Lori and Richard Brenckman

When our parents passed, they left us an inheritance. This was a surprise to us … actually, more of a shock. They must have planned and saved for this from the day I was born. I say “our” parents because my dad always wanted a son, and when he met Richard, it was love at first sight. They instantly adopted each other.

This inheritance was a powerful and loving gift. It changed our lives, and created a deeply-rooted, ineradicable connection of love and gratitude for my parents, which also extended back to past generations. Mom and dad demonstrated a model of love, generosity, and kindness to us; so naturally, we wanted to do the same.

We have 2 dogs and 2 cats (smile) … but we don’t have any kids. So, to follow mom and dad’s model — we adopted Temple Solel. From the very first day we joined the Temple, it quickly became a central focus in our lives. We participated in almost everything the Temple had to offer … and we always received more than we gave. After only 2 ½ years of becoming part of the Solel family, we looked for a way to increase our financial support. That’s when we heard about the Legacy Circle.

We decided that the Jewish community, especially our precious Temple Solel, was actually our “offspring”. So in honor of our love for, and connection with Solel, we joined the Legacy Circle. This involved making provisions in our will for a portion of our estate to be left to the Temple. It was easy, it was perfect for us — it just felt like the natural thing to do.

We understood that this was a way we could continue to support all the things that have meant so much to us in life, after our deaths. Our hope and expectation is that leaving financial assets to Temple Solel and other Jewish organizations we have benefited from so deeply, will allow them all to grow and thrive long after we’re gone. Thus, our legacy will live on, in an unbroken line from past generations.

In our hearts, we dedicate our legacy to mom and dad, to whom we say “Thank you” every day.