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.

Host Jonah Halper sits down with David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project, to explore the evolving landscape of Jewish education and its impact on the Jewish community. They dive into the organization’s century-long mission to empower Jewish educators, discuss the challenges of adapting to modern needs, and share insights into how Jewish education fosters stronger individuals, families, and communities.

Topics include:

The Jewish Education Project’s history and mission, from its roots on Manhattan’s Lower East Side to its global reach today.

How strategic investments in educators and digital resources transformed the organization during COVID-19.

The evolving value proposition of Jewish education: creating better humans and global citizens, not just more knowledgeable Jews.

Addressing the affordability challenge and the role of grandparents in funding Jewish education.

The surprising resilience and success of Hebrew schools in fostering Jewish pride and connection.

Post-COVID and post-October 7th surges in Jewish communal engagement and their implications for the future.

Tune in to uncover the keys to sustainable Jewish education and learn how meaningful partnerships, innovative approaches, and a commitment to excellence are shaping the future of Jewish life.

Join host Jonah Halper as he dives deep into the fascinating intersection of Jewish education, institutional leadership, and fundraising strategy with Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman. In this episode, explore Rabbi Rothman’s journey from educator to executive director at Yeshiva Flatbush, one of the largest Jewish schools in the U.S., and his pivotal role in shaping the business side of Jewish education.

Topics discussed include:

Rabbi Rothman’s career path and the transition from education to administrative leadership.

Challenges and strategies in running large Jewish schools, including communication, infrastructure planning, and professionalizing operations.

Best practices for managing HR, financial aid, and tuition processes in educational institutions.

The growth of the Executive Directors' Share (EDS) conference, a hub for networking and professional development for business-side leaders in Jewish education.

Insights into cultural and demographic trends impacting Jewish communities, including enrollment growth and community retention.

If you’re passionate about Jewish education, institutional management, or innovative fundraising, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories to take your leadership to the next level.