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Fed5: Power, Purpose & Peoplehood

Imagine you were given $10 million and asked to invest it—wisely, thoughtfully, and compassionately—across the entire Atlanta Jewish community. Oh, and don’t forget our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world. With so many pressing needs—from caring for those in crisis, to supporting Jewish education, to strengthening security and inclusion—how would you begin? 

That’s the challenge Federation embraces each year through our Community Planning & Impact (CPI) process. It’s a signature effort that ensures every donor dollar is allocated strategically, with a communal mindset and the advantage of seeing the full spectrum of our community’s needs—as only Federation can. It reflects our belief in collective responsibility and the transformative power of strategic philanthropy. 

“My hope is that this annual process—where our dedicated volunteers come together throughout the year to listen, learn, and lead with care—ensures that every communal dollar entrusted to us is allocated with intention, accountability, and compassion,” said Avery Kastin, Chair of the CPI Cabinet. “Their collective wisdom strengthens the fabric of Jewish life today and helps build a more vibrant tomorrow.” 

Under the guidance of Federation professionals and lay leaders, seven committees convened, each with a distinct area of focus: 

  • Core, Domestic, and Global Allocations – Providing sustained funding for local Jewish organizations, as well as those in our partnership region in Israel and the former Soviet Union 
  • JTeen – Prioritizes teen mental health and leadership development 
  • JLearn SEEDS (Supporting Excellence in Education in Day Schools) – Funding professional development for day school educators 
  • JAccess – Champions disability inclusion and accessible community life 
  • JInnovate – Invests in new, creative initiatives shaping Jewish Atlanta’s future 

“This process is grounded in real data and community feedback,” said Annie, Federation’s VP of Planning. “This year, we drew on national studies, held site visits, and responded to critical needs.” 

The outcome? Funding decisions that are thoughtful, responsive, and community-driven. One powerful example: this year’s grantmaking included new professional development grants for Jewish day schools, on top of the annual allocations they receive based on student enrollment. 

For Avery, the motivation to stay involved is deeply personal: “I believe in the necessity of collective giving and communal responsibility. There are too many needs in Jewish Atlanta to focus on just one cause. By directing resources across the entire ecosystem—locally and globally—I know my dollars and my time are making the broadest and most meaningful impact possible.” 

As the FY26 allocations prepare to roll out and a new planning cycle begins, the team is already looking ahead—with a focus on partnership, transparency, and continuous learning. Annie noted that nearly 80 volunteers were involved in this year’s process, offering not just expertise but lived experience from across the community. 

“This isn’t a one-size-fits-all process,” she said. “Our volunteers bring diverse perspectives, ask tough questions, and challenge us to do better. Their input helps ensure that our decisions reflect the complexity and nuance of real community needs.” 

Want to be part of this sacred work? Federation invites you to give, participate, and help shape the future of Jewish Atlanta. 

Interested in joining a grantmaking committee?
Email Annie Garrett at agarrett@jewishatlanta.org.
Will you be part of the impact? jewishatlanta.org/give 

On May 15, nearly 175 Jewish young professionals filled 42 West in Atlanta with energy, laughter, and pride in celebration of Israel’s 77th Independence Day. Presented by Federation’s Young Leadership Division (YLD) and AJC ACCESS Atlanta, Thursday Night Live was more than just an event—it was a vibrant expression of Jewish joy, resilience, and community. 

Guests enjoyed kosher hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and a welcoming space to meet new friends or reconnect with old ones. After hearing from several of our young leaders about what this moment means to them and to Jewish Atlanta, the room stood together for a moving rendition of Hatikvah, led by Rabbi Elizabeth Breit of Congregation B’nai Torah. Then, the mood shifted as Yohay Sponder took the stage, bringing laughter and levity to the room. Known for his sharp wit and unapologetically Jewish humor, the Israeli comedian had the audience roaring. His signature line? “Be you, be a Jew. It’s the least you can do.” 

“This is exactly what we’ve been needing,” said Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeast. In a year marked by loss, fear, and a global rise in antisemitism, the chance to gather in joy was powerful and healing. 

