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.

We’re Hiring!

Jewish Funders Network is seeking a part-time Program Manager to launch and lead a new Day School Affinity Group: a network of funders passionate about strengthening Jewish day schools.

This fully remote, consultant role (12–13 hours/week) is ideal for someone with experience in Jewish education, funder engagement, and program facilitation. Help shape strategy, build community, and drive impact in the Jewish day school space.

Apply now or share with someone who’d be a great fit.

Early Registration Opens August 12

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
Mark your calendar*
Early registration opens August 12
JFN member rate starts at $500

*Please note: The calendar invite will automatically adjust to your local time zone.

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?

Join the Jewish Funders Network for our annual ASPIRE high holidays program, a deep dive learning opportunity that we are pleased to offer to our community of funders and the broader public. As we head into this period of self-reflection and stock-taking, come learn with us about one of the most consequential topics shaping our culture, politics, families, and philanthropy today. This program is open to JFN members and non-members. Speakers to be announced soon.

Democracy is under threat globally, presenting urgent challenges for funders and civil society leaders. How can, and should, Jewish funders respond?

Our Pro-Democracy Philanthropy Series has already sparked rich conversation and drawn a committed group of returning participants. Hosted by democracy scholar and longtime foundation leader Dr. Tali Yariv-Mashal, along with funders and guest experts, the series dives deep into the challenges and opportunities in pro-democracy philanthropy.

Each session explores a different aspect of the work, including education, politics, activism, and communication, and examines the relationship between Jewish and democratic values in Israel, the U.S., and around the globe. There’s still time to join the conversation and make your voice part of this vital philanthropic response.

Upcoming sessions
Education and Democracy
Tuesday, September 9 | 11:30am–1:00pm ET
Click here to register

Research, Development, and Application
Tuesday, October 21 | 11:30am–1:00pm ET
Click here to register

Supporting Activism in Times of Democratic Backsliding
Tuesday, November 4 | 11:30am–1:00pm ET
Click here to register

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Crisis of Democracy in Israel
Tuesday, November 18 | 11:30am–1:00pm ET
Click here to register

Congratulations to Dr. Keren E. Fraiman on Her New Role

We're thrilled to congratulate Dr. Keren E. Fraiman on being named Vice President of Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. Dr. Fraiman, who continues to serve as Chief Academic Officer and Professor of Israel Studies, was the recipient of the 2025 Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award for her project Barriers to Entry: Educator Reticence for Engaging with the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Click here to read more.

Nominations and applications for the 2026 award are still open. Click here to nominate a worthy research project. And keep an eye out for Dr. Fraiman and Dr. Sivan Zakai on an upcoming episode of the What Gives? JFN podcast.