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The Newsletter for Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Broward County NOV/DEC 2019 | CHESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5780
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CONTENTS FROM THE DESK OF CAROLYN SHAPIR
.............................................................. Page 2 MONEY MINDED
How to maintain your lifestyle in retirement ............................................. Page 3 GOT TRUST ISSUES?
Secured Futures.................................... Page 4 A FUNNY MOMENT WITH ROSE & MEDICAL MOMENT....................... Page 5 8 MIRACLES OF CHANUKAH.......... Page 6 EIGHT WAYS
to make the most of your year-end giving..................................... Page 7 OUR MISSION STATEMENT
.............................................................. Page 8
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
VOL. 3, ISSUE 3
position
There is an elephant in the room and it seems to be getting bigger.
Chai Care Chair: Carol Lasek
Maybe it is a function of age, but I feel like memory loss and cognitive decline are becoming more common. I saw it in my personal life with my own mom and in-laws and I am constantly hearing about diagnoses of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease from friends and family members. Alzheimer’s disease is thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms arise. This scary statistic reverberates in my mind every time I experience a “senior moment.” Brain health is something I have been thinking about and researching for a long time. There is a Latin saying, “Mens Sana In Corpore Sano,” which translates as, “a healthy mind in a healthy body.” The premise is we are truly healthy only when we are occupied both mentally and physically. Research has shown diet, exercise and social engagement are all important components for brain and body health. A healthy diet helps protect our brain and slows down cognitive decline. Physical activity improves muscle strength, increases endurance, promotes the efficiency of the cardiovascular system as well as reduces anxiety and depression. My advice? Protect your brain and your heart by enjoying a healthy meal or working out with a friend (furry ones will do in a pinch). Join a club which mirrors your interests or volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to share your wisdom and skills and make the social connections which are so valuable for your health. Chai Care would be the perfect place to start. Giving to others feels good particularly when you know they will be there to give back to you, if and when you need their help. As we enter the holiday season, it is important to pause and take some time to reflect on the year’s past. As we embrace the new year, we have to stop for a moment and allow ourselves to celebrate the present, to be grateful for all that we have. What I love most about this time of year, is being able to share moments with friends and family, thank those that have supported me over the past year, and begin crafting goals for the year to come. This year, I am grateful for my community. Through our work here at Jewish Federation of Broward County, I am a first-hand witness to the immense efforts of our donors, volunteers, and staff, who dedicate their time to giving back. It is because of these crucial team members that we are able to excel in providing the necessary efforts and support to our community members. I am also grateful to our community partners, who strive for greatness on a daily basis to touch lives within our community. Our community thrives because of this dedication and passion. And lastly, because of you, we are able to continue making the world a better place for everyone. At this time of giving thanks, let me take this opportunity to thank you all for your generosity. Have a wonderful holiday season! Ana G. Ehrlich, Chief Marketing Officer
FROM THE DESK OF CAROLYN SHAPIR In December, Jewish Woman’s Philanthropy of Broward County holds its signature fundraising event, “The Event.” It will take place on December fifth at the David Posnack JCC in Davie. It is the culmination of many months of hard work by Woman’s Philanthropy, Woman’s Executive Circle and Young Leadership. The aim is to encourage women philanthropists from all walks of life and from the four corners of Broward County to come together to socialize and to learn about the impact of the programs that Federation funds. These programs include those that ensure that the most needy in our community are being taken care of. It also provides for programs that help to strengthen, educate and vitalize our Jewish community locally, in Israel and abroad. It is through the collective care, effort and resources from our donors that we ensure the betterment of our people. "The Event" will feature an outstanding speaker Lital Shemesh, a news anchor and
correspondent in Israel. During her military deployment she served as a combat soldier with the Israeli Border Police, a unique position for women. As a journalist her work led her to cover areas of political conflict such as the Gaza border. Lital is opinionated and outspoken. She is interested in empowering and educating women so that they thrive in the new world in which we live in.
