Expanded Mayberg Foundation Board Charts a Year of Growth at September Board Meeting

Preparing to learn Torah with Rabbi Joe Wolfson

Stuart Kurlander shares the Star of David necklace he recently rediscovered from his first trip to Israel in the 1970s

Last week's Mayberg Foundation Board Meeting carried the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, with a sense of optimism and excitement for growth in the year ahead. Rabbi Joe Wolfson set that tone early on, leading shared Torah learning that explored whether teshuvah merely erases the past transgressions or transforms them into merit — a fitting note on which to begin a year focused on growth and change. The board also welcomed Stuart Kurlander, the Foundation's newest trustee, to his first board meeting.

Rob Levine, the Foundation’s new managing director, operations, gave his first report to the board. He shared his guiding philosophy, drawn from Will Guidara's Unreasonable Hospitality: going a step beyond what's expected so every stakeholder, starting with staff and trustees, feels welcome and respected. His priorities for the next 90 days span people, finance, space, and technology, with a goal of completing Amanda's operational transition so she can focus fully on grant-making strategy, and spending time with each board member to learn their priorities.

Much of the meeting focused on the Foundation's partnerships. The board discussed the launch of a new advocacy committee to help shape a clear set of priorities for that portfolio. They also reviewed updates on the Foundation's major portfolios: Jewish education and outreach, including continuing the professional development collaboration through the Maalot Collab (formerly known as the Jewish Outreach Professional Development pilot program), and establishing the Mayberg Jewish Educator Impact Prize, a $2,500 gift to additionally honor recipients of the Global Jewish Teachers Award. The award is a new international initiative launched in partnership with Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, UnitEd, The Jerusalem Post, and Herzog College, to honor outstanding Jewish educators worldwide, with Manette Mayberg serving on the judging panel. This prize recognizes “the invaluable role of Jewish educators in developing the Jewish identity of their students," Manette said. "Our gift is our opportunity to additionally honor these special role models whose careers in Jewish education have strengthened the Jewish future."