By Erica Slutsky | Communications Manager For three days at Temple Emanu-El, spanning donations, setup, and two boutique days, Project Prom not only brings people together, but grew out of the same need for generosity and community service that emboldens Tikkun Olam at Emanu-El. And so, this past April, close to 300 high school students …
“Just follow Norden’s instructions.” That’s the most important turkey carving tip from the seasoned volunteer carvers at Temple Emanu-El’s Thanksgiving Dinner. The Dinner isn’t for our members, but for those less fortunate who have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving. Our members coordinated volunteers, delegated, and prepared an entire meal for 200 guests — which involved …
A huge thank you to everyone: Wise Hall looked abundantly full on Mitzvah Day, when we all came together as one Temple community to volunteer, side by side. In the space of a morning, we accomplished an amazing mitzvah: 2,200 gift packages were assembled with love, ranging from dignity kits to Purim treats for the …
From the appetizer to the delicious desserts, which included Thanksgiving cupcakes festively decorated by our volunteers, cinnamon doughnuts and a chocolate and vanilla parfait topped with fresh blueberries and raspberries, this Thanksgiving meal was a special way to share the warmth of the holiday with those who would otherwise be alone. All of our guests …
“The strength of our community is measured not only by what we build in our time, but by the future we secure for those who will follow us. A legacy gift is a promise that Jewish life at Emanu-El will flourish for generations to come.” – Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson
Your Legacy. Your Values. Temple Emanu-El’s Future.
For over 180 years, Temple Emanu-El has been a spiritual home, a place of celebration, comfort, learning, and connection. Today, you can help ensure that our community remains strong for generations to come.
Planned Giving is a powerful way to support what you love, maximize your impact, and reduce your tax burden—all while preserving your values for the future.
Ways to Give
Gift in Your Will or Trust Leave a dollar amount, a percentage, or the remainder of your estate to Temple Emanu-El.
Easy to set up
No cost today
May reduce estate taxes
Retirement Plans (IRA, 401(k), 403(b)) Name Emanu-El as a beneficiary—this is one of the most tax-smart ways to give.
100% tax-free to Emanu-El
Avoids income tax heirs would otherwise pay
Simple form—no lawyer needed
Life Insurance Name Emanu-El as a primary or secondary beneficiary, or donate a policy you no longer need.
Turn a small annual premium into a major gift
Adjust your plans anytime
May reduce estate taxes
Other Options Depending on your goals, you might consider:
Charitable Remainder Trusts (income now, gift later)
We’re happy to talk through what’s right for you. No commitment required.
Why Make a Legacy Gift?
Simple: Most gifts take just minutes to set up.
Flexible: You can adjust your plans at any time.
Impactful: Your legacy helps secure Jewish life, learning, and leadership.
Tax-Wise: Many options reduce estate or income tax, helping your gift go further.
Let’s Talk
We’re here to help you create a lasting legacy that works for your life, your family, and your values. It’s confidential and there’s no commitment—just a conversation.
Livia Massuda Kutsher Director of Planned Giving and Endowments 212.507.9568
Join the Heritage Society
When you include Emanu-El in your plans, you become part of the Heritage Society—a warm, welcoming community of members who are building the future of Jewish life.
Heritage Society members enjoy:
Special recognition in publications and events
Invitations to exclusive gatherings with clergy and musicians
Opportunities to connect with others who share your values
Memorial Hall Tablets: Throughout Emanu-El’s history, dedications and memorials have offered our members and friends a meaningful way to sustain cherished bonds. One of the most popular ways to perpetuate a memory continues to be through the dedication of a Memorial Hall Tablet. On either side of Emanu-El’s majestic Cassell Lobby on Fifth Avenue, two Memorial Halls remember beloved members of the Emanu-El family. The dedications are expertly carved and become part of the temple structure. These tablets are available for inscription with gifts beginning at $36,000 and may be reserved to be paid over time or through a bequest.
Glass Panes: More recently, a new option utilizing the historic wood-and-glass windscreen at the rear of the sanctuary was introduced to hold names. Leaded glass panes, in differing sizes and in different physical locations on the windscreen panels, can be dedicated for living or deceased members. Names are permanently etched into each panel and become superimposed on our sacred space beyond with the warm glow of lighting from above. These panes are available for inscription with a gift beginning at $100,000 and may be reserved to be paid over time or through a bequest.
Please contact Cindy Cutler, Chief Development Officer, at or 212-507-9577. to discuss these dedications and memorials, and other possibilities.
Temple Emanu-El is unique in allocating funds raised on Yom Kippur and throughout the year for programs and services for those in need. Each year, the Congregation donates 100% of the funds raised by the Philanthropic Fund to worthy local and global causes.
Your gift to the Philanthropic Fund provides support for:
Championing Israel’s Future
Ongoing support for Israelis in the wake of 10/7 including kibbutzim, medical centers, those who have been displaced, those needing mental health support and much more
Rebuilding community infrastructure through support of Reform synagogues and community centers in Israel
Strengthening the Jewish Experience
Combating antisemitism and promoting Judaism across New York college campuses
Educating and training Jewish professionals for the next generation
Aiding active-duty Jewish military personnel and veterans
More Powerful Together. A gift to the Temple Emanu-El Philanthropic Fund is an affirmation of our long-standing congregational history of impacting lives.
Judaism Demands...
“…our involvement in the messiness of the world…Though the world may at times appear to be deaf to Torah’s message of justice and compassion and peace, in this synagogue we shall proclaim it, and act upon it, and do what we believe must be done, to beat this broken world back into shape.”
Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson Rosh Hashanah, 5778
https://www.emanuelnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TEE180_1.png00Bryan Limonhttps://www.emanuelnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TEE180_1.pngBryan Limon2018-12-28 18:47:312024-10-31 16:24:25The Temple Emanu-El Philanthropic FundScroll to top