Orthodox Union Impact Report 2022

ORTHODOX

BOARD 2022-23

PRESIDENT

Mark (Moishe) Bane

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mitchel Aeder

VICE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Yehuda Neuberger

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Avi Katz

VICE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Emanuel J. Adler

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS

Isabelle Novak

Henry Orlinsky

Barbara Lehmann Siegel

Dr. Steven Tennenbaum

Esther Williams

Jerry Wolasky

NATIONAL

VICE PRESIDENTS

Nahum Felman

Ezra Friedberg

Dr. Allan Jacob

Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld

Laizer Kornwasser

Azi Mandel

Manette Mayberg

Ari Shabat

Mark Silber

ASSOCIATE

VICE PRESIDENTS

Lauri Barbanel

Deborah Chames Cohen

Josh Kuhl

Chuck Mamiye

Elliott Mandelbaum

David Safier

TREASURER

Morris Smith

SECRETARY

Menachem Schnaidman

HONORARY CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Howard Tzvi Friedman

HONORARY VICE CHAIRMEN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gary Torgow

Morry Weiss

HONORARY CHAIRMEN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Elliott Gibber Lee C. Samson

HONORARY VICE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS

William Tenenblatt

PAST PRESIDENTS

Julius Berman

Harvey Blitz

Moses I. Feuerstein*

Mandell I. Ganchrow, MD*

Harold M. Jacobs*

Rabbi Joseph Karasick*

Dr. Simcha Katz

Professor Sidney Kwestel Martin Nachimson

Sheldon Rudoff* Stephen J. Savitsky

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS

Fred Ehrman

Dr. Michael Elman

Yitzchak Fund

Charlie Harary

Dr. Mordecai D. Katz*

Dr. David Luchins

Avery E. Neumark

Henry I. Rothman

Gerald M. Schreck

Joseph Stechler

Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike

Michael Wimpfheimer

Board terms are two years, with the conclusion of this term taking place at the OU’s Biennial Convention on January 1, 2023. The new board slate will be available and updated at ou.org/about

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE

Howard Balter

Bluma Broner

Daniel Butler

Jack Cayre Neil Cohen

Dr. Stanley Frohlinger

David Gerstley

Shukie Grossman

Baruch Zev (B.Z.)

Halberstam

Josh Kahane George Karasick

Melanie Kaminetsky

Scott Krieger

Rena Kwestel

Razel Lerman

Eli Levitin

Vivian Luchins

Cal Nathan Raphy Nissel

Dr. Josh Penn

Eli Raphael (NCSY National President)

Dr. Rachel Rabinovitch Nomi Rotblat Joshua Rozenberg

Alan Shamah

Dr. Rosalyn Sherman

Howard Sitzer

Ronald Wilheim

Zevy Wolman

Larry Zeifman

Effie Zisblatt

HONORARY

GOVERNORS

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman

Rabbi Marvin Hier Malcolm Hoenlein

Richard Joel Dr. Alan Kadish

Rabbi Moshe Krupka

Rabbi Zev Leff

Senator Joseph I. Lieberman

Rabbi Haskel Lookstein

Rabbi Leonard Matanky

Rabbi Sheftel Neuberger*

Rabbi Marc Penner

Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter

Rabbi Max N. Schreier

Rabbi Berel Wein

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Leon Achar

Max Berlin

Marvin Bienenfeld

Larry Brown

Stuart Cantor Daniel Chill

Dr. Ben Chouake

Pace Cooper

Shirley Feuerstein

Debra Hartman

Stanley Hillelsohn

Lance Hirt

Dr. David Hurwitz

Ira Kellman

Jonah Kupietzky

Albert Laboz

Deborah Schick Laufer

Jeffrey Lefkovits

Morey Levovitz

Nathan Lewin

Mrs. Joseph K. Miller

Rabbi Michael Miller Irwin Nachimson

David Novak

Terry Novetsky

Steven Orlow Adam Parkoff

Dr. David Pelcovitz

Dr. Harry Peled Allen Pfeiffer

Paul Pinkus

Donald Press

Barry Ray

Dr. Howard Rosenthal

Rebecca Samson

Zvi Sand Jay Schottenstein

Marsha Stranzynski

Gary Weiss

Howard Wengrow

Joyce Werthheimer Harvey Wolinetz

David Woolf

* Deceased

COMMITTEES 2022-23

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Moishe Bane**

Mitchel Aeder

Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld

Ezra Friedberg

Avi Katz

Laizer Kornwasser

Josh Kuhl

Barbara Lehmann Siegel

Eli Levitin

Yehuda Neuberger

Henry Orlinsky

Menachem Schnaidman Morris Smith

NOMINATING AND BOARD RESOURCE COMMITTEE

Henry Orlinsky** Ezra Friedberg

Baruch Zev (B.Z.) Halberstam

Rena Kwestel

Eli Levitin

David Safier

Jerry Wolasky

Zevy Wolman

Effie Zisblatt

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Morris Smith**

Rose Bernstein

Harvey Blitz

Howard Tzvi Friedman

David Gerstley

Eli Levitin

Martin Nachimson

Avery E. Neumark

Henry Orlinsky

Mordecai Soloff

Joel Yarmak

David Zimble

AUDIT COMMITTEE

David Gerstley**

Rose Bernstein

David Lasker

Josh Rozenberg

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Ari Fuchs** Ari Kadish Steve Landau

Yehuda Spindler

LEGAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Emanuel Adler**

Harvey Blitz

Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld

Louis Goldberg

Henry I. Rothman Michael Wimpfheimer Effie Zisblatt

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld**

Azi Mandel

Menachem Schnaidman Morris Smith

Dr. Shimmy Tennenbaum

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

Yaron Reich**

Harvey Blitz

Dr. Allan Jacob

Dr. David Luchins

Chuck Mamiye

Naomi Rotblat

GRATITUDE

FOR LAY LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS

The OU’s lay leadership includes numerous men and women who serve as devoted commission and board members.

In addition to their financial generosity, they invest their invaluable time and wisdom advising and encouraging the OU’s staff and professional leadership regarding a panoply of initiatives, programs, and communal challenges.

These dedicated, passionate individuals have earned the gratitude of both the OU and the entire community since all that the OU accomplishes is dependent upon this indispensable partnership.

The Executive Vice Presidents serve as ex-officio members of all committees and commissions, except the Audit, Nominating, and Board Resource Committees. The OU President is an ex-officio member of all committees and commissions, except the Nominating and Board Resource Committee.

COMMISSIONS 2022-2023

KARASICK DEPARTMENT OF SYNAGOGUE INITIATIVES

Menachem Schnaidman**

Emanuel Adler

Mordy Goldenberg

Josh Kahane

Binyamin Muschel

Josh Rozenberg Barbara Lehmann Siegel

COMMUNITY PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS

Ezra Friedberg**

Zevy Wolman** Bluma Broner Isaac Pretter Benzion Zlotnick

OU ISRAEL Esther Williams**

OU ADVOCACY CENTER

Jerry Wolasky**

Sruli Berkowitz

Harvey Blitz Allen Friedman

Howard Tzvi Friedman

Josh Kahane

Dr. David Luchins

Matt Maryles

Yehuda Neuberger

Raphy Nissel

Amanda Nussbaum Drew Parker Isaac Pretter Yaron Reich

OU KOSHER

Gary Torgow**

Raphy Benaroya

Avraham Berkowitz

Julius Berman Harvey Blitz

Yosef Fink

Rabbi Yossi Heber

Fred Horowitz

Avi Katz

Hillel Moerman Henry Orlinsky

OU-JLIC

Morris Smith**

Emanuel Adler

Lew Barbanel

Srulie Feuerstein

Shukie Grossman

Deborah Schick Laufer

** Committee / Commission Chair

Leah Lightman

Henry I. Rothman

Menachem Schnaidman Barbara Lehmann Siegel Effie Zisblatt

YOUTH (NCSY)

Mitchel Aeder**

Laizer Kornwasser**

Laura Goldman

Freda Greenbaum

Benyamin Kaminetsky

Elizabeth Kurtz

Rena Kwestel Miriam Lightman

Vivian Luchins

Rabbi David Mahler Elliott Mandelbaum

Leah Moskovich

Isabelle Novak Dr. Josh Penn Miriam Pfeiffer Josh Rozenberg Shmuel Schreiber Ari Shabat Yossi Stechler

YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAMS

Elizabeth Kurtz** Miriam Pfeiffer** Vivian Luchins Isabelle Novak

ISRAEL FREE SPIRIT Esther Williams**

IMPACT ACCELERATOR

Ezra Friedberg** Joseph Loeffler Elliott Mandelbaum Ed Stelzer Vivian Stok

OU WOMEN’S INITIATIVE

Miriam Greenspan**

Nomi Rotblat**

Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld Bluma Broner Rivkie Hirt

Becky Katz Barbara Lehmann Siegel

Razel Lerman

Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike Esther Williams

JEWISH ACTION

Dr. Rosalyn Sherman**

Gerald M. Schreck** Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin

Deborah Chames Cohen Rabbi Binyamin Ehrenkranz Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer

David Olivestone

Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman Rabbi Gil Student Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb

OU PRESS

Julius Berman** Jonah Kupietzky Stephen Neuwirth Gerald M. Schreck Joel Schreiber Rabbi Gil Student Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb Rabbi Steven Weil

OU CENTER FOR COMMUNAL RESEARCH

Yehuda Neuberger** Mitchel Aeder Dr. Michael Berger Harvey Blitz Joel Mael Dr. Rachel Rabinovitch

YACHAD/NATIONAL JEWISH COUNCIL FOR DISABILITIES (NJCD)

Lauri Barbanel** Bill Auerbach Vivian Glueck Monica Guttman Sarah Hoffstetter Ira Kellman Scott Krieger Rena Kwestel Miriam Pfeiffer Ben Rieder Sharon Shapiro Avery Stok

TEACH COALITION NATIONAL

Elliott Gibber**

Neil Cohen Alan Eisenman

Amir Goldman Dr. Allan Jacob Evelyn Katz Eli Levitin Azi Mandel

Sam Moed Cal Nathan Alan Shamah Mark Silber Cindy Worenklein

Teach NYS Cal Nathan** Lance Hirt Daniel J. Lowy Chuck Mamiye Sam Sutton Joshua Trump

Teach NJ Sam Moed** Josh Buchsbayew Eric Fremed Danny Jacob Steven Kassin Mark Levenson Leslie Ostrin

Teach FL Dr. Allan Jacob** Daniel Adler Steven Jacoby Shlomo Lobell Alexander Rindner Yossi Rosengarten

Teach PA Amir Goldman** Elliot Holtz** David Kaplan Yitzhak Mandelbaum Nachum Stollman

Teach MD Sam Melamed** Aryeh Gross Yehuda Neuberger Jacob Statman Marc Tropp Jerry Wolasky

OU TORAH INITIATIVES

Henry Orlinsky** Dr. Stanley Frohlinger George Karasick Dr. Josh Penn David Safier Ronnie Wilheim

The Executive Vice Presidents serve as ex-officio members of all committees and commissions, except the Audit, Nominating, and Board Resource Committees.

The OU President is an ex-officio member of all committees and commissions, except the Nominating and Board Resource Committee.

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

INTEGRITY, COMMITMENT, AND PASSION

This annual report tells a small part of the story of the vast and ה”זעב expanding work of the Orthodox Union. That story has developed in stages, built on the efforts, vision, and values of generations of heroic builders of Orthodoxy in North America. It is a story of integrity, commitment, and passion.

INTEGRITY: The Orthodox Union’s most recognized calling card is the OU Kosher symbol. OU Kosher aspires to unimpeachable integrity in kosher supervision by maintaining professionalism, consistency, and accountability, and by deploying cutting-edge technologies and systems that continue to set the standard for the kosher marketplace. Critically, the professional culture of OU Kosher is informed by the recognition that we represent Orthodox Jewry, Torah, and halachic commitment to all with whom we interact, compelling us to ensure that our every interaction generates a kiddush Hashem. That value of integrity defines our organizational culture such that every department strives to perform with that same professionalism, consistency, and accountability, and to produce rather than promise,

COMMITMENT: As OU Kosher was established to support halachic observance, the Orthodox Union’s leadership understood that every dollar of revenue that it generated should be invested in further elevating the religious experience of the community. That commitment became another core element of the organizational culture, where lay and professional leadership see their role as a sacred trust, requiring them to serve as proper stewards of communal resources

by responsibly and creatively deploying them to support and strengthen the community. That mindset spawned the Orthodox Union’s many departments and projects, as leadership identified essential communal initiatives and services and developed strategies to effectively provide them.

PASSION: Integrity and commitment were not enough for the organization’s lay leadership and staff—passion was needed too. As they began to address a variety of communal needs, they realized that they were just scratching the surface and that they could not afford to limit their activities and reach to what the organization’s revenue flow would cover. Complacency became antithetical to the organization culture, that was driven instead by the recognition already established by the Torah (Devarim 4:29) that the challenges of Jewish life in galut will only be resolved ךשפנ לכבו ךבבל לכב ונשרדת יכ , when we dedicate ourselves passionately, heart and soul, to seeking a stronger and deeper connection to God. OU Kosher revenue became seed money, the basis upon which to pilot initiatives that would prove their value and then attract investment from the remarkable community of donors that have allowed and supported our growth.

Integrity, commitment, and passion. That is the OU that all of us feel privileged and uplifted to be a part of. Thank you for your partnership in getting us all this far. We need you and value you. And we are just getting started.

MOISHE BANE, President

RABBI MOSHE HAUER, Executive Vice President

RABBI DR. JOSH JOSEPH, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

AFTER BEFORE

LOCATING OUR CULTURE:

COMMUNICATION, COORDINATION, COLLABORATION

On May 12, 2022, the OU moved to a new address at 40 Rector Street, just a few blocks from its old home yet worlds away in design and purpose.

The new OU space was created to nurture a thriving and healthy culture founded on Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration.

The 3 Cs are all about sharing information and ideas across the OU, from kashrut to our work with the community, through all departments and programs. They remind us about opening our eyes

to new perspectives, epitomizing a spirit of entrepreneurialism, and embracing the unusual. They are about creating a synergy that has the power to change the face of the Jewish people.

