Date Your Donors for Jewish Education

In this episode of Date Your Donors, Jonah Halper interviews Willie Hochman, who leads the Joel Paul Group division within The Merraine Group, a search firm focused specifically on executive and development talent in the Jewish nonprofit sector. The conversation centers on a core hiring problem in Jewish nonprofits (especially day schools): development is mission-critical, but “can this person actually raise money here” is difficult to evaluate from a resume alone. Hoffman frames development as both a teachable “science” and a harder-to-teach “art,” emphasizing communication presence, appropriate confidence, and donor-facing instincts. Hochman then gives a practical interview lens: prioritize open-ended questions that force candidates to narrate process, judgment, and relationship-building, rather than dead-ending the conversation with one-number answers. He also reinforces that donors are not “transferable” via a Rolodex; results depend on fit between the asker, the mission, and the institution. The episode closes with direct guidance for Jewish day schools: fundraising is uniquely hard because parents often feel they already “gave” through tuition, so philanthropy requires different strategies (community donors, grandparents, alumni over time). Hochman warns against hiring with unrealistic urgency and suggests schools secure bridge funding so a new hire can build a pipeline properly, then evaluate momentum through activity and relationship progression, not immediate dollars.

Recorded live at the Executive Directors Share (EDS) Conference 2025, this episode of Date Your Donors features a candid conversation between Jonah Halper and Michelle Dayan, Executive Director and founding board member of the SAM School in Manhattan. Michelle shares the story behind the school’s founding, its growth from a small preschool into a rapidly expanding elementary program, and what it takes to sustain momentum without a professional development staff. The discussion explores the realities of board-led fundraising, the challenges of donor stewardship in a lean organization, and how visible success builds donor confidence over time. Together, Jonah and Michelle unpack a powerful insight for schools and nonprofits alike: growth is driven less by selling programs and more by cultivating community. From parent relationships to teachers as frontline ambassadors, this episode highlights how authenticity, shared values, and demonstrated impact create lasting loyalty among families and donors.

Sponsored Content: This episode is presented in partnership with JEY Furniture. This episode was recorded live at the EDN Conference in Stamford, CT and features a deep look at how the right furniture partner can influence the success of a school capital campaign. Jonah speaks with Heshy Kovalenko of JEY Furniture and Rabbi Dovid Mandel of Yeshiva Day School of Las Vegas to reveal why furniture is not a last step, but a strategic planning decision that shapes design, function, fundraising, and donor trust. Heshy shares how JEY Furniture grew from a small dining room operation into a national team guiding schools through space planning, renderings, and installation with expertise. Rabbi Mandel walks through the real story of building a school in Las Vegas, explaining how detailed planning and classroom specific furnishings helped him communicate a clear vision to donors and raise major gifts with confidence. Together, they show why involving a furniture vendor early matters, how accurate renderings elevate a campaign’s pitch, and how functionality and teacher workflow shape a school’s identity for the next twenty to thirty years. This conversation gives school leaders a behind the scenes understanding of the decisions that make capital campaigns work and the partnerships that support long term growth. Learn more at ⁠https://jeyfurniture.com/⁠

Jonah reconnects with his high-school friend Rabbi Avigdor Goldberger, now a leader, mentor, and community builder in Minneapolis. The discussion journeys from nostalgic beginnings to profound reflections on identity, individuality, and the challenges facing those transitioning from full-time Torah learning into the workforce. Rabbi Goldberger shares how his own path—from Kollel learner to nonprofit director—shaped his passion for helping others find their “lane.” He describes the inner struggles many yungerleit face when leaving the Beis Medrash: the loss of structure, identity, and self-definition. Through relatable anecdotes, he illustrates how personal alignment—discovering one’s strengths, character, and purpose—is key to sustainable success, rather than chasing careers that feel forced or borrowed from others. The episode weaves timeless wisdom with modern psychology, invoking sources from Chazal and even quoting Mark Twain and Sir Ken Robinson to underscore that greatness is not uniform—it’s found in embracing one’s own design. Rabbi Goldberger compares people to stars and grains of sand: we each have a place in the collective, but must also shine in our own galaxies. Together, Jonah and Rabbi Goldberger explore: 1. Why yeshiva systems excel at giving group identity but struggle to cultivate individual identity. 2. How parents, not only mosdos, must take responsibility for nurturing their children’s uniqueness. 3. Why discovering your “why” and leaning into your natural gifts prevents years of professional frustration. 4. How individuality and community harmony are not opposites but complementary paths to wholeness. The result is an episode brimming with humor, humility, and heart—a roadmap for anyone navigating identity, purpose, and belonging within a values-driven life.

