COMMUNITY NEWS
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financial and volunteer resources to address the
communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and
around the world.
2020 CONTINUES TO BE a tumultuous year, and the ramifications of the
election are still to be determined.
While Joe Biden is the president-elect, which party organizes the Senate will
not be clear until the Georgia runoff elections on Jan. 5. With narrower majorities
in both houses, it will be important for legislative proposals to be bipartisan, and
much of what the next administration hopes to accomplish may have to wait until
after the elections in 2022.
Several additional factors can impact key tax and charitable planning
decisions this year-end. While the pandemic continues to affect the economy,
House and Senate leaders remain at loggerheads in crafting additional COVID
relief that might include new tax provisions. Congress needs to pass funding
legislation by mid-December to avert a government shutdown. State and local
governments face unprecedented fiscal crises that also could lead to new or
larger tax burdens to balance their budgets.
While passage of the Biden administration’s tax program remains uncertain,
it revolves around several important tax changes that are targeted to individuals
with incomes greater than $400,000 and especially those with incomes over $1
million. The Biden plan contemplates reimposing a top income tax rate of 39.6%
for those with income above $400,000, and taxing capital gains and dividends at
ordinary income tax rates for those with income over $1 million.
In addition, the Biden plan would cap the value of itemized deductions
(including the charitable contribution deduction for those who itemize) at 28%.
The estate tax rate might increase from 40% to 45% and the estate and gift tax
exemption amount could be reduced to as low as $3.5 million (rates and amounts
that were in place in 2009). Other significant estate tax changes such as the elimi-
nation of the stepped-up basis at death (or imposition of a tax on unrealized gain
on a decedent’s final tax return) could also be part of a Biden plan.
Even if these proposed changes were enacted, it is unlikely they would be effective
until sometime late in 2021 or tax year 2022.
Some of the key considerations for year-end decisions include:
• Use appreciated assets when possible to make a gift: Donating stock or other
appreciated capital assets remains a best practice. You avoid capital gains tax
on the appreciation, and you can qualify for a charitable contribution deduc-
tion for the full fair market value of the shares or other assets as of the date of
contribution. With the current rally in the stock market, such assets could be
prime candidates for donation at year-end.
Josh Gross, chair of the Jewish Federation’s Investment Committee,
commented that “donating appreciated stock is almost always better than
donating cash. For Pennsylvania residents, the highest long-term federal
income tax is 23.80%, plus a 3.07% Pennsylvania resident tax on capital gains.
So if a Pennsylvania donor can donate appreciated stock they will save 26.87%
of taxes on the gains. This could be great for tax and portfolio planning as well
as possibly allow a larger gift than by just using cash.”
• Other charitable planning strategies might make sense: In addition to
gifting long-term appreciated securities, there are several other charitable
planning strategies that can be beneficial. For example, consider establishing
a (or adding to an existing) donor-advised fund at the Jewish Federation and
take advantage of an immediate charitable tax deduction and then recommend
grants from the fund over time. Other charitable giving vehicles to consider
include a charitable lead trust, especially as interest rates remain low. A CLT is
an irrevocable trust that benefits charity and the non-charitable beneficiaries,
such as family.
• Perhaps the tried-and-true year-end tax planning mantra prevails: Consider
18 DECEMBER 17, 2020
Kritchanut, Getty Images
Year-End Tax and Charitable Planning: Post-Election
deferring income and accelerating deductions where appropriate to reduce the
current year’s tax bill.
• Certain tax provisions enacted in 2020 could be most beneficial: The CARES
Act enables the current deduction of up to 100% of adjusted gross income for
cash gifts to charity (other than to donor-advised funds, supporting organiza-
tions and private foundations). Individuals considering large cash donations
may find this one-year expansion of the AGI limitation particularly beneficial.
• Don’t forget about the IRA Charitable Qualified Distribution: The IRA
Charitable Qualified Distribution remains an attractive alternative to those
over age 70½ who may not otherwise be able to itemize their deductions and
claim a tax benefit from a charitable contribution. Keep in mind Congress has
suspended the pension rules which impose “required minimum distribution”
requirements for 2020 in response to the COVID crisis, yet IRA contributions
to qualified charities still could make sense for some, especially individuals
who have used such contributions as a form of annual support for favored
charitable organizations. The maximum distribution in a single calendar year
is $100,000.
• Some wealth transfer strategies may be appropriate, especially as interest
rates remain low: It may make sense to engage in certain wealth transfer or
gift transactions before year-end to take advantage of the higher estate and gift
exemption amount. There are a number of estate planning techniques that can
be used, including using gifts or sales of property expected to produce income
or increase in value to remove existing or future wealth from the donor’s
transfer tax base.
Endowment professionals at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
remain available to work with you and your other professional advisers to
maximize the benefits of these and other tax planning strategies for you and
the Jewish community. For more information, contact Jennifer Brier, director,
Planned Giving and Endowments, at jbrier@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0528.
Content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal,
tax or financial advice. When considering gift planning strategies, always consult
with your own legal and tax advisers.
