For Sue Rabin, retirement wasn’t about slowing down.
After nearly 40 years as a speech-language pathologist, she saw it as an opportunity to deepen her involvement in the Jewish community she had long cared about. What followed was a new chapter filled with volunteer leadership, philanthropy and service; one that ultimately inspired Sue and her husband, Phil, to make a legacy commitment to The Associated.
Like many people entering a new phase of life, Sue was looking for meaningful ways to stay engaged. One of her first steps was participating in Chapter 2, a program of The Associated’s Women’s Philanthropy that helps women whose children are grown learn more about the agencies, programs and people that strengthen Jewish Baltimore.
The experience opened her eyes to the breadth of The Associated’s impact.
“This knowledge propelled me not only to give of my time,” Sue says, “but also to continue giving of my resources.”
What began as learning quickly became leadership. Over the years, Sue served as president of SHEMESH and held leadership positions with the Macks Center for Jewish Education and Jewish Educational Services. She also became involved with the Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation, helping to support thoughtful grantmaking that benefits women and families.
While Sue has held many leadership roles, those who know her best understand that service isn’t something she does, it’s part of who she is.
She volunteers with Beth Israel Congregation and Hadassah, regularly donates blood and continually looks for opportunities to help others. During the pandemic, she spent time checking in on congregants who might have felt isolated and preparing casseroles that were distributed to shelters and nonprofits throughout the community.
For Sue, giving back has never been limited to committee meetings or board service. It is woven into everyday life.
That commitment has also become part of her family’s story. Her children have embraced careers and volunteer opportunities centered on helping others, and Sue has created opportunities to bring her grandchildren along when she has volunteered, giving them a firsthand look at the importance of community service and caring for those in need.
For the Rabins, the decision to create an after-lifetime legacy gift wasn’t a single conversation or a carefully orchestrated family plan. It grew naturally from a lifetime of involvement in Jewish life.
“I was inspired to sign a letter of intent,” Sue recalls. “Then I inspired my husband to do the same and inspired our children to do the same. So it’s a whole family affair.”
Looking back, Sue says the commitment felt like a natural extension of values that had been modeled for generations.
“Our parents, of blessed memory, were involved in the Jewish community,” she says. “We were involved in the Jewish community, and we were in a position that we could sign a letter of intent.”
Their commitment also welcomed them into the Harry Greenstein Legacy Society, which recognizes individuals and families who have made legacy commitments to sustain Jewish life for generations to come.
When documenting their commitment in The Associated’s Endowment Book of Life, the Rabins chose words that reflected both their family’s history and their hopes for the future:
In the Talmud we learn:
“May it be G-d’s will that all who come from you be like you.” – Masekhet Taanit
Our family has been inspired to leave a legacy to The Associated through our involvement in the Jewish community for more than four decades. We know how many ways The Associated has supported the Baltimore community and communities around the world. Our children also understand the importance of their legacy. It is our hope that our grandchildren will also, one day, be inspired to do the same.
May all who come from you be like you!
The schools, agencies, camps and community institutions that enrich Jewish life today exist because previous generations cared enough to invest in the future.
For Sue, creating a legacy gift was simply the next chapter in a lifetime of service. What began as her commitment became a family commitment, rooted in values she inherited from her parents and continues to pass on to her children and grandchildren.
That vision is captured in the words her family chose for The Associated’s Book of Life: “May all who come from you be like you.”
Through their legacy commitment, Sue and Phil are helping ensure a strong future for Jewish Baltimore. And perhaps most importantly, they are showing future generations that giving back isn’t just something we do, it’s part of who we are.
A legacy gift is one of the most meaningful ways to sustain the causes and community you care about most. By including the Jewish community in your long-term plans, you help ensure that future generations can benefit from a vibrant and thriving Jewish future.
Like Sue, many donors find that a legacy gift is about more than charity. It’s an opportunity to share values, strengthen family traditions and leave a lasting impact on the community that has shaped their lives.
To learn more about how you can make a meaningful difference that extends beyond your lifetime, contact Jackie Yahr, Vice President of Planned Giving and Endowment, at 410-369-9248 or jyahr@associated.org.
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The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
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