In this insightful live episode recorded at the EDN 2025 Conference, Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Binyomin Septon, Executive Director of Yeshiva Yesodei Hatorah in Toronto, to explore the art of raising money in the off-season. Rabbi Septon shares candid reflections from his 11 years leading a $10.5 million institution revealing how meaningful donor relationships aren’t built in campaign season, but in the quiet months between. From identifying your personal “litmus test” for donor engagement to finding creative, authentic ways to connect—like showing up at a boat race instead of a boardroom—this episode dives into the practical and emotional side of relationship-driven fundraising. Listeners will learn: 1. How to know when a donor relationship needs more nurturing 2. Why deep beats frequent when it comes to meaningful touchpoints 3. The surprising power of curiosity and active listening 4. How to handle donors who think they know better (and still walk away with their support) It’s a masterclass in authentic connection and a reminder that fundraising isn’t just about money—it’s about showing up in someone else’s world.

In this week’s episode of Date Your Donors, Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Ephraim Blumenkrantz, Executive Director of Bnos Bais Yaakov of Far Rockaway, to unpack what it truly means to put relationships first in fundraising. Together they explore how to move beyond transactional giving, embrace vulnerability, and build authentic partnerships with donors that last a lifetime. Rabbi Blumenkrantz shares powerful real-world stories—including how listening and transparency turned donor criticism into a $1 million gift. He also offers practical strategies for balancing tuition conversations with development work, and explains why involving both spouses in the philanthropic conversation creates deeper, long-term commitments. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights on turning donor meetings into meaningful relationships that strengthen both your mission and your community. Thank you to our sponsor: 👉 From classroom seating to custom-built solutions, JEY Furniture partners with Jewish day schools across North America to create beautiful, functional spaces that support learning and connection. As a family-run business with decades of experience, JEY understands the unique needs of Jewish institutions — and delivers furniture that’s as durable as your mission. Visit JEYFurniture.com to learn how they can support your school’s next upgrade.

Welcome to Season 2 of Date Your Donors, the podcast that helps you find your charitable soulmates, make them fall in love with your mission, and say “I do” when you ask for their time and support. In this live-recorded EDN 2025 keynote session from the Armon Hotel in Stamford, CT, host Jonah Halper sits down with powerhouse voices in donor engagement to explore what fundraising is really about: relationships, rhythm, and relevance. The first guest of the season is Rabbi Yaakov Tesser, Executive Director of Yeshiva Ohavei Torah and Rabbi of Young Israel of Aberdeen, NJ. Known for his warmth, strategy, and storytelling, Rabbi Tessler has built a reputation for turning conversations into lasting partnerships. In this episode, he dives into the topic of securing new donors with confidence—especially those outside the traditional fold and shares how authentic friendship, values alignment, and creative access points can transform donor relationships This episode is sponsored by JEY Furniture, where quality, comfort, and community come together. From classroom seating to custom-built solutions, JEY partners with Jewish day schools across North America to create beautiful, functional spaces that support learning and connection. Learn more at jeyfurniture.com.

