With the recent loss of my father, of blessed memory, and the birth of a new grandson two days later, the concept of L’dor V’dor—the transmission of our culture's values, rituals, and traditions to the next generation—has taken on an even deeper meaning for me. When my grandson was named Levi—a modern Hebrew version of my dad’s name, Lou—the impact was profound.
Just as a patriarch or matriarch’s name in a family is carried forth from generation to generation in special ways, so too our charitable values are handed down in various forms to our offspring. This has been a rich part of our Jewish tradition for centuries. Just as our tradition has evolved with new interpretations and customs developing, so too our charitable values are transformed in different ways by the next generations.
L’dor V’dor is a concept deeply embedded in our work. For a long time, Foundation professionals have been actively helping our donor families transmit their charitable values to their next generations. This oftentimes involves the third generation of their family and even their fourth generation on occasion. It’s been something of a mishpocha affair for us, and we cherish this sacred work.
Frequently, multiple generations of a family have different approaches to charitable giving. They gravitate toward different causes that resonate with them, and their philosophy on giving may be incongruent with other generations of the family. Yet there is usually a path forward and a way to build consensus that allows every family member to implement their vision and values for a better world. It’s quite rewarding to observe and facilitate this transmission of charitable values L’dor V’dor.
I can’t say for sure what kind of values or traditions my new grandson will absorb from his parents, but I’m certain of one thing. As he matures, he will learn a lot about giving back to the community. And just like his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents did before him, so too Levi will one day explore creating a charitable fund to fulfill his particular philanthropic passions — L’dor V’dor.
*This article is dedicated in memory of Lou Schotland, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and Holocaust survivor, who lived from 1922 to 2021.