Carolyn Shapir
Chair, Woman’s Philanthropy
We encourage you to bring your daughters, mothers and grandmothers to be a part of this spectacular evening. We will rejoice as women as we have a Tikun Olam moment knowing that, through our collective strength, we bring light unto those in darkness. We are all part of making the Jewish future so bright. Please note that a minimum donation of $365 to the 20192020 annual campaign is required for entry into this event. I encourage you to purchase your tickets early as last year we were sold out! I look forward to seeing and celebrating with you!
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MONEY MINDED HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR LIFESTYLE IN RETIREMENT You may have heard the rule of thumb that you need to replace about 80% of your preretirement income if you want to maintain your current lifestyle when you retire. But like many rules of thumb, that advice is much too general for most people, says Herbert Poole CFP® CRC®, Retirement Development Consultant for Wells Fargo Advisors. To help ensure that you can actually live as comfortably in retirement as you do now, Poole says you need to identify what your desired lifestyle costs. Next, you’ll need a saving and investing strategy that matches your income needs. Here are the key questions for you and your financial advisor to consider: What’s my ideal retirement age? This is both a financial and a quality-of-life question, says Poole. Financially speaking, you need to determine when you’ll have amassed enough savings and investments to stop working. You want to be able to comfortably live on withdrawals from your accounts — without running out of money. On the nonfinancial front, think about what you really want to do during retirement (Travel? Start an encore business?). “Ask yourself: ‘At what age could I retire and still be healthy enough to do these things?’” Poole suggests. As you get closer to your actual retirement age, you can hone in on when you can afford to leave work. “Depending on your situation, working just a year or two more than you planned could make a big difference in how much money you have available to live on later,” notes Poole. How much money do I need to support my current standard of living? This is perhaps the most important question to explore. “However, you’d be surprised by how many people answer this question by saying to their financial advisors: ‘I have no idea. Just tell me what kind of lifestyle I can afford,’” says Poole. You’re much better off estimating your target retirement budget early, so you
can help ensure you’re saving and investing enough, says Poole. Your financial advisor can offer help estimating costs for items like health and long-term care for different parts of the country. During this process, Poole says it’s also a good idea to separate your necessary costs (mortgage/rent, utilities, food, transportation, etc.) from your discretionary expenses (fine dining, vacations, and more). That way, you know where you can cut costs if your estimated retirement income ends up being different than you planned. What are my retirement income sources? You may have a tax-deferred retirement plan through your job, personal and/or Roth IRAs, rental property income, and more. Once you identify all your potential income streams, you can make some smart decisions — including increasing your investment contributions now — that could help boost your income when you retire. For example, your financial advisor can help you determine whether it would be wise to add more income-producing options, such as annuities or real estate, or to consider more tax-advantaged investments. How can I plan for the unexpected? To avoid a financial snag that significantly affects your retirement income, Poole suggests having both contingency funds and contingency plans. For contingency funds, you could earmark money for your grandkids but hang on to the funds in case of an emergency. This could be as simple as leaving money to your grandchildren in your estate plan, rather than putting the money in trust in their names. Contingency plans might include paying for expensive home repairs like a roof replacement before retirement. You might also prioritize which assets (vacation home vs. business rental, for example) you would sell in a financial emergency. Am I regularly monitoring my progress toward retirement? Maybe you have 20 years left before retirement, or perhaps you’re already in the middle of retirement and planning to live to age 100. Wherever you are in the process, it makes sense to talk with your financial planner at least once a year — or whenever you face a significant life change. After all, the financial markets and
your investments are constantly changing. You change over time, too. You may decide to retire to a state with a different cost of living or change your mind about how much risk you want to take with your investments. All of those factors could affect your retirement lifestyle and how much income you need to live well in retirement. This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and
provided courtesy of Jeffrey Saster – First Vice President – Investments in Fort Lauderdale at 954.356.0286. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2018 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.
