Our Jewish Community's Future is Bright with B'nai Tzedek Next Gen Philanthropy

By Jennifer Rensch, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

As Jews, we value our heritage as people committed to making the world a better place. One of the principles we pass from generation to generation—L’dor V’dor— is the value of charitable giving. The Jewish Federation & Foundation B’nai Tzedek program was created to grow the next generation of Jewish philanthropists by developing young leaders and empowering our next generation to view themselves, even in their youth, as strategic donors.

Through Mel and Debbie Gottlieb’s leadership and generosity, the B’nai Tzedek program began in 1999 and redefined philanthropy by showing young adults that they, too, can change the world through a personal and engaged relationship to lifelong giving. The Next Gen Philanthropy Program helps young people learn about leadership, service, financial literacy, and long-term investing to use their tzedakah for good—now and in the future. Since its inception the program has grown to over $300,000 with 349 individual fundholders.

Every three years, B’nai Tzedek fundholders learn about modern philanthropy and apply their knowledge by voting to make heartfelt grants to the organizations and causes they care about within the Jewish community. As we kick off this coming year’s Next Gen Grant Making process, now is the time to join us in making a significant impact on our community. We urge fundholders to join the committee and take an active role in the Jewish tradition of giving back. In 2019, following the last round of voting, participants ultimately awarded a total of $45,000 to programming within Jewish Family & Community Services, Jewish Community Alliance, and Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida. At an event to celebrate these grants, Mel said, “Today’s young people stand to inherit an incredible history of success and tzedakah. This program was created to give young people an opportunity to build on that success and put their passion into action. Our Jewish community’s future is bright, but the need for strong leaders and engaged donors will remain. Being philanthropic means that you leave the world somehow better and this is what B’nai Tzedek is about.”

Make the celebration even more meaningful and open a B’nai Tzedek Next Gen Philanthropy Fund with the Jewish Foundation!

Step 1: Donate $125 to open a fund

Step 2: Jewish Foundation matches your $125

Step 3: The Gottlieb Family matches $250

Start: Now you have a $500 fund! Your child’s journey in becoming a Jewish philanthropist begins. Their money is invested to grow for Jewish tomorrows.

To open a B’nai Tzedek Next Gen Philanthropy Fund, contact Kellie Smith, Foundation Director, at (904) 512-3796 or KellieK@jewishjacksonville.org.