Our new space embodies these principles through our open, shared spaces, our connecting staircase, and images representing our values. Come visit us!

Left to right: OU Kosher CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack; OU President Moishe Bane; OU EVP Rabbi Moshe Hauer; OU Chairman of the Board Mitchel Aeder; OU EVP and COO Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph; and OU Kosher COO Rabbi Moshe Elefant at the Keviat Mezuzah ceremony at the new OU headquarters.

ENRICHING LIVES

THROUGH ACCESSIBLE TORAH

Torah Initiatives comprises a broad array of innovative and impactful Torah programming. With the vision of a community where every adult makes limmud ha-Torah a central part of their life, Torah Initiatives’ diverse approaches and formats provide study opportunities for those from every community and affiliation to further develop their relationship with Hashem.

ALL MISHNAH, ALL NEW

In December 2021, Torah Initiatives released the All Mishnah app, designed to make learning the two daily mishnayot easier and more accessible. In the Mishnah Yomi program, participants can quickly review the two mishnayot of the day and complete all of Mishnah in under six years.

This latest addition to Torah Initiative’s family of apps features curated content and a clean, userfriendly interface. All Mishnah offers world-class speakers, including Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Rabbi Fischel Schachter, and Rabbi Zecharia Resnik. Other resources include a Mishnah Yomi calendar, different learning track settings, and a children’s section.

My son Binyamin and I have been learning Mishnah Yomi using the All Mishnah app since the cycle began and we couldn’t be more grateful - it’s been a game changer for our ability to learn together while in different locations. We especially appreciate the kids’ and adult versions.”

– IAN GLATSTEIN, Woodmere, NY

ALL MISHNAH JUNIOR

This program, which encourages Jr. High students to learn two mishnayot per day, resulted in over 1,000 enthusiastic students in eight schools signing up to participate. Many of these students became mishnayot ambassadors in their schools which included promoting the program, coordinating shiurim, encouraging their friends to learn, distributing free ArtScroll mishnayot and sometimes delivering the shiurim themselves. Students were rewarded with prizes, special events, and of course, awesome swag.

Rabbi Shmuel Silber, top center, together with his SCP talmidim in Baltimore, MD, proudly displaying their certificates.

Asher Tesser, project manager of All Torah Apps, with All Mishnah Jr. ambassadors at Yavneh Academy.

SHARON

–

STEIN, Los Angeles, CA

7,000 +

downloads of the All Mishnah app in the three days following launch

With the All Mishnah app, I’m able to stay on track with my daily learning. Life is hectic. This app helps me stay connected. Every day I listen to Rabbi Lebowitz’s amazing shiur on the two mishnayos. Thank you!”

– DAVID KAUFMAN

, Brooklyn, NY

CONTINUED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF ALL DAF

As the All Daf platform entered its third year, the momentum increased, and the learning continued to flourish. Additional maggidei shiur and supplemental materials were added to aid in the learning of the daily daf or any masechta one is learning.

A number of new features were added to the app:

• New calendar that allows users to track their Daf Yomi progress

• Autoplay option that will automatically advance to the next shiur

• Ability to see the full gemara without having to open a shiur—one of the most requested features

new iPad native app takes advantage of landscape mode with a new look.

All Parsha helps me come into Shabbos prepared to have a meaningful Shabbos meal with my family.

The

Mrs. Esther Wein is part of a diverse group of All Parsha contributors.

All Daf Siyumim

Communities that hosted siyumim:

Baltimore, MD Cedarhurst, NY Chicago, IL

Englewood, NJ Lakewood, NJ Las Vegas, NV London, UK Manchester, UK Toms River, NJ Woodmere, NY

OUTORAH.ORG

Dedicated by the Jacobs and Chill Families in Memory of Harold and Pearl Jacobs

OU Torah is proud to present a number of series originating from live shiurim delivered at the OU Israel Center in Jerusalem. Current offerings include Likutei Halachot by Rabbi Azarya Berzon, Halachic and Hashkafic Issues in Contemporary

FEATURED VIDEOS BRING LEARNING TO LIFE

A featured video introduced us to an Israeli farmer during shemittah that coincided with learning Maseches Shviis in Mishnah Yomi. We met Amir Dromi and Ilana and Doron Toweg, who shut down their farm this year to observe

Society by Rabbi Anthony Manning, and The Thought of Rav Soloveitchik by Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider.

The OU’s Shoshana Grossman Nach Yomi began in 2007. In its eighth cycle, the Nach Yomi took a giant step forward with the introduction of Torat Imecha Nach Yomi from the OU Women’s Initiative.

shemittah. Other videos explored the complex issues of the international dateline with Rabb Reit and Rabbi Heber, as well as the significance of the curves of the shofar.

At the All Daf siyum in Las Vegas, NV. Left to right: Moshe Borvick; Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO, OU Kosher; Idan Malka, former NCSY National Board President; Rabbi Moshe Schwed, director, All Torah; Rabbi Yehuda Maryles, North American director of Olami Launch.

Left to right: Rabbi Moshe Brandsdorfer, director, Torah Initiatives; Rabbi Moshe Schwed, director, All Torah; OU EVP Rabbi Moshe Hauer; Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth; Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO, OU Kosher; Ashley Cohen; Rabbi Simon Taylor, national director, Community Projects & Partnerships. OU leadership met with the Chief Rabbi while in London for an All Daf siyum.

Rabbi Avrohom Reit explains the unique Chalitzah shoe as a mitzvah not regularly performed. He showed how the shoe is created according to the opinions in the gemara, rishonim, and poskim

Video at the farm of Amir Dromi and Ilana and Doron Toweg, who closed their farm to observe shemittah.

SEMICHAS CHAVER

The Semichas Chaver Program is the fastest-growing practical halacha chaburah in the world with over 140 locations and over 3,600 weekly participants. SCP’s rich content is meant to be imparted to family

members and includes Q&A’s for the Shabbos table and comics for kids. The chaburahs are practical and fun and include a focus on the ta’amei hamitzvos. Upon completion of each topic and exam, every member gets the Semichas Chaver certificate signed by Rav Neventzal, Rishon Le’tzion Rav Shlomo Amar, and Rav Hershel Schachter.

Rav Elyada Goldwicht, SCP founder and Maggid shiur, delivering a shiur in Israel.

Rav Ezra Friedman giving an SCP shiur in Ma’aleh Adumim

I’m always trying to learn, but there is such a difference when there is a bechina and I can really substantiate what I’ve learned. It has truly changed my whole family’s Shabbos experience.”

STEVEN FARBMAN, Woodmere, NY

Rav Dovid Tugendhaft leading a shiur in Hendon, London.

–

Rabbi Ariel Shoshan, delivering an SCP shiur in Scottsdale, AZ

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Department of Community Projects & Partnerships works to enhance Jewish communal life worldwide by strengthening community leaders, organizations, and infrastructure; by confronting ongoing communal challenges; by responding to crises and natural disasters; and by bringing Torah values to life.

2,500 +

people from 19 countries and 35 states visited the OU Virtual Jewish Community Home Relocation Fair

GROWING AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES

The OU Virtual Jewish Community Home Relocation Fair showcases the amenities of Orthodox Jewish communities and assists people interested in relocating to find a Jewish community that fits their religious, cultural, social, and financial needs.

In 2022 the Fair hosted:

• 58 communities from 22 states and Israel

• 17 new communities that joined the Fair this year

safety reflector belts have been distributed to synagogues throughout North America

• Virtual Auditorium sessions highlighting various communities and sponsors

Kosher Money podcast listens

A Ukrainian family receiving a Passover food package which included grape juice, matzah, meat, chicken and assorted vegetables.

OU COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP RESOURCES

Communal Growth Leadership seminars enable community representatives to collaborate with the OU and develop important strategies and techniques for growth. “Legal Use of Images and Videos” and “Marketing of the Community” were among the recent seminar topics.

The OU Community Road Trip provides department professionals an opportunity to hear from local leaders and learn firsthand about the strengths and challenges of our communities. In summer 2022, visits and meetings took place with leaders of Wilkes-Barre (PA), Scranton (PA), Cleveland (OH), Southfield (MI), Oak Park (MI), Pittsburgh (PA), Northeast Philadelphia (PA), and Bensalem (PA).

The lobby of the virtual convention hall where visitors chose the area they wanted to visit. Over 2,500 people from around the world visited the OU’s virtual Community Home Relocation Fair in 2022.

SPIRIT (Stimulating Program Initiative for Retirees that Inspires Thought)

As baby boomers leave their professional responsibilities, they often look for spiritual, educational, physical, and intellectual stimulation. The SPIRIT program answers these vital needs.

SPIRIT’s impact:

• 7,000 people in 19 countries participated in live programs

• 50 SPIRIT partner synagogues promote programs to their members

Past SPIRIT programs included:

• Halachic aspects of end-of-life issues, tefillah, and aliyah

• Memory matters

• Treating chronic exhaustion

• Jewish history and issues of kashrut

• How to advocate for your loved one or yourself

See past archived programs at ou.org/spirit

STRENGTHENING PARENTS, STRENGTHENING FAMILIES

A healthy parent-child relationship is a core Jewish value. Partnering with experts in the field, the new Gen Aleph initiative focuses on strengthening that bond, so children feel loved and connected to their family and mesorah

The initiative includes:

• Guiding Good Choices: Parents and caregivers learn to promote healthy development and reduce risky behavior among teens

• The Jews Next Dor Podcast: Raising the next generation of committed and passionate Jews

• The Digital Citizenship Project: Teaching parents how to best interact with technology to ensure a safe online experience

• The Healthy Habits Hub: Encouraging modest changes families can make to create positive results in their homes

Rabbi Simon Taylor, national director, Community Projects & Partnerships (left) with Rabbi Pinchos Novoseller, rabbi at Centers Health Care, where Living Smarter Jewish provided financial literacy education for their employees.

OU Kosher Rabbinic

Coordinator Rabbi Chaim Goldberg gives a presentation about the kashrut of fish.

Over the past year, LSJ:

• Helped motivate thousands of community members to purchase life and health insurance, create budgets, open investment accounts, and save for retirement

• Shared a family budgeting form with over 250 families

• Trained 50 coaches in family budgeting and 30 coaches in the shanah rishonah curriculum for young couples

• Referred over 350 families to LSJ coaches

• Referred 105 families to 10 financial planners

• Placed curricula in 20 schools with close to 800 students participating

livingsmarterjewish.org

LIVING SMARTER JEWISH: FINANCIAL WELLNESS

Living Smarter Jewish (LSJ) helps individuals and families create a pathway toward a healthier financial future and focuses on:

• The Torah value of living responsibly and within one’s means

• Platforms to help individuals take control of their finances and achieve financial literacy

• Financial literacy curricula for yeshiva day schools and parents

• Coaching to help with family budgeting

The Kosher Money podcast, founded with the help of and produced in conjunction with LSJ, has over 5 million listens.

I just met with Stacey Zrihen.

AMAZING!!!! I work with Excel all day, but the way she lines up your life, all the things that you never think twice about putting into a budget, and then turning it into a plan.”

- KOSHER MONEY VIEWER

Shimon Willig, financial advisor and lecturer, providing financial literacy training for staff at Centers Health Care head office.

KLAL YISRAEL RESPONDS TO THE UKRAINE CRISIS

Immediately following the news of the Russian invasion, the Orthodox Union, with partners that included Vaad Hatzalah and Chabad, mobilized a team of professionals and volunteers who launched a centralized food distribution campaign. OU Kosher coordinated food donations from several OU-certified companies.

The Persidskyi family, whose letter of appreciation appears on the opposite page.

Preparing food distribution at one of the OU’s temporary warehouses in Ukraine.

200

tons of food and medicine distributed for Passover

$ 5M

raised from over 10K donors

60,000

+

kg of meat and chicken, 50,000 liters of grape juice, 35,000 kg of matzah, and 22,000 ready-to-eat meals distributed

A thank you letter from the Persidskyi family. This is one of many notes from families and individuals receiving help from Jewish communities around the world.

We are very grateful for you. It is especially important in these difficult times for Ukraine, when our country is trying to survive in the war with the Russian invaders. Thanks to you we are able to buy food for our family. We are deeply indebted to you for your generosity and help.”

- THE KRICHKER FAMILY

PILLAR

The OU Pepa and Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue

DAILY TEHILLIM CALL PROVIDING CHIZUK

The OU Daily Tehillim and Chizuk call began in 2020 as a response to Covid. Nearly three years on, with over 400 daily callers, the call continues as a powerful and popular place for individuals throughout the world to pray together.

I wanted to share personal words of gratitude for the daily Tehillim and Chizuk calls. I was ill for several weeks. I was exposed through my work as a hospice chaplain making home visits. Throughout my illness when I did not have the strength for daily davening, the calls were a lifeline giving me some sense of community and tefilla. The short and low-tech nature of the calls meant even when I was ill, I could participate.

The call is still a regular part of my schedule, giving me inspiration as I counsel others.

You are making a difference.”

Leaders from dozens of synagogues gathered for the OU Executive Directors conference.

The centrality of the synagogue to the Jewish people and its impact on Jewish life is paramount, and for many, the synagogue is the portal of entry into their Judaism. The synagogue, or shul, is the place where we encounter and connect with Hashem, each other, and ourselves.

I highly recommend the OU’s Board Training initiative to all. It was instructive, informative, entertaining, and had many practical takeaways! If you have a new board joining or even board members with many years, there is something for all!”

SHUL EXECUTIVE, Virginia

SYNAGOGUE

CONSULTING

The Orthodox Union serves as a hub and facilitator for knowledge-sharing and best practices on synagogue governance and effective leadership. Regular meetings with synagogue lay leadership provide operational support, guidance for fiscal management, help with strategic planning, and board training.

The Karasick Department of Synagogue Initiatives is a resource for shul leadership across North America.

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT

Our shuls depend on strong rabbinic and lay leadership. With that in mind, the Karasick Department of Synagogue Initiatives inaugurated learning and leadership programs to strengthen shuls and communities.

