We love ourselves too often and need reach out much more often. It is a social responsibility and it effects the environment also.
Philanthropy via the Gates FoundationThe vast majority goes here—the world's largest private foundation, with an endowment over $80 billion.In 2025, Gates committed to spending $200 billion over the next 20 years (doubling annual payouts from ~$6–8 billion to $10 billion starting around 2026), then shutting down the foundation by December 31, 2045. This is the largest philanthropic pledge in history. Key focus areas in 2025–2026:Global health: Eradicating polio, ending preventable maternal/child deaths, fighting infectious diseases (AIDS, TB, malaria). Includes a major pledge to the Global Fund (2026–2028 cycle) and leveraging AI for diagnostics. Women's health and gender equality: Additional $2.5 billion over five years for maternal, menstrual, gynecological, and sexual health innovations. Poverty reduction and agriculture: $1.4 billion over four years to help farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia adapt to climate extremes. Other: Economic mobility initiatives (e.g., part of a $1 billion coalition for U.S. low-income tech tools), vaccines, and education. The foundation has already disbursed over $100 billion lifetime, with 2024–2025 spending at $8+ billion annually.Clean Energy and Climate InvestmentsThrough Breakthrough Energy (founded 2015, personal commitment ~$2 billion+) and related ventures:Heavy focus on innovative tech like advanced nuclear (via TerraPower, which he founded—contributed to raises like $650 million in 2025, including his funding; first Natrium reactor under construction in Wyoming, aiming for 2030 operation). Investments in startups for green steel, cement, geothermal, hydrogen, methane-reducing animal feed, and more (over 150 companies funded). In 2025, shifted some strategy toward adaptation (protecting lives from climate impacts) and entrepreneurial scaling, amid policy changes and layoffs in policy teams. Other InvestmentsWealth managed via Cascade Investment (diversified holdings: stocks like Berkshire Hathaway, Canadian National Railway, Deere; some real estate/energy). The foundation's trust also holds mission-aligned stocks. Occasional venture bets, e.g., in mineral exploration (KoBold Metals) or AI-powered energy demand. Gates has emphasized urgency: stepping up giving amid global challenges (e.g., aid cuts, rising child deaths). He lives relatively modestly (famous mansion, private jet, book habit) compared to his scale—most money fuels measurable impact on health, poverty, and climate. 56 web pages
Focus on the Future And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” — Genesis 50:25 Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Vayechi, which means “and he lived,” from Genesis 47:28–50:26. In our home, vibrant colors adorn all of our walls—except for one. One wall is covered in simple white Jerusalem stone. Like most Jewish homes, we have dedicated a wall to remembering Jerusalem, as it says in Psalm 137:5, “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.” Until God’s city is restored and the Holy Temple is rebuilt, we dare not forget that there is work to be done on this earth. Read Full Devotional Learn Hebrew In honor of Martin Luther King Day this month, visit our Fellowship library to learn Hebrew words and phrases relating to this leader of the civil rights movement. Learn More Renew Your Support Begin the new year by blessing impoverished and elderly Jews with winter necessities. Help Now Take a Moment Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. found inspiration in the Bible and the story of the Jewish people? Learn more about the bond between African Americans and the Jewish community.
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