Reclaiming Jewish Identity and Peoplehood
Thursday, September 18, 2025
| | | | | | | | | | | In the latest episode of the Jewish Funders Network podcast, JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny spoke with Sarah Hurwitz, former speechwriter for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and the author As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. Sarah's book challenges us to rethink how centuries of prejudice have shaped Jewish self-understanding, and why now is the time for a more confident and substantive embrace of Jewish tradition and peoplehood. She spoke about what it means to live as a Jew “without apology,” why shallow or self-deprecating Jewish identities aren’t enough in this moment, and how young Jews especially can ground themselves in real content and community. Take a listen. | | | | |
| | | | | | | Monday, October 27, 2025 | Zoom
1:00 - 2:00pm ET | 10:00am - 11:00am PT | 7:00pm - 8:00pm IT
Many of us cite the mitzvah of tzedaka as our reason for giving, yet we rarely turn to the full depth of Jewish wisdom to guide how we give. Building on JFN and the Lippman Kanfer Foundation’s soon-to-be released guidebook, Jewish Wisdom for Philanthropy, this interactive three-session webinar series brings centuries of Jewish thought to life, offering practical tools for today’s philanthropists. Together, we’ll explore: Why we give: Is giving about helping others, transforming ourselves, or both? What to support: Jewish vs. secular causes, urgent needs vs. long-term visions. How much and how to give: From amounts to attitudes, and how to give with kindness.
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| | | | | | Each session is designed to spark conversation and reflection, helping you shape a giving practice rooted in Jewish tradition and meaningful to you. Speakers:
Dan Libenson, President of Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah
Rabbi Rebecca Sirbu, Executive Vice President, Jewish Funders Network Be sure to join us for the remaining sessions in this series onMonday, November 10thandMonday, November 24th. | | | | |
| | | | | | | Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | Zoom
11:30am - 1:00pm ET | 8:30am - 10:00am PT | 6:30pm - 8:00pm IT In a powerful recent essay in the Times of Israel, Dr. Tali Yariv-Mashal explores the moral double bind faced by Jewish philanthropists today: confronting rising antisemitism in liberal spaces while also grappling with anti-democratic forces in Israel. She argues that this moment calls for funding strategies that embrace nuance, strengthen pluralism, and invest in long-term discovery and not quick fixes. Building on this analysis, join us for the next session of our Pro-Democracy Philanthropy series, where Dr. Yariv-Mashal and guest experts will examine how philanthropy can support research and academia as pillars of democracy. Together, we’ll consider how investment in knowledge creation can foster a more informed and engaged society. | | | | |
| | | | | | Speakers
Professor Neta Ziv, Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Community, Tel Aviv University
Professor Noah Drezner, Professor of Higher Education, Teachers College Columbia University
Rajiv Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars | | | | |
| | | | | | JFN Conferences and Convenings | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Join us in San Francisco In a time of rising antisemitism and growing challenges to Jewish life and democracy, the role of Jewish funders has never been more vital. Join us October 20 in San Francisco for a day of strategic learning, expert-led sessions, and peer connection at the 2025 JFN West Convening. Together, we'll explore Jewish identity, democracy, civic engagement, and the evolving philanthropic landscape in Israel. San Francisco | October 20, 2025 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm PT
Register Now | | | | |
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| | | | | | Sponsor the JFN Conference JFN is now inviting sponsors for the 2026 International Conference in San Diego, March 15-17. Updated benefits and new options offer valuable ways to highlight the issues you care about while supporting one of the most impactful gatherings of Jewish philanthropists worldwide. Some benefits are limited, so explore the updated brochure and reserve yours today. | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | Pave the way to a successful member experience by ensuring your profile is up to date. Find more professionals, get matched up with like-minded peers, and benefit from their professional skills and experiences.Login to your profile todayto browse the directory and other resources we have available for you. - JFN Consultingoffers personalized philanthropic services to individuals, families and foundations. Senior Managing Director Yossi Prageris available for one consultation session (up to two hours) to JFN members free of charge.Click hereto reserve your complimentary consultation with Yossi
- Israel Advisory Servicesprovide in-depth workshops, mapping, strategic planning, and advice to help you fund more effectively, from top experts in Israeli philanthropy
- JFN’s Conciergeserviceaims to provide each member with a personalized user experience that addresses all of their philanthropic needs
- Members who wish to consult about giving to Iron Swords-related needs can contactAnat Danis
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| | | | | | Honeycomb's Annual Facilitator Training, Nov 5-6, in NYC is a unique two-day professional development opportunity that focuses on Jewish experiential education, youth empowerment, and community engagement. Interested in bringing a Jewish youth philanthropy program to your community?Find out more here. | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | Share your news, job postings, and non-fundraising events with the more than 6,000 people who receive this newsletter! Submit for consideration two or three sentences, an image, and any relevant links byclicking here. We publish items from current JFN members only | | | | |
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