What Gives? The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast

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On “What Gives? The Jewish philanthropy podcast” from Jewish Funders Network, we explore and debate the issues that matter in philanthropy and the Jewish community. Along the way, we build a deeper sense of community by sharing stories, getting to know the people in our field, and spreading ideas th…

Jewish Funders Network


    • May 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 68 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from What Gives? The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast

    William Daroff - Building Consensus in a Divided World

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 52:46


    Episode 65 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. With decades of experience navigating Washington and Jerusalem, William offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Conference builds consensus across a coalition of 50 diverse Jewish organizations. We explore the delicate balance between public statements and quiet diplomacy, how Jewish communal leaders respond to rising antisemitism on campus, and what it means to represent a politically diverse Jewish community in times of division and crisis. William shares his personal journey from grassroots political campaigns to the highest levels of Jewish leadership, and the lessons he's learned about relationship-building, advocacy, and the surprising power of passionate moderation. Take a listen.

    Rabbi Noah Farkas - Responding to Disaster, Rebuilding Jewish Life

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 51:48


    Episode 64 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Noah Farkas, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Noah's career has been shaped by crisis leadership: from his time as a Navy chaplain in Iraq, to rebuilding Jewish life in Biloxi after Hurricane Katrina, to guiding his community through the aftermath of October 7th and the devastating California wildfires. We explore how his background in trauma care, disaster response, and Jewish values has informed a bold philanthropic strategy in a time of volatility and uncertainty. You'll hear how the L.A. Federation evacuated 300,000 residents, reopened early childhood centers, and launched new funds to restore Jewish communal life—from preschools to summer camps to professional pipelines. Noah shares why federations are the Jewish community's “9-1-1,” and how moral clarity and rapid action can build resilience for the long haul. Take a listen.

    Dr. Neil Theise - Exploring Complexity and the Science of Belonging

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 55:01


    Episode 63 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we learn about the intersections of science, spirituality, and community with Dr. Neil Theise. Neil is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a pioneer in the fields of adult stem cell plasticity and the framework of the body's internal support system. In his book Notes on Complexity, Neil explores how complexity theory not only unravels the mysteries of biology and physics but also offers a profound lens through which we can view society, spirituality, and even Jewish communal life. In this conversation, we'll talk about how complexity theory reshapes our understanding of leadership, community resilience, and the power of relationships, as well as Neil's personal journey—from considering rabbinical school to becoming a Zen Buddhist and a leading pathologist. This is a conversation that connects atoms to cities, stem cells to spirituality, and Jewish identity to the fabric of the universe.

    Dr. Jeffrey Solomon - Legacy, Leadership, and the Future of Jewish Philanthropy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 43:29


    Episode 62 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Jeffrey Solomon, a towering figure in Jewish philanthropy whose impact has shaped the field for decades. As Senior Advisor to Chasbro Investments and former President of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, Jeff's influence has extended across Canada, Israel, and the United States. He's played a pivotal role in transformative initiatives like Birthright Israel and has been a trusted partner to some of the most influential funders in Jewish life. Jeff reflects on his remarkable journey—from growing up as the child of Holocaust survivors, to navigating a career that spanned public service, communal leadership, and groundbreaking philanthropy. He talks about the evolution of Jewish communal work, the challenges of funding structures, and the ethical dilemmas philanthropy faces today. Jeff shares candid insights on his partnership with Charles Bronfman, the founding of Birthright Israel, and the leadership lessons he's learned over his prolific career. We also explore the role of elders in community resilience and why innovation remains at the heart of sustainable philanthropy. Take a listen.

    Stephen Bronfman & Nigel Savage - Climate Action & Jewish Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 41:39


    Episode 61 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Stephen Bronfman, a leader in Jewish philanthropy with a strong commitment to environmental activism, and Nigel Savage, a pioneer in Jewish environmental education and the founding CEO of the Jewish Climate Trust. Together, we explore how their backgrounds—Stephen's lifelong connection to the outdoors and family legacy of philanthropy, and Nigel's journey from finance to Jewish environmental leadership—have shaped their efforts to mobilize Jewish funders and organizations in tackling the climate crisis. We also discuss Israel's role as a hub for sustainability innovation and how climate action can connect Jewish values with social justice and global impact. Take a listen.

    Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer: Bridging Divides Through Torah Study

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 53:31


    Episode 60 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we explore the power of dialogue and the transformative potential of Jewish study across ideological and denominational lines. Joining today are author, journalist, and podcast returnee Abigail Pogrebin, and Rabbi Dov Linzer, President and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Together, they co-authored It Takes Two to Torah: An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate Their Way Through the Five Books of Moses. We discuss how their partnership has navigated complex questions of pluralism, Jewish continuity, and the enduring significance of Torah in modern Jewish life. This thought-provoking conversation delves into bridging divides, grappling with sacred text, and modeling how Torah study can unite us in a polarized world. Take a listen. 

    Dr. Noam Weissman - Empowering the Next Generation Through Jewish Storytelling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 47:49


    Episode 59 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we host Dr. Noam Weissman, an educator and media expert who has pioneered new ways to tell Israel's story and educate young people about the complexities and beauty of Zionism and Jewish history. Noam is the Senior Vice President at OpenDor Media, a nonprofit media company producing thought-provoking content to connect this generation with Israel and the broader Jewish story. We explore Noam's approach to storytelling; one that is sophisticated, credible, and ultimately empowering for the next generation. Take a listen.

    Yehuda Kurtzer - Jewish Identity in a Changing World

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 62:11


    Episode 58 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Andrés and Yehuda dive into a topic that speaks to the heart of our communal and personal identities—how we grapple with change, wrestle with belonging, and find meaning in the face of uncertainty. Yehuda brings his nuanced perspective on how tradition, intellectual inquiry, and a vision for the future converge to shape Jewish identity today. They explore the complexities of Jewish life and ask what it means to build community in an era of individualism.

    Laura Lauder - Philanthropic Leadership and Securing the Jewish Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 51:16


    Episode 57 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Laura Lauder, a trailblazer in Jewish philanthropy whose work has reshaped the way communities approach innovation and impact. Laura's story is one of vision, legacy, and a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life. As Board Chair-Elect of the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, Laura shares her experiences tackling some of the most pressing issues facing American Jewry today, including anti-Semitism, support for Israel, and building sustainable philanthropy for future generations. Together, Andrés and Laura explore the evolving role of Federations, the transformative power of community foundations, and what it means to build a thriving Jewish future. Laura's passion and expertise shine throughout this inspiring conversation—take a listen!

    Andrés Spokoiny - Reimagining Jewish Communities, hosted by Abigail Pogrebin

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 44:40


    Episode 56 of What Gives? the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, featuring JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés sits down with journalist and author Abigail Pogrebin, who takes over as host, placing Andrés in the hot seat to discuss his new book, Tradition and Transition: Jewish Communities and the Hyper Empowered Individual. Together, they dive into how Jewish communities can navigate and thrive in today's evolving world, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the balance between tradition and modernity. From the existential dilemmas of the individual to the transformative role of Jewish institutions, this thought-provoking conversation will leave you reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for building stronger, more connected communities. Take a listen.

    Rachel Sumekh - Dispelling Myths and Addressing Jewish Poverty

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 48:32


    Episode 55 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rachel Sumekh, Project Executive of TEN: Together Ending Need, a collaborative initiative of funders working to ensure that all Jews have access to basic needs. Rachel and Andrés speak about the critical issue of Jewish poverty. Rachel highlights the reality of Jewish poverty, dispels the myths surrounding it, and sheds light on how poverty impacts all sectors of the Jewish community. Rachel brings both data and heart to this important conversation, as we explore ways the Jewish philanthropic community can tackle these challenges.

