Jewish Funders Network

This year’s JFN West Convening was an inspiring powerhouse of ideas, collaboration, and vision. Against a backdrop of global challenges, funders came together for two impactful days, equipping themselves with practical tools and innovative strategies to tackle critical issues—from bolstering democracy and countering antisemitism to reimagining the future of Jewish communal life. Dynamic sessions left participants energized, ready to lead with resilience and hope. Together, we’re shaping a stronger, brighter future for our community!

Join fellow JFN members on November 7th at 11:00am ET for an essential discussion on Israel’s resilience and innovation in the face of crisis. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ezQM6XXT In the wake of the October 7th attack and the ongoing war, every sector in Israel has been deeply impacted. Key among these is the technology industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economic strength. Join us for an in-depth conversation on the current economic and security challenges facing Israel, and how Israel is leveraging its technological prowess to navigate defense sector advancements. Startup Nation Central CEO and former Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Economy Avi Hasson will be joined by Israeli Entrepeneur and stealth Startup Co-Founder, Hamutal Meridor, to share insights on how Israel’s tech ecosystem is navigating the current challenges, the strength of the Defense Sector, the implications for innovation and investment, how philanthropy can strengthen and secure this critical sector, and what the future might hold.

The period between midlife and old age has changed dramatically over the past generation, with significant implications for American civic life and Jewish communities. JFN's Mindfulness and Mental Health Peer Network invites JFN members to explore the concept of active aging, sharing recent research and demographic insights, new approaches to people’s spiritual and intellectual journeys, and even new strategies for residential settings best suited to older adults' needs and interests. We will be joined by the founders of the Active Aging Network, which works to ensure that active engagement in Jewish life emerges out of this period of change. JFN members can register here: https://lnkd.in/ePwJjrpJ

It’s not too late to register for the JFN West Convening on October 28-29, 2024 in San Diego, but registration closes on October 21st! Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/ea6b-Gex This exclusive gathering brings together funders from across the West for an opportunity to engage with thought leaders on key issues affecting the Jewish community during this challenging time, including democracy, antisemitism, Jewish communal resilience, and Israel. We’re thrilled to feature national experts including: 🟪 Andrés Spokoiny: President and CEO of JFN, Andrés will frame the overarching discussions, helping us explore how philanthropy can create meaningful, transformative change in an uncertain world. 🟪 Amichai Magen: Head of the MA Program in Diplomacy & Conflict Studies at Reichman University, where he also directs the Program on Democratic Resilience and Development, Visiting Professor in Political Science and Visiting Fellow in Israel Studies at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Amichai Magen will provide an overview on the current conditions in Israel, along with important insights on democracy, global security, and antisemitism. His expertise will help deepen our understanding of global threats to Jewish communities. 🟪 Amy Spitalnick: Executive Director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), Amy is at the forefront of combating antisemitism and defending democracy during this time when there are threats to our democracy. 🟪 Aaron Dorfman: Founder and President of A More Perfect Union, Aaron brings decades of experience in values-driven philanthropy. He will share strategies for aligning philanthropic initiatives with Jewish values, focusing on strengthening democracy. 🟪 Gali Cooks: CEO of Leading Edge, Gali is a leading voice in leadership development and innovation in the Jewish nonprofit sector. Gali will share her insights on how we can foster leadership resilience in our communal organizations.   For the full line-up of outstanding thought leaders and expert panelists, please visit the speaker page on our website: https://lnkd.in/eyqr2S_t View the full program here: https://lnkd.in/ezYtTp3T This is your chance to connect with other Jewish funders, hear from dynamic content experts, and collaborate on strategies for the future of Jewish life. Register today to secure your place and make the most of this unique opportunity. Don’t miss this chance to be part of impactful conversations and powerful networking. We hope to see you there, and chag sameach!

We’re excited to announce that Van Jones, renowned CNN Host, bestselling author, and Founder of Dream Machine, will be a featured speaker at the 2025 JFN International Conference in his home state of Tennessee, happening from March 23-25, 2025. In these turbulent times, identifying allies and building connections is a crucial part of our work. Van Jones will speak about allyship with the Jewish community—sharing his unique perspective on how to bring people together to drive impactful change. Dream Machine unites unlikely allies and overlooked communities through collaboration, convening, and curiosity in an effort to get beyond polarization to reconstruct a future we can all own. We look forward to hearing Van’s insights and how we can work together to foster deeper relationships and achieve meaningful progress.

Over 100 organizations have sprung into action since October 7th to combat antisemitism — an encouraging sign. But meaningful progress will require more than just charitable efforts. A coordinated approach, blending education, advocacy, and political action, is essential. In a new article, Yossi Prager, Senior Managing Director of JFN Consulting, explains how efforts like the marriage equality movement demonstrate the power of combining charitable and lobbying strategies. With the right alignment of tools and collaboration, the Jewish community can achieve similar success in combating antisemitism. https://lnkd.in/eVbuFcZA #Philanthropy #Antisemitism #StrategicGiving #JewishCommunity #JewishFundersNetwork #JFN

I have just lit a candle to commemorate a victim of the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. I invite you to join me in honoring the memory of one victim by following this link at www.remembertenseven.org and becoming part of this global community of remembrance and mourning. Thank you, The team at We Remember Them

On the newest episode of of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast, JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny speaks with Zvika Krieger, a dynamic figure who straddles the worlds of technology and spirituality. Zvika was the first ever Director of Responsible Innovation at Facebook, now Meta, though he has had an eclectic career, ranging from journalism in the Middle East to policy work in Washington, DC, before pivoting to technology. Take a listen: https://lnkd.in/eXBswxRF We delve into his journey, exploring the intersection of tech innovation and Jewish spirituality. We discuss the impact of social media on society, the search for meaning in the digital age, and how traditional practices can coexist with modern technology. Zvika's insights provide a unique perspective on how we can navigate the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world.

Marla Stein, Co-Chair of JFN's Green Funders' Forum, has a message for Jewish funders during Climate Week. https://lnkd.in/exKi748h