by Joshua B. Herz on November 19, 2025
We all know how nonstop life can feel--constantly running, doing, scrolling, and juggling endless priorities, which can leave us feeling connected to our devices but disconnected from each other.
When it comes to philanthropy, technology has made giving easier, faster, and more accessible--a tremendous benefit. But that same convenience can also make giving feel transactional or distant, rather than personal and meaningful.
With a new year around the corner, now is the perfect time to pause and be intentional: to reflect on your family's giving priorities, involve your children in conversation, and listen to their hopes for the year ahead.
Have the conversation
In our home-especially now with our eldest in college-talking about how we give our time and resources has become an ongoing family dialogue, one that has evolved, as our kids have grown. From the time they were old enough to understand, my wife and I made it a point to share with our kids how we choose to give back--whether that meant attending a JUF board meeting, volunteering in the community, traveling to learn more about the people and places our philanthropy supports, or supporting causes that reflect our family's values.
In our experience, intentionally engaging your children into these conversations helps them see that giving is not just about money-it's about time, empathy, and connection. When they understand why you choose to give and who is impacted, it opens the door to meaningful dialogue and a deeper awareness of the world around them. It also reinforces that making a difference often begins close to home.
Seek input
We typically start by asking our kids what needs they see-both within the Jewish community and in the broader world-and encourage them to share what matters most to them. You might offer examples of organizations and causes addressing critical issues such as food insecurity, inclusion for people with disabilities, mental health resources, care for the elderly, or ensuring that every Jewish child can experience the joy of day or overnight camp.
We then take the time as a family to decide where we will donate or volunteer, exploring what each organization does and the impact it makes. We have found that when our children are part of the process, giving becomes less transactional and much more a shared expression of our family's values and hopes for the future.
Volunteering together
Over the years, our family has served dinners at the JUF Uptown Café, delivered Passover meals with Maot Chitim, and volunteered at The Ark. These experiences were transformative for our children, helping them better understand the realities around them and the importance of stepping up to help others. Now, as they grow older and make their own choices, I hope these moments have become foundational in developing their values and their commitment to giving back. We all do our best to shape our kids, for us volunteering and philanthropy has been intentional.
Our grandparents and parents rose to meet the needs of their generations-and now it is our turn to do the same. Strengthening those bridges of
L'Dor VaDor
--from generation to generation-and nurturing the next generation of leaders begins at home. It starts with conversation, intention, and the understanding that it's never too early to begin taking care of one another.
At the heart of it, teaching our children about giving is about more than philanthropy--it's about nurturing values, responsibility, and awareness. By engaging them in these conversations and experiences, we not only strengthen our community today but help cultivate the next generation of thoughtful, caring leaders who will carry these lessons forward.
Joshua B. Herz is the Chair of the 2025 JUF Annual Campaign. Previously he served on the executive committee of JUF's board of directors, was a member of JFNA's National Young Leadership Cabinet, and held the position of YLD's Vice President, Campaign. Herz is also a co-founder of Project Halo, a national communications hub for the North American Jewish community.