The evening was the result of a close partnership between YLD and AJC ACCESS—and months of thoughtful planning by Camellia Heart-Katz, AJC’s Alexander Assistant Director for Young Leadership, and Becca Langfelder, Federation’s Director of the Young Leadership Division.  

“If I could describe the night in one word, it would be joy,” said Becca. “You walked into a room filled with smiles, hugs, and a whole lot of laughter. Our young adults are a powerful voice in the community—they are stepping up, showing up, and celebrating Israel with pride. Joy is at the heart of our Judaism. It’s what carries us through even the hardest of times, and on this night, it was overflowing.” 

“What brought us here tonight is a really desperate need for Jewish joy in the young professional community,” said Camellia. “Our young professionals work so hard advocating for Israel, ensuring that Jewish people feel safe in Atlanta and abroad and everywhere across the U.S. We really just deserve a night to laugh and decompress—and to remember that fighting antisemitism is about being proud to be Jewish and finding joy, as much as it is about advocacy and diplomacy and hard conversations.” 

For Mark Kaplan, incoming Vice President of the YLD Committee, the event marked another meaningful step on his Jewish journey. “YLD was a great opportunity for both me and my wife to get involved with several organizations and sort of an intro for us into being an active part of the Jewish community,” he said. “It’s really provided us this tentacle network of exposure to different organizations, seeing where philanthropic dollars and efforts in the Atlanta Jewish community are going, and getting to see how the wheel turns to make that happen.” 

For many, events like this offer a sense of connection. “We’ve made a great group of friends through YLD,” said Mandie Peled. “That’s why we keep coming back.” 

Ben Leschins, AJC Atlanta’s Events and Communications Coordinator, put it simply: “I’m here to celebrate Israel and have a wonderful time with the Jewish community of Atlanta. Laughter and community—that’s what we need right now.” 

The evening also included powerful reflections from Hunter Goldberg, an event co-chair. “A single candle can light even the darkest room,” Hunter said. “That light lives in all of us—it’s been passed down through generations of Jews who carried their identity through unimaginable hardship. We owe it to them not just to remember—but to carry it forward.” 

For those who had recently returned from a YLD volunteer trip to Israel, that message hit home. “When Israelis heard our American accents, they said, ‘Thank you for being here.’ Just showing up meant the world to them,” Hunter added. “Our support isn’t optional—it’s existential.” 

The crowd left uplifted, connected, and energized — carrying forward a spark that will continue to light the way. 

Am Yisrael Chai. The Nation of Israel Lives. 

From May 5–7, 2025, over 1,300 Jewish communal professionals from across North America gathered in Baltimore for JPro25, a landmark conference for the Jewish nonprofit sector. Organized by Leading Edge in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the event marked the first major gathering since the unification of JPro and Leading Edge earlier this year. 

The conference served as a pivotal moment for professionals to connect, share insights, and envision the future of Jewish communal work. Attendees included educators, social service providers, foundation staff, and Federation professionals—who comprised over a third of participants. 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta was proud to have six team members in attendance, contributing to the vibrant exchange of ideas and bringing back valuable insights to our community. 

“Traveling to Baltimore as a representative of Jewish ATL at JPro was both an opportunity I could never have imagined and one I’ll never forget,” said Levi Burton, Federation’s Events Manager. “From a Jewish-professional themed comedy show that brought much-needed laughter to site visits that showcased our host community’s unique impact, each moment reinforced the power of Jewish professional connection. I left feeling energized, grateful, and proud to be part of our professional community.” 

Gali Cooks, President & CEO of Leading Edge, emphasized the conference’s focus on investing in talent. “There is a growing desire now to invest in talent in the Jewish nonprofit field. The crises of recent years have validated more than ever the need to fully support and value these professionals, and JPro25 reflects that priority.” 

The conference addressed the multifaceted challenges facing Jewish professionals, including burnout, antisemitism, and the ongoing impact of global events. Workshops and sessions offered tools and strategies to navigate these complexities, fostering resilience and adaptability within the sector. 

JPro25 featured a wide array of programming designed to inspire and equip attendees. Skill-building workshops, interactive Jewish learning, and idea exchanges like the “Steal This” event allowed professionals to gain practical knowledge and share successful initiatives. 

