Orthodox Union Impact Report 5784/2023 by Orthodox Union

ORTHODOX UNION IMPACT REPORT

5784 / 2023

2023 – 24

BOARD

PRESIDENT Mitchel R. Aeder

SECRETARY Menachem Schnaidman

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Yehuda Neuberger

HONORARY CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Howard Tzvi Friedman

VICE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Barbara Lehmann Siegel

HONORARY VICE CHAIRMEN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Torgow Morry Weiss

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS Avi Katz VICE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS Emanuel J. Adler SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Lauri Barbanel Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld Manette Mayberg Isabelle Novak Henry Orlinsky Jerry Wolasky NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS Nahum Felman Ezra Friedberg Chaya Tova Hartman Dr. Allan Jacob Esti Kaminetzky Laizer Kornwasser Rena Kwestel Eli Levitin Chuck Mamiye Azi Mandel Mark Silber ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS Deborah Chames Cohen Shukie Grossman Josh Kuhl Elliott Mandelbaum David Safier Effie Zisblatt TREASURER Morris Smith 2

HONORARY CHAIRMEN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS Elliott Gibber Lee C. Samson HONORARY VICE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS William Tenenblatt PAST PRESIDENTS Mark (Moishe) Bane Julius Berman Harvey Blitz Dr. Bernard Drachman* Julius H. Dukas* Moses I. Feuerstein* Mandell I. Ganchrow, MD* Rabbi Dr. Herbert S. Goldstein* Harold M. Jacobs* Rabbi Joseph Karasick* Dr. Simcha Katz Professor Sidney Kwestel Martin Nachimson Dr. Henry Pereira Mendes* Charles H. Shapiro* Sheldon Rudoff* Stephen J. Savitsky HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS Fred Ehrman Dr. Michael Elman Yitzchak Fund Charlie Harary Dr. David Luchins Avery E. Neumark Henry I. Rothman Gerald M. Schreck

Joseph Stechler Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike Dr. Steven Tennenbaum Esther Williams Michael Wimpfheimer

Rabbi Marc Penner Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter Rabbi Max N. Schreier* Rabbi Berel Wein

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Zev Blumenfrucht Bluma Broner Jeff Cohen Yechiel Eisenstadt David Gerstley Stacey Goldman Baruch Zev (B.Z.) Halberstam Yosi Heber Melanie Renchner Kaminetsky George Karasick Daniel Lowy Vivian Luchins Joel Mael Eitan Milgram Cal Nathan Raphael Nissel Dr. Joshua Penn Yakov Polatsek Yitzie Pretter Dr. Rachel Rabinovitch Eli Raphael, NCSY National President Nomi Rotblat Joshua Rozenberg Moshe Sassover Alan Shamah Dr. Rosalyn Sherman Ronald Wilheim Zevy Wolman Ben Zlotnick

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Leon Achar Max Berlin Marvin Bienenfeld Larry Brown Stuart Cantor Daniel Chill Dr. Ben Chouake Pace Cooper Shirley Feuerstein Debra Hartman Stanley Hillelsohn Lance Hirt Dr. David Hurwitz Ira Kellman Jonah Kupietzky Albert Laboz Deborah Schick Laufer Jeffrey Lefkovits Morey Levovitz Nathan Lewin Mrs. Joseph K. Miller Rabbi Michael Miller Irwin Nachimson David Novak Terry Novetsky Steven Orlow Adam Parkoff Dr. David Pelcovitz Dr. Harry Peled Allen Pfeiffer Paul Pinkus Donald Press Barry Ray Dr. Howard Rosenthal Rebecca Samson Zvi Sand Jay Schottenstein Marsha Stranzynski Gary Weiss Howard Wengrow Joyce Werthheimer Harvey Wolinetz David Woolf

HONORARY GOVERNORS Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman Rabbi Marvin Hier Malcolm Hoenlein Richard Joel Dr. Alan Kadish Rabbi Moshe Krupka Rabbi Zev Leff Senator Joseph I. Lieberman Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Rabbi Leonard Matanky

2023 – 24

COMMITTEES FINANCE COMMITTEE Joel Yarmak** Rose Bernstein Harvey Blitz Nahum Felman David Gerstley Eli Levitin Martin Nachimson Avery E. Neumark Henry Orlinsky Mordechai Soloff David Zimble AUDIT COMMITTEE David Gerstley** Rose Bernstein

David Lasker Josh Rozenberg INVESTMENT COMMITTEE Yehuda Spindler** Ari Fuchs Ari Kadish Steve Landau Greg Levi David Zimble LEGAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Emanuel J. Adler** Harvey Blitz

GRATITUDE At the OU, we are blessed with a host of lay leaders who serve as dedicated officers and board members. These individuals bring to the table a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and financial generosity, devoting themselves

Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld Louis Goldberg Henry I. Rothman Michael Wimpfheimer Effie Zisblatt REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE Eli Levitin** Azi Mandel Joel Yarmak

2023 Impact Report

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mitchel R. Aeder** Bluma Broner Ezra Friedberg Avi Katz Laizer Kornwasser Eli Levitin Yehuda Neuberger Henry Orlinsky Menachem Schnaidman Morris Smith Jerry Wolasky Zevy Wolman Effie Zisblatt

wholeheartedly to advising and encouraging the OU’s staff and professional leadership about all manner of initiatives, programs and communal challenges. We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to these passionate individuals, without whose partnership the OU

The Executive Vice Presidents serve as ex-officio members of all committees and commissions, except the Audit, Nominating and Board Resource Committees. The OU President is an ex-officio member of all committees and commissions except the Nominating and Board Resource Committee.

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could not make the same impact on the Jewish community.

* Deceased ** Committee / Commission Chair

2023 – 24

COMMISSIONS

COMMUNITY PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS Zevy Wolman** Bluma Broner Jake Counne Morris Smith Benzion Zlotnick OU ISRAEL Stuart Hershkowitz** Michael J. Elman Yonatan Frankel Yitzchak Fund Daniella Hellerstein David Katz Jeremy Lustman Henry Orlinsky Meir Raskas Atara Reischel Zvi Sand Norman Schmutter Mark Schnieder Esther Williams OU ADVOCACY CENTER Yitzie Pretter** David Luchins Yehuda Neuberger Raphy Nissel Amanda Nussbaum Drew Parker Yaron Reich OU KOSHER Dr. Joshua Penn** Avraham Berkowitz Harvey Blitz Yossi Davis Dr. Michael Elman Yosi Heber Ezriel Indig Henry Orlinsky Dr. Yitzchok Turner OU-JLIC Shukie Grossman** Emanuel Adler Lew Barbanel Srulie Feuerstein Deborah Schick Laufer Leah Lightman Henry I. Rothman

Menachem Schnaidman Barbara Lehmann Siegel Effie Zisblatt

Rabbi Gil Student Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb

YOUTH (NCSY) Laizer Kornwasser** Eli Davis Chaya Tova Hartman Inna Kholodenko Elizabeth Kurtz Tim Levart Adam Parkoff Miriam Pfeiffer Josh Rozenberg Shmuel Schreiber

YACHAD Lauri Barbanel** Bill Auerbach Vivian Glueck Ben Rieder Sharon Shapiro Avrom Stok

ISRAEL FREE SPIRIT Jeff Cohen** IMPACT ACCELERATOR Elliott Mandelbaum** Joseph Loefﬂer Michael Lopiansky Ed Stelzer Vivian Stok OU WOMEN’S INITIATIVE Miriam Greenspan** Nomi Rotblat** Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld Bluma Broner Rivkie Hirt Becky Katz Barbara Lehmann Siegel Razel Lerman Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike Esther Williams JEWISH ACTION Dr. Rosalyn Sherman** Gerald M. Schreck** Mark (Moishe) Bane Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin Deborah Chames Cohen Rabbi Binyamin Ehrenkranz Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer David Olivestone Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman

TEACH COALITION NATIONAL Elliot Gibber** Neil Cohen Alan Eisenman Amir Goldman Ari Gross Dr. Allan Jacob Evelyn Katz Eli Levitin Azi Mandel Sam Moed Cal Nathan Rachel Rabinovitch Moshe Sassover Alan Shamah Mark Silber Teach NYS Barry Lovell** Jack Cayre Elliot Gibber Lance Hirt Daniel Lowy Chuck Mamiye Cal Nathan Sam Sutton Joshua Trump Teach NJ Sam Moed** Sandra Blank Josh Buchsbayew Ben Chouake Eric Fremed Daniel Jacob Steven Kassin Mark Levenson Leslie Ostrin

Teach FL Dr. Allan Jacob** Daniel Adler Steven Jacoby Shlomo Lobell Alexander Rindner Yossi Rosengarten Teach PA Amir Goldman** Alisha Abboudi Elliot Holtz David Kaplan Teach MD Sam Melamed** Aryeh Gross Yehuda Neuberger Jacob Statman Marc Tropp Jerry Wolasky Edwin Zaghi Teach CA Moshe Sassover** Reuven Gradon Lauren Kest Howard Lefkowitz Frank Menlo David Nagel Teach NV Joel Mael** Anthony Bock Rabbi Dovid Mandel Daniel Rubenstein Leigh Silver Judah Spinner OU TORAH INITIATIVES Ezra Friedberg** Zev Blumenfrucht Yechiel Eisenstadt George Karasick David Safier Ronnie Wilheim Ben Zlotnick OU Press Commission in formation

* Deceased ** Committee / Commission Chair

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 5 .........................................................................................................LEADERSHIP MESSAGE 7 ...................................................................OU’S RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS IN ISRAEL 9 .................................................................................................................................OU ISRAEL 19 ...........................................................................................................WOMEN’S INITIATIVE 23 .................................................................COMMUNITY PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS 29 ..........................................................................................................OU RELIEF MISSIONS 31 .........................................KARASICK DEPARTMENT OF SYNAGOGUE INITIATIVES 33 .......................................................................................................IMPACT ACCELERATOR 35 ................................................................................................................TEACH COALITION

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13 ................................................................................................................TORAH INITIATIVES

40 ...................... .....................................................................................ADVOCACY CENTER 45 ..........................................................................................................................................NCSY 53 ...........................................................................................................................SEIF OU-JLIC 57 ...................................................................ISRAEL FREE SPIRIT: BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL 67 .............................................................................................JEWISH ACTION MAGAZINE 69 ................................................................................................................................OU PRESS 71 ...........................................................................................................................OU KOSHER 77 ........................................................................................................................SENIOR STAFF

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59 ....................................................................................................................................YACHAD

78 .........................................................................................................BENEFACTOR CIRCLE 5

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

CONFRONTING ANTISEMITISM; STRENGTHENING JUDAISM

Each year, this message is used to proudly highlight the exceptional efforts, achievements and aspirations of the OU’s various departments, underscoring the commitment of our dedicated professionals and lay leaders. But on Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah 5784, October 7, 2023, our world was shattered, casting us back to our darkest and most painful of national experiences. That nightmare has not ended but has escalated globally to university campuses, on city streets and in the media—profoundly affecting our communities in the U.S., Europe, Australia and beyond. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the OU responded simultaneously in Israel and the U.S. In the U.S. we provided chizuk to those who were stunned and desperate for community. Teach Coalition, our state advocacy team, liaised with law enforcement and state and local officials, staying informed of potential threats and safety measures. At the federal level, OU Advocacy actively engaged with top leaders, including President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Education Cardona and Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas, to support Israel’s actions against Hamas and to combat antisemitism. As the challenge is not limited to the Orthodox community, our advocacy efforts have been closely coordinated with many partners in the broader Jewish community and law enforcement, building on already established relationships. Several of our U.S. programs have adapted quickly to address the surge in antisemitism that has heightened anxiety for participants in our high school (NCSY/JSU) and college (OU-JLIC) programs. At the same time, the war has brought many previously disengaged young Jews to our programs in search of solidarity, community and spirituality. Our teams are diligently balancing these emerging needs with our ongoing community support efforts. In Israel, our response had a different emphasis but was no less immediate. We prioritized the well-being of our 300+ staff and their families, many of whom were evacuated as 150 were called up for military duty. This effort soon extended to include the needs of our program participants. 6

For us as an organization, this means maintaining and amplifying our core mission to elevate the religious experience of Jews. We must expand our spiritual outreach, providing more Torah direction and community to the tens of thousands of Jewish students of all ages that we have the privilege to engage, both inside and outside traditional educational settings. And we must enable and inspire the men and women of our shuls and communities to deepen their engagement in Torah study, in prayer, in chesed and in all activities that promote Kiddush Hashem.

MITCHEL R. AEDER, President

RABBI MOSHE HAUER, Executive Vice President

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“

WE ARE UNDER NO ILLUSION: THIS RISE IN ANTISEMITISM IS UNLIKELY TO GO AWAY. EVEN IF WE SUCCEED AT TAMPING IT DOWN, WE FACE A CHALLENGING FUTURE.

Leadership Message

Our teams mobilized volunteers to assist soldiers, their families, evacuees, mourners, the wounded, teens and other affected groups. Lastly, we are planning to expand our Makom Balev teen centers to aid those coping with post-crisis stress and trauma.

This Impact Report celebrates the professionalism, dedication, and passion of the 3,500 people of the OU and the many lay leaders and donors whose support and partnership have shone brightly during the current crisis. We invite you to continue to stand with us in this holy work.

RABBI DR. JOSH JOSEPH, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

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We are committed to this mission. We know it is what we must do, and we are grateful for your partnership, which enables our work. We sincerely pray to Hashem that our combined efforts begin to turn the tide on this tragic chapter and bring light to a darkened world.

OU’S RESPONSE TO THE

CRISIS IN ISRAEL

In the minutes, hours and days following the attack, we began responding to urgent needs of displaced families, children, soldiers en route to the frontlines and those mourning. Through the collective fog of profound grief and trauma, we did what family members do for each other: we expressed our love, not just in words, but in action. In the two weeks following October 7th, the OU raised over $2 million; and distributed 3,000 care packages, 2,100 toys and 7,250 meals to families in need. OU Israel distributed packages, including first aid materials, Sefer Tehillim and toys. NCSY teens arranged a carnival for evacuees at their hotel.

Letters were sent to Yachad

Yeshiva day school students held a

advisors serving in the IDF.

fundraising drive.

OU’s Response to the Crisis in Israel

OU-JLIC students in Israel on various campuses have mobilized chesed efforts that include: ■

Cooking food or sending food to displaced families and chayalim on base

■

Baking challah and delivering it to chayalim and displaced families

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Running day camps for

■

Helping farmers with

children of displaced families

harvesting crops

NCSY coordinated a letter-writing campaign to chayalim and Israeli families to say thank you and to offer support. Tzitzis teens in Israel.

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were given out to

Teach Coalition has been in constant communication with law enforcement, as well as state and

OU Advocacy engaged with top leaders in support of Israel’s war on Hamas and combating antisemitism, including in-person meetings with President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Education Cardona and Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas. The OU Women’s Initiative has launched chizuk programming for women worldwide, including

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local elected officials, about any present threats and the safety measures they are taking.

the ‫ אשת חייל‬initiative to reach out to wives of deployed soldiers. 9

YOUR CONNECTION TO THE

OU IN ISRAEL

Our presence in Israel helps ensure that English-speaking olim and visitors acclimate to Israeli society and feel at home. OU Israel provides a sense of community through weekly shiurim and a wide range of social, educational and spiritual opportunities for all ages.

Thousands are uplifted and inspired at OU Israel’s musical Yom HaAtzmaut teﬁllah.

packages with first aid supplies, Sefer Tehillim, Israeli flag and letters of chizuk delivered to families severely impacted by the war

ATID provides community for lone olot

7,200

OU Israel

3,000+

FOSTERING OPPORTUNITY, INTEGRATION AND COMMUNITY in their 20s through social and spiritual programming. NextGen — new this year — is a network of young women (single and married) in their 20s through 40s that come

meals delivered to evacuated families

2,100

together to learn, grow and socialize. JCHAT is a young professionals network for single olim in their 30s and 40s. Hebrew-on-the-Go provides young families with fun programs to introduce them to Israel and expand their Hebrew vocabulary. The Bais, in memory of Mrs. Charlotte Brachfeld a”h, is an evening Beit Midrash program for men that includes shiurim and an in-depth safrut (ritual

L’Ayla Women’s Initiative provides weekly shiurim, monthly Rosh Chodesh seminars, Nach Yomi programming and more. NCSY Israel is the premier youth movement in Israel dedicated to

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writing) course.

connecting, inspiring and empowering English-speaking teens through the values of Zionism, Torah and tradition. Yachad Israel helps families with children who have special needs. OU-JLIC is on six campuses in Israel creating community for Englishspeaking university students.

