SOPHIA FRANCO

TODAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH, I HAD INTENDED TO WRITE AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE ISRAELI RALLY IN WASHINGTON DC, BUT AS I SIT AT MY COMPUTER, I CAN’T KEEP MY EYES OFF THE TELEVISION. THIS MORNING, 13 ISRAELI HOSTAGES, 10 THAI HOSTAGES AND 1 FILIPINO HOSTAGE ARE CURRENTLY MAKING THEIR WAY FROM GAZA TO EGYPT, AND THEN HOPEFULLY TO ISRAEL.

After 47 days in captivity, this is a true miracle, so, I will start by thanking Hashem. He is great in every way. I know this, even in the face of so much suffering. I know this, even as we watched in horror, as Hamas threw all shame and decency out the window. Our sages say that suffering helps bring us closer to Hashem, virtually, “up the ladder,” but truly, I don’t think this was the suffering anyone had in mind.

For most of us, the last seven weeks have held fear, and not much else. Fear of hate, fear for the hostages, fear for the state of Israel and the soldiers who defend it — and mostly, the real fear that we are not safe here in America, or anywhere. There are 1.8 billion Muslims in the world. If you are curious, alternatively there are 15.2 million Jews — approximately 6.8 million in Israel, and 6 million in the United States. With these numbers in mind, this particular fear has taken up most of our brain space.

It is a fact that thousands of Palestinian “civilians” helped perpetrate the October 7th attacks, and thousands of others cheered them on jubilantly, in Gaza, and globally. While so many Muslims are peaceful, non-jihadists, so many more have proven not to be, and with the pliable young minds of university students captured, groomed and mobilized for a fight, it’s truly hard to think of anything else. In the Jewish Journal, Gary Wexler reported that Palestinian campus activists have ensured this, spreading hateful lies and building the infrastructure for this alternative universe for a quarter of a century. Many organizations representing people seen as oppressed were inspired to identify with the Palestinians, swaying students of every variety.

I have personally watched so many ignorant, stubborn and angry humans tearing down the posters of the 240+ men, women and children being held hostage in the tunnels of Gaza. Why? When your puppy is lost, nobody tears down those signs. When I was a kid, I remember the missing children’s faces staring back at me from the milk carton, as I ate spoon after spoonful of cereal. Why would any civilized human want a child to celebrate his fourth birthday in the hands of monsters? If it were their grandmother, would they not want her home?

Often, over the last 49 days, I have thought about the time when 240 girls were kidnapped from Nigeria. Oh, how the world’s activists screamed! Oprah! Michelle Obama! Angelina Jolie! So many Hollywood stars, up in arms. Today, their silence (and so many others) is deafening. Where is the outrage as underage girls were savagely raped in front of their mothers by these sadistic monsters; when babies were torn from their mother’s wombs and burned alive inside kitchen ovens? Where are their souls? Where are their minds?

But alas, they accuse, “fake news!” They claim that video footage of the worst massacre in Jewish history since the Holocaust was staged. (I mean those are the rules pro-Palestinians play by, so I imagine they assume we do the same). Raw footage accumulated by Hamas’ own go-pros and cell phones should verify truth, but some of it is just too difficult to fathom. Maybe the naysayers should visit Israel, as so many Jewish sympathizers have over the last seven weeks. Maybe they should see the bloodshed for themselves.

Unfortunately, smart, educated university students have fallen prey to mass manipulation. They call Israel a genocidal, colonialist, apartheid state. Genocidal, really? How many Palestinians are in Gaza, and is that number growing, or shrinking? Gaza is ruled by Hamas. The fact that they use women and children as human shields and build their headquarters under hospitals and schools, this is not Israel’s doing. The only people denying basic necessities to the Palestinians, are their own leaders. So, as I watch the national news showing the hostages being released, I can’t help but sound smug, “Oh, there are hostages being held in Gaza; really?” It kind of feels good to prove the cynics wrong.

I’ll tell you what felt really good though. The rally. That felt like power. It felt like strength, and it felt like fighting back. In the parashah that week, it said, “Yaakov halach l’ beit Lavan,” And Yaakov went to the white house… When I woke up that crispy morning to a photo of hundreds of men in kippot and tefillin, praying at sunrise on the white house lawn, I was amazed. Once again, we see hints of the Torah playing out in real time this year, chapter by chapter. At the rally, holding our Israeli flags, standing in such an open space and being among so many Jews at once frightened us at first — we were surely a target for some Palestinian sicko with an automatic weapon, or worse — but someone handed me a paper with a beracha to be said whenever you are in a place with more than 600 Jews. Saying it, I felt safe, I felt invincible. I felt a solidarity as never before. Being there, I was making a difference.

