The Latest From The Foundation

For those able to attend the 30th in Columbus and for those with us in spirit, everyone is encouraged to join us in our Surprise Book Drive: In honor of the 30th Anniversary of The Wexner Foundation, we’re hoping to surprise the Wexner Family by donating hundreds, if not thousands, of books to the Columbus KIPP School, a local school that Abigail helped found and build. Whether you’ll be there or

Our own version of March Madness: one extraordinary opportunity remains to bring new insight into your seders. Please mark your calendars for the following interactive videoconference session, which will begin with 18 minutes of concentrated teaching and then allow for up to 18 minutes of questions and discussion.  (Bios at the end). Wednesday, March 25th 7:30 am PST – 10:30 am EST – 16:30 Israel time Rabbi David Ingber “Who

CONGRATULATIONS TO: Steven A. Exler, alum of the WGF (Class 17), on becoming the Senior Rabbi of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.   Elisha Gechter, Program Manager of the WIF (Staff), on being named to Combined Jewish Philanthropy’s Chai in the Hub. Jonathan Gribetz, alum of the WGF (Class 16), on the publication of his book “Defining Neighbors: Religion, Race and the Early Zionist-Arab Encounter.” Sheila Katz, fellow of the

The Wexner Foundation will host a webinar exclusively for our constituents Thursday, Feb 6th, 2pm ET “What Do We Think About Jewish Men?” REGISTRATION IS CLOSED with Rabbi Daniel Brenner of Moving Traditions, who is leading a national effort to train a cadre of educators and mentors to connect the ethical insights of Jewish life to the challenges facing today’s teen boys. We will address the growing phenomenon that non-orthodox

Nine years ago today our teacher, mentor and friend Rabbi Herbert A. Friedman, z”l, founding president of what was then known as the Wexner Heritage Foundation, died at the age of 89.  We are honored to commemorate Herb’s yahrzeit with the announcement of a remarkable project that will enable Herb’s extraordinary legacy of service to the Jewish people and the State of Israel to endure in perpetuity.   Our chairmen,

As many of you and your families get ready to go back to school — whether pre-K,  elementary, high school, college or graduate school — we wish everyone a year of great learning, growing and health.  CONGRATULATIONS TO: D’ror Chankin-Gould, WGF Alum (Class 21), on being named one of Oy!Chicago’s 36 Under 36, Double Chai in the Chi.  Ofer Chen, WIF Alum (Class 27), on his post-Wexner promotion to Deputy Director

Dear Friends, The Foundation team is energized and focused in the wake of our anniversary last spring. While our “pillar initiatives” move forward, we are simultaneously working on programs for developing, supporting and networking outstanding leaders in the North American Jewish community and Israel’s public service well into the next decade. This is an exciting chapter in our history as, together with our chairmen Leslie and Abigail Wexner, we continue to

We all know Rabbi Elka Abrahamson is an amazing rabbi (recognized by Newsweek as one of 50 Most Influential Rabbis in America in 2011), but did you know she is also a wonderful baker and chef?  As Purim approached, The Columbus Dispatch both filmed (click on the video below) and interviewed Rabbi Abrahamson about her scrumptious hamantaschen.  They also provided the gift that keeps giving: Rabbi Abrahamson’s Hamantaschen Recipes. Chag sameach!

CONGRATULATIONS TO: Shani Bechhofer, an alumna of The Wexner Graduate Fellowship, Class 3, on the upcoming marriage of her son Yitzchok to Nechama Silver. Shira Billet, Class 23, and Rabbi Steven Exler, Class 17, of The Wexner Graduate Fellowship for being honored at The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, NY, 39th annual dinner.
 Mijal Bitton, a member of The Wexner Graduate Fellowship, Class 24, on her engagement to Sion Setton.

 Miriam

The Wexner Foundation will host a conference call exclusively for our constituents Tuesday, February 18th at 12 noon, EST / 7pm Israel time “Israel’s Internal Challenges – 2014: What Lies Beyond the Iranian Threat?” Click here for dial in information with Barak Loozon, WIFA (Class 21), Director of the Israel & Global Network for the Jewish Federation of San Francisco in Israel, and Adv. Itzik Sabato, WIFA (Class 21), Director of