Ethical Will

What is an Ethical Will?

An ethical will is called a tzava’a in Hebrew. Think of it as ethical and emotional estate planning. Some read the book of Deuteronomy as Moses’ ethical will or farewell speech to the Israelites, where he reviews their history together, teaches some laws in preparation for when he is no longer their leader, and gives them general advice.

Throughout history, some people left ethical wills because they didn’t have anything of real material value to pass on to the next generation apart from their wisdom. An ethical will is more formal than a legacy letter. It is often attached to a will or estate document so that those who come after us will have pieces of the wisdom and experience we’ve learned throughout our life.

Ethical Wills usually answer three central questions:

Do those closest to me know my burial wishes?
Do those I care about know what is most important to me and what I’ve learned through experience?
Have I said everything that I need to say to my family and friends?

An Ethical Will Structure

Personal Information

Favorite photo of yourself and the story behind it
Your personal story/history
Transformative events in your life
Historical events that you lived through that shaped the way you think and act
Objects of significance that tell a piece of your life story

Personal Happiness and Satisfaction

Most impactful quote
Places of significance to you and why
Small things that have brought you happiness
Favorite or important rituals
Relationship with G-d
Why the Jewish people and our future matters to you

The Role of Others

Enumerate what you love about each person who is significant in your life
Thank and acknowledge what each of those people has brought you
What you learned from your parents • What your children taught you
Thoughts on family

Life Advice

Spiritual values or rules you live by
Your life advice about friendship
Your life advice about love/marriage
Your life advice about work
Your life advice about education/knowledge

Finances

Most important charitable causes and why
Why you decided to take the Jewish Future Pledge • How you used money to make a difference
Your life advice about money

Forgiveness

Mistakes and regrets
Asking for forgiveness generally or from certain individuals • Granting forgiveness generally or to certain individuals

Burial Requests

Type of burial
Location of burial
Requested speakers at the funeral
Requested rituals at the funeral, including prayer, poems
and songs to be included.