    Zvika Krieger - Responsible Innovation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 51:50


    Episode 54 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Zvika Krieger, a dynamic figure who straddles the worlds of technology and spirituality. Zvika was the first ever Director of Responsible Innovation at Facebook, now Meta, though he has had an eclectic career, ranging from journalism in the Middle East to policy work in Washington, DC, before pivoting to technology. We delve into his journey, exploring the intersection of tech innovation and Jewish spirituality. We discuss the impact of social media on society, the search for meaning in the digital age, and how traditional practices can coexist with modern technology. Zvika's insights provide a unique perspective on how we can navigate the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world.

    Rabbi Sharon Brous – Love, Loss, and Building Sacred Communities

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 50:28


    Episode 53 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder and senior rabbi IKAR, a vibrant Jewish community in Los Angeles known for its inclusive approach to Jewish life. Rabbi Brous delves into the themes of her new book, The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World, which explores love, loss, community, and connection. She and Andrés touch on the current crises impacting the Jewish world, and how her insights are particularly relevant in these challenging times. Rabbi Brous shares her profound thoughts on the importance of building sacred community bonds and addressing the pervasive loneliness in our society, drawing from both ancient texts and contemporary experiences.

    Joshua Foer - Innovating Jewish Education and Storytelling

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 50:40


    Episode 52 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny.  In this episode, Andrés speaks with Joshua Foer. Josh is the co-founder of Sefaria, an open-source digital library of Jewish texts. Recently, he launched Lehrhaus, a "Jewish Tavern" in Boston aimed at making Torah study accessible in a welcoming environment. Josh discusses his journey from science journalism to Jewish entrepreneurship, the impact of Sefaria on Jewish learning, and his latest venture, Leviathan, a production company focused on the Jewish storytelling missing in today's popular culture. Take a listen to this conversation, offering a look into Josh's innovative approach to Jewish education and community building.

    Amy Spitalnick - Antisemitism, Democracy, and Coalition Building

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 56:16


    Episode 51 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to explore the resurgence of antisemitism, the intersection of Jewish safety and democratic integrity, and the importance of building strong, inclusive coalitions. Amy shares insights from her extensive experience in policy and advocacy, highlighting the critical work needed to protect and strengthen our communities in these challenging times. 

    Rabbi Danny Schiff - Judaism in a Digital Age

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 49:44


    Episode 50 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We bring you an episode recorded last year, before October 7th. Rabbi Danny Schiff joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to discuss how far Judaism allows us to push technological advances. If medicine makes it possible, should Jews be allowed to increase their lifespan indefinitely? Or does that violate what it means to be human and Jewish. They discuss the immediate need to begin discussing and finding consensus around the issues of artificial intelligence, social media, and rapidly developing medical breakthroughs. 

    Yotam Polizer - Adaptability, Care, and Post-Traumatic Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 20:59


    Episode 49 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, IsraAid CEO Yotam Polizer is joined by Prof. Nava Levit-Binnun to talk about IsraAid's transition to working within Israel in the wake of October 7th, and how much we need adaptability, care, and post-traumatic growth. 

    Oded Adomi Leshem - Hope Amidst Conflict

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 16:07


    Episode 48 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, Oded Adomi Leshem, author of Hope Amidst Conflict, gives his perspective on hope, resilience, and vision, and shares a first person account of Israel's civic strength in the wake of October 7th.

    Dan Senor - How Israel Will Bounce Back

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 23:08


    Episode 47 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, Dan Senor, host of 'The Genius of Israel', speaks at the JFN International Conference about what makes Israel unique and why it will come back from the events of October 7th.

    Sigal Yaniv Feller: Philanthropy and Israel - Charting the Future at the Jewish Funders Network 2024 Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 21:03


    Episode 46 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Explore the vital role of philanthropy in Israel's current challenges and opportunities for growth. JFN Israel Executive Director Sigal Yaniv Feller highlights the transition from nation-building to society-building, underscoring the importance of strategic philanthropic efforts in shaping Israel's resilient future.