• Rabbinic Chaburahs - Community rabbis across North America learn from one another and offer mutual support

• Lay Leaders - OU Shul Lay Leadership network with 150 lay leaders across North America

• Executive Directors and Administrators - Programming for 150 shul administrators, including our in-person executive directors conference

• Gabba’im - Mentorship and a networking forum for over 200 North American gabba’im

• OU Reimagine project - Engaging lay leadership, executive directors, youth directors, and others to collaborate and provide mutual support across shuls

ONTARIO

–

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

NEW BRUNSWICK

NOVA SCOTIA

QUEBEC

ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA

OU PEPA AND JOSEPH KARASICK DEPARTMENT OF SYNAGOGUE

Rabbinic Chaburahs Executive Directors Conference Attendees Gabbai Network

ADVOCATING FOR DAY SCHOOLS AND YESHIVOT

$ 2.3B

PAVING A PATH TO MORE AFFORDABLE JEWISH EDUCATION

state funding 68,000

for all nonpublic schools across NY, NJ, FL, PA, and MD, which include Jewish day schools and yeshivot

in 2,000 voters reached through Get Out The Vote efforts

Teach NYS Long Island dinner honorees, Jenny and Jonathan Katz, pictured with Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and Teach Coalition COO Dan Mitzner.

In our states with tax credit and state-sponsored scholarship programs, legislative wins expanded income eligibility requirements and eliminated wait lists. Now 50% of day school and yeshiva students in Florida and Pennsylvania will be receiving scholarships worth a total of around $70 million just this year.

LOOKING OUT FOR OUR CHILDREN YEAR-ROUND: TEACH LAUNCHES THE SUMMER CAMP NETWORK

With antisemitism on the rise, protecting our children is now a year-round priority. That’s why Teach Coalition and the newly formed Summer Camp Network advocated for government security funding and helped camps access it. The result was $1 million in Pennsylvania state funding that helped secure 4,000 campers at camps including Camps Stone, Nesher, Morasha, Ramah of the Poconos, Moshava, Dora Golding, and Mesivta Eitz Chaim, among others.

#GRATITUDE4GUARDS SPEARHEADED BY TEACH COALITION

From New York and New Jersey to Pennsylvania, Florida, and beyond, Jewish day school and yeshiva children, parents, and school staff ended the school year by participating in Teach Coalition’s firstever #Gratitude4Guards campaign. Scores of security guards were surprised and appreciative of the children’s handmade cards, donuts, coffee, and abundance of high-fives.

Teach Coalition’s 2022 advocacy to increase security funding across our states has led to more than a $90 million investment in security funding for Jewish day schools,

All the professional security steps we have taken required a serious input of funds. Teach Coalition guided us every step of the way from the required advocacy to making sure we filled out the applications properly, and finally to making sure that we were in fact awarded.”

– ALAN SILVERMAN, director of Camp Moshava in Honesdale, PA

Campers at Camp Moshava, one of the many camps receiving security funding as a result of the Summer Camp Network’s advocacy with coalition partners.

yeshivas, camps, and other nonprofits. As antisemitism and violence toward our community continues to rise, Teach Coalition’s commitment to making sure our children and communities are secure and protected will be strengthened as we work on innovative solutions to funding and security.

Protecting our children in school continues to be a top advocacy priority that resulted in a $30 million increase in New York security funding for a total of $70 million for schools and communities, and a $4.5 million increase for schools in New Jersey.

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Students at Abrams Hebrew Academy in Yardley, PA, gathered to thank their security guard.

Yeshiva of Central Queens student delivered donuts and coffee to the school’s guards.

RECORD-SIZED MISSIONS TO OUR STATE CAPITALS PAVE THE WAY FOR BIG WINS

Teach Coalition knows that the more people who show up to talk about our issues, the more likely elected officials will pay attention and act on our behalf. This year, every one of our Teach states achieved record attendance during their missions to our state capitals. Whether virtual or in person, over 2,000 day school and yeshiva students, joined by lay leaders, asked scores of state senators and legislators for increased security, STEM teacher

funding, expanded services, and scholarships for students with unique abilities.

Our legislative missions are not just about leveraging our numbers for policy wins. They are an important step in showing students they can impact their education, their families, and communities by speaking up, taking responsibility, and hopefully becoming leaders in the years to come.

500 Jewish day school and yeshiva students showed off their STEM knowledge at the Teach Coalition and CIJE 2022 Robotics Competition.

BACK IN ACTION: TEACH LAY LEADERS AND ACTIVISTS FLOCK TO LEGISLATIVE EVENTS

Legislative dinners and breakfasts in New York, New Jersey, and Florida attracted record crowds this year, as more than 1,000 lay leaders, supporters, activists, and school communities turned out in force to meet elected officials and show their support for the policies championed by Teach Coalition. From state senate presidents and committee chairs to local mayors, more than 170 elected officials came to our events to show their friendship with the Jewish community and their support for innovative educational and security programs to benefit all children.

New Jersey dinner attendees, from left to right: Moriah School Chair Leiah Moskowitz, Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park, and Assemblywoman Shama Haider.

Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson addresses a record 650 people at the annual Teach Legislative Breakfast.

ADVOCATING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

The OU Advocacy Center is the nonpartisan public policy arm of the OU that advocates on behalf of the Orthodox community nationwide. Through its engagement with Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., the OU Advocacy Center advances the values and interests of our community and ensures that Klal Yisrael thrives.

$250M

in security funding for day schools, synagogues, and other nonprofits— a 100% increase from 2020

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE FROM ANTISEMITIC ATTACKS

since 2004, to protect synagogues, day schools, and other nonprofits through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program that OU Advocacy helped create

Of prime importance to OU Advocacy (OUA) is protecting our synagogues, schools, and other gathering places from antisemitic attacks. In 2022, OUA successfully worked with elected officials and coalition partners to dramatically increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to $250 million. NSGP grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, fund security upgrades and the hiring of contract security guards across our communities. OUA is currently working with allies including DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Senator Chuck Schumer to increase NSGP funding to $360 million for 2023.

SUPPORTING THE SECURITY AND WELFARE OF ISRAEL

OU Advocacy works to support the security and welfare of the State of Israel and a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. In February, OUA facilitated a visit by the newly installed U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Tom Nides, to OU Israel’s Zula Center. This was an important opportunity for Amb. Nides to see and engage with the work of the OU in Israel.

Ahead of President Biden’s historic trip to Israel in July 2022, OUA leaders engaged with senior members of the president’s National Security Council team to advocate for key pronouncements and policies that were ultimately made by Mr. Biden during his visit.

In 2022, the American Jewish community saw another assault on a synagogue – this time in Colleyville, Texas. As part of our response, OUA convened an emergency virtual national meeting for rabbis and other Jewish community leaders with the most senior U.S. officials including Attorney General Merrick Garland, Secretary of DHS Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, as well as key White House officials.

Finally, OUA worked with bipartisan members of Congress and coalition partners to craft the Pray Safe Act, which passed the U.S. Senate in April and is pending in the House of Representatives. This legislation will establish a new office at DHS specifically dedicated to the security of houses of worship and other religious institutions.

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As attacks against Jews rose nationwide, OU Advocacy helped double FY 2021 funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

Advocacy’s Nathan Diament joined U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other community leaders at a press conference to call for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

The OU’s Rabbi Moshe Hauer met with President Joe Biden at the White House.

CREATING TWO NEW FEDERAL PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT SHULS, SCHOOLS…AND THE ENVIRONMENT

OUA worked with bipartisan allies in Congress—Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Hoeven (R-ND)— to have new legislation crafted by OUA, the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act, incorporated into the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden last November. This creates a new Department of Energy program—funded with $50 million in its first year—that will award grants to nonprofits to support making their buildings more energy efficient via the installation of new HVAC systems and the like. The grant funds are specifically available to subsidize the purchase of the new energy system materials. OUA is working aggressively to have the Energy Department implement the new program this year.

A HISTORIC WIN FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND SCHOOL CHOICE IN THE SUPREME COURT

After decades of determined advocacy, there are no longer any constitutional barriers to governments providing funding support to religious schools, houses of worship, and other faith-based institutions. That is the essence of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Carson v. Makin. The 6-3 ruling held that it was unconstitutional for Maine to provide tuition support for families in rural areas to send their children to private schools but prohibit them from using the funds to attend religious private schools. Ahead of the ruling, OUA filed a “friend of the court” brief and published an essay in the Wall Street Journal urging this result.

BOTTOM: Screenshot of the national Zoom meeting convened by OU Advocacy in the wake of the hostage-taking at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. Featuring, among others: FBI Director Wray (top second from left), Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas (third row), White House senior aide Melissa Rogers (bottom left), and Attorney General Garland (bottom right).

TOP: Meeting with Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) – (Left to right) OU Advocacy Chairman Jerry Wolasky, OU Advocacy’s Nathan Diament, Sen. Menendez, OU Exec. Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer.

– AMY KLOBUCHAR, U.S. Senator

OUA also worked with key Democratic allies—including Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Joe Manchin (D-WV)—to amend an existing federal tax deduction supporting energy efficiency building upgrades (known as 179D deductions) so that it can be used by nonprofit entities, such as shuls and schools, when they upgrade their buildings. The law’s revision was included in the “Inflation Reduction Act” enacted in August and will enable nonprofits to use the deduction by making its value transferable to the contractor designing and installing the building upgrades.

The combination of the new grant program and newly available tax deduction will be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to individual schools and shuls in the short term—as they implement energy-efficiency renovations and, in the long term, will reduce the operating costs borne by shuls, schools, and other entities and reduce emissions that harm the environment.

TOP:

BOTTOM:

Meeting with U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for Homeland Security (left to right): OU Advocacy Chairman Jerry Wolasky, Sen. Capito, OU Exec. Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer, OU Advocacy’s Nathan Diament.

OU Advocacy director of congressional affairs, Lindsay Barsky, second from right, addressed a meeting of the Congressional Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, co-chaired by Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Ted Deutch.

The OU Advocacy Center was the heart and soul of this bill. It’s not right that houses of worship and nonprofits don’t have the resources to both pursue their missions and seek energy efficiency.”

The OU Advocacy Center had a profoundly positive impact on our community this past year. OUA delivered record resources for our community’s security in grants from the Department of Homeland Security and served as the convener for the top federal officials to speak with our community leaders about the fight against antisemitism. OUA also saw the result of decades of determined advocacy with a historic Supreme Court ruling that ensures support for our shuls and schools in government programs. OU Advocacy makes a difference in the most important ways.”

– JERRY WOLASKY, OU Advocacy Chairman

Left to right: OU EVP Rabbi Moshe Hauer; OU President Moishe Bane; Consul General of Israel in New York, Asaf Zamir; OU EVP and COO Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph; OU Chairman of the Board Mitchel Aeder

EMPOWERING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

WITH DATA

The Center for Communal Research helps the OU and the Jewish community at large harness the power of data to drive better decisions. CCR partners with Jewish communal professionals and lay leaders, working together to generate knowledge and translate it into action.

IDENTIFYING THE NEEDS OF DIVORCED WOMEN IN THE ORTHODOX COMMUNITY

CCR partnered with Sister to Sister, an organization for Jewish divorced women, to conduct a systematic assessment of the needs of divorced women in our community. The study identified a number of pressing needs that might be addressed by communal action. Many women spoke poignantly about being lonely on Shabbat and Yom Tov, and about the stigma associated with divorce.

community

- YEHUDA NEUBERGER, Commission Chairman

EVALUATING OU PROGRAMS

CCR conducted a series of extensive interviews with parents and caregivers of Yachad members, identifying from the ground up which of Yachad’s offerings are the most valued and how they could be improved or expanded to better serve members and their families.

CCR gathered survey data from more than 1,500 NCSY summer program participants in the spring, step one in a long-term project assessing how NCSY changes teens’ Jewish trajectories. The majority of day school teens expect NCSY Summer to be a life-changing experience.

BUILDING AN OUTSTANDING TEAM

CCR built an outstanding team in 2022. This singular group of scholars and professionals has diverse and complementary backgrounds, interests, and expertise, and is united by their mutual dedication to the Jewish people and to data-informed decision-making. Dr. Michelle Shain, who came to the OU in 2019 after spending ten years as a researcher at Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, took on the role of director.

CCR also welcomed Dr. Rachel Ginsberg, an experienced educator and a scholar of education, as well as two earlycareer professionals. The team believes in the power of research to change the world.

The Center for Communal Research is helping to change the decisionmaking culture of the Orthodox

and the OU by making data an integral part of our efforts to develop and support Jewish life.”

EMPOWERING SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

Our world is changing more quickly than ever. And we consistently need to identify and support social entrepreneurs who proactively confront our 21st-century challenges. Through education, mentorship, and collaboration, we empower great leaders committed to strengthening our communal landscape in new ways.

Leah Solomon, founder of After The School Bell, talks to OU staff about her organization.

The Impact Accelerator is bringing things to the Jewish community that can help build and support from within the community itself. Very essential pieces that each of us on our own would not necessarily be able to do. That’s very valuable.”

CHANA NOA GELBFISH

-

, Foundations Curriculum

OUR VENTURES: COHORT 4

AFTER THE SCHOOL BELL

Connecting volunteer high school students with elementary students for accessible online tutoring.

FOUNDATIONS CURRICULUM

Developing passionate individual Jewish identity rooted in Torah and Shmiras Hamitzvos by providing a curriculum framework for participants to realize their spiritual potential.

KOCHVEI HASHAMAYIM

Helping young Jewish couples avoid difficult compromises and excel in both their family and early career or education.

JOWMA (JEWISH ORTHODOX WOMEN’S MEDICAL ASSOCIATION)

Providing free health education to the entire Orthodox Jewish community via a support network of Jewish women physicians.

LECH LECHA

Facilitating empowering wilderness journeys for schools, camps, and beyond, catalyzing personal growth while fostering meaningful relationships and connection to Hashem.

The educational curriculum and amazing peer relationships which were nurtured within the program have helped give form and function to our passion for helping the Jewish people.”

