Dear Friends of DJCF,
In his latest book, God Was Right, Mark Gerson examines themes from the Torah, providing Jewish context and then reinforcing each premise with modern scientific evidence, making the case that the Torah’s wisdom holds true today. At our Annual Meeting NEXT TUESDAY DECEMBER 9TH, attendees will have a unique opportunity to hear directly from Mark and ask questions about his research, particularly his findings on the connection between charitable giving and personal wealth. You won’t want to miss this conversation – please register here.
The Torah does not specify an exact amount one should give, but it does offer a guiding principle found in Leviticus 22 and Deuteronomy 15, “We are commanded to give our ‘finest’ to God, not leftovers or what we don’t need. True giving involves personal sacrifice and choosing to do without something we would otherwise enjoy.”
In my recent newsletter, I shared that I’m preparing for my Bat Mitzvah in Spring 2026. During the service, my classmates and I will each read a portion of the Torah before our community. Honestly, I’ve struggled to personally connect with my assigned text, which focuses on ritual animal sacrifice. Imagine my surprise when, while preparing discussion questions for our Annual Meeting and rereading chapter 27 of Mark’s book, I discovered that the very verse he cites about tzedakah and wealth – Deuteronomy 15:21 – is part of my assigned reading!
To help you prepare for the Q&A portion of our Annual Meeting, here’s a summary of the five scientific proofs Mark outlines for how giving leads to wealth:
1. Increased Happiness
Brain scans show more activity when we give than when we receive. A 2007 University of Oregon study found participants were happiest when they could voluntarily donate money, even more so than when they received it.
2. The “Extra Milers” Effect
A 2015 Johns Hopkins study found that 3-5% of employees, those who give effort beyond their roles, account for 20-35% of collaborative work. High-performing teams thrive on cultures of generosity, coaching, and collaboration.
3. Financial Self-Confidence
Giving time and talent outside our peer group fosters a sense of capability and affluence, according to research from Yale, Harvard, and Wharton. The simple feeling of being wealthy influences better financial decisions, which can lead to material wealth.
4. Social Glue for Business Relationships
Trust is essential for business success. Volunteering for charitable and civic causes creates shared values and purpose with like-minded individuals, strengthening relationships that often lead to new business opportunities.
5. Health Benefits Stronger Than Exercise
A 1987 University of Michigan study found people who never helped others were twice as likely to die within five years compared to those who did. Volunteers over 55 are 44% less likely to die early, an even more impactful activity than exercising four times a week.
This year, with the OBBA taking effect in January, we encourage fundholders to consider frontloading charitable contributions ahead of a less favorable tax environment in 2026. This is the perfect time to reflect on Mark’s closing point of the chapter: how to allocate your gifts. While supporting communal institutions is important, tzedakah as its positioned in the Torah prioritizes three goals: (1) creating opportunity for the poor, (2) alleviating suffering, and (3) saving lives.
As donors increasingly seek to maximize the impact of their philanthropy, choosing the right organization to support is critical. Our DJCF team is here to help guide you through this process. And as my Torah portion – and Mark’s book – remind us, sacrificial giving brings blessings, both spiritual and material.
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, a Global Day of Generosity that takes place every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. After a week of overindulgence, where I’m blaming next month’s credit card bill on a tryptophan-induced trance, this movement welcomes collaboration, inspiration, and giving back through donations, volunteering and acts of kindness. Giving Tuesday has become one of the biggest fundraising days of the year for nonprofits, and as the AP reports, nonprofits are facing a range of new challenges this year, with many human service organizations seeing higher demands and uncertainty around the implications of the new tax and spending legislation that passed in July.
Some creative ideas that I love:
1) Consider giving to organizations based in your community, where your impact will be felt locally.
2) You could support a cause that you have a personal connection to, one that has affected you or a loved one in a positive way.
3) Many nonprofits appreciate receiving a recurring gift – which can be set up through your MY DJCF portal – which enables them to plan for their budget year.
As we enter this season of reflection and generosity, let’s remember that giving is not only a mitzvah, but also a catalyst for joy, connection, and impact. Whether you join us next Tuesday to hear Mark Gerson’s insights, participate in Giving Tuesday, or explore new ways to align your philanthropy with your values, your choices today can transform lives tomorrow. Thank you for being part of a community that leads with purpose and heart. We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting!
DJCF/SWCF 2025 Annual Meeting
The Foundation invites you to a special evening honoring our fundholders, celebrating community leadership and the spirit of generosity.
Join us to:
- Welcome our incoming trustees and celebrate the strength of our community
- Reflect on the powerful impact we’ve made together in the past year
- Be inspired by our distinguished guest speaker, Mark Gerson – acclaimed entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author
Mark will share transformative insights from Chapter 27 of his latest book, God Was Right, exploring the Torah’s wisdom and the science behind charitable giving, including how generosity can lead to abundance. This promises to be a meaningful and thought-provoking evening. We hope you’ll join us.
Temple Emanu-El
8500 Hillcrest Rd | Dallas, TX 75225
Thursday, December 9, 2025
Program at 5:30 PM
Reception at 6:30 PM
Scholarships
Scholarship season has begun at the DJCF!
- A variety of different scholarships are available for March of the Living now until December 9, 2025.
- Financial need based scholarships are available for overnight Jewish camp now until February 17, 2026.
- On January 6, 2026 our College scholarship process begins.
- For more information, please click the buttons below.
End of Year Dates
Important DJCF/SWCF Year-End Deadlines:
- December 15 at 5 PM: Deadline to recommend grants from Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) to ensure they are sent by year-end.
- December 31 at 12 PM: Deadline to make in-person contributions to funds.
- December 31: Last day to receive gifts of stock in our account.
We recommend contacting your broker by early December to initiate any stock transfers.
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