The unimaginable sums of tzedakah lost by Bernard Madoff, not to mention the trillions lost in the stock market, set me to thinking about “secure” investments.
My purpose is not to discourage people from establishing or contributing to endowment funds. They are a worthy and effective vehicle for one’s tzedakah, if managed with all the appropriate safeguards. All reports suggest that the communal endowment funds in the Jewish community meet this high bar. My purpose here is to make a philosophical, or perhaps the better word is theological, point.
Endowment funds are not forever for the simple reason that nothing is forever. There is, however, often a sense that with an endowment, I really can take it with me.
I can outwit G-d.
I can be an actor when I’m no longer an actor — when I’m dead.
I can control events.
