While challenges abound for Jewish communities today, here in Northern New Jersey, our day schools are charting a hopeful path forward—together. Over the past two years, Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, in partnership with Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, has led a groundbreaking initiative to help local day schools build long-term sustainability through endowment development.
In July 2023, Federation launched its Endowment Training Institute, convening more than 40 lay and professional leaders from 10 local day schools. What began as a single-day seminar has since evolved into a vibrant, ongoing journey of learning, growth and community-building.
Year one, led by Prizmah, laid the foundation: helping schools understand the purpose and power of endowments, the techniques for building them, and their critical role in long-term planning. By the final session, participants were hooked and asking for more.
That enthusiasm has only grown. This year, thanks to a generous grant Prizmah secured from UnitED—an initiative of Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism—five schools are receiving individualized coaching to deepen their readiness and confidence in launching endowment efforts. The coaching, along with two Federation convenings of the cohort, have created invaluable opportunities for schools to learn from expert trainers and, perhaps more importantly, from each other.
“These sessions have been invaluable,” said Rabbi Efrayim Clair, executive director of Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey. “We so appreciate that Federation is bringing together development teams and heads of school—at no cost to us—to learn and grow professionally.”
Indeed, collaboration—not competition—has defined the tone of this initiative.
The two convenings were led by Hannah Olson, Prizmah’s senior vice president of development, and Elizabeth Abel, senior vice president at CCS Fundraising, both of whom brought deep expertise and warmth to the subject matter. Their guidance was enhanced by candid peer discussion, mutual encouragement and the shared energy in the room.
Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, head of school for Yavneh Academy, shared a sense of optimism and inspiration “by the overall sense of collaboration, schools supporting and helping one another. We subscribe to the concept that when the tide rises, all ships float.”
Joey Small, director of institutional advancement at Frisch, echoed the sentiment: “Together we can grow the total resources available for Jewish education in Northern New Jersey through endowment. We are stronger together.”
As schools grow more comfortable with the concept of endowment, they’re recognizing its transformative potential: a reliable revenue stream that fuels innovation, stabilizes tuition, and provides financial security for future generations.
Not every school is in the same place—some have already launched endowment campaigns, while others are laying the groundwork. That’s why personalized coaching is so valuable. Each school can build on its strengths, address its challenges, and move forward at the right pace.
Solomon Schechter Day School in New Milford is now in its second year of their endowment “Atidaynu” campaign. Steve Freedman, head of school, commented on the training they’ve received—“We’re grateful to be part of this initiative. Our participation and the expert coaching we’ve received this year have been transformative.”
Transformation was a theme expressed by others. “Our endowment process with our lay committee has been transformed and elevated through this learning opportunity,” said Rachel Shtern, director of development at Ma’ayanot.
Federation is providing tools and guidance to support both lifetime gifts and legacy commitments—including bequests and beneficiary designations from IRAs, life insurance policies, and donor-advised funds. These gifts are more than charitable gestures; they are strategic investments in the vitality of Jewish education and community continuity.
This work is unfolding at a time when Israel is deeply on our minds. While our hearts are with our brothers and sisters there, we know that a strong, thriving diaspora is essential—for advocacy, for connection and for sustaining Jewish identity. The UnitED grant itself reflects Israel’s recognition of this truth: that strengthening Jewish education in communities like ours helps secure our shared future.
Endowing Jewish education is one of the most meaningful ways we can ensure that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, values and sense of peoplehood that will link them to Israel and the global Jewish family.
Federation is proud to convene and support this important endeavor. We are building something extraordinary together. As more communities across the country look to replicate this model, Northern New Jersey is being recognized as a pilot for innovation and collaboration. Prizmah already has over 20 new communities eager to join their new Endowment Training Institute.
The message is clear: When we invest in our schools, we invest in our future. And when we do it together, we truly are stronger.
Robin Rochlin is the managing director for endowment at the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. She traveled recently to Israel as part of the Amplify Investor Summit.
