A Legacy of Service and Giving: Sue Rabin's Story

For Sue Rabin, retirement wasn’t about slowing down.

After nearly 40 years as a speech-language pathologist, retirement gave her the opportunity to deepen her involvement in the Jewish community she had long cared about. That new chapter of volunteer leadership and philanthropy ultimately inspired Sue and her husband, Phil, to make a legacy commitment to The Associated.

Retirement Opened New Doors

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 introduces women whose children are grown to 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 soon became leadership. Over the years, Sue served as president of SHEMESH and held leadership roles with the Macks Center for Jewish Education Jewish Educational Services. and the Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation, helping to support thoughtful grantmaking that benefits women and girls. .

Service Has Always Been Part of Sue’s Story

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.

In addition to her leadership positions, Sue volunteers with Beth Israel Congregation and Hadassah, regularly donates blood and continually looks for opportunities to help others. During the pandemic, she checked in on congregants who might have felt isolated and prepared casseroles that were distributed to shelters and nonprofits throughout the community. For Sue, giving back has never been limited to board service, it is woven into everyday life.

That commitment extends to her family. Her children have pursued careers and volunteer opportunities centered on helping others, and Sue has invited her grandchildren to volunteer alongside her, giving them a firsthand appreciation for caring for their community.

Passing Values from One Generation to the Next

For the Rabins, creating an after-lifetime legacy gift was a natural extension of 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 sees that commitment as part of a tradition that began with her parents.

“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!

Looking Ahead

For the Rabins, a legacy gift is about more than providing for the future. It is about ensuring the values that shaped their family continue to shape generations to come.

As the words they chose for The Associated’s Book of Life remind us:

“May all who come from you be like you.”

Through their legacy commitment, Sue and Phil are helping strengthen Jewish Baltimore while inspiring future generations to do the same.

Considering Your Own Legacy?

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 and Phil, 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.