Date Your Donors for Jewish Education

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.

In this episode of "Date Your Donors," recorded live at the Executive Directors Share (EDS) Conference in Orlando, Florida, host Jonah Halper interviews Rabbi Yaakov (Jake) Goldstein from the Aleph Institute's Project 432. Rabbi Goldstein discusses his work on ethics and financial integrity in nonprofit organizations, focusing particularly on Jewish day schools. Key Highlights: Financial Integrity and Transparency: Rabbi Goldstein introduces the concept of financial integrity, using the acronym "TORCH" (Transparent, Organized, Responsible, Clean, Honest) to outline essential principles. He emphasizes the importance of financial oversight in nonprofits, detailing simple yet impactful practices like producing accurate financial reports, conducting bank reconciliations, and monitoring credit card and online accounts to prevent fraud. The Role of Oversight: Rabbi Goldstein explains how oversight acts as a deterrent against financial misconduct. He shares examples of fraud cases, including a significant misuse of funds at a Jewish school, and stresses how minimal oversight could have prevented such incidents. Educational Workshops: Rabbi Goldstein speaks about his workshops aimed at high school seniors and post-high school students, which teach the consequences of financial misconduct and the value of honesty in financial decision-making. These sessions aim to instill awareness and deter unethical behavior. Challenges in Implementation: Acknowledging the cultural and organizational resistance to financial oversight, Rabbi Goldstein highlights the need for leadership to model integrity and create a culture of transparency. He provides actionable steps to integrate oversight into operations without creating unnecessary friction. Impact on Fundraising: The episode explores how financial transparency and organized management impact donor confidence. Rabbi Goldstein underscores the importance of presenting clear and accurate financial reports to sophisticated donors, demonstrating responsible stewardship of funds. This insightful conversation provides nonprofit leaders and board members with practical tools to enhance financial integrity, ensuring trust and efficiency in achieving their organizational missions.

In this episode of "Date Your Donors," host Jonah Halper interviews Paul Bernstein, CEO of Prizmah, the network for Jewish day schools and yeshivas in North America. The conversation explores Prizmah’s role in uniting diverse Jewish educational institutions, fostering innovation, and addressing challenges such as affordability, enrollment growth, and community sustainability. Paul highlights the importance of leadership, professional development, and a collaborative network to drive excellence in Jewish education. The episode also delves into the transformative impact of COVID-19 on perceptions of Jewish day schools, the role of lay leaders in strategic planning, and the need for sustainable philanthropic models to support long-term growth. Paul shares insights on fostering inclusivity, navigating modern challenges like social media, and preparing for the upcoming Prizmah Conference in Boston, a pivotal gathering for educators and leaders in the Jewish day school community.

In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper interviews Rabbi Binyomin Mermelstein, the Executive Director of Torah Academy of Boston. The conversation delves into the challenges and successes of leading a Jewish day school, focusing on strategies for financial stability, donor engagement, and community growth. Rabbi Mermelstein shares his journey into fundraising and leadership, emphasizing the importance of listening to donors and aligning their interests with the school's mission. Key topics include the transformative impact of establishing an endowment, leveraging creative solutions to support staff housing and childcare, and addressing the broader needs of the community. Rabbi Mermelstein discusses innovative initiatives like the Accelerator Fund to boost teacher salaries and the school’s venture into providing affordable daycare to ensure the community's sustainability. This episode highlights the importance of thinking strategically, solving big problems, and creating sustainable solutions to secure the future of Jewish education. It’s an inspiring look at how visionary leadership and collaborative donor relationships can drive meaningful change in the nonprofit world.

In this episode, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Shmuel Schuman, CEO of the Hebrew Theological College (HTC), and Rabbi Josh Zisook, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, to discuss the institution’s centennial celebration. They reflect on HTC's remarkable journey from its founding in 1922 to its current standing as a premier educational institution under the Touro University umbrella. Listeners will hear about HTC's historical roots in Chicago, its move to Skokie in the 1950s, and how it has successfully balanced Torah study with general education to create well-rounded Jewish leaders. The conversation dives into the importance of celebrating milestone anniversaries, not just as nostalgic events but as opportunities to honor the past, engage alumni, and propel the institution forward. Key takeaways include: Strategies for effective alumni engagement, such as personalized outreach, immersive experiences, and international reunions. Insights into running dual fundraising campaigns (annual and capital) and integrating creative initiatives like the Centennial Torah campaign. Lessons on maintaining momentum post-celebration, including improving marketing, professionalizing operations, and continuing meaningful alumni relationships. The episode concludes with a message about the value of authentic donor relationships and how other organizations can rise to the occasion to celebrate their milestones.

In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Eliyahu Stern, a leader and co-founder of the Executive Directors Network (EDN), to explore how a grassroots email list evolved into a lifeline for Jewish nonprofit leaders. Rabbi Stern shares his personal journey from learning in yeshiva to pioneering EDN, a supportive community for executive directors of yeshivas and Jewish schools. Discover how a simple idea grew into a 1,200-member network that provides real-time solutions, mentorship, and professional development. Rabbi Stern discusses key challenges in the nonprofit world, including the tuition crisis, staff recruitment, and fostering long-term sustainability. He also highlights the critical role of peer support, the power of shared wisdom, and the importance of staying true to EDN’s core mission: "by the people, for the people." Whether you're leading a nonprofit or interested in building professional networks, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of community.