Jewish Community Partners

Laura Linder, President and CEO, Jewish Community Partners

How will your loved ones remember your cherished memories of the Memphis Jewish community? Will they know, once you are gone, which organizations meant the most to you – and will they ensure that those organizations carry on into the future?

At the Jewish Foundation of Memphis, we have been asking ourselves these questions since we first began celebrating the Foundation’s 30th anniversary earlier this year. There’s no better way to build community legacy than by preserving the memories, reflections and hopes of current Memphians in their own voices. After all, every legacy deserves to be heard.

The Jewish Foundation of Memphis is proud to announce the launch of Legacy Speaks, a new project designed to capture and preserve the voices, values, and personal stories of the Memphis Jewish community. This interactive oral history initiative provides a unique and meaningful way for individuals to share their memories, reflect on their experiences, and express their hopes for the future.

Every life story is a valuable part of the community’s history, and Legacy Speaks is built on the belief that every voice deserves to be heard. This project creates a digital archive of personal narratives that will live on for generations to come. It’s a way to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.

The traveling Legacy Speaks booth will be present at various community events throughout the year. At the booth, community members can step inside and record a voice message that will be permanently archived. Whether they want to share a cherished memory, reflect on how the Jewish community has impacted their life, or simply offer a message of hope, their stories will become a lasting part of the community’s collective legacy, to be passed on to future generations.

Lawson Arney and Jason Salomon, co-chairs of the Foundation’s 30th-anniversary celebration, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “Legacy Speaks provides a meaningful way for everyone who has been involved with charitable giving in our Jewish community to share their stories, leaving a legacy for the next generation and beyond,” said Jason Salomon.

“Given all of the challenges we are facing in the world, it’s heartening to know that through the work of the Jewish Foundation we are able to strengthen so many charitable organizations,” added Lawson Arney. “We have a lot to celebrate. Legacy Speaks is a testament to this continued commitment to building a strong and vibrant community for the future.”

Look for the booth at the following upcoming events and take a moment to record your message.

• September 14, 2025: Memphis Jewish Federation Super Sunday
• September 15, 2025: Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab Golf Tournament
• October 26, 2025: 34th Annual ASBEE World Kosher BBQ Contest and Festival
• December 10, 2025: Jewish Foundation of Memphis 30th Anniversary Celebration
• January 25, 2026: Plough Towers Annual Meeting

The Legacy Speaks booth will also be present at other community events throughout the year. Stop by and add your voice to the rich tapestry of the Memphis Jewish community’s history.