Rachel
REFLECTIONS
From the President & CEO
My Chai Anniversary in Philanthropy
I recently marked a very special chai anniversary. It’s been 18 months since I began leading the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, and what a remarkable experience it has been!
I led Hillel at UCLA for a decade, and fundraising was a key part of my job. Working at The Foundation has taken philanthropy to an entirely new and fascinating level for me as I’ve met with hundreds of philanthropists, including many Foundation clients.
I’ve also had the privilege of meeting with numerous community leaders, nonprofit executives, and professional advisors like estate planners and financial planners who counsel their clients on charitable matters. There is a whole industry responsible for helping philanthropists give efficiently, and give better.
We are blessed with an incredibly charitable and resourceful community in which The Foundation plays a key role, distributing $177 million in grants locally, nationally, and in Israel in 2023 alone. That’s a mindboggling amount of tzedakah, and I’m proud of our ability to inspire and maximize the effectiveness of that giving.
I’ve also learned that:
10/7 sparked both financial generosity and Jewish identity. To date, approximately $1.5 billion has supported emergency assistance in Israel, which speaks to the essential connection so many North American Jews feel to the country and our brethren. At the same time, we’ve seen a marked return to our Jewish family, culture, people, and even religion, including many philanthropists who are asking for our advice after years of giving primarily to nonsectarian causes.
Philanthropists are also focused on addressing antisemitism today. We support this giving, while also advising that impact must be carefully researched and monitored. Data can help reveal which charitable investments are delivering results, and not all attempts to eradicate this 3,500-year scourge are equally effective in ensuring safety or changing hearts and minds. (See pages 8-9 for more on this topic.)
Amidst a crisis, we also have a responsibility to the many nonprofits in our community that do great work but still struggle to raise ample resources.
I encourage you to remember the organizations, both local and in Israel, that may be underfunded due to shifts in resource allocations.
How much to give is a very personal decision and one that is also guided by a deep reservoir of Jewish wisdom. There are a host of issues to consider when
forecasting one’s annual charitable giving amount. As a community, we have room to grow to better understand things like Judaism’s emphasis on giving based on percentages. Imagine an annual report that elevates the donors who give the largest percentage of their net worth to charity (instead of arbitrary giving levels)!
Creating a charitable fund at The Foundation is smart and tax-efficient. I created one several years before I started working here, and after learning much more about the power of charitable funds and the tax code, I now have an even greater appreciation for the many benefits of smart philanthropic planning.
Lastly, while we may be living in very divisive times, philanthropy is one vital element that unites us. No matter where people are on the political spectrum, helping others transcends ideology.
Rabbi Aaron B. Lerner President & CEO Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
MEET
RACHEL & JON TELLER
The Tellers have been Foundation clients since 2020. Jon is an award-winning trial attorney, and Rachel has been recognized numerous times nationally and in Israel as an exceptional young real estate professional. Rachel’s father, Alan Stern, was a former Foundation trustee and enthusiastically inspired her to continue the family tradition and open a Donor Advised Fund at The Foundation. Here, she explains her approach to philanthropy.
QWhat inspired you to become a Foundation client?
When I was a kid, my father would often come home after a Foundation meeting and tell us about its good work, and I saw how much he enjoyed the process.
When I got older, and my husband and I were building our careers and getting more involved in philanthropy, our charitable giving became more complicated. When we were doing our taxes and searching for our charitable receipts at year-end, we realized it was a cumbersome and disorganized process. So we began asking ourselves: How can we better manage our charitable giving? How much should we be giving? Where else should we be giving? Both my husband and I work full-time, and we’re parents to three kids. Ultimately, we knew we needed help in this area.
QBearing witness to your parents’ philanthropy has inspired your own giving. How will you pass along this value to your three children?
My parents led by example, and that’s also very important to me. My husband and I intentionally talk about philanthropy with our kids and explain the different organizations and charity events we are involved with. My son’s bar mitzvah is coming up, and we will actively embed tzedakah into the celebration. When they enter high school, we plan to open Donor Advised Funds at The Foundation for them so that tzedakah can become a more active and real part of their lives.
