Mike Leven, the visionary behind the Holiday Inn Express Chain, philanthropist, and accomplished business executive, delves into the significance of the Jewish Future Pledge and the Jewish Youth Pledge, shedding light on strategies to uphold our Jewish heritage and provide ongoing support to the state of Israel. By embracing the Jewish Future Pledge, individuals commit themselves to a moral duty of allocating 50% of their wealth towards the betterment of Jewish causes. Mike Leven will explain the pledge's mechanics and share pertinent information about the Jewish Youth Pledge, presenting a comprehensive roadmap for fostering our Jewish legacy and bolstering Israel's welfare.

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.

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

BIOGRAPHY: Mike Leven

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive, philanthropist and author who co-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: https://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 e