Texas Hillel is deeply saddened at the loss of a friend and board member, Stefani Silverberg Eisenstat, who passed away on December 5, 2020, at the age of 53. Stefani was an amazing woman with a generous heart who made everyone she met feel special.

In Jewish tradition, Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Ancestors, teaches “make for yourself a teacher, acquire for yourself a friend, and judge each person favorably” (1:6). The teaching suggests that surrounding ourselves with people from whom we can learn, and investing in community and connections with others is a formula for growth and meaning in our lives. Stefani brought her unique talents, experiences, and perspectives to Texas Hillel, and we will forever be grateful. Stefani’s generosity, commitment, and passion for our students and mission touched thousands of lives each year.

Stefani was born and raised in Dallas and graduated from Greenhill School. She attended Tulane University for two years, before transferring to UT Austin, where she earned her BBA degree in finance from The McCombs School of Business in 1989 and was a member of AEPhi. After working in the banking industry for a short time, Stefani attended law school at SMU’s Dedman School of Law. Upon graduation, she clerked for the Honorable Jane J. Boyle. Stefani spent over 25 years as a litigation lawyer in Dallas, starting with Jenkens & Gilchrist and, most recently, with the firm Steckler Gresham Cochran.

In addition to practicing law, Stefani was an active community member, frequent volunteer, and held leadership positions in various civic and religious organizations. In the Jewish arena, she served on numerous boards, chaired committees, and was heavily involved in organizations, including Congregation Shearith Israel, AIPAC, Jewish Family Services, and Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas. In 2007, Stefani was awarded the Bess Nathan Young Leadership Award by the Federation. She also served as Planning and Allocations Chairperson and most recently chaired a new Federation outreach and engagement initiative that was being launched.

Stefani was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was smart, witty, compassionate, warm, charming, had a contagious smile, and a generous heart. She loved spending time with her immediate and extended family, always present at sporting events, performances, and student activities for her children and nieces and nephews. Stefani loved to exercise and enjoyed travel with her husband Gary and her family, exploring new places, walking the beach, and hiking in the mountains.

Stefani was most proud of her daughters, her shining stars, Lauren and Kara, both AEPhis at UT. She was very close to her parents, Rena and Bud Silverberg, her brother Kaylen and sister-in-law Carol Silverberg, her sister Andra Litman, her extended family, and her devoted dog Toby.
Stefani’s beautiful spirit, words of wisdom and just say “Yes” attitude will live on in her family, friends, associates, and in the halls of Texas Hillel.