- YAEL DAVIDOWITZ,

Last Kindness

The quality of the mentors is unbelievable. They are really working with me, not just giving me advice. I think some of the things I’m doing with the mentors can be game-changing and defining moments in my organization’s success.”

- CARLY ROTHENBERG FRIEDMAN, My Tzedakah Fund

A PLACE WE CALL HOME

Since 1979, OU Israel has enriched the lives of children, adults, immigrants, native Israelis, visitors and residents, soldiers and civilians, throughout Israel.

HEBREW-ON-THE-GO: ACCLIMATING OLIM FAMILIES

This practical program familiarizes young olim families and their school-aged children with the Hebrew language and Israeli culture. Visits to places like a matzah bakery, the Jerusalem Aquarium, the Old City, a mezuzah workshop, the Bloomfield Science Museum, and other popular sites provide a fun way for new olim to improve their Hebrew and accustom themselves to the social cues that are so unique to Israel.

PROJECT ATID: SUPPORT FOR YOUNG, SINGLE, FEMALE OLIM

Young singles make up a high percentage of olim each year. These new immigrants are often without family or community.

Project ATID offers single women in their 20s a place to socialize where they can make new friends, eat dinner, attend shiurim, and have fun. Knowing they’re not alone empowers these young women to thrive and succeed religiously and socially.

TOP: More than 7,000 people joined OU Israel’s signature community events.

LEFT: Young women who are part of OU Israel’s Tochnit Project ATID for young single olot display their artwork following a paint night and shiur about Yerushalayim during the Three Weeks.

THE BAIS AND SAFRUT

One of the unique components of OU Israel’s The Bais, an evening men’s Beit Midrash program in memory of Mrs. Charlotte Brachfeld a’h, is the in-depth course in safrut taught by expert sofer Rabbi Tzvi Mauner. It’s now in a fourth cohort of participants learning to write their own Megillat Esther. In addition to writing the megillah, participants learn the relevant halachot to begin to write mezuzot as well.

I’m taking a course in Jerusalem in safrut (holy calligraphy) with my grandson, Moshe, age 13. He’s the youngest in the class, and you guessed it — I’m the oldest! It’s at night, and when I nod off, Moshe wakes me with his quill! What pure joy and bliss, I wish it on everyone!”

Stuart Pilichowski, left, with grandson Moshe Pilichowski. Both are participants in the safrut course.

Yom HaAtzmaut

TOP LEFT: More than 4,300 people celebrated at OU Israel’s Tefilla B’Tachana in Yerushalayim.

Yom Yerushalayim

BOTTOM LEFT: Yeshiva students join OU Israel’s festival and musical davening on the Tayelet (Haas Promenade).

Torah Yerushalayim

RIGHT: A day of Torah learning with more than 25 outstanding lecturers and teachers including Rabbanit Shani Taragin.

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ISRAEL GUSTAVE AND CAROL JACOBS CENTER FOR KASHRUT EDUCATION Expanded

Kashrut Educational Resources

Shemittah shiurim were given for beginners, experienced learners, and rabbinic groups.

Three guides were published to help English speakers in Israel better understand and keep kashrut: OU Israel Kosher Guide, Yeshiva & Seminary Guide for gap-year students, and OU Israel Passover Guide.

A kashrut course offered to students from Sha’alvim for Women had 35 participants.

OU Israel Youth Centers by the Numbers

6,390

youth participants in 21 OU Israel Youth Centers (Oraita, Makom Balev, and Zula) from Kiryat Shmona to Dimona

ORAITA AND NCSY JOIN HANDS

92 %

of OU Israel Youth Centers’ participants develop positive relationships with their families and friends

83 %

of OU Israel Youth Centers’ participants do community service volunteer work

This summer, the Jack E. Gindi Oraita Program in Dimona collaborated with NCSY Summer TJJ Action campers. Together, they renovated the Youth Center in Dimona. The mayor of Dimona, Benny Bitton, personally came to thank them for their efforts.

NCSY TJJ campers teamed up with Oraita Program participants to renovate the Oraita Youth Center.

THE TONI KOHN HOUSE SDEROT BREAKS GROUND

On July 14, OU Israel held a momentous groundbreaking event for the Toni Kohn House Sderot. Jeff and Wendy Kohn and family generously donated $1 million to establish the Toni Kohn House Sderot in memory of their daughter Toni. The Toni Kohn House Sderot will provide traumatized youth with a safe haven where they’ll receive unconditional love and enjoy a reprieve from the chronic stress of terrorist attacks, while receiving support in managing their trauma.

THE PEARL & HAROLD JACOBS ZULA OUTREACH CENTER

Reclaiming Herself at The Zula

Daniela, 20, first connected with the Pearl & Harold Jacobs Zula Outreach Center when she was 15.

“It was a very uncertain time in my life,” she recalls. “I would drink a lot and just hang out. I was barely able to attend school and at home I had problems that didn’t allow me to stay there. As soon as I walked into the Zula, I got a good feeling - a feeling people call a sense of home, a feeling I never knew.”

“The Zula helped me with a lot of things,” Daniela adds, “especially with feeling a sense of belonging and that there was a place where people truly cared about me.” At the Zula, she was seen for who she truly was.

When Daniela matured she attended the Zula’s Midreshet Zusha program - the Zula’s Midrasha program for young women. She now plans on studying nursing and building the Jewish home she always dreamed of.

What’s Daniela’s biggest takeaway? “The feeling that I’m important, to believe in the good that’s in me, that I can deal with my difficulties and to know that I can ask for help.”

Left to right: Tessa Kohn, Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Asher Gottesman, Jeff Kohn, Wendy Kohn, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, Rabbi Avi Berman, Jordan Kohn. The Kohn family generously donated $1 million to establish the Toni Kohn House Sderot in memory of their daughter Toni.

STARTING ANEW AFTER CLOSURES

For Israel Free Spirit, this year marked a slow emergence out of Covid mode and the exciting restart of tourism.

During the period of “air closure,” the focus was on virtual programming and creating a foundation for trip follow-up, organizing reunions, and more. Israel trip programming resumed in late winter as soon as groups were allowed into the country.

SPECIAL INCLUSIVE ISRAEL FREE SPIRIT TRIPS

The first trip post-COVID was in partnership with Yachad, finally allowing Yachad members who had waited over two years to come to Israel on Birthright.

Birthright Yachad was closely followed by Israel Free Spirit’s recovery Birthright trip. Israel Free Spirit has been running trips for young Jews in recovery since 2010. Geared toward individuals dealing with addiction and their families, the trip brings a message of hope and light to those traveling the long and difficult journey while educating the general population. The themes of recovery and the Jewish approach to it are an important part of these experiences.

To date, Israel Free Spirit has brought over 500 participants on these unique trips.

An Orthodox woman in Tsfat asked whether I had ever put on tefillin. When I said I hadn’t, she asked if I wanted to, and said she knows a guy who can get them…she called up her father-in-law, a rabbi, who came with his tefillin and gave me a blessing as well. They danced and celebrated with me. Until now, ‘I know a guy’ was for me a term in the world of addictions, and has always meant someone who is in some way going to actually harm me. This was the first time that ‘I know a guy’ meant I was connected to someone who wanted to help and bless me. These are the people I belong with.”

– RYAN, Israel Free Spirit Participant

SEUDAH SHELISHIT WITH GRATITUDE

Lay leaders Esther and Jerry Williams generously hosted a Seudah Shelishit for the group who were in recovery, in their Jerusalem home. During the meal the participants held a gratitude-focused open meeting, where they shared their deep appreciation for each other, as well as for everything Birthright and Israel Free Spirit and their dedicated leaders offered them. They were overwhelmed by the hospitality, generosity of home and spirit, inspiration and chizuk they received from the Williams and their friends.

SUMMER TRIPS INCLUDED:

• A partner trip with NCSY alumni led by NCSY educators

• A trip designed by OU-JLIC for Modern Orthodox college students. Eleven participants went on to an OUJLIC summer learning program

• An inaugural couples’ trip catering to Chassidish couples, an all-male trip for men who had learned or were connected to Ner Yisrael, and groups for 27- to 32-year-olds

An Israel Free Spirit participant at the Kotel.

A CRITICAL VOICE

IN ORTHODOX JEWISH LIFE

INTELLIGENT. RELEVANT. THOUGHTFUL.

Founded back in 1985, Jewish Action, a full-color glossy quarterly magazine, continues to adhere to its original mission: “to project the interests, concerns, and values of the Orthodox Union and the Orthodox world.” Reaching 180,000 readers across North America and Israel, Jewish Action explores the issues that are important to the Orthodox reader with thought-provoking and insightful essays and articles by some of the most prestigious writers and thinkers in the Orthodox world.

Sign up to become an OU member at ou.org/membership and get a

subscription to this award-winning magazine today!

AND THE WINNER IS...

In 2022, Jewish Action won four Rockower Awards for Excellence in Jewish Journalism—considered the Pulitzers of the Jewish world.

The awards were presented virtually by the American Jewish Press Association (AJPA). Winning articles included “The Economic Toll of a Pandemic,” by Rachel Schwartzberg, a multi-faceted exploration of the economic effects of Covid on Jewish communities across the U.S., and “An ‘Author’ in History: Rabbi Berel Wein’s Extraordinary Contributions to Jewish Life and Learning,” by David Olivestone, which vividly depicts Rabbi Wein and explores his view of Jewish history. Other winning articles included Dr. Rafael Medoff’s “Finally, A Star of David for Jewish Heroes,” about the critical work of Operation Benjamin to place Jewish stars on the graves of Jewish WWII vets overseas, and “A Summer of Change,” by Steve Lipman, a personal story illustrating the important role that summer camps play in Jewish education.

EXPANDING OUR DIGITAL PRESENCE

In 2022 Jewish Action’s online newsletter became a monthly, featuring fresh content as well as articles from the print publication.

Sign up for our newsletter at jewishaction.com/newsletter

Jewish Action features articles on a range of topics including Jewish history, contemporary Jewish issues, Israel, holiday recipes, Jewish thought, book reviews, and so much more.

INSPIRING TEENS

TO CONNECT WITH THEIR HERITAGE

NCSY is proud to play an important and trusted role in the lives of tens of thousands of Jewish teens each year. Immersive learning and social programs connect teens with their Jewish identity and foster self-confidence.

JSU KATZ INITIATIVE SUPPORTS PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS

aunched in August 2021, thanks to the generosity of Becky and Avi Katz, the Katz Family JSU Initiative is a four-part strategy to drive impact in JSU. JSU public school club meetings are an opportunity for teens with limited exposure to their Jewish heritage to strengthen their identity while connecting to Israel and Jewish opportunities. This multi-year gift hopes to increase student retention in JSU clubs and helps transition participants to higher impact programs. The funds also provide for the development of infrastructure to support growth and excellence in JSU through a new curriculum, training and support for staff, and centralized marketing and social media.

Dear Donor, The TJJ Ambassadors Poland trip impacted me in ways I could never have imagined. I’ve grown immensely in my Judaism, as a leader, and when I return home, I know I’ll have the tools to inspire the community around me. You gave me a gift that I will cherish forever.”

– DINA, TJJ Ambassadors Poland, camper

Teens on NCSY Summer’s Euro Israel pray at sunrise after a morning hike up Masada in southern Israel.

Left to right: National JSU Director Devora Simon, Becky & Avi Katz, NCSY International Director Rabbi Micah Greenland.

RELIEF MISSIONS: TAKING TEENS TO THE

FRONT LINES

NCSY Relief Missions are transformative volunteer experiences that empower teens to make an impact and to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Teens gain a new perspective and connect to the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world) as they work on the front lines in the aftermath of natural disasters.

These life-changing missions are an effective form of leadership training. Teens learn to comfort those suffering not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. They return with the confidence and drive to take leadership roles in their own communities.

This past year a record-setting 45 missions were launched, more than doubling the number of trips year over year. In the coming year, NCSY missions will go to New Orleans, Houston, Kentucky, Puerto Rico, Romania, and Rwanda, where we will work with the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village.

Participants at the first-ever Olami Launch Fellowship Retreat in Utah gather for a picture before an inspiring Shabbat.

Teens on a relief mission tear out damaged drywall in New Orleans after Hurricane Ida.

THE BIRTH OF OLAMI LAUNCH

NCSY and our partner organization Olami set out to increase the number of public high school seniors going to yeshiva and seminary by 25% in a single year. After months of discussion, working groups, and review of data, Olami Launch was born. Gap Year Specialists were hired to focus on public school seniors to create a “gap-year culture” in selected regions.

In addition to encouraging gap-year participation, Olami Launch began a fellowship for NCSY student leadership. The fellowship kicked off with a Utah retreat, leading into monthly Zoom sessions, and culminating in a free trip to Israel in February to experience gap-year options.

18FORTY: OPEN AND HONEST CONVERSATION

Rabbi Dr. Dovid Bashevkin, director of education for NCSY, launched 18Forty. This innovative media channel addresses contemporary issues openly and honestly, expanding conversation, deepening

understanding, and elevating the Jewish experience.

Each month, 18Forty explores a new topic through video, podcast interviews, articles, and recommended content.

Visit 18FORTY.ORG to learn more.

In its first year, the NCSY and Olami Launch partnership increased the number of public school students going to yeshiva and seminary by over 25%.

NCSY SUMMER ROARING BACK

Nearly 2,500 teens joined NCSY’s record-breaking 2022 summer, each one having the Best. Summer. Ever. With 21 different summer options that serve diverse populations, NCSY has become synonymous with inspiring, meaningful, and fun teen summer programming. Whether teens spent their summer learning Torah, touring Israel for the first time, playing sports, doing chessed, boosting their resumes, or all of the above, NCSY offered incredible summer opportunities for everyone.

