by Debbie Goldman
The Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective was formed in 1975 by members and friends of the Fabrangen Havurah in Washington DC. Fifty years later, the Collective continues, having made over 95 allocations worth more than $2 million. The purpose of the Collective remains to democratically involve members in the selection and distribution of tzedakah.
In the early years, the Collective could not turn to public reporting to review proposed charities. Rather, Collective members conducted research themselves to select charities for support. The Collective divided contributions into two categories. The Aleph category received two-thirds of donations distributed collectively to approved organizations. The Bet category received one-third of donations, distributed to approved Jewish organizations, including the United Jewish Appeal. Feelings about the UJA ran so deep that the Bet category was created to enable individual earmarking of donations.
Collective members donated a designated portion of their income. The dozen Collective members met frequently to vet organizations, discuss policies, and allocate funds.
During the 1980s, the Collective dropped the Aleph and Bet categories and asked donors to earmark individual contributions. The Collective routinely reviewed the approved list, removing and adding organizations.
Esther Ticktin served as Treasurer for about 35 years. Other Collective members who remained active for decades include Max Ticktin, Margie Siegel, Jeff Katz, Judy Bartnoff, Gene Sofer, Bruce Waxman, and Sarah Elpern. Dan Gordon and Debbie Goldman were treasurers after Esther resigned.
Today, the Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective continues under the leadership of Joyce Migdall, coordinator, and Joe Oppenheimer, treasurer. About 35 households make annual donations totaling about $35,000 to over 30 organizations. New members are always welcome!.
- 2025 Tzedakah Collective Allocation List – print this out to select and mail your donation
- 2025 Description of Tzedakah Collective Recipients – click here to see details about the Tzedakah Collective’s selected recipients.
If you have made the decision to donate through the Tzedakah Collective, please indicate your donation preferences on the Allocation Form and send it to us with a check to
Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective
c/o Oppenheimer
3210 Pauline Drive
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Thank you for your interest in the Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective.
For more information, contact Joyce Migdall at fabrangentzedakah@gmail.com