Mandel Foundation Showcases Jewish Silicon Valley Merger

Los Gatos, California – The upcoming merger between the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley was chosen by the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation to be used as a case study in a seminar at its Executive Leadership Program last month. The seminar spanned two days and was focused on the changing North American Jewish ecosystem. Mandel Foundation was founded in 1953 with the goal of providing outstanding leadership for the nonprofit world. The merger was approved by each respective organization’s members on November 30.

“We were so thrilled to work with this incredible group of Jewish leaders,” said Lael Gray, CEO of the Addison-Penzak JCC and Interim CEO of Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. “Their insights will help to inform our work as we address the needs of Silicon Valley’s Jewish community in new and innovative ways.” Gray will be the CEO of the merged organization, which will be called Jewish Silicon Valley.

Mandel Foundation fellows examined this case study as a live process of organizational change. They met with and interviewed Gray and other stakeholders to learn more about the community and the opportunities and challenges associated with Jewish Silicon Valley’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

“At a time of historic challenges for nonprofit organizations of every kind, leaders must explore opportunities to combine resources, create new partnerships and establish shared visions,” said Ted Sasson, Director of Programs of the Mandel Foundation. “The launch of Jewish Silicon Valley is a visionary step forward for the community, and we are so pleased that fellows of the Executive Leadership Program had the opportunity to examine the process up close and in real-time.”

The mission of Jewish Silicon Valley is to harness the power of community to improve lives, build bridges of understanding, and strengthen the Jewish people here, in Israel and around the world.

The mission of the Mandel Foundation is to contribute to the flourishing of the United States and Israel as just, inclusive, compassionate and democratic societies, and to improve the quality of life of all citizens in both countries.

To learn more, please visit:

Jewish Silicon Valley: www.jewishsiliconvalley.org
Mandel Foundation: www.mandelfoundation.org