Now, more than ever, people are interested in aligning their investments with what matters most to them. Noticing a clear void in the investment options available to Jewish community, Justin Ross and Evan Shorten, the founders of Jewish Values investment Funds, knew something had to change. Along with their advisory board, consisting of Rabbis and other Jewish executives, Jewish Values Investment Funds has created an innovative approach of aligning investments with Jewish values. L’CHAIM Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with Justin and Evan to learn more about the company. Here’s what they had to say.
L’CHAIM MAGAZINE: What is Jewish Values Investment Funds?
Jewish Values Investment Funds: Jewish Values Investment Funds JVIF, LLC is a SEC