Notable speakers included Anne Neuberger, former Deputy National Security Advisor; comedian Alex Edelman; and Daniel Vaknin, a DJ and survivor of the October 7 Nova music festival attack. Their stories added depth to the conference’s exploration of leadership, resilience, and community building. 

Site visits during “Experience Baltimore” gave attendees a firsthand look at the local nonprofit ecosystem, highlighting the city’s vibrant Jewish community and fostering cross-regional learning. 

Affinity groups and networking opportunities allowed participants to connect with peers who share similar roles, backgrounds, or interests—further strengthening the Jewish professional network. 

“I was honored to represent Federation in Baltimore at JPro,” said Carla Birnbaum, Federation’s Director of Community Engagement. “We learn so much from each other, sharing experiences and ideas that are shaping Jewish communities nationwide. The value of coming together with over 1,300 Jewish communal professionals is immeasurable—it’s a chance to collaborate, grow, and return with fresh perspectives and exciting new strategies to implement back in Atlanta.” 

As the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta continues to invest in the growth and development of our professionals, the insights gained from JPro25 will help inform our strategies and enhance our impact. The conference underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and elevating talent to ensure a thriving Jewish future. 

We are grateful to our team members who attended JPro25 and look forward to seeing their experiences ripple through our work in Jewish Atlanta. 

“How is it possible that the happiest person on the planet, the happiest, most joyous soul that any one of us knows, could end his own life?”  

This question, posed by Ben Pargman, has echoed through countless hearts in Atlanta’s Jewish community since the loss of his son, Manny, just five months ago. Manny, a vibrant teen known for his humor, warmth, and musical talent, died by suicide — leaving a wake of grief, confusion, and urgent resolve.  

In response, Ben launched Manny’s Band Foundation, a mental health initiative aimed at preventing youth suicide by harnessing the power of music, creativity, and authentic conversation. Manny’s Band provides youth suicide prevention training, teacher and mentor support, and awareness campaigns that educate and inspire action.  

Within just 30 days of its launch, Manny’s Band reached over 100,000 views, drew in more than 4,000 band members, and mobilized 500 volunteers. Ben’s message is bold: “As a member of Manny’s Band, you are going to help change how we talk to our kids and our friends about mental health, depression, and suicide.”  

The community’s energized response underscores the urgent need for mental health support. Today, one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. One in six youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. In 2022, 22% of high school students seriously considered suicide.  

“COVID brought a lot of things up, and if you look historically, you unfortunately see the trends increasing, particularly with young people,” said Gabby Spatt, Vice President of Philanthropy at the Hirsch Family Fund and long-time Jewish Federation and Foundation supporter. “But I think Atlanta is a leader in Jewish mental health training, education, awareness, and community engagement. Faith plays a big role in healing, and Judaism sets us up to take care of our people. It’s a mitzvah.”  

This week, our community gathered for two events focused on mental health. At Temple Sinai, families attended “Beyond the Silence”, hosted by the Blue Dove Foundation and BeWell ATL, featuring personal stories and testimony from those – including the Pargmans – who have lived through loss and found purpose in healing. That same day, Jewish Family & Career Services held “Shifting Perspectives: Understanding Neurodiversity”, a session led by Jenna Sommer that emphasized embracing diverse ways of thinking, to help young people thrive.  

“We’re incredibly proud to have played such a critical role in bringing the BeWell initiative to life here in Atlanta,” said Ghila Sanders, Vice President of Philanthropic Advisory. “Through our Funders Collaborative, we helped secure vital support for JF&CS and the broader community at a time when youth mental health needed it most.”  

Much of the momentum behind this work traces back to the Hirsch family, whose trailblazing investment in mental health has transformed the landscape. “The Hirschs were doing mental health before anyone else,” Gabby explained. “Their focus has always been on clinical care—providing real services for real people who otherwise couldn’t access them.”  