BOYS’ TRIPS

• Camp Sports

• Chai (new for 2022)

• Impact in partnership with Camp Kaylie (new for 2022)

• Jumpshot (new for 2022)

• Kollel

GIRLS’ TRIPS

• GIVE

• GIVE West

• Impact in partnership with Camp Kaylie (new for 2022)

• Michlelet

COED TRIPS

• Camp Kesher

• Euro Israel

• Hatzalah Rescue

• Israel ID

• JOLT Israel

• Kadima

• Next Step: Israel Internships

• NCSY Chessed Relief Missions

JSU PUBLIC SCHOOL TRIPS

• MYC Israel Discovery

• JSU Go Atlanta

• Next Step: Israel Internships

• The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ)

o TJJ Action

o TJJ Ambassadors Poland

o TJJ

- Atlantic Seaboard 1

- Atlantic Seaboard 2

- Canada 1

- Canada 2

- Southern 1

- Southern 2 (South Florida)

- Midwest

- New Jersey

- New York

- Sephardic (New York)

- West Coast

• Kollel Mechina

• Michlelet Mechina

NCSYers give back and tour the land of Israel on GIVE.

Girls on NCSY’s GIVE Summer Program packing food for the needy at Pantry Packers in Jerusalem.

Participants take a break for some authentic Israeli shwarma on The Anne Samson TJJ Sephardic bus tour in Ir David.

NCSY HOSTS THOUSANDS OF TEENS FOR LARGEST-EVER “YOM NCSY” IN ISRAEL

On July 13, teen campers from 21 programs, along with staff, alumni, and supporters, celebrated Yom NCSY. This annual event in Rishon LeZion was sponsored by the Foundation @ Cross River, a New Jersey-based financial services organization.

The event included a dynamic performance by Jewish music superstar Mordechai Shapiro, a delicious barbecue, and a siyum mishnayot—the culmination of collective learning undertaken by the summer program participants.

The siyum was a completion of Shas Mishnayot, with each program completing a portion of the learning as one community. The excitement was palpable when a student from the Kollel Mechina program finished the mishnayot. The event and siyum raised over $112,000 toward scholarships for next summer’s NCSY programs.

Sponsoring the special evening was an obvious choice for Phil Goldfeder, Cross River’s senior vice president of global public affairs. A leading financial technology company reshaping global finance and financial inclusion, Cross River is deeply invested in supporting initiatives that help communities drive positive change for a better future.

BOTTOM LEFT: Participants on Next Step Israel Internships having a blast at this year’s Yom NCSY celebration in Rishon LeZion.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Participants on Michlelet celebrate NCSY Summer at this year’s Yom NCSY extravaganza.

JUDAH FELLOWS:

The Judah Fellowship is NCSY and JSU’s college campus initiative for public school alumni following their high school graduation. This cohort of passionate and driven NCSY and JSU alumni connect with their fellow alumni to ensure their smooth transition to Jewish opportunities on over 26 U.S. campuses.

TORAH INSIGHTS

COME TO LIFE

OU Press publishes popular and scholarly works that reflect the broad spectrum of Orthodox Jewish values in the contemporary Jewish community. In 2022, OU Press published several significant volumes from outstanding thinkers, continuing to fulfill its objective of publishing books that educate, inspire, enrich, and enlighten.

Before Hashem You Shall Be Purified Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik on the Days of Awe Expanded Edition; Summarized and Annotated by Dr. Arnold Lustiger

This newly revised and expanded edition presents ten of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s classic teshuvah derashot in which the Rav, with his characteristic insight, depth, and creativity, addresses topics such as the meaning of Rosh Hashanah, the shofar, Selichot, Erev Yom Kippur, Kol Nidrei, the essence of Yom Kippur, the Yom Kippur Avodah, and, of course, the many facets of teshuvah. In this edition, alongside references to the Rav’s other writings, Dr. Lustiger has included links to captioned recordings, where available, of the Rav delivering the derashot on which the volume is based.

The AKEIDAH

The Akeidah The Epic Confrontation of Din and Rachamim

By Michael Kaiser

In this work, Michael Kaiser presents an original and unique interpretation of the Akeidah, the haunting saga of faith which has intrigued the world for millennia, based on a close reading of the Biblical text in conjunction with an impressive array of commentators, both ancient and modern. The author reveals how the drama of the Akeidah lies in the unresolved tension inherent in the creation of the world, and how the characters in this drama are uniquely suited to fulfill their divine mission.

The Anatomy of Jewish Law

A Fresh Dissection of the Relationship Between Medicine, Medical History, and Rabbinic Literature

By Rabbi Edward Reichman, MD

In this novel and innovative work, Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman, a world-renowned expert in the fields of Jewish bioethics and Jewish medical history, traces the medical understanding of anatomy, physiology, and therapeutics across time and genres of rabbinic literature. Marshaling a vast array of sources from multiple disciplines, Rabbi Dr. Reichman demonstrates the importance of the historical dimension not only for medical halakhic research, but to better understand the unique relationship of Judaism and medicine throughout the centuries.

I Believe

A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible

By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

In I Believe, the final cycle of Covenant & Conversation essays written by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks before his untimely passing, we receive a personal and intimate demonstration of how he came to see the world by listening attentively to the Torah and its message for the present and for all times. In this deeply uplifting collection of essays, Rabbi Sacks identifies and explores a different Jewish belief in each weekly portion, showing us how his own beliefs were formed from an ongoing conversation between the Torah and his life, and how we can achieve the same.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

SUPPORTING STUDENTS

ON CAMPUS

Now in its 22nd year, the OU-JLIC’s on-campus network of directors supports students on 27 campuses across the United States, Canada, and Israel. OU-JLIC fosters an ongoing commitment to Torah study and lifestyle and a warm, welcoming home for Jewish students on campus.

Programs Show How to Balance Work and Torah Values

In partnership with Jewish National Fund-USA and Onward Israel, OU-JLIC brought 189 students to Israel for seven weeks to live, learn, and work in the holy city of Jerusalem. Students interned during the day and took part in one of three different Torah learning experiences: Summer in Jerusalem, Summer in Jerusalem for Women, and Ascend. The program’s overall goal was to show students that professional life and Torah values go hand in hand. Students were also able to experience working in Israel, so they could explore the possibility of making Aliyah.

SUMMER IN JERUSALEM

The first program with Midreshet Torah V’Avodah was co-ed and offered to students who had spent a gap year in Israel. The rigor of the Torah learning included a nightly Gemara shiur by OU-JLIC’s very own founding director, Rav Menachem Schrader.

The 62 participants were led by Dorit and Rabbi Ariel Cohen, the current OU-JLIC directors at Brandeis University.

SUMMER IN JERUSALEM FOR WOMEN

In partnership with Midreshet Moriah, this program attracted women from all over the world. Though it was the first year, the program, created and managed by Rikki and Rabbi Josh Lehman, current OU-JLIC directors at the University of Maryland, was flawless.

students who went on an OU-JLIC summer program in Israel

GAP-YEAR AND NONGAP-YEAR STUDENTS

Lastly, the Ascend program, in partnership with Midreshet Harova, had a population of 80 students, half of whom spent a gap year in Israel. This diversity created an environment of growth, inspiration, and friendship. Emily and Jeremy Tibbetts, directors of OU-JLIC Jerusalem, managed the program.

OU-JLIC Summer In Jerusalem participants sitting in shiur

OU-JLIC participants

Rabbi Joshua Klein, OU-JLIC director at University of Pennsylvania, learning with a student.

OU-JLIC ISRAEL CAMPUSES GROW

Hundreds of English-speaking Modern Orthodox students from all over the world at Israel’s BarIlan and Tel Aviv Universities will enjoy expanded resources and programming, thanks to a generous investment by Englewood, NJ, philanthropist and radiologist Dr. Monique Katz and family, Bar-Ilan University, and a contribution from the Mizrachi World Movement, a global religious Zionist organization.

Bar-Ilan Campus

20,000 students enrolled at Bar-Ilan, located near Tel Aviv in Ramat Gan, including approximately 1,500 anglophones, attend the university’s international undergraduate and graduate programs. About 450 international students participate in BarIlan’s OU-JLIC activities. These students will now have greater resources in English that also bridge the cultural divide.

Tel Aviv Campus

The new Mordecai D. Katz z’l OU-JLIC program at Tel Aviv University will include an on-site rabbinic couple, Rabbi Eitan and Elana Phillips, who previously served as youth directors at Kehillat Shivtei Yisrael in nearby Ra’anana.

The gift creates a “home away from home” for the university’s Modern Orthodox and traditional students through Torah study, religious services, halachic and spiritual guidance, Shabbat dinners, and other social events. The program will serve the 2,500 students enrolled at Tel Aviv University, including more than 250 medical students.

OU-JLIC Campuses

ISRAEL

Bar-Ilan University

IDC Reichman Herzliya OU-JLIC Jerusalem OU-JLIC TLV

The M.D. Katz OU-JLIC Program at Tel Aviv University

CANADA Greater Toronto McMaster

UNITED STATES

Binghamton University

Brandeis University

Brooklyn College

California State University-Northridge Columbia University/Barnard College

Cornell University

Greater Atlanta Johns Hopkins University

New York University

Princeton University Queens College

Rutgers University

Santa Monica College

University of California - Los Angeles University of Chicago

University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign University of Maryland

University of MassachusettsAmherst University of Pennsylvania Yale University

Englewood, NJ, philanthropist and radiologist Dr. Monique Katz and her late husband, Mordecai z’l. OU-JLIC

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN OU-JLIC DIRECTOR

My alarm goes off at 5:50 a.m. on a Monday morning. I jump out of bed, prepare a coffee, and head to my office for my 6:15 chavrusa with Ariel, a young man for whom I had the zechut to be mesader kiddushin. Both Ariel and his wife are former OU-JLIC presidents and remain involved with us through our young professional programming. I arrive back home in time to wake up my teenage son for yeshiva, learn the first half of Daf Yomi, help with getting the other kids out to school while simultaneously sending a birthday message to a third-year student and a happy anniversary to a couple I was mesader kiddushin for a few years ago.

I also return the call to a young lady that had a sheilah. I am on campus today and will be giving a chabura for some Torah, schmoozing, and of course, lunch. I schmooze with a student but soon need to pivot the topic since those who arrived have more of a public-school background.

Before heading back to the Hillel House for mincha, I counsel a student who is amidst a challenging relationship with her parents while Miriam talks to another student about her date last night. After this is done, I make a call to a donor to have them fulfill their pledge and speak to them about our new SOUL fellowship, which we are expanding to help further build our Yavneh leadership cohort.

I head out to a later maariv and afterwards learn with a few students before meeting a chattan. I head home, respond to more messages, and fall asleep at my desk finishing the second half of the Daf, then crawl upstairs and grab a couple of hours of sleep before Miriam and I start all over again…BH!

Rabbi Aaron and Rebbetzin Miriam Greenberg are OUJLIC directors in the Greater Toronto area.

TORAH, LEADERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

FOR WOMEN

TORAH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

TORAT IMECHA NACH YOMI: Daily audio shiurim on Nevi’im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings), geared toward learners of all levels and taught by renowned female Torah educators.

TORAT IMECHA PARSHA: An exploration of the weekly parsha featuring unique insights delivered by renowned female Torah educators.

ROSH CHODESH LUNCH ‘N LEARN: Video series highlighting the themes and messages of each Jewish month.

CHAGIM IDEAS AND INSPIRATION: Virtual lectures, tours, and interactive projects related to the Jewish holidays. This program is delivered by leading female experts in art, history, psychology, and more.

MAX AND YETTY MONDERER A”H ALIT

SUMMER

MIDRASH: A two-week interactive virtual learning program for women of all ages, connecting participants and educators through the study of Halacha, Jewish history, Tanach, and Tikkun HaMiddot (personal development). Over 300 women enrolled in the summer of 2022.

I came from the Soviet Union in 1991 and went the publicschool route. I was definitely aware I was Jewish but had no idea what that means. I became frum in my senior year of college and met my husband soon after. Then the kids started coming so I never managed to get any formal Jewish education. When I saw the Nach Yomi initiative, I got excited about going through Nach beyond just Haftoras and snippets here and there. I found the timing also perfect because learning each day put craziness of life into a perspective (Covid, elections, etc.) and kept me connected to Hashem even on days when things got hectic or stressful.”

– YELANA SHIMANOVICH, Boston, MA

BEIT

Mrs. Michal Horowitz at the first Torat Imecha Nach Yomi siyum, New York, January 2022.

Sivan Rahav Meir and Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman celebrating the first Torat Imecha Nach Yomi siyum.

Rabbanit Shani Taragin at the first Torat Imecha Nach Yomi siyum, OU Israel Center, February 2022.

SUPPORTING LEADERSHIP

UNDERSTANDING OUR COMMUNITIES

CONFERENCE: A two-day convening for 120 rebbetzins, kallah teachers, and kiruv and chinuch professionals from across North America. This supportive networking opportunity provided women with the knowledge to help identify and address issues facing the Orthodox community. The program included presentations by mental health and community leadership experts, along with conversations with peers and a community organization resource fair.

THE ART OF SPEAKING FOR EDUCATORS

AND LAY LEADERS: An intensive seminar for women led by experts in the field of public speaking and presentation. Participants develop skills through workshops and smallgroup mentoring and develop relationships with a cohort of accomplished OU Women’s Initiative educators and leaders.

SENSE AND SENSITIVITY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MIKVAH ADMINISTRATORS AND ATTENDANTS:

Ongoing in-person and virtual workshops dedicated to providing quality care and attention at the mikvah. Sessions are facilitated by experts in mikvah management, mental health, infertility, infant loss, miscarriage, domestic abuse, cancer, and terminal illness, serving hundreds of women worldwide.

ELAINE WOLF A”H REBBETZIN-TOREBBETZIN

MENTORING: One-on-one mentoring for new rebbetzins, providing support, guidance, and inspiration from rebbetzins who are experienced in the demands and pressures of this unique role.

Mrs. Debbie Fox addresses rebbetzins, kallah teachers, kiruv, and chinuch professionals in her opening session at the Understanding Our Communities conference, July 2022.

Fellowship cohort at the Understanding Our Communities conference 2022.

Creating leadership networks at the Understanding Our Community conference.

The Understanding Our Communities conference provided invaluable tools and support for women who are serving as first responders on the front lines of Jewish communal life. The women, myself included, walked away rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to tackle the challenges of their important work. Kol HaKavod to the OU Women’s Initiative for organizing this groundbreaking conference!”

