Magazine
Reflections from President & CEO Rabbi Aaron Lerner
Israel Today: Bearing Witness To understand the difficulties facing Israel today, you must visit the country. That’s why I participated in a recent Foundation-Jewish Federation mission to Israel so capably led by Federation Chair Orna Wolens. It was sobering and shocking, yet gave me hope for the future. We saw ongoing pain and trauma, including…
LEARN MOREReflections from President & CEO Rabbi Aaron Lerner: Our Hearts Are Aching
Israel has profoundly touched so many of our lives. For me, my time b’aretz (in Israel) changed the direction of my life at least twice. My first encounter with our Jewish homeland was on a Birthright trip with Hillel. The experience solidified my identity as I committed to living a fuller Jewish life. There was…
LEARN MORERabbi Aaron Lerner for Giving Voice: Why Tzedakah on the High Holidays?
Why Tzedakah on the High Holidays? by Rabbi Aaron Lerner, president & CEO This piece was originally featured in the August 2023 Giving Voice. As we enter the High Holiday season, Jewish wisdom offers a prescription of teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (money to help others) to assist us as we attempt to wipe…
LEARN MORELegacy magazine: Q&A with Rabbi Aaron Lerner
Rabbi Aaron Lerner Takes the Helm Rabbi Aaron Lerner, president and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation, brings a unique blend of financial, rabbinical, and nonprofit expertise to the position. He cares deeply about the community and is passionate about impactful philanthropy. Question: Tell us about your family and what you like to do in…
LEARN MORELegacy magazine: Giving for Life – Philanthropy at Every Stage
Jewish tradition views giving back as a universal obligation independent of time or circumstance. At the Jewish Community Foundation, we customize our philanthropic guidance for every donor, whatever their age or stage in life. From teaching families about financial literacy to helping identify charitable passions and advising on charitable estate planning, we’re here to serve…
LEARN MORELegacy Magazine: Opening a Fund Is Just the Beginning
by Steve Gamer, Vice President of Advancement Financial services institutions play a vital role in the smooth functioning of our society. Among many other things, they enable us to secure home mortgages, finance business transactions, and take out loans for college. Yet, there is one area of impact where a bank or brokerage firm’s abilities…
LEARN MOREGiving Voice: Marvin Schotland’s Final Reflection
My Final Reflection by Marvin I. Schotland, President & CEO I learned a long time ago that when you become a donor at The Foundation, it’s not just a fund you acquire; it’s also a family you join. And just like a loving family can nourish its members in innumerable ways, so too The Foundation’s…
LEARN MORELegacy Magazine: Why Grantmaking is More Than Just Funding
by Naomi Strongin, Vice President, Center for Designed Philanthropy When people learn that I work at the Jewish Community Foundation, they often ask how their favorite organization can receive funding. The question implies their view that The Foundation is laser-focused on sending money to nonprofits in need — but that is not The Foundation’s whole…
LEARN MORE