September Newsletter

Dear Friends of DJCF,

Now that the kids are back in school, we’re shifting gears to help our relatives from Pennsylvania settle into life as part-time Dallasites. This marks an exciting new chapter for our family! One set of grandparents will be joining The Legacy Midtown Park, and an aunt will be living nearby, perfect for regular hangouts (and maybe even some free babysitting!?). If you’re interested in meeting some new friends from Pennsylvania in the octogenarian set, let me know, I’d be happy to make introductions!

Many of us are part of the “sandwich generation”, adults who are simultaneously caring for aging parents while raising children. Nearly half of those aged 35 to 55 fall into this category, contributing to high levels of emotional and financial stress. According to Guardian Life, 73 million Americans will be 65 or older by 2030, and many will eventually require support from at least one caregiver to maintain their quality of life.

Adding to the challenge is our increasingly mobile society. Children often live and work far from their parents. I haven’t lived closer than three hours to mine since I was 18! Miss you, mom. Balancing caregiving, work, and family life can strain friendships and marriages, especially when trying to keep up with school schedules and extracurriculars.

But we’re not alone. Judaism offers compassionate, pragmatic moral guidance for adult children caring for their parents. Our tradition encourages respectful, attentive care while recognizing the limits of what adult children can do. Jewish law fully supports turning to in-home nursing services, part-time arrangements, or nursing home placements. Finding assistance that enables a child to work can itself be a form of honoring and respecting one’s parents.

Nearly 18 months ago, agencies serving Jewish seniors in our community began convening, thanks to early vision and initiative by The Legacy Senior Communities and a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas. With the guidance of our incredible consultant from Social Impact Architects, Suzanne Smith, we’ve worked diligently to identify resources available to seniors in both the Jewish and broader Dallas communities. This summer, we officially formed a coalition and are now developing a strategic plan to formalize our partnership.

With agency representation from myself (DJCF), Rabbi Harris (JFGD), Melissa Orth (Legacy Senior Living), Cathy Barker (JFS), Todd Polikoff & Tara Ohayan (Aaron Family JCC), and Lisa Brodsky (CHAI), our mission is to ensure that Jewish seniors and their families have access to a comprehensive network of programs and services that empower them to live with safety, dignity, connection, and purpose.

Nancy Stanley, an accomplished graphic design expert and community member, generously donated her talent to our cohort and designed a logo for us to use in representing our partnership (see below image). You may notice that the “w” in Jewish is the Hebrew letter shin, having a similar letter shape. Shin has several Judaic meanings. One is its depiction in Jewish tradition as a symbol of God’s protection and presence. Additionally, the letter shape is said to resemble a flame, symbolizing the divine light and the burning bush. We are so grateful to her for making this experience of marketing our work as one embedded in meaning and beauty. I couldn’t recommend her enough to anyone (non-profit or otherwise!) who is looking for support with a branding or marketing project. Thank you, Nancy!

What does our cohort work look like in practice? Recently, the Foundation learned of a multi-generational Jewish household facing serious health challenges and on the brink of bankruptcy. With no extended family and limited support from friends and neighbors, their situation was dire. We referred them to Jewish Family Service, but the available funding won’t fully meet their needs. We explored housing options through Legacy Senior Living, but eligibility issues ruled that out. Cathy, Melissa, and I brainstormed alternatives outside the Jewish community, and JFS caseworkers now have new paths to pursue a successful outcome. The situation is still evolving and remains unresolved.

This experience highlights critical gaps in our community; most urgently, the lack of affordable housing for vulnerable populations, including seniors, families, and individuals with special needs. Our ability to support those struggling to make ends meet is limited. Navigating a crisis like a loved one’s declining health is overwhelming, especially for those living outside Dallas. We also lack a streamlined system to ensure agency referrals are followed through to resolution.

Despite these challenges, our community institutions are more connected than ever. It’s humbling to witness how we come together in times of need. I’m honored to play a role in advancing philanthropy, but we need your help.

We’re urgently seeking:
• Affordable housing solutions for families, adults with special needs, and seniors
• Funding for the JFS Response Fund managed by Jewish Family Service
• Financial assistance for seniors at Legacy Senior Living
• Endowment for senior lunches served with love by the Aaron Family JCC, who provides 40,000 meals annually via its senior lunch program

Do you have skills or resources that could help? Our coalition is forming an advisory committee to share our story in boardrooms and around Shabbat tables. We’d love to start a conversation with you.

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.

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.

Nonprofit Sponsors for 2025 Professional Advisors Seminar

This year, we’ve introduced a new opportunity for nonprofit organizations. For one flat fee ($180), they can be recognized as nonprofit sponsors of our Professional Advisors Seminar, as well as receive a seat at the event. This year’s topic — “Creative Charitable Planning: How to Leverage Noncash Assets and AI” — is relevant for nonprofit organizations and professional advisors alike.

As philanthropists, you’re dedicated to helping the organizations you love succeed. Consider letting your favorite nonprofits know about this opportunity — or you could even cover the cost of their sponsorship yourself! Of course, you and any nonprofit professional are always welcome to attend at our regular registration rate.

October 7 Commemoration

Nearly two years ago, the horrific atrocities of October 7 left an indelible mark on our hearts and our community. As we approach its anniversary, we invite you to join us in a meaningful evening of remembrance.

This gathering will honor the lives lost, the hostages who remain in our thoughts, and the resilience of those who continue to carry forward. Through reflection, shared stories, and quiet solidarity, we will stand together in memory and in hope.

Israel Now Forum

Join us for a comprehensive program designed to inspire and educate the greater Dallas Ft. Worth community about the State of Israel.

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