Milken Community School

Dear Milken Community,

It is with profound gratitude and great excitement that I share extraordinary news. The Koum Family Foundation has made a transformational $36 million investment in Milken Community School to build the campus of the Jewish future. This historic commitment represents one of the most ambitious investments in Jewish education in our nation’s history.

In recognition of this extraordinary investment in our children’s future, Milken is proud to rename the East Campus to the Jan Koum Campus at Milken Community School. This change signals a new chapter in our school’s history and a bold commitment to excellence. This leadership gift elevates the Capital Campaign total raised to $152 million, already a record in Jewish education history. With the support of visionary partners like the Koum Family Foundation and many other generous leaders, we are advancing a once-in-a generation opportunity to elevate Jewish education and expand Milken’s impact for decades to come.

There is so much more to accomplish - the Jewish future depends on it. The Koum Family Foundation, Milken’s Board of Trustees, and current donors hope that this investment continues to inspire additional support for this historic Campaign.

Jan Koum and the Koum Family Foundation’s commitment reflects a powerful belief in the role schools play in securing the Jewish future. As Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l taught, “Long ago the Jewish people came to the conclusion that to defend a country you need an army. But to defend a civilization you need schools. Schools are where we make children our partners in the long and open-ended task of making a more gracious world.”

May Milken and the entire Jewish community continue to go from strength to strength.

Warmly,

Dr. Sarah Shulkind
Head of School

About Jan Koum and The Koum Family Foundation
Through the Koum Family Foundation, Jan Koum’s philanthropy works to support Jewish education and identity-building, strengthen the State of Israel, and serve Jewish communities globally. The establishment of the Jan Koum Campus reflects his enduring commitment to elevating Jewish education and ensuring a vibrant, confident future for the Jewish people.

Milken Community School—Private Jewish School in Los Angeles Located in Los Angeles, California, Milken Community School is one of the best Jewish middle schools & high schools in the US for boys and girls in grades 7-12.

As we mark the end of the school year, we recently celebrated our Grade 8 students at their Siyyum, honoring a year of meaningful learning, growth, and accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and excited to see them continue their journey in Division 9-10. Kol hakavod to our students and families on this special milestone!

“For by You I can light my lamp; the Lord my God illuminates my darkness.” — Psalm 18:29

We are proud to celebrate the completion of this extraordinary mural project, created to celebrate the presence of God’s light within each individual and to remind us of our shared responsibility to be a source of light for one another and for the broader community.

Designed to inspire connection, reflection, and belonging, the mural stands as a lasting symbol of Jewish heritage, Milken’s core values, and the power of collaborative creativity. Over the course of the past year, the project unfolded through multiple stages including design, linework, painting, color fill, and lettering.

The mural was designed and originally painted in watercolor by Delphine Anaya, Visual Arts Teacher, whose vision and leadership guided the project from conception to completion.

A message from Ms. Anaya:
"I am deeply grateful to Ravit Shemesh for her artistry and partnership, and to Chris Scarlata, Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer, and Beau Lindsay for their support and encouragement throughout this journey. I especially want to recognize two extraordinary students, Noy Luzon and Nava Herstein, whose dedication and joy carried this project forward in remarkable ways. Week after week, during lunch and Lishma, they worked tirelessly on the color-fill process with patience, pride, and deep respect for the vision of the mural. Watching their initiative, creativity, and care unfold was truly inspiring. With sincere gratitude, I dedicate this mural to the students and staff who have supported, nurtured, and inspired me throughout my years at Milken."

Thank you to Ms. Anaya and to every student and supporter who helped bring this vision to life and create an even more beautiful and inspiring environment at our Ruby Family Campus.