Dear Friends of DJCF,
Hersh Goldberg Polin’s parents recently shared new details about their son’s final months before his brutal murder by Hamas. His father learned that Hersh shared a powerful mantra, inspired by Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, with fellow hostages who were later released: “If you have the why, you’ll find the how.” You can read more here.
My friend Charles Pulman, a local attorney and leader in combatting antisemitism, recently gifted me For Such a Time as This by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove. The book connects the story of Purim to our present-day challenges as Jews in the diaspora, emphasizing the importance of learning from one another, standing proudly in our Jewish identity, and leading through study and mitzvot (acts of kindness).
The Jewish Book Council’s Josh Haft writes: “The title of Elliot Cosgrove’s new book comes from the Book of Esther. When Haman’s persecution of the Jews is revealed, Mordecai calls on Esther to rise to the occasion and use her power ‘for such a time as this.’ These words were echoed by a friend of Rabbi Cosgrove after the brutal Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, urging him to stand up for his congregation and beyond.”
Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on Queen Esther’s courage—who can each of us be in such a time as this? Or, as the Barbie movie theme asks, What was I made for? The matriarchs of our tradition faced immense hardship—infertility, famine, war, slavery. Their struggles were not punishments but catalysts for strength. As Jewish leaders (and as women!), we are forged in fire, emerging stronger and more determined to champion our causes. Hersh’s words resonate: If you have the why, you’ll find the how. Esther had beauty, access, and power—but her “why” gave her the courage to risk everything to save our people, shaping the “how.”
Recently, a private philanthropist described Dallas’ Jewish institutions as the “crown jewels” of our community. It was an honor to host nine peer CEOs from independent Jewish community foundations nationwide for our second annual gathering in Dallas. Our discussions covered collaborative partnerships, technology, donor stewardship, and post-10/7 grantmaking trends.
The brightest jewel? A private tour with Dr. Scott Peck and sculptor George Tobolowsky at the Museum of Biblical Art. Their work fosters interfaith understanding—many non-Jews visit for Christian art and leave with a deeper appreciation of Jewish history and culture through the Holocaust and Jewish art exhibits.
I often tell fund holders—this is an incredible time to be Jewish in Dallas. Our community shines, not just through our institutions—the JCC’s renovations, The Legacy’s senior living communities, JFS’ expansion, the Holocaust Museum, Hebrew Free Loan, and more—but through our people. It’s the generosity, collaboration, and kindness that define us.
Yes, there are challenges. Some are speed bumps; others require detours. But as history has shown, we are resilient. We are builders. Together, we can create something lasting and strong. We have so much to be proud of and so many ways to find our “why.” Even in darkness, there are points of light leading us to our “how.” Adar is a month of joy—thank you for bringing so much of it into my life.
Portal Update!!
Our donation and fund management portal is currently being upgraded, with an expected completion date in March. During this time, you may notice changes in the design, so please be aware that it might look different from the current DJCF/SWCF branding. There will be no disruptions to portal usage during this time. If you have any questions or need assistance navigating the new system, feel free to contact Regan Klinke at [email protected].
March 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.
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.
Congregation Shearith Israel – Strives to be a vibrant, supportive and welcoming community that fosters relationships with one another and Torah, and engages meaningfully in a dynamic Conservative Judaism. Give Here: Enrich your Life, Elevate your Soul, and Embrace your Judaism.
Texas Torah Institute – Texas Torah Institute / Yeshiva and Mesivta of Dallas has been on the forefront of Torah education in Texas since its founding in 2003. It has earned a reputation for excellence in its Limudei Kodesh (Judaic) education, college preparatory instruction, and extracurricular programs. The Yeshiva has both high school and Bais Medrash divisions, and is under the guidance of our Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbi Eliyahu Kaufman, Rabbi Shlomo Pacht, and Rabbi Daniel Ringelheim. It is one of over 70 worldwide affiliates of the renowned Rabbinical Seminary of America / Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim in Queens, NY. Give Here
National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas Section – NCJW Dallas’ work reflects the spirit of the organization itself – a faith in the future; a belief in action. Through education, community impact programs, advocacy and collaboration, we work to address the needs of all peoples and faiths within our community. Our advocacy efforts aim to correct the systemic causes of the social problems we encounter. We dare to have a vision about what is possible. Give Here: Make A Gift Today
Investment Reports & Fund Statements
The Foundation’s investment portfolio is managed by Graystone Consulting, under the guidance of the Foundation Investment Committee. This relationship has allowed us to offer seven investment models for our constituents to choose from. Graystone provides monthly investment return information on the models as a whole and fact cards for the individual models and the sub-funds that make up each model.
If you’d like to revisit your funds’ investment allocation, please contact Jerry Blair at [email protected].
DJCF’s investment performance reports through February will be posted on the website soon. These reports can be found on the Investment Reports page under ‘Tools + Resources’ tab on our menu toggle, found here: Investment Reports – Dallas Jewish Community Foundation (djcf.org)
February fund holder statements will be released in your My DJCF portal soon.
Limmud Dallas
Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
JCC – 7900 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75230
DJCF is proud to be a community partner for Dallas’s first annual Festival of Jewish Ideas. Limmud will offer multiple sessions offering learning, conversation, and inspiration. At 3 pm, Megan Hyman and Trustee Emily Hargrove will be teaching a session on Meaningful Approaches to Individual and Family Tzedakah. We hope you’ll register to attend.
October 8 Film Screening
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Studio Movie Grill – 11170 North Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75243
We are one of the sponsors for this important screening of the film, October 8, with the Director and Panel Discussion. Join Hillels of North Texas for this powerful documentary exposing the surge of antisemitism following October 7th. Featuring voices like Debra Messing, Michael Rapaport, Mosab Yousef, Sheryl Sandberg, and more, the film highlights the challenges faced by Jewish students and communities. This event raises awareness and support for Jewish college students in North Texas—tickets can be purchased HERE!
Cynthia Hendricks’ Fund
After 22 years of employment at the Foundation, our Finance Director, Cynthia Hendricks, has retired. Below is the fund we created as Cynthia’s farewell gift, should you wish to contribute toward her philanthropic efforts in retirement. We appreciate the many ways you support our team and our work at the Foundation.