Rooted in Jewish values and driven by their own experience with a child facing complex mental health issues, Michele and David Hirsch created a vision to help families access quality care. That vision became action. Locally, their work includes the Peaceful Family Fund—a partnership between JF&CS and the Jewish Interest-Free Loan Association—which covers the cost of inpatient mental health treatment, sometimes even travel, for families seeking specialized care not available in Atlanta. The Hirschs also made a $10 million gift to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, supporting a groundbreaking outpatient clinic for children with complex neuropsychiatric conditions. Located within the Zalik Behavioral Health Center, the clinic eliminates the burden of navigating the mental health system by coordinating personalized care, case management, and specialists under one roof. “It’s a total game changer.” said Spatt. “Parents don’t have to wait six months or hunt for clinicians—it’s all done for them. And it’s the first clinic of its kind in the country.”  

The Hirsch Family’s work doesn’t stop at Atlanta’s borders. In Israel, their fund has supported Clubhouse Israel’s young adult mental health program, contributed to First Line Med – an initiative offering subsidized mental health services across Israel, and funded clinical social workers stationed in Thailand for post-October 7 trauma recovery. “I mean, what other country do you know of that will send clinical licensed social workers to another country to take care of their people? Only Israel does that.”  

As we mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor Manny’s memory, elevate the work of philanthropists like the Hirschs, and commit to conversations that save lives. “I lost my younger sister to mental illness,” Gabby shared, “and that’s what’s propelled me into this work. The question is, how do we inspire, teach, and coach to realize how important mental health is before you lose somebody close to you? I think this is what people like Michele, David, and Ben are trying to do. Get the community involved before it’s too late.”  

When asked what advice she would give to parents around mental health, Gabby replied “Educate yourself. Listen to your children. And remember it’s OK to ask friends questions or to share something, because nine out of ten times other people will have the same experience.”  

Atlanta Jewish Foundation fundholders can support the Peaceful Family Fund and the Manny Pargman Mental Health Education Fund through a grant to JF&CS. Visit your donor portal today to make an impact.  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a powerful reminder that mental wellness and belonging go hand in hand. Here at Federation, inclusion isn’t a side effort—it’s a core value. That’s why Federation’s JAccess initiative is committed to creating a Jewish community where everyone can fully belong and participate. 

As part of Federation’s broader recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, JAccess joined forces with BeWellATL, an initiative of JF&CS that works to destigmatize mental health in the Jewish community, to explore how inclusion and mental wellness go hand in hand, especially for neurodivergent individuals. 

Together, they hosted a dynamic professional development workshop led by Jenna Somers, a Jewish occupational therapist and inclusion expert. The session introduced attendees to the concept of neurodiversity—the idea that neurological differences like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are not deficits, but natural variations in how human brains function. 

Jenna shared stories, strategies, and research that underscored a vital message: inclusion benefits everyone. “When we design environments with neurodivergent individuals in mind, we create spaces where all people can thrive,” said Amy Murphy, Federation’s Director of JAccess. 

The workshop also emphasized that the responsibility to change shouldn’t fall on individuals with disabilities. Instead, communities, institutions, and systems must adapt to meet diverse needs—reimagining what participation, success, and belonging look like in Jewish spaces. 

Attendees walked away with new insights and a clear call to action: real inclusion means rethinking our norms, removing unnecessary barriers, and embracing difference not as something to accommodate, but something to value. 

JAccess is putting these ideas into practice year-round. In partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Marcus Autism Center, Federation launched a Preschool Disability Inclusion Project, working with four local Jewish early childhood centers to improve inclusive practices. The project delivered 48 targeted coaching sessions and several site-wide trainings focused on early identification of autism, classroom strategies, and family support. 

Building on that success, Federation will launch a groundbreaking Parent Disability Leadership Cohort this fall. Running from September through February, the program will equip parents of children with disabilities to advocate with confidence and envision a fully inclusive Jewish future—for their families and the broader community. Stay tuned for details on how to apply. 

This work also extends globally. On June 25, Federation and Temple Sinai will host an evening with Shalva, Israel’s leading disability support center, featuring a photography exhibit titled A Lens Through War. The event will spotlight how Shalva supported individuals with disabilities during times of crisis, reinforcing the global importance of inclusive care. 

As mental health awareness continues to gain momentum, Federation remains committed to addressing stigma, expanding access, and ensuring that no one in Jewish Atlanta feels left out or left behind. 

