JERUSALEM — The global Jewish educational organization Aish announced that its annual “All In For Aish” matching campaign raised $6.8 million over two days, surpassing its $6 million goal despite wartime restrictions that forced organizers to restructure the entire effort days before it launched.
The campaign took place March 8 and 9 and virtually brought together students, staff, alumni, and supporters from around the world in a coordinated effort to sustain Aish’s mission of strengthening Jewish identity through education.
Beyond the financial milestone, the campaign also included a global Siyum marking the completion of the entire Babylonian Talmud. The study effort was dedicated to Israel Defense Forces soldiers and conducted in memory of fallen servicemen while praying for the safety and success of forces currently operating as part of Operation Roaring Lion.
Participants committed to studying at least five folios, known as daf, of the Talmud during the two day campaign. Many participants studied far beyond the minimum requirement.
Campaign Adapted During Wartime Conditions
The campaign’s success was achieved under difficult conditions as Israel continues to face security challenges amid the ongoing war with Iran and its regional proxies.
Months of planning had gone into preparing a large live-stream telethon and a centralized in-person call center. However, days before the campaign began, directives issued by Israel’s Homefront Command forced organizers to cancel both components.
The restrictions were implemented as part of national security measures during the conflict.
Aish quickly pivoted its approach. Staff worked largely from home and campaign operations were decentralized.
Students and volunteers participated in small gatherings, limited to groups of no more than fifty people due to safety restrictions.
Despite these changes, the campaign exceeded its financial goal and mobilized thousands of supporters around the world.
Rabbi Steven Burg, CEO of Aish, said the campaign demonstrated the resilience of the organization’s global community.
“I want to thank all of our partners who supported us during this campaign,” Burg said in a statement released by the organization.
“We will carry forward the momentum we have and the support we received to build a better future for the Jewish people.”
Community Members Called to IDF Service
The campaign faced additional complications as members of the Aish community were called up for military service.
Dozens of students, staff members, and alumni were mobilized for IDF duty and were unable to participate in the campaign as planned.
Nevertheless, Aish organizers said the community remained deeply connected to the effort.
Many participants dedicated their learning and contributions to the soldiers serving on the front lines.
Aish’s digital platforms have also become an important point of connection for soldiers stationed far from home.
The organization said messages of appreciation have arrived regularly from Israeli and American service members deployed at military bases across the Middle East.
Siyum Marks Major Milestone in Jewish Learning
The Siyum held during the campaign added an additional layer of meaning to the two day event.
Completing the Babylonian Talmud is considered one of the most significant milestones in Jewish scholarship.
The Talmud consists of 2,711 pages of rabbinic discussion and commentary that form a central pillar of Jewish legal and intellectual tradition.
By integrating the Siyum into the campaign, organizers emphasized the connection between Jewish learning, identity, and community support.
Rabbi Burg said the effort reflected the dedication of participants during a difficult period.
“While we had to change our plans for the campaign due to directives from the Homefront Command, what our staff, students, and our partners accomplished in spite of everything is a reflection of who we are as an organization and who the Jewish people are at their best,” Burg said.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and the love we felt from every corner of the Aish community.”
A Global Jewish Educational Movement
Aish was founded more than fifty years ago in Jerusalem and has since grown into a global Jewish educational movement.
The organization operates programs and branches worldwide and reaches millions of people through its digital platforms, including Aish.com.
Aish focuses on inspiring Jewish learning and engagement through educational programs, leadership development, and outreach initiatives.
Rabbi Burg said the campaign reinforced the importance of these efforts, particularly during times of crisis.
“The people who have walked through our doors since October 7 and even prior are extraordinary,” he said.
“Many of the students who came to learn with us over these past two years will go on to shape an entire generation. That is what this campaign makes possible.”
He added that the campaign demonstrated the strength of the Aish community even under the pressure of wartime conditions.
“I want to thank every partner, every donor, every student, and every member of staff who gave everything they had to these two days,” Burg said.
“Often from their living rooms, often under the sound of sirens and missile interceptions above, with families stuck at home, or even inside bomb shelters.”
“We came into this campaign with plans, and the war changed them. What did not change is the need and the mission, and the commitment of the people who carry it forward.”