QWhat is the focus of your family’s giving?
QWhy was a Donor Advised Fund the best option for you?
We decided that a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) was the ideal solution because we’re actively involved in several charities and needed a way to simplify our tzedakah. You can conveniently add to your DAF at any time during the year or all at once at year’s end through an online portal. We started modestly, and as our income has grown, so has our DAF. I’m a big believer in the Jewish saying that whatever you give, God makes sure you get back tenfold. Especially as a young couple, a DAF is an ideal way to better manage our finances and our giving.
There are four pillars to our philanthropy: Jewish education, fighting antisemitism, pro-Israel causes, and cancer research. Having money set aside in our DAF — sort of like a charitable bank account — lets us be more intentional about our giving. It enables us to have deep conversations and create a thoughtful giving plan with more impact.
QSince October 7, how has The Foundation helped in guiding your giving?
I like to call myself an impact philanthropist, and having a DAF at The Foundation helped tremendously after 10/7. It allowed us to have the resources available and created a kind of “bucket” so that when the attack happened we already had the money allocated. The Foundation’s
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website allowed for quick and easy giving and provided a list of vetted Israeli nonprofits. We trusted The Foundation’s advice about how to give most effectively during the crisis.
QIn what other ways is The Foundation your trusted partner in philanthropy?
One of the great things The Foundation does is host events for clients, to bring together like-minded philanthropists with illuminating speakers about various philanthropic topics. Just like talking to your kids about giving is contagious, so is being around other philanthropy-minded people. We’ve been inspired and learned about some important new opportunities to give.
Having money set aside in our DAF — sort of like a charitable bank account — lets us be more intentional about our giving.”
Scan here to watch Rachel:
by Naomi Strongin
Vice President, Center for Designed Philanthropy
Directing Philanthropy in the Shadow of October 7
October 7 launched an unprecedented period of philanthropy and grantmaking, unlike anything I have seen in my 15-plus years in the field. The urgency and outpouring of support from the Jewish community has been truly remarkable and much longer lasting than other emergencies.
Increasingly, clients have expressed interest in identifying the most pressing and timely areas of need, with a particular focus on addressing the national rise in antisemitism. Our Israel-based philanthropy consultant, Offi Zisser, recently offered a sobering account of the major challenges Israel is facing today. Specifically:
n Government cutbacks have compounded challenges for Israel’s social infrastructure because many nonprofits rely on public support for 50-80% of their operating budgets.
n Welfare and educational programs are being reduced or canceled.
n And Israel’s economy is facing difficulties due to the war.
What We Recommend
With all of this in mind, we recommend providing general operating support to trusted nonprofits so that they have the resources to survive and adapt in times of crisis.
If you’re looking to help address the most pressing needs, we recommend directing giving in the following areas:
1. Emergency Needs in Israel — In her webinar, Offi emphasized the need for mental health and trauma support. It’s estimated that over 500,000 Israelis are at risk of developing PTSD, and there is a critical shortage of therapists, psychologists, and social workers operating locally. Physical rehabilitation is also a priority and increasingly needed — Israel’s disabled population has grown 30% due to soldiers and civilians being wounded since 10/7. In addition, aid to northern Israel, advocacy and support for hostages, building social cohesion, and bringing Israelis together to heal as a nation are all essential.
2. Nonprofits You Supported Prior to 10/7 Locally and in Israel — Some Jewish nonprofits have experienced a decrease in funding due to donors prioritizing their funds to address the crisis in Israel. Our local Jewish nonprofits, schools, and synagogues make up the fabric of the flourishing Jewish community locally. We still have a responsibility to our local community even when crisis strikes abroad.
3. Combatting Antisemitism — The Anti-Defamation League has recorded a 337% increase in antisemitic incidents year over year. With the rampant increase in demonstrations on university campuses, it is even more critical to support efforts that address this threat to the Jewish people. We recommend support for everything from increased security measures to advocacy and safety on social media channels, programs to educate our children and raise a well-informed next generation, and funding for robust Jewish life across our communities.
