The Jewish Future Promise (JFP), a global movement inspiring Jews and allies to commit at least 50% of their charitable giving in their estate plans to Jewish causes or the State of Israel, announced its 130,000th signer: Professor Jack Wertheimer, one of the foremost scholars of American Jewish life. JFP has united more than 130,000 promisers in a common Jewish cause, securing an extraordinary $5.25 billion in commitments. This unprecedented show of solidarity highlights the steadfast dedication of individuals, families and family foundations worldwide to champion Jewish causes and ensure the resilience of the State of Israel.
Wertheimer, professor emeritus of American Jewish History at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research on Jewish identity, philanthropy and continuity. His influential works, including Jewish Giving: Philanthropy and the Shaping of American Jewish Life, have shaped communal understanding of how Jewish philanthropy sustains identity and strengthens institutions.
“Jack Wertheimer has spent his career studying the trends that shape Jewish giving and Jewish continuity,” said Mike Leven, founder of the Jewish Future Promise. “It is only fitting that he himself would become a Promiser, reinforcing not just through his scholarship but through his personal legacy that the Jewish future must be secured.”
In signing the Promise, Wertheimer emphasized that Jewish philanthropy is more than generosity; it is responsibility: “The Jewish Future Promise is a valuable tool to educate Jews about their obligations to one another. It encourages families to talk across generations, to share values and to commit to enriching Jewish life now and into the future.”
Since its launch, the Jewish Future Promise has reached more than 130,000 Promisers worldwide, representing every generation, denomination and corner of Jewish life. The movement continues to grow rapidly, fueled by both grassroots commitments and prominent voices who understand the urgency of this moment.
“Professor Wertheimer’s signature represents more than a milestone,” said Hadara Ishak, president and COO of the Jewish Future Promise. “It symbolizes the bridge between deep Jewish scholarship and lived Jewish responsibility. His commitment reminds us that the Jewish future is not guaranteed unless we act boldly together.”
The funds promised through JFP are earmarked to support a wide range of Jewish causes, including educational initiatives, community development, social services and cultural preservation, both in local communities and the State of Israel. Notable foundations, such as Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, the Marcus Foundation, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the deToledo Family Fund, have contributed significantly to this historic achievement.
JFP is a powerful response to a 2017 study that found a mere 11% of donations from key Jewish benefactors were invested in Jewish causes. JFP is a catalyst for change, and through its efforts, JFP has created an alliance of philanthropic family foundations, individuals and families to secure billions in future commitments for various Jewish causes.
The Jewish Future Promise does not receive any of the pledged funds directly. Instead, they serve as a catalyst for meaningful intergenerational dialogue, inspiring individuals to ensure that a significant portion of their estate or planned charitable giving supports the Jewish community and/or the State of Israel.
About Jack Wertheimer
Jack Wertheimer is professor emeritus of American Jewish History at the Jewish Theological Seminary. He has written extensively about Jewish identity, education and philanthropy, most recently, in Jewish Giving: Philanthropy and the Shaping of American Jewish Life. His decades of scholarship and leadership have influenced policy and practice in Jewish communal life.
