Shabbat Message – February 27, 2026

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Dear Friends,

There are moments when a community can feel its own momentum. Not as a slogan, but as something real. You feel it in the room, in the conversations, in the way people lean forward instead of sitting back.

This past week was one of those moments.

At our major gifts event, the people in that room understood exactly why we gathered and who we came to hear. Bret Stephens spoke with clarity about the moment Jews are living through and about the kind of response that actually endures. Not only reacting outwardly to what the world throws at us, but strengthening inwardly what makes Jewish life resilient.

What stayed with me just as much as his remarks was what the evening represented. Leaders who have pushed us to dream bigger about what the Columbus Jewish community could give and become. They have challenged us to rethink how JewishColumbus operates and to make sure the community is truly invested in our mission.

Never before has JewishColumbus been such a trusted partner to all of our agencies. We are here to be a partner, to align resources with real needs to help the entire community work better together. That trust is precious and powerful.

The result is momentum. As a community, we reached $10 million that evening, a 49 percent increase over last year, bringing our total to $11.2 million. And Les and Abigail Wexner have committed to matching any increase in major gifts, amplifying every step forward and challenging us to keep pushing.

But here is what I do not want anyone to miss. The campaign will not be won by major gifts alone. It will be won by participation. By thousands of people deciding that this community belongs to them and that sustaining it is their responsibility.

I learned that at home. My parents always leaned into community. They gave until it hurt, especially to Jewish causes. They taught me that philanthropy is not a choice. It is an obligation. Not out of guilt, but because it is necessary for our community to thrive. They believed that choosing not to give to your fullest capacity is shifting the burden to others.

Our goal this year is $15 million. If we exceed it, imagine what becomes possible.

So, I am asking you plainly.

I invite each member of our community to lean in and give what you can. Every gift matters. But just as important, every person should be counted.

The answer to this moment is not smaller, but rather bigger Jewish life.

Stronger institutions. Louder pride. Deeper commitment.

And when we all lean in together, there is no limit to what our Columbus Jewish community can become.

Shabbat Shalom, 

Jonathan