Jeffrey Saster,
PCG Financial Advisor Jeffrey develops customized financial plans and investment strategies for retirementminded individuals by drawing on his experience in the financial services industry, which dates back to 1983. Understanding his clients’ goals and objectives enables him to utilize a personalized approach toward investing. His areas of expertise include IRA rollovers, and both estate and retirement planning strategies. If you have any questions about issues raised in this article, please contact Mr. Saster at: Jeffrey.Saster@wellsfargoadvisors.com W- 954-356-0286.
CHAI TIMES 3
Got Trust Issues?
Understanding what the Special Needs Trust can and cannot Pay for… Provided by: Denise Lettau, V.P. of Advancement, Secured Futures Pooled Trust Company
The greatest source of conflict between trustees and beneficiaries of special needs trust often has to do with distribution requests that are denied. Often, the request is denied either because (a) it does not primarily* benefit the beneficiary; or (b) it is extravagant in relation to the size of the trust. About 10-15 years ago, the Hummer jeep was all the rage. Several families with loved ones with special needs requested such a vehicle in lieu of the traditional handicapped accessible van. Unfortunately, this was a request that I always denied. It was impractical just in terms of easing the child or severely disabled adult in and out of the vehicle and was often not within the realms of the budget for the size of the trust at hand. It would also be difficult to argue that such a vehicle was in the beneficiary’s best interest or primarily for their benefit. The best way to avoid conflict is with knowledge. Below is an abbreviated list of distributions that can readily be made from special needs trusts: 1. Clothing 2. Phone, Cable, Internet services 3. Vehicle, Insurance, Maintenance, Gas 4. Pre-paid Burial/Funeral Arrangements 5. Tuition, Books, Tutoring
6. Travel and Entertainment 7. Household Furnishings and Furniture 8. Television, Computer and Electronics 9. Durable Medical Equipment 10. Care Management 11. Therapy, Medications, Alternative Treatments Of course, the cost for the items/services above must be reasonable. Clothing does not mean a new wardrobe of designer clothes, just as cable costs must also be reasonable and clearly for the primary benefit of the individual with special needs. It is important for the family to understand the rules and regulations that a trustee must follow in order to maintain government benefits for the disabled individual. These are conversations that should readily take place when a family is seeking a trustee for a loved one’s special needs trust and once the trustee is selected. *Primary benefit is the newer standard. Distributions from special needs trusts should be for the sole benefit of the beneficiary but the rules have recently relaxed. For example, a television may be purchased and also watched by family members as well as the beneficiary. This was actually an issue until recently.
Pooled Special Needs Trust
Pooled Minors Trust
• Preservation of Government Benefits
• Court Appointed Professional Trustee for Minors
• Provision for Naming remainder Beneficiary
• Nonprofit Trustee Partnering with Local Charities
• Ability to Accept First Party and Third Party Funds
• Flexibility for Courts to Tailor Disbursement Guidelines and Investment Criteria
2875 NE 191st St, Ste 500, Aventura, FL 33180
267.327.4087 | DLettau@SecuredFutures.org | SecuredFutures.org Our mission is to provide customized trustee and fiduciary services for minors and persons with disabilities. We work to ensure the continuity of long-term support and resources that improve the lives of those we serve.
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On a lighter note, a funny moment with Rose
Miriam was dying and on her deathbed, she gave final instructions to her husband Sidney. "Sidney, you've been so good to me all these years. I know you never even thought about another woman. But now that I'm going, I want you to marry again as soon as possible and I want you to give your new wife all my expensive clothes." "I can't do that, darling," Sidney said. "You're a size 16 and she's only a 10."
Rose Boyarsky
MEDICAL MOMENT
Diabetes & Fitness:
GET MOVING! Giovanni Spatola, MD – Cleveland Clinic Florida Family Medicine Specialist Q: Which type of exercise is best? According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million people in the United States have diabetes…that’s 8.3% of the population. Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, but if you have diabetes it's especially important because it helps regulate blood sugar, aides in weight management, as well as reduces your risk for heart disease and stroke. Q: How much exercise do I have to do? A: You should aim for a minimum of 30 minutes most days.