KALMAR

–

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CHALLENGE GRANT: Challenging women to create innovative women’s programming to address pressing contemporary issues in Jewish communal life. Ten $3,600 grants were awarded to applicants whose proposals demonstrated creative and scalable ways to increase women’s engagement in their communities.

InfluenceHER: A virtual program for 11th and 12th grade high school girls, introducing them to Orthodox Jewish women who are making a unique impact on the Jewish community and the world at large.

PROGRAMMING IDEA LAB: Virtual workshops for women offering a collaborative space for strategizing about new approaches to the development of successful holiday and yearlong community initiatives. Workshops are led by experienced lay leaders and professionals.

DR. JESSICA

, rebbetzin, Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah, and associate professor of psychology, Lakeland University, Glendale, WI

EVERYONE BELONGS A

Yachad is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish individuals with disabilities and their families by enhancing their communal participation and connection to Judaism. Yachad gives people a sense of belonging and impacts entire communities. FULFILLING OUR PROMISE TO THE COMMUNITY

oven through the fabric of Yachad is our commitment to ensure everyone is an integral part of Klal Yisrael. To achieve that aim, all of Yachad’s departments and programs strive to accomplish at least one of two main objectives:

A. Provide individuals with disabilities and their families the skills, tools, and resources needed to integrate into the community and society.

B. Provide the community with the resources, education, and experiences needed to

EXPANDING THE YACHAD UNIVERSE

This year, Yachad expanded geographically in New York (Monsey), New Jersey (Passaic), and Israel (Efrat) and provided more programs than any year in its history. Nightly programming at “centers,” weekend retreats, Sunday programming, and virtual programming for those still unable to attend programs in person, have reached individuals ages 6-85 in Israel and throughout North America.

Performer Shulem Lemmer at the inaugural Lag Baomer Concert in Chicago, graciously sponsored by the Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts, interacting with one of the 1,400 attendees.

YACHAD FAMILY SHABBATONIM ARE BACK

After a three-year hiatus, Yachad reintroduced the Family Shabbaton in Israel and the Northeast. The Family Shabbaton is a full weekend at a hotel/resort where Yachad members and their families come for inspiration, education, support, networking, and a chance to rest and have fun. This year over 1,000 people attended the two Family Shabbatonim. Families coming together and learning from one another produces a powerful feeling of achdut

We eagerly await the Yachad Family Shabbaton, as it allows us the opportunity to connect with others and gain much-needed support for our entire family.”

– SHIRA, Long Island, NY

Family Shabbaton brings Jews from all backgrounds from across the Northeast together for an inspiring and powerful weekend.

YACHAD SUMMER

The summer of 2022 was a summer to remember. Over 500 participants attended one of the more than 25 programs across the U.S., Canada, and Israel, including camping, vocational, and travel programs. Yachad partners with camps across the globe and integrates Yachad participants into the camps. Vocational programs give Yachad participants, ages 21-29, the ability to work in these camps through job skills training.

Yad B’Yad is one of Yachad’s crown jewels. This year over 100 individuals participated in Yad B’Yad, with most describing the experience as “life changing.” For five weeks, Yachad and teen participants come together in Israel for a fully inclusive and immersive experience in which they grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually while gaining a new appreciation of their fellow Jews.

Yad B’Yad participants enjoying one of many spiritually uplifting moments at the Kotel.

Yachad participant caring for a puppy at Yachad Summer’s newest program, Yachad BaChutz.

After months of preparation, IVDU students with their teachers enjoying the sun and warming up for their marathon run in Carlsbad, CA.

IVDU SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

IVDU, Yachad’s special education school system in New York, offers a comprehensive and nurturing educational environment for students ages 7-21. This educational program provides 125 students with a core Judaic and general studies curriculum, as well as social and life skills classes designed to help each student reach their highest potential and develop into happy and productive adults.

The Marilyn and Sheldon David IVDU high school students receive extensive career training opportunities including electrician, graphic design, and food service. This year IVDU celebrated its largest graduating class ever with 21 graduates. These young men and women are going on to attend yeshivot and seminaries in Israel, local colleges, adult day programs, and paid employment opportunities.

Yachad member at work. Job training is a key component to independence. Participants learn skills that propel them towards gainful employment.

REACH (877-REACH-52)

Launched at the end of 2021, Yachad’s REACH is a one-of-a-kind resource and referral service. REACH supports parents and caregivers using its proprietary database to connect callers to the most appropriate resources, regardless of whether Yachad offers that service. REACH is staffed with experienced professionals who provide advice, referrals, and at times just a shoulder to lean on. Initially launched in New York, REACH quickly began receiving calls from across the globe. REACH serves anyone in need, with a primary focus currently in New York and New Jersey.

You are all ANGELS and HEROES for what you do for Tali and all of the Yachad members. You really have no idea of what you give to each member. At these times, it’s a lifesaver for Tali, and even during “normal times,” Tali just LOVES Yachad, and of course so do we!!! She looks forward to each program, each Shabbaton, each event.”

– CHANIE, Skokie, IL

YACHAD: A FAMILY AFFAIR

Aaron and Sarah Trauring have three wonderful sons, who have been part of the Yachad family for more than five years.

It all started in the summer of 2017, when Joshua, now 21, attended Yad B’Yad as a high school participant; he has been hooked ever since. Joshua’s younger brother Judah began attending the Marilyn and Sheldon David IVDU High School after that summer. IVDU is not only concerned with Judah’s scholastic success, but with his overall success outside of school. Judah has benefited from IVDU’s STEM program,

learning about 3-D and laser printing, and even built his own computer. Even after a long commute, Judah is enthusiastic and happy to go to school.

In back-to-back summers of 2018 and 2019, Joshua and Judah attended Camp Morasha Yachad, Joshua as a fellow and then counselor, and Judah as a camper. In the summer of 2021, Judah’s twin brother, Gabriel, joined in on the action and the three brothers attended Yad B’Yad together, Joshua as a counselor and Judah and Gabriel as participants, marking the

Brothers Joshua, Gabriel, and Judah experiencing Israel on Yad B’Yad together.

first time where three brothers were together for this life-changing experience. Gabriel went on to be president of his Yachad high school club as a senior, and Joshua continues to be involved as a coordinator in Yachad New York. Judah is still thriving at IVDU and went back to Yad B’Yad this past summer to relive the experience, and to help teach the meaning of belonging to those attending for the first time.

Sarah and Aaron remarked, “We are so thankful for the way Yachad has enriched our family’s lives by teaching our children about inclusivity, leadership, responsibility for others, and the true meaning of v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha.” We are

West Hempstead, NY

so thankful for the way Yachad has enriched our family’s lives by teaching our children about inclusivity, leadership, responsibility for others, and the true meaning of v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha.” – SARAH AND AARON TRAURING

STRENGTHENING KASHRUT STANDARDS

OU Kosher combines expertise in halacha with an understanding of modern food production to ensure that kosher food meets the highest quality kashrut supervision.

OU KOSHER COMMUNITY RELATIONS: KASHRUT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT

OU’s commitment to kashrut consumer and professional education continued to grow in depth and breadth with more than 30 one-day programs at yeshivas, kollelim, schools, synagogues, and community organizations. Educational programming in Israel was increased, and a community program took place in Mexico City.

The ASK OU Kashrus Training Program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in the intricacies of halacha and kashrus. Participants can see the theoretical concepts in Yoreh Deah come to life.”

– RABBI ELI ELEFF, Managing Director of Community Relations, OU Kosher

ASK OU SUMMER KASHRUS TRAINING PROGRAM

Both a three-week internship and a weeklong educational program were offered for those interested in an in-depth, expert-level understanding of kashrus. Presentations and field visits brought kashrus to life in an applied, real-life setting. The program was sponsored by Lakewood’s Harry H. Beren Foundation. The ASK OU Summer Program, which began in the 1990s, has more than 1,000 alumni.

PRESENTATIONS INCLUDED:

How to Be an Excellent Mashgiach, The Mesorah of Birds, The Meat Industry, Red Flag Ingredients, and Oils and Emulsifiers.

FIELD VISITS:

The programs took place at the Orthodox Union, and at restaurants, factories, an industrial kitchen equipment showroom, slaughterhouses, and a winery, with the opportunity to meet with field specialists. As part of the comprehensive study of kashrus, the internship program included an overnight stay near a site that participants visited.

The ASK OU Summer Kashrus Training Program cohort with Rabbi Eli Eleff, managing director, Community Relations (center left), Rabbi Genack (center), Rabbi Elefant (center right). The program is sponsored by Lakewood’s Harry H. Beren Foundation.

The ASK OU cohort included an incredible group of talmidei chachamim, coming from some of the finest institutions.”

– RABBI MENACHEM GENACK, CEO, OU Kosher

ASK OU interns visiting the Metropolitan Ballroom commissary.

ASK OU training program in bedikas tolayim (insect infestation).

ASK OU On-Site and Virtual Programs Included:

COMMUNITY

Ahavas Torah, Henderson, NV

Congregation Etz Chaim of Flatbush, NY

Jersey Shore Orthodox Rabbinate Ladies Auxiliary - Oakhurst, NJ

Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi, Cedarhurst, NY

OU SPIRIT for Retirees

Young Israel of Hancock Park, Los Angeles, CA

Hillel @ The College of Staten Island, NY

Gourmet Glatt – Cedarhurst, NY

Gourmet Glatt – Woodmere, NY

YESHIVAS, SCHOOLS AND KOLLELIM

Ateres Bais Yaakov, Monsey, NY

Bais Yaakov D’Rav Hirsch, Monsey, NY

Ezra Academy, Forest Hills, NY

Las Vegas Bais Medrash, Las Vegas, NV

Beth Medrash Govoah, Lakewood, NJ

Kollel Ohr Halacha, Lakewood, NJ

Kolel Maor Abraham, Mexico City, Mexico

Torah Day School of Las Vegas, NV

Mirrer Yeshiva Ketana, Brooklyn, NY

Nefesh Academy, Brooklyn, NY

Torah Academy of the Pacific Northwest – Seattle, WA

Yeshiva Ketana of Queens, NY

Yeshiva Ohr Simcha of Englewood, NJ

Yeshiva of North Jersey, River Edge, NJ

RABBINICAL RESOURCES

RCA

Igud HaRabbonim

Resources for Questions and Answers About Everything Kosher

OU Kosher continued to increase its capacity for answering questions, anywhere and everywhere.

THE HOTLINE AND WEBBE REBBE

Averaging over 200 inquiries per day throughout the year and close to 1,000 a day during the Passover season, calls to the OU Kosher Hotline continue to climb, along with emails to Webbe Rebbe and questions posted on social media. Inquiries range from current certification queries to complicated issues requiring real-time assistance.

In the month preceding Passover, traffic to OU Kosher’s website increases by over 300%, and hotline hours are expanded to meet the demand as questions flood in through all channels.

OU GUIDE TO PASSOVER

The OU Guide to Passover is the community’s central Passover resource. Over 70,000 copies of the magazine were distributed to homes, synagogues, and colleges.

Features in this year’s issue included:

• Checklist for preparing and kashering a home

• Ingredient substitutions

• Navigating Passover with dietary restrictions

• Children’s section

OU Guide to Passover children’s section was a new addition to this year’s issue.

THE OU KOSHER APP in addition to finding product information, the OU Kosher App also contains information to help you learn more about:

• Tevilas Keilim

• Brachos

• Pas Yisroel

• Bug Checking

KOSHER-CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGY GUIDE

OU Kosher certifies several appliances including GE refrigerators and ovens with “Enhanced Shabbos Mode” to be used with the Shabbos Keeper.

HALACHA YOMIS: 6,000+ SUBSCRIBERS

This daily newsletter offers a Q&A on the laws of kashrus and daily living, with over 1,200 questions in the online archive. Subscribers are encouraged to send in their own questions on kashrus issues.

PRESENTATIONS THIS YEAR INCLUDED:

Precautions in the Workplace discussed staying safe in the various environments and conditions rabbinic field representatives regularly encounter.

Innovation in Plant-based Products explored the practicalities of kashrut for products that are changing from dairy to parve. ·

An Overview of European Kashrut addressed the language, cultural, and travel challenges of supervising the OU Kosher certified facilities.

OU Kosher Israel Operations included an important update on the growing number of companies exporting food products to Israel.

RFRs HELP DRIVE EUROPEAN GROWTH

OU Kosher headquarters runs around the clock in every one of the world’s time zones, stopping only for Shabbat and holidays. Mashgichim or rabbinic field representatives (RFRs) who work in the field do it at great personal sacrifice, often spending days and weeks on the road away from family and community.

The experience of a mashgiach traveling in Europe through many countries, cultures, and languages, is quite different from that of their U.S. counterparts. Kosher food is not as accessible in Europe, and some

certified companies choose not to put a kosher symbol on their product. In Europe there is little awareness of kashrut, which can present a challenge when educating plant employees. Despite all this, OU Kosher has seen significant growth in Europe.

The company did not want OU DE, they wanted OU Pareve because they understand the importance for their market. So, we had to figure out how to produce a non-dairy product in a dairy facility. That is no simple task.”

– RABBI AVRAHAM JURAVEL, Rabbinic Coordinator for Technical Services

Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO, OU Kosher, addressing the group of 150 RFRs on the first day of the conference in Tarrytown, NY.

TOP EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

by OU Kosher certified facilities

NEWLY CERTIFIED PLANTBASED PRODUCTS

Responsible food production and innovative plantbased products are an exploding trend. Here are just a few examples.

Chobani Coffee Creamer PlantBased Sweet & Creamy Plant-based Chobani® Coffee Creamer. Full of flavor. A delicious indulgence for coffee made sustainably from the goodness of plants. Add the fresh taste of real cream to your coffee, without the dairy. OU-DE

Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix

This mix of organic ingredients tastes great and packs 10g of plant-based protein per serving. So let the flipping begin!