Join us June 25 for Through the Lens of War, a moving photography exhibit presented in partnership with Shalva.
Register now › 

Can You Make It?

RSVP today for the 119th Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta!

Click here to sign up and email Lena Perez at lperez@jewishatlanta.org with any questions.

Securing a Legacy During Make a Will Month

Make a Will Month is a nationwide initiative encouraging individuals to create or update their wills, ensuring their wishes are honored and their legacies preserved. This initiative spans across the professional advising landscape, urging everyone to take action in planning their estates.

For the Jewish community, Make a Will Month represents an important opportunity to underscore the significance of leaving a lasting legacy. Through the Life & Legacy® program, Federation highlights various ways our community members can support Jewish institutions and causes they care about, ensuring that these values and traditions are carried forward.

Including the Jewish community in a will allows individuals to contribute to the ongoing support and development of organizations that are meaningful to them.

Mike Leven, Founder of Jewish Future Promise, shared his reflections at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s 2024 Grow a Legacy event: “This is what I grew up with; when I had pennies in my pocket, I put them in this [Tzedakah] box. Every Friday afternoon, around three o’clock, someone would come to our door with a sack, collect the box, and give us a new one. But the truth is, we’re all doing this, even without the box. The people in this room are all committed Jewish individuals. We need to continue this practice and ensure our future generations carry it on.” 

The Life & Legacy program simplifies the process by allowing anyone to make commitments to multiple organizations in one place, eliminating the need to approach each one individually. This can include synagogues, schools, community service agencies, or any Jewish institutions that have made a significant impact.

Benefits of Leaving a Legacy:

  • Ensuring Future Support: Contributions help secure the necessary funding to sustain the Jewish community and its values for future generations.
  • Promoting Jewish Values: Publicly committing to leaving a legacy encourages younger generations to embrace Tzedakah (charity) and community support.
  • Personal Impact: Individuals have the flexibility to direct funding to organizations that matter most to them, whether it’s a synagogue, a Jewish camp, PJ Library, or another cherished cause.

By participating in Make a Will Month and including the Jewish community in a will, individuals help preserve and promote the rich traditions and values that define the Jewish community. Federation aims to ensure that future generations continue to thrive with the support of Jewish institutions.

Learn more about Jewish Future Promise or contact the Atlanta Jewish Foundation to get started.

Important Update on Federation Leadership

Eric Robbins, who has served as the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta for eight years, has announced his resignation and will be stepping down. Eric has graciously agreed to stay on board through June 30th to support a smooth transition and will continue as an advisor to Federation as needed.

Eric has many notable accomplishments but more than anything, he has brought the Atlanta Jewish community together like never before. He has been a leader in the Jewish community through an extremely challenging past five years managing the organization through world events including the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Shooting, COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and most recently, the massacre of October 7 and the ongoing war in Israel. We are grateful for Eric’s leadership through these unprecedented challenges.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta has been the philanthropic heart and soul of the Atlanta Jewish community for more than a century. A committee led by Debbie Kuniansky, Matt Bronfman, and other regional leaders will soon commence a national search for a permanent CEO who will help innovate and accelerate our mission and vision and help to build the infrastructure needed for a thriving Atlanta Jewish Community for the next 100 years.

In the coming weeks, we will connect with all community stakeholders to answer questions, discuss any needed transition plans, and more.

Beth Arogeti, Board Chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta

Because Of You, 22 Israeli Children & Their Families Found Refuge at The Epstein School

“We’ve never done this before, but that’s what you do as a Jewish organization. You jump in and help.”

After October 7th, dozens of Israeli families fled to Atlanta, some of whom had connections here and some who didn’t know a soul.

Many were able to come thanks to a local Chabad initiative that funded flights and arranged homestays for these families. But when it came to providing a safe and welcoming Jewish educational environment, it was Federation that stepped up to supplement the tuition and security so that 22 Israeli children could attend Epstein for the entirety of their stay.

Because of this, Epstein is one of the top schools in the country to absorb such a large number of Israeli kids in this short period.

From Pre-K to 8th grade, Epstein welcomed these children and their families with open arms, ensuring that they had what they needed to feel at home. One of the many things they did was bring in extra Hebrew-speaking teachers and support staff to help with translating, which was especially important for the younger children.

