I recently interviewed Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, who trains Rabbis, and who does fundraising as well. I asked him, "Rabbi, will Rabbis ask the larger questions when discussing money and fundraising?" He said, "Phil, a Rabbi has three roles."
- Prophet
- Preacher
- Employee
When he got to employee I understood why even a Rabbi cannot be counted upon to be the donor's Rabbi when it comes to legacy planning. Later, Mordchai came to the college. We filmed a donor interview. Here is what came out of his mouth:
"Your last will and testament is your final teaching. What do you want it to say?"
So, when you go to your planners to do your last will and testament, in what spirit is the work done? Can you, should you, will you, do your plans in the light of mortality, and love, as well as money? Should we, can we, expect tax and legal advisors to carry this tune, when even a real Rabbi is half-daunted? Or, must we carry it ourselves, and go to our advisors ready to take control, in the light of our own convictions? Your thoughts?
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