Jewish pride isn’t just about belonging.
It’s about becoming. 

JewishColumbus proudly invested $1.5 million this year in Jewish education across Columbus, including vital support for early childhood learning. This commitment reflects our deep belief that Jewish education should be accessible to all. $2800 per student for day schools, $456 per student for religious school and $600 per student for pre-school helps ensure high-quality Jewish education remains within reach.

For many children, Jewish preschool is their very first experience of Jewish community, and its impact is profound. These formative years are when children discover that Jewish life is warm, welcoming, and filled with joy, laying a foundation that can last a lifetime.

Families are encouraged to explore the wonderful options available at the JCC Early Childhood Program and Gan Ephraim. These environments nurture not only learning, but also a deep sense of belonging.

Last winter break, three JewishColumbus teens, two high school seniors and one junior, returned home inspired after participating in a meaningful Israel experience through the Alexander Muss High School in Israel program, supported by RootOne and JewishColumbus.   

Alyssa, one of the participants, said, “seeing everyone in public and unapologetically Jewish helped strengthen my Jewish identity and how I see the world.”   

The teens explored historic and contemporary sites, engaged in thoughtful learning, and built bonds with peers who shared the experience alongside them. The trip deepened their connection to Israel and strengthened their sense of belonging to the global Jewish people. One of Alyssa’s most meaningful stops was Mount Herzl, where counselors shared powerful personal stories about those buried there, bringing Israel’s history to life in a deeply emotional way. 

JewishColumbus is proud to help make Israel experiences possible for more teens this summer. Israel Experience Grants are available for Central Ohio Jewish teens ages 15–19. Families are encouraged to apply for BOTH the JewishColumbus Israel Experience Grant and a $3,000 RootOne voucher, which can be used toward more than 90 Israel trips. These two scholarship opportunities together significantly reduce the cost of summer Israel travel. 

JewishColumbus was honored to stand on the global stage alongside our trusted partners JLens and the Anti-Defamation League for the historic launch of TOV, the first Jewish values–based exchange-traded fund. Our foundation has been a longtime partner and early supporter of JLens, grounded in the belief that Jewish values should guide not only what we give, but how our funds are invested. Through them we proudly invest with purpose, strengthening our community and helping combat antisemitism so our institutions can feel proud of both what they give and how those funds are working.  

That commitment was powerfully on display at the New York Stock Exchange, where JewishColumbus was honored to participate in ringing the closing bell. The moment marked a milestone not just for JLens, but for the broader Jewish community. 

As ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt noted, “You can’t defeat 21st century antisemitism with 20th century tactics. We are making history.”  

Through this partnership, Jewish values are carried into boardrooms, shareholder meetings, and investment decisions nationwide. By aligning capital with conscience, TOV demonstrates what’s possible when values and leadership come together, and we are proud to be part of this journey.