Legacy Circle

Leaving a Legacy at Congregation Shomrei Torah

The mission of the Legacy Circle is to support the future of Congregation Shomrei Torah by nurturing a philanthropic environment that fosters generosity, volunteer involvement, stewardship and relationships that are rewarding and supportive to both our donors and our Shomrei Torah community.

About the Legacy Circle

The Legacy Circle was created in 2011 as a way for Congregation Shomrei Torah members to contribute to a structured program that would help sustain CST as a center of progressive Reform Judaism for generations to come.

Members have chosen to remember the congregation in their estate planning as a named beneficiary or who have created a current “endowment” to support a particular program. As we look forward to many decades of service to the Jewish community of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, your Legacy gift will play a large part in insuring that our congregation and its programming are strong and vibrant.

The Legacy Circle Committee is here to help answer all of your questions, provide you with the necessary forms, and guide you through the important process of guaranteeing the future of Congregation Shomrei Torah.

I'm ready to Join the Legacy Circle

Thank you for joining an extraordinary group of committed individuals who share a common vision for the future preservation of our community, our traditions and our heritage. As a part of your Legacy Circle commitment, you will be eligible to attend events exclusive to Legacy Circle.

Please fill out the form below.

Your Information

* Full Name of Participant 1

Email Address of Participant 1

a confirmation email will be sent here

* Phone Number of Participant 1

Participant 2

Full Name of Participant 2 (if applicable)

Email Address of Participant 2 (if applicable)

Phone Number of Participant 2 (if applicable)

Your Address

* Address:

* City:

* State:

* ZIP:

Steps Taken

* Please check the appropriate option(s) below, as many as apply:

I/We have already taken steps to include Congregation Shomrei Torah in our estate plan.I/We have named Congregation Shomrei Torah as a beneficiary of a trust or retirement account.I/We have NOT yet taken any formal steps to make a Legacy Gift, please contact me to discuss.

If Married

If bequest is made by a married couple, please indicate when the Legacy Gift is to be made:

Please describe your other arrangements:

Who to Contact Upon Passing

* Following the passing of the Legacy Participant(s), please specify who should be contacted:

Please specify other person or party:

* Contact Full Name:

* Contact Email Address

* Contact Phone Number

* Contact Address

Designate Your Gift

Most legacy gifts are earmarked for the CST Permanent Building Endowment Fund which was created to provide annual funding for the maintenance of our facility. This is a critical component of our budgetary needs.

If you wish to designate your legacy gift to another fund or activity, it is critical that you be specific so that your gift can be used without ambiguity, is utilized appropriately, and does not conflict with CST policies that govern the establishment and use of funds.

* Please select how we are to use your gift:

Please specify with detail how your gift is to be used:

I would like to be contacted about joining the Legacy Circle Planning Committee.

Signature(s)

* Electronic Signature of Legacy Circle Member 1

* Today's Date

Electronic Signature of Legacy Circle Member 2 (if applicable)

Today's Date

THANK YOU for your commitment to the Legacy Circle, please click SUBMIT below to finish.

You may also download this form: PDF Declaration of Intent Form.

Learn More About Legacy Circle

Want to discuss your possible participation (confidentially and at no obligation)?

Need more information before filling out the Declaration of Intent?

Please fill out this interest form and we will contact you:

You may also call the office: (707)578-5519.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q “We really don’t have that kind of money.”
A No specific amounts are required, any gift is appreciated. Most members leave a modest percentage of their net estate, and some have specified a dollar amount.

Q “We are concerned that our children will need the money we have.”
A Because there is no minimum amount required, you can leave the majority of your estate to your children and a smaller percent or amount to Legacy Circle.

Q “We get the impression that the Legacy Circle is a sort of club for people who are really wealthy.”
A Most members are not wealthy, and committing to the future of CST costs nothing in your lifetime. Members are those who want to make certain that CST is here for others in the future.

Q “We don’t know what we may need financially when we get older—one of us has health problems.”
A If you specifiy a percentage of your will or trust, you will have the money to meet your needs, and the congregation benefits only if assets are left after all of your needs have been met.

Q “We may be able to consider this in the future, but not right now.”
A The time to set up your legacy is now. Nobody can predict the future, so doing it now provides the satisfaction of knowing you are ensuring that Congregation Shomrei Torah will be there for future generations. By becoming a member now, you can enjoy companionship with many fellow members at the special events held regularly just for the Legacy Circle members to keep them apprised of current and future planning for CST.

“We recognize that sustaining a strong and vibrant Jewish community for future generations is the best way possible to express our appreciation for the gifts of past generations that once welcomed us into the Shomrei Torah community.”