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Rabbi Aaron Lerner recently sat down with eJewish Philanthropy for an exclusive interview discussing his background and first few months on the job.



“We have to make sure, right now, as we’re going through the biggest intergenerational transfer of wealth ever, that people are actually investing in the city and its Jewish infrastructure for the next 50 years, and they’re going to do that at

The Foundation.”

Giving in Israel: Insights from Israel Grantmaking Expert, Offi Zisser

The Foundation recently hosted Offi Zisser, our Israel-based grantmaking consultant, for a webinar about how to best give in Israel. Here are some takeaways:

Facts and Trends

• More overseas funders are aligning their local interests with interests in Israel, e.g., domestic violence, LGBTQ, and support to disadvantaged populations.
• Donors are increasingly connecting with other funders or peers to leverage their giving and gain expertise.

How To Vet Israeli Organizations

The Center for Designed Philanthropy can help you successfully vet organizations in Israel, including:

• Reviewing an organization's certifications, management skills, and financials.
• Connecting with other Israel-focused funders.
• Understanding the landscape of Israeli organizations.

On Making More Impact

• Align your expectations to the size of your gift.
• Know the extent of the organization's reporting capacity.
• Multiyear commitments help an organization focus on accomplishing goals.

For more information on giving in Israel, contact our Center for Designed Philanthropy team by email or at 323.761.8710. They're happy to answer any questions you may have!

Naomi Strongin, Vice President of the Center for Designed Philanthropy, writes about why mental health is so important to fund in the Jewish community.

Foundation trustees and staff recently visited a 2022 Cutting Edge Grant 2.0 recipient, Our Big Kitchen LA. It was an inspiring few hours where we made over 300 hot kosher meals for those facing food insecurity in our city. Thank you to OBKLA for hosting us and for their vital support for those in need!

Read the latest issue of Legacy magazine!

Our latest issue of Legacy is hot off the press! Read about how 

The Foundation works with donors in every life stage to maximize their philanthropy, learn more about our new President and CEO Rabbi Aaron Lerner, get tips on giving in Israel, and much more.