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games delivered to evacuated families

THE CRISIS IN ISRAEL

OU-JLIC Israel delivering supplies to IDF soldiers

Packaging emergency ﬁrst-aid and chizuk kits at the OU Israel Center

INSPIRING THE WORLD FROM YERUSHALAYIM Torah Yerushalayim and Torah Modiin: Two unique programs that inspired English-speaking olim and visitors and uplifted their Yamim Noraim. Beit HaMikdash: What We Had and What’s to Come: OU Israel’s Tisha B’Av video, featuring Rabbi Avi Berman, had over 47,000 views, illustrating people’s thriving love for the Beit HaMikdash. Mega Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim Musical Teﬁllot: Over 5,000 people united in prayer and song for these significant days in Israel’s history, present and future.

Yamim Noraim inspiration at a standing-room only Torah Modiin

Musical Yom HaAtzmaut tefillah

Jerusalem Conference in New York

OU Israel Youth Centers (The Jack E. Gindi

OU ISRAEL

FINANCIALS

OU Israel

EMPOWERING ISRAEL’S YOUTH Oraita Program and Makom Balev) operate in 22 locations throughout Israel. We help youth in Israel’s peripheral regions overcome

13%

their disadvantaged backgrounds. One key

22%

way to break the cycle of poverty and become contributing members of Israeli society is through IDF service. On average, 94% of OU Israel Youth Centers alumni enlist in the IDF and National Service where they gain self-esteem

25%

OU Israel Revenue: $7,530,000

and skills that help them succeed in higher education and connections to propel them 40%

forward in greater society. The Pearl and Harold Jacobs Zula Outreach Center is a safe haven for at-risk teens, many of whom come from religious backgrounds. Often, these teens and young adults have become

Donations $1,635,000 OU Contribution $3,035,000

estranged from their families and spiritual

Program Fees $1,847,000

advisors, leading to a crisis in faith. Many struggle

Government, Jewish Agency, and Grant Support $1,013,000

with substance abuse or are engaged in other antisocial behaviors. Zula’s team of psychologists, professionals guide troubled teens and help them return to normative social, religious and

19%

scholastic frameworks. Since the Zula Center’s inception, it has helped 33,000 young people overcome their challenges and thrive.

OU Israel Expenses: $7,704,000

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social workers, counselors and educational

81%

GROW YOUR JEWISH LEGACY Admin $1,500,000 Programming $6,204,000

The financial information (unaudited) here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services—e.g., IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not reflected in the program’s financials. Financial data is for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023.

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This year, OU Israel launched a planned giving campaign enabling Jews to strengthen their commitment to Torah, Eretz Yisrael and the Jewish people for many years to come. For more information, contact legacy@ouisrael.org.

TRANSFORMING LIVES

THROUGH TORAH

Motivated by our vision of a community where every adult makes limud haTorah a central part of their life, our Torah Initiatives department comprises a broad array of impactful Torah programming. Diverse approaches and formats provide study opportunities for those from every community and affiliation to further develop their relationship with G-d, Judaism and Torah study.

135K total combined downloads of All Daf, All Parsha and All Mishnah apps since inception

2M OU Torah unique pageviews per year

Rav Elyada Goldwicht, founder of the Semichas Chaver program, speaking to an Israel chaburah.

5,000+ weekly Semichas Chaver Program participants

Torah Initiatives

“

BEFORE I GOT THIS APP, I LEARNED BY MYSELF, SOMETIMES STRUGGLING TO UNDERSTAND IT. ALL DAF HELPED ME TREMENDOUSLY. – Gavriel L., New Jersey

REVOLUTIONIZING HALACHA LEARNING The Semichas Chaver Program (SCP) is the fastest-growing practical, interactive halacha chaburah in the world. With over 250 locations and more than 5,000 weekly participants, SCP’s rich content is designed to be shared with family members. Upon completion of each topic and exam, every member gets the Semichas Chaver certificate signed by Rav Shlomo Amar,

THE ALL TORAH FAMILY OF APPS Download the Apps at AllTorah.org

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2023 Impact Report

former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, and Rav Hershel Schachter.

IGNITING A MISHNAH MOVEMENT The All Mishnah app supports the Mishnah Yomi learning cycle, facilitating the daily study of two mishnayos. The app also serves as an educational platform for the All Mishnah Junior program, which has engaged over 1,550 junior high students. All Mishnah Junior participants serve as school ambassadors, coordinate shiurim, distribute ArtScroll mishnayot, and even deliver some shiurim themselves.

INTRODUCING THE LATEST ALL DAF APP CONTENT ■

On November 14, 2022, a groundbreaking new chapter began for Daf Yomi of the Talmud Yerushalmi. For the first time, the Talmud

Yerushalmi is being studied globally through the Daf Yomi format. The initiative has attracted over 8,000 dedicated learners. ■

Oraysa is a popular program with over 20,000 participants who learn one amud (page) over the course of a workweek and then review for the remaining two days. All Daf separates the shiurim into amud aleph and bet for Oraysa participants.

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All Daf collaborated with the Bais HaVaad of Lakewood on a video series about the get process for Maseches Gitin. Videos include a discussion with Rabbi Mordechai Willig of the Beth Din of America on the halachic prenuptial agreement.

■

Dirshu and All Daf partnered together on their new Amud Yomi Program.

Video of the get process to supplement the learning of Maseches Gitin. Includes Rabbi Mordechai Willig of Beth Din of America on the prenuptial agreement.

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Moed Katan: Las Vegas

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Eruvin: Toms River

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Pesachim: Virtual Event

Yevamos: London, Manchester and Baltimore

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Yoma: Chicago

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Nedarim: Lawrence

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Succah: Meridian Capital

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Yerushalmi Berachos: Woodmere

■

Beitzah: Cedarhurst

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Sotah: Upper West Side of Manhattan

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Rosh Hashanah: Lakewood

Yerushalmi Demai: Teaneck

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Taanis: Englewood

■

Yerushalmi Demai Siyum in memory of Mrs. Sara Olshin z"l, hosted in Teaneck, NJ, by Benyamin and OU Board Member Esti Kaminetzky. From left to right: Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, Managing Director of OU Communal Engagement; Rabbi Moshe Schwed, Director of All Torah; Mitchel R. Aeder, OU President; Benyamin and Esti Kaminetzky.

“

Rabbi Shalom Rosner, All Daf Magid Shiur, at the Yerushalmi Demai Siyum. Rabbi Rosner's popular Daf Yomi shiur is featured on All Torah’s All Daf platform.

I ONLY BEGAN LEARNING IN SEPTEMBER OF 2021. NOW THAT I HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE, DAF YOMI HAS BEEN A GATEWAY TO SO MUCH MORE CHAVRUSA LEARNING. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR FANTASTIC SHIURIM; I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL. – Ilan G., Tel Aviv, Israel

Torah Initiatives

Shabbos: Woodmere

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■

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ALL DAF SIYUMIM

A HUB FOR LEARNING AND COMMUNITY QUESTIONS Dedicated by the Jacobs and Chill families in memory of Harold and Pearl Jacobs, outorah.org houses tens of thousands of shiurim and divrei Torah, with more being added every day. OU Torah has become an indispensable resource for study in many areas of Torah, including parsha, Nach, halacha, tefillah and machshava, among others. In conjunction with the OU Women’s Initiative, OU Torah also features several series designed specifically for women and girls. Additionally, OU Torah fields hundreds of questions each year from Mrs. Michal Horowitz is a contributor to the All Parsha, OU Torah and OU Women’s Initiative Torat Imecha programs.

“ “

Jews (and others) all over the world, who receive personalized responses to their questions about Torah and our faith. Almost 12,000 people receive one or more daily emails in Nach Yomi, Shnayim Mikra, Taryag, Mishna Yomit and Mishneh Torah.

I STARTED NACH YOMI WITH SEFER YESHAYA, WHICH I NEVER LEARNED BEFORE, AND I AM GAINING IMMENSELY. I’M FINDING MANY THINGS I HEARD BEFORE, BUT NOW I KNOW THE SOURCE. ALL THOSE YEARS OF SHABBATON CHANTS AND I NEVER KNEW THAT HEIDAD HAD A BIBLICAL SOURCE! – D.G., New York

SCP FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGES THE WAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY RELATE TO HALACHA AND MITZVOS. THE ENGAGING DESIGN OF THE MATERIAL, FOCUSING PRIMARILY ON RELEVANCE, ENCOURAGES AVODA TO STRENGTHEN YOUR CONNECTION TO HASHEM THROUGH HALACHA. – Baruch B., Beit Shemesh, Israel

FINANCIALS

42%

Torah Initiatives Revenue: $1,638,000

Torah Initiatives

O U T O R A H I N I T I AT I VE S

58%

OU Contribution $948,000 Dedications and Donations $690,000

Julian’s experience serves as a testament to the app’s ability to foster global connections and make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of young learners.

47%

Torah Initiatives Expenses: $1,638,000

49%

FIRST, CURIOSITY. THEN, TORAH JOURNEY.

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stumbled upon the All Mishnah app and began learning Mishnah Yomi on his own. Julian does

Personnel $799,000

not attend a Jewish school and does not live in

Torah Platforms and Content Providers $780,000

a large Jewish community. Interest piqued, he emailed Rabbi Ezra Sarna, who has a shiur on the All Mishnah platform. With Rabbi Sarna’s

Marketing and other expenses $59,000

guidance, Julian delved even deeper into the mishnah’s teachings. Inspired by his studies, Julian soon embraced greater observance of Shabbos and mitzvos. What started as curiosity became a profound journey of Torah learning.

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Julian, an intellectually curious 11-year-old boy,

TORAH, LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

FOR WOMEN

We create and promote programming focused on Torah study, leadership development and community engagement for women worldwide.

Bergen County (NJ) Lay Leaders, OU WI Leadership Summit, May 2023

Women’s Initiative Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman (L) and Mrs. Debbie Fox (R), Foundations of Mental Health Seminar, July 2023

Tzivia Weiss, Houston, TX, OU WI Lay Leadership Summit, May 2023

A YEAR OF GROWTH AND INSPIRATION This past year we welcomed over 8,000 global subscribers to our Torat Imecha Nach Yomi program, which features daily audio lessons on Nevi’im and Ketuvim from esteemed women educators. Our communal mental health initiatives have engaged more than 150 rebbetzins, kallah teachers and professionals in kiruv and chinuch. We hosted close to 150 lay leaders at a leadership summit in Eatontown, New Jersey. We reached over 10,000 women worldwide through our Torah and holiday learning and inspiration programs. Our Aseret Yemei Teshuvah booklets were sent to 6,500 people and the online version sent to over 15,000. In addition to Torat Imecha Nach Yomi, our online learning series and programs include Torat Imecha Parsha, a Rosh Chodesh Lunch ’N Learn series and special events for the chagim. These events feature virtual tours, lectures and interactive

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2023 Impact Report

projects led by experts in art, history and psychology.

Jessica Kalmar (L) meeting Aviva Wercberger (R), Foundations of Mental Health Seminar, July 2023

L to R, Rachel Isaacs, Phoenix; Esther Friedman, Teaneck; Deena Rabinovich, Queens; Shira Heidemann, Baltimore; Rachel Yaghobian, Houston; C. M. Gerson, Springﬁeld, NJ, Foundations of Mental Health Seminar

NACH SHABBAT Torat Imecha Nach Yomi educators serve as scholars-in-residence in communities across North America. In February 2023, educators were scholars-in-residence in 24 communities, highlighting the completion of Sifrei Nevi’im and launching Sefer Tehillim.

TEHILLIM 150, A PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS Tehillim 150 is an extension of the Torat Imecha Nach Yomi program designed for high school girls to learn meaningful messages from Sefer Tehillim. Taught by Yael Davidowitz, each day’s message concludes with “150 days, 150 ways to connect with our Creator.”

HELPING CHANGE THE FACE OF MENTAL HEALTH Thirty-three women were selected to be part of the second Foundations of Community Mental Health Support cohort to help them identify and support community members who are struggling with mental health issues. Close to fifty women attended a two-day seminar for the Foundations of Community Mental Health

“

Support Fellowship Cohort 2022 and Cohort 2023 in Great Neck, New York. Rebbetzins, kallah teachers and kiruv and chinuch (education) professionals from across North America gathered to address timely issues facing the Orthodox community.

THE TORAT IMECHA NACH YOMI PROGRAM GAVE MY MOTHER A”H, A PERSON WITH LIMITED TORAH KNOWLEDGE, THE ABILITY TO NOT ONLY LEARN NACH BUT TO FEEL A PART OF AND THRIVE IN THIS VAST COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS. ALREADY ON THE SECOND CYCLE, SHE WAS EXCITED TO UNDERSTAND THE VARIOUS STORIES AND NEVIOT ON A NEW AND DEEPER LEVEL. WITH HER SUDDEN PETIRA AND BEING INSPIRED BY HER DEDICATION TO TORAH LEARNING, I CONTINUE TO LEARN NACH YOMI AND LOOK FORWARD TO COMPLETING THE SECOND CYCLE. – Shani Hollander, Woodmere, New York

WO M E N ’ S I N I T I AT I VE

FINANCIALS

Professional development opportunities, both

virtual and in-person, are provided for mikvah

Women’s Initiative

SENSE AND SENSITIVITY: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MIKVAH ADMINISTRATORS AND ATTENDANTS

attendants and directors. WhatsApp groups connect attendants from across the world, creating a space of shared resources and support. The Women’s Initiative provides consulting to support mikvaos in establishing operations, defining roles and

Women’s Initiative Revenue: $1,175,000

43%

responsibilities and, if needed, staff training.

LEADING THE WAY

48%

The Lay Leadership Summit is a two-day international conference bringing together women in lay leadership and professional roles from all different facets of the Jewish communal world, to learn, share ideas, brainstorm together and network. Close to 150

OU Contribution $566,000 Donations $500,000 Program Fees $109,000

women attended the May 2023 summit and have

“

continued working together via follow-up sessions,

a WhatsApp group and planning community

– Tema Klausner, Efrat, Israel, World Emunah President

42%

56%

Program Services $661,000 Personnel $497,000 Other $17,000

Orthodox Union

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT THE SESSIONS WERE WONDERFUL AND PROFESSIONAL, AND I LEARNED FROM EACH ONE. THE NUMBER OF YOUNG WOMEN IN ATTENDANCE WAS SO IMPRESSIVE. IT’S DIFFICULT FOR JEWISH NON-PROFITS TO BRING IN YOUNG LEADERSHIP. THE OU HAS TAPPED INTO A GOLD MINE OF WOMEN, EACH OF THEM TREMENDOUS.

Women’s Initiative Expenses: $1,175,000

2023 Impact Report

leadership training initiatives.

A SACRED

PARTNERSHIP

We enrich Jewish communal life by strengthening community leaders, organizations and infrastructure. We tackle persistent communal challenges with innovative initiatives and we respond to crises and natural disasters around the world, bringing Torah values to life.

8,100+ 2,000+ 70+ 24

SPIRIT programming participants over three years (60+ demographic)

families received financial coaching through Living Smarter Jewish

communities in North America are receiving support and resources from the Savitsky Communal Growth Initiative

Community Projects & Partnerships 2023 Impact Report

Stephen and Genie Savitsky, whose gift is helping to expand the OU’s support of the development of the broader North American Jewish community

A MAJOR GIFT TO ENCOURAGE MAJOR GROWTH A major gift from Stephen J. Savitsky, former OU president, and his wife, Genie, established the Savitsky Communal Growth Initiative. This significant investment formally expands the OU’s strategic resources supporting the development of the broader North American Jewish

As OU president, Mr. Savitsky launched the OU’s popular Jewish Community Relocation Fair in 2008 as a way for Jewish communities across North America to showcase what they could offer to families looking to relocate to communities with Orthodox Jewish amenities, employment opportunities and more affordable living.

Orthodox Union

community.

PURPOSEFUL JEWISH PARENTING We work at building resilient and healthy families who are passionate about Torah values — but nobody has all the answers. Our GenAleph initiative tries to provide as many of these answers as possible through helpful resources like classes, articles, a weekly podcast and more. We launched our podcast, “The Jews Next Dor — Raising the Next Generation of Passionate and Committed Jews,” to help people understand Jewish parenting from the ground up. Hosted by Rabbi Yair Menchel, listeners get expert advice from leading scholars, spiritual leaders and others about how to raise committed Jews in today’s fraught landscape. To expand our reach, we’ve added in-person programs in four cities: Houston, Cincinnati, Boca Raton and Hollywood, FL. Over the coming year, we plan to add six more locations. Also new this year is our website, GenAleph.org, which offers a robust set of resources for the Torah community. This includes our podcast, on-demand classes, compelling articles and more. With weekly emails linking to our content, readers can easily access a treasure trove of advice.

Parents from Houston participate in the OU’s GenAleph program, an initiative focused on raising the next generation of passionate and committed Jews.

