Limmud Seattle 2019

Ethical wills are a Jewish tradition dating to the Torah. Early uses included the giving of blessings and the conveyance of moral legacies. Modern versions record family stories, values, hopes, dreams, and wisdom of all kids. History suggests that the writing of ethical wills peaks during times of persecution – forced conversion to Christianity and Islam, eras where Jews were forbidden from bequeathing property, and the Holocaust. Modern research demonstrates that the writers of these legacy documents were on to something remarkable! The creation of an ethical will can help authors achieve a sense of moral clarity in times of difficult decision-making, and create a meaningful gift for friends and future generations. Participants will learn about the history of ethical wills, read sections of historical examples, brainstorm uses for ethical wills in modern life, and have the opportunity to work on the beginnings of their own uniquely-Jewish legacy document.