The Talmud in Tractate Ta’anit 23a tells of Honi, who encounters a man planting a carob tree that will not bear fruit for seventy years. When Honi asks why he would plant a tree whose fruit he may never enjoy, the man explains that just as earlier generations planted for him, he plants for those who will come after him.
It is in this same spirit that the Shearith Israel Foundation looks to the future – building today so that our congregation and community can flourish for generations to come.
In 1884, the founders of Congregation Shearith Israel envisioned a vibrant Jewish community to sustain and enrich Jewish life in Dallas, Texas. As they brought that vision to life, they also looked ahead – building not only for their own generation, but for the many generations that would follow.
Today, our thriving congregation continues that forward-thinking legacy through endowment giving to help secure the synagogue’s financial strength. Our growing Foundation enables Shearith Israel to uphold its longstanding commitment to Jewish living, learning, and community – now and well into the future.
Formally established in 2006 as an independent 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees who steward and manage endowment funds with care and responsibility. Our goal is to expand both permanently funded endowments and legacy commitments, ensuring a stable, predictable, and growing source of annual support for Congregation Shearith Israel in perpetuity.
President
Larry Kohn
Vice President
Shirley Davidoff
Secretary/Treasurer
Mark Kaman
David Alexander
Mark Franklin
Jeff Genecov
Jack Jacobsen
Jamie Katzen
Sandy Kaufman
Melanie Morris
Foundation Gifting Opportunities
Melissa Friedensohn
Director of Donor Experience
214-939-7318
