American Jewish University Names Ari Bloom Chair of the 2050 Institute
AJU Alum and A-Frame Brands CEO to Guide Convening Strategy and National Leadership Initiatives
American Jewish University today announced that Ari Bloom, founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands and co-founder of Wise Sons Jewish Deli, has been named board chair of the 2050 Institute at AJU. In this role, Bloom will guide the Institute’s strategy to convene the next generation of Jewish leaders, build cross-community allyship, and establish AJU’s Brandeis-Bardin Campus as a national destination for Jewish thought leadership.
“Ari brings something rare to this work, a builder’s instinct and an absolute commitment to showing up,” said Jay Sanderson, president of American Jewish University and CEO/founder of the 2050 Institute. “He understands that the future of Jewish life will not be built by traditional institutions alone, but by leaders willing to take up space, build new tables, and invite the world to sit down. That is exactly what the 2050 Institute is here to do.”
Bloom has been connected to AJU since childhood, as a camper and counselor at Camp Alonim on the Brandeis-Bardin Campus, and now as the parent of Alonim campers himself. His professional career has been defined by a conviction that strong leadership means showing up—for partners, for community, and for the moments that matter most.
As founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands, Bloom has built a Venice-based consumer products company that co-creates brands with some of the world’s most recognized talent and retail partners. He is also co-founder of Wise Sons Jewish Deli in San Francisco, which he launched with his brother Evan, also an Alonim alumnus.
“The Jewish community stands at a threshold,” said Bloom. “We need to come together not from a place of defense or victimhood, but from a deep confidence in our moral authority and cultural richness. The 2050 Institute is an opportunity to build something the world has been waiting for: a place where Jewish moral leadership is practiced in public, across every background and tradition, and as a bridge to genuine partnership and allyship outside our community. I’m honored to help lead that work alongside Jay and the entire AJU family.”
As board chair, Bloom will guide the development of the Institute’s National Salon Series across multiple cities, shape the vision for an annual leadership summit at the Brandeis-Bardin Campus and help launch the Institute’s fellowship program for emerging Jewish leaders.
About the 2050 Institute
The 2050 Institute at American Jewish University is a forward-thinking initiative designed to reimagine and reshape the future of Jewish life in North America. Through convenings, fellowships, dialogue programs, and grant-making initiatives, the Institute brings together leaders, creators, and thinkers to develop actionable strategies for a thriving Jewish future. Learn more at aju.edu/2050-institute/