They also rallied their parent community to ensure that these Israeli families always had an invitation to Shabbat dinner, a holiday gathering, or a birthday party, and that children could participate in extracurricular activities like basketball. In every way, these families became a part of the Epstein ecosystem and developed relationships that will carry them forward for years to come.

“We got just as much out of this experience as the Israelis did,” said Dr. David Abusch-Magder, Head of School at the Epstein School.

Dr. D explained that, for some Epstein students and their parents, this was their first time connecting with native Israelis who were affected by the events of October 7th and the war that has followed. Epstein became a space for understanding, compassion, and friendship that would have never blossomed otherwise. While the circumstances are very unfortunate, many Epstein families now have a very personal connection to Israel that they did not have prior to October 7th.

“Epstein and Federation were able to do this together,” said Dr. D. “As Jews, we take care of one another.”

From the Epstein community and all of us at Federation: Thank you.

Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s Year in Summary

steven-cadranel-headshot

by Steven Cadranel

What a year of growth and progress it has been at Atlanta Jewish Foundation! We have hosted numerous events that amplified our impact across the Atlanta philanthropic community, and we have seen new legacy commitments take root to ensure our community’s future. Most importantly, we have helped to create, connect, educate, and inspire philanthropists!

Over the past 12 months, we have continued to facilitate small group educational opportunities with local nonprofits about the challenges Atlanta faces and solutions that work. Last year these Community Conversations took a deep dive into issues from homelessness to education, from environmental sustainability to mental health. In the process, we have educated, advised, and inspired many people of all ages to use the resources of the Atlanta Jewish Foundation as a tool for giving and repairing the world.

Your and our impact in 2022-23 has been truly amazing! Thanks to our donors’ generosity, $41.7m+ has been granted out (as of June 2023):

  • Benefiting over 1,144 nonprofit organizations
  • 78% of funds went to Jewish causes
  • 57% stayed in our local community

Click here to see why our community should be proud and excited about the work of the Atlanta Jewish Foundation.

We Need Your Philanthropic Support!

Jewish Family & Career Services Receives $500,000 Matching Grant from The Zalik Foundation to Address Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing 

One of the most troubling side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a serious global mental health crisis. It is especially tragic to see that children and adolescents are the most vulnerable. Depression and self-harm are rising among teens and suicide has now become the second-leading cause of death among American adolescents ages 10 to 14 years old. We have seen alarming amounts of anxiety and depression among teens right here in Atlanta. 

Now, a generous $500,000 matching grant from The Zalik Foundation will help address this urgent problem in Atlanta. The $500,000 matching grant, created in collaboration with Jewish Federations of North America’s national BeWell initiative, will fund a wide range of support services to Jewish teens in the community facing mental health and wellbeing challenges.

The funds, secured through the Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s Funders Collaborative, will be used by Jewish Family & Career Services to increase programs that support Jewish youth and those that care for them in the community facing mental health and wellbeing challenges. This funding will provide for the hiring of two professionals to build resiliency and support cross-community partnerships, to connect the community to services while decreasing barriers to services and increase skills and capacity to better respond to community needs. 

The Zalik Foundation grant is rooted in work that the Atlanta Jewish Foundation conducted back in 2020. In partnership with Jewish Federations of North America, the Foundation helped convene a group of local funders who identified teen mental health as a community priority and then set about to address it.  

“We are grateful to Helen and David Zalik for this generous donation and the Atlanta Jewish Foundation for focusing on this critical need that will help to address this alarming wave of mental health challenges by young people and those that care for them in the Atlanta region,” said Terri Bonoff, CEO of Jewish Family & Career Services. “Our teens are our future, and it is imperative that we do all we can to help those who are dealing with mental instability.” 

Atlanta Jewish Foundation and Jewish community partners are actively raising funds to match the Zalik Foundation’s $500,000 investment. “The Be Well initiative is a unique, donor-driven effort that is committed to improving teen and youth mental health and wellbeing. It couldn’t come at a more relevant moment,” said Jori Mendel, Chief Foundation Officer. “I encourage Atlanta philanthropists and all who are concerned about mental health to contact me at jmendel@jewishatlanta.org to learn how you can amplify the impact of the Zalik Foundation’s grant.  

