Greetings! We are approaching the High Holidays, a time when many of us reflect on the year that was and look ahead with hopes and ambitions about the year to come. I'm pleased to share insights and reflections in this newsletter from both the Foundation and beneficiaries of grantee-partners in that vein. They touch on themes related to reflections, learning, planning, and creating change. In the spirit of looking ahead, I'm also very pleased to share some exciting news — after an exhaustive national search for a new Foundation board member, we soon will be adding two new members to our board. Tiffany Harris will be joining the Foundation formally in December 2018 and Joshua Foer will be joining the Foundation formally in June 2019. They each will bring important perspectives to our table and come to the Foundation with unique contributions and deep familiarity and personal passion for Jewish meaning, learning, and engagement. In addition to their many accomplishments, both have been peripherally connected to this Foundation through several grantee partners, Tiffany as a former resident and international board member of Moishe House and a Birthright Israel Fellow, and Joshua as a member of Reboot, creator of Sukkah City, and co-founder of Sefaria.   It is an honor to welcome these capable new members to the Board of Directors. In the coming months, we will share news about the Foundation's vision for the future of our philanthropic endeavors. Shanah Tovah U'metuka, May you have a sweet new year.

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News and Notes

Applications are open for The Wexner Field Fellowship , a leadership learning opportunity for high-potential, full-time Jewish communal professionals to deepen their leadership skills and develop a rich network of colleagues.  Applications are open for Jewish institutions or organizations interested in hosting a JOFEE Fellow next year. The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies' new Tefilah database offers support and direction for individual Jewish educators, day schools, and other Jewish educational institutions in the area of Tefilah. Registration is open for The iCenter's iCON 2018: Where Israel and Education Meet ( Nov. 11-13 in Chicago), a gathering for learning and co-creating with hundreds of Jewish educators, thought leaders, and professionals from North America and Israel. Ilana Kaufman has been appointed to be the new Director of Jews of Color Field Building Initiative. In a series for Jewish Funders Network and eJewishPhilanthropy, David Eisner of Repair the World shares insights that may serve Jewish philanthropists seeking to engage more deeply in anti-poverty work. Reboot is back with its 10Q for the High Holidays to help people reflect, react, and renew. **Check out job openings in the field **

Featured Partner

JCC Association Sheva Center Leadership Institute The three-year fellowship brings together a cohort of Jewish early childhood education directors, administrators, and classroom educators to learn together and grow as they share experiences, successes, and challenges educating children and engaging with families. READ MORE

From the Foundation

It’s Your Plan, Not Ours: An Approach to Investing in Strategic Planning Program Officer Aaron Saxe offers insights about the Foundation's approach to supporting grantee-partners' strategic and business plans. What is the Foundation's role? Where does it look to add value? In what context are these processes most likely to succeed? READ MORE

Guest Blog Series on Educator Training and Leadership Development

Supporting Teachers to Become Soulful Educators  Rabbi Jeff Anshalem of Ayeka discusses why the organization views each teacher's own learning for growth as a critical element of its Soulful Education program. READ MORE A Journey into Power Leili Davari of Bend the Arc reflects on her life-changing experience in the Selah Leadership Program for Jews of Color who are social justice leaders working at Jewish and secular organizations. READ MORE

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‌ ‌ B y investing in promising Jewish education grant initiatives, the Jim Joseph Foundation seeks to foster compelling, effective Jewish learning experiences for young Jews in the United States. Established in 2006, the Jim Joseph Foundation seeks to inspire all Jews, their families, and their friends to lead connected, meaningful, purpose-filled lives and to make positive contributions to their communities and the world.