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Doris Levi

Doris Levi (z"l) included a gift in her will to Hadassah, helping to continue the work that was meaningful during her lifetime.

Doris Levi found community at Hadassah. "It was always her charity," recalls Sharon Taxman, one of Doris' two daughters. Doris was deeply engaged with the Hadassah chapter in Buffalo, New York, including serving as president. She helped organize meetings and chair luncheons, galas and other fundraisers, including fashion shows, for which she modeled.

Later in life, Doris joined Hadassah chapters in Florida and New Jersey. She also went to Israel on a Hadassah mission. Outside of Hadassah, Doris enjoyed singing in the temple choir, often performing as a soloist. As a young woman, she received a scholarship to attend The Juilliard School for opera singing, but her father didn't want her to move to New York alone.

When the family was sitting shiva for Doris in 2018, they learned that Doris had left a gift to Hadassah in her will, known as a bequest. The family was moved and grateful that Doris' legacy would live on through her generosity.

Doris' gift has been used to purchase a portable X-ray machine at Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. "I think this is wonderful because if a patient can't get out of bed, they can bring the machine right to them," Sharon says. "It is something concrete to help other people."

For the family, Doris' gift is particularly meaningful because it continues her connection to Hadassah.

"My mom would be thrilled to know the impact her gift is having," Sharon says. "Hadassah was always in her heart."

Help Make a Lasting Impact

A gift through your will is a wonderful way to support Hadassah. Learn more by contacting Planned Giving & Estates at (800) 428-8884 or giving@hadassah.org.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Hadassah a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to Hadassah, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 40 Wall Street, 8th floor, New York, NY 10005
ATTN: Planned Giving & Estates, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Hadassah or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Hadassah as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Hadassah as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Hadassah where you agree to make a gift to Hadassah and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

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A comprehensive guide to all of Hadassah's planned giving options


How to make a gift for Hadassah through a charitable gift annuity


Deferred charitable gift annuities


Using retirement assets to make a gift to Hadassah


Using life insurance to make a gift to Hadassah


Favorite ways to make a gift to Hadassah






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