Will the Next Generation Invest in Jewish Culture?

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive, philanthropist and author who founded the Jewish Future Pledge to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism.
The Jewish Future Pledge is a commitment that from the funds you leave to charity at your passing, at least half will be earmarked to support the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

Their website: jewishfuturepledge.org/

In 2019, he ended his tenure as the Chairman and Chief Executive of Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to philanthropic endeavors. Mr. Leven currently serves on the boards of AEPi Fraternity Foundation; HERSHA Hospitality Trust; Honorary board member of Birthright Israel Foundation; Trustee Hadassah College of Jerusalem and The Marcus Foundation.

Leven’s book about his career, Can’t Do It Yourself: How Commitment to Others Leads to Personal Prosperity, was published in 2020. The book shares his roadmap to personal and professional success, ending each chapter with a lesson to live by in business and life.

IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:11] Mike explains what the Jewish Future Pledge is and why he founded it.
[04:01 Mike outlines how the pledge works upon someone passing.
[06:30] What are examples of the contributions the Marcus Foundation makes annually?
[08:57] Mike’s thoughts on whether generations following will have the same regard for their heritage.
[10:18] What is the Jewish Youth Pledge, how are youth reminded of their commitment, and where are these programs based?
[14:00] Mike believes that future generations will remember who they are because antisemitism continues to remind them who they are.
[15:42 Mike discusses his book, Can’t Do It Yourself – How Commitment From Others Leads to Personal Prosperity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Jewish Pledge is not a legal document. It’s a moral obligation. Jewish people will remember their heritage because antisemitism reinforces remembering.
The Jewish Youth Pledge uses an ingenious method of the time capsule to remind the individual of the pledge they made in their youth.
The Jewish Pledge is a fantastic tool to remember the state of Israel and other related Jewish concerns.

BIOGRAPHY: Mike Leven

Their website: jewishfuturepledge.org/

Leven’s prominent career in the hospitality industry included the launch of the Holiday Inn Express brand and reorganizing Days Inn of America, growing it from a regional chain to one of the largest hotel organizations in the world. He served as President and COO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Chairman and CEO of US Franchise Systems, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Georgia Aquarium. Mr. Leven is also a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which has more than 19,000 members owning more than 40,000 hotels.
In 2019, he ended his tenure as the Chairman and Chief Executive of Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to philanthropic endeavors. Mr. Leven currently serves on the boards of AEPi Fraternity Foundation; HERSHA Hospitality Trust; Honorary board member of Birthright Israel Foundation; Trustee Hadassah College of Jerusalem and The Marcus Foundation.
Leven’s book about his career, Can’t Do It Yourself: How Commitment to Others Leads to Personal Prosperity, was published in 2020. The book shares his roadmap to personal and professional success, ending each chapter with a lesson to live by in business and life.

RESOURCE LINKS:
Jewish Time – Podcast
Atlanta Jewish Times – Website
Atlanta Jewish Times – Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times – YouTube
Atlanta Jewish Times Interview with Mike Leven on his Book
Reviews for Can’t Do It Yourself Book
Jewish Future Pledge – Website