Post by Rebecca Leibowitz Engel, MSW

New skill unlocked: Fiscal sponsorship of a musical production. 🎭 But not just any musical. This was HappyLand, Toby Singer’s powerful musical that explores identity, social justice, and one of my deepest passions: Charleston Jewish history. At first glance, a Jewish community foundation fiscally sponsoring a theatrical production might seem unexpected. But as this project unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the Jewish Endowment Foundation of South Carolina (JEFSC) was exactly the right partner. Why? Because this production wasn’t just about putting on a show. It was about intentional stewardship of legacy. Producers Elijah Siegler and Robert Turkewitz , pictured here with me and JEFSC Executive Director Phyllis Martin, assembled an extraordinary cast and creative team. And what stood out most was the intentionality with which they cared for the stories they were entrusted to tell. Every character in HappyLand is based on real people and real events, and they approached those lives with deep respect and responsibility. During our debrief yesterday, I was especially moved to learn that they had sought out the descendants of Rabbi Gustavus Poznanski, the musical’s central historical figure, to ensure his great-great-great-great-granddaughter could experience the production. They understood that preserving history isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about honoring the people and families whose stories continue to shape us. When our conversation turned to other ways we might continue stewarding Rabbi Poznanski’s legacy beyond the production itself, it crystallized why this partnership felt so right. At JEFSC, we often talk about l’dor v’dor—from generation to generation. Our role is not simply to fund good work, but to help preserve the values, history, and stories that define our community for generations to come. That same spirit of intentional stewardship was woven into every aspect of HappyLand. That’s why this wasn’t simply a fiscal sponsorship—it was a partnership grounded in shared values. I’m incredibly grateful that JEFSC could play a role in bringing this story to the stage at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim - the actual “room where it happened”, and I can’t wait to see where HappyLand goes next as it continues to educate, inspire, and touch hearts everywhere. Congratulations to everyone who made this extraordinary production possible.