A Chat with Dena Morris Kaufman, NFTY’s First Female President

Dena Morris Kaufman, NFTY’s first female president, led with the belief that gender should never limit potential. Her response to becoming the first female-identifying president of NFTY in 1981 was, “It’s about time!” Dena went on to serve as the development director for URJ Camp Newman, where she and her children spent countless summers. She now works with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, helping Jewish communities secure their future. She never saw leadership as a gendered position, only as one way she could serve and inspire others. We sat down with Dena to discuss her impact and enduring commitment to Jewish life.

How did you feel about being the first female president?

Kaufman: Being raised in San Francisco, I was surprised that there hadn’t been a female NFTY president before me. I was raised to believe that women could do and be anything. I am proud to have broken this barrier. I have raised three boys; they all believe that we are who we are and that gender really shouldn’t play a role in how we treat others. The NFTY community offered complete acceptance and joyful support for my hopes and dreams while allowing me to form my own Jewish identity.

How did your experiences shape your perspective on women's roles in Jewish life?

Kaufman: I never looked at Judaism, or leadership, through the lens of being a woman, simply as a person. I never felt that being a woman was a factor in my Jewish life. However, the teens that I met during my presidency always impressed and inspired me. I never doubted that the future of Judaism was in good hands.

Was there an experience that profoundly impacted your work with NFTY?

Kaufman: The year before I was elected, I happened to meet a vivacious girl who already had a hoarse voice, named Wendy Blickstein. When I exclaimed that she was already hoarse, she explained that she had a vocal cord removed due to cancer. During her regional presidency the following year, she underwent harsh chemotherapy that took her life.

During my presidency, we decided to raise money for cancer research to honor her life. Her parents also began a NFTY/URJ D’var Torah competition (the URJ Wendy Blickstein Memorial D’var Torah Competition), which provided many other young people with scholarships over the years. She didn’t get the chance to improve the world as an adult, but many others have gotten that chance because of her.

How do you live out NFTY's principles today?

Kaufman: After years of fundraising in the Jewish community, I currently work at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in the Life & Legacy initiative as a community consultant. I teach Jewish non-profits how to build their permanent funding by asking for legacy gifts, ensuring that future generations have vibrant and active Jewish communities so each person can find their place within.

How would you like your work to be remembered?

Kaufman: I can’t see the future, can’t imagine the changes that await. How will Judaism be relevant to the new generations? Where will they find value and beauty?

My parents gave me the treasured gifts of Jewish summer camp, Jewish youth group, and an extended trip to Israel. This is where all that I had learned about Judaism came to life and I discovered that Jewish songs reached deep into my soul, Israeli dancing made my spirit soar, and the Jewish people lived in my heart.

I want future generations to be able to find their own spirit and love for Judaism; I hope each person will be nourished by a strong and vibrant Jewish community that cares for the vulnerable, honors our shared values, and cherishes our rich traditions.

Want to help the next generation continue building a vibrant future of belonging as they form their Jewish identities? Learn how you can get involved with NFTY today!