A: If you have diabetes, you should do both aerobic and weight-bearing exercise to become the healthiest you can be. And both types of exercise are generally safe, as long as you’re living free of complications from diabetes. Q: How do I stay safe? A: Drink plenty of water before, during and after you exercise. Have a healthy snack during exercise to keep you energized. Always plan to warm up before you begin, and incorporate a “cool down” period into your routine. Let people know you have diabetes…wear a medical ID bracelet,
necklace or tag to protect yourself in case of emergency. Q: What types of activities can I incorporate into my work out plan? A: Any type of movement counts. Simply incorporating walking or taking the stairs whenever possible will make a difference. Dr. Spatola is located at your new Palm Beach Gardens location. For a consultation with a Cleveland Clinic Florida physician, call 800.639.DOCTOR, or visit clevelandclinicflorida.org/pbg for more information.
CHAI TIMES 5
8 MIRACLES OF
CHANUKAH Rabbi Arnie Samlan, Chief Education Officer
מּנּו ָ ִ בכ ָל יום ע ְּ ש ֶ ׁ סּיָך ֶ ִ – ע ַל נFor Your miracles that are in our midst every day – Daily Prayer
We focus for eight days on the miracles of Chanukah – the military victory and the oil of the Temple burning for eight days. During these eight days, let’s also focus on the miracles that we are partners in providing every day. Here are eight areas in which we save and enrich lives: 1. Whoever is in need, let that person come and eat (Talmud Ta’anit 20b). Your generosity feeds those in need through programs at The Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard, WECARE Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and responses to food insecurity in Israel, South America and worldwide. 2. Don't lose courage. You've already escaped the gravest danger…Have faith in life (Elie Wiesel). Through your donations our treasured Holocaust survivors here and in Israel receive support through Goodman Jewish Family Services ( JFS), Leket Israel, United Hatzalah and providing Home Health Care to survivors in the Nesher, Israel region. And our work to remember the Holocaust is carried on through March of the Living and by our partners at Holocaust Education and Documentation Center and Weiner Holocaust Reflection and Resource Center, each of which benefits from your support. 3. You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old (Leviticus 19:32). Providing for the elderly in Broward County and worldwide is a mitzvah done on our behalf by organizations like Daniel Cantor Senior Center, Goodman JFS, Vehardarta, Joint Distribution Committee, Elwyn, Alzheimers Support group in Israel, and others. 4. Teach them to your children (Deuteronomy 11:19). We assure the future of the Jewish people by supporting Jewish education and engagement: providing scholarships for Jewish day schools, summer camps, and youth groups; engaging families through PJ Library and its programs; supporting Jewish summer camping in Ukraine; collaborating with Institute for Jewish Knowledge and Learning, Chabad and other adult learning programs.
5. There are three possible ways of identifying with a religious community: by behaving, by believing, or by belonging (Rabbi Neil Gilman, Sacred Fragments). Jewish Federation helps to supercharge all three ways of connecting with the Jewish people, through a vibrant partnership with our sister community of Nesher, Israel; supporting Hillel on campuses here and across the state, sponsoring Moishe House to engage young adults, offering a vibrant Young Leadership Division program, and partnering with organizations that connect Jews of various backgrounds – Jews from Latin countries and Israel, and LGBTQ Jews. 6. In the merit of the righteous women Israel were redeemed from Egypt, and in their merit the future generations will be redeemed (Talmud Sotah 11b). An integral part of the work we support empowers women: Women’s Executive Circle, Women’s Philanthropy and Jewish Women’s Foundation build local leadership; In Israel, we support the work of the Alma Academy for Women’s Leadership. 7. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who makes people different (Prayer Book). Through your involvement with Federation, those with unique and special needs are helped through JAFCO’s Abilities Center and Catering With a Heart program, Israel National Association of Parents & Children with Visual Impairments, local Friendship Circle programs, and Gibborim programs at David Posnack JCC. 8. Blessed are You, Lord our God, who heals all flesh (Prayer Book). Your dollars make a difference in providing lifesaving physical and emotional healing. Together, we help make great things happen: Goodman JFS’s Behavioral Health Program, a Gilda’s Club initiative at the David Posnack JCC, United Hatzalah of Israel and much more.
