Koret’s values of learning (limmud) and community (kehillah) feel particularly important as the year draws to a close. It’s a perfect time to reflect on how our grantees embody these values and are working to build a brighter future.

Featured grantee Common Sense Media exemplifies Koret’s commitment to learning. Its extensive media literacy curriculum is designed to help young people navigate an increasingly crowded media landscape. This work is central to Koret’s Civic Education Initiative, which seeks to equip educators and students with the tools to learn about American democracy and build critical thinking skills, ensuring that young people are prepared to participate in civic life.

In the spirit of community, we’re also highlighting grantees that foster connection and discourse. For example, the 10th annual Z3 Conference gathered thought leaders to build bridges between communities in America and Israel. The visiting Israeli faculty hosted by the UC Berkeley Helen Diller Institute inspire students to engage with new ideas and broaden their perspectives. Here in San Francisco, the JCC held a Gratitude Shabbat that attracted more than 200 people eager to celebrate and be together.

Now is a good time to open doors and welcome people in, to participate in open dialogue with authentic curiosity. We hope you will join us in celebrating and supporting learning, growth, and connection wherever you see them.

Happy Holidays!

Jeffrey Farber
CEO

Danielle Foreman
Chief Program Officer

Common Sense Media: Providing Media Literacy for All

In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, the depth and breadth of information (and misinformation) has complicated political engagement. Media literacy is key to empowering voters to sort through the noise to find the news, and classrooms are an ideal space for discussing complex topics. Common Sense Media ensures that educators and administrators are prepared for these conversations with accessible professional development resources, free of charge. This work is an important facet of the Koret Civic Education Initiative, designed to assist young people in becoming responsible and informed participants in democracy. Read the full story here. 

Koret Grantees in the News

“Among Neighbors” premieres at the 2024 Warsaw Jewish Film Festival Koret co-president Dr. Anita Friedman executive produced a new film that premiered in November. It examines the aftermath of World War II in Poland and the devastating consequences for some Jewish families who sought to return to their homes. Read more.	UC Press promotes robust academic discourse UC Press released its annual report, which highlighted this year’s publications. From Jewish scholarship to increasing success for first-generation college students, the texts represent Koret’s commitment to top-tier academic scholarship and discourse. Read more.	Teach for America weighs in on generative AI in schools It seems that everyone wanted to talk about AI this year and what impacts it might have on our lives. Koret grantee Teach for America put their extensive knowledge of K-12 education to the topic, examining the peril and potential of AI in our schools. Read more.