Atlanta Jewish Foundation Impact Story
February 6th, 2026

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There is a common misconception that thinking about legacy giving – what we want our community to look like after we’re gone – is stressful or depressing. That myth was busted at last week’s Grow a Legacy celebration. 

Hosted by the Atlanta Jewish Foundation and made possible by the generosity of our partners and Presenting Sponsor Greenberg Traurig, the event brought together over 160 community members around one shared purpose: honoring the donors who have made a commitment to secure the future of Jewish Atlanta. 

Legacy Influencers

The focus of this year’s Grow a Legacy was the impact of endowments on Jewish summer camp, and as guests arrived at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, they escaped the bitter cold and were immersed in a warm, camp-inspired environment. Delicious grilled cheese bites were served alongside comforting tomato soup. A signature camp drink – Bug Juice – flowed with a grown-up twist. S’mores brownies awaited our sweet-tooth guests. The excitement and deep sense of belonging that define Jewish camping filled the room, and it became clear that legacy giving can be a joyous act. 

“When we hear the word influencer today, we usually think about social media,” said Event Chair Eydie Koonin in her opening remarks. “But the truth is, the most powerful influencers in our Jewish community are in this room right now. Influence happens at our dinner tables, in conversations with our children and grandchildren, and in the values you model every single day.” Koonin reminded us of our shared responsibility: “Jewish education doesn’t just happen. Camps don’t thrive on their own. Taking care of our community requires intention. Legacy gifts make that intention real.”

The Magic of Camp

An inspiring video followed, featuring eight Jewish camp directors who shared their insights about the magic of camp. “Children who come to camp feel fortified in their Judaism for the long term.” Shared Anna Serviansky of Ramah Darom, “They care about Shabbat. They care about Israel. They make friends that make them want to be part of the Jewish community for years to come.”  

The camp leaders noted how rising costs of facilities, staffing, and programming are rapidly making Jewish camping less accessible. “If we did not have scholarship available… probably half of the children would not be able to come to camp.” Anna explained. 

Mackenzie Sherman of MJCCA Summer Day Camps echoed that challenge, and offered a solution: “Cost ends up being a significant barrier for a lot of these families. And because of endowments and endowed scholarship funds, finances doesn’t have to be the end-all be-all decision maker.”  

An endowment is a financial fund designed to provide long-term support for charitable causes. The principal remains invested, while a portion of the fund’s interest is distributed annually to sustain organizations and initiatives – ensuring both stability and growth in perpetuity. 

“It’s the sustainability model where it’s not just for the campers today, but it’s really for the campers for generations to come.” Mackenzie highlighted. 

Adam Griff of Camp Coleman shared that, when it comes to supporting camps, Atlanta is ahead of the game. “We feel very fortunate to be an Atlanta-based camp. The amount of support that we have received from the Atlanta Jewish Foundation and Federation has really been unmatched. We have colleagues in other camps across North America that are envious of what’s happening here, and we are truly grateful.” 

From Generation to Generation

The evening continued with a deeply personal panel discussion featuring Eydie Koonin, Mark Silberman, and Terri Feldman-Bagen. The conversation was moderated by Sarah Eisinger, Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s Director, JCamp 180 and Interim Director, Life & Legacy.

Eisinger highlighted the impact already being made through legacy commitments, noting that Atlanta has secured “an estimated future value of $48 million to endowment,” far surpassing national benchmarks.

Panelist Terri Feldman-Bagen reflected her approach to Jewish legacy building. “I used to believe that the best way to leave a legacy was simply to set an example. And while that is certainly a prerequisite, I’ve come to understand that it is not enough on its own.” True legacy, she explained, requires conversation, clarity, and thoughtful planning to ensure the institutions we care about “remain strong and vibrant for generations to come.” 

Mark Silberman, Chairman of the Jewish Future Promise, put those same values into action with his own family. “Linda and I decided that we would go down the journey of doing family philanthropy and teaching our kids why we give what we give.” At a recent family vacation, Silberman gathered his four children and their spouses for a giving conversation. After some deliberation, they chose five organizations to support as a family. “They all applauded and hugged each other with the outcome,” Silberman said. “And that’s when I knew I was really on to something.”

As the evening closed, one message resonated above all: legacy gifts are not about what we leave behind, but the values we set in motion. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening possible. Through endowments and intentional giving, Jewish summer camps – and future generations – will continue to thrive. 

In Eydie’s words: “Legacy giving isn’t about the end of life. It’s about continuing it.” 

What are your hopes for the future of our community? Contact us or reach out directly to Ghila Sanders at gsanders@jewishatlanta.org or 404-870-1611 to start a legacy conversation.