Jewish Women’s Philanthropy Thrives in Dallas
Throughout history, women have demonstrated a fundamental philanthropic spirit. They have established schools and medical centers. They have fed the hungry and housed the homeless. And never have they questioned their ability to make a difference in the world.
As women are making strides with men in boardrooms, courtrooms and operating rooms, so are they assuming equal responsibility with men in saving, sustaining and enriching lives. “Gone are the days when women’s philanthropy referred only to sweet dears who ran the school auction or gussied up for a charity ball,” Time Magazine reported in May 1999. “Women are demanding more attention to their favorite causes and more influence over exactly how their donations are spent.”
In the Dallas Jewish community, women’s philanthropy is flourishing. The Women’s Campaign is the fastest growing component of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Annual Campaign, representing more than 22% and rising every year. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE), a program by which a woman can endow her annual gift of $5000 or more to the Federation, assuring it will last forever. Thirty-eight Dallas women have endowed their gifts to the Federation with either a LOJE or Pomegranate Annual Gift Endowment (PAGE). A PAGE will endow an annual gift of $1,500 or more.
“We are planning and looking forward to an exciting event in the fall to celebrate the anniversary of LOJE as well as all levels of women’s endowment,” said Susan Levy, who co-chairs the LOJE and PAGE programs with Marilyn Schaffer.
In December 2003, Carol Gene Cohen spoke about endowment at the Lion/Pomegranate Annual Intergenerational Event. She recalled her first memory of tzedakah at age three. Every week, her mother would tie a nickel in a hanky for Carol Gene to take to shul. “This is the early memory of what would become a constant in my life,” Carol Gene said. She began as a teenager raising funds for BBYO. After that, her efforts included settling Russian immigrants in the Dallas Jewish community, working for the Federation, and organizing a variety of events for the Jewish Community Center.
Recently, Carol Gene's husband, Howard, endowed her Lion of Judah gift in honor of their 40th anniversary. "Years ago, I told Howard that it was important to me that I contribute in my own name," she said. "His gift, an acknowledgement of my commitment as an individual, is one I will always cherish." Doris Levine also exemplifies the philanthropic spirit of women. She first became involved in the Federation when she married Sol in 1958. Together they led many missions to Israel, which inspired Doris to become active in the Women’s Campaign. Recently, Doris received the Helen Gross Senior Leadership Award for her philanthropic efforts. “I felt it was important to support leadership,” she said. “I stood behind my husband, Sol, and daughter, Janis Levine Music.”
This year, Doris took steps to ensure the future of the Jewish community by creating a LOJE. “I feel it is important to maintain a viable Jewish world for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” she said. “I hope that we have been decent role models so our children will remain active participants in sustaining our wonderful Dallas Jewish community.”
Jackie Waldman first experienced Tikkun Olam - repairing the world - at age four and has been active in the Dallas Jewish community ever since. Eager to share the power of giving, she decided to compile a series of books that would inspire others to give. The Courage to Give series tells the true stories of people whose lives changed dramatically when they started helping others.
Jackie confirmed her commitment to the Jewish community by creating a LOJE. “I wanted to be a part of the plan for the future – to help future generations meet new and changing needs. My endowment will perpetuate my annual gift to the Federation beyond my lifetime. It feels right,” she said.
There is no doubt that the Jewish community is thriving, and it is due in large part to women’s efforts. In Jackie’s words, “Perhaps one day when our dreams of peace are fulfilled, we will say it was Jewish women, who gave not only of their time and money, but truly of themselves, who made the difference.”