Friday Five – December 26, 2025
At JewishColumbus we have a bold and audacious goal to become the BEST Jewish community in North America. Friday Five is a way to share how your support makes a great impact possible. Every other week, we are proud to share that impact, community partnership, accomplishments, and our most incredible moments of pride. Thank you for coming along.
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.
Last week, JewishColumbus Women’s Philanthropy gathered for an inspiring evening that celebrated connection, creativity, and the enduring strength of Jewish women. The evening brought together Pomegranate ($1,800+) and Lion of Judah ($5,000+) donors for meaningful conversation, networking, and a shared sense of pride in the impact they make with their philanthropy.
Keynote speaker and acclaimed jewelry designer Freida Rothman delivered a moving message about resilience, empowerment, and the ways Jewish history and values inform her creative work. Her message resonated deeply: “No matter our passions or professions, there is always a way to express strength as Jewish women and to honor our heritage with pride and intention.”
The evening also featured an exclusive trunk show, where guests could make purchases from a specially curated collection.
Missed the event but still interested in making a purchase that can have impact? CLICK HERE to visit Freida’s online gallery. At checkout, enter “JewishColumbus” in the notes section. A portion of the proceeds from sales through New Year’s Eve will be contributed to the JewishColumbus Community Campaign.
CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery from the event.
JewishColumbus’ JCRC proudly hosted its first Superintendents Breakfast, bringing together leaders from across central Ohio for a meaningful conversation about supporting Jewish students and fostering safe, inclusive school communities. Held at Beth Tikvah, the gathering included superintendents from Bexley, Gahanna, New Albany, Worthington, Westerville, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Olentangy, Franklin County, and Canal Winchester. The morning featured an overview of the robust educational programs and resources JCRC offers to districts, ranging from Holocaust education training to peer-to-peer student learning opportunities, and highlighted our shared commitment to protecting student well-being.
This inaugural gathering marks an important step forward in strengthening relationships with district leadership, ensuring that every school in central Ohio has access to the knowledge, resources, and partnerships needed to help all students feel safe, understood, and valued.
The Central Ohio Jewish Seniors Aging in Community Fund was created at JewishColumbus to give charitable dollars greater flexibility, efficiency, and long-term impact. As tax law changes have made private foundations more costly and restrictive, many donors find that establishing, or transitioning, a fund at JewishColumbus offers the best of both worlds: the ability to recommend how funds are used, paired with the simplicity, oversight, and reach of a public charity.
This year, the fund is supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community, older adults who depend on strong social services, meaningful connections, and safe pathways to age with dignity. JewishColumbus managed the process, allowing fund advisors and community partners to focus on impact rather than administration.
By leveraging its strengths in community planning, grants management, and collaboration, JewishColumbus ensured that these resources were invested strategically and transparently, helping Central Ohio’s Jewish seniors age safely and confidently while staying connected to community. If you are interested in learning more about creating a fund with JewishColumbus, please contact Lori Maier Wishne.
JewishColumbus is excited to share that we are now using Greenvelope to send invitations for many of our events, particularly those with no charge to attend. While we previously used Paperless Post, Greenvelope offers enhanced functionality and stronger integration with our internal systems, helping us better manage invitations, improve the guest experience, and ensure more reliable communication with our community.
We’re sharing this update so you don’t miss an invitation. Please keep an eye out for event invites arriving via the Greenvelope platform and consider adding [email protected] or Greenvelope.com to your email safe senders list. We look forward to connecting with you at upcoming JewishColumbus events and appreciate your help in ensuring that our invitations reach you seamlessly.
