There are no words strong enough to capture the heartbreak of burying Shiri, Ariel, Kfir Bibas in Israel this past month. Their short lives ended in unimaginable tragedy, a reminder of how precious and fragile every moment with our children truly is. As parents, as a Jewish community, and as human beings, we mourn their loss. And we hold our own children even closer.
This pain calls on us to do more—to nurture, protect, and strengthen the next generation. It is a reminder that our responsibility to our children extends beyond our own families. We must continue to invest in their Jewish education, safety, identity, and pride, ensuring that they grow up with a deep connection to who they are and a strong, supportive community behind them.
The two stories you’ll read below are a reflection of that commitment. Every day, through the work of the Federation and the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, we are making sure that Jewish children in Atlanta—and beyond—have a future filled with hope, security, and a deep sense of belonging.
May the memories of Ariel and Kfir be a blessing, and may we honor them by building a stronger, more resilient Jewish future.
Lindsay
PS: Federation just released a video in honor of the Bibas family. You can view it on YouTube here.
Last Monday, 342 preschool teachers from 19 schools across Greater Atlanta convened at the energizing annual Kallah Conference, uniting early childhood Jewish educators in a spirited celebration of shared learning and community.
Kallah (pronounced “kal-law”) originally refers to a teachers’ convention in Babylonian academies—a nod to a long tradition of scholars coming together for shared learning. Launched by preschool directors within the Jewish Early Childhood Council of Atlanta, this dynamic event was designed to build community among schools and help teachers meet state-mandated professional development hours. About five years ago, under the leadership of Rabbi Elana Perry, Federation offered support and expanded offerings by inviting outstanding speakers and increasing breakout session options.
At its core, the Kallah Conference is an investment in our future. By empowering preschool teachers with innovative ideas and practical strategies, we ensure that our children receive the best care and education possible. Today, educators gathered not only to learn new methods but also to celebrate the impact of their work.
Another teacher from Weinstein shared her enthusiasm about the keynote session, stating, “I’ve learned so much from the keynote speaker, and I enjoyed the experience—learning about diversity and discovering how Jewish books mirror our everyday lives was very eye opening.”
The day kicked off with an inspiring group learning session led by Rabbi Mayer Mueller from the University of South Carolina. His discussion on inclusion and belonging set a thoughtful tone for the day. Following the keynote, educators chose from three rounds of breakout sessions led by experts—occupational therapists, child development specialists, rabbis, and Jewish education champions—who delivered actionable insights and sparked lively discussions.
Additional sessions garnered glowing feedback. One teacher from Sunshine Preschool commented, “Mr. Chazz is phenomenal; he taught me how to react to certain behaviors and to positively redirect people during challenging situations.” A participant from Beth Jacob Preschool noted, “Fabulous class!! Very practical!! I can do so much in my classroom to help my children connect their left and right brain—exercises, improved reading techniques, and better ways to enhance classroom interactions and instruction.”
Federation’s PJ Library generously gifted 350 tote bags and 500 books to the educators. Elevated contributed a unique perspective through its executive director, Orna Siegel. Elevated is dedicated to empowering early childhood Jewish educators who nurture the infinite potential of children, their families, and the Jewish community; this investment will significantly grow the capacity and reach of this powerful educational experience, creating an environment where children and families can root deeply and flourish. One teacher from Intown Jewish Preschool encapsulated this impact, saying, “Orna is a phenom! I learn so much from every session with her. The Empathy Interview is a tool I want to start using right away. I really appreciated the Torah-based perspective on Early Childhood Jewish Education.”
Vibrant, transformative, and deeply inspiring, the Kallah Conference serves as a powerful testament to the ripple effect of investing in our preschool teachers—ensuring a brighter, enriched future for our children.
Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s Young Philanthropy Fellows Program, now in its second cohort, is empowering middle and early high school students to embrace philanthropy with passion and purpose. This innovative initiative connects the act of giving to timeless Jewish values, equipping participants with the skills to research, evaluate, and support non-profit organizations that resonate with their personal and communal ideals.
