United Way of Central Alabama has surpassed this year's campaign goal, a great achievement in tough economic times and one that will benefit our Levite Jewish Community Center and Collat Jewish Family Services. Both agencies receive funding from United Way.

The campaign was chaired by Jewish community member Robert Aland (pictured here). Robert, who is also a generous Birmingham Jewish Federation donor, is president of the Birmingham region of National Bank of Commerce. The BJF is proud of the leadership roles that members of our Jewish community have played in United Way over the years and we congratulate United Way on a great campaign!

Elisa Held Nelson's recent Update piece headlined "No Place Like Home" engendered lots of feedback. Elisa, a member of The Birmingham Jewish Federation board and a participant in The BJF's new Leadership Writing Project, wrote about fulfilling her dream of living in Birmingham as an adult and having the opportunity to raise her children in the community in which she grew up.

"She expressed herself with such emotion that you could just feel what she was saying," wrote one reader. This comment was particularly gratifying because writing about something personal in a way that others can relate to and embrace is one of the pillars of Leadership Writing.

Another reader, who lives in Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel, and who has spent time in Birmingham over the years, responded as well. "I can totally understand what Elisa is writing about. Family is the foundation for our kids' education. Add to this a place like Birmingham -- and you've got your kids surrounded by warmth from all over!"

Another reader, a member of our Catholic community and a donor to The BJF Annual Campaign, also had warm words for Elisa's piece. "Elisa Held Nelson's reflection about 'coming home' is lovingly eloquent. Bravo to her for taking time from her busy motherhood to share this. It was so beautiful and inspiring!" he wrote.

"Elisa's reflection is so in keeping with the encouragement of happiness in all of our holidays of joy and reconciliation," he added.

"TEARS IN MY EYES"

This came from one of The BJF's most distinguished volunteers, a long-time leader in our community. "What a beautiful Update piece. I had tears in my eyes at the end. We are so fortunate that Elisa chose to move back to Birmingham and raise her family here," this person wrote.

"I know first-hand how your parents led the way for your community involvement but it is you and your husband, Aaron, on your own merits who are now contributing to our Birmingham Jewish community. I look forward to continuing working with you!" this reader added.

We also received a nice email from the president of another Jewish Federation in our region. "This piece really moved me. I love this story. It couldn't be any nicer with Elisa returning to her roots and becoming involved in your Jewish community."

We agree. Thanks, Elisa, for writing this. You belong in Birmingham!

With the end of the year approaching, Update has been featuring some tax tips to suggest to donors tax-advantageous ways that they can contribute dollars to The Birmingham Jewish Foundation and Federation. Today's deals with a vehicle known as a Charitable Lead Trust.

The Charitable Lead Trust is a charitable giving technique that deserves special consideration during the current low-interest rate environment. This is a trust that pays income to a charity for a period of years. At the end of the trust period, the assets return to the donor or may be transferred to others, such as the donor's spouse or children.

This can be an attractive way to provide a current charitable gift as well as to transfer assets to family members with reduced or minimal federal transfer taxes. According to IRS tables, the lower the interest rate, the higher the deduction.

And -- even better -- the income stream that comes out each year can be used to open a fund in The Birmingham Jewish Foundation.

The Charitable Lead Trust is a specialized giving vehicle. Your tax planning and legal advisors should be consulted to find out if this is a charitable giving option that is appropriate for you and to draft proper trust documents.

This vehicle is just one more way that a charitable gift can help you create a philanthropic legacy that will span the generations. For more information, contact Foundation Executive Director Sally Friedman at 205-803-1519 or sallyf@bjf.org.