We continued to push through to the front, looking for people we knew. What was funny though, was that everyone looked like someone we knew. But then there were others who didn’t look like us, and they, too, were holding signs. They, too, were singing Hatikvah along with Omer Adam. Whether they had pink hair and tattoos, white skin, brown skin or black skin — whether they wore kippot and tzitzit or a Madhappy sweatshirt, we were all at peace, together. The energy and camaraderie were incredible. Different people from all walks of life marching to the same beat of the same drum — Kumbaya at its finest.

As Mijal Biton cried out with incredible strength and honesty, I was so proud. Our rabbi’s daughter’s passion echoed within me. She spoke about the “iron curtain of hate” felt by all those who know oppression: “I stand here for all us who remember that in every generation they stand up against us, to destroy us, and for all of us, who thank G-d that America and Israel changed the world and became our safe haven. We stand here united, to fight against terror and antisemitism in our streets and in our universities. We stand here in support of our nation of Israel who have stood up like a nation of lions to liberate Israeli and Palestinian children from the nightmare of Hamas.” She begged us to breathe new life into the promise of hope and freedom; to use all that we have: our voices, our votes, our feet, and our prayers. Standing there, I nodded, “Yes, yes, I will. I am.”

And then there were the parents of the hostages; heartbreaking, honest, each forced to transform from mom to activist, public speaker, and the voice of hope during a time of despair. Listening intently, no one could look away. Thousands of placards in the crowd, large and small, created a force; innocent faces on posters, pins, and sweatshirts. Their eyes cried out to each of us, “save me!” And so, filled with love, we stood. We sang. We prayed. We are Jews, and that is who we are. We are challenged to rise, every day of our lives.

On this heroic day, almost 300,000 people showed up to march for Israel in our nation’s capital. In a fight between good and evil, love and hate, civilization and barbarism, we stood for the release of our people. We stood for peace and for unity, the way only we can, with derech eretz and decorum. Nobody beat anyone. Nobody defaced any property. Nobody cried for blood or murder, and nobody ruthlessly planned an inhuman massacre of people sleeping in their beds, or dancing happily at a party in the early hours of the morning. In fact, almost every speaker prayed for the release of all the victims of this hateful war — both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, because they are hostages of Hamas, too, aren’t they?

After the rally, there were hugs and high fives, and more singing to the heavens to let our people go! When a policeman was asked how he liked the day, he smiled and said he had received a career’s worth of thank yous in one afternoon. Baruch Hashem, there’s a difference between us and them, and I think that on this day, that was more than apparent.

This week in the parashah, Yaakov asks Lavan to give him back his women and children. Today, November 26th, as I watch the news 56 hostages, b”h, have been released so far. It has been 50 days since October 7th, and 188 are still in captivity by Hamas, as far as we know. I pray that by the time you read this, all of the hostages will have been released. I pray that all our soldiers will come home, safe and sound, and no more civilians will be hurt. I pray for peace in Israel and around the world. But as we release so many Hamas terrorists simultaneously, and give them this moment to regroup, I also pray that they do not go on to do this all over again. I cannot forget that more than 1,400 innocent people will never come home, and that the ugly head of hate has only been hiding all these years, and has now come out to play. So, mostly, I pray that good will always win over evil, and Mashiach will come soon. Am Yisrael Chai.

Thank you to Rabbi Shlomo Farhi for his always inspiring classes, to Rabbi Amram Sananes for his parashah teachings and to Rabbi Yotav Eliach who taught me Zionism a million years ago and still continues to educate me whenever I read his words.

Sophia Franco is a community writer. Among essays, songs and biographies she also composed I Can Be, We are a Miracle and I am Alive for Yaakov Shwekey.