The program’s immersive curriculum includes five in-depth training sessions that teach students how to assess a non-profit’s fiduciary responsibility, mission alignment, and overall impact. These sessions serve as a foundation for the Fellows to make thoughtful, informed decisions about their charitable investments—lessons that extend well beyond the classroom.
In a recent session, Program Coordinator Kat Shambaugh shared her enthusiasm about the progress of the current cohort of 15 teens. She explained, “This Sunday was the third Young Philanthropy Fellows session which saw our 15 teens continuing to narrow down their non-profit choices by participating in a shark-tank spinoff ‘Gefilte Tank’! Over the last three sessions, the teens have spent time learning about what philanthropy is and how it is connected to Jewish values, as well as discussing their passions and exploring local non-profits for their two grant giving opportunities.”
This dynamic approach has ignited vibrant discussions among the students about the merits and challenges of supporting different causes. Their recent project focused on local healthcare and medicine non-profits, with the teams presenting well-researched findings and thoughtfully addressing complex questions—such as the rationale behind funding a foundation that supports cancer research instead of directing resources to research institutions.
Reflecting on their progress, Kat added, “The teens so far have been incredibly outspoken about their passions and are consistently creating great conversation about the pros and cons of supporting different non-profits through their grants. I was incredibly proud that in the last session, the teens in their groups presented thorough research on local healthcare and medicine non-profits and were able to answer complicated questions about the nuances of philanthropy… They have grown in just the last few sessions in their ability to ask deep questions about philanthropic giving and understand the nuances of the non-profit world.”
The program’s impact extends far beyond academic learning. Rooted in the Jewish concept of tikkun olam—the commitment to repair and improve the world—the initiative instills in these young philanthropists a profound sense of responsibility and empathy. It champions the belief that every act of giving, no matter how small, contributes to a larger legacy of communal support and positive change.
Looking ahead, Kat is excited about the next steps. “I am very excited to provide them the opportunity to meet with two of the non-profits in person for our next session and I know they’ll bring that same insightfulness and passion to that experience.” This upcoming engagement promises to deepen the Fellows’ understanding of how direct interaction with community leaders can further inspire their philanthropic journeys.
Thanks to the vision and generosity of Justin and Mara Berman, the foundation is also launching a new initiative in November: a five-session program that will teach teens aged 13 to 15 how to become philanthropic leaders and engage in acts of Tzedakah that will make a tangible difference in their community.
Of this initiative, Justin Berman said: “This program is very important to Mara and me as we continue to teach our children about philanthropy and what it means to give back. We are fortunate that giving back has been engrained in our family but having real-world, hands-on experience is invaluable. We want kids to see there is a whole other world out there besides the bubble we live in. Helping both Jewish and Non-Jewish causes is critical to move our city forward.”
The Young Philanthropy Fellows Program is more than a series of sessions—it is a call to action for building a future of thoughtful, informed giving. By weaving together rigorous education, real-world experience, and Jewish values, the program is laying the groundwork for a generational legacy of philanthropy. As these young leaders evolve into passionate advocates for change, their journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of early engagement and education.
Art has always been a vital expression of Jewish identity, resilience, and continuity. From ancient storytelling traditions to contemporary arts, Jewish creativity has preserved history, sparked dialogue, and enriched communal life. Despite this, Georgia ranks last in state arts funding, putting the future of these institutions at risk. Philanthropy is not just important—it is essential to preserving and expanding Jewish arts and culture for generations to come.
The Atlanta Jewish Foundation recently hosted a Community Conversations event focused on arts and culture, chosen through a community survey to reflect the interests of donors—truly ‘chosen by you, for you’— moderated by Elise Eplan, Co-founder of BE Philanthropy. The distinguished panel included Leslie Gordon, Executive Director of The Breman; Joe Alterman, Executive Director of Neranenah; Kenny Blank, Executive & Artistic Director of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival; and Janel Margaretta, Chief Impact Officer of MJCCA Jerry’s Habima Theatre. The panel offered insightful discussions, highlighting each leader’s passion and expertise in arts and culture.
