Paying it Forward

Spreading Muss Magic to more families

Bart Mellits and Barbra Berley-Mellits saw each of their three children return from Alexander Muss High School in Israel more mature, more secure in their Jewish identity, more connected to Israel, and remarkably prepared for independent college life. Now as new grandparents, they were seeking a way to contribute to Israel education access while building their legacy. That's when they learned about the benefits of a Jewish National Fund Donor Advised Fund.

"If we can help one kid who couldn't afford it to go to Muss, then we've succeeded, and hopefully we'll help many more than that," said Bart about why they chose to establish a Donor Advised Fund to issue grants for High School in Israel programs. The Mellitses explained that the vital importance of Muss begins with building a connection to Israel for teens in their formative years, but it extends to ensuring that the U.S. always has a strong base of Israel advocates who have seen it with their own eyes and understand its unique cultural and geopolitical reality. Barbra detailed, "It was important to me that our kids develop a connection to their heritage that is rooted in a nuanced understanding of the situation in Israel."

The Mellitses also value the opportunity for young people to grow into themselves. As Bart related, "The kids are on their own, interacting with people from all over the world, and exploring difficult topics. They think deeply about who they are. What this gives kids and how it prepares them for college and for life is profound." Barbra added, "The experience helped them develop leadership skills and empowered them to take on responsibilities to use those skills."

New to legacy planning, a Jewish National Fund Donor Advised Fund presented a chance for the Mellitses to determine and see their impact now. Barbra and Bart are excited that their grants will contribute to life-changing experiences for Jewish teens. Speaking about their hopes for their new grandson, Zev, they say they simply want him to love being Jewish like they do. Considering that his dad, Josh Mellits, is a Jewish National Fund-USA professional, he is sure to do so!

To learn more about the many ways you can leave your legacy with Jewish National Fund, visit jnflegacy.org or call 800-562-7526.