Among the most important objectives of Global Jewry are broadening the reach of our partners and amplifying their messages of Jewish unity and connection. To that end, we invite all of our advisors and partner organizations to utilize GJ Connections, our weekly communication, to share their thoughts and connect with others in the Global Jewry network. We hope to hear from many of you soon.

This week, we are pleased that the leadership of two of our newest partners, the Jewish Future Promise and Jewish Youth Promise, accepted our invitation to share a bit about their organization and their reasons for partnering with us.

Shabbat Shalom. Our hearts go out to the families of the aid workers who died in Gaza on Monday. May this be the week the hostages return home.

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The Promise of the Future

Our names are Hadara Ishak and Josh Schalk, and we are leaders of the Jewish Future Promise (JFP) and Jewish Youth Promise (JYP), respectively. We are thrilled to be members of the Global Jewry advisory board and representatives of two of its organizational partners.

Like Global Jewry, our organizations are concerned about the Jewish future. We recognize the challenges we face as a people, both in Israel and in the rest of the Jewish world. We also understand that the strongest possible foundation is one built on common values and principles, and all of us must work hard to remind ourselves of the positive aspects of Jewish life even as we fight against those wishing to do us harm.

We must also remember to give thought to tomorrow, not just today, even as darkness envelops us. The bonds we are strengthening today are ones we want to last for generations to come, and they will be key to ensuring the existence of thriving Jewish communities all over the world well into the future.

We also agree with the importance Global Jewry places on helping Jews from all over the world share their Jewish stories, values, and traditions with family and friends. It is in the “doing” of being Jewish that strengthens what unites us, and passes along much of what has sustained us as a people for millennia.

And we are not alone. We are humbled by the fact that more than 75,000 people have answered our call to leave at least 50% of their testamentary philanthropy to Jewish causes and/or the State of Israel, whether that be $10 or $10 million. They are not making a legal or binding agreement, but rather promising to help future generations of our people secure a vibrant and thriving future for all Jews and for the state of Israel.

Signers of the Jewish Future Promise (JFP) are also helping advance the mission of Global Jewry in other, more immediate ways. They are sparking intergenerational conversations and Jewish engagement, fostering a culture of Jewish giving, supporting endowment campaigns and donor-advised funds, and trying to build a pipeline of new donors.

Promisers are also working hard to engage Jewish teens and young adults around the globe, all towards the end of becoming active, contributing members of the Jewish community throughout their lives. In close collaboration with other Jewish teen organizations, including several partners of Global Jewry, the Jewish Youth Promise (JYP) seeks to ignite a surge in Jewish pride that will equip Jewish youth, ages 13 to 24, with the confidence to contribute to a strong Jewish future.

It was all this in mind that we agreed to become a partner of Global Jewry as soon as we learned of it. The mission of strengthening the bonds that unite the Jewish people is one that resonates deeply with us and our constituents, all of whom are committed to coming together as a community and providing a solid base for the next generation of Jews and beyond.

To that end, we look forward to linking arms with Global Jewry and all of its partners. Achieving our common goal requires all of us to embody the values we share: making connections, creating collaborations and building community.

We deeply appreciate the help Global Jewry is giving us by broadening our reach and amplifying our message. With its help, and the assistance of many others, we are confident we will be able to ensure a vibrant and thriving Jewish future.

Shabbat shalom,

Hadara and Josh