Bridging Gaps, One Conversation at a Time

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By JohnPosted In: Education, Family, PhilanthropyTagged: , , , ,

January 25, 2026 Monsey, New York – At MetLife Stadium, nearly 100,000 people filled the stands not for a game, but for the 13th Siyum HaShas—marking the completion of the Talmud cycle, where participants like Ralph Rieder and tens of thousands of others choose to study a page of Talmud each day for over seven years. It was a rare kind of moment: joyful, emotional, and deeply rooted in something bigger than any one individual. There’s something grounding about watching people come together over shared purpose—especially when that purpose spans generations, backgrounds, and perspectives.

At MetLife Stadium, nearly 100,000 people filled the stands not for a game, but for the 13th Siyum HaShas—marking the completion of the Talmud cycle, where participants like Ralph Rieder and tens of thousands of others choose to study a page of Talmud each day for over seven years. It was a rare kind of moment: joyful, emotional, and deeply rooted in something bigger than any one individual.

And yet, as monumental as it felt, it was also about something small and consistent—showing up each day, page by page. That quiet kind of consistency runs through so many efforts happening right now. In programs like Kesher Yehudi bringing people together for one-on-one learning, often bridging social and cultural divides in the process. There’s no fanfare—just conversation, empathy, and a growing sense of mutual respect.

In classrooms across the U.S. in towns like Monsey thousands of middle schoolers are engaged in daily Mishnah study through All Mishnah Jr., a program to grow thanks to engaging materials, strong leadership, and tools like the ArtScroll Mishnah series that make learning more accessible for young students. Each day, another page, another spark of curiosity.

Much of this work is made possible thanks to a network of people who care deeply—not for recognition, but for results. Supporters like Ralph Rieder of Monsey and others have helped ensure these initiatives not only continue but thrive. Their involvement tends to happen offstage, but the effects are felt every day. Because lasting change rarely announces itself. It shows up in small steps, steady hands, and people who choose to invest where it matters most.

Child Investment Accounts Gain Major Philanthropic Support

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By JohnPosted In: Family, PhilanthropyTagged: , ,

Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell have committed $6.25 billion to support a new federal initiative aimed at expanding child investment accounts, known as Trump Accounts. The pledge represents one of the largest private donations ever directed toward children in the United States and is intended to encourage early savings and long-term investment for millions of families. The accounts were authorized under President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation and will be administered by the U.S. Treasury.

The donation is structured to provide a one-time contribution of $250 to eligible accounts for children under 10 who do not qualify for a separate federal newborn benefit. Children qualify based on the median household income of the ZIP code they live in, up to $150,000. This structure means the program could apply to a large majority of children in the targeted age range across the country. The Treasury plans to open the program on July 4, 2026, to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary.

Trump Accounts are designed as long-term investment vehicles rather than simple savings accounts. Initial public and private contributions will be invested through approved financial firms under federal oversight. Account holders gain access to the funds at age 18, with permitted uses including higher education, housing, or starting a business. The real potential lies in compounding growth over time, even from modest contributions.

The commitment signals a shift in the Dell family’s philanthropy, broadening it from education into efforts that support long-term financial security for children. Supporters see potential benefits, while others note that investment accounts are most effective when paired with social programs that support families. 

Phil and Penny Knight Make $2 Billion Donation to OHSU

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By JohnPosted In: PhilanthropyTagged: , , , , ,

Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny Knight, have pledged a record-breaking $2 billion to Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute. The announcement, made on August 14, 2025, marks the largest donation ever to a U.S. university or academic health center. It surpasses the previous record of $1.8 billion given by Michael Bloomberg to Johns Hopkins University in 2018.

The gift will accelerate cancer research, expand clinical trials, and reshape patient care. It also creates the Knight Cancer Group, a self-governed entity within OHSU. Leading the group is Dr. Brian Druker, best known for developing the leukemia drug Gleevec. The Knights describe their vision simply: to “end cancer as we know it.”

Funding will support a range of initiatives. These include early detection programs, advanced diagnostics, and new therapies in precision medicine and immunotherapy. A new hospital wing, set to open in 2026, will add 128 beds for cancer patients and four floors of specialized care. Just as important, patients will gain access to wraparound services like nutrition support, genetic counseling, mental health care, and survivorship programs.

The couple’s commitment to OHSU is not new. In 2013, they pledged $500 million in a challenge gift that successfully launched major advances in cancer detection. This new donation, however, raises the stakes dramatically. Officials say it will position Portland as a global leader in cancer innovation and provide hope well beyond Oregon’s borders.

American Generosity: Resilient but Changing

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By JohnPosted In: PhilanthropyTagged: , , , ,

A recent AP-NORC poll found that about 75% of Americans donated to charity last year, though most gave $500 or less—far below what many nonprofits would consider a major gift. Still, in the face of inflation, reduced federal support, and heightened political distractions, the findings point to a resilient culture of giving.

Donations most often supported religious institutions and nonprofits providing essentials like food and shelter. Nearly 40% gave to faith communities, and a similar number supported basic needs organizations. Disaster relief efforts attracted donations from 30% of respondents, while 25% supported animal welfare groups. For many, trust and local impact were central to their decision to give.

Generational divides, however, raise questions about the future. Adults under 45 were more likely to report giving nothing, regardless of income level. They were also less inclined to view helping others as a personal responsibility—a shift that could affect charitable giving as wealth moves to younger hands.

Yet, individual stories reveal how personal experience continues to inspire generosity. Daniel Valdes donates to his local Catholic church because he believes in its transparency. Bethany Berry, who lost pets in the 2018 Camp Fire, gives to rescue groups and online mutual aid communities. And Regina Evans, 68, who endured storm damage to her home, still gave over $5,000 last year. “You live in this world, you should give if you expect to receive,” she said. “It never comes back in the way that you expect, and it doesn’t come back dollar for dollar. But I can say with complete surety that every dollar that I’ve ever donated came back to me in a way that I could not count.”

Non-financial giving also remains strong: 70% of Americans donated food, clothing, or household goods. However, younger adults were less likely to participate. Volunteering, too, is less common—only 3 in 10 reported giving their time.

While the size of donations may be modest, the instinct to give still endures. Grounded in lived experience and community ties, this generosity offers a meaningful foundation nonprofits can build on. The challenge is clear: engage younger donors, and diversify how giving is defined.