In this season finale of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Heidi Greenbaum, Director of Development at SAR Academy & High School, to reflect on two decades of transformative fundraising. In a conversation that weaves together strategy, purpose, and personal conviction, Heidi shares the lesson she wishes she could tell herself 20 years ago: “Think big. Operate from abundance. Believe in people. And trust that if you work hard and your mission delivers, it will all work out.” Heidi’s journey into development wasn’t planned—it was a leap of faith rooted in gratitude for the school that supported her family. That same belief in mission has carried her through years of growth, challenge, and change. She shares how SAR restructured its major donor program, created a culture of trust between board and staff, and responded to October 7th with action, unity, and over $2 million raised for Israel—without compromising its core fundraising goals. This episode is a masterclass in values-driven development: how to build lasting donor relationships through active listening, how to trust your team and your community, and how to fundraise with humility, heart, and hope. Whether you’re new to fundraising or navigating a complex campaign, Heidi’s wisdom will leave you inspired to do the work—and believe in the people who make it possible.

In this episode of Date Your Donors, Jonah Halper sits down with Deena Fuchs, Executive Director of Micah Philanthropies, for a rich conversation on what makes philanthropic partnerships thrive. With over two decades in Jewish philanthropy—spanning The AVI CHAI Foundation, Jewish Funders Network, and now Micah—Deena shares hard-earned wisdom on funder-grantee relationships, the importance of authenticity and trust, and why strategy matters more than the size of a check. They also explore Micah Philanthropies’ current priorities, including elevating Orthodox women’s Torah scholarship and reimagining Jewish education as a warm, inclusive pathway to meaning and tradition. Whether you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or foundation professional, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what funders are really looking for—and how to build sustainable, impactful relationships that go beyond the transaction.

In this episode, Jonah sits down with Matt Walzer, a seasoned Jewish communal professional and major gifts coach, to unpack what it really means to shift a Jewish institution from a transactional dues-based model to a values-driven philanthropic culture. Drawing on his unique journey—from sales to Federation work to returning as Managing Director of his childhood synagogue—Matt shares how Beth El Synagogue eliminated traditional membership dues and instead cultivated a culture of generosity, transparency, and ownership among its 1,200+ households. They explore how to reframe tuition and program fees not as full payment for services, but as partial contributions toward a greater mission. Matt explains how strategic communication, donor education, and relationship-building have empowered the community to step up as stakeholders, not just consumers. The conversation also delves into how to inspire major gifts without being a “slick salesman,” the emotional psychology of giving, and why authenticity—not perfection—is the key to earning donor trust. Whether you're a synagogue or school leader navigating funding models or a fundraiser looking to deepen donor relationships, this episode offers real-world insight on turning your constituents into committed changemakers. ---------- This episode brought to you by JEY Furniture. JEY Furniture partners with Jewish day schools across North America to create beautiful, functional spaces that support learning and connection. Visit JEYFurniture.com to learn how they can support your school’s next upgrade.

Todd Sukol, Executive Director of the Mayberg Foundation, sits down with host Jonah Halper to reflect on his unplanned journey from journalism to philanthropy, his years leading the Koby Mandell Foundation, and how personal tragedy and spiritual growth shaped his leadership philosophy. Todd opens up about what it really means to “date your donors” by showing up first and foremost as a human being, and shares the Mayberg Foundation’s commitment to authentic, values-driven Jewish education across the spectrum of observance. Listeners will hear Todd's candid reflections on failure, impact, the evolving role of Israel in Jewish philanthropy, and why the question “What are you trying to accomplish?” is at the heart of every great funding decision. This episode is a masterclass in thoughtful giving, leadership with integrity, and staying grounded in purpose—even when the path ahead isn’t clear. ------- This episode brought to you by JEY Furniture. JEY Furniture partners with Jewish day schools across North America to create beautiful, functional spaces that support learning and connection. Visit JEYFurniture.com to learn how they can support your school’s next upgrade.

