Sample Bequest Language

As you discuss your estate plans with your family, lawyer, or other advisors, it may be helpful to share with them the following:

Specific bequests allows you to designate a percentage of your estate, a dollar amount, or specified assets as a bequest to ________________________. After providing for your family and loved ones, a bequest to ________________________ ensures that the Jewish values you cherish are transmitted to future generations.

Sample language
I give, devise and bequeath ________________________ [state a % or $ amount, or specific property or other asset] to ________________________.

Residual bequests allow you to designate the remaining residue of your estate as a bequest to ________________________, after the payment of all expenses and specific bequests to other beneficiaries have been made.

Sample language:
I give, devise and bequeath to ________________________ [or state a percentage] of the rest and residue of my estate to be used for its general purposes [or for a particular program or purpose].

Contingent bequests allows you to make a bequest to ________________________ only in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as the prior death of one or more of your named beneficiaries. For example, you can name ________________________ as a beneficiary only if no other close family members survive you.

Sample language:
If ________________________ predeceases me, I give, devise and bequeath [the specified property or their intended share of my estate] to ________________________ to be used for its general purposes [or for a particular program or purpose].