Each day, we join as community to make today’s miracles happen. We thank you for your commitment and wish you a wonderful Chanukah! 6 CHAI TIMES
ai15723709453_Pages from YearEndGiving_2019_Letter.pdf
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EIGHT WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR YEAR-END GIVING
1. Talk to Your Financial Advisor
Before making any significant charitable gifts, consult with an advisor to understand the impact on your taxes and estate.
2. Consider Your Income
Take time to understand your tax liability for the year. It may determine how much you want to give by December 31st.
3. Review Your Stocks
Consider giving appreciated stock. If you gift stock, you will receive a charitable deduction for the current market value of the stock and minimize capital gains tax.
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A gift by check is complete when postmarked to the Federation, even if not cashed until the following year. Credit card gifts are complete when your account is charged. Gifts of stock and real estate are more complex; don’t wait too long on these gifts.
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4.Give Early and Complete Your Gift by December 31
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The Organizations You Support 5. Know Only donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations are tax deductible. Check with the
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IRS and Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints were filed for an organization. You may also look up ratings for an organization’s performance on Charity Navigator.
6. Do you have an IRA or Life insurance policy?
Employer x $$$ = Gift x 2
If you’re receiving taxable income from retirement plan assets or life insurance policies, there are a number of ways to make these assets work for you and the causes you support.
7. Explore Employer Gift Matching Programs
Many companies offer gift matching programs that can increase - even double - the impact of your gift.
8. Let the Jewish Federation of Broward County Do The Work
Giving to the Jewish Federation of Broward County ensures that your money stays in our community, Israel and overseas. Consistently recognized as a Four Star Charity by Charity Navigator, you can trust that your donations are being used in the most efficient way to impact change in our community. Questions? Keith Goldmann, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at 954-660-2085 or kgoldmann@jewishbroward.org. CHAI TIMES 7
Bridging the gap to the next generation At Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC, every client, whether you are generation X, a baby boomer or a millennial, deserves great service and support. Our personable approach to comprehensive financial planning begins with our investment in you and then bridging the gap with your loved ones, your business, and your future. This is our mission and the reason why we are committed to helping you get the most out of your financial life now and generations yet to come. It's also the reason we are proud to support the Jewish Federation of Broward County. We are honored to be involved with an organization with a strong dedication to its community and a solid commitment to supporting Jewish Life all over the world.
Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC 1000 Corporate Drive • Suite 600 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 (954) 689-9484 • Fax (954) 491-1268 www.blsfinancial.com
Financial Planning • Life Insurance • Disability Income Insurance • Long Term Care Insurance • Annuities • Investments • Wealth Management
Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services offered through registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC Member SIPC. 1000 Corporate Drive Suite 700, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334. 954-689-9484. Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC. and BLS Wealth Management, LLC are not subsidiaries or affiliates of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies. CRN202106-249317 SOC7461 619
Contact us today for more information about Chai Care, Esther Cohen, Chai Care Director at O: 954-252-6952 C: 954-770-9876 or ecohen@jewishbroward.org.
WE AT CHAI CARE... Provide a holistic, donor-centered approach to advocating for older adults who are facing the challenges of aging, disability or injury. Chai Care assures that donors receive valuable, cost-effective care and an array of services that arise from health and medical related issues through the aging process. Chai Care helps donors and their loved ones understand the options and costs relevant to managing their daily lives. Bob Schneider | Board Chair Bill J. Gross | Chair, Jewish Community Foundation Carol Lasek | Chair, Chai Care Michael Balaban | President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Goldmann | Chief Philanthropy Officer Esther Cohen | Director, Chai Care
OF BROWARD COUNTY
@JEWISHBROWARD WWW.JEWISHBROWARD.ORG
JEWISH FEDERATION OF BROWARD COUNTY 5890 South Pine Island Road • Davie, FL 33328 ■ 954-252-6900
8 CHAI TIMES