Dear Friends of DJCF,
Seasonality is not something I spent a lot of time thinking about until recently, probably because as a young(ish) person, the long span of “The Future” felt interminable. But now as a parent, I’m getting whiplash from how quickly life is evolving! This month, our daughter graduated from pre-school and will be launched into the world of being a big kid alongside her brother in elementary school. I’m saying goodbye to the sticky fingers and milestone firsts (that I’ve obsessively catalogued in hundreds of nearly-identical pictures) stage of motherhood and ushering in a new era of after-school sports, “yes, you have to wash your hair” negotiations, of packing lunches with love notes inside, bandaging up skinned knees and hurt feelings over cafeteria drama. Somehow still, I’m rarely drinking my coffee while it’s hot!
Popular culture has a name for the month of May for people in my stage of life – Maycember – where the competing priorities and expectations of closing the school year feel reminiscent of December and the calendar year-end intensity. For all my peers at the starting line of being the parent of big kids, I see you. It’s exhausting, it’s exhilarating, and I’m trying to embrace it all.
To honor this season, and parents who have made it to the finish line of childhood with their families, I am thrilled to spotlight our community’s commitment to supporting access to education. DJCF/SWCF offers a robust college scholarship program, which is administered from application to award by our staff and a dedicated team of volunteers. These scholarship funds begin with a minimum $25,000 in endowed commitment. Donors prioritize three main categories of eligibility: academic achievement, community engagement and financial need, and can support specific careers or demographics that align with their passion. Since 1991, this program has grown to over 80 scholarships that have awarded $3,348,948 to 1,210 students pursuing a college degree.
Each of our scholarship donors is given the opportunity to write a letter to the recipients of their annual award. These letters are recorded and preserved for future – meaning that even when the donors are no longer here to tell their own story, DJCF will ensure its continuity.
Established in 1994, the family of the late Ruth and Mickey Schimmel created a scholarship fund at DJCF in their memory. As of this year, the fund has distributed over $117,000 to deserving students. I’m pleased to share an excerpt from the letter that Schimmel scholarship recipients receive, written by Mickey and Ruth’s children, Richard, Judi and Ellen, of blessed memory:
“Mickey and Ruth were a devoted couple. They enjoyed each other’s company, shared mutual interests and goals, and had a deep passion for family, friends, faith, education and life. To honor the memory of our parents and to continue the legacy of these special people, we have created The Mickey and Ruth Schimmel Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation.
Times were difficult in the mid-1930’s when our parents were adolescents. The Depression and the shortage of money combined to make attending college impossible for our parents. To someone else, this might have seemed a disappointment and an enormous obstacle to success, but to our mother and dad it was a challenge! They were bright, talented, motivated individuals who were determined to succeed, and they did – each in their own way. Through their hard work, the many books and the periodicals they read, the leadership roles they held, the traveling they did and the information they gained from others, Mickey and Ruth never stopped learning and growing. They were outstanding parents who gave each of their children love and support, and taught the importance of good values, honesty and knowledge.
Times are still difficult for many young people hoping to enter college or wanting to continue their education. The Mickey and Ruth Schimmel Memorial Scholarship Fund has a three-fold purpose: to find that special, motivated student and assist him or her in the pursuit of higher education; to reward that unique person who excels in extra-curricular activities, such as music, the arts, sports, aviation or community groups; and to make the search for knowledge a bit easier for someone in a difficult financial position.”
At this year’s 33rd annual DJCF/SWCF scholarship reception, 20+ members of the Schimmel family were present to see three recipients accept their family’s scholarship award, keeping their commitment to generosity and community strong, from generation to generation.
For those with young children in their lives, I’m excited to share the launch of a new PJ Library endowment partnership between DJCF & our friends at Mankoff Family Foundation, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas.
Rabbi Tarfon used to say, “It is not your responsibility to complete the task, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.” (Mishna Avot 2:16) Over 13 years ago, Ron and Joy Mankoff of blessed memory were the visionary force that helped launch PJ Library in our community. Today, their children want to challenge YOU to partner with them to ensure that PJ Library will remain an incredible gift for Jewish children and their families in greater Dallas for generations to come.
Through a seed gift from the Mankoff Family Foundation, we are pleased to launch the “Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas PJ Library Endowment Fund” housed at the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation. Together with the Mankoff family and YOU, alongside match funding provided by the Grinspoon Family Foundation, we are committed to raising a total of $3M dollars over the next two years to endow PJ Library locally and thereby safeguard the future of PJ Library in our community.
Moreover, if we can successfully raise $1.2M dollars from the general community before the end of two years, the Mankoff Family has committed to making an additional major gift to get us to our goal. In the spirit of their mother’s favorite piece of Jewish wisdom, they’ve challenged us to do our part – not to finish the task, but to realize that we all have a role to play in this incredible story. Join me in making your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas’ PJ Library Endowment Fund today!
As we step into summer and reflect on milestones, both personal and communal, I’m reminded that legacy is not only about what we leave behind, but what we nurture in the present. Whether you’re navigating the bittersweet transitions of parenthood, celebrating a graduation, or considering how to make a lasting impact through philanthropy, know that your story matters. At DJCF, we are honored to help preserve and amplify those stories through scholarships, through service, and through the values that connect us across generations. Wishing you a summer filled with meaning and moments that matter.
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.
June 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.
American Jewish Committee
AJC stands up for Israel’s right to exist in peace and security; confronts antisemitism, no matter the source; and upholds the democratic values that unite Jews and our allies. Donate Here: Shape A New Future
Mothers Against College Antisemitism (MACA)
Are you a mom/parent looking for information about what is happening on campus? M.A.C.A provides non-partisan support and assistance to college mothers (and students) to end a culture of antisemitism on campus.
March to the Polls
March to the Polls (MTTP) is a nonpartisan 501c3 nonprofit organization. Founded in 2015 by a small group of community volunteers, MTTP began its work by registering individuals in local neighborhood businesses and high schools. Since then, the organization has expanded and uses a multi-pronged approach to voter engagement through partnerships with school districts and elections departments. Donate Here: Your Support Matters
Hillels in DFW
Hillel UT Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas Hillel is the home for Jewish life on campus for Richardson students. Hillel is a pluralistic, inclusive organization that supports students as they continue to develop their Jewish identity during this transformative time in their lives. We meet students where they are, encourage their exploration of what it means to be Jewish, and empower them to create their own Jewish paths. Donate Here: Thank You For Supporting Jewish Students Today!
UNT Hillel
University of North Texas Hillel is the home for Jewish life on campus for Denton students. Hillel is a pluralistic organization that welcomes you wherever you are from, however you identify, and we encourage you to explore what it means to be Jewish and create your own Jewish path while at UNT. Donate Here: Thank You For Supporting Jewish Students Today!
Hillel at SMU
Hillel at SMU is your Jewish home away from home, a group for meaningful relationships, joyful Jewish celebrations, deep conversations, service, learning, and fun activities. Donate Here: Thank You For Supporting Jewish Students Today!
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.
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].