    Andres Spokoiny addresses the 2024 JFN International Conference in Tel Aviv

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 20:42


    After the unthinkable events of October 7th and the subsequent crises in Israel, we made the decision to suspend the podcast so that we could better focus on Israel's recovery. Now, we are resuming our work on What Gives, sharing with you expert knowledge in the field of Jewish philanthropy. Episode 45 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We felt it appropriate to transition back into the show by sharing some of the powerful messages presented at the 2024 JFN International Conference, which we held recently in Israel. Beginning with the keynote address from JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny at the opening night of the conference, Andres looked to address our collective grief, and to challenge us to look towards the future with hope and determination.

    Dr. Mijal Bitton: Translating Sephardi and Mizrahi Stories in America

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 48:40


    Episode 44 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Dr. Mijal Bitton, Rosh Kehilla and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about being a translator for the stories of Sephardi, Mizrahi, and other non-Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Andres and Mijal talk about what the trajectory of those communities has been in the United States, and the misunderstandings that the larger American Jewish community has about the recent waves of immigrant Jews, politically and culturally. Mijal also gives insight into being a woman leader in an orthodox religious community, and witnessing the transcendence of god through parenthood.

    Rabbi Leon Morris: How Do We Build Communities of Meaning?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 50:09


    Episode 43 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Rabbi Leon Morris, President of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about his essay in Sources, "In Defense of Surrender in Liberal Jewish Life." Morris argues that a Jewish response to individual agency having eclipsed every other important value is necessary, and can be done through a sense of surrender (of our defenses, our time, and our notion of isolated individualism) to community, rather than submission to authority. Leon talks about what he finds exciting about pluralistic spaces, how thoroughly modern Jews are having trouble finding places for Jewishness in their lives, the enormous relevance that traditional texts still have for our modern time, and what gives him hope for the Jewish future. Works referenced in this episode: In Defense of Surrender in a Liberal Jewish Life Kaddish, Leon Wieseltier (1998) Judaism in a Digital Age, Danny Schiff (2023)

    Yotam Polizer: IsraAID's frontline Humanitarian Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 45:15


    Episode 42 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Yotam Polizer, CEO of IsraAID, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about how IsraAid is able to deploy to places where Israel doesn't have diplomatic relations, and the knock on effects of sending aid from Israel to unfriendly territories. Yotam spoke about how a humanitarian organization fundraises at times when there isn't a disaster in the news, and about the steps that he and his team take to ensure that they stay mentally and emotionally happy in the face of this difficult work.

    Casper ter Kuile: Building Spiritual Connections Locally and Digitally

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 47:15


    Episode 41 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Casper ter Kuile, CEO of the Nearness, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about Casper's work in seeking to create a new structure of community experience that uses the ease and accessibility of the internet while also building local connections that become deep friendships. Casper and Andres dive into what the spiritual leadership of the post-COVID world looks like, which models of community we can learn from in creating spiritual belonging, and the importance of the Jewish community asking itself the hard, uncomfortable questions about where it's going, like what the boundaries of Judaism should be.

    Dara Horn: The Problem with Holocaust Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 67:35


    Episode 40 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Award-winning author, essayist, and professor of literature Dara Horn talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about her recent essay in the Atlantic, Is Holocaust Education Making Anti-Semitism Worse? They speak about this hallmark of Jewish education, and education about Jews, that has been so prevalent for the last 50 years. Dara talks about what she found in her research for the piece, her thoughts about identity, antisemitism, Jewish culture, and much, much more.

    Dan Smokler: Reinventing the Old for an Innovative Future

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 42:38


    Episode 39 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Daniel Smokler, Chief Innovation Officer of the Office of Innovation, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about how the philosophy of l'chadaysh et ha'yashan, renewing the old, informs his practice of innovation, how his family history of philanthropy influences his own journey, the changes in rabbinical leadership, and the delayed awakening that could come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    David Bernstein: The Threat of Illiberalism

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 71:35


    Episode 38 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. David Bernstein, Founder and CEO of the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about the threat of illiberalism facing the Jewish community and the United States at large. They discuss what kind of America the Jewish community should be striving to live in and how that can be achieved. 