“THE SIRENS WENT OFF, AGAIN, IN OFAKIM. HOW MANY TIMES IN A DAY CAN A PERSON RUN TO THE SAFE ROOM? AND THE KIDS, SCREAMING, IN FEAR AND TRAUMA. BUT I NEEDED TO GET FOOD. THE HOUSE WAS EMPTY. I HAD TO GO OUT AND BRAVE THE ROCKETS. WITH A PRAYER IN MY HEART, I WENT TO THE STORE. ANOTHER SIREN, 15 SECONDS TO GET TO A SAFE ROOM. HASHEM, PLEASE HELP ME. I CAN’T GO GET FOOD…”
SARA FROM OFAKIM

This story of a resident in Ofakim is typical of the thousands of requests for food that Yad Ezra V’Shulamit receives every day. Netivot, Kiryat Malchi, Ashkelon or Beer Sheva were not evacuated — and are in the direct line of fire daily.

Getting food has become an issue — for hundreds of thousands of residents of the south.

“The government evacuated anyone within 4 kilometers of Gaza. The state pays for them to be in a hotel where they get breakfast and dinner. But if someone is 4.5 kilometers away they have to stay put or find a friend in another city to take them in. They are stuck. Thousands of people call us for help with getting food.

Yad Ezra V’Shulamit gives out 12,000 food baskets every week to the poor with 14 trucks and 4 warehouses. “We have the infrastructure in place to get food to those under fire,” explained Eli Kafif, CEO of Yad Ezra V’Shulamit.

Over 40 trucks have already been sent to the south. Each truck contains enough food for 200 people for a week. “Our staff has been very brave. They go down even though sirens have gone off during several deliveries. With everything else people are going through during these difficult days, having food in the home shouldn’t be an issue,” stated Founder Aryeh Lurie.

Beyond getting food to families, many evacuees have lost their jobs (and their homes) and have no income. “We were getting so many calls from evacuees in Jerusalem, we purchased $1,000,000 worth of vouchers at local stores to distribute to displaced families,” Mr Kafif explained.

And then came the calls from the army for water and snacks. Why is the army calling a tzedaka organization for water? “We didn’t understand why the army needed water but the calls kept coming in from base after base. Many of our staff members have boys in Gaza and they knew where to call,” said Aryeh Lurie. “We found out that the water the army gets is in trucks or from water hydrants and doesn’t taste very good, so soldiers were not drinking enough. Commanders started to worry about dehydration so they called us.”

Yad Ezra V’Shulamit gave over 100,000 bottles of water to soldiers as well as snacks — and the requests keep coming.

“It is really beautiful to see how everyone is doing something to help people and the soldiers. You feel such an amazing sense of unity in Israel now. No one thinks or cares if someone is religious, not religious, secular, Sefardi or Ashkenazi. We are all Am Israel,” said Eli Kafif.

The people evacuated at hotels seem to have it better than those still in the south. However, living in a hotel in one room for weeks on end with no schooling or gans for children and nothing for them to do all day has presented its own challenges.

“We realized we had to do something to help the families in Jerusalem evacuated from their homes. Besides buying toys for 4,000 children, we sent puppet shows, activities and things to do in the evening for the teenagers. Although everyone is, thank G-d, physically safe, many are experiencing trauma, PTSD and need someone to talk to. We send our social workers and staff to the hotels everyday,” Aryeh Lurie said.

“This is a war not only against Israel. This is a war against every Jewish person worldwide and I ask every single person to help us get food to those who need it, and give a hand to your brothers in Israel who have lost so much. When Am Yisrael pulls together, nothing is too much for us and we can win this war. Not only the war against Hamas and bringing back the hostages. We can win the war against Hamas’ plan of breaking us — and our spirit. Please help us lend a hand and get food and basics to those in Israel,” requests Aryeh Lurie, founder of Yad Ezra V’Shulamit.

To donate go to www.yadezra.net/foodtrucks.

JERSEY SHORE COMMUNITY UNITES IN PRAYER & SONG FOR ISRAEL

ON TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 10TH, THE JERSEY SHORE COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER IN A POWERFUL DISPLAY OF UNITY. OVER 700 ATTENDEES OF ALL AGES GATHERED OUTDOORS AT THE DSN BEACH CLUB FOR AN EVENING OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION. THE SOLEMN EVENT WAS A TESTAMENT TO THE STRENGTH OF COMMUNITY BONDS AND A POIGNANT REMINDER OF THE IMPORTANCE OF STANDING TOGETHER IN TIMES OF NEED.

As guests arrived, they were given beautifully printed booklets containing Tehillim prayers, setting the tone for the evening. DSN’s President Lee Zekaria began the event by welcoming the rabbis and community. “Six months ago our community gathered in DSN to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Today, we are gathering under much different circumstances.”

