Special to the Record
The Lenny Zakim Fund (LZF or The Fund) is excited to announce the receipt of a generous $765,000 gift from the former Temple B’nai Israel of Revere to establish an endowed fund to support LZF grassroots organization partners in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, and along the North Shore.
Established in 1906 in the Beachmont neighborhood of Revere, Temple B’nai Israel has the distinction of being one of the oldest original synagogues in Massachusetts. In 2019, Temple B’Nai Israel made the decision to close its doors. and gift the proceeds from the sale of its former temple building to LZF. “We recognized that TBI could be more impactful closed, by gifting the proceeds from the sale of our former temple building to LZF who in is in a much better position to serve more people,” recalls former TBI member Howie Taub. “As president and a life-long member of Temple B’Nai Israel, it gives me tremendous pleasure and comfort in knowing that the 113-year legacy of TBI will be honored and valued by LZF through this gift,” says Debby Cherry.
In accordance with a signed gift agreement between The Lenny Zakim Fund and Temple B’Nai Israel and approved by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, this gift has been invested in LZF’s endowment where it will be drawn down over a period of 18 years, providing critical annual support – in the form of grants and grantee programming – to LZF grassroots nonprofit partners in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, and along the North Shore who share the Temple’s Jewish values and strong commitment to social justice. “As a longtime member of Temple B’nai Israel, I saw firsthand the congregation’s commitment to social justice and community engagement. We’re so grateful that this incredibly generous gift will strengthen The Lenny Zakim Fund’s ability to help our grantee partners bring positive change to their communities,” declares Joyce Zakim. “As an organization that relies 100% on philanthropy to support our work with grassroots organizations in advancing social, racial, and economic justice in communities throughout the Commonwealth, LZF is extremely grateful to Temple B’Nai Israel for this incredible gift,” echoes LZF’s executive director, Allison Picott. “On behalf of The Fund, I would like to publicly express our gratitude to the former members of Temple B’Nai Israel and pledge our commitment to continue TBI’s legacy and long-standing commitment to Tikkun Olam (social justice).”