    Eli Paley: Opening Our Communities to the Haredi Sector

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 47:08


    Episode 37 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Businessman and social activist Eli Paley, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about strategies for opening our communities to the Haredi sector.

    Ari Wallach: The long-term goal of a vibrant Jewish future

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2023 51:38


    Episode 36 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Ari Wallach, Founder and Executive Director of Longpath Labs, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about the case for presenting a positive vision of the future. We discussed the long-term goal of a vibrant and meaningful Jewish future, and spoke about working backwards to determine what steps are necessary to get there

    Yohanan Plesner: Democracy in Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 46:20


    Episode 35 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about the consequences of the new Israeli government's judicial reform initiatives, how today's issues compare to existential threats of Israel's past, and Yohanan's hopes and aspirations for the future of Israeli democracy.

    Carly Maisel: Shining a Light on Antisemitism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2023 59:26


    Episode 34 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Carly Maisel, Global CEO of The Kirsh Foundation, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about Shine a Light on Antisemitism, a new initiative that she is spearheading. They speak about offering a new take on an intractable problem, partnering among funders, and how to get competitive organizations to work together.

    Einat Wilf: Reclaiming Zionism

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 58:53


    In Episode 33 of "What Gives," author and former Knesset member Einat Wilf talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about why so many people in the world misunderstand Israel and Zionism.

    Eric K. Ward: Staying in the Room Together

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 65:00


    Episode 32 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Eric K. Ward, a nationally recognized expert on authoritarian movements, hate groups and preserving inclusive democracy, talks to JFN's Andres Spokoiny about the importance of fostering respectful and open debate.

    staying jewish eric k ward
    Bret Stephens: Fostering Jewish Conversations

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 46:12


    Episode 31 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. New York Times columnist and Sapir Editor-in-Chief Bret Stephens talks with JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny about the importance and limits of civil debate and making room for a diversity of opinion in a time of polarization and echo chambers.

    Jonathan Goodman & Shawna Goodman Sone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 54:47


    Episode 30 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Brother and sister Jonathan Goodman and Shawna Goodman Sone (a JFN board member), of the Morris and Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation, talk about growing up in a philanthropic family, Jewish summer camp, and their shared funding interests.

    Amy Mandel: Sharing Philanthropic Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2022 44:46


    Episode 29 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. In Episode 29 of "What Gives?", the Jewish philanthropy podcast, Amy Mandel of Tzedek Social Justice Fund talks about participatory grantmaking, her decision to cede power over her foundation's grantmaking, and what it was like growing up the daughter of Morton Mandel, a major American Jewish philanthropist.

    Felicia Herman: From Jewish History to Jewish Philanthropy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 59:14


    In Episode 28 of "What Gives?", the Jewish philanthropy podcast, Maimonides Fund COO and Sapir Managing Editor Felicia Herman talks about "geeking out" in Jewish historical archives, Jewish giving circles, and the impact of the pandemic on Jewish giving.          

    Danny Hakim: Sports for Social Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 49:20


    In Episode 27 of "What Gives?", Danny Hakim, a board member of the Azrieli Foundation talks about the power of sports to solve social problems and bring disparate groups together. The founder of Budo for Peace (now called One Team – Sports for Social Change), Danny recently launched the Sports for Social Change Coalition, a growing movement of sports for peace stakeholders in Israel. Mapping of Sports for Peace Coalition (in Hebrew) Sports for Peace Coalition Info (in English)  

    Fay Twersky: Philanthropy That Listens and Responds

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 38:54


    In episode 26 of Jewish Funders Network's "What Gives?" philanthropy podcast, Fay Twersky, the president and director of the Atlanta-based Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (and former vice president of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation) discusses everything from the critical role philanthropy played in the LGBTQ rights movement to participatory grantmaking, to strengthening grantmaker-grantseeker relationships,          

    Georgette Bennett: How She Mobilized Jews and Muslims to Help Syrians

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2021 56:44


    In Episode 25 of JFN's Jewish philanthropy podcast, former JFN Board Chair Georgette Bennett talks about her new book, "Thou Shalt Not Stand Idly By," her experience growing up the child of Jewish refugees, and how to forge multifaith coalitions.