The evening continued with a powerful rendition of Hatikvah, filling the space with a sense of hope and determination. This was followed by a medley of songs, with former IDF members and rabbis on stage, and a moving performance of Ahenu by Joe Zekaria.

More than 15 esteemed community rabbis from shuls and schools across the community led prayers for the refuah shelamah of those injured in the war, the return of those in captivity, the safety of the soldiers and a blessing for the people and State of Israel. Their collective voices embodied strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The lighting of candles and a moment of silence further underscored the solemnity of the occasion. Prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Shlomo Diamond, Rabbi Shaul Kassin and Rabbi David Tawil, delivered words of inspiration and divrei Torah, offering spiritual guidance to all in attendance. Their wisdom and insight provided a source of comfort and motivation for the community.

DSN Boardmember and Event Chairperson Victoria Sutton was very satisfied. “It was very meaningful and spiritual. We are blessed to have the most incredible rabbis.” Jacqueline Musry, a DSN volunteer was emotional. “I have no words! It was beyond special having all of the rabbis there and seeing everyone together — hundreds upon hundreds of people. It was an unbelievable night, community and team!” Grace Chehebar felt strengthened. “What a night. May Hashem see our unity, hear our prayers, and protect and bless our soldiers and our land.”

Joe Benun, a former IDF soldier, and Ike Massry spoke shedding light on tangible ways the community has and can still come together, from donations to organizing flights out of Israel, all serving as a testament to the power of collective action.

The event was marked by a visual representation of unity with the wavering Israeli flag prominently displayed on a big screen, flanked by two more flags adorning the venue. Additionally, to ensure safety, in recognition of the realities of the current climate, a strong police and security presence was maintained throughout the evening.

Sweatshirts, necklaces, pins and hot chocolate were available for purchase, with all proceeds going towards organizations supporting the IDF and Israel. The overwhelming support through merchandise was obvious as demand for these items resulted in a complete sell-out, further demonstrating the community’s commitment to the cause.

For those unable to attend in person, the event was livestreamed via Instagram, reaching viewers in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Florida, Israel and beyond. This ensured that the message of unity and support transcended physical boundaries, extending its impact to a global audience.

The night stood as a shining example of the strength and resilience of the community. Linda Massry, a DSN volunteer, said, “DSN was the only place anyone felt like being tonight. G-d Bless.”

DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt summarized, “Tonight was very special. Having so many rabbis leading us in prayer and words of strength was desperately needed. The togetherness and feeling of community was palpable. Over the years, I have seen our team put together many meaningful events. This one is right there at the top. Thank you to our DSN volunteers and a passionate staff who tirelessly organized the perfectly-scripted event in less than 48 hours! We will continue to pray and do what we can for Israel. May Hashem accept our community’s prayers so that our brothers and sisters in Israel can see better days soon. Am Israel Chai!”

IT REALLY HAS BEEN A DREAM COME TRUE! THE BARKAI YESHIVAH HIGH SCHOOL JOURNEY BEGAN OVER 18 MONTHS AGO, THOUGH THE DREAM FAR PREDATES THAT. TO SEE IT ALL COME TOGETHER HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF MIRACULOUS — A PRODUCT OF TEAMWORK, PERSEVERANCE, PASSION AND A GIFT FROM HASHEM.

We opened our doors only two months ago and we can already see the vision taking shape. BYHS students are happy! They are getting personal attention, they are thinking outside the box and they are engaged in education in ways that are no longer just theoretical.

Faculty members are collaborating to create lessons that cross disciplines, both within General and Judaic, and across them. There is an energy in the air that is palpable, as students are eager to learn and perhaps more significantly, to be part of building something that is bigger than them. It is an honor to work with and for them, every day.

At BYHS, as is the case for the entire institution, we strive to educate the entire student. That idea informs not only our core curriculum but our programming, tefillah, activities, leadership courses and partnerships with other institutions. Our vision speaks to excellence in education as students will expect nothing less than brilliance from both themselves and their school.

We have begun that journey and we intend to make good on that vision. Our students deserve the best!

To register for our open house, scan the QR code on the ad adjacent to this article. For more information, visit our website at BarkaiYeshivah.org and our instagram account @BarkaiHS.

