NOVEMBER 25 • 2021 | 7

The Hadas and Dennis Bernard Family Centennial Gift
Reflects a Lifetime of Leadership and Commitment

“Tzedakah is Judaism’s gift to the world. When we repair
the world, we are identifying as Jews and as supporters of
humanity.” These words reflect the profound Jewish values
that guide the lives of Hadas and Dennis Bernard, two
of our community’s most committed individuals. Hadas,
born in Israel and raised in Detroit, was steeped in local
Jewish life at home, from camps and youth groups to her
time as a student leader at the U of M Hillel. Since then,
she has been involved in numerous Jewish and greater
non-sectarian community organizations, for whom she
has served in a range of leadership and board member
roles. Originally from Cleveland, Dennis is also a longtime
leader in Jewish Detroit, offering his business acumen and
leadership skills to agencies and organizations across
the community. Currently, Dennis serves as President of
the United Jewish Foundation (UJF), the financial arm of
the Jewish Federation and the central custodian of the
communities’ resources. In addition to their leadership,
Hadas and Dennis have established a long legacy of
support for the Jewish community. “Tzedakah is important
to us,
” Hadas says, “because it not only lifts whoever

receives the tzedakah, it also lifts our heart and soul.”
The Hadas and Dennis Bernard Family Centennial Gift
will support the UJF’s General Fund, often described as
our community’s rainy-day fund. “The General Fund is
there for when our community needs it most,
” Dennis
says, “due to crises, bad economy or urgent needs. It’s
for times when no one else is willing or able to step up.”
Over the years, the General Fund has played a critical role
in Federation’s ability to respond to changing needs in
the community—as well as emergencies. “I can think of
nothing more important than continuing to replenish the
General Fund,
” he adds. “It’s absolutely essential to the
welfare of the community.” This notion is at the heart of the
Centennial Fund itself and reflects the insight and vision
that comes with the couple’s decades of service. “Many
people have marveled on how Judaism has survived for
5,782 years,
” the Bernards note. “One of the reasons is
tzedakah. By giving to Jewish causes, we are supporting
Jewish identity and values that create a continuum of
Jewish life.”