The Heart of the Matter

“Charitable giving has been a major part of the fabric of Jewish life throughout our history and will remain so,” he adds.

Here, Robinson addresses the Jewish charitable nature and the causes it supports.

FundRaising Success: Are there any special considerations when approaching Jewish donors?
Russell Robinson: Understand the Jewish community. It’s not a community defined by any one definition. The secular Jew — those who aren’t affiliated with any synagogues or Jewish institutions — and the Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist Jews, all have sensitivities and considerations when making charitable gifts. When approaching this community, you should understand that it’s desirous of participating but cannot and should not be approached by a single definition, a definition of one. It’s not a proper approach.