A Word from the CEO

Tax season is over for most of us. If you received a refund or a recent raise, consider increasing the contribution to your JRB account. Even a modest increase in your contribution can help lower your taxable income today and/or build tax-free income in retirement. Just ask your payroll administrator to update your salary reduction agreement.

Our Spring Israel Bonds Offering is now underway. You can purchase Israel Bonds through the JRB in $2,500 increments up to a maximum of $30,000. Details, including the current rate, will be available on May 1 on the Israel Bonds information page. Click here to download an application to purchase Israel Bonds. The Offering ends May 11.  

The JRB remains deeply committed to delivering a robust, high-quality, low-cost retirement program. As part of that ongoing commitment, the JRB Board of Trustees voted to reduce the administrative fee from 0.28% to 0.25%, effective April 1, 2026.   

If you are a synagogue leader or administrator, we encourage you to read “Is Your Synagogue Required to Offer Retirement Benefits?” A growing number of states require all employers, even those with just a few staff, to offer a retirement plan. This article outlines what employers should know about state mandates. For employers in states with retirement plan mandates, offering the JRB Plan generally satisfies the requirement and costs employers nothing to set up or manage.

This month the JRB also says farewell to the Board’s Second Vice Chair, Rabbi Melinda Zalma. In addition to serving on the Executive Committee, Rabbi Zalma has served with tremendous dedication on the Audit, Budget, Finance and Insurance Committees. She resigned due to a full-time active-duty position at the Force Chaplain of Marine Corps Forces Reserve. We thank you for your leadership and contributions to the JRB, Rabbi Zalma, and salute your service to our nation.

Finally, I would like to highlight an article many people find helpful after tax season: How Long Should You Keep Your Tax Records? It’s an excellent resource as you clean up your tax files, forms, records and receipts.

If you have questions about increasing your contributions, Israel Bonds or would like to review your financial plan, please reply to this email or call 888-JRB-FREE (572-3733).

L'Shalom,