Ghila Sanders, Managing Director of Philanthropic Advisory for the Foundation, emphasized the vital role of arts organizations in fostering Jewish engagement and identity. For many, arts funding may seem secondary to urgent social needs. However, Ghila challenges this idea. “Arts and culture are an essential part of who we are,” she said. “They bring joy, but they also encourage critical thinking and meaningful conversations.”
Jewish arts and culture allow people to connect with their heritage, explore complex issues through creative expression, and build community. Theater, music, museums, and literature shape Jewish identity and foster shared experiences.
With little state funding, many organizations struggle to survive. Private donors who view philanthropy through a Jewish lens play an essential role in ensuring these institutions thrive.
The Atlanta Jewish Foundation connects donors with impactful organizations. “Some donors know exactly where they want to give, but many look to us for guidance,” Ghila explained. “Community Conversations bridge the gap between those who want to learn more about the needs in the community and professionals working in the field. The topics for these discussions are selected based on survey feedback, ensuring that they reflect the issues most important to the community.”
The arts and culture discussion highlighted how Jewish organizations are collaborating to create meaningful experiences. Leslie Gordon, Executive Director of The Breman, expressed her appreciation: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to share our work with donors who are committed to Federation initiatives. It’s wonderful that the Foundation recognizes how vital we are to the cultural fabric of our community. I hope some attendees walked away thinking, ‘I haven’t considered supporting the arts before, but now I will.'”
Beth Arogeti, Federation’s Board Chair, reflected on the event’s impact. “There is a tremendous opportunity for us as a Jewish community to work with these wonderful organizations. Coming together only strengthens us.”
Lizzie Lack, Director of Development at The Breman, shared her thoughts: “Hearing how different organizations collaborate toward a common cause was inspiring. We must come together to raise awareness and funds to keep the arts strong.”
For those looking to make a difference, the message is clear: philanthropy is essential to sustaining Jewish arts and culture. Donors can explore opportunities through donor-advised funds, direct contributions, or by engaging with the Foundation to learn more about how you can make the biggest impact.
Ghila urges the community to view arts and culture not as an optional luxury but as a fundamental pillar of Jewish life. “We facilitate giving through a Jewish lens, rooted in Jewish values,” she said. “Whether supporting Jewish organizations or broader community efforts, the goal remains the same—to strengthen Jewish identity and ensure that meaningful cultural expression thrives.”
Supporting the arts isn’t just about honoring tradition—it’s about shaping the future of Jewish life for generations to come.
Federation’s Partners Fund, managed by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, pools community donations to provide sustainable financial support to over 70 Jewish organizations locally and globally. It enhances Jewish education by allocating funds to day schools and supporting initiatives like the Jewish Education Collaborative, which implements innovative strategies in supplemental Jewish learning.
The Jewish Education Project empowers educators and communities to create innovative, inclusive, and impactful Jewish learning experiences. Through professional development, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge resources, we inspire the next generation to engage meaningfully with Jewish life.
Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools is the network for Jewish day schools and yeshivas in North America. In partnership with schools, funders, and communities, we invest in talent, advance the financial vitality of schools, and enhance educational excellence so schools can thrive.
IDF Widows & Orphans Org IDF Widows & Orphans Organization (IDFWO) is the only Israeli nonprofit officially endorsed to support the spouses and children of Israel’s fallen heroes. Through emotional care, financial assistance, and educational opportunities, we provide a compassionate community that upholds their resilience and honors their sacrifice.
JCREN Event
March 20 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Midtown
REGISTER HERE
The Community Event for Women
March 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sandy Springs
COMING SOON!
Women’s Philanthropy Pomegranate Mission to Panama
November, 2025