Emerging Nonprofits Bring Bold Solutions to Critical Jewish Communal Needs
Eight innovative nonprofits from across the United States have been selected to join the seventh cohort of the OU Impact Accelerator, an Orthodox Union division dedicated to supporting promising Jewish nonprofits with the potential to transform the North American Jewish communal landscape.
“Every year, I am inspired by the passion and dedication of the founders who join our program, and Cohort 7 is no exception,” says OU Impact Accelerator Director Tamar Frydman. “These leaders are turning bold ideas into meaningful action, and we are honored to be part of their journey. We look forward to helping them grow their impact and to celebrating all they will accomplish in the years ahead.”
Members of the new cohort were chosen from among 77 applicants through a merit-based process that included an online application, interviews, and a final pitch night before a committee of OU’s lay and professional leadership.
Founded in 2018, the OU Impact Accelerator provides education, coaching, and early-stage grants to select entrepreneurs working to address priorities within the Jewish community, including Jewish education, mental health, chessed, and financial literacy. Over the past seven years, the department has allocated $430,000 to 33 new ventures developing innovative approaches to address pressing communal issues.
During the seven-month program, cohort members will participate in an intensive nonprofit management curriculum focused on management, strategy, operations, marketing, and fundraising. The program will include monthly Zoom workshops as well as three in-person summits.
Participants will also have opportunities for networking and mentorship with professional and lay leaders from the OU and other major nonprofit organizations. Together, these components are designed to provide the social entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to lead their nonprofits effectively and sustainably.
“The OU Impact Accelerator is powered by bold ideas and the people with the vision and determination to bring them to fruition,” says OU Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph. “Each new cohort brings fresh thinking and creative approaches to strengthening Jewish life, and we’re excited to give these entrepreneurs the tools, mentorship, and support they need to take their organizations to the next level. Mazel tov to our newest members. We can’t wait to see where your ideas lead.”
The OU Impact Accelerator congratulates the following social entrepreneurs on their acceptance to Cohort Seven:
Gemara Bootcamp — Rabbi Yitzchok Radner (Launched in 2020)
Baltimore, Maryland
Gemara Bootcamp equips individuals with the skills and confidence needed to independently navigate and learn Gemara. Through a structured methodology for Torah study, the program empowers Jews of all backgrounds to become active participants in lifelong learning.
HODU — Penina Blau (Launched in 2024)
Baltimore, Maryland
HODU is a digital gratitude platform that helps individuals develop a daily practice of recognizing and recording moments of gratitude to Hashem. By transforming gratitude into a consistent habit, HODU encourages users to strengthen their emunah and cultivate a deeper awareness of Hashem’s presence in their lives.
Jewish Latin Connection — Jessica Klein (Launched in 2019)
Aventura, Florida
Jewish Latin Connection strengthens Jewish identity among young married Latin Jewish couples and women through immersive retreats, educational programs, and leadership initiatives. The organization helps participants build meaningful relationships and create Jewish homes rooted in Torah values.
Master Your Life — Caleb Breda (Launched in 2024)
Teaneck, New Jersey
Master Your Life empowers students to strengthen their character through the study and practice of Shmiras HaLashon and positive mindset development. Through daily learning and student-led initiatives, the program helps participants use their speech intentionally and create a more positive school environment.
Pillars — Shoshana Rube and Sarah Leah Friedman (Launched in 2010)
Spring Valley, New York
Pillars supports girls who have experienced the loss of a parent by providing mentorship, resources, and meaningful programming in a nurturing environment. Through ongoing support and community-building, the organization helps participants develop resilience, confidence, and the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges.
SAMi (Sephardic American Mizrahi Initiative) — Manashe Khaimov (Launched in 2021)
Hollywood, Florida
SAMi strengthens Jewish life on college campuses by engaging and empowering Sephardic and Mizrahi students through leadership development, Jewish education, and culturally rooted programming. The organization helps students deepen their connection to their heritage while building vibrant Jewish communities on campus.
Torah App — Josh Herzberg (Launched in 2023)
Lawrence, New York
TorahApp provides accessible Torah learning by combining shiurim and texts into a comprehensive digital platform. By leveraging innovative technology, the organization makes Jewish learning more accessible while developing tools to support the future of Torah study in the digital age.
Unite Programs — Hadassa Hirsch and Sarah Halberstadt (Launched in 2021)
Jackson, New Jersey
Unite Programs creates meaningful opportunities for single women in the Orthodox community to build connections and develop a strong sense of belonging. Through consistent programming and relationship-driven experiences, the organization empowers participants to grow personally, engage communally, and build lasting relationships.
Contact:
Tamar Frydman
Director, OU Impact Accelerator
646-630-1549
frydmant@ou.org
About the OU Impact Accelerator
The OU Impact Accelerator, founded in 2018, empowers social entrepreneurs and enhances nonprofit excellence. Through a cohort experience of startup nonprofit founders, nonprofits in our community are armed with knowledge and network to have a greater impact.
About the Orthodox Union
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union (OU), or Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.