In this powerful episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper is joined by Rabbi Yossie Charner and Rabbi Avi Schnall of Agudath Israel to break down one of the most transformative educational policy efforts in recent history—the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). Together, they explore how this $10 billion federal tax credit scholarship initiative could drastically reduce tuition burdens for Jewish day school families across the United States. Charner and Schnall explain how tax credit scholarships work, the different models states have already implemented (like Florida's universal vouchers and Pennsylvania's tax credits), and why this national push is a game-changer for private school affordability. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at their lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, unpack common misconceptions, and urge school leaders and parents to take action now to keep this bill a top legislative priority. Whether you're a school administrator, a parent struggling with tuition, or a donor who wants to make an impact, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to be part of a historic opportunity for Jewish education.

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Jason Zwang, Senior Director of Development at Georgia Institute of Technology and also a key architect of ALTRUICITY's major gift coaching and pipeline service, to reflect on their shared journey—from a Hurricane Katrina benefit concert in 2005 to redefining major gift fundraising across the Jewish philanthropic landscape today. Through personal stories, professional insights, and honest conversation, Jason shares how his unique background in community action, neuroscience, and organizational psychology shaped his passion for authentic donor relationships. Together, Jonah and Jason explore the power of listening, the shift from transactional giving to transformative partnership, and why the Orthodox Jewish philanthropic world is ready—and eager—for a new era of donor engagement. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, this episode captures a movement in motion, one donor conversation at a time.

In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Lindsay Kopecky, CFRE, CAP®, Chief Advancement Officer at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. The conversation dives into the importance of legacy and endowment giving in philanthropy, particularly in the Jewish education space. Lindsay explains the key differences between legacy giving and endowment funds, emphasizing how long-term financial planning can transform the sustainability of Jewish institutions. She highlights how legacy gifts allow donors to leave a lasting impact beyond their lifetime, ensuring that their values continue to shape the future. Endowments, on the other hand, provide schools and organizations with reliable, ongoing financial support. Jonah and Lindsay discuss the practical steps institutions must take to build an infrastructure for legacy and endowment giving, including board buy-in, donor stewardship, and engaging potential donors through meaningful conversations about their philanthropic vision. Lindsay also shares best practices for nurturing donor relationships, stressing the power of asking thoughtful questions and listening actively rather than treating fundraising as a sales pitch. Additionally, they explore how organizations can identify strong legacy giving prospects—not just major donors, but those with consistent giving histories and a deep commitment to the mission. Lindsay offers insights into tools like the Jewish Future Promise and Life & Legacy program, which help facilitate planned giving conversations and encourage donors to prioritize Jewish causes in their philanthropic planning. Throughout the episode, Jonah and Lindsay stress the need for long-term thinking in Jewish education fundraising, urging schools to move beyond the urgency of annual campaigns and start planting the seeds for a sustainable future.

In this episode, we sit down with Lev Stark, Executive Director and CFO of a thriving Jewish school in Boca Raton, Florida. Lev shares his unexpected career journey—from aspiring lawyer to leading one of the largest automotive editorial teams at Edmunds.com, to transitioning into the world of Jewish education. We dive into the transferable skills from the for-profit world that he brought to school leadership, his innovative marketing strategies, and the challenges of managing rapid school growth in a booming Jewish community. Lev also shares insights on the financial landscape of Jewish day schools, including how Florida’s recent voucher program has shifted fundraising priorities, the realities of tuition sustainability, and the cultural shifts happening in Boca Raton as waves of new families arrive. Whether you're in education, community leadership, or just fascinated by personal career pivots, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and engaging stories.

