By: One World Publishing
Los Angeles — In a demonstration of support for Jewish education and the arts, the Winkler Lowy Foundation has announced a significant donation to Pressman Academy, a Jewish day school in Los Angeles. This generous gift, led by foundation founder and noted philanthropist Janine Winkler Lowy, will fund the construction of a new performing arts theater at the academy.
The new theater will provide students at Pressman Academy with a state-of-the-art venue for theater, music, and other performing arts. This marks a significant step in the school’s commitment to developing creative opportunities for its students. For Janine Winkler Lowy, the project carries a personal resonance: her grandchildren attend the school, deepening her dedication to enhancing the students’ experience.
“The arts are an essential part of education,” said Janine Winkler Lowy. “I’ve seen firsthand, through my grandchildren, how much creativity and joy the performing arts bring to young people. It’s important that we invest in spaces that allow them to explore and express their talents.”
The theater project is expected to begin construction in early 2025 and will serve not only as a venue for school performances but also as a hub for community events, fostering a vibrant cultural exchange in the heart of Los Angeles’ Jewish community. Winkler Lowy highlighted that the performing arts can cultivate leadership, empathy, and innovation — key qualities that are important not just for individual development but for the future of the Jewish people.
“A theater is more than a building — it’s a space for learning and growth,” Winkler Lowy noted. “In supporting Pressman Academy, we are giving our children the tools to develop their creativity, to tell their stories, and to feel connected to their culture. That’s the legacy we want to build.”
This theater represents just one facet of Janine Lowy’s broader vision for strengthening Jewish identity and education. Known for her long-standing commitment to Jewish causes, Lowy has been a vocal advocate for supporting institutions that uphold Jewish values, heritage, and learning.
The integration of performing arts into Jewish day school curricula can have a transformative impact on young minds. Research shows that participation in the arts nurtures self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. For Jewish schools, the performing arts also offer a powerful avenue for students to explore and celebrate their cultural and religious identities.
For Jewish children, participation in theater and other forms of creative expression can help them build confidence and resilience. In addition, the arts can be a vehicle for understanding Jewish history, engaging with traditional stories, and imagining new ways to contribute to the future of the community.
As Janine Lowy explains, “Theater and the arts are ways for us to pass on Jewish stories and values to the next generation. In these spaces, our children can connect with their heritage in meaningful and impactful ways.”
The arts also serve a critical role in building the future of the Jewish people by fostering unity and collaboration. As students work together on performances, they learn valuable lessons about teamwork, empathy, and communication — qualities that are essential for community building and leadership.
At a time when many American Jews are seeking to strengthen their commitment to Jewish causes in light of the October 7 anniversary, investments in education and the arts are seen as critical to ensuring a strong and thriving Jewish future.
“Education and cultural engagement are the pillars of our community’s resilience,” said Winkler Lowy. “By supporting the arts at Pressman Academy, we are investing in the Jewish leaders, thinkers, and storytellers of tomorrow.”
Published by: Khy Talara