SPIRIT, our program for older adults, understands that retirees, baby boomers, empty nesters and seniors have distinct needs. SPIRIT participants hail from 45 states in the U.S., Canada, Israel and 26 other countries. We have a regular schedule of talks that provide spiritual, educational, physical and intellectual stimulation along with critical social connections. SPIRIT sessions are both hybrid (with an in-person audience) and virtual and include timely topics like aliyah after retirement, navigating family relationships, financial and legal matters for retirees and various medical concerns of older adults.

Community Projects & Partnerships

ANSWERING THE NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS

“

I SO APPRECIATED THE “SPIRIT FAMILY FEUD” VIDEO FROM DEBORAH LAUFER, ESQ. BEING A SOCIAL WORKER MYSELF, I AM VERY WELL AWARE OF ACTIVE LISTENING. HOWEVER, I LEARNED A LOT FROM HER PRESENTATION AND APPRECIATED HER PERSONAL COMMENTS AND HER VERY CLEAR WAY OF SPEAKING. SHE GAVE ME SO MUCH TO THINK ABOUT. . . . ALL THE BEST AND THANK YOU FOR SPIRIT! –Ireta Metchik – SPIRIT Participant

Orthodox Union

Rabbi Dov Schreier, Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kosher, presents a hybrid program for SPIRIT participants at the Young Israel of Ft. Lee (NJ), which was simultaneously viewed on Zoom by several hundred people globally.

2023 Impact Report

Over 200 talks are archived on our website – ou.org/spirit.

UNLOCKING FINANCIAL FREEDOM Living an observant Jewish lifestyle can be costly — even though the rewards are priceless. Many in our community need help understanding how to make their finances work for their lifestyle, manage their money and plan wisely for the future. Our Living Smarter Jewish initiative helps with sound advice from experts, engaging content and coaching (more than 2,000 families so far) — all at no cost. We offer both introductory and advanced financial curriculums for high schools, since being smart with money can’t happen too soon. Other resources include the Kosher Money podcast and website with advice for investing, and the Common Cents blog for demystifying finance, understanding life insurance, money

LSJ’s Head Coach Stacey Zrihen and Coaching Coordinator Deena Denbo meet with a volunteer coach at the OU headquarters.

management and budgeting.

REVOLUTIONIZING SHABBOS INFRASTRUCTURE: THE ERUV SOFTWARE In partnership with leading halachic authorities and eruv builders, we have developed innovative software for city eruv builders and maintainers to document all dimensions of an eruv. Among other features, the software captures the precise location and construction of lechis (halachic posts) using geolocation and various media. The companion app and website support the city eruv representatives through eruv construction, checking and maintenance. In October, the OU hosted its inaugural City Eruv Conference, attracting over 60 participants from a diverse religious spectrum, ranging from modern Orthodox to Chassidish communities. These participants delved into best practices and explored the new eruv software, representing 40 cities. Many manage multiple eruvin: one individual oversees 30 eruvin in Lakewood, and another has constructed nearly 60 across North America. In total, the conference inﬂuenced hundreds of eruvin throughout the continent. The software, initiated in its beta phase last year, is now accessible globally, with various North American communities already using it. 28

App home screen of an actual city eruv. Each red pin represents an integral point of the eruv.

FINANCIALS 23%

CPP Revenue: $1,065,000

City eruv supervisor reporting a missing lechi/ eruv post to be ﬁxed before Shabbos

Community Projects & Partnerships

CO M M U N I TY P R OJ E C T S & PA R T N E R S H I P S

76% OU Contribution $806,000 Donations $249,000 Program Fees $10,000

CPP Expenses: $1,065,000 3% 2%

2023 Impact Report

24%

66% Personnel $707,000 Program Services $255,000

Travel $33,000 Office Expenses $18,000 Detailed video of an eruv point being pulled up for reference by eruv checker

Orthodox Union

Other $52,000

LEARNING THROUGH

SERVICE

We began OU Relief Missions in 2005 as service-learning trips around the globe for Jewish teens from diverse backgrounds. These missions have provided support for communities ravaged by disasters and crises. Teens serve those in need while deepening their understanding of fundamental Jewish values like chesed, tzedakah and tikkun olam.

EXPANDING OUR IMPACT In the past year, OU Relief Missions has significantly extended its outreach both geographically and demographically. Since its inception, OU Relief has conducted 250 missions to over 20 different locations. Last year alone, over 600 teens participated in these missions. We’ve established new domestic and international destinations while welcoming a broader participant base that includes college students, young professionals, community leaders, synagogue members, and retirees. This expansion not only amplifies our impact but also offers opportunities for more individuals to immerse themselves in transformative service. Notable missions include our inaugural trip for college students to Rwanda, a young professionals’ journey to Rwanda, and a parent-child mission to Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Ida.

New Orleans: OU Relief Missions volunteers are continuing to help rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward.

OU Relief Missions

“

8,000+ service hours

200+ Shabbat programs

300+

IN JUST A FEW SHORT DAYS, RELIEF MISSIONS GAVE MY STUDENTS A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND HELPED THEM FEEL THEY WERE MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE STUDENTS’ REACTIONS WHEN THE HOMEOWNERS CAME OUTSIDE WITH TEARS OF THANKS. IT WAS INCREDIBLE.

2023 Impact Report

Romania: Working with Jewish refugees from Odessa

– Fred Nagler, Principal of Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies (NJ)

OU Relief Missions partners with several like-minded organizations. Those organizations represent many faiths, all specializing in the disaster relief arena, and have deep relationships with communities, worldwide.

Orthodox Union

homes repaired

SUPPORTING A PILLAR OF

JEWISH LIFE

We provide rabbinic and lay leadership support along with educational, religious and social programming on relevant issues for rabbis, rebbetzins and those entrusted with setting the spiritual tone for their communities.

SUSTAINABILITY. STRENGTH. EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY’S SYNAGOGUES The OU conducts over 200 shul consultations per year addressing topics that range from crafting mission statements and strategic plans for membership growth; adults and youth program development; board and committee development; fundraising and budgeting; and marketing and office management. Our interactive workshop, “The 10 Commandments of Shul Boards,” is customized for each synagogue at which we present and has been facilitating a productive dialogue between staff and lay leaders since 2020. This program is often used for onboarding new board members and veteran leaders and includes topics like managing the dynamic among lay leaders and paid staff, governance, strategy and operations and more.

SYNAGOGUE INITIATIVES: SOLIDARITY MISSION TO ISRAEL In the weeks following October 7th, we led a trip to Israel in support and solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Rabbis from the Synagogue Initiatives Mission dance with a chatan at an impromptu Sheva Brachot celebration at an army outpost.

Children from the displaced community of Shlomit receive gifts.

A soldier receiving letters from community members in America.

90+

shul consultations

rabbanim took part in our Rabbinic Chaburah Program

BRIDGING THE GAP OF RABBINIC SUPPORT To help rabbis find guidance and company, the OU pioneered a Rabbinic Chaburah, which we launched this past summer. Rabbis participated from Edmonton, Alberta; San Antonio, Texas; Mount Kisco, Albany and Poughkeepsie, New York; Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; and Orlando, Florida. The rabbis enjoyed a day of chizuk, inspiration and education at OU headquarters in Manhattan and formed meaningful connections with one another that will certainly extend far beyond this event.

Karasick Department of Synagogue Initiatives

200+

For rabbis of small to midsize Orthodox communities, professional life can be marked by solitude. Often the sole Orthodox rabbis of their towns, they have few colleagues to turn to when seeking advice about spiritual matters impacting their communities, including the eruv, kashrus, mikvah, chevra kadisha and conversion.

CALLING TO CONNECT DURING THE CRISIS IN ISRAEL For the past three years, over 300 people have joined the OU’s daily tehillim and chizuk call to

After the October 7th attack in Israel, calls expanded to feature prominent American and Israeli rabbanim offering chizuk. During this time, listenership has doubled. It’s a 15-minute oasis of inspiration and spirituality. New this year is a tehillim list that will be regularly updated when new names are submitted.

2023 Impact Report

connect and pray with others from around the world.

Consulting Touchpoints Legend (OU provided operational support): Executive Director Participants

Orthodox Union

SYNAGOGUE INITIATIVES TOUCHPOINTS

Rabbinic Chaburah Participants 33

A CATALYST FOR

SOCIAL CHANGE

The world is driven by innovation. The Jewish community should be no different. Innovative solutions are needed to address complex community challenges. Communal changemakers bring passion and ideas. The Impact Accelerator provides the tools to help them succeed.

IGNITING COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION We empower social entrepreneurs and enhance nonprofit excellence. Each year, the Impact Accelerator chooses a cohort of passionate startup nonprofit leaders making a difference in the community. These nonprofit founders learn to grow their organizations efficiently and sustainably through education, mentorship, collaboration, and grants.

FROM COHORT TO COMMUNITY: SCALING OUR NONPROFIT SUPPORT Over the past four years, we’ve gained invaluable insights from mentoring a select annual cohort of organizations. Now, we’re combining this experience with our robust network of OU lay leaders, seasoned community leaders, mentors, and nonprofit professionals in addition to our annual cohort. The result? We’re set to become a data-driven resource for the broader Jewish nonprofit sector. This strategic shift allows us to amplify our impact and more effectively support a wider array of leaders committed to positive change.

Impact Accelerator

SINCE THE ACCELERATOR’S FOUNDING

“

nonprofit leaders

THE OU IMPACT ACCELERATOR WAS TRANSFORMATIONAL FOR ME PERSONALLY AND FOR GROWTORAH AS AN ORGANIZATION. IT TAUGHT ME THE FUNDAMENTALS OF NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT, FROM FUNDRAISING TO BUSINESS PLANS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. IT SET US ON A GROWTH TRAJECTORY THAT WE HAD ONLY DREAMED OF BEFORE PARTICIPATING. – Yosef Gillers, GrowTorah

OUR LATEST COHORT OF NONPROFIT STARTUPS Ashir: Transforming lives and communities through holistic financial literacy education.

Code Kevudah: Enabling women to gain technology skills in a dignified and culturally sensitive atmosphere. Frum Finance: Providing the Jewish community with financial literacy and guidance to achieve financial stability and independence. Imo Anochi: Mentorship, support and education for community members facing

2023 Impact Report

Leaders of Cohort 5 ventures learning together at OU headquarters.

adversity in their lives. Living L’Chaim: Enabling individuals to navigate their mental and financial challenges effectively, while deepening a connection to their Jewish heritage and spirituality.

Ray of Hope: Building a safe and supportive community of peers, families and

Orthodox Union

nonprofit ventures

professionals to help those healing from the trauma of sexual abuse. 35

STATE ADVOCACY WITH PURPOSE

REAL-WORLD IMPACT

For a decade, we have been an unwavering advocate for equitable government funding of nonpublic schools. We help secure critical funds for Jewish education, security and more to offset yeshiva and day school tuition costs and ensure that our children benefit and thrive.

Meeting with Florida State Senator Dennis Baxley as part of the Teach FL Mission to the state capitol. From left to right: Moshe Salfer, Dovi Lamet, Rabbi Chaim Friedman, Yael Lyons - Jungreis (seated), Senator Dennis Baxley, Jason Grossman, Michal Behar, CB Eisner.

$73M $7M $2.5M

Teach Coalition

New York STEM education grants

increase in New Jersey school transportation funding

for Maryland school health services

TRANSFORMATIVE RELIEF FOR FLORIDA FAMILIES After decades of sustained advocacy efforts, led by Teach Florida, Florida has become a national leader in school choice.

2023 Impact Report

$5M

raised for Florida Jewish day school security

Thousands of Jewish parents in Florida struggled with the cost of Jewish day school for their children — that is, until relief came in the form of a new state universal tax credit scholarship program. Teach FL, a critical part of a coalition of school choice advocates, ensured that Florida families with children in nonpublic schools can now receive financial relief of $8,000 per child for day school tuition — regardless of their income. This bill comes to expand state scholarships for all children. Teach Coalition has already begun laying the groundwork for similar state-sponsored legislation nationwide. Teach FL also helped advocate for a bill enabling families of students ages 3 – 22 with disabilities who are enrolled in nonpublic schools, or who are homeschooled, to receive $9,500, in the form of an educational savings account.

Orthodox Union

following the tireless advocacy efforts of Teach Coalition, along with other partners,

Teach PA mission, May 2023. Over 300 students and day school supporters gathered in Harrisburg to advocate for safer, stronger schools.

From the Teach NYS Annual Long Island Dinner in May 2023: (L-R) Mrs. Bluma Drebin, Sydney Altﬁeld, Mitchel Aeder, Maury Litwack, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Dovi Saﬁer, Yoel Eisdorfer, Rachelle Alter-Wernick, Bruce Wernick, Chesky Newman, Naomi Newman

“

THESE MISSIONS EDUCATE LEGISLATORS WHO MAY NOT UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG PRIVATE YESHIVA SYSTEM. – Senator Bill Weber (NY)

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT MATTER Critical to Teach Coalition’s growth has been the persistent engagement of elected officials through state capital visits, legislator meetings and action alerts (nearly 40,000 this past year alone). Teach Coalition’s missions have been diverse and impactful. They organized a historic interfaith trip to Albany and Trenton to meet with state legislators, assembled Pennsylvania’s largest-ever Jewish group in Harrisburg, and in Tallahassee, Florida, 100 lay leaders conducted over 60 meetings with legislators.

– David I. Cohen, Parent

THE HEART OF OUR WORK

Teach Coalition

“

THE EXCITEMENT AND ENERGY FELT AT THE DEAL, NEW JERSEY EVENT WAS PROOF OF THE MONUMENTAL SHIFT OF ATTITUDE AND FEASIBILITY OVER THE LAST EIGHTEEN MONTHS.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Our strength emanates from the Jewish communities we represent. Their collective voices are integral to our success and fuel a range of initiatives designed to involve, inform and empower. A case in point: our Day School Voting Initiative in New Jersey led to Jewish voter turnout that exceeded township averages by 15 – 18 percent in the 2022 General Election and by 2 – 3 times in the 2023 Primary Election. Our annual breakfast in Florida saw over 750 people in attendance, including lawmakers and communal leaders, while a summer event in Deal, New Jersey, brought together hundreds of community members to explore opportunities

2023 Impact Report

for our schools.

Teach PA Annual Mission to the Harrisburg the state capital. In the halls of the capitol, students advocate for safer schools and scholarships.

NJ Assemblyman Gary Schaer speaks with students at Yeshivat Noam in New Jersey

Teach NYS Westchester Summer BBQ: Celebrating $4 million of state funding this past year to local Jewish day schools and yeshivas throughout Westchester County. (L-R) Ali Bernstein, Danielle Brody, Keren Adler

Orthodox Union

Loffman Trial Rally, July 2023

T E A C H CO A L I T I O N

FINANCIALS

FORWARD-THINKING SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION

Our mandate often requires inventive approaches. 22%

For example, Teach NYS brokered partnerships with SUNY Empire State University and Gratz College to provide teachers with affordable avenues to acquire

Teach Coalition Revenue: $6,907,000

master’s degrees in STEM education. This initiative qualified our nonpublic schools for additional NYSED STEM teacher reimbursement grants. 75%

Other initiatives include Project Protect, which guides organizations to obtain and implement security grants and which secured $5.7 million for yeshiva, day school and synagogue security.

Donations/Grant and Fundraising Revenue $5,170,000

Our team also helped secure $11.7 million for the reimbursement of mandated services (assessments, Regents examinations and

OU Contribution $1,509,000

immunization programs) to nonpublic schools.

School Service Fees $228,000

This year also saw the creation of our Office of Jewish Education Policy and Research (OJEPR) to track crucial data — enrollment, tuition and

14%

15%

Teach Coalition Expenses: $6,907,000

trends — of Jewish day schools and yeshivas nationwide. This invaluable, data-driven research will help inform our work and serve as a reference point for policymakers.

PAVING JEWISH EDUCATION’S PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY This past year marked another period of noteworthy progress and achievement for our Teach Coalition, with far-reaching impact in

4% 20%

NY $3,095,000

government funding options for more affordable

NJ $1,356,000

education, our schools kept secure and our

FL $1,039,000

children thriving with opportunities to advance their knowledge and acquire critical 21st-century skills. As we look to another decade of growth and beyond, Teach Coalition remains committed to harnessing the power of advocacy, engagement and innovation to ensure sustainable Jewish education for families across America.

45% 45%

National Initiatives $982,000 PA $294,000 MD $90,000 CA $51,000 The financial information (unaudited) here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services—e.g., IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not reflected in the program’s financials. Financial data is for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023.

OU Advocacy Center

ADVOCATING FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN THE

We are the nonpartisan public policy arm of the OU that promotes the values and unique interests of the Orthodox community nationwide. Through our engagement with Congress, the White House and the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., we advance causes that are of critical importance to our community.

