Temple Emanu-El receives an additional $10 Million from John H. Streicker for 0utreach to Young Jews, Unaffiliated Families, and Seekers
Mr. Streicker’s total giving of $25 million, the first $15 million given in 2016 and this additional $10 million just announced on Rosh Hashanah, is among the largest ever received by an American synagogue.
New York, NY (September 9, 2021)
Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York announced that it received an additional $10 million, for a total $25 million, from John Harrison Streicker, the synagogue’s immediate past president. The new gift will enable Temple Emanu-El to launch new initiatives to new audiences: New York’s young Jewish professionals; unaffiliated families with children of all ages making decisions about their religious identity; and other individuals exploring what Judaism has to offer. Programs will take place around the New York City area, with a special focus on the downtown area exploring a branch of our nursery school there.
“This extraordinary gift from a truly extraordinary individual and family will enable us to set an example to the world about how synagogues can embrace all those standing on the periphery of Jewish life searching for spiritual meaning and uplift,” said Joshua M. Davidson, the Senior Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El.
In 2016, Mr. Streicker donated the first $15 million to develop the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center. Directed by Dr. Gady Levy, the Streicker Center has become one of the Jewish world’s preeminent cultural and educational destinations, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants in person and online from every state in the U.S. and 52 countries around the globe for a wide range of cultural, socio-political, historical, musical, culinary and other programs, in addition to its high-level and scholarly Skirball Academy classes. His combined contribution is one of the largest ever received by an American synagogue.
John H. Streicker is a longtime Temple Emanu-El board member, as well as an attorney and international real estate investment advisor. He is a native New Yorker and is passionate about Jewish learning and culture, regularly supporting causes critical to Jewish communities around the world.
John Streicker’s generosity springs from his commitment both to the temple and to New York Jewry. “As Emanu-El approaches its 180th anniversary we are striving to reach the next generation integral to the continued vitality of our Jewish community,” he said. “I am honored to be part of this effort.”
Temple Emanu-El’s President, Harris Diamond said, “John Streicker’s leadership has helped to connect hundreds of thousands of people to their own Jewish roots and faith, and has created a stronger, more accepting and more joyful Jewish community. Thanks to his remarkable generosity, Temple Emanu-El can continue to reach Jewish people in all corners of the world, as well as people of all faiths interested in spiritual and cultural enrichment and education.”
The announcement was made inside the main sanctuary of the landmark synagogue, situated on 5th Avenue and 65th street, on Rosh Hashanah.
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