Ideas that Influence: Understanding and Supporting the Ecosystem of Jewish Thought Leadership

January 26th, 2026

This study, conducted by Mission Bloom and funded by Maimonides Fund and the Jim Joseph Foundation, addresses a critical challenge: the need for strategic development of Jewish thought leadership beyond serendipitous growth. While cultivating these essential voices is valued, systematic approaches to do so have been limited.

Through interviews with 30 established thought leaders, an informal survey of over 250 Jewish communal professionals, and extensive field analysis, this research mapped a subsection of the landscape of contemporary Jewish thought leadership and explored the experiences of thought leaders influencing public discourse and decision-making in mainstream pluralistic organizations and communities. It reveals distinctive qualities of Jewish thought leadership and identifies crucial support systems required for its strengthening.

Key Findings: 

  • Jewish Thought Leadership Is Distinctive
  • A Diverse Ecosystem of Voices Exists, Supporting Different Methods of Influence
  • Development Is Non-Linear and Multi-Pathway
  • A Complex Ecosystem Sustains and Supports Jewish Thought Leadership —
    But Faces Challenges

In addition to recommendations for the field, the report includes four “deep dives” on specific aspects of the research:

  • The Nature of Jewish Thought Leadership: Explore the fundamental characteristics, roles, and types of influence that define Jewish thought leadership today, drawing distinctions from related concepts.
  • Personas and Pathways: Understand the distinct approaches Jewish thought leaders employ, examining their developmental journeys, motivations, and strategic pathways for impact.
  • Mapping the Landscape: Analyze the human infrastructure and contextual environment that supports or constrains Jewish thought leaders, including mentorship, networks, and institutional dynamics.
  • Framework for Action: Discover actionable insights and strategic points for cultivating the next generation of Jewish thought leaders and fostering a vibrant future for the field.

View the executive summary, report summary and deep dives for Ideas that Influence: Understanding and Supporting the Ecosystem of Jewish Thought Leadership.