JEWISH EXPONENT
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C ommunity / deaths
DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
BERGMAN GORDON
David Bergman passed away on December 9,
2020 at age 93. David was born in Phil-
adelphia, one of two sons, along with Ed-
ward, to Gerson and Leah Bergman. After
graduating from West Philadelphia High
School and Philadelphia College of Phar-
macy and Science, and returning from WWII
military service, Dave took over the family
pharmacy near Rittenhouse Square. He later
added two more stores and earned a M.S.
from U. Penn at age 60. After meeting Nancy
Levin in 1948, they married in 1952 and
moved to Center City where they raised three
children: Leah (now deceased), Drew, and
Michael. He enjoyed summers with his fam-
ily in the Poconos and Long Beach Island,
NJ. He was active in a variety of professional
and civic organizations, including as Presid-
ent of the Philadelphia Assoc. of Retail Phar-
macists and the Center City Residents Assoc.
Patrons of the Philadelphia Orchestra and
other arts organizations, Dave and Nancy
also traveled extensively, visiting 88 coun-
tries. Nancy, the love of David’s life, passed
away in August, 2020. David is survived by
two sons, six grandchildren, and two great
grandchildren. Contributions can be sent to
Doctors without Borders, Friends of Ritten-
house Square, or the charity of your choice.
www.epsteinmemorial.com for our online
guestbook. EPSTEIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL
ELLMAN Arthur Edwin Ellman on Nov. 19, 2020. Hus-
band of Elaine (nee Zlotnick). Father of Stacy
(Michael) Oglensky, Amy (Jeffrey) Michels
and Meredith (Ross) Podell. Grandfather of
Adam (Meredith), Lauren, Ben, Jessica, Brett,
Sarah and Katie. Great grandfather of Ryan,
Joseph and Sloane. Contributions in his
memory may be made to the American Can-
cer Society, 1818 Market St, Ste 2820, Phil-
adelphia, PA 19103 or www.cancer.org.
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
GINSBURG Vicki Ginsburg (nee Goldsmith) on Decem-
ber 6, 2020. Cherished best friend of daugh-
ters Ellen (Ray) van der Horst and Rhonda
(Larry) Cetlin; devoted grandmother of Ben-
jamin and Matthew van der Horst and Blair
(Ryan Kearney) and Zach (Emily) Cetlin; dear
sister of Mel (Bette Brannigan) Goldsmith.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband
Bernard. Private graveside service is planned.
Contributions in her memory may be made to
the charity of one’s choice.
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
Mitchell M.Gordon on December 10, 2020.
Beloved husband of the late Dori (nee
Kessler); Loving father of Joel Gordon and
Eric (Sandra) Gordon; and the late Ellen So-
lomon. Dear brother of Marvin (Rozi) Gor-
don; Devoted grandfather of Julie, Jake and
Lindsay.Father-in-law of Philip Solomon. Ser-
vices and interment are Private. Contribu-
tions in his memory may to the American
Cancer Society, 1818 Market St., Ste. 2820
Phila., PA 19103.
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL SACKS
www.goldsteinsfuneral.com GOSIN
Phyllis Kay Trachtenberg Gosin, formerly of
Lafayette Hill, Blue Bell and most recently
Plymouth Meeting, PA, passed away peace-
fully on December 5, 2020 at the age of 76.
Loving mother of Barry (Kimberly) Gosin and
the late Fredrick Gosin, proud grandmother
of Eric and Chloe as well as her grand-pup-
pies, Bevo and Juliette and grand-cats Cocoa
and Cream, and brother of Joel (Anita)
Trachtenberg. Phyllis will always be re-
membered as a compassionate listener, a
great teacher and an incredibly strong wo-
man, who overcame countless obstacles
throughout her life with great character.
Friends, of whom there were many, will re-
member her as a “tough cookie” who despite
life’s challenges was always able to have fun
and lots of laughs with friends and family.
Above all else, she will be remembered for
the love, support and fierce loyalty for her
family. We will miss her but take great com-
fort that she is finally at peace, reunited with
the souls of her parents and her son, Fred.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, there will not
be a memorial service at this time. Interment
was private. A memorial service will be held
at a later date. Contributions in memory of
Phyllis Gosin may be made to the Fred Gosin
Scholarship Fund, c/o The Phila. High School
for the Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S.
Broad St., Ave. of the Arts, Phila. PA 19147.
WEST LAUREL HILL FUNERAL HOME, Inc.
www.westlaurelhill.com GROSS
Marilyn Gross (nee April) on December 8,
2020. Beloved wife of the late Milton; Loving
mother of Alan (Michelle) Gross and Randy
(Donna) Gross; Devoted grandmother of
Leah (Rueben), Jacob, Manya (Ami), Kather-
ine (Brett) Corey (Dr. Rachel Lewin) and Ben-
jamin; Adoring great-grandmother of Moshe
and Ravi. Services and interment were
private. Contributions in her memory may be
made to American Cancer Society, 1818 Mar-
ket St., Ste. 2820, Phila., PA 19103,
www.cancer.org GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
Honor the memory
of your loved one...
