Community Blog The Power of Numbers
All my life I have been a numbers guy. In college, I majored in accounting, followed by a Master’s degree in business, and spent a career in the investment field as an analyst and portfolio manager. Numbers are important. They are objective and can tell a very powerful story. I like numbers.
At Hebrew College, I am also drawn to our numbers as represented by the impact of our alumni on the Jewish world. Consider the following:
- Over 300,000 Jews worldwide, are touched by our Rabbinical School alumni in congregations; on college campuses; in pastoral care settings; and in organizations promoting social justice, Jewish education, and Jewish creativity
- Alumni from the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education have educated more than 90,000 students in the past two years alone
- Nearly 30,000 individuals have been inspired by School of Jewish Music alumni who serve families in congregations, schools, and choirs
- Approximately 8,000 adult learners have been enriched by our Me’ah, Me’ah Select, Me’ah Online, Eser, Parenting through a Jewish lens, and Open Circle Jewish Learning programs
- Over the past 95 years, 5,000 teens have graduated from Prozdor, Hebrew College’s supplemental high school, and become more engaged in Jewish life
…and the list goes on.
These alumni are the life forces of our synagogues, Jewish day schools, Jewish Community Centers, Hillels and many independent Jewish organizations in the local, national and international community every day. When people ask me, “Why Hebrew College?” I say, “Look at the numbers.” I can give you over 500,000 reasons why Hebrew College is impactful, relevant, and at the core of the ongoing transformation of American Jewish life.
More personally, there is the number two, representing my own in-depth, meaningful relationships with Hebrew College Rabbinical School graduates—two people who profoundly changed my life. The first is my wife, Suzanne, who taught me everything I know about listening, empathy and following your heart. The second is Temple Reyim’s rabbi, Dan Berman, with whom I was honored to work as temple president over the last four years. Dan is smart, gentle and wise. He leads with chesed (kindness), and transformed Reyim into a stronger, relational and engaged community. Suzanne and Dan both illustrate the unique and relevant roles that Hebrew College rabbis play in our world today. They have shown me, firsthand, what a difference Hebrew College rabbis can make.
350: the number of Hebrew College faculty, staff and students who deeply depend on your philanthropic support to sustain our institution. We can touch another 500,000 Jews, fulfill our mission of training and inspiring the next generation of professional and lay leaders, and perpetuate our rich history of rituals and values—and we need your help.
We are excited to announce that between now and December 31, your contribution can help us maximize a challenge from a generous donor who has offered to match all gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000. Now your support can have even more impact—enabling Hebrew College to continue to nurture and energize Jewish communities, impacting those locally, throughout the country, and around the world.
As we begin 5778 (another number!), I have one final number for you: one. It takes just one gift to make a difference—yours. I ask you to give generously to the Hebrew College Annual Campaign.
Toda raba. Thank you.
Andy Offit Chair, Hebrew College Board of Trustees
P.S. Please consider a recurring monthly, quarterly, sustaining donation and including Hebrew College in your estate plan. Visit give.hebrewcollege.edu to make your secure gift.