4. Health and Wellbeing of Jewish Communal Staff — Jewish professionals are the fabric of Jewish life. They educate our children, engage our teens and young adults, support our seniors, provide direct social services to our community, and so much more. A recent community-wide survey revealed that the Jewish nonprofit community is on the edge of a wellbeing and burnout crisis. Now, more than ever, leaders are seeking to prioritize staff wellness, team building, and professional development to foster environments that will retain and support a strong workforce.
Support Both Urgent and Ongoing Needs
Each one of us has the individual capacity to make a difference, turn tragedy into action, and, in the process, meet the urgent needs of the moment. This is a time to support emergency needs AND to support your favorite long-time charities.
I continue to be inspired by the daily generosity throughout our community. I am proud to be a part of a team ensuring this timely and vital support reaches the people and communities in need.
TOGETHER, WE ARE RESPONDING TO THE CONFLICT.
The Foundation and our clients continue to allocate significant funding to Israel.
In
the months following October 7
The Foundation and our clients awarded more than $10 million to hundreds of organizations to support emergency needs in Israel.
Top organizations recommended by Foundation experts include:
n NATAL
n ELEM
n Hostages and Missing Families Forum
n Sheba Medical Center
Scan the QR code below for a full list of our vetted organizations in Israel to support:
Strengthening and Protecting Our Community
The Foundation’s grantmaking is rooted in the Jewish value of tzedakah and serves as a powerful means to address the most pressing issues of our time.
Safeguarding Jewish Los Angeles
Our Jewish community has been facing unprecedented antisemitism, and worrying acts of aggression, which have required a rapid and comprehensive response.
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We are grateful for your support and expression of solidarity, especially at this time.”
— Rabbi Dovid Revah, Adas Torah
Support for Adas Torah
In the days following the violent clashes that erupted when pro-Palestinian protestors demonstrated in front of the synagogue in Pico-Robertson, blocking access to Adas Torah and spilling into the surrounding area, The Foundation awarded the synagogue an emergency grant as a demonstration of support and solidarity.
$1.3 Million in Security Grants to 55 Jewish Institutions
The Foundation, in a unique partnership with JFEDLA, has awarded $1.3 million to improve security measures at 55 Jewish institutions across Los Angeles that serve children. Informed by our shared Jewish value of pikuach nefesh (saving a life), we preserve and protect our institutions and foster safe environments where we can practice and celebrate our beloved religion peacefully.
This effort also received significant funding through a national initiative sponsored by The Tepper Foundation’s Emergency Security Fund awarded through Jewish Federations of North America.
SYNAGOGUES/EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERS
Adat Ari El
Adat Shalom
B’nai David-Judea Congregation
B’nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool
Burbank Temple Emanu El
Congregation Ner Tamid of South Bay
Congregation Or Ami
Hamakom
IKAR
Kehillat Israel
Leo Baeck Temple
Mishkon Tephilo
Nefesh LA
Open Temple
Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center
Sinai Temple
Stephen Wise Temple
Temple Adat Elohim
Temple Akiba of Culver City
Temple B’nai Hayim
Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills
Temple Isaiah
Temple Israel of Hollywood
Temple Judea
Temple Menorah
Temple Sinai of Glendale
Valley Beth Shalom
DAY SCHOOLS/YESHIVOT
Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School
Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy
Ilan Ramon Day School
Mesivta of Greater Los Angeles
Milken Community School
Ohel Chana High School
Or Hachaim Academy
Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am
Samuel A. Fryer Yavneh Academy
Yeshiva Aharon Yaakov/Ohr Eliyahu
Yeshiva Ketana of Los Angeles
YULA High School
CAMPS
American Jewish University — Camp Alonim
Bnei Akiva of Los Angeles
Camp Ramah in California
Habonim Dror Camp Gilboa
Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of LA —
Camp Bob Waldorf
Wilshire Boulevard Temple — Camp Hess Kramer and Hilltop Camp
ORGANIZATIONS SERVING CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS
Friendship Circle Los Angeles
Hillel at UCLA
Holocaust Museum Los Angeles
Maor Academy LA
Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center
Simon Wiesenthal Center — Museum of Tolerance
USC Hillel
Valley Friendship Circle (Chabad of Studio City)
Valley Jewish Community Center
The J (formerly Westside JCC)
Standing Up for Jewish Students
In response to the alarming increase in antisemitic demonstrations and incidents on local campuses, The Foundation made emergency grants to support Jewish students, faculty, and staff:
Hillel at UCLA works with faculty and campus administrators to identify the sources of campus antisemitism and improve support and fair inclusion of Jewish students at UCLA.
