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Join today’s most compelling voices on Israel and Jewish life

Thursday, August 14, 2025  

Join three of today’s most compelling voices on Israel and Jewish life for the Jewish Funders Network’s annual ASPIRE High Holidays program.

  • Dr. Rachel Fish, Co-Founder, Boundless
  • Yossi Klein Halevi, Award-Winning Journalist and Senior Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem
  • Anshel Pfeffer, Senior Correspondent and Columnist, Haaretz, and Israel Correspondent, The Economist
  • Moderated by Andrés Spokoiny, President and CEO, Jewish Funders Network


Together, they will tackle pressing questions: What does Zionism mean today, and what could it mean tomorrow? How does a movement born of national self-determination fit into a world shaped by globalization, rising individualism, and new forms of identity and belonging? Is “Zionism” a word whose time has passed, or one we need to reimagine and reclaim for this moment?

This deep learning opportunity, open to JFN members and non-members, invites you to engage with one of the most consequential topics shaping our culture, politics, families, and philanthropy as we enter the High Holiday season.

Early Registration is Open

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 20inSan 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

Early registration for JFN Members ends August 30th
JFN member rate starts at $500

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.

Tax Law Changes Could Spur Big Gifts in 2025
and Slow Giving in 2026

A new federal tax law is prompting many high-earning donors to make major gifts before year’s end, creating a potential short-term boost in philanthropy. Experts caution that caps on charitable deductions and new thresholds taking effect in 2026 could cause giving to decline in the years ahead. Funders should understand the implications now to time their own giving and to advise grantees on donor outreach. Read the full analysis in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

If you or your grantees need tailored guidance on adapting fundraising strategies to this shifting landscape, JFN Consulting can help with customized support and expertise.

Nominations close next week, Monday, August 18, at 5p.m. ET, for the 2026 Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award (ERA). The ERA recognizes and highlights research projects that can impact Jewish life in a direct and positive way. See updated eligibility criteria for this year's award here.

Click here to nominate a worthy research project.

Application and reference forms are still open for one week after nominations close, and are due by Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET.

The High Holidays are Approaching
Share This Resource With Your Spiritual Leaders

Nearly 1 in 3 Jews in the U.S. is struggling to make ends meet, a reality present in every one of our communities. As rabbis and spiritual leaders prepare for the High Holidays, now is the time to offer tools that meet this moment.

“Inscribed Together: A High Holiday Guide to Jewish Economic Vulnerability” is a free, timely resource from Together Ending Need (TEN), an initiative of the Jewish Funders Network and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Packed with texts, commentary, sermon ideas, and actionable guidance, it helps spiritual leaders lift up those in economic distress while calling congregations to live out our shared values.

Click here to learn more and download the guide.

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 today to 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
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
The Honeycomb Facilitator Training, is a 2-day experience,November 5-6,covering all things Jewish youth philanthropy, new resources, and best practices. Early bird registration closes tomorrow, 8/15.Click here for more information.

FROM THE FIELD

After quietly supporting Gaza relief work since early 2024, IsraAid CEO opens up and warns: ‘We are reaching an extreme humanitarian situation’
Judah Ari Gross, eJewish Philanthropy

Kibbutz Nir Oz, the hardest-hit community in the 10/7 attacks, welcomes 50 new, idealistic residents as it looks to rebuild
Judith Sudilovsky, eJewish Philanthropy

How Funders Can Protect Grantees — and Themselves — From Civil Society Attacks
Carroll Bogert, Chronicle of Philanthropy

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