Dear Friends of DJCF,
The primary theme of our torah readings in the book of Leviticus is the practice of holiness, specifically, The Holiness Code, an ethical framework for our Jewish faith and identity. This Code introduces ideas such as caring for the poor and the stranger, the importance of being honest in our business dealings, how we treat employees, and engage with people through a lens of compassion and respect.
It’s no secret that we are living in a difficult era, where the landscape of what it means to be Jewish is changing rapidly. As I’ve attempted to do often in this newsletter, I believe it’s helpful to go back and re-underwrite the meanings of the rituals embedded within our tradition – after all, it’s in Leviticus we read, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Originally, this book was a set of instructions devoted exclusively to the work of the kohanim, priests, but it was incorporated into the five books of the Torah to fulfill Israel’s potential as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6), serving as the basis of some of the earliest democratic ideals in modern history.
Fittingly, this work of pursuing holiness as a Jewish person is not an individual task. We must form minyan (a group of 10 or more) to recite certain prayers, we are encouraged to invite others to our Passover Seder or our Sukkah. Even under the wedding canopy, the chuppah, we use the symbolism that the walls are open to encourage a welcoming home environment. As Rabbi Dvora Weisberg wrote, “To practice Judaism alone is, if not impossible, at best sterile and incomplete.”
Our board of trustees at DJCF/SWCF have recently begun hosting intimate gatherings of fundholders and community leaders to talk about philanthropy and how the Foundation can support individuals and families through generations. One very special luncheon included all the Life Trustees of DJCF and the past chairs of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, the first gathering of its kind in recent history! My deepest gratitude to Stan Rabin and Larry Schoenbrun, DJCF Life Trustees, for their role as co-hosts.
A few takeaways:
Customization doesn’t have to be Complicated – each of our fundholders has their own individual priorities for their generosity. That’s why the “products” we offer are simple! It’s easy to understand the mechanics of a donor-advised fund or the value of a perpetual philanthropic vehicle like an endowment when it comes to sustaining the causes we love and care about from generation to generation. Setting up a new fund takes only a few minutes and then you’re up and running!
Create Meaning with your Money – One of my professional heroes, Eileen Heisman (recently retired CEO of National Philanthropic Trust) says that, “moving the money is a sacred experience: repairing the world.” Some choose to do that by creating recurring grants or creating endowments for causes they love. Others are establishing funds for their kids to develop their own financial and philanthropic acumen. From field of interest funds and designated funds to supporting agency endowments directly – there is so much flexibility to how these tools are applied to further our goal of Tikkun Olam. DJCF memorializes the intentions of our donors and ensures that future generations will know of their impact on our community.
Lean on a Great Team – as we read in the torah this month, Judaism is not a solo practice. DJCF is leaning into collaboration with our partner nonprofits, fundholders, and professional advisors. We are working to advance philanthropy through innovation and education, ensuring that every gift made in the spirit of tzedakah is done efficiently and for benefit of all parties involved.
At the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s Life and Legacy Conference in late April, Yossi Prager of Jewish Funders Network urged all in attendance to focus on RELATIONSHIP building rather than INSTITUTION building. This is at the heart of what we are trying to do with our intimate gatherings. Strong institutions start with strong relationships. It’s why I’m proud to be part of a coalition of local nonprofits who are creating a strategic plan for how we serve the full continuum of aging adults in our community (shout out to my friends at The Legacy, The Federation, CHAI, the JCC and JFS!) It’s why we’re thrilled to have launched our Tzedakah Minyan (gathering of Jewish private foundations) alongside the Morton H. Meyerson Foundation and the M.B. and Edna Zale Foundations. In addition to the 1:1 work of meeting with donors and nonprofits, it’s the fulfillment of our role to facilitate and grow philanthropy, and there’s never been a more exciting time to get engaged in our work.
In my travels this past month to conferences and industry meetings, it’s clear that the large-scale philanthropic sector is facing an existential crisis as federal grantmaking pulls back and as economic uncertainty dominates the headlines. This is an area where nuance becomes critical – while the blueprint for major endowments/foundations may be to preserve wealth and control the pace of change – these points of criticism directed at the “mega” philanthropic institutions (think healthcare & university endowments) – support the case for giving via endowments to your local community organizations. Their ability to withstand and continue delivering on their impact and mission are entirely dependent on passionate local donors who can move the needle substantially with even a modest gift. Your support goes much further at your neighborhood food bank than your ivy league alma mater.
As we continue to navigate this moment of change within our Jewish community and across the broader philanthropic landscape, I am reminded that the pursuit of holiness is not about perfection, but about intention. It is about showing up for one another, building lasting relationships, and creating meaning in how we live and give. The Holiness Code in Leviticus teaches us that our rituals, our ethics, and our generosity are not separate threads but part of a sacred tapestry that binds us to each other and to our tradition. At DJCF/SWCF, we are honored to do this work alongside you: amplifying your values, preserving your legacy, and strengthening the community we all call home.
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.
May 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!
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].
2025 DJCF/SWCF Scholarship Reception
NEW TIME!
Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 6:00 PM
JCC – 7900 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75230
Please join DJCF/SWCF for our 33rd Annual Scholarship Award Reception celebrating growth, educational achievements, and the impact of scholarship donors on aspiring leaders, inspired by the themes of generosity in Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. RSVP today via the link below.
Represent your alma mater by coming in their apparel!