USC Hillel partners with USC leadership to develop responses to antisemitic activity on campus and provides students with knowledge, guidance, support, and tools.
Hillel 818 provides a safe space for Jewish students at California State University Northridge (CSUN), Pierce College, and Los Angeles Valley College.
OXY Hillel is a center for Jewish life at Occidental College.
OXY Hillel provides social, intellectual, and spiritual opportunities for students and staff members to explore and celebrate Jewish identity.
Jewish Federation’s Campus Impact Network works with local Hillel leaders, monitors and supports students in response to antisemitic activity on campus, and advocates with university leaders.
Addressing Food Insecurity and Building Connections
At the Passover seder we re-tell the story of Exodus and declare, Kol dichfin yeitei v’yeichol — let all who are hungry, come and eat. This tenet of the Passover holiday inspires our annual Passover and Purim Grants to Jewish organizations in Los Angeles and Israel.
Israel
Lasova operates 40 food programs throughout Israel including soup kitchen restaurants and food distribution at youth centers and homeless shelters.
Latet works to reduce poverty in Israel and address the most pressing challenges in society. As an umbrella organization, Latet provides 200+ NGOs throughout Israel with food packages and other services.
Leket Israel, an umbrella organization for the donation of surplus food, provides more than 110 tons of food per week to nearly 200 soup kitchens, homeless shelters, senior centers, and more.
“We are so grateful The Foundation is thinking of our Hillel and our students at UCLA during these tough times and always.”
— Daniel Gold, Executive Director, Hillel at UCLA
Los Angeles
Karsh Family Social Service Center provides low-income Angelinos with multi-lingual social services in a single location, including critical food, health, family wellbeing, and legal services.
Love N Groceries works to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens felt by Jewish widows and widowers and their children.
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger works to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the U.S. and in Israel, focusing on governmental advocacy; grantmaking to food banks and pantries; and engaging the Jewish community in local anti-hunger advocacy.
“Our team takes great care to ensure families are treated with love and respect, helping to provide stability and support. The Foundation’s grant is so appreciated.”
— Elaina Lauer, President and CEO, Love N Groceries
Congregation Ohel Torah (Keren Almanos V’Yesomim Fund, aka Widows and Orphans Fund) helps widows and orphans in the U.S. and Canada fill their basic need for protein.
OneTable empowers Jewish young adults to build community by creating their own authentic Shabbat dinners, engaging over 15,000 Angelinos in 5,250 Shabbat dinners.
Tomchei Shabbos provides financial hardship assistance to 500 families and provides Shabbat food and weekly groceries to 4,500 individuals annually.
Love N Groceries
Supporting Access to Infant and Maternal Health
Through The Foundation’s Community Grants program, we focus on high-priority issues in Los Angeles. Alarming statistics have demonstrated systemic inequities in healthcare for Black mothers and infants. As a result, The Foundation is now funding direct access to prenatal and birthing services and care; advocacy efforts facilitating systemic change for better access to health resources, services, and benefits; and support to grassroots nonprofits and leaders on the frontlines of this work.
California Black Women’s Health Project
Black Women for Wellness reduces health disparities for Black infants and mothers through community education and political advocacy.
California Black Women’s Health Project ensures Black women and families have the resources they need to have healthy pregnancies and births, and increases the number of trained Black birth workers including midwives, doulas, and lactation consultants.
“The Foundation’s support ensures that essential maternal and infant health programs continue to thrive and provide valuable education and advocacy for Black women across Los Angeles.”
