Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam Hugging, Hitting, and Helping: Mitch Julis on the Future of Jewish Giving
Dec 29, 2025
Mitch Julis, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Canyon Partners and a prominent figure in Jewish philanthropy, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of Jewish giving. He discusses the importance of balancing 'hugging and hitting' in philanthropy, emphasizing the need for compassion alongside challenges. Drawing from his Romaniote and Ashkenazi roots, he highlights the role of multicultural identity in philanthropy and the necessity of fostering young Jews’ connections to Israel through experiential programs. Julis also addresses the importance of civic engagement and constructive discourse.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
A Romaniote-Origin Childhood
- Mitch Julis grew up in the Bronx in a Romaniote-Ashkenazi household surrounded by Greek language and food. His grandparents established the Kehila Kedosha Romaniote synagogue in New York, shaping his multicultural Jewish identity.
Early Giving Lessons At Home
- Mitch recalls his grandmother's coin can collecting for the Sephardic Home for the Aged as his earliest memory of giving. His parents also modeled Jewish ritual and communal service by running summer camp Shabbat services.
Influence Over Power
- True philanthropic influence comes from persuasion and enrolling others in a vision rather than raw power. Mitch links leadership lessons from Princeton studies to how donors must build relationships and humility to mobilize talent.