Dr. Praeger’s PlantBased Perfect Chick’n Tenders

Everything you love about crispy, dippable tenders without sacrificing great taste! Every serving of these vegan tenders provide 14g of soy-based protein. Made with Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients.

Also: General Tso’s Chicken Nashville Hot Chick’n

Oatly Oatgurt

This totally vegan, plantbased product is what you’d expect a good fullfat yogurt to be, only this one is…wait for it…made from oats with a rounded, balanced acidity as opposed to a sharp tang. OU-DE

OU Kosher certified plants in Europe

SENIOR STAFF 2022-23

RABBI MOSHE HAUER

Executive Vice President

RABBI DR. JOSH JOSEPH

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

AVROMIE ADLER International Director, Yachad

RABBI AVI BERMAN Executive Director, OU Israel

RABBI LENNY BESSLER Chief Human Resources Officer

RABBI MOSHE BRANDSDORFER Director, Torah Initiatives

NECHAMA CARMEL Editor-in-Chief, Jewish Action YONI COHEN Chief of Staff and Director of Special Projects

NATHAN DIAMENT Executive Director, OU Advocacy

TAMAR FRYDMAN Director, OU Impact Accelerator

RABBI YAAKOV GLASSER Managing Director of Communal Engagement

RABBI MICAH GREENLAND International Director, NCSY

MIRIAM GREENMAN Chief Information Officer

RABBI ILAN HABER International Director, Heshe & Harriet Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus

RABBI MENACHEM GENACK

Chief Executive Officer, OU Kosher

RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

Chief Operating Officer, OU Kosher

RABBI ELIYAHU KRAKOWSKI

Executive Editor, OU Press

MAURY LITWACK

Managing Director, Public Affairs SHOSHANA POLAKOFF Director, Facilities Management and Logistics

RABBI ADIR POSY National Director, Pepa & Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue Initiatives

RABBI SHLOMO SCHWARTZ

Chief Financial Officer / Chief Administrative Officer

DR. MICHELLE SHAIN Director, OU Center for Communal Research

REBBETZIN DR. ADINA SHMIDMAN

Founding Director, Women’s Initiative

RACHEL SIMS, ESQ. General Counsel

YAEL TAMARI Director, Israel Free Spirit

RABBI SIMON TAYLOR National Director, Community Projects & Partnerships

RABBI DR. TZVI HERSH WEINREB Executive Vice President, Emeritus

Members of the OU Benefactor Circle lead through their philanthropy. Each has donated in support of the OU and its many impactful programs in the 2021 or 2022 calendar years*. We applaud them all—those whose names appear as well as those choosing to remain anonymous—for their commitment. We invite you to join them in making a difference.

To learn more about the OU Benefactor Circle or to become a member, please call Alexander Jonas at 212.613.8379 or email jonasa@ou.org.

*Donors are recognized based on date of donation payment

HILLEL AND CHARLOTTE BRACHFELD

AMBASSADOR

$1,000,000 +

DRS. FELIX AND MIRIAM GLAUBACH BECKY AND AVI KATZ

THE MARCUS FOUNDATION INC. IN MEMORY OF ANNE SAMSON A”H

GUARDIAN $100,000 - $999,999

EMANUEL AND HELEN ADLER

IN MEMORY OF AHARON BEN YAAKOV SHALOM AND LEAH BAS YITZHAK MARK (MOISHE) AND JOANNE BANE

NEIL AND SHERRY COHEN

DAHAN FAMILY PHILANTHROPIES

ROBERT AND MICHELLE DIENER GERSHON AND AVIVA DISTENFELD

MITCHELL AND ANNETTE EICHEN

MR. AND MRS. JACK FEINTUCH FOUNDATION FOR JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS, GREATER PHILADELPHIA

ELLIOT P. AND DEBORAH GIBBER ALAN AND BARBARA GINDI DAILYGIVING.ORG

THE GUSTAVE AND CAROL JACOBS CENTER FOR KASHRUT EDUCATION

MORDECAI Z”L AND MONIQUE KATZ

DR. SHMUEL AND EVELYN KATZ THE KOHELET FOUNDATION

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER LOS ANGELES

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO

DAVID AND DEBRA MAGERMAN

MAYBERG FOUNDATION

EITAN AND DEBRA MILGRAM

MOSAIC UNITED OLAMI LAUNCH

AARON AND AHUVA ORLOFSKY

RALLA KLEPAK FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION IN THE PERFORMING ARTS

MARK AND BARBARA SILBER

MORIS AND LILLIAN TABACINIC

UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK

FOUNDER

$50,000 - $99,999

AARON AND MARIE BLACKMAN FOUNDATION

LEWIS AND LAURI BARBANEL DANIEL AND RAZIE BENEDICT

THE CAYRE FAMILY CHICAGO CHESED FUND COMBINED JEWISH PHILANTHROPIES CRAIN-MALING FOUNDATION CROSS RIVER BANK

GRANT AND JENNIFER DINNER ROBERT EISENBERG

EISENREICH FAMILY FOUNDATION YISROEL EPSTEIN

GEORGE AND MARTHA RICH FOUNDATION MENASHE AND JAMIE FRANK AMIR AND STACEY GOLDMAN

DR. EPHRAIM AND RITA GREENFIELD PHILIP AND AVIVA GREENLAND MOSHE AND TIRA GUBIN DR. ELLIOT Z”L AND LILLIAN HAHN KLEIN, JAFFA, AND HALPERN FAMILIES

THE HIDDEN SPARKS FUND DR. ALLAN AND SANDY JACOB JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

JEWISH FUTURE PLEDGE

HOWARD AND DEBBIE JONAS NATALIE AND DAVIDI JONAS AARON AND TOBI KELLER DR. EZRA AND LAUREN KEST LAIZER AND JESSICA KORNWASSER

MICHAEL AND ANDREA LEVEN CHUCK AND ALLEGRA MAMIYE AZI AND RACHEL MANDEL EZRA AND LAUREN MERKIN

RAPHAEL AND RIVKA NISSEL DRS. JAY AND SUSAN PEPOSE

JONATHAN AND ANNE RAND ERIC AND GALE A”H ROTHNER RABBI ZECHARIA AND CHANA SENTER

MICHAEL SHABSELS

THE SHAMAH FAMILY DANIEL AND ELLIE STONE GARY AND MALKA TORGOW

JEFFREY AND SHARONA WEINBERG MICHAEL AND ARIANNE WEINBERGER DAVID AND GILA WEINSTEIN

THE WEISS FAMILY, CLEVELAND, OHIO

MR. JERRY AND MRS. SARA WOLASKY MEREDITH AND KENNY YAGER

BUILDER

$25,000 - $49,999

RAANAN AND NICOLE AGUS LIOR AND DRORA ARUSSY SUE AND BILL AUERBACH DAVID AND NATALIE BATALION

SABY AND ROSI A”H BEHAR BRIAN AND DAFNA BERMAN JUDI AND JASON BERMAN

THE CHARLES CRANE FAMILY FOUNDATION

VIVIAN AND DANIEL CHILL

THE CONDUIT FOUNDATION CONTRA COSTA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

SHIMON AND CHAYA ECKSTEIN JEFFREY AND SHIRA EISENBERG

ARIELA AND BENITO ESQUENAZI IN HONOR OF THE MENDEL BALK YACHAD COMMUNITY CENTER

EZRA AND RACHELI FRIEDBERG

GERALD A”H AND MIRIAM FRIEDKIN HOWARD TZVI AND CHAYA FRIEDMAN

THE GEORGE WEINBERGER MUSIC PROGRAM RAYMOND AND ELIZABETH GINDI ARTHUR AND JUDITH GOLDBERG JERRY AND ANNE GONTOWNIK AARON AND MICHAL GORIN HARVEY GREENSTEIN ROBYN AND SHUKIE GROSSMAN

ESTATE OF ALLEN HABELSON JAMES AND AMY A”H HABER JACK HADDAD MARC AND RUKI HALPERT ROBERT AND DEBRA HARTMAN J. SAMUEL HARWIT AND MANYA HARWIT-AVIV CHARITABLE TRUST THE HELEN AND IRVING SPATZ FOUNDATION

LANCE AND RIVKIE HIRT ED AND ROBYN HOFFMAN/HOFFMAN CATERING

DAVID AND LORRAINE HOPPENSTEIN

CHARITABLE FUND OF THE DALLAS JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

ALISSA AND SHIMMIE HORN IRA WALDBAUM FAMILY FOUNDATION

MICHAEL AND BATYA JACOB

PAUL AND CHAVI JACOBS

JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER ATLANTA

JEWISH FEDERATION OF S. PALM BEACH COUNTY

MICHAEL AND JUDY KAISER

BENYAMIN AND ESTI KAMINETZKY

MICHAEL AND ELISSA KATZ

LAWRENCE AND EVELYN KRAUT

ALBERT LABOZ

ESTATE OF PHILLIP LEONIAN HOWARD AND ELAYNE LEVKOWITZ

DANIEL AND ELANA LOWY

M.B. GLASSMAN FOUNDATION

LYNN AND JOEL MAEL

IRIS AND SHALOM MAIDENBAUM

DR. RALPH AND JUDITH MARCUS

MRS. FEGI MAUER

YEHUDA AND ANNE NEUBERGER

THE OVED FAMILY

ALLEN AND MIRIAM PFEIFFER

IAN AND CAROL RATNER

ALEXANDER AND RACHEL RINDNER

HENRY AND VIVIAN ROSENBERG

JAMES AND LOREN ROSENZWEIG

SAMIS FOUNDATION

DR. JOSEF SCHENKER

MENACHEM AND RENA SCHNAIDMAN

NATHAN AND LOUISE SCHWARTZ TZEDAKA FUND

BONNY SILVER AND FAMILY THE STAENBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION

AVI AND DEENA STEIN

ADAM AND TALI TANTLEFF

TRAVEL INSURANCE ISRAEL

MARC AND MINDY UATY

JOYCE AND JEREMY WERTHEIMER

HOWARD AND BATIA WIESENFELD

ESTHER AND JERRY WILLIAMS

DRS. YECHIEL AND SURI ZAGELBAUM

DAVID AND BECKY ZWILLINGER

DANIEL AND LIORA ADLER

ART HARRIS FOUNDATION

ISAAC ASH

EZRA AND ISAAC ASHKENAZI

DR. MOSHE AND BRYNDIE BENARROCH

DENNIS AND DEBRA BERMAN

ANDREA BIER

JULIE AND PAUL CANDAU

DRS. BENJAMIN AND ESTHER CHOUAKE

HAIM AND BARBARA DABAH

STEPHEN AND SUE DARRISON

PETER AND LORI DEUTSCH

ALAN AND RACHEL ENGEL

EMT ACTION FUND

BARI AND DANIEL ERBER

MARTIN AND LEORA FINEBERG JOSH GOLDBERG

EVE GORDON-RAMEK

RABBI MICAH AND RIVKIE GREENLAND

DAVID AND CHAYA TOVA HARTMAN

THE HERBERT SMILOWITZ FOUNDATION

JAMES AND CAROL HERSCOT

RICHARD HIRSCH

JOAN AND PETER HOFFMAN

CHAIM AND SURI KAHN

DANIEL J. AND CAROLINE R. KATZ

DANA AND JEFFREY KORBMAN

MARC AND RENA KWESTEL

JONATHAN AND SHARI LAUER

VIVIAN AND DAVID LUCHINS

MICHAEL AND ALIZA MERMELSTEIN

DANIEL AND JESSICA MINKOFF

IRA AND DR. RIVA COLLINS MITZNER

MARTIN AND ELIZABETH NACHIMSON

AVI AND DEBRA NAIDER

ISABELLE AND DAVID NOVAK

MARC PENN

DAVID AND ELANA POLLACK

YECHIEL AND NOMI ROTBLAT LISA AND JONATHAN SCHECHTER SHANA GLASSMAN FOUNDATION MEYER AND BAILA SILVERBERG

EDDIE SITT BARRY AND JOY SKLAR

KALMAN AND CHAYA TABAK

LIZZY AND JOSH TRUMP

KIRILL AND MARY VOROBEYCHIK SAMUEL AND TAMI WALD

RABBI STEVEN AND YAEL WEIL GEORGE AND JONI WHITE

ALAN AND DENISE WILDES

RABBI SHABSAI AND DEBBIE WOLFE

PARTNER

$10,000 - $17,999

ISABELLE COHEN-ADLER STEVEN AND RENEE ADELSBERG AEG CONTRACTING, INC.