Call 215.832.0749 to
place your memorial.
facebook.com/jewishexponent DEATH NOTICES
GROSS Eleanor Gross (nee Seltzer) passed Decem-
ber 3, 2020. Survived by her devoted hus-
band of 59 years and sweetheart of 65 years,
Ronald, whom she met as a teenager while
attending Elkins Park Jr, High School. Daugh-
ters Laura Rosenberg, Jane (Drew) Green-
blatt and six Grandchildren, Penina, Harry,
Max, Charlie, Roxanne and Sam. She was
predeceased by her parents Helen and Nath-
an, and son in law, David. Eleanor was a
funny, gracious, effervescent spirit that lit up
every room she entered. She was a big per-
sonality in a little package with a huge circle
of friends, some dating back to elementary
school. She was an avid reader, traveler,
gardener and game player. Eleanor was a be-
liever in life-long learning and continued to
take classes and attend lectures her entire
adult life. Though her life was full of trips to
Europe, playing Canasta and Mah Jongg,
gardening, going down the shore, decorating,
collecting antiques and attending multiple
Book Clubs, Eleanor’s most passionate com-
mitment was to her family and her role as
wife, mom and nana. Contributions in her
memory may be made to a charity of the
donor’s choice.
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
JOSEPH Sandra Joseph, on December 7, 2020. Be-
loved stepmother of Tammi (Robert) Smith
and Eric (Heather) Silberman; Dear sister of
Stanton (Susan) Joseph; Devoted grand-
mother of Zachary, Tori, Marielle and Julia;
Loving aunt of Adam, Jennifer, Jonathan, Al-
lison and Daniel. Services and interment were
private. Contributions in her memory may be
made to Philadelphia Zoo, www.philadelphia-
zoo.com or Alzheimer’s Association,
www.alz.org GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
KATZMAN Saul Katzman on December 6, 2020. Beloved
husband of Faye (nee Moskowitz); Loving
father of Marc (Donna) Katzman and Larry
(Liz) Katzman; Devoted grandfather of Sam-
antha, Alex, Felicia, Macy and Riley. Due to
COVID restrictions, services and interment
were private. Contributions in his memory
may be made to Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery
Foundation, www.alzdiscovery.org or Old
York Road Temple-Beth Am, www.oyrt-
betham.org GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
LITTMAN Solomon Littman, M.D., on Dec. 8, 2020.
Husband of Rosette (nee Tenenbaum), father
of Dr. Dan (Laura Johnston) Littman and Dr.
Mario Littman, grandfather of Justin and Eric
Littman. Services and interment were private.
Contributions in his memory may be made to
the Jackson Memorial Hospital at the Uni-
versity of Miami or Lankenau Hospital, Wyn-
newood, PA.
JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
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DEATH NOTICES
SCHMULENSON Phyllis Schmulenson, a former librarian for
the City of Philadelphia, died December 4,
2020. GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
WECHSLER Roger Steven Wechsler, formerly of Bens-
alem, passed away peacefully on Tuesday,
December 8, 2020. Loving father of Jeffrey
(Danielle) Wechsler and Erica (Andrew) Rov-
insky. Devoted Zayda to Max and Avery.
Proud brother of Peter Wechsler and Scott
(Susan) Wechsler. Roger will be re-
membered for his passion of all things Juda-
ism and sports. He served as the Cantor of
Temple Beth Ami Congregation for many
years and was previously a member of and
back-up cantor at Temple Sinai in Dresher
since his teenage years. He knew the lyrics of
just about every Allan Sherman song and was
an avid Philadelphia sports fan who rarely
missed a game. For many years Roger also
hosted a sports talk radio show and served
as sports director at WBCB in Fairless Hills.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, a private
Graveside Service is being held. Contribu-
tions may be made to Temple Beth Ami, 9201
Old Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19115.
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
DEATH NOTICES
WEINER Irene Weiner (nee McArdle), 96, of North
Wales, passed away due to complications of
COVID-19 on December 7, 2020. The former
Corp. Irene M. McArdle served during World
War II. Prior to her military service she
worked at the Frankford Arsenal as a "Rosie
the Riveter". Following the War she was a
dedicated homemaker and the beloved wife
of the late Benjamin Weiner. Loving mother
of Sherry (Jay, Esq.) Ginsburg. Cherished
grandmother of the late Randall Fedner, Mat-
thew Ginsburg, Esq.,(Emily), Alexander Gins-
burg, Esq., (Elizabeth), and Reid Ginsburg,
Esq. (Emily). Step grandmother of Amy Gins-
burg, Melanie Furjanic, and the late Justin
Ginsburg. Adored great-grandmother of Han-
nah and Ethan Ginsburg and numerous step
great-grandchildren. Aunt to many beloved
nieces and nephews. A friend to all; she will
be missed. Funeral services were private.
Contributions in her memory may be made to
a charity of the donor's choice.
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
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Remembers Monthly archives of
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