Israel has two major memorial days: Yom Hazikaron—the remembrance day for fallen soldiers of Israel and Israeli terror victims—and Yom Hashoah Vehagevurah, Holocaust and Heroism memorial day. One is a reminder of the cost of having a Jewish State; the other is a reminder of the cost of not having it.

Many foundations are adopting new approaches for creating social change—approaches that aim to influence the actions and investments of the public and private sector, as well as address the complex conditions that hold social problems in place.

Based on interviews with 114 practitioners representing 50 foundations and 8 philanthropic services organizations, Being the Change explores how foundations are applying their assets, knowledge, skills, networks, and people in new ways in order to create impact at scale and change systems.

A note from Dara Weinerman Steinberg, Executive Director of the Lippman Kanfer Family Foundation:

In case for some reason you'd rather read about philanthropic trends than multiplication tables of plagues.

There few things more delightful that getting into an argument with your teenage child about the meaning of “freedom”. No, my dear son, it doesn’t mean the absence of a curfew or being free to do your homework at the last second. No, my beloved daughter, it’s definitely not the freedom to stay out that late at a party.

Naomi Friedman Rabkin, a Passionate Force for Good, Dies at 43

Naomi Friedman Rabkin, 43, a vivacious, indomitable force for good in the world, died on March 5, 2018, with her husband Michael by her side. Committed to making the world a better place, Naomi was a creative visionary with an unforgettable flair. She lit up a room with her magnetic presence and made a strong and lasting impact.

As Director of Programs at Leichtag Foundationin Encinitas, CA, she was the creative architect of Leichtag’s programs, played a critical role in grantmaking and philanthropic strategy, was integral to the design and development of Leichtag Commons, and provided important counsel and direction as a senior leader of the Foundation.

Read more at the Times of San Diego >>

Read eulogy by Charlene Seidle >>

From Andrés:

Death is absurd by definition. Always hard to comprehend; always too early, always too painful. But some deaths are more absurd than others.

Naomi’s untimely departure was one of those that losses that challenge our sense of order in the world. They leave us with a feeling that things are not the way they should be, that there’s something badly askew in the universe.

Latest volume of Jewish Funders Network’s “Greenbook” series makes the case for art as an engine for social change, maps the existing landscape, and highlights opportunities for philanthropic action

TEL AVIV—Why invest in art, and why now? A new Greenbook from Jewish Funders Network says the arts represent a powerful opportunity to foster change in Israeli society.