A short paragraph added to your will or living trust. Your attorney can include it the next time you update your estate plan — or even today, with a brief amendment called a codicil.

Two common ways to phrase it:

• A specific amount — a set dollar amount, or a specific asset such as a particular security or property
• A percentage of your estate — a share of what remains after other obligations are fulfilled (called a residuary bequest)

A simple agreement: you make a gift today, and Chabad pays you a fixed amount every year, for the rest of your life. After your lifetime, what remains becomes your Jewish legacy.

A favorite for those who would like to give meaningfully now — while continuing to receive trusted, stable income.

Per the American Council on Gift Annuities. Rates rise with age, so payments are especially generous for older donors.

Key benefits

• Guaranteed fixed payments for the rest of your life
• A portion of each payment is tax-free
• May be funded with cash, appreciated stock, or in many cases real estate
• A meaningful tax deduction at the time of your gift

A gift of real estate can become one of the most powerful gifts you will ever leave — often reducing your overall tax obligation considerably, while securing the future of Jewish life for generations to come.

You may give:

• A primary residence or a vacation home
• A commercial property or an apartment building
• Undeveloped land or a fractional interest

Retained Life Estate

Would you like to give your home, but stay in it for life? A retained life estate lets you deed the home to Chabad today, continue to live in it for the rest of your life, and receive a substantial tax deduction now. You remain responsible for the usual upkeep — maintenance, insurance, property taxes — and the property transfers to Chabad after your lifetime.

A modest premium today can become a sizable Jewish legacy tomorrow. You may transfer an existing policy to Chabad, or name Chabad as the owner and beneficiary of a new one — and receive an income-tax deduction on the premiums.

Two ways to give:

• Transfer an existing policy — name Chabad as owner and beneficiary
• Take out a new policy — with Chabad as owner and beneficiary from the start

The proceeds pass to Chabad outside of your estate — not subject to probate or estate taxation.

A particularly meaningful path for younger leaders who want to make a defining statement early.

A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)

You — or your family — receive income payments for life. After your lifetime, the remaining assets pass to Chabad. Especially powerful for appreciated real estate or securities, and often with significant estate-tax advantages during your lifetime.

A Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)

Chabad receives income payments for a set number of years. Afterward, the assets return to your heirs — a graceful way to give meaningfully now, while still passing along to family with possible tax benefits.

Both trusts work especially well when funded with appreciated assets you have held for many years.

IRAs, 401(k)s, and Keogh plans are usually the most heavily taxed assets you can leave to family — but they pass to a Jewish nonprofit entirely tax-free. A simple beneficiary form, at no cost, and you continue your withdrawals throughout your lifetime.

Key points

• A simple beneficiary change form from your plan administrator
• You continue taking withdrawals during your lifetime
• The gift avoids both income and estate taxes
• 100% of your gift reaches Chabad
• You can change the beneficiary at any time if circumstances change