THE STANLEY I. CHERA SAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE WAS AN EVENING TO REMEMBER, WITH A PACKED HOUSE IN THE NEW, BEAUTIFUL MOISE SAFRA BUILDING. AS PARENTS WALKED THROUGH THE DOORS, THEY WERE GREETED BY A WORLD MAP SYMBOLIZING SAM’S MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY.

Another table offered parents the opportunity to participate in voting for a team name for the upcoming middle school, which SAM plans to launch within the next 24 months. This engagement not only fostered a sense of belonging, but also emphasized SAM’s dedication to involving parents in the decision-making process. Visitors were also able to sample various learning styles, providing a hands-on look at SAM’s dedication to innovative and immersive education.

Upstairs, the SAM leadership team unveiled plans for a new 15,000 square foot second campus for the elementary and middle schools. The new facility, located on East 96th Street off of Fifth Avenue, is a historic former school, in move-in condition. It spans six floors, and will feature 16 classrooms, a cafeteria, a cutting-edge science laboratory, a beautiful library, and much more. This announcement reflected SAM’s determination to provide students with a premiere educational environment that nurtures growth and exploration.

A highlight of the event was Trustee Haim Chera’s generous offer to current elementary school families and the first 20 pioneering families to join the SAM Elementary school community for the upcoming school year. He announced a 50% reduction in tuition fees, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and reclaiming the narrative of education in Manhattan, ensuring that every child is seen, celebrated, and supported.

The SAM Elementary School leadership team, including Rabbinical Leader Rabbi Ariel Mizrahi, Co-Heads of School Dr. Rachel Harari and Mrs. Mary Peldman, and Executive Director Michelle Dayan, shared insights into SAM’s values and philosophy. Dr. Harari stressed the need to move away from the traditional competitive model and focus on fostering a love for learning and curiosity.

Mrs. Peldman spoke passionately about SAM’s unique approach to integrating subjects through experiential learning, breaking down the barriers between isolated subjects to create a holistic and immersive learning experience. Michelle Dayan shared her deep commitment to the school as both a parent and executive director.

Rabbi Ariel Mizrahi described SAM’s philosophy of teaching Torah, emphasizing the importance of imparting knowledge from a place of love and excitement, connecting the past with the future.

Before parents explored classrooms and spoke with teachers, Rabbi Shlomo Farhi of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue in Manhattan highlighted the urgency of SAM’s growth in Manhattan, invoking the shofar’s call to action. The SAM School’s expansion plans, which include a 2-year-old through 4th grade program in September 2024 and the launch of a middle school and high school within the coming years, underscore the school’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its community.

The SAM School’s vision and commitment are setting a new standard for education in Manhattan, with a vision that promises a bright future.

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As a financial professional (agent) with New York Life, you have the chance to build a stable, rewarding career that not only offers significant commission-based income potential, but the opportunity to help protect the financial future of the families and businesses you see every day in your community.

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For information about financial professional commission-based income and benefits, please visit https://www.newyorklife.com/careers/financial-professionals/income-and-benefits. New York Life is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

THIS YEAR, MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HIGH SCHOOL IMPLEMENTED A NEW HONORS PROGRAM FOR ITS FRESHMAN STUDENTS, LED BY PROGRAM DIRECTOR MRS. KIMBERLY DJOUEJATI AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, RABBI ELINATAN BITTON. THE THEME THAT THEY WILL BE CONCENTRATING ON THIS YEAR IS LEADERSHIP.

As they began to explore and identify their core values, the first step in discovering their leadership style, students had an overnight stay in Rhode Island and Boston, learning the history of leaders and trailblazers who helped pave our way.

In Newport, Rhode Island, along with Chaperone Ms. Katie Btesh, the group visited Touro Synagogue, the oldest Sephardic Orthodox Shul in the United States, praying Minha in this historic Shul before heading to the Newport mansions. Freshman student Stephen Zekaria reflected, “I thought that going to the Touro Synagogue was very historical and special. I think that it was so great to see such an important part of my Jewish history, as it is the first synagogue ever made in America. I felt very honored and very privileged to go see that shul, because it is the most historically significant Jewish building in the United States. It meant a lot to me to see it at my young age and to be able to pray Minha there with my friends. This made me feel like I am now a part of its history.”

