Marcus Foundation Gives $3.8M to Jewish Education Program

A major philanthropic foundation is betting big on education as the best way to combat hate and build pride.

The Atlanta-based Marcus Foundation announced a $3.8 million grant to the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, the adult education arm of the Chabad Lubavitch movement. The donation marks the foundation's first major national partnership with Chabad, representing a significant shift in its giving strategy.

The grant was partially announced at JLI's annual leadership summit in Palm Beach, Florida, which drew 120 philanthropists and thought leaders. The event raised $6.3 million total, nearly double last year's amount.

Jay Kaiman, president of the Marcus Foundation, says the decision came after years of watching JLI's work. "The best antidote for antisemitism is Jewish education, Jewish pride, and knowing ourselves," he told eJewishPhilanthropy.

The foundation has historically supported nondenominational Jewish programs like Hillel International and RootOne. Its founder, Bernie Marcus, was a longtime member of a Reform congregation that received $360,000 from the foundation in 2024.

JLI now operates in nearly 2,000 communities worldwide and offers courses in 11 languages. Rabbi Efraim Mintz, JLI's executive director, says they're the largest provider of adult Jewish education today.

The three-year grant will support JLI's expansion efforts and its new Center for Universal Values. The organization plans to reach more teenagers, college students, young professionals, and adults with engaging content that helps people embrace their heritage.

Why This Inspires

This partnership shows how major funders are rethinking their approach to fighting hate. Instead of pouring money into security measures and antisemitism programs, they're investing in education and community building.

David Heller, national campaign chair at Jewish Federations of North America, captured the summit's prevailing mood. "If we don't have an educated Jewish community, what are we fighting for?" he said. "We should be spending that money on education and social services in our communities."

Kaiman called the partnership a "great experiment" in combining entrepreneurial approaches with larger institutional support. The foundation hopes other major donors will follow suit.

The message is clear: the best defense against prejudice isn't just fighting back, it's building people up with knowledge, pride, and community connection.