fund these gifts is a wise strategy, allowing her to support her community generously in a tax-efficient manner. This approach highlights Marlene’s foresight and dedication to her community and her family.

Through these acts, Marlene is not only ensuring a Jewish future, but also passing on a powerful legacy of love, generosity, and commitment to tzedakah. Her example serves as a model of how one person’s actions can make a profound and lasting difference, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and continue the important work of securing a vibrant Jewish community for future generations.