    Eytan Stibbe: Israeli Astronaut and Philanthropist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2021 38:00


    In episode 24 of "What Gives?" the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny talks to renowned Israeli fighter pilot Eytan Stibbe about his philanthropy, impact investing, and how his friend Ilan Ramon inspired him to travel to outer space.          

    Adina Shapiro & Reem Younis: The Growth of Arab Philanthropy in Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 48:06


    In Episode 23 of "What Gives?" the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, JFN Board Member Adina Shapiro and Israeli Entrepreneur/Philanthropist Reem Younis talk about Qudra, a new network for Israel's growing community of Arab philanthropists.

    Vanessa Bartram & Michael Lustig: Tapping The Potential of Jewish Impact Investing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 44:34


    Episode 23 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. JFN members and impact investors Michael Lustig and Vanessa Bartram share what you need to know about this exciting tool for expanding impact and ensuring your investments align with your values. Michael is the author of JFN's new Greenbook, "A Guide to Jewish Impact Investing," and Vanessa facilitates JFN's monthly impact investing roundtable series.

    Rep. Kathy Manning: From Jewish Communal Leader to Political Rising Star

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 37:54


    Episode 22 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Freshman Rep. Kathy Manning (D-North Carolina) — a former JFN board member and the first woman president of the Jewish Federations of North America — talks about why and how she got into politics and her tumultuous first month in office.

    Lisa Greer: Revolutionizing the Way Fundraisers Interact with Donors

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 38:32


    In Episode 21 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, philanthropist, author, and JFN member Lisa Greer talks to host Andréws Spokoiny about philanthropic strategy, some common mistakes fundraisers and philanthropists make, and ways to strengthen relationships between funders and nonprofits. Lisa is the author of the 2020 book, “Philanthropy Revolution: How to Inspire Donors, Build Relationships and Make a Difference,” (Harper Collins), the first such book written from the perspective of a philanthropist.

    Understanding the Grantee-Funder Relationship

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 45:39


    In Episode 20 of "What Gives?" the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, Dena Libman of the Azrieli Foundation and Jack Wertheimer of Jewish Theological Seminary talk about findings from Wertheimer's 2020 "Grantees and Their Funders" report, one of the catalysts for GrantED: Stronger Relationships, Greater Impact, a joint project of JFN and UpStart.

    Cintra Pollack: Achieving Impact in Grantmaking and Investing

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 42:25


    In Episode 19 of "What Gives?" The Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network.Cintra Pollack, an investor, philanthropist and JFN board member, talks about impact investing, generational differences, and balancing her family philanthropy with her Jewish Federation involvement.

    Dan Ariely: The Brain Science of Doing Good

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2021 50:49


    Episode 18 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network.Israeli-American behavioral economist, Wall Street Journal columnist, and best-selling author Dan Ariely is an advisor to Keshet, the new donor-advised fund JFN and its partners brought to Israel. In this episode, he talks to JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny about strategies for promoting positive social outcomes, including getting people to be more philanthropic. They also discuss uniquely Israeli approaches to problem-solving, how Dan's personal history shaped his career, the cookbook he wants to write -- and much more.Watch Dan Ariely's two special lectures for JFN here and here. 

    Ilana Kaufman: Listening to Jews of Color

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 55:00


    Episode 17 of "What Gives?" the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Ilana Kaufman, executive director of the Jews of Color Initiative, and host Andrés Spokoiny discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, how Covid is impacting Jews of color, and how the Jewish community can do a better job of including and serving Jews of color. 

    Rabbi Shai Held: Spiritual Transformation After the Plague

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 44:58


    Episode 16 of "What Gives?" the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network.Guest: Rabbi Shai Held, President, Dean, and Chair in Jewish Thought at Hadar

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