Debbie Kuniansky on Why She Endowed Her Annual Lion of Judah Commitment

Debbie Kuniansky recently spoke to the Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Board on why she chose to endow her annual gift to Federation and how others can accomplish the same. Debbie has been a valued Atlanta Jewish community leader for many years and is currently a Member of Federation’s Board of Trustees. Unsurprisingly, she is passionate about taking care of the Atlanta Jewish community. “I appreciate what I have here in Atlanta because I didn’t always have it,” she says.

Debbie grew up in Lakeland, Florida, where there wasn’t a significant Jewish presence. “We didn’t have BBYO or a JCC; there was no Jewish elder-care home…we had one small synagogue with a part-time Rabbi,” she says. Debbie moved to Atlanta right out of college, and immediately joined a synagogue. When her children were young, she started volunteering for their preschool at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. The more time she spent in the Atlanta Jewish community, the more she wanted to help sustain it.

One way that women can give to Federation is through The Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE). This is a charitable gift of at least $5,400 established under the woman’s name. This endowment provides ongoing support to Federation and the many organizations we support.

Endowing her Lion was very important to Debbie, but she wasn’t sure how to make it happen. “I want to be able to help take care of my community even after I’m not here,” she says. “I want to make sure my kids and their kids have this vibrant Jewish community.”

Debbie’s husband, Doug, suggested she make the endowment through a life insurance policy. Each year, they make regular payments toward the policy (which are tax deductible). Someday, the payout on that policy will be donated directly to charities that mean the most to Debbie and Doug.

“I love that our community plans for the future,” she says. “People who came before me made plans and commitments, and my family and I benefitted from them.”

When she thinks of the people who came before her, she thinks of a great Jewish legacy of leaders and community builders who inspired her. Now, Debbie feels like she’s part of that group constantly striving to make things better—not maintaining the status quo.

To learn more about making endowments, the Lion of Judah Endowment, and more, Rachel Rosner.

Engaging Teenagers in Jewish Life

Being a teenager is hard. Hormones, increasing responsibilities, and long school days can make teens feel overwhelmed and cause them to disengage with their community. Federation supports many programs for young people in Atlanta (and abroad!) to get involved in Jewish life, and hopefully help them find community and a sense of purpose.  

The Jewish Foundation of Atlanta is launching the Young Philanthropy Fellows, which aims to teach teenagers about philanthropy through firsthand experience. The inaugural cohort will open their own Young Philanthropist Funds and learn about grantmaking. This group will inform each other about organizations and issues they care about, make size visits to local nonprofits, and engage in round-table discussions with professionals. They will engage in discussions about power and privilege and learn how to mitigate the occasional unintended consequences of charitable giving. Most importantly, they’ll learn how even young people can make a big difference. Applications for the Young Philanthropy Fellows are due September 19. 

Jumpspark offer resources for connection and growth to teenagers across Atlanta. They aim to empower and educate Jews from every part of our city, and to bring them together to learn and collaborate. Their initiatives include the Strong Women Fellowship, Gap Year Israel Scholarship, the Root One Experience (a summer travel program to Israel) and Navigating Parenthood (a series of workshops for the parents of teenagers to help them better understand the struggles their kids face).  

Internationally, Federation supports the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s Active Jewish Teens (AJT) initiative. This is a Jewish-identity building platform for 12-17-year-olds who live in the former Soviet Union. This program brings young Jewish people together and aims to give them a sense of community. They host a range of social, cultural, and leadership building activities, as well as holiday and Shabbat celebrations. With 63 active locations, including four in Belarus, AJT is helping young people in the Former Soviet Union connect with their Jewish identity and other young Jews across the world. 

Young people are the future, and their participation in, and enthusiasm for, Jewish life is essential to the future of Jews everywhere. Federation is proud to serve them! 

