L’Chaim: Honoring Marcy and Fred Dumas

Charlotte Jewish News, May 2025

By Judy Coco

On Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, Temple Beth El will proudly host its biennial fundraiser, L’Chaim Temple Beth El, at the newly restored Carolina Theatre. This special evening of celebration, community, and impact will include the presentation of the Blumenthal Lifetime Achievement Award, Temple Beth El’s highest honor, to longtime congregants and community leaders Fred and Marcy Dumas.

Fred and Marcy’s leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world) have left a profound impact on both Temple Beth El and the greater Charlotte community. For more than 35 years, they have led by example, demonstrating how one family’s values can strengthen generations. “It is important to teach Jewish values, specifically tikkun olam, to the next generation,” they explain. “Kids watch what you do and learn from that.”

The Dumas family moved to Charlotte in 1991, where they quickly immersed themselves in Jewish life. Their journey

began through meaningful connections with early mentors and friends who encouraged them to become actively involved. These early relationships inspired them to help build their community. Shortly after joining the congregation, they became founding leaders of Temple Beth El’s Social Justice and Action Committee. They led more than 200 Jewish volunteers to build the first Habitat for Humanity house sponsored by a synagogue in the United States. This effort epitomized Temple Beth El’s long-standing culture of mitzvot, tangible efforts that evolved into activities like Mitzvah Day and years of good works projects that followed. “It was important that our children, Daniel and Katy, learn Jewish values not only through lessons in school, but through the actions we demonstrate.”

Fred’s leadership has spanned decades and touched every corner of the congregation. From 2004 to 2006, he served as President of Temple Beth El, guiding the congregation through pivotal moments of growth. He played an instrumental role in the “It’s Our Turn” capital and endowment campaign and supported Temple Beth El’s major renovation efforts from 2008 to 2011. He also served on the rabbinic search committee that brought Rabbi Asher Knight to Charlotte. Beyond Shalom Park, Fred has continued to shape the Jewish and greater Charlotte communities. He is a past chair and current board member of the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community, supporting long-term philanthropic endeavors. He also serves on the boards of Discovery Place, Wayfinders, and the Spiritus Project, an initiative that supports young adults living with cystic fibrosis.

Marcy’s impact has been just as far-reaching. Her leadership at Temple Beth El spans from serving on the Sisterhood Board, to co-chairing the Discovered Traditions gift shop, to rekindling the Endowment Committee. She was also a member of the Charlotte Jewish Preschool Board. Later, she chaired TBE’s rededication of its newly renovated building and co-chaired Chai on Laughter, reigniting TBE’s biannual fundraiser.

In the wider community, Marcy has given generously of her time to causes that support children and their education, strengthen families, and uplift those in need. For more than a decade, she has volunteered at The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, where she now serves on the board and finance committee. For many years, she volunteered weekly to read to students at Olde Providence Elementary, delivered meals through Friendship Trays, and volunteered with Crisis Assistance Ministries. Together, Fred and Marcy’s dedication extends far beyond the walls of Temple Beth El, including initiatives like the Charlotte Nature Museum and Connectivity Uncapped (a mentoring program for early-career professionals), as well as countless Temple and city-wide efforts that reflect their commitment to compassionate leadership. “It’s the little things and random acts of kindness that change the world,” they say, a philosophy that has guided their lives and uplifted those around them.

Their decades of dedication have helped shape a more vibrant, inclusive, and compassionate community. Temple Beth El is proud to honor their legacy.

Temple Beth El invites the entire community to join us on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the Carolina Theatre for L’Chaim Temple Beth El!

Proceeds from the evening will support a range of vital initiatives at Temple Beth El, including expanded programming for the greater community, ongoing Temple operations, contributions to our endowment, scholarships for Religious School students, and impactful tikkun olam efforts that strengthen Charlotte and beyond. To learn more about the events, visit templebethel.org/fundraiser.