A HISTORIC WIN FOR

2023 Impact Report

NATION’S CAPITAL

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AT THE SUPREME COURT A significant issue for members of the Orthodox Jewish community is our ability places we work so that we can observe Shabbat and chagim, wear headcoverings and fulfill other mitzvot.

Orthodox Union

to obtain religious accommodations in

In 2023, after decades of advocacy, employees have a stronger legal right to have their religious needs accommodated by their employers thanks to a historic Supreme Court decision, Groff v. DeJoy. This decision requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for religious needs unless it causes them significant difficulty. The court overruled a 1977 precedent (TWA v. Hardison) which had allowed employers to reject a religious accommodation request if doing so would be even a minimal burden on the employer. Since that ruling more than 25 years ago, OU Advocacy sought to have it reversed. Last year, OU Advocacy (OUA) joined with other religious allies to successfully petition the Supreme Court to reexamine the issue in the Groff case. OUA filed a “friend of the court” brief which was quoted by Justice Alito in the court’s unanimous ruling.

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE; COMBATTING ANTISEMITISM In the past year, we continued to see a rise in antisemitism in the United States, and OU Advocacy increased its work to solicit an appropriate response from government officials. In December, OU Advocacy convened a summit meeting on the topic at Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York. We brought together our community leaders with Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Each of these leaders committed to new efforts to combat antisemitism. After this summit, President Biden directed his administration to produce a National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. OU Advocacy actively participated in a series of meetings with senior officials, which resulted in the release of the National Strategy in May 2023. OUA staff is now working with federal officials to implement the next steps.

OU and OUA leadership advocating for our community with (clockwise from top left) Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).

OU Advocacy’s rabbinic network members at the U.S. Capitol

In 2023, OUA successfully worked with

OU Advocacy Center

ANTISEMITIC ATTACKS elected officials and our coalition partners to dramatically increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to $305 million. NSGP grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, fund security upgrades and the hiring of contract security guards across our communities. OUA is currently working with allies including DHS Secretary Mayorkas and Senator Chuck Schumer to increase NSGP funding to $360 million for 2024.

$305M in Federal grants under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program for security at shuls, day schools and other community institutions.

2023 Impact Report

– Yitzie Pretter, OUA Chairman

SECURITY IN THE FACE OF

Orthodox Union

“

THE OU ADVOCACY CENTER HAD A TREMENDOUS POSITIVE IMPACT UPON OUR COMMUNITY’S NEEDS AND INTERESTS LAST YEAR. OUA DELIVERED RECORD FUNDING FOR THE SECURITY OF SHULS AND SCHOOLS VIA GRANTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, AND OUA’S ADVOCACY LED TO THE WHITE HOUSE ISSUING A HISTORIC NATIONAL STRATEGY TO COUNTER ANTISEMITISM. OUA ALSO SAW DECADES OF DETERMINED ADVOCACY PAY OFF IN A HISTORIC SUPREME COURT RULING GUARANTEEING GREATER RIGHTS TO RELIGIOUS PEOPLE IN THEIR WORKPLACES.

BOOSTING COMMUNITY

OUA’s Nathan Diament speaking with President Biden at the White House

OU leaders with Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)

Rabbi Moshe Hauer with Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD).

With Attorney General Merrick Garland

IMPLEMENTING TWO NEW FEDERAL PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT SHULS, SCHOOLS AND THE ENVIRONMENT OUA worked with bipartisan allies in Congress — Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Hoeven (R-ND) — to have OUA-crafted legislation, the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act, incorporated into the bipartisan infrastructure bill that was signed into law by President Biden in 2021. This created a new Department of Energy program — funded with $50 million in its first year — that will award grants to nonprofits for making their buildings more energy efficient via the installation of new HVAC systems and the like. OUA is actively working with partners to ensure that shuls and schools receive grants in the first round of funding. OUA also worked with key Democratic allies — including Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) — to amend an existing federal tax deduction supporting energy efficiency building upgrades (known as 179D deductions) so that it can be used by nonprofit entities, such as shuls and schools, when they upgrade their buildings. The law’s revision was included in the “Inﬂation Reduction Act” enacted in 2022. The combination of the new grant program and newly available tax deduction will be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to individual schools and shuls and will reduce the operating costs and harmful emissions of shuls, schools and other entities. 44

OU Advocacy Center

“

THE OU ADVOCACY CENTER WAS THE HEART AND SOUL OF THIS BILL. IT’S NOT RIGHT THAT HOUSES OF WORSHIP AND NONPROFITS DON’T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO BOTH PURSUE THEIR MISSIONS AND SEEK ENERGY EFFICIENCY. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar

OU Executives Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph and Nathan Diament at the White House

SUPPORTING THE SECURITY AND WELFARE OF ISRAEL In 2022 – 23, prior to the outbreak of war in October, OUA successfully advocated for a number of

O U A DVO CA C Y

FINANCIALS

policies supporting U.S.-Israel relations. Foremost Waiver Program which allows Israelis to travel more

10%

freely to the U.S. OUA also regularly engaged with senior Administration officials and Congressional allies in support of Israel’s security operations to thwart both Iran and its proxies. These relationships with top policymakers became all the more important after the outbreak of war on October 7.

11%

OU Advocacy Center Expenses: $883,000

2023 Impact Report

among those was admission of Israel to the U.S. Visa

79%

Office Expenses $101,000 Other $88,000

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides, 4th from left, visited with OU leaders at OU headquarters.

Orthodox Union

Personnel $694,000

CONNECTING TEENS WITH THEIR

JEWISH HERITAGE

We are proud to play a vital role in the lives of tens of thousands of Jewish teens and their families each year through immersive education, and experiential and social programs. Teens build a strong connection to their Jewish identity as they develop confidence and critical leadership skills.

NCSY students and staff celebrating Havdala at the NCSY Annual National Yarchei Kallah

NCSY

2,100

NCSY Summer trip participants in Israel

2023 Impact Report

194

NCSY public school students studied in gap year programs in Israel

Orthodox Union

$5,985,034

amount of NCSY Summer scholarships awarded

FROM OUTREACH TO IMPACT: THE KATZ FAMILY INITIATIVE FUELS GROWTH THROUGH NCSY’S JSU PROGRAM Our Jewish Student Union (JSU) program, supported by the Katz Family Initiative, engages public school teens who have little or no exposure to their Jewish heritage. Using data-driven strategies and innovative programming, JSU creates a more active and knowledgeable community of Jewish teens who prioritize their religion in their futures. One key indicator of success is the number of public school teens who go on to participate in The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ), a summer Israel trip for unaffiliated Jewish teens. Over the past year, participation rose from 586 to 744 teens.

JSU teens building their Jewish identity through meaningful experiences

ATLANTA Alpharetta Atlanta Buckhead Chamblee Duluth Dunwoody Johns Creek Marietta Milton Roswell Sandy Springs Suwanee ATLANTIC SEABOARD Baltimore Cherry Hill Greater Washington Greater Philadelphia Northern Virginia Richmond CANADA Calgary

Greater Toronto Area Vancouver CENTRAL EAST Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Detroit Pittsburgh MIDWEST Chicagoland Chicagoland Northen Suburbs Kansas City Memphis Milwaukee Minneapolis Omaha Saint Louis South Bend NEW YORK 5 Towns Brooklyn Great Neck Roslyn Westchester Manhattan West Hempstead Queens

Mid-Island (Plainview, Merrick, Commack, Syosset) Staten Island Monsey NEW JERSEY Teaneck Fair Lawn Englewood MetroWest Livingston West Orange Highland Park Edison East Brunswick South Jersey Ocean County (Lakewood) NORTHEAST Albany Buﬀalo Greater Boston Greater Hartford Rochester Stamford SOUTHERN Asheville Boca Raton Broward Charleston Charlotte Greater Miami Jacksonville

Myrtle Beach Orlando Palm Beach Parkland /Coral Springs Savannah South Miami Tampa, FL SOUTHWEST Austin Dallas Denver Houston San Antonio WEST COAST Arizona East Bay LA Las Vegas Orange County Portland San Diego Seattle San Francisco & Marin Los Angeles City Los Angeles Valley ISRAEL Beit Shemesh Gush Etzion Jerusalem Area Modi’in Ra’anana

2023 Impact Report

SOUTH AMERICA Buenos Aires, Argentina Santiago, Chile Mexico City, Mexico

Edmonton Hamilton Montreal Ottawa

Orthodox Union

NEW NCSY LOCATIONS Tampa, FL Mexico City, Mexico

NCSY

NCSY LOCATIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE

NCSY SUMMER FINANCIAL AID Total Summer Trip Financial Aid: $5,985,034 Breakdown:

$2,109,000

Smiles, courtesy of the Best. Summer. Ever.

$3,000 grants for public school teens via our RootOne partnership

SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN

$1,932,000

DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY For many families with limited Jewish engagement, the cost of summer programs like JSU’s The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey can be prohibitive, even with the generosity of OU donors who subsidize these trips. Offering scholarships makes it possible for these families to enrich their teens’ Jewish identity and connect with Israel. These scholarships are more than just numbers; they open doors and help build a more inclusive Jewish community for the future.

Trip subsidies for The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) for public school and community school teens

$1,944,034 NCSY Scholarships for yeshiva high school and public-school teens

TRANSFORMATIVE TRIPS AND FINANCIAL HURDLES: MY NCSY STORY I grew up in Calgary, which doesn’t have much of a Jewish community. I joined NCSY at 13 and it had a profound impact on me. Initially, NCSY was a casual experience, more about fun activities like laser tag than serious learning. My older sister, already active in NCSY, encouraged me to get more involved, so I joined TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey), an NCSY summer program in Israel. The experience was transformative. TJJ was my first deep dive into Orthodox Judaism, where I could ask serious questions and engage in Jewish learning at a new level. I found the trip meaningful, despite some initial discomfort with unfamiliar practices like modesty rules. TJJ led to my second trip, TJJ Ambassadors to Poland, and there, I started to more seriously explore my faith. I committed to regular synagogue attendance and eating kosher. Financing these experiences was challenging, and I benefitted from financial aid and scholarships. Without this assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to participate. Financial support plays a pivotal role in facilitating these life-changing experiences, not just for me but for countless other young people in similar situations. The need for increased financial aid cannot be overstated; it truly makes a difference in the trajectory of young Jewish lives. Mikayla Seidman 50

Mikayla, center, at Yom NCSY in Israel during her NCSY Summer trip

• Camp Sports • Chai

• NCSY Chesed Relief Missions • Passport

• Derech (new for JSU PUBLIC SCHOOL TRIPS 2024) • MYC Israel • Impact (in Discovery partnership with Camp • JSU Go Atlanta Kaylie) • Next Step: • Jumpshot Israel Internships • Kollel • The Anne GIRLS’ TRIPS Samson Jerusalem • Chai Journey (TJJ) • Euro 4G - TJJ Action • GIVE - TJJ Poland • GIVE West (Formerly TJJ • Impact (in Ambassadors partnership Poland with Camp or TJJ AP) Kaylie) - Yeshivat TJJ • Lead - Argentina 1 • Michlelet - Argentina AP CO-ED TRIPS (Poland) • Camp Kesher - Canada 1 • Euro Israel

• Hatzalah Rescue • Israel ID • JOLT Israel • Justiﬁ Thailand

ARON’S IMPACT Justifi Thailand is founded on the idea that personal transformation leads to a better world, a concept grounded in Torah values. Upon landing in Bangkok, we held an orientation where teens, including Ruty Aron, shared deeply personal life events. Ruty revealed that her turning point was entering foster care. On our last day, we visited a foundation in Northern Thailand that supports street children and orphans. We bonded through games and shared experiences. Ruty later spoke on the importance of these support organizations, using her own experience as a reference. She urged the children not to lose hope, and her words, translated into Thai, resonated deeply. This moment exemplified Justifi Thailand’s mission for many: inner growth catalyzes external impact, in line with Torah learning.

- Sephardic - TJJ Syrian • Kollel Mechina • Michlelet Mechina

• Kadima • Next Step: Israel Internships

NCSY

TO WORLD CARE: RUTY

Ruty Aron with Thai orphans on the Justiﬁ Thailand NCSY Summer trip

Orthodox Union

BOYS’ TRIPS

FROM FOSTER CARE

2023 Impact Report

NCSY SUMMER TRIPS

EXPLORING BIG QUESTIONS Since launching our first 18Forty podcast in May 2020, we’ve reached more than 1.3 million site users and have had a transformative impact on countless lives. Offering content that is meaningful and consequential, 18Forty is a valued resource, community and sanctuary for those navigating the

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complexities of modern life.

I AM SO GRATEFUL TO YOU AND THE ENTIRE 18FORTY TEAM FOR PROVIDING ME A VOICE WHEN I WAS SCARED INTO SILENCE, AND A FAMILY WHEN I FELT ALONE IN THE QUIET CORRIDORS OF DOUBT. I AM SO APPRECIATIVE OF YOUR WORK!

SOME OF OUR POPULAR PODCASTS

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FINANCIALS

NCSY ALUMNI PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN MY JEWISH AND SOCIAL GROWTH. THEY SPONSORED A WEEKLY LUNCH WHERE 20+ GIRLS LEARNED TOGETHER AND A WEEKLY OLAM HAMIDDOT BOOK CLUB MEETING. THESE EXPERIENCES UNDERSCORED THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTER BUILDING, LEARNING TORAH, AND CONNECTING TO MY FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS. I’M FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THAT LIFE-CHANGING SUPPORT. – Rebecca Yaminian, Great Neck, Queens College

NCSY

N C SY

32% 41%

NCSY Revenue: $58,713,000

27% OU Contribution $18,883,000 Program Fees $16,030,000 Donations $23,800,000

NCSY / JSU ALUMNI:

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Many NCSY and JSU alumni embark on transformative journeys with their Israel, attend college and pursue other life avenues. NCSY

NCSY Expenses: $ 58,352,000

Alumni and its campus partners, Olami and OU-JLIC, are devoted to ensuring the ongoing success of these young adults with numerous opportunities for personal and

37%

spiritual growth. NCSY Alumni helped send a total of 194 public school

2023 Impact Report

43%

Judaism as they take gap years in

students, plus over 600 yeshiva high school graduates, to

155

Regional Year Round Programming $24,919,000 National Year Round Programs $5,268,000 Summer Programs $21,878,000

attended Israel programs geared toward non-Orthodox students

Administrative and Fundraising $5,263,000

Staff Training and Development $1,024,000

attended yeshivas geared toward Orthodox students

Orthodox Union

gap year programs in Israel.

SUPPORTING STUDENTS

ON CAMPUS

We’re on secular college campuses across North America and Israel offering Jewish students support, opportunities for Torah study and Jewish engagement, and a warm home away from home. Our JLIC directors are stellar Jewish educators who connect with our students and create lasting relationships with them that extend beyond their college years and throughout their Jewish journeys.

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OU-JLIC GAVE ME A SENSE OF HOME WHEN I WAS ON CAMPUS. THERE WERE NO JEWISH STUDENTS IN MY CLASS, AND I OFTEN FELT ALONE. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR OU-JLIC FOR PROVIDING A FANTASTIC PLATFORM FOR STUDENTS LIKE ME TO STAY CONNECTED TO OUR RELIGION DURING COLLEGE. – Western University of Health Sciences Student

5,004 JLIC student participants

2,894 significant relationships maintained by OU-JLIC Directors with students

221 students who went on an OU-JLIC summer program in Israel

Founded in 2000, JLIC began on two college campuses — Brandeis and Yale — and now counts 32 campuses in our JLIC network. We continue to expand our footprint as the number of Jewish students at secular institutions grows.

Seif OU-JLIC

EXPANDING OUR REACH

In Israel, we’re now serving 6 campuses and 4 young professional communities, with Technion — Israel Institute of Technology, Jerusalem College of Technology and Hebrew University newly added this year. Meet the eight new JLIC co-directors on our four newest college campuses:

After creating a hub for student life as JLIC directors of Bar Ilan University, Rabbi Uri and Abby Lorkis come with on-theground experience as they embark on their new journey as JLIC Directors in Ann Arbor. Rabbi Evan and Tova Levine – the Technion The two bring their expertise in Jewish education to the Technion following their most recent positions as Directors of Adult Education and Assistant Rabbi and Rebbetzin at the Hale Shule in South Manchester, UK.

Rabbi Shlomo and Kyra Ashkanazy – Washington University Known for their open home and hosting large Shabbat meals in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem, Rabbi Shlomo and Kyra Ashkanazy are excited to bring their love for Israel and Torah, and their passion for community building, to Washington University in St. Louis. Rabbi Simcha and Margalit Herschman – Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT) This couple met as students through JLIC and look forward to carrying the torch to the next generation, working with students at the JCT to create unforgettable experiences.