In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Yehuda Schepansky, Head of School at Orlando Torah Academy, to discuss the remarkable growth of the Jewish community in Orlando, Florida. Rabbi Schepansky shares his journey of co-founding the academy with Rabbi Wachsman 15 years ago, starting with just 12 students and growing to over 215 today. They explore how Orlando transformed from a place with limited Jewish infrastructure to a burgeoning community, thanks to strategic school development, strong leadership, and innovative funding models. Rabbi Schepansky recounts the challenges they faced in the early years, including financial struggles, lack of local support, and zoning battles, and how they overcame them through grassroots efforts and creative fundraising. A turning point came when they shifted their focus from external fundraising trips to leveraging the steady stream of Jewish tourists visiting Orlando’s theme parks. This led to the establishment of Kosher Orlando, a concierge service that caters to Jewish visitors’ needs, from kosher food to minyan coordination. This initiative not only helped sustain the school financially but also strengthened the local Jewish infrastructure. The conversation also delves into the challenges of building a sustainable, diverse Jewish community that includes families from various religious backgrounds. Rabbi Schepansky emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and how the community has evolved to respect religious sensitivities. Finally, they discuss the future of the Orlando Jewish community, ongoing zoning battles for expanding infrastructure, and the delicate balance between rapid growth and maintaining sustainability. Whether you're interested in Jewish education, community building, or innovative fundraising, this episode provides an inspiring look at how a small group of determined individuals can transform an emerging Jewish community.

In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Scott Goldberg, a seasoned expert in strategic planning, executive coaching, and nonprofit leadership. They discuss the core challenges facing Jewish educational institutions and nonprofits, particularly in the areas of board governance, executive recruitment, and organizational culture. Scott shares insights on why organizational structure alone isn’t enough—real change comes from cultural shifts, long-term investments, and clearly defined roles. He also explores the nuances of hiring the right development professionals, emphasizing that successful recruitment is more than just a resume match—it’s about alignment with an organization's mission and culture. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or educator, this episode is packed with invaluable advice on leadership, hiring, and building sustainable organizations.

In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Josh Zisook at the EDS Conference to explore the power of alumni engagement and how it can transform the future of Jewish day schools and yeshivas. Rabbi Josh shares the story of Hebrew Theological College (HTC), which faced a 15-year gap in alumni outreach before realizing the crucial role former students play in sustaining an institution. They discuss the steps HTC took to rebuild those connections, from updating alumni records and launching a dedicated podcast to hosting meaningful reunion events across the U.S. and Israel. Through initiatives like alumni spotlights, networking platforms, and a traveling Torah campaign, HTC successfully rekindled relationships and strengthened its donor base. Whether you're looking to enhance alumni engagement for your school or nonprofit, this episode is packed with practical strategies and real-world examples. Learn how consistency, nostalgia, and authentic relationship-building can create lifelong supporters—and why alumni engagement is about so much more than just fundraising. Tune in for expert insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable takeaways to help you build a thriving alumni network that lasts.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Yocheved Belsky, an expert in helping Jewish and private schools access government funding through equitable services. Yocheved explains how many schools are unaware of the resources available to them and how her company, M Square Learning, assists institutions in maximizing their funding opportunities. From understanding Title I-IV funds to breaking down misconceptions about government support, this conversation sheds light on how schools can secure services without financial burden. We also discuss the challenges schools face, including reluctance to "rock the boat" with districts, compliance issues, and the fear of government oversight. Yocheved provides actionable steps for school administrators and leaders to navigate the system effectively. If you’re in education, school leadership, or philanthropy, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how to ensure no funding is left on the table.

In this insightful episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Yaacov Cohen, Executive Vice President of Talmudical Academy of Baltimore and an expert in peer-to-peer fundraising. Rabbi Cohen shares his journey from aspiring rabbi to a visionary in donor development, detailing how he transformed traditional fundraising practices into a relationship-driven approach. Rabbi Cohen introduces the concept of "moves management," a strategic method for cultivating donor relationships that fosters meaningful partnerships rather than transactional giving. He discusses the challenges of balancing campaign-heavy environments with long-term donor development and shares his game-changing epiphany: separating development roles from campaign events and marketing to focus solely on building relationships. This episode is packed with actionable advice for organizations of any size, highlighting the importance of understanding donor motivations, creating a sustainable fundraising strategy, and redefining success through collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the field, Rabbi Cohen’s methods will inspire you to elevate your impact and make lasting connections with your donors. Tune in to learn how to identify your ideal supporters, streamline processes, and build a fundraising culture rooted in partnership and purpose.