The Life & Legacy® initiative, a program of the national Harold Grinspoon Foundation, recently concluded its fourth year in the Ann Arbor area. Over those four years, 266 members of our local Jewish community have committed over $15.3 million in planned gifts to the 11 participating organizations. Most of these funds will be realized after the donors’ lifetimes, helping to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Jewish life in Washtenaw County for generations to come.
Jack Billi and Sheryl Hirsch
One such gift that will provide a lasting impact on the future of the Ann Arbor Jewish community is from Jack Billi and Sheryl Hirsch, who are proud members of the Ann Arbor Jewish community. Jack explains, “Sheryl and I are so fortunate to be part of the Ann Arbor Jewish community. We have been blessed and benefited beyond measure, and it’s our honor to give something back to make sure that this wonderful community is sustained for generations to come.” As they look to the future, Jack and Sheryl are committed to ensuring that the vibrant community they’ve been part of continues to thrive for generations to come.
One of the institutions Jack and Sheryl are dedicated to supporting is Temple Beth Emeth, a place where they have found both spiritual growth and a sense of community. “We are so excited about the new direction TBE is taking in terms of the next generation of leadership,” says Jack. “We are fortunate to welcome Rabbi Chelsea Feuchs as the Director of Engagement and Adult Learning, Cantor Emma Maier as our new cantor and Director of our music programs, and Susan Horowitz as the new Education Director. Along with Rabbi Whinston and Executive Director Shannon Hall, they form a great team to carry on the programs within TBE and to expand into the community.”
For Jack and Sheryl, their legacy gift is about creating a lasting impact for the future of the community that has given so much to them. Sheryl adds, “Because both of our children and their families live in Ann Arbor, they are the next generation growing up in TBE. Our two older granddaughters just started religious school. We want to make sure that great Jewish community programs will be available to them as they grow up.”
They also recognize the critical role Jewish Family Services plays in the broader community. “I can’t say enough good things about what JFS has done for the resettlement of immigrants and food security,” Jack shares. “We are proud that we can support them financially and also with our time and effort.”
Being actively engaged and ensuring the continuity of Jewish life and values in the greater Ann Arbor Jewish community is important for Jack and Sheryl. Through their support, they hope to ensure that the programs, services, and institutions they cherish will remain strong and continue to flourish for their children, grandchildren, and future generations. Their journey of giving back is a testament to the deep connections they have formed with their community and the desire to see it thrive long after they’re gone.
For more information about Life & Legacy, please contact Osnat Gafni-Pappas at the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor at osnat@jewishannarbor.org or 734-773-3538. You can also reach out directly to any of the following participating community organizations: Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan, Beth Israel Congregation, Chabad House, Eastern Michigan University Center for Jewish Studies, Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor, Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, Jewish Cultural Society, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Temple Beth Emeth, and University of Michigan Hillel.