WHERE CAREERS, COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION THRIVE Now in its tenth year, JLIC Summer Programs, in partnership with Jewish National Fund-USA and Onward Israel, saw top-tier students competing for coveted spots to live, learn and work in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

2023 Impact Report

Rabbi Uri and Abby Lorkis – University of Michigan

YAVNEH’S EXPANDING NETWORK: AMPLIFYING STUDENT LEADERSHIP Yavneh is a network of passionate student and young professional leaders dedicated to fostering Jewish life and community on campuses and cities across North America. The initiative engages over 400 student leaders from more than 70 campuses. This year, Yavneh established hubs in Los Angeles, Boston and New York City and added two Senior Torah Educators: Rabbi Don Cantor and Channah Cohen.

Orthodox Union

Orthodox college students can advance their career aspirations with meaningful internships at Israeli companies while having Beit Midrash nights, Shabbatonim and trips. It’s an authentic Israeli living experience and a glimpse into potential aliyah.

OU-JLIC Summer in Israel Program Shabbaton participants

JLIC SUMMER EXPERIENCES ■

The co-ed Midreshet Torah V’Avodah summer program, led by Rabbi Yoni and Hannah Abrams, is offered to students who spent a gap year in Israel. The rigor of the Torah learning includes a nightly gemara shiur by JLIC’s founding director, Rav Menachem Schrader.

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Led by JLIC Jerusalem directors Emily and Jeremy Tibbetts, Ascend is geared to men and women who have not participated in a gap year program. The learning is accessible for people of all backgrounds and skill levels.

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In partnership with Nishmat, this all-women’s advanced Beit Midrash is managed by Rabbi Josh and Tali Harris. The program focuses on both chevruta learning and shiurim in a text-based learning style.

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56 Orthodox male and female college students from across North America attended this learning program in partnership with Midreshet HaRova. The program was led by Rabbi Yehudah and Hannah Auerbach, current JLIC directors at The University of Chicago. Participants live in the Old City of Jerusalem, work in an internship during the day and study Torah at a high level in the evenings.

THE DR. MORDECAI D. KATZ Z”L OU-JLIC AT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY PROGRAM JLIC has opened a new opportunity to work and study in Tel Aviv. This program is spearheaded by Rabbi Eitan and Elana Phillips, the founding couple at the Dr. Mordecai D. Katz z”l OU-JLIC at Tel Aviv University program. As part of the internship, students gain exclusive access to an accredited course on “Foundations of Entrepreneurship.”

FROM TEL AVIV TO ROMANIA: YOUNG JEWISH PROFESSIONALS EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF COMPASSION A week before Shavuot, Tel Aviv’s JLIC Directors posed an unexpected question to its community of young Jewish professionals: Would anyone be interested in forgoing the city’s robust holiday social scene in favor of visiting an orphanage in Romania? The JLIC message to the local community went out with the following request: “We have connections with a number of Ukrainian Jewish organizations and I was hoping to organize a trip to Romania around Rosh Hashanah time. However, they have reached out to us and asked if we might be able to go and provide some help over Shavuot, making the festival joyous for the kids. Crazy idea, I know, but this would be a unique experience giving love, warmth and smiles to kids who — let’s face it — probably need and deserve it more than almost anyone else in the world. Accepting the 56

FINANCIALS

Torah on Shavuot with that around you . . . well, that’d be pretty special.” Tikva Children’s Home is an orphanage for Jewish

12%

children in Ukraine. With the outbreak of war, these Jewish orphans had a harrowing and traumatic escape across borders, eventually arriving at the

Seif OU-JLIC

S E I F O U -J L I C

orphanage in Romania.

JLIC Revenue: $8,850,000

In partnership with Rabbi Ethan Katz of OU Relief

41%

Missions, these young professionals created a festive holiday atmosphere for orphan refugees. The participants, 6 men and 8 women, paid out of pocket

38%

for airfare to Bucharest. “The girls were dancing and standing on chairs — and it was the most beautiful holy experience. The people running the orphanage told us they hadn’t seen the kids like that before. We all ended the evening on a spiritual high.”

OU Contribution $3,593,000 Donations $3,397,000 Direct Support from Partner Organizations $1,043,000 In-Kind Support from Partner Organization $650,000 Program fees $167,000

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: JOSH PARTOVI, UCLA By his own account, Josh Partovi was a quiet and withdrawn young man — but anyone who knows the JLIC

15%

JLIC Expenses: $8,850,000

student leader would be hardpressed to believe that.

2023 Impact Report

7% 6%

Josh served as student president of the JLIC at UCLA for two years, supporting a vibrant student

70%

restrictions. He created a weekly men’s gemara chaburah (study group) hosted at OU’s West Coast

Torah Educators and Other Personnel $6,153,000

headquarters. Josh single-handedly prepared

Program $1,330,000

and taught the class, ordered the food, handled

Admin and Other $521,000

the logistics and recruited new participants. The chaburah didn’t pause for finals or summer vacation and even met on Motzei Yom Kippur. Josh credits JLIC for giving him not just community, but purpose and direction. “You [JLIC] have really changed my life so much, I am so much happier, lucky and blessed to have been part of JLIC.”

In-Kind Office Space and Support $650,000 Recruitment and Retention $196,000 The financial information (unaudited) here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services—e.g., IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not reflected in the program’s financials. Financial data is for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023.

Orthodox Union

community through the pandemic and its associated

INSPIRING THE

JEWISH FUTURE

We’re the OU’s Birthright Israel program and a leading trip organizer, with numerous trips each winter and summer for diverse groups eager to explore their Jewish heritage and strengthen their connection to Israel.

Summer 2023 marked a significant milestone for us as we welcomed back full capacity trips for the first time since 2020. With 1,400 participants on 35 trips, and over 1,000 additional applicants placed on waitlists, the impact of Birthright Israel’s transformative experiences continues to resonate worldwide. 10 more trips are planned for this winter. Our experienced staff members who come back each year work together with new staff members to build a close-knit group of dynamic Jewish educators. Together, they are committed to leading OU’s Birthright trips and to inspiring our participants to explore their Jewish heritage.

MILESTONE MITZVAH MOMENTS Over 500 Birthright participants experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment as they celebrated their bar and bat mitzvahs in Israel. Surrounded by the rich history and traditions of their heritage, these young adults — who hadn’t previously formally celebrated their passage into Jewish adulthood — embraced their Jewish identities and formed everlasting connections to the land and the Jewish people.

Participants have a moment of reﬂection while visiting the Kotel for the ﬁrst time.

Spending time in Tel Aviv at Shuk Ha’Carmel, experiencing an Israeli market

FINANCIALS 9%

YALLA partner trip for those with physical special needs reaches new heights at an accessible ropes course in Israel

49%

MAKING ISRAEL AS ACCESSIBLE AS POSSIBLE

Israel Free Spirit National Revenue: $5,425,000

Israel Free Spirit: Birthright Israel

ISRAEL FREE SPIRIT

42%

This year we offered several accessibility-focused Birthright trips to accommodate individuals with diverse needs. Among them was a trip run in collaboration with Yachad, the OU leading authority on inclusion. We also partnered with YALLA to offer a trip tailored for individuals with physical disabilities. Another distinctive offering is our recovery trip for those on

OU Contribution $487,000 Birthright Direct Support $2,285,000 Donations and In-Kind Support $2,653,000

recovery journeys from various addictions. These trips create a safe and supportive environment that fosters 9%

beauty of Israel accessible to individuals who might otherwise miss out on this meaningful opportunity.

I USED TO INTRODUCE MYSELF AS JEWISH, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE “ISH.” BUT NOW I WON’T DO THAT, I’M VERY PROUD TO BE A JEW. I PLAN TO GO BACK HOME, LEARN AND TAKE ACTIVE STEPS TO MAKE MY JEWISH IDENTITY A PART OF MY EVERYDAY LIFE. – Katie, Texas

49%

Israel Free Spirit National Expenses: $5,425,000

42%

Admin, Development and Misc. $484,000, Programming $2,296,000 In-Kind Programming $2,645,000 The financial information (unaudited) here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services—e.g., IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not reflected in the program’s financials. Financial data is for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023.

Orthodox Union

“

doors of exploration and connection, and making the

2023 Impact Report

healing, growth and self-discovery — opening the

EMBRACING EVERY

ABILITY

We empower individuals with intellectual, developmental and learning disabilities to participate more fully in the Jewish community and society. We do this by providing meaningful relationships, employment and educational opportunities — because every Jew deserves a place in our community.

Yachad operates social and recreational programs in 10 regions serving 20 communities,

Yachad

BUILDING CONNECTIONS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES geared towards developing relationships and skills building. Classes, Torah chaburahs, art and music clubs and many joint programs with local high school and older volunteers are rounded out by inclusive Shabbatonim. This past year, Yachad supported more than 1,000 participants across our regions and powerfully impacted thousands of family members, volunteers and community members.

WHERE INCLUSION MEETS INNOVATION: YACHAD SUMMER This past year, over 500 staff members supported 541 participants across 26 unique summer programs and 14 partnerships with other camps. Yachad Summer places Yachad participants within host camps’ bunks, runs programs that integrate a Yachad bunk within the host camp, and organizes vocational programs where older Yachad participants work as specialty staff, with support, for the host camp. Additionally, Yachad Summer offers single-gender and co-ed camping options as well as the one of a kind Yachad Bachutz, a summer program for teenage boys on a working farm. The crown jewel of Yachad Summer is Yad B’Yad, where 3 buses and over 100 high school students and Yachad participants spend 5 weeks touring and experiencing Israel as they

Friendship, fun and acceptance. Thanks to our partnership with camps like Morasha, every camper feels at home.

High schoolers on Yad B’Yad, Yachad’s inclusive Israel travel program, enjoy a day in Israel.

Two participants on Yad B’Yad, Yachad’s Israel travel trip that includes high school students with and without disabilities

Orthodox Union

2023 Impact Report

create incredible memories together.

Marilyn and Sheldon David IVDU Boys Upper School students participated in the Natural Bridge Caverns Trail Marathon in San Antonio, TX.

Yachad

EMPOWERING JEWISH SPECIAL EDUCATION IVDU, the formal education arm of Yachad, is the largest stand-alone Jewish special education school system and educates 125 students annually. IVDU currently operates 4 schools in New York: 3 in Brooklyn and 1 in Long Island. In the past year, IVDU celebrated the graduation of 20 students, many of whom have pursued higher education opportunities such as yeshiva and college programs, while others have embarked on fulfilling employment journeys. With a dedicated team of over 115 professionals, including teachers, assistant teachers, therapists and administrators, IVDU maintains an impressive staff-to-student ratio, ensuring that each student receives the tailored attention necessary to enhance their educational experience. The Marilyn and Sheldon David High Schools in Brooklyn also provide extracurricular activities for IVDU students such as Shabbatonim. In a remarkable achievement, the boys’ high school students ran in the marathon in San

Orthodox Union

Marilyn and Sheldon David IVDU Girls Upper School student, receiving our warm, hands-on, and individualized approach to education.

2023 Impact Report

Antonio, Texas, this past year.

Through JUF’s guidance and support, Chayala and Andrew have found meaningful employment at CVS. Both work independently at different Manhattan locations.

Micah Left, a Yachad participant, was recognized as the Employee of the Year for his outstanding contributions to Best Western Hotels by his supervisors, Jeffrey Wilder and Sean Charnow, second and third from the left, respectively.

UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORKPLACE The Jewish Union Foundation (JUF) is the employment arm of Yachad and provides employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. JUF currently operates programs in Brooklyn, Long Island, and Bergen County, New Jersey, with plans to expand to more locations. Our programs engage over 100 participants who actively volunteer in their communities, honing valuable skills that prepare them for meaningful employment. Our dedicated job coaches work closely with each participant in their new job placements, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of their roles. JUF has cultivated partnerships with national giants like CVS and Home Depot, as well as local businesses that share our core values. 64

REACH is Yachad’s premier data-informed resource and referral service launched two years ago, which continues to impact more people. REACH has a database of all programs and services supporting the Jewish disability population and gives referrals to families from across the globe in need. Referrals are determined based on specific information from each family in need, which gets entered into the proprietary database, which then delivers the referrals. With a track record of over 1,500 calls answered and nearly 2,000 referrals provided, REACH continues to be a beacon of support for those seeking assistance

“

Yachad

ANSWERING THE CALL

REACH HAS BEEN THERE FOR OUR FAMILY IN A TIME OF NEED WHEN NOBODY ELSE WAS ABLE TO ASSIST. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO REACH, FOR THEIR TIME, EFFORT, CARE, UNDERSTANDING, SUPPORT, WARMTH AND DEDICATION. – REACH client

A family enjoys visiting day at one of Yachad’s 14 partner camps.

Orthodox Union

2023 Impact Report

within the Jewish disability community.

Every summer, Yachad campers thrive at one of Yachad Summer’s 25+ programs.

Connection is key at Yachad. Through deep bonds, caring staff support each participant to feel happy and empowered and reach their full potential. A lift up and smile make all the difference.

Disability Inclusion in Shuls Panel. (L-R) Moderator: Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, OU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Ofﬁcer; Yachad parents: Rabbi Menachem Penner, Rabbi Yehuda Minchenberg, and Mrs. Martha Hershkovich.

DISABILITY INCLUSION IN SHULS On February 27, Yachad and OU Synagogue Initiatives hosted Disability Inclusion in Shuls: A Community Conversation, at the Young Israel of Woodmere, New York. The event featured practical tips to make shuls more inclusive for individuals with disabilities and their families. The program provided a unique perspective along with tools to better understand and help connect to individuals with disabilities. 66

FINANCIALS

Yachad

YA C H A D

20% 45%

Yachad Revenue: $25,164,000

19%

16% Donations $5,028,000 OU Contribution $4,728,000 Government Funding $4,148,000 Program Fees & Tuition Payments $11,260,000

24%

Green thumbs and big smiles. Yachad’s programs provide the nurturing environment and encouragement needed to allow natural talents to blossom. Hands-on projects like plant care help participants explore interests and develop conﬁdence.

Yachad Expenses: $24,710,000 17%

35%

2023 Impact Report

15%

Yachad Programs and Chapter Spend $6,074,000 IVDU Schools $8,535,000

YACHAD REGIONS ■

BALTIMORE

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NEW ENGLAND

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CHICAGO

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NEW JERSEY

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CLEVELAND

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NEW YORK

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ISRAEL

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SOUTH FLORIDA

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LOS ANGELES

■

TORONTO

Admin and Other $2,185,000 Vocational and Day programming $3,752,000 The financial information (unaudited) here includes the total communal impact of OU programs worldwide. In addition, the OU provides significant support for all of its programs through facilities, management and administrative services—e.g., IT, Finance, HR and Communications. Those expenses are not reflected in the program’s financials. Financial data is for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023.

Orthodox Union

Summer Programs $4,164,000

A CRITICAL VOICE IN

ORTHODOX JEWISH LIFE

Founded in 1985, Jewish Action is our full-color glossy quarterly magazine that reflects and informs the interests, concerns and values of the Orthodox Union and the Orthodox world. Reaching 150,000 readers across North America and Israel, Jewish Action explores the issues that are important to the Orthodox reader, with thought-provoking and insightful essays and articles by some of the most prestigious writers and thinkers in the Orthodox world.

The New Look of Spring 5783/2023

6HMSDQ 578 /202

Vol. 83, No. 3 • $5.50

Vol. 8 , No.

S I N G L E H O O D I N T H E C O M M U N I T Y:

ARE WE MISSING THE MARK?

CELEBRATING

100 YEARS OF OU KOSHER bartenura rose splash ad.indd 3

Torah in the

age of Artificial

Intelligence

5/10/17 12:09 PM

Recent Jewish Action Covers: Winter 2022, Spring 2023, Summer 2023, Fall 2023

Jewish Action Magazine

CAPTURING HISTORY In honor of Israel’s 75th anniversary, Jewish Action interviewed, videoed and transcribed the firsthand testimonies of those who witnessed the miraculous birth of the Jewish state in 1948. Interviewees include Rabbanit Miriam Hauer, the mother of OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer; Rabbanit Puah Shteiner, author of Forever My Jerusalem; and famed historian and speaker Rabbi Berel Wein. Rabbanit Hauer’s video received more than 33,000 views, the OU’s highest-performing Instagram post since last summer.

UNLOCKING THE PAST: EXPLORING 77 YEARS OF JEWISH LIFE For the first time, readers will have online access to every issue of Jewish Life, the predecessor to Jewish Action, published from 1946 – 1982. This remarkable glimpse into American Jewish includes 77 years of exceptional Jewish journalism. Explore the Jewish Life archive at jewishaction.com/JewishLifeArchive.

