Living Legacy Project

The Temple Emanuel Living Legacy project is an on-going initiative aimed at encouraging and helping members of the Temple prepare living legacies for their loved ones. A living legacy is a personal statement which conveys to ourselves and to our children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends what has been most important and meaningful in our lives.

In shorthand, we refer to the Temple Emanuel Living Legacy project by the acronym TELL. Just as Moses was commanded at the end of Deuteronomy to "tell" the Hebrew children his teachings, and as we "tell" the story of the Haggadah each Pesach to our children, so we should tell our personal stories and teachings to those who matter most to us.

The TELL project evolves naturally from the Temple's "Make Your Mark" project. We move from writing a single letter with our families in the Torah, to writing a multi-page letter for our families in our homes.

The purpose of this Guide is twofold. First, it is intended to urge you to prepare a living legacy. Second, it provides you with information and advice to help you get started creating your own personal living legacy.

If we may slightly amend the famous Talmudic injunction, you are not called upon to complete the task [alone], but neither are you free to evade it. Take advantage of the Temple initiative. Let us help you prepare a living legacy. It will be one of the most valuable things you do for your family.

Please read the guide. We invite your questions and comments.

Gary Orren
Barrie and Carole Greiff
Co-Chairs The Temple Emanuel Living Legacy Project