— Janette Robinson Flint, Executive Director, Black Women for Wellness
Black Women for Wellness
CinnaMoms CinnaMoms addresses racial disparities in breastfeeding, infant, and maternal health among Black families.
Compton GIRLS Club supports girls and gender non-conforming youth in underserved communities, addressing issues like mental health, self-advocacy, and family planning, and connects mothers to resources and benefits.
Maternal Mental Health NOW works with healthcare providers, health systems, and state and local government to ensure support for perinatal anxiety and depression is part of standard prenatal and postpartum care in LA County.
Mighty Little Giants supports families with NICU babies in underserved communities, providing monthly groups, doula help, care kits, and financial aid.
Therapeutic Play Foundation, Inc. works to improve the mental health of Black communities and families with culturally responsive programs and services.
“With support from The Foundation we can address root causes of health disparities and improve maternal health outcomes for Black and African American families in Los Angeles.”
— Dr. Toncé Jackson, Co-Founder and Director, CinnaMoms
To learn more about The Foundation’s grantmaking, please scan here:
Mighty Little Giants
LARRY COHEN & LAURA LEVE COHEN
Larry Cohen has a unique and multi-layered long-term relationship with The Foundation. He’s the director of the Leve Family Foundation, which funds numerous nonprofits locally and in Israel, and he’s also the board chair of Shalom Institute/Camp JCA Shalom, a multi-year Foundation grantee.
What is the number one reason you chose to partner with The Foundation?
We share the same values and a common language about philanthropy. The Foundation is deeply familiar with many of the organizations we want to support. We are aligned in our thinking about strengthening our community and which organizations need our
It’s about having a personal relationship?
Exactly. Of course, trust is a big factor. We trust The Foundation to make smart and informed recommendations about where and how to give in a way that honors what’s important to our family.
What’s the best way to develop that
I’d say, take your time. Just sit down and meet with their experts, or have lunch. Or just call and chat. I could reach out to many people at The Foundation and have a conversation about what we’re interested in. They’ll help me vet a new organization and get to know it, even arrange for a site visit. You don’t get that at some of the larger financial institutions. It’s the caring and personal touch that makes all the difference. It feels like family.
“ We trust The Foundation to make smart and informed recommendations about where and how to give in a way that honors what’s important to our family.”
QWhy is this so important?
Philanthropy is personal and nuanced. I’ve been involved in many organizations in Los Angeles, both as a donor and a board member, so I can bring some perspective to the table, which I hope is helpful as we decide together which organizations to support and how best to strengthen our community. The Foundation
can look at a broad swath of nonprofits, see who’s having an impact, and then advise us accordingly. We’ve enjoyed this fruitful collaboration for many years. Working with them has been a blessing.
QWhat is the focus of your family’s giving?
It’s about helping to provide tools, education, and opportunities for those lacking those things to grow and be successful. We’re very committed to supporting Jewish culture and programs that build community, engage and provide access, and safeguard our community.
Scan here to watch Larry:
What do I need to do now to prepare for possible tax law changes?
Maximize your gifting and capital gains deductions before year-end.”
– Steve Gamer, VP, Advancement
“
Changes that have the potential to impact your giving provide a perfect opportunity to review the organizations you supported in the past year and consider your giving strategy, focus areas, size, and number of grants as year-end and 2025 approach.”
–
Naomi Strongin, VP, Center for Designed Philanthropy
“
Contact your attorney as soon as possible to discuss whether you should consider transferring assets before the estate tax exemption potentially decreases.”
– Natella Royzman, VP, Charitable Planning
We are happy to offer referrals to attorneys specializing in tax and estate planning. Contact us at development@jewishfoundationla.org.
New Trustees
MELISSA HELD BORDY is the chief financial officer of Held Properties. Prior to joining Held Properties in 1987, she served as vice president of Asset/Liability Management for California Federal Savings and Loan Association, vice president of financial administration for Beverly Hills Savings and Loan Association, and assistant treasurer for R & B Enterprises. She serves on Honeymoon Israel and Alma Backyard Farms boards and is the finance chair at both entities. She is a member of the Advisory Board of the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.