PATRICK AMAR

ERIC AND JOYCE AUSTEIN RACHEL AND AVRUMI BAK BALANOFF FOUNDATION YALE AND ANN BARON MRS. ROCHEL LEAH BERNSTEIN MAX AND ELANA BERLIN

RABBI JULIUS AND DOROTHY BERMAN SION AND LORRAINE BETESH

YEHUDA AND FAIGE BIENSTOCK HARVEY AND JUDY BLITZ MR. LUDWIG BRAVMANN A”H DAVID AND CHEDVA BREAU KEVIN BRENNAN

KEITH AND LAUREN BRESLAUER & FAMILY THE BROOKLINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION JOSHUA AND AMY BUCHSBAYEW VANESSA AND RAYMOND CHALME

ARI AND ERIKA COHEN CAROL AND JEFF COHEN TZIPPY AND DANIEL COHEN ELI AND CHASI DAVIS JOHN DAVISON FRED AND SUZAN EHRMAN ELKON FAMILY FOUNDATION DAVID AND DEVORA ELKOUBY

LINDA AND DR. MICHAEL ELMAN DR. RINA AND NAHUM FELMAN RON AND LISA ROSENBAUM FISHER NATALIO AND ANNE FRIDMAN PAUL AND DIANE GALLANT ANDRES AND KARINA GELRUD ISAAC GINDI

BRIAN AND GILA GLUCK YOEL AND YEHUDIT GOLDBERG JOSEPH AND LAURA GOLDMAN YONATAN AND BELLENE GONTOWNIK RABBI DANIEL AND JUDITH GOODMAN GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION DR. ALAN AND MIRIAM GREENSPAN ARI AND ALISON GROSS DR. DANIEL AND TSIPORA GURELL ABE AND RONIT GUTNICKI ELAN AND MONICA GUTTMAN DR. BARRY AND SHIRA HAHN

SALOMON HARARI

HARRY AND JANE FISCHEL FOUNDATION

RABBI MOSHE AND MINDI HAUER STEVEN HELLER

YISROEL AND SHIRA HOCHBERG HOWARD HOFFMAN AND SONS FOUNDATION

ISAAC H. TAYLOR ENDOWMENT FUND

RABBI MOSHE AND DEVORA ISENBERG

THE JACOBY FAMILY JEWISH COMMUNITY FEDERATION OF RICHMOND

JEWISH FEDERATION IN THE HEART OF NEW JERSEY

JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER HOUSTON DR. JULIE AND RABBI DR. JOSH JOSEPH

THE JOSEPH FAMILY FOUNDATION

RUTHY AND AARON JUNGREIS

DAVID AND MICHAL KAHAN

DR. BERNARD AND MELANIE KAMINETSKY

JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY

MORRIS AND SONDRA KAPLAN

RABBI MARK AND LINDA KARASICK

JACK ALBERT KASSIN

SAMUEL AND VICKI KATZ

YITZY AND GILA KATZ

ETTA BRANDMAN KLARISTENFELD AND HARRY KLARISTENFELD

KARMELA A”H AND JERRY KLASNER

ROBIN AND BRAD KLATT

MICHAEL AND JULIE KLEIN

JONATHAN AND MINDY KOLATCH

AVI AND RAVITAL KORN

SCOTT AND AVIVA KRIEGER

KIM AND JONATHAN KUSHNER

DANIEL AND AMANDA NUSSBAUM LAIFER

PHILIP AND JENNIFER LANDAU

MARSHALL AND DOREEN LERNER

RICHARD AND LEORA LINHART

DR. LOUIS AND CHANIE MALCMACHER

ELLIOTT AND CHAVI MANDELBAUM

MOSES AND MARGA MARX

SHMUEL MELAMED

STEPHEN AND EVE MILSTEIN

NOAH AND SUZANNE MISHKIN

ALEXANDER AND YOCHEVED MITCHELL

SAMUEL AND DEBBIE MOED

DR. ZEV AND SUSAN MUNK

SHARONA AND IRWIN NACHIMSON

CAL AND JANINE NATHAN

GABRIEL AND BETH NECHAMKIN

NORMAN SHULEVITZ FOUNDATION

ALIZA AND MICHAEL PILEVSKY

MICHAEL PINEWSKI

ISRAEL AND NECHAMA POLAK

MOSHE AND YAFFA POPACK

DANIEL AND LEYLA POSNER

DRS. NATHAN AND RACHEL RABINOVITCH

RALPH S. GINDI FAMILY FOUNDATION

DR. AZRIEL AND ILANA RAUZMAN BARRY AND HARRIET RAY LAWRENCE REIN

MALKI AND J. PHILIP ROSEN

YOSSI AND SIMI ROSENGARTEN

KAREN AND SHAWN ROSENTHAL

STEPHEN AND JESSICA SAMUEL GEORGE AND IRINA SCHAEFFER

ROBERT AND TAMAR SCHARF

JAY AND JEANIE SCHOTTENSTEIN

DANIEL AND RENA SCHWARTZ

DAVID AND STEPHANIE SCHWARTZ

ANDREW AND STEPHANI SEROTTA

DAVID SHABSELS

JOSEPH SHAMIE SHARON SHAPIRO

SHULCHAN RIVKA FUND

HELEN AND GERALD SILVER

JEREMY AND DAHLIA SIMONS

STEPHANIE AND DAVID SOKOL DR. AND MRS. ETHAN SPIEGLER

LEWIS AND HELENE STAHL

JONATHAN AND ANAT STEIN

MARVIN AND DEBRA STERNBERG

SAMUEL AND MALKA SUSSWEIN

SAM AND NANCY SUTTON

MARILYN RABHAN SWEDARSKY AND DR. ROBERT SWEDARSKY

MORRIS AND RACHEL TABUSH DR. AND MRS. SHIMMY TENNENBAUM

TAL TOURS

DANIEL AND ZAHAVAH URETSKY

STEPHEN AND MIRIAM WALLACH DANIEL AND SARA WALZMAN

THE JOSEPH LEROY AND ANN C. WARNER

FUND

AARON MOISHE AND RIVKA WEBER

BARBARA AND HOWARD WEINER

THE WEININGER FOUNDATION INC. ADAM AND JODI WEINSTEIN ARI AND CAROLINE WEISMAN ADAM AND AVA WEISSTUCH DAVID WITTENBERG SHIMON AND HENNIE WOLF

MORRIS AND ARIELLE WOLFSON

ALAN AND LORI ZEKELMAN EREZ ZEVULUNOV YAIR AND DINA ZUCKERMAN

PATRON $5,000 - $9,999

LEON AND SOFIA ACHAR CRAIG AND YAEL ACKERMANN ADM/ROI

DR. LISA AIKEN MICHAEL AINGORN RABBI SHLOMO AND MIRIAM APPEL

ARIEL TOURS, INC.

JACK AND REGINE ASHKENAZIE DAVID AZAR

SHAEL AND JOAN BELLOWS DR. AND MRS. YITZHAK AND ELLEN BERGER

BETZALEL BERKMAN BENJAMIN AND ELIZABETH BERMAN

JOEL AND DINA BESS CAROL LASEK AND HOWARD BIENENFELD

ELI BLACK

STEVEN AND DANIELE BLEIER YEHUDA AND RONI BLINDER BEN AND TAMAR BLUMENTHAL MARCUS Z”L AND DORIS BLUMKIN ENID AND HAROLD H. BOXER ENDOWMENT JOEL AND LIZ BRAUSER LEE AND ALIZA BRAVERMAN MICHAEL AND ALLISON BROMBERG YISHAI AND BLUMA BRONER CENTER FOR JEWISH PHILANTHROPY OF GREATER PHOENIX DANIEL AND DEVORAH CHEFITZ ADAM AND ILANA CHILL GOBBIE AND SHAYNA COHN ETHAN AND AMY COREY RICK AND MARCY CORNFELD DAVID AND MARILYN CUTLER

DAVID AND INEZ MYERS FOUNDATION DR. CARYN BORGER AND MARK DUNEC GARY AND KAREN EISENBERG JEFFREY AND JENNIFER EISENSTEIN RINA AND RABBI DOV EMERSON BINAH AND DANNY ENGLANDER

GLORIA FELDMAN

RABBI JOSEPH AND SARAH FELSEN ARYEH AND DORIT FISCHER DR. BEN AND CARA FREEDMAN

ALLEN AND RACHEL FRIEDMAN MARK AND CHERYL FRIEDMAN

DR. STAN AND MARLA FROHLINGER

JOEY GABAY

JASON AND JOCELYNE GARDNER

ARNOLD AND ESTHER GERSON

SHAI AND TOVA GERSON

RISA AND ZEV GEWURZ

RYAN AND NICOLE GALIA GILBERT STEVEN AND DEBRA GLANZ

ARI AND ABIGAIL GLASS

LENNY AND ESTELLE GLASS RUBEN AND SARITA GOBER

MR. AND MRS. ERNIE GOLDBERGER EVAN AND REBECCA GOLDENBERG

ARI AND SHIRA GONTOWNIK

DR. SUSAN GRAYSEN AND FAMILY JONATHAN GREEN

DAVID AND SHIRA GREENBERG

FREDA GREENBAUM

DR. EDWIN AND CECILE GROMIS

DR. STEVEN AND LISA GRONOWITZ

ARYEH AND GOLDIE GROSS

MERIDIAN CAPITAL GROUP

ARIEL AND ALETA GRUNBERG

DR. ELI AND SORA GRUNSTEIN MICHAEL HADDAD JOSH AND MARJORIE HARRIS

HC STAFFING AND PAYROLL SOLUTIONS

CHAIM AND ARIELLA HERMAN

CHANI AND DANIEL HERRMANN

DOV AND LAURA HERTZ

DR. GARY AND CHERYL HOBERMAN

CATHY AND DAVID HOFFMAN NORMA HOLZER

SHLOMO AND DORIE HORWITZ DR. SHALOM AND LORI HUBERFELD DR. DAVID AND BARBARA HURWITZ DANIEL JACOB

MOTTY AND HADASSA JACOBOWITZ STANLEY AND PHYLLIS JASPAN

MORRIS AND SUSAN KALICHMAN

LEORA KAMINER

STUART KARON AND DR. JODI WENGER

AARON AND JILL KATZ

RABBI ETHAN AND DEBORAH KATZ

BENJAMIN KELLOGG

DOV AND AMY KESSELMAN

AVIGDOR KESSLER

STEVEN KIMMELMAN

MARTIN AND SARAH KORNBLUM HARRY KOTLER

JOSH KRAFT

RACHEL KRAUT

ARMAND AND ESTHER LASKY

PINCHUS AND DEBORAH SCHICK LAUFER

RABBI ARYEH AND ELANA LEBOWITZ

IN MEMORY OF JUDY LEFKOVITS

JOSHUA AND ERICA LEGUM MARK AND ETA LEVENSON

ADAM LEWIS SHULLY LICHTMAN

GERALD AND EILEEN LIEBERMAN

DR. HYLTON AND LEAH LIGHTMAN

MORDECHAI AND PENINA LIPTON

MAURY AND ELINOR LITWACK

CHAIM AND BARA LOEWENTHAL EDWARD LOWY

JEREMY AND TAMAR LUSTMAN

EVAN AND EVI MAKOVSKY

ADRIA AND JEFFREY MANDEL DAVID MANDEL

DR. DAVID AND STACI MARGULIS

SHARI AND YAAKOV MARKOVITZ

TZACHI AND ELISHEVA MEISEL

BENAY AND IRA MEISELS

RONEET MERKIN

ADAM AND FRANCINE MERMELSTEIN

LEONARD AND BEVERLY MEZEI

YALE AND GAIL MILLER

STEVE AND MALKA MIRETZKY

ETAN AND VALERIE MIRWIS AND FAMILY DR. DANIEL AND STEPHANIE MISHKIN

MARSHALL AND JEAN MIZRAHI

HARRY AND ROBIN MORTKOWITZ

ELLIOT AND AVA MOSKOWITZ

MICHAEL AND MICHELLE NACHMANI DANIEL AND ANNE NAGEL

RABBI YAAKOV AND SARA NAGEL JONATHAN AND MINDY NEISS

ELI AND TALIA NEUBERG

ZACHARY NEUGUT

STEVEN AND MARTINE NEWMAN JAY AND PAULA NOVETSKY

TERRY AND GAIL NOVETSKY TZVI AND ALEXANDRA ODZER

SCOTT AND RONIT ORLANSKI

HENRY AND MINDY ORLINSKY

PROF. MARTIN PATT

DENA AND SETH PILEVSKY MORDECHAI AND ALIZA POLSTEIN MR. AND MRS. DAVID PORUSH GAIL PROPP

RICHARD AND ORA RABINOVICH

DR. STEVEN AND BELINDA RAIKIN

GEORGIA RAVITZ REGALS FOUNDATION

YARON AND LISA REICH DRS. CRAIG AND JACKIE REISS JASON AND SHANI REITBERGER GAIL AND BINYAMIN RIEDER RALPH AND LEAH RIEDER DR. JAY AND MARJORIE ROBINOW YITZCHOK AND TAMAR ROSENTHAL MARC AND ALISSA ROSSMAN

ROBBIE AND HELENE ROTHENBERG HENRY AND GOLDA REENA ROTHMAN RABBI DANIEL AND ELISHEVA RUBENSTEIN IDELLE RUDMAN ZVI AND SHARONNE RUDMAN

LARRY AND SHELLY RUSSAK MILTON AND SHIRLEY SABIN KENNETH AND MINDY SAIBEL MARVIN AND ROZ SAMUELS

SAPPHIRE WEALTH ADVISORY GROUP GENIE AND STEVE SAVITSKY TOBY MACY SCHAFFER ROBERT AND ANDREA SCHECHTER

RONNIE AND SANDRA SCHIFF

SHLOMO AND GITTY SCHWARTZ

TIBERIO AND ELLYSE SCHWARTZ SCOTT AND JAMIE SELIGSOHN ALEXANDER SELIGSON

ARI AND SHOSHANA SHABAT RALPH AND SARAH SHAMAH LOUIS SHAMIE

BENJAMIN AND MOR SHAPIRO JAYNE SHAPIRO

MICHAEL AND TALI SHAPIRO SHEFA BRACHA FUND TAMAR AND AARON SHEFFEY YAAKOV AND SARI SHEINFELD

NEIL SHORE

TUVIA AND MIRIAM SILVERSTEIN

TZVI SIMPSON

IRIS SMITH

KERRI AND JEFFREY SNOW FAMILY FOUNDATION

BARRY AND JODIE SOBEL

GABRIEL AND SARA SOLOMON

JONATHAN AND DODI SPIELMAN

RUTH BRANDT SPITZER

GARY AND NAOMI STEIN MICHAEL STEINGER

STEINIG FAMILY: ESTATE OF MELVIN AND MIRELE STEINIG A”H

GREGORY AND LISA STORCH

RACHELLE AND ZEV STERN

AARON AND ARIELLA STRASSMAN

TED AND LINDA STRUHL

ABRAHAM SULTAN MICHAEL SWIECA

TAMPA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS AND FEDERATION

JONATHAN AND RACHEL TIGER

SAM AND TZIPI TRAMIEL

SHLOMO AND RONNI TROODLER

EPHRAIM AND AVIVA VILENSKI ADINA WAGMAN

IN MEMORY OF DOVID BEN REB YOSEF WEINBERG A”H

TOVA AND HOWARD WEISER

AMNON AND RONIT WENGER

DAVID AND NATALIE WOLF

ARIEL AND BETH ZELL

MARK AND JESSICA ZITTER SETH ZWILLENBERG

List updated as of October 2022

We apologize for any omissions. If you wish to be acknowledged, please contact Alexander Jonas at jonasa@ou.org