Full Breakdown
Financial Crisis Leads to Layoffs at 18Doors, Impacting Interfaith Jewish Families
4/9/2026, 1:59:43 AM
Overview of the Crisis at 18Doors
18Doors, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting interfaith Jewish families, has undergone significant staff reductions due to an unexpected budget shortfall. On March 31, 2024, the organization announced that it had laid off approximately two-thirds of its workforce, dropping from 15 employees to just four, primarily in leadership roles. This drastic measure follows the resignation of CEO Mike Wise, with Ellen Frank and Adam Pollack now leading the organization.
Causes of the Budget Shortfall
The financial difficulties faced by 18Doors stem from a combination of factors, including a shift in donor priorities towards pro-Israel initiatives and combating antisemitism following the Hamas-led invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023. Board member Laurie Beijen noted that the organization was "caught off guard" by the severity of its funding issues, which were exacerbated by a delayed annual gift that disrupted budget planning. Historically, 18Doors has raised between $2 to $3 million annually, but it has consistently spent more than it raised.
Impact on Services and Programs
Despite the layoffs, 18Doors has stated that its referral service, which connects interfaith families with clergy, remains operational, albeit at a reduced capacity. The organization aims to preserve its flagship Rukin Rabbinic Fellowship, an 18-month program designed to train spiritual leaders in working with interfaith families. However, the cuts have raised concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and relationships within the Jewish community, as highlighted by former CEO Jodi Bromberg.
Broader Implications for Interfaith Inclusion
The layoffs at 18Doors reflect a broader trend in Jewish philanthropy, where funding has increasingly focused on Israel and antisemitism-related causes, leaving other important areas, such as interfaith family support, underfunded. Keren McGinity, an interfaith educator, emphasized the need for more resources directed towards engaging interfaith couples and families, arguing that merely being welcoming is insufficient for meaningful inclusion.
Official Statements and Responses
In a statement to the 18Doors community, the board indicated that it has secured necessary funding to stabilize the organization in the short term. However, the lack of response from major donors, such as the Marcus Foundation and Combined Jewish Philanthropies, raises questions about the future financial landscape for organizations like 18Doors.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics argue that the current focus on Israel and antisemitism has marginalized other vital issues, such as the needs of interfaith families. McGinity pointed out that while the Jewish community has made strides in inclusion, much work remains to be done. The layoffs at 18Doors serve as a stark reminder of the precarious position of interfaith initiatives within the broader philanthropic context.
What's Next for 18Doors?
As 18Doors navigates its financial challenges, the organization is working to develop a strategic plan to ensure its sustainability and continued support for interfaith families. The future of interfaith inclusion in Jewish life remains uncertain, with advocates calling for a reevaluation of funding priorities to better support mixed-heritage families.
Verbatim Quotes
“It’s a myriad of causes that are sort of short, medium and long term, and we ended up just getting caught in this storm.” — Laurie Beijen, Board Member
“The question it leaves in the minds of families like mine is: Whose priority are mixed-heritage and interfaith families in Jewish life?” — Jodi Bromberg, Former CEO of 18Doors
“What concerns me is that there should be more funding channeled towards engaging interfaith couples and families,” — Keren McGinity, Interfaith Educator