Melissa holds an MBA in finance and real estate from the University of California, Berkeley, and earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Irvine.
“I am honored to be included on The Foundation’s Board of Trustees with this distinguished and impressive group. The opportunity to use my skills in finance to assist in the noble vision of The Foundation is very exciting. There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to give back to our community.”
TOM HEYMANN has more than 45 years of experience in operationally complex, service-intensive environments spanning a variety of industries, including e-commerce, education, retail, technology, and restaurant. Since 2012, he has served as president and CEO of NNA Services, LLC., which operates several enterprises serving the notary, surety, and mortgage finance industries.
He served as chairman and CEO of Knowledge Learning Corporation and president of Disney Stores, Inc., as well as managing director and co-founder of Digital Coast Ventures and president of the Levy and Mastro’s restaurant groups.
Tom earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Northwestern University.
I look forward to being of service to the Board of Trustees, the professionals and staff, and most importantly, the families and individuals who have entrusted the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles with their philanthropic pursuits.”
Networking
@ Petersen Automotive Museum
Advisors thoroughly enjoyed a recent exclusive mixer at the Petersen Automotive Museum. The event featured an engaging program and a unique chance to explore the classic cars in the museum’s “vault.” Colleagues mingled over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and Daniel Stover’s insightful talk about connecting with others in business and life left a lasting impression.
David Nimmer
Ken Weiss, Rabbi Aaron Lerner, Cathy Siegel Weiss
Natalie, Charlie, and Jonathan Gerber
Sue Hoffman, Paul Hoffman, Thomas Pastore, Mitchell Miller
Daniel Stover
Anastasia Kurteeva, Maria Shatabskaya
Addressing Antisemitism
@ The Foundation
Rabbi Aaron moderated a spirited panel discussion about fighting antisemitism with speakers Leah Soibel, founder and CEO of Fuenta Latina, and Matt Williams, vice president of the Center for Antisemitism Research at the Anti-Defamation League. They discussed data-informed approaches to tackling antisemitism and explored what has worked, what hasn’t, and how to effectively shift strategies for a new generation.
Rabbi Aaron Lerner, Leah Soibel, Matt Williams
Susan Montgomery, David Horvitz, Natella Royzman, Michael Bordy, Charlotte Friedman, Erez Kabaker
Michael Scott, Bill Feiler, Mark Schwartz
Miriam Krombach, Daniel Krombach, Dan Kahen
Daniella Naim Kahen, Cathy Siegel Weiss, Bill Feiler, Cece Feiler
6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Donate Appreciated Stock to The Foundation
Many publicly traded stocks have recently increased greatly in value. Gifting appreciated stock directly to your fund at The Foundation can significantly increase the funds available to support your favorite causes while providing you with a larger tax benefit.
Here’s How:
Chair Evan Schlessinger
Executive Vice President
Dan Rothblatt
President & CEO
Rabbi Aaron Lerner
Vice Presidents
Abby L.T. Feinman
Mark N. Schwartz
Eugene Stein
Adlai W. Wertman
Secretary
Marcia Weiner Mankoff
Treasurer
Anthony Chanin
Chief Financial Officer
SVP, Finance & Administration
Deborah Johnston
Vice President, Advancement
Steve Gamer
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Lew Groner
Vice President & General Counsel
Ellen Rosen
Vice President, Charitable Planning
Natella Royzman
Vice President, Center for Designed Philanthropy
Naomi Strongin
1. If you don’t already have a fund with us and want to open one with a stock donation, contact us today.
2. Consult your investment advisor and review your portfolio for opportunities.
3. Select the stock(s) and how many shares that you’d like to donate.
4. Go to: jewishfoundationla.org/donating-stock to fill out a form or click on the QR code below.
Contact us today at 323.761.8704 or development@jewishfoundationla.org.
TEL 323.761.8700 jcfla.org
SUMMER 2024
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Scan to donate appreciated stock to The Foundation:
