Jewish Community Partners

Sheri Gadberry, Senior Philanthropic Officer, Executive Vice President, Jewish Community Partners

August is National Make-A-Will Month, and while the thought of creating or updating a will can be overwhelming, the good news is you don’t have to do it alone. The Jewish Foundation of Memphis offers a unique and invaluable resource for the community: the Professional Advisory Group (PAG). This is a network of highly skilled and trusted legal and financial experts who are dedicated to helping you navigate the estate planning process with confidence and clarity.

The PAG is designed to take the stress out of planning for the future. By connecting you with professionals who understand the complexities of wills, trusts, and charitable giving, the Foundation empowers you to create a plan that not only protects your loved ones but also secures your personal and philanthropic legacy.

Why a Will Matters

For many, starting the estate planning process is the hardest part. The thought of sorting through finances and making decisions about the future can be daunting. But a will isn’t just about assets; it’s about peace of mind.

Holly Brewer Palmer, an attorney at Harkavy McDaniel Kaplan & Salomon P.C. and a member of the PAG, finds her work rewarding because she helps clients develop a comprehensive plan that takes into account their specific circumstances. “I like listening to clients tell their story and express their concerns regarding financial affairs and family dynamics,” she says. “It is rewarding to help implement the plan and give my clients peace of mind.”

A will lets you decide who manages your estate, who inherits your property, and who cares for your children. Without one, the state makes these decisions for you, which can create stress, confusion, and family disputes. Planning ahead means you are in control.

Beyond the Basics: Leaving a Legacy

Estate planning also provides an opportunity to reflect on the causes you care about most and how you want to support them. You can use your will to create a charitable legacy that extends your impact beyond your lifetime.

“I encourage them to think about causes and organizations they already love and support,” says Renée Castle, an attorney at Castle Law and a member of the PAG. She suggests considering how to leave a lasting legacy to those groups, whether directly or through a foundation like the Jewish Foundation of Memphis.

The Jewish Foundation supports a wide range of organizations, making charitable giving simple and effective. Instead of dealing with the administrative work of multiple donations, you can work with the Foundation to create a Donor-Advised Fund that aligns with your values.

“The Jewish Foundation is a great resource because it provides a sounding board for the client to discuss his/her overall interests as it relates to charitable giving,” says Holly Brewer Palmer. “The Foundation can then assist the client with identifying charitable organizations that fit the client’s interests and tailor a plan to accomplish such donations.”

Your Expert Guides

The Jewish Foundation of Memphis created its Professional Advisory Group to connect the community with experts in estate planning. The Foundation doesn’t provide legal or financial advice itself; rather, it facilitates the conversation by introducing you to professionals who can help you craft a plan that works for you.

“I do like to bring up charitable giving in my client estate planning meetings because it’s not necessarily something people are thinking about when they sit down with me initially,” says Holly Brewer Palmer. “But I find that once I plant the seed, it’s an idea that resonates with at least some clients who otherwise may not have considered it.”

Similarly, Renée Castle brings up the topic of giving from the start, mentioning it in her initial estate planning questionnaire to get clients thinking about their options. “Many clients are charitably minded but don’t really know where to start or how to go about it,” she says.

The Jewish Foundation is committed to helping the community leave a legacy for future generations. By working with the PAG, you can create a plan that not only protects your loved ones but also ensures the organizations you care about continue to thrive.

Ready to take the first step? Contact the Jewish Foundation of Memphis at JFOM@jcpmemphis.org to be connected with a member of the Professional Advisory Group who can guide you through the process of creating a will and planning your philanthropic legacy.