These remarkable individuals have each demonstrated a profound commitment to Sefaria, notably assisting the organization in its first year. We are forever grateful to these Pioneers, whose generosity is the very bedrock upon which we have been able to build a vibrant digital future for the Jewish people.

PHYLLIS COOK

Phyllis is Managing Director of PLC Philanthropic Services, working with individuals, families, and nonprofits to achieve their philanthropic objectives. As a board member of the Jim Joseph Foundation, Phyllis championed and fiercely advocated for a 2013 gift to Sefaria that represented a full third of its Year 1 budget. Phyllis’s initial support solidified Sefaria's decade-long partnership with the Jim Joseph Foundation, one of our most generous donors.

FELICIA HERMAN

Felicia is Managing Director (North America) of the Maimonides Fund. She was previously the Executive Director of The Natan Fund, which was the very first philanthropic foundation to support Sefaria. Felicia was also one of Sefaria’s earliest board members, serving as a Director for seven years and championing Sefaria’s growth.

ILAN KAUFTHAL

Ilan is Chairman of East Wind and has over 30 years of experience as an investment banker. In the spring of 2013, Ilan introduced Sefaria’s founders to Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz (zt”l); a meeting that led to the creation of the William Davidson Talmud, a historic project that has made the Talmud accessible like never before. Ilan also helped Sefaria’s founders hire its first CEO and negotiate critical library acquisitions. He has been and continues to be an indispensable supporter and adviser.

JOSHUA KUSHNER

Joshua is Founder and Managing Partner of Thrive Capital. He is also a co-founder of Oscar, a health-insurance start-up that uses technology, design, and data to help humanize and simplify healthcare. Joshua hosted Sefaria’s launch event in 2013, joined the board as its fifth member, and served as a Director for ten years. Joshua has provided valuable guidance and advice to Sefaria and remains a dedicated supporter.

JAMES ROTHSCHILD

James is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tru Arrow Partners. He is a Trustee of Yad Hanadiv (the Rothschild Foundation), which continues the tradition of Rothschild family philanthropy in Israel. James and Yad Hanadiv are long-time supporters of Sefaria, notably helping Sefaria to develop a multi-faceted partnership with the National Library of Israel that we hope will continue long into the future.

ILAN AND DANA RUBINSTEIN

Ilan is a co-founder of Ruby Capital and Ruby Ventures. Dana is a doctoral candidate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a researcher at the Franz Rosenzweig Center. In Sefaria’s early days, Ilan donated office space and even flew to Canada to help Sefaria’s founders secure initial funding. Dana’s help in setting Sefaria up as an Israeli entity has had a tremendous impact on Sefaria’s continued growth. Ilan, Dana, and the broader Rubinstein family sponsored Sefaria’s acquisition of the Nechama Leibowitz Collection and the Responsa of the Chatam Sofer (of whom the Rubinsteins are descendants!).