How Baby Jack Launched a Legacy

Adam Kazinec has a long history of engagement with Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the wider Atlanta Jewish community. He currently serves on the Federation board and in the last couple of years, he has served on the steering committee of Federation’s Jewish Innovation Fund. Through it he learned about the Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF) which provides financial assistance, emotional support, and educational programming to Jewish people with medical infertility. Adam was excited to see JFF launch in Atlanta, but never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that one day he and his wife Brittany would rely on JFF for emotional support in their quest to start a family.

Adam and Brittany’s road to parenthood was difficult and ultimately came to fruition through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). When their son Jack was born, Adam and Brittany celebrated their good fortune by opening a charitable Donor Advised Fund at Atlanta Jewish Foundation. And they signed the Jewish Future Pledge — a commitment that from the funds they would leave to charity at their passing, at least 50% would be earmarked to support the Jewish people and/or the State of Israel. Both of these philanthropic acts were expressions of gratitude and hope for the future Jack would inherit.

Adam Kazinec was excited when he heard Elana Frank, JFF’s CEO, make a presentation to the Innovation Fund about the Jewish Fertility Fund. “The Fund raised $50K in seed money for several startups like JFF,” Adam remembers. “It was both empowering and humbling to be a benefactor of such an important startup. The truth is, we would not have Jack right now without the educational and emotional resources they provided.”

Baby Jack is now four months old and is the center of the Kazinecs’ world. “We named him Jack HaTov Kazinec, Brittany explains. “Jack was a name on both sides of our family. We understood the power of a name and chose HaTov as his middle name in hopes he can bring out good in the world.”

The Kazinecs feel privileged to leave a legacy for the next generation through the Jewish Future Pledge and are excited to work with Atlanta Jewish Foundation to build a personal philanthropic plan. “We see this as a long-term partnership. We like how the Pledge does not lock you into giving to specific Jewish charities. Who knows what areas will need support down the road and what new social innovations will rise to the surface. We are excited to launch a legacy that our kids can steward. It is a beautiful thing.”

Brittany agrees. “We know that there’s so much for Jack to explore on his own to decide how he wants to be Jewish. It is up to us to show him the ropes along the way. There is no denying that we will be lifetime supporters of the Atlanta Jewish Community, but how unique to have Jack as a tangible sign of our commitment. We are so grateful to JFF for helping us add a Jewish baby to the world!

Do a Major Mitzvah with Negligible Risk!

Atlanta Jewish Foundation is helping the Jewish Interest-Free Loan of Atlanta (JIFLA) expand its pool of guarantors for interest-free loans by sharing an Impact Investing opportunity with its donor-advised fund (DAF) holders. Impact Investing is the term financial advisors and philanthropists use to describe investments made with an intention to generate social and environmental change alongside financial return. 

Atlanta Jewish Foundation currently offers its donor-advised fundholders an ESG Portfolio (Environmental, Social, and Governance), with a focus on companies and sectors that have positive environmental, social, and governance characteristics. Now, Atlanta Jewish Foundation is putting Impact Investing principles to work in a new partnership with JIFLA, the Jewish Interest-Free Loan Association of Atlanta. JIFLA upholds the biblical principle of interest-free lending primarily, but not exclusively, to other Jews.   

JIFLA loans are funded entirely through community donations which continually recycle to others in need, generating many times the original value to help maintain fellow Jews in challenging times. Most JIFLA loans are small, in the $4-5K range. Because JIFLA uses a ratio of 4:1, an Atlanta Jewish Foundation donor committing $10K as a guarantor makes it possible for JIFLA to loan out $40K in small loans.

A JIFLA borrower shares her story: “I was completely at a loss, with no money and little hope, and I was close to being on the street. The biggest challenge with my JIFLA application was that I didn’t have a guarantor. An anonymous guarantor was identified, and I got the loan. The generosity and faith of that guarantor…bought me the time I needed to try to land on my feet.” 

JIFLA boasts a very low default rate, so this partnership allows Foundation fundholders to become guarantors with negligible risk. It also greatly simplifies financial disclosure requirements because Atlanta Jewish Foundation acts as the DAF-holder’s reference. Guarantors can also remain anonymous. The best part is, the fundholder can keep their funds in their DAF, growing their investment, while helping those in need.  

Contact Jori Mendel to learn more about using your donor-advised fund to become an interest-free loan guarantor.   

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