The next day, after Selihot and Shaharit, students went on the famous Boston Duck Tour, where they learned about all the historical places that make Boston the symbol of American Freedom. They then toured Fenway Park to hear about the rich history, culture, and architecture of the amazing ballpark. Freshman Susie Jemal was especially moved by the courage legend Jackie Robinson had. She said, “Jackie Robinson was the first African American player to join the MLB in 1947. This event changed the MLB forever. The courage that Robinson put into his career has taught me that I can start something just by being myself which can change the world. Robinson put himself out into the world and did what he always wanted to do. He has inspired me to live up to my dreams and not to let people put me down. His optimism to achieve his goals encouraged me to be positive in whatever I want to accomplish in life.”

MDYHS anticipates the growth of its Honors Program due to the unprecedented amount of inquiries it has been receiving about it. You can learn more about it at the school’s Open House, Tuesday night November 14th, 7:30 P.M., at MDYHS, 7801 Bay Parkway.

ARI BAUM, CFP®

IN A QUIET BUT SIGNIFICANT MOVE, THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) HAS RECENTLY UPDATED RULES RELATED TO TRUSTS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT FAMILIES AND THEIR LEGACIES SIGNIFICANTLY. THIS SEEMINGLY SUBTLE CHANGE COULD INADVERTENTLY LEAD TO HEFTY CAPITAL GAINS TAX BILLS FOR HEIRS.

As we delve into this issue, it becomes clear that staying informed and proactive in estate planning is more crucial than ever.

UNDERSTANDING THE IRS RULE CHANGES
Under the new IRS rules, assets held within irrevocable trusts may no longer receive a step-up in basis, unless these assets are included in the taxable estate upon the grantor’s death. This change has far-reaching implications for individuals who utilize irrevocable grantor trusts as part of their estate planning strategy.

Typically, when heirs inherit assets upon the passing of a loved one, those assets receive a step-up in cost basis to the current fair market value. This step-up effectively wipes out any capital gains accrued during the lifetime of the deceased. However, the updated IRS rules alter this scenario for assets held in irrevocable grantor trusts.

Irrevocable grantor trusts have been popular tools for estate planning due to their ability to limit estate taxes and protect assets from judgments or creditors. Unfortunately, with these new rules in place, any assets held within such trusts will not receive the customary step-up in basis, potentially leaving heirs with unexpected and substantial tax liabilities.

THE RISK TO YOUR LOVED ONES
The implications of this change are clear: your loved ones could unintentionally inherit a massive tax burden, depending on how your trust is structured. This change underscores the importance of regularly reviewing and adjusting your estate plan. Tax rules evolve frequently, and staying up-to-date is essential to avoid unintended financial consequences for your heirs.

PREPARING FOR FUTURE CHANGES
The 2023 rule change regarding irrevocable grantor trusts is just one of many potential alterations to tax laws in the coming years. For instance, current estate tax exemption amounts, which stand at $12.92 million per person and $25.84 million for couples in 2023, are set to expire at the end of 2025. If the government does not extend the current rules, the estate tax exemption will revert to the 2017 amount, which was roughly half of the current limit. Consequently, many more families could find themselves exposed to massive tax bills in the near future.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR ESTATE PLAN REVIEWS
If passing on a substantial legacy to your loved ones is a priority for you, it is imperative to review your estate planning strategy for any potential red flags. The ever-changing landscape of tax laws demands a proactive approach to ensure that your loved ones are not burdened with unexpected financial obligations. Regularly revisiting your estate plan, especially in light of new IRS rules, is an essential step to safeguard your family’s financial future.

SEEKING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
Given the complexity of estate planning and the potential pitfalls introduced by the IRS rule changes, it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney. This legal professional can help you navigate the intricacies of trust structures and estate planning, ensuring that your strategy aligns with your goals and minimizes potential tax liabilities for your heirs.

The recent IRS rule changes regarding irrevocable grantor trusts highlight the importance of staying informed about evolving tax laws. The potential tax consequences for your heirs are substantial, and proactive adjustments to your plan are essential to protect your family’s financial future. As we approach an uncertain future with possible changes to estate tax exemptions, it is crucial to work with professionals who can guide you through the complexities of estate planning and ensure your legacy remains intact for generations to come. If you haven’t reviewed your estate plan in recent years, consider taking action now. Your legacy and your loved ones will thank you for it.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. Consult with your financial professional regarding your specific situation.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. He brings his in-depth experience to Conceive. Believe. Achieve. for his clients.
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