DYNAMIC NEWSLETTER

2023 Impact Report

history is part of a larger project Jewish Action is undertaking to digitize its full archive, which

Jewish Action’s monthly digital newsletter is growing at a rapid pace. Each newsletter features exclusive articles, cultivated content from the print issue and gems from our rich archive on topics including kashrus, contemporary Jewish issues, Israel, the yomim tovim, recipes, Jewish thought, Jewish history, book reviews and so much more. Over the past three years, the newsletter has grown

AND THE AWARD GOES TO . . . In 2023, Jewish Action won seven AJPA Rockower Awards for Excellence in Jewish Journalism,

Orthodox Union

from 5,700 subscribers to more than 9,000—a 58 percent increase.

considered the Pulitzers of the Jewish world.

TORAH INSIGHTS

COME TO LIFE

The OU’s book publishing division publishes popular and scholarly works reflecting a broad spectrum of Torah ideas and ideals. In 2023, OU Press released several significant volumes from outstanding thinkers, continuing to fulfill our objective of publishing books that educate, enrich and enlighten.

THE RETURN TO ZION: ADDRESSES ON RELIGIOUS ZIONISM AND AMERICAN ORTHODOXY THE KARASICK FAMILY EDITION By Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. Translated by Shaul Seidler-Feller; edited by Joel B. Wolowelsky and Simon Posner Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s addresses at conventions of the Religious Zionists of America mesmerized audiences with perceptive observations on American Jewry, Israel and the nature of Religious Zionism. This book contains ten of these speeches, translated for the first time from Yiddish. Delivered between 1939 and 1958, against the backdrop of the Holocaust and the emerging State of Israel, these profound messages from one of most challenging periods in Jewish history are timeless reminders of the unending drama of Jewish destiny.

OU Press

MASTERS OF THE WORD: TRADITIONAL JEWISH BIBLE COMMENTARY FROM THE TWELFTH THROUGH FOURTEENTH CENTURIES (VOLUME III) By Rabbi Yonatan Kolatch In this exceptional volume, Rabbi Yonatan Kolatch surveys the biographies, historical contexts, works and methodologies of Judaism’s greatest Biblical commentators—including Rambam, Radak, Ramban, Rabbi Bachya ben Asher, and Ralbag. In addition to presenting an overview of each commentator’s lifework, Rabbi Kolatch presents selections from each commentary on a particular parsha. Rabbi Kolatch’s depiction of the commentators is thorough and nuanced, and it leaves no major theme in their works untouched. We discover the commentators’ views about central questions of Jewish thought and their approach to exegetical issues, all while considering their historical contexts.

THE RAV ON TEFILLAH: AN ANTHOLOGY OF TEACHINGS BY RABBI JOSEPH B. SOLOVEITCHIK ON JEWISH PRAYER THE LEVOVITZ EDITION Edited and annotated by Rabbi Dr. Jay Goldmintz Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, also called “The Rav,” was renowned for veteran educator Rabbi Dr. Jay Goldmintz brings the Rav’s timeless wisdom on Jewish prayer to life, enlightening readers with a fresh perspective on tefillah’s philosophical and existential dimensions. The Rav on Tefillah will help readers understand both the particulars and overall structure of this essential spiritual act, enabling authentic worship from the heart.

2023 Impact Report

his unparalleled Torah scholarship. In this extraordinary anthology,

TORAH UNITED: TEACHINGS ON THE WEEKLY PARASHAH FROM RAV AVRAHAM YITZCHAK HAKOHEN KOOK, RABBI JOSEPH B. SOLOVEITCHIK, AND THE CHASSIDIC MASTERS THE WINTMAN FAMILY EDITION This remarkable work provides new insight into the Torah’s message from different vantage points. Rabbi Goldscheider’s well-crafted essays guide us into Rav Soloveitchik’s intellectual brilliance, Rav Kook’s spiritual depths and the passionate devotion of the Chasidic masters. Rabbi Goldscheider weaves together diverse strands of thought into a beautiful tapestry and helps transform Torah study into an emphatic endorsement of achdut.

Orthodox Union

By Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider

STRENGTHENING

KASHRUS STANDARDS

We combine expertise in halacha with an understanding of modern food production to ensure that kosher food meets the highest quality kashrus supervision.

SHOWING APPRECIATION FOR MASHGICHIM IN ISRAEL OU Kosher hosted a kashrus conference in Israel to honor and educate the country’s community of kashrus professionals. The event attracted over 120 attendees and featured esteemed speakers such as Rabbis Yoseph Efrati, Chaim Feinstein, Mordechai Gross, Nisson Kaplan, Shmuel Rabinowitz, Yoseph Rimon, Shmuel Weiner and Asher Weiss. The discussions centered around the halachic principles of kashrus and emerging trends in kosher supervision. With Israel being the world’s largest kosher food market, OU Kosher’s presence in the country has significantly expanded over the past five years. This conference served as a platform to let the community know that OU Kosher is committed to Israel and to supporting its kashrus programs. 72

Renowned speakers shared the podium at the Mashgiach Conference in Jerusalem. Top (L-R): Rav Asher Weiss; Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO, OU Kosher. Bottom (L-R): Rabbi Moshe Genack; Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO, OU Kosher and Rav Chaim Feinstein

Kosher (L-R) Rav Mordechai Gross, Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO, OU Kosher; Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO, OU Kosher; Rabbi Yissachar Dov Krakowski, Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kosher Israel

OU-certified products

62,495 random audits in addition to hashgacha temidis, conducted July 2022 – June 2023

113

number of countries with OU-certified facilities

“

OUR MASHGICHIM ARE THE BACKBONE OF OU KOSHER. EACH MASHGIACH IS TALENTED AND BRIGHT. THEY WORK COLLABORATIVELY TOGETHER, LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER EVERY DAY. – Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO, OU Kosher

OU KOSHER COMMUNITY RELATIONS The Community Education Department at OU Kosher serves as a vital bridge between OU Kosher and the wider Jewish community.

2023 Impact Report

1,335,133

Its objective is to provide educational resources, programs and events that enlighten and inform about the intricacies of kashrus and Jewish law. The department engages with individuals, schools and institutions.

The OU Kosher hotline was particularly active this Passover, receiving close to 10,000 calls. A notable moment occurred on Erev Pesach, when we fielded 495 calls in just three hours. Special Sunday staffing and extended hours led to an 18% increase in average daily calls during this Passover season compared to 2022. On the web front, our dedicated Passover site attracted 283,450 unique visitors, contributing to a total of 525,589 visits to oukosher.org. Overall, pageviews during the Passover season increased by 2.7% compared to last year.

Orthodox Union

CONSUMER HOTLINE

“

ASK OU IS A TRAILBLAZER IN EXPERIENTIAL JEWISH EDUCATION. – Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO, OU Kosher

Ask OU program participants touring and learning about kashrus in industrial kitchens

ASK OU’S COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING FOR WOMEN ASK OU 2023 Women’s Kosher Experience, a part of the OU Kosher Community Relations Department, held a weeklong seminar exclusively for women, offering participants an in-depth education on the complexities of kashrus. Managed by Rabbi Eli Eleff, Managing Director of OU Kosher Community Relations, the program took place at the OU headquarters in Manhattan and included educational field visits to locations like the David’s Cookies factory and the Hilton Meadowlands Hotel’s kitchen. Topics ranged from “Red Flag Ingredients” to “Securing the Kosher Supply Chain.” Participants, ranging in age from 18 to 75, hailed from various states. They received teachings on specialized kashrus concepts and witnessed real-world applications, leaving with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of kosher certification. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the program’s critical role in educating the community on topics affecting their daily lives.

HALACHA YOMIS: 15,000+ SUBSCRIBERS This daily newsletter offers a Q&A on the laws of kashrus and daily living, with over 1,200 questions in the online archive. Subscribers are encouraged to send in their own questions on kashrus issues. Recent questions included: ■

When is the optimal time to shop and prepare for Shabbos?

■

Is one also required to review the Torah reading of Yom Tov or Chanukah,

■

I accidentally poured hot meat soup into a dairy ceramic bowl. Can this be kashered? shnayim mikra v’echad targum?

Kosher

ANCHORING DIETARY NEEDS: U.S. NAVY PARTNERS WITH OU TO BETTER SERVICE KOSHER NEEDS OU Kosher partnered with the U.S. Navy and the Aleph Institute to tackle the complexities of meeting the

Ask OU program at a yeshiva day school in Dallas, Texas

needs of kosher-observant sailors on Navy ships. Due to space limitations

with the Aleph Institute, OU Kosher Rabbis Eli Eleff and Daniel Sharratt

ASK OU PROGRAM LOCATIONS

met with service members and

Boca Raton, FL

Monsey, NY

reviewed the food service operations

Brooklyn, NY

Monticello, NY

East Brunswick, NJ

New York, NY

report presented to Fleet Command.

Fort Lee, NJ

Norfolk, VA

This will serve as the basis of guidance

Houston, TX

Philadelphia, PA

to naval officers and Jewish sailors

Jerusalem, Israel

Plantation, FL

Kew Gardens Hills, NY

Surfside, FL

Union’s longstanding commitment to

Lakewood, NJ

Teaneck, NJ

ensuring the availability of kosher food

Lido Beach, NY

West Hempstead, NY

wherever it is needed.

Lower Merion, PA

“

Woodmere, NY

aboard numerous ships. Their findings were summarized in a comprehensive

to facilitate kosher options. This initiative builds on the Orthodox

OU Kosher staff meeting with naval and armed forces chaplaincy ofﬁcers

THE FEEDBACK WE RECEIVED FROM ASK OU PROGRAMS IS UNBELIEVABLE. PARTICIPANTS APPRECIATE THE LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY OF OUR STAFF AND FIND EVERYTHING VERY ENGAGING. – Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO, OU Kosher

2023 Impact Report

options is no small feat. In conjunction

Orthodox Union

and supply challenges, offering kosher

SOUTH AMERICA: CERTIFIED PLANTS BY COUNTRY TOTAL PLANTS 873

FROM QUINOA TO WINE: OU KOSHER IN SOUTH AMERICA Over the past decade, OU Kosher has experienced significant growth in Central and South America, now certifying around 840 plants in the region. Guided by the hands-on leadership of Rabbi Yitzchak Gutterman, the team manages everything from new company onboarding to ingredient changes and field inspections. Key staff members like Rabbis Shoshan Ghoori, Shmuel Dajialovski and Uriel Tawil

TOP TEN COUNTRIES IN SOUTH AMERICA

are instrumental in this expansion.

MEXICO 337 BRAZIL 113 CHILE 89 PERU 76 ECUADOR 75 COLOMBIA 73 ARGENTINA 42 COSTA RICA 18 GUATEMALA 16 PANAMA 9

language barriers—the region’s cultural

While there are unique challenges— economic instability, safety issues and emphasis on in-person communication adds another layer of complexity. Nevertheless, our RFRs (Rabbinic Field Representatives) are the linchpins of our success. They navigate these hurdles, ensuring safety and effective communication while maintaining the personal touch that’s so valued in the region. Their crucial role not only addresses these challenges but also fosters trusted relationships with the certified plants.

THE FUTURE OF KASHRUS: INNOVATIONS AND INSIGHTS FROM OU KOSHER’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE In May, over 100 OU Kosher Rabbinic Coordinators (RCs) and Rabbinic Field Representatives (RFRs) gathered for the annual two-day Kashrus Conference. The event featured discussions on halacha, procedures and trends. Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher, emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts to make the certification process more effective. Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO, discussed the global reach of their work, noting that mashgichim inspect more than a million ingredients across 104 countries. Special guests included Merkaz HaRav Kook, Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, who has had many students called up to war and Rabbi Elya Brudny, Rosh Yeshiva at Brooklyn’s Mir Yeshiva. Following a welcome from Rabbi Genack and OU Kosher Commission Chairman Dr. Joshua Penn, participants attended breakout sessions on various topics. Rabbi Yaakov Luban (RC) was honored for nearly 40 years of service as he prepares for retirement. 76

Kosher

“

THE CONFERENCE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR RCS AND RFRS TO CONNECT AND SHARE IDEAS. THAT PERSONAL INTERACTION IS SO VERY VALUABLE. – Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO, OU Kosher

Rabbi Yaakov Luban, Rabbinic Coordinator, was honored for nearly 40 years of service. (L-R) Rabbi Michael Morris, RC; Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO, OU Kosher; Rabbi Yaakov Luban; Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO, OU Kosher

(L-R) Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO, OU Kosher; Dr. Joshua Penn, OU Kosher Commission Co-Chairman; and Yosi Heber, OU Kosher Commission Co-Chairman.

2023 Impact Report

RFR Conference guest speaker Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, Rosh Yeshiva of Mercaz HaRav, on the left, with Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO, OU Kosher.

CELEBRATING OUR CENTENNIAL YEAR This year, OU Kosher celebrated its 100th anniversary, a testament to its enduring commitment to preserving the laws of kashrus in a modern industrial world. Founded in 1923 through the initiative of the OU Women’s Branch, OU Kosher initially focused on educating Jewish women about the benefits of kashrus observance, both for its religious significance and its health and hygiene advantages. Spearheaded by Rebbetzin Rebecca Goldstein, the Women’s Branch laid the groundwork for what would become a benchmark in kosher certification.

OU Kosher expanded its reach, certifying hundreds of products and leading the way in professional kosher supervision. This expansion continued into the 1980s when Rabbi Menachem Genack took the helm. Genack welcomed competition from other certification agencies, pushing the industry toward higher standards and broader consumer trust. Today, OU Kosher certifies over 1.3 million products worldwide through a staff of 900 inspectors and managers in 113 countries.

Rebbetzin Goldstein, president of the OU's ﬁrst Women’s Branch and co-founder of OU Kosher certiﬁcation.

Orthodox Union

By the 1950s, under the guidance of Rabbi Alexander Rosenberg,

2023 – 24

SENIOR STAFF RABBI MOSHE HAUER Executive Vice President

RABBI MENACHEM GENACK Chief Executive Officer, OU Kosher

RABBI DR. JOSH JOSEPH Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT Chief Operating Officer, OU Kosher

AVROMIE ADLER International Director, Yachad RABBI AVI BERMAN Executive Director, OU Israel JOSH GOTTESMAN Chief Human Resources Officer NECHAMA CARMEL Editor in Chief, Jewish Action YONI COHEN Chief of Staff and Director of Special Projects NATHAN DIAMENT Executive Director, OU Advocacy TAMAR FRYDMAN Director, OU Impact Accelerator RABBI YAAKOV GLASSER Managing Director, Communal Engagement RABBI MICAH GREENLAND International Director, NCSY MIRIAM GREENMAN Chief Information Officer RABBI ILAN HABER Chief Strategy Officer RABBI JOSH ROSS International Director, Heshe & Harriet Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus 78

RABBI ELIYAHU KRAKOWSKI Executive Editor, OU Press MAURY LITWACK Managing Director, Public Affairs SHOSHANA POLAKOFF Director, Facilities Management and Logistics RABBI ADIR POSY National Director, Pepa & Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue Initiatives RIVKI SCHWARTZ Director, Marketing & Communications RABBI SHLOMO SCHWARTZ Chief Financial Officer / Chief Administrative Officer REBBETZIN DR. ADINA SHMIDMAN Founding Director, Women’s Initiative RACHEL SIMS, ESQ. General Counsel YAEL TAMARI Director, Israel Free Spirit RABBI SIMON TAYLOR National Director, Community Projects & Partnerships RABBI DR. TZVI HERSH WEINREB Executive Vice President, Emeritus

Senior Staff/Benefactor Circle *Donors are recognized based on date of donation payment.

AMBASSADOR $1,000,000 + DRS. FELIX AND MIRIAM GLAUBACH BECKY AND AVI KATZ THE KOHELET FOUNDATION DAVID AND DEBRA MAGERMAN THE MARCUS FOUNDATION INC. IN MEMORY OF ANNE SAMSON A"H

GUARDIAN $100,000 - $999,999 IN MEMORY OF AHARON BEN YAAKOV SHALOM AND LEAH BAS YITZHAK SUE AND BILL AUERBACH MARK (MOISHE) AND JOANNE BANE NEIL AND SHERRY COHEN

CRAIN-MALING FOUNDATION: WWW.CRAINMALING.ORG DAHAN FAMILY PHILANTHROPIES ROBERT AND MICHELLE DIENER GERSHON AND AVIVA DISTENFELD MITCHELL AND ANNETTE EICHEN EISENREICH FAMILY FOUNDATION MR. AND MRS. JACK FEINTUCH FOUNDATION FOR JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS, GREATER PHILADELPHIA GEORGE AND MARTHA RICH FOUNDATION ELLIOT P. AND DEBORAH GIBBER ALAN AND BARBARA GINDI DAILYGIVING.ORG AMIR AND STACEY GOLDMAN THE GUSTAVE AND CAROL JACOBS CENTER FOR Kashrus EDUCATION MORDECAI Z"L AND MONIQUE KATZ DR. SHMUEL AND EVELYN KATZ J KOHN FAMILY

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER LOS ANGELES THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO MICHAEL AND ANDREA LEVEN MAYBERG FOUNDATION MOSAIC UNITED YEHUDA AND ANNE NEUBERGER RAPHAEL AND RIVKA EGOZI NISSEL OLAMI LAUNCH AARON AND AHUVA ORLOFSKY RALLA KLEPAK FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION IN THE PERFORMING ARTS ERIC AND GALE A"H ROTHNER JOE AND JESSICA SCHWARTZ GENIE AND STEVE SAVITSKY MARK AND BARBARA SILBER MORIS AND LILLIAN TABACINIC UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK

Orthodox Union

To learn more about the OU Benefactor Circle or to become a member, please call Jeff Korbman at 973.650.8899 or email korbmanj@ou.org.

2023 Impact Report

Members of the OU Benefactor Circle lead through their philanthropy. Each has donated in support of the OU and its many impactful programs in the 2023 or 2024 fiscal years.* We applaud them all—those whose names appear as well as those choosing to remain anonymous—for their commitment. We invite you to join them in making a difference.

FOUNDER $50,000 - $99,999

BUILDER $25,000 - $49,999

RAANAN AND NICOLE AGUS LEWIS AND LAURI BARBANEL YALE AND ANN BARON PHIL AND CONNIE BEINHAKER DANIEL AND RAZIE BENEDICT HILLEL AND CHARLOTTE A"H BRACHFELD THE CAYRE FAMILY CHICAGO CHESED FUND COMBINED JEWISH PHILANTHROPIES CROSS RIVER BANK THE CONDUIT FOUNDATION GRANT AND JENNIFER DINNER YISROEL EPSTEIN BRETT AND ALANA FINE MENASHE AND JAMIE FRANK EZRA AND RACHELI FRIEDBERG BENTZION FRIEDMAN THE GEORGE WEINBERGER MUSIC PROGRAM JOSEPH GOLDSTEIN EVE GORDON-RAMEK DR. EPHRAIM AND RITA GREENFIELD SHAUL AND TAMMY GREENWALD MOSHE AND TIRA GUBIN KLEIN, JAFFA, AND HALPERN FAMILIES THE HIDDEN SPARKS FUND LIOR AND JANET HOD ED AND ROBYN HOFFMAN/HOFFMAN CATERING TZIPPY (FAYE) HOLAND, BRIDGE OF LOVE FOUNDATION DR. ALLAN AND SANDY JACOB JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY HOWARD AND DEBBIE JONAS NATALIE AND DAVIDI JONAS AARON AND TOBI KELLER EDWARD AND INNA KHOLODENKO LAIZER AND JESSICA KORNWASSER MARC LEVINE DANIEL AND ELANA LOWY IRIS AND SHALOM MAIDENBAUM CHUCK AND ALLEGRA MAMIYE AZI AND RACHEL MANDEL EZRA AND LAUREN MERKIN DAVID MESSER EITAN AND DEBRA MILGRAM GABRIEL AND BETH NECHAMKIN GIL AND SHANI ORBACH DANIEL AND LEYLA POSNER IAN AND CAROL RATNER DAVID AND ADEENA ROSEN HENRY AND VIVIAN ROSENBERG YOSSI AND SIMI ROSENGARTEN MOSHE AND HELEN SASSOVER MICHAEL SHABSELS THE SHAMAH FAMILY THE STAENBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION MICHAEL AND CAROL STAENBERG DANIEL AND ELLIE STONE ALAN A"H AND INA TAFFET THE WALDER FOUNDATION JEFFREY AND SHARONA WEINBERG MICHAEL AND ARIANNE WEINBERGER DAVID AND GILA WEINSTEIN THE WEISS FAMILY, CLEVELAND, OHIO MR. JERRY AND MRS. SARA WOLASKY MEREDITH AND KENNY YAGER BEN ZUSSMAN DAVID AND BECKY ZWILLINGER

EMANUEL AND HELEN ADLER ARI AND REBECCA ADLERSTEIN LITA AND MITCHEL R. AEDER SCOTT AND SALLY ALPERT LIOR AND DRORA ARUSSY DAVID AND NATALIE BATALION SABY AND ROSI A"H BEHAR BRIAN AND DAFNA BERMAN JUDI AND JASON BERMAN THE CHARLES CRANE FAMILY FOUNDATION VIVIAN AND DANIEL CHILL ARI AND ERIKA COHEN FRANKI COHEN CONTRA COSTA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER SHIMON AND CHAYA ECKSTEIN JEFFREY AND SHIRA EISENBERG ROBERT EISENBERG BARI AND DANIEL ERBER ARIELA AND BENITO ESQUENAZI IN HONOR OF THE MENDEL BALK YACHAD COMMUNITY CENTER KENNETH FINK MORRIS FINKELSTEIN MURRAY AND FRIMMIT FORMAN SHEARA FREDMAN GERALD AND MIRIAM FRIEDKIN HERSHEY FRIEDMAN HOWARD TZVI AND CHAYA FRIEDMAN RAYMOND AND ELIZABETH GINDI JERRY AND ANNE GONTOWNIK AARON AND MICHAL GORIN HARVEY GREENSTEIN ROBYN AND SHUKIE GROSSMAN THE GRYFE FAMILY ESTATE OF ALLEN HABELSON JAMES AND AMY A"H HABER JACK HADDAD ROBERT AND DEBRA HARTMAN J. SAMUEL HARWIT AND MANYA HARWIT-AVIV CHARITABLE TRUST THE HELEN AND IRVING SPATZ FOUNDATION STEVEN HELLER LANCE AND RIVKIE HIRT ADAM AND SARAH HOFSTETTER DAVID AND LORRAINE HOPPENSTEIN CHARITABLE FUND OF THE DALLAS JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ALISSA AND SHIMMIE HORN MICHAEL AND BATYA JACOB JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER ATLANTA CHAIM AND SURI KAHN MICHAEL AND JUDY KAISER BENYAMIN AND ESTI KAMINETZKY GEORGE AND DENISE KARASICK RABBI MARK AND LINDA KARASICK JACK ALBERT KASSIN MICHAEL AND ELISSA KATZ NANCY I. KLEIN JONATHAN AND MINDY KOLATCH LAWRENCE AND EVELYN KRAUT ALBERT LABOZ

BRUCE AND CHERYL LEON HOWARD AND ELAYNE LEVKOWITZ SHLOMO AND RACHELI LOBELL M.B. GLASSMAN FOUNDATION LYNN AND JOEL MAEL ELLIOTT AND CHAVI MANDELBAUM MRS. FEGI MAUER THE OVED FAMILY ALLEN AND MIRIAM PFEIFFER DRS. NATHAN AND RACHEL RABINOVITCH JASON AND SHANI REITBERGER ALEXANDER AND RACHEL RINDNER STEVEN AND RUTHY ROSENBERG KAREN AND SHAWN ROSENTHAL RABBI DANIEL AND ELISHEVA RUBENSTEIN SAMIS FOUNDATION ROBERT AND TAMAR SCHARF DR. JOSEF SCHENKER JONATHAN AND BRIGITTE SCHOEN ELCHONON SCHWARTZ NATHAN AND LOUISE SCHWARTZ TZEDAKA FUND YAAKOV AND SARI SHEINFELD BONNY SILVER AND FAMILY MEYER AND BAILA SILVERBERG STEPHANIE AND DAVID SOKOL AVI AND DEENA STEIN JEREMY AND MERYL STRAUSS DAVID AND RANDI SULTAN ADAM AND TALI TANTLEFF TRAVEL INSURANCE ISRAEL MARC AND MINDY UTAY ARI AND CAROLINE WEISMAN MOSHE AND DR. ILANA WERTENTEIL JOYCE AND JEREMY WERTHEIMER HOWARD AND BATIA WIESENFELD ESTHER AND JERRY WILLIAMS SHIMON AND HENNIE WOLF DANIEL AND ALICIA YACOBY DRS. YECHIEL AND SURI ZAGELBAUM

VISIONARY $18,000 - $24,999 DANIEL AND LIORA ADLER ART HARRIS FOUNDATION ISAAC ASH EZRA AND ISAAC ASHKENAZI DR. MOSHE AND BRYNDIE BENARROCH DAVID AND SHIRA BERKOWITZ MAX AND ELANA BERLIN DENNIS AND DEBRA BERMAN ANDREA BIER THE BLACKMAN FOUNDATION STEVEN AND DANIELE BLEIER DENISE NEIDITCH BREGER JULIE AND PAUL CANDAU DRS. BENJAMIN AND ESTHER CHOUAKE TZIPPY AND DANIEL COHEN HAIM AND BARBARA DABAH ELI AND CHASI DAVIS PETER AND LORI DEUTSCH ALAN AND JUDI EISENMAN DAVID AND DEVORA ELKOUBY LINDA AND MICHAEL ELMAN ALAN AND RACHEL ENGEL EMT ACTION FUND

Benefactor Circle

ORA AND MAURY AARON ALISA ABECASSIS CHANAN BEN-ABRAHAM JASON AND LISA ABLIN AVI ADELSBERG THE ADELSBERG FAMILY AEG CONTRACTING, INC. RABBI SHLOMO AND MIRIAM APPEL HYMAN A"H AND ANN ARBESFELD ERIC AND JOYCE AUSTEIN RALPH AZRAK RACHEL AND AVRUMI BAK BALANOFF FOUNDATION JOSEPH BAMBERGER JONATHAN AND BETH BENNETT SAMUEL AND DEBORAH BERAN MAYER AND LISA BERG ASHLEY AND LISA BERMAN MRS. ROCHEL LEAH BERNSTEIN RABBI JULIUS AND DOROTHY BERMAN SION AND LORRAINE BETESH YEHUDA AND FAIGE BIENSTOCK TOMER AND JENNIFER BITTON GEORGE AND HARRIET BLANK MAXX AND LIRAZ BLANK HARVEY AND JUDY BLITZ ZEV AND VIVIAN BLUMENFRUCHT IAN AND SARAH BOCZKO MICHAEL AND DARLENE BOKOR YOSSI AND DALIA BRANDMAN MR. LUDWIG BRAVMANN THE BROOKLINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION JOSHUA AND AMY BUCHSBAYEW BARRY AND ELLEN CARRON VANESSA AND RAYMOND CHALME URIEL AND YAEL COHEN EDUARDO COJAB JOHN DAVISON YECHIEL AND NECHIE EISENSTADT ELKON FAMILY FOUNDATION LEON ELMALEH SAUL AND TOBY FELDBERG DR. RINA AND NAHUM FELMAN DR. CHARLES AND VICTORIA FRANKEL NATALIO AND ANNE FRIDMAN NATHAN AND BETH FRUCHTER PAUL AND DIANE GALLANT ANDRES AND KARINA GELRUD PIERRE AND REYNA GENTIN ISAAC GINDI BRIAN AND GILA GLUCK YOEL AND YEHUDIT GOLDBERG JOSEPH AND LAURA GOLDMAN YONATAN AND BELLENE GONTOWNIK RABBI DANIEL AND JUDITH GOODMAN TOMAS AND AVIVA GORNY ELISHA AND DANIELLA GRAFF RABBI MICAH AND RIVKIE GREENLAND PHILIP AND AVIVA GREENLAND SETH AND ORIT GRIBETZ DR. DANIEL AND TSIPORA GURELL ABE AND RONIT GUTNICKI DR. BARRY AND SHIRA HAHN SALOMON HARARI THE HARARY FAMILY RABBI MOSHE AND MINDI HAUER CHAIM AND ARIELLA HERMAN RALPH AND JUDY HERZKA YISROEL AND SHIRA HOCHBERG

HOWARD HOFFMAN AND SONS FOUNDATION ISAAC H. TAYLOR ENDOWMENT FUND RABBI MOSHE AND DEVORA ISENBERG JOSHUA JACOBS THE JACOBY FAMILY JEWISH COMMUNITY FEDERATION OF RICHMOND JEWISH FEDERATION IN THE HEART OF NEW JERSEY JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER HOUSTON DR. JULIE AND RABBI DR. JOSH JOSEPH THE JOSEPH FAMILY FOUNDATION RUTHY AND AARON JUNGREIS DR. BERNARD AND MELANIE KAMINETSKY JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY MORRIS AND SONDRA KAPLAN ARI AND SHARI KATZ DANIEL J. AND CAROLINE R. KATZ YITZY AND GILA KATZ JOSEPH AND ESTHER KAZARNOVSKY KARMELA A"H AND JERRY KLASNER ROBIN AND BRAD KLATT GARY KLEIN MICHAEL AND JULIE KLEIN MICHAEL AND NAOMI KLEIN AVI AND RAVITAL KORN MARTIN AND SARAH KORNBLUM SCOTT AND AVIVA KRIEGER JOSH AND DANIELLA KUHL ALAIN KUPPERMANN KIM AND JONATHAN KUSHNER CHANA AND JOSH KUTIN PHILIP AND JENNIFER LANDAU IRA AND SARA LANDSMAN AARON AND PAMELA LAUCHHEIMER JONATHAN AND SHARI LAUER SHLOIMY AND YITA LAZAR ERAN AND ORIT LEIB MARSHALL AND DOREEN LERNER DANIEL LEWIS RICHARD AND LEORA LINHART ELLIOT LITTOFF JOSEF LOEFFLER EVAN AND EVI MAKOVSKY DR. LOUIS AND CHANIE MALCMACHER SHIMON MARGOLINE ATERET MARJSN ALEX MARKOWITZ MOSES AND MARGA MARX YAACOV AND ESTHER MASHIACH MORRIS AND CAROLINE MASSEL LEONARD AND MARGARET MATANKY PINCHAS AND MICHAL MIKHLI STEPHEN AND EVE MILSTEIN STEVE AND MALKA MIRETZKY NOAH AND SUZANNE MISHKIN ALEXANDER AND YOCHEVED MITCHELL MARCUS AND AIMEE MIZRACHI SAMUEL AND DEBBIE MOED ELLIOT AND AVA MOSKOWITZ DR. ZEV AND SUSAN MUNK ELIZABETH AND MICHAEL MUSCHEL AVISHAI AND ELISHEVA NEUMAN NORMAN SHULEVITZ FOUNDATION BERNICE NOVICK RONIE AND JULIE OVADIA ALIZA AND MICHAEL PILEVSKY

2023 Impact Report

PARTNER $10,000 - $17,999

Orthodox Union

JEFFREY AND SHARON FISHMAN JOSHUA AND SHIFRA FOX BEN J. AND DORIT GENET SETH GERSZBERG DON AND MARINA GHERMEZIAN ARTHUR AND JUDITH GOLDBERG JOSH GOLDBERG MARK GOLDBERG NELSON AND ESTHER GOODMAN DAVID AND SHIRA GREENBERG DR. ALAN AND MIRIAM GREENSPAN ADAM AND CLAUDINE GROSSMAN MARC AND RUKI HALPERT DAVID AND CHAYA TOVA HARTMAN THE HERBERT SMILOWITZ FOUNDATION JAMES AND CAROL HERSCOT JOAN AND PETER HOFFMAN DAVID AND MICHAL KAHAN RANON AND STACY KENT JONATHAN KIER ETTA BRANDMAN KLARISTENFELD AND HARRY KLARISTENFELD DAVID AND SARA KNEE DANA AND JEFFREY KORBMAN MARC AND RENA KWESTEL MEYER AND SHEILA LAST VIVIAN AND DAVID LUCHINS DR. RALPH AND JUDITH MARCUS YIGAL AND CARYN MARCUS FRANCES MAUER MICHAEL AND ALIZA MERMELSTEIN DANIEL AND ELANA MILLER DANIEL AND JESSICA MINKOFF MARTIN AND ELIZABETH NACHIMSON AVI AND DEBRA NAIDER CAL AND JANINE NATHAN ELI AND TALIA NEUBERG STEVEN AND MARTINE NEWMAN ISABELLE AND DAVID NOVAK HENRY AND MINDY ORLINSKY HILLEL AND AMANDA PARNESS DAVID AND ELANA POLLACK NAFTOLI AND DEBBIE PORTNOY JONATHAN AND ANNE RAND JONA AND RACHEL RECHNITZ JAMES AND LOREN ROSENZWEIG YECHIEL AND NOMI ROTBLAT DAVID AND DIANA SAFIER LISA AND JONATHAN SCHECHTER MENACHEM AND RENA SCHNAIDMAN ARIANE AND MARK SCHNEIDER ROBERT AND ERICA SCHWARTZ SHARON SHAPIRO JEREMY AND DAHLIA SIMONS MICHAEL AND JESSICA SINGER EDDIE SITT BARRY AND JOY SKLAR DANIEL AND DIANA SRAGOWICZ DAVID J. AND RUTH TOBIN GARY AND MALKE TORGOW LIZZY AND JOSH TRUMP KIRILL AND MARY VOROBEYCHIK SAMUEL AND TAMI WALD GEORGE AND JONI WHITE JEFFREY AND RITA WILDER ALAN AND DENISE WILDES ZEVY AND SARA WOLMAN BEN PORAT YOSEF ATTA AND HENRY ZIELENIEC

MICHAEL PINEWSKI ISRAEL AND NECHAMA POLAK MOSHE AND YAFFA POPACK YITZIE AND NANCY PRETTER DR. STEVEN AND BELINDA RAIKIN CHAIM ZVI AND RIKKI RAJCHENBACH DR. AZRIEL AND ILANA RAUZMAN BARRY AND HARRIET RAY JORDAN AND SARA REIFER LAWRENCE REIN ELI REINHARD MEL AND KAREN ROM DEBBIE ROSALIMSKY MALKI AND J. PHILIP ROSEN MARC AND ALISSA ROSSMAN EILEEN RUBY ALLEN AND ESTHER SAMSON JUDAH AND BAYLA SAMTER STEPHEN AND JESSICA SAMUEL TAMMI AND BENNETT SCHACHTER GEORGE AND IRINA SCHAEFFER KENNY AND NAOMI SCHIFF JAY AND JEANIE SCHOTTENSTEIN DANIEL AND DEBBIE SCHWARTZ DANIEL AND RENA SCHWARTZ MAURICIO AND JOAN SCHWARZ HESHE AND HARRIET SEIF ANDREW AND STEPHANI SEROTTA DAVID SHABSELS ASHER AND CHERYL SHAFRAN JOSEPH SHAMIE BENJAMIN AND MOR SHAPIRO MOISHE AND DEENA SIEBZENER HELEN AND GERALD SILVER IVAN AND MARILYN SOCLOF JARED AND ALIZA SOLOMON MICHAEL AND FRAN SOSNOWIK JONATHAN AND ANAT STEIN JACK S. AND LANNA STERENFELD TODD AND RAPHAELA STERN TOM STERN MARVIN AND DEBRA STERNBERG DANIEL AND MIRA STOKAR ELLIOT AND LAURIE SUTTON SAM AND NANCY SUTTON MARILYN RABHAN SWEDARSKY AND DR. ROBERT SWEDARSKY JOSHUA AND BETH SYDNEY MORRIS AND RACHEL TABUSH DR. AND MRS. SHIMMY TENNENBAUM ARIEL TOURS TAL TOURS JULIUS AND STEPHANIE TRUMP DANIEL TURKEL DANIEL AND ZAHAVAH URETSKY IRA WALDBAUM FAMILY FOUNDATION STEPHEN AND MIRIAM WALLACH THE JOSEPH LEROY AND ANN C. WARNER FUND BARBARA AND HOWARD WEINER THE WEININGER FOUNDATION INC. ADAM AND JODI WEINSTEIN DR. YOSSI AND ILANA WEINSTEIN ADAM AND AVA WEISSTUCH ELI AND RHONA WILAMOWSKY DANIELLE AND JEFFREY WILD RABBI SHABSAI AND DEBBIE WOLFE JAY AND DEBORAH ZACHTER LEON ZEKARIA ALAN AND LORI ZEKELMAN URI AND EFFIE ZISBLATT

PATRON $5,000 - $9,999 LEON AND SOFIA ACHAR CRAIG AND YAEL ACKERMANN ADM/ROI DR. LISA AIKEN MICHAEL AINGORN ANDREW ALBSTEIN ALLEN AND DEANNA ALEVY MICHAEL AND DEBBIE ALPERT JEREMY AND REBECCA AMSTER YAKIRA AND JEREMY APFEL ARIEL TOURS, INC. CHAYA ARON JACK AND REGINE ASHKENAZIE PROF. MICHAEL AND DR. DAPHNA ATAR RICHARD AND SHARON AUMAN DAVID AZAR BRYAN BADZIN MARTIN AND MAYANN BAUMRIND SHAEL AND JOAN BELLOWS AVRAHAM YI AND LILLIAN BERGER DR. AND MRS. YITZHAK AND ELLEN BERGER BETZALEL BERKMAN ARI BERKOWITZ BARRY AND ERICA BERKOWITZ BENJAMIN AND ELIZABETH BERMAN YVONNE BERMAN JOEL AND DINA BESS CAROL LASEK AND HOWARD BIENENFELD HADASSAH AND MARVIN BIENENFELD MOSHE BLACKSTEIN YEHUDA AND RONI BLINDER DAVID AND TRUDI BLOOM MICHAEL S. BLOOM BEN AND TAMAR BLUMENTHAL DORIS BLUMKIN AND MARK BLUMKIN Z”L KENNY BODENSTEIN SANDY AND SHOSHANA BODZIN ENID AND HAROLD H. BOXER ENDOWMENT DAVID AND RENEE BRAHA AVRUMI AND SARAH BRAM LEE AND ALIZA BRAVERMAN DAVID AND NANCY BRENT MICHAEL AND ALLISON BROMBERG YISHAI AND BLUMA BRONER YONAH AND SONYA BUDD EDDIE CHABBOTT IRWIN AND ROBERTA CHAFETZ LARRY AND RACHEL CHAFETZ DANIEL AND DEVORAH CHEFITZ ADAM AND ILANA CHILL GOBBIE AND SHAYNA COHN YONI AND TZIVIA COHEN ETHAN AND AMY COREY RICK AND MARCY CORNFELD MEIR AND BATYA COSIOL DAVID AND MARILYN CUTLER DAVID AND INEZ MYERS FOUNDATION MELVIN DAVID DEN LABOR LAW CHARLES AND NAOMI RUTH DEUTSCH SARI AND SHLOMO DRAZIN ROBERT AND SHELLEY DUBIN DR. CARYN BORGER AND MARK DUNEC YOSSI EISENBERGER GARY AND KAREN EISENBERG

CHESKY AND TALIA EISENBERGER RINA AND RABBI DOV EMERSON EMT ACTION FUND BINAH AND DANNY ENGLANDER MARC AND PATRICIA EPSTEIN EXIT MOLD & LEAD BERNARD FARBER MELVIN FARBER SETH AND ZAHAVA FARBMAN PAUL AND LORRAINE FEIN STEVEN FEINTUCH DAVID AND JAMIE FEIT DENNIS AND AMY FEIT JOSEPH AND DANA FELDMAN RABBI DAVE AND CHERYL FELSENTHAL ALEX FENIGSTEIN MARTIN AND LEORA FINEBERG ARYEH AND DORIT FISCHER DAVID FISHEL JONATHAN AND KIM FISHMAN JOSEPH AND RACHEL FOX DOVID AND ADINA FRANKEL DR. BEN AND CARA FREEDMAN JEEREMY AND DANA FRENKEL ISAAC FREWA CHAIM FRIEDMAN MARK AND CHERYL FRIEDMAN NEIL AND ILANA FRIEDMAN AKIVA AND MIMI FRIEND DR. STAN AND MARLA FROHLINGER JOEY GABAY MORDECHAI AND ZIPPORAH GASNER SHAI AND TOVA GERSON DAVID AND RACHEL GERSTLEY RISA AND ZEV GEWURZ ELI AND SHOSHANA GHOORI ROBERT AND LEAH GLADSTEIN STEVEN AND DEBRA GLANZ ARI AND ABIGAIL GLASS LENNY AND ESTELLE GLASS RICK AND YVONNE GOLDBERG MR. AND MRS. ERNIE GOLDBERGER EVAN AND REBECCA GOLDENBERG ZVI GOLDMAN ELISHEVA AND SIMCHA GOLDSTEIN EZRA AND LILY GONTOWNIK DR. SUSAN GRAYSEN AND FAMILY ROBERT AND GLADYS GREENBERG FREDA GREENBAUM ARYEH AND GOLDIE GROSS MERIDIAN CAPITAL GROUP ARIEL AND ALETA GRUNBERG CHERYL HAAS MICHAEL HADDAD STEVEN AND JODI HALPER HC STAFFING AND PAYROLL SOLUTIONS SETH AND ELISHEVA HELLER ANDREW AND TERRI HERENSTEIN CHANI AND DANIEL HERRMANN DOV AND LAURA HERTZ CATHY AND DAVID HOFFMAN NORMA HOLZER DOV AND SARAH HOROWITZ DR. SHALOM AND LORI HUBERFELD DR. DAVID AND BARBARA HURWITZ JON HUREWITZ JAY AND YAEL IDLER MARTINE IRMAN IN HONOR OF DR. WEINSTOCK MOSHE AND DEVORA ISENBERG DANIEL JACOB MOTTY AND HADASSA JACOBOWITZ HARRY AND TERRY JACOBS

We apologize for any omissions. If you wish to be acknowledged please contact Paul Kaplan at

Benefactor Circle

SHLOMO AND GITTY SCHWARTZ ARI AND ATARA SEGAL DOVID AND ZISI SEITLER SCOTT AND JAMIE SELIGSOHN ARI AND SHOSHANA SHABAT RALPH AND SARAH SHAMAH LOUIS SHAMIE HOWARD AND ALISSA SHAMS MICHAEL AND TALI SHAPIRO SHEFA BRACHA FUND TAMAR AND AARON SHEFFEY NEIL SHORE TZVI SIMPSON BARRY AND JOY SKLAR CLOIN AND WENDY LOVELL SMITH IRIS SMITH KERRI AND JEFFREY SNOW FAMILY FOUNDATION BARRY AND JODIE SOBEL GABRIEL AND SARA SOLOMON S. JAN AND MARSHA SPECTOR JONATHAN AND DODI SPIELMAN RUTH BRANDT SPITZER KALMAN AND ALIZA STAIMAN GARY AND NAOMI STEIN ESTATE OF MELVIN AND MIRELE STEINIG RACHELLE AND ZEV STERN AARON AND ARIELLA STRASSMAN DANIEL AND JOYCE STRAUS MOSHAEL AND ZAHAVA STRAUS TED AND LINDA STRUHL ABRAHAM SULTAN JOSH SULTAN MICHAEL SWIECA TAMPA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS AND FEDERATION JONATHAN AND RACHEL TIGER SAM AND TZIPI TRAMIEL SHLOMO AND RONNI TROODLER SHULI AND MARC TROPP ALAN AND RACHELLE TSAROVSKY ELIANA VIDAN EPHRAIM AND AVIVA VILENSKI DANNY AND TIRTZA VIZEL JONATHAN AND AMY VOGEL AARON MOISHE AND RIVKA WEBER IN MEMORY OF DOVID BEN REB YOSEF WEINBERG A"H AVRUM AND D’VORAH WEINFELD TOVA AND HOWARD WEISER LYLE WEISMAN RICHARD AND DIANE WEINBERG ARYEH AND YAEL WIELGUS JONATHAN AND LISA WINTNER DAVID AND NATALIE WOLF CHARLES WOLOFSKY JONATHAN ZAR CHERYL AND MARC ZEFFREN MARK AND JESSICA ZITTER MORDECHAI AND HENNY ZOLTY DANNY AND DAWN ZOUBER SETH ZWILLENBERG

2023 Impact Report

YOSEF AND SARAH MILLER MICHAEL AND ARIELLA MILOBSKY STUART AND SARAH MILSTEIN ETAN AND VALERIE MIRWIS AND FAMILY DR. DANIEL AND STEPHANIE MISHKIN MARSHALL AND JEAN MIZRAHI DAVID AND JILL MOGIL HARRY AND ROBIN MORTKOWITZ SHARONA AND IRWIN NACHIMSON MICHAEL AND MICHELLE NACHMANI SHULAMIS NADLER DANIEL AND ANNE NAGEL RABBI YAAKOV AND SARA NAGEL JONATHAN AND MINDY NEISS HARRY AND DORIT NELSON ADAM NESENOFF ZACHARY NEUGUT JAY AND PAULA NOVETSKY TERRY AND GAIL NOVETSKY MICHAEL AND NAOMI NUDELL JONATHAN NUSZEN JONATHAN AND DINA OHEBSHALOM LESLIE AND JOSH OSTRIN AND FAMILY PROF. MARTIN PATT DENA AND SETH PILEVSKY YAKOV AND FRUMIE POLATSEK ISAAC AND BONNIE POLLAK MR. AND MRS. DAVID PORUSH RICHARD AND ORA RABINOVICH DAVID RABINOWITZ MEIR AND SARA RASKAS MICHAEL AND ARIANNE RAUCHMAN GEORGIA RAVITZ REGALS FOUNDATION YARON AND LISA REICH DRS. CRAIG AND JACKIE REISS LONNIE RICHARDSON GAIL AND BINYAMIN RIEDER RALPH AND LEAH RIEDER DR. JAY AND MARJORIE ROBINOW ARNOLD AND FRANCINE ROCHWARGER NATHANIEL AND DEVORA ROGOFF DAVID AND LINDI ROSEN DONNY AND ARIELLE ROSENBERG DAVID ROSENGARTEN DR. HOWARD AND BRENDA ROSENTHAL YITZHOK AND TAMAR ROSENTHAL YECHIEL AND MARGO ROSMAN ELI AND RACHELI ROTH ROBBIE AND HELENE ROTHENBERG HENRY AND GOLDA REENA ROTHMAN JOSHUA AND LISA ROTHSTEIN MICHAEL AND SELINA ROVINSKY RICHARD RUBENSTEIN IDELLE RUDMAN ZVI AND SHARONNE RUDMAN LARRY AND SHELLY RUSSAK MILTON AND SHIRLEY SABIN KENNETH AND MINDY SAIBEL MARVIN AND ROZ SAMUELS SAPPHIRE WEALTH ADVISORY GROUP ROBERT AND ANNETTE SATRAN TOBY MACY SCHAFFER ROBERT AND ANDREA SCHECHTER BRADLEY AND JUDITH SCHER RONNIE AND SANDRA SCHIFF YANIV AND MICHAL SCHILLER STEVEN AND RHONDA SCHOTTENSTEIN PHIL AND FRANCINE SCHWARTZ RACHEL SCHWARTZ

Orthodox Union

VLADIMIR JAFFE STANLEY AND PHYLLIS JASPAN ALAN AND LISA JEMAL NAPHTALI JOSEPH JOSHUA AND ELANA KAHANE LEORA KAMINER MICHAE KAPLAN JACOB KARMEL STUART KARON AND DR. JODI WENGER AARON AND JILL KATZ KEVIN KATZ LANCE KATZ PHILIPPE AND ESTHER KATZ SAMUEL KATZ STUART AND CAROL KATZ JORDAN AND NICOLE KAVANA BENJAMIN KELLOGG DANIEL AND IRIT KERSTEIN DOV AND AMY KESSELMAN AVIGDOR KESSLER ARYEH AND ARIELLE KIEFFER JEFFREY AND LAURIE KILIMNICK ELLI AND ASHLET KLAPPER JOSHUA AND HENNA KLARFELD RICHARD AND SUSAN KOFKOFF ALLEN KOSS HARRY KOTLER DAVID AND DEBORAH KRAMER RACHEL KRAUT MARCEL AND ESTHER KREMER STEVEN AND DANIELLE KUPFERMAN JACOB AND EDYTHE KUPIETZKY OPHIR AND SHARRON JOAN LAIZEROVICH BENZION LASKER ARMAND AND ESTHER LASKY ADAM AND DANIA LAUER PINCHUS AND DEBORAH SCHICK LAUFER ARYEH AND ELANA LEBOWITZ IN MEMORY OF JUDY LEFKOVITS JOSHUA AND ERICA LEGUM MARK AND ETA LEVENSON ADAM LEWIS GAYLE LEWIS JASON AND MIRIAM LIEBER JEFF AND MERIE LIEBESMAN HYLTON AND LEAH LIGHTMAN SAM AND RITA LIPSHITZ MORDECHAI AND PENINA LIPTON MAURY AND ELINOR LITWACK MICHAEL AND LESLIE LITWACK CHAIM AND BARA LOEWENTHAL EDWARD LOWY JEREMY AND TAMAR LUSTMAN AVI AND TOVA LUTZ TERRY AND HOLLY MAGADY LAWRENCE AND MILAGRO MAGID NOAH AND ARINN MAKOVSKY ADRIA AND JEFFREY MANDEL DAVID MANDEL JOSEPH AND MERYL MARK SHARI AND YAAKOV MARKOVITZ AARON AND LISA MARTIN SHMUEL AND TALIA MASHIACH MOISES MEICHOR TZACHI AND ELISHEVA MEISEL BENAY AND IRA MEISELS ADAM AND FRANCINE MERMELSTEIN AVRAHAM METTA LEONARD AND BEVERLY MEZEI GEOFFREY AND YARDENA MILLER YALE AND GAIL MILLER

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