Dear Friends of DJCF,
Who we spend our time with changes significantly over the course of our lives.
According to data from the American Time Use Survey (2009–2019) and Lindberg (2017), we spend more time with coworkers than with family, children, or friends throughout much of our adult lives.
Since my last newsletter, I’ve learned of the sudden passing of two former colleagues from my time in banking. These losses were both shocking and deeply personal. Each of them played a formative role in my professional development, serving as mentors, trusted advisors, and respected leaders in our industry. At their memorial services, the focus was not on their careers, but on their roles as grandparents, siblings, parents, and friends. It’s a poignant reminder: when we face our own mortality, few of us wish we had spent more time at work.
And yet, the reality is that we spend an average of 3.5 hours per day for 40 years with our coworkers. How do we reconcile that with the knowledge that our deepest legacies are often rooted in our personal lives?
Authenticity is a value Western culture holds dear.
From the ancient Greek maxim “know thyself” to Shakespeare’s “to thine own self be true,” we are taught that authenticity benefits both the individual and the collective. Yet, even in the most collaborative workplaces, success often requires a degree of conformity. One lighthearted example is the unofficial “finance bro” uniform—Patagonia vest, khakis, and a button-down shirt—ubiquitous in Midtown Manhattan. But on a more serious note, suppressing our authentic selves for 3.5 hours a day over decades can erode our sense of identity and engagement.
What I learned from Roy Popham and Judy Davis is that they fostered a culture of relational trust. In their presence, I felt safe admitting mistakes, asking questions, and growing into my own leadership voice. Their legacy reminds me that authenticity and trust are not just ideals, they are practices that shape lives and careers. May their memories be a blessing.
Working in a Jewish communal environment has prompted me to rethink the balance between work and personal life.
What happens when professional disagreements arise in your place of worship? How do you allocate limited resources when your goal is not maximizing shareholder value, but upholding Jewish values? Should a nonprofit invest in services like kosher meals or avoid scheduling events on Shabbat, even if only a small portion of the community would be affected?
These questions don’t have easy answers. Managers must constantly navigate the tension between operational efficiency, which often demands standardization, and the desire to honor individuality and authenticity.
At DJCF, we don’t claim to have all the answers (though I’d love to hear from you if you do!). But our guiding principle is clear: we strive to be as inclusive as organizationally possible. We believe that inclusivity unlocks potential, deepens relationships with our fundholders and friends, and ultimately strengthens our community through philanthropy.
As we reach the midpoint of summer, I want to spotlight the incredible contributions of our summer intern, Hudson Plaskoff.
Since joining us a month ago, Hudson has made a meaningful impact on our archival and digital filing efforts, while also enhancing our social media and marketing strategies. At a recent team meeting, he shared highlights from his work so far, including:
• Featuring fundholder stories and spotlights on Facebook and Instagram
• Reorganizing and updating our YouTube channel for easier navigation
• Creating a content calendar to ensure a steady stream of updates even after he returns to Muhlenberg College for his sophomore year
We’re so grateful for Hudson’s energy, creativity, and talent. Be sure to follow our social media channels to stay connected with what’s happening behind the scenes at the Foundation.
Finally, as the situation in Israel continues to evolve, your support remains urgently needed.
We’ve updated our crisis response page to reflect the current needs. You can give through your MY DJCF portal or directly to organizations providing emergency relief, medical and mental health services, and long-term recovery. Visit our site here: Crisis Response – Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
As we reflect on the people who shape our lives—both inside and outside the workplace, I invite you to consider how we can bring more authenticity, compassion, and purpose into our daily interactions. Whether through mentorship, philanthropy, or simply showing up as our full selves, we each have the power to leave a meaningful legacy. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Jewish Future Promise
You may have heard us talking about the Jewish Future Promise. You can learn more about it on our website, but don’t take it from us! Check out this op-ed from JFP’s CEO, Hadara Ishak, on how this moment is an exciting time to plan for a strong and vibrant Jewish future — and how we each can play a part.
July Nonprofit Spotlight
We will shine a light on several organizations with whom we are proud to partner – raising awareness about current needs and important work being done in our community by agencies you may not be familiar with! You can give from your fund via the DJCF Portal, or click the links below to support.
Congregation Anshai Torah: We’re a community of real people with diverse and messy lives. As a people of questions, we are on unique spiritual journeys, united by our commitment to making a positive impact. While we may not always have it all figured out, we believe God works through our imperfections. Join us as we discover and share His hope together, one step at a time. Give Here: Online Payments – Congregation Anshai Torah
Dallas Jewish Burial Fund: The Dallas Jewish Burial Fund helps cover the cost of a Jewish burial and funeral when the expense would be otherwise prohibitive.In Jewish tradition, burial and the related services are considered a chesed shel emet—a true act of loving kindness—because it can never be repaid by the deceased. The Dallas Jewish Burial Fund supports families in the community as they strive to perform this act for a loved one. Give Here: Donate Now | Dallas Jewish Burial Fund (givelively.org)
The Friendship Circle of Dallas: The Friendship Circle enriches the lives of participants of all abilities through facilitating mutually advantageous interactions, and creating lasting friendships, which strengthening both the Jewish and greater communities. Give Here: Donate – FriendshipDallas.org
Mikvah Israel: Founded and built on the value that all Jewish women are welcome to immerse and take part in the ancient ritual, Mikvah Israel is a place without judgment of a visitor’s level of observance. In 2024, major renovations to the Kelim Mikvah are underway, to provide a beautiful option for bringing holiness into kitchens and homes across Dallas. Give Here: Mikvah Israel Dallas
Friday, September 19, 2025
Breakfast | 7:30-8:00 AM
Seminar | 8:00-10:30 AM
Westin Galleria Dallas
13340 Dallas Parkway | Dallas, TX 75240
Creative Charitable Planning: How to Leverage Noncash Assets and AI
Join Paul Caspersen for an advanced session exploring real-world charitable planning scenarios. Beginning with a brief primer, then Paul will walk through recent donor cases involving non-cash assets, such as gifts of closely held businesses, real estate, and charitable remainder trusts. Each case will highlight the legal, tax, and philanthropic variables at play, illustrating how to assess timing, asset suitability, mission alignment, and liquidity strategies. You’ll explore how tax rules, asset structures, and philanthropic goals intersect, discussing timing, feasibility, and mission alignment in collaborative problem-solving. This session offers advanced insights for professional advisors seeking to learn new strategies and deliver transformational outcomes for their clients and the organizations their clients care deeply about.
PJ Library
Free Jewish Storybooks and Activities In the Mail Each Month!
PJ Library welcomes the incredible diversity of Jewish experience, serving families whether they have a lot of previous Jewish knowledge or very little, are religiously observant or not, and are made up of all Jewish members or a beautiful blend.
Social Media
Follow us on social media to get the latest updates, stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what we do. Join our growing community and be the first to know what’s new! Click on the links below to follow us.
Investment Reports & Fund Statements
Please visit our newly re-launched Investments Page at Investments – Dallas Jewish Community Foundation. There, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each of our investment pools, the latest monthly performance reports, FAQs, recent news and more. Monthly fund statements are generally produced around the 20th of each month and are published to the My DJCF portal for your review.
If you’d like to revisit your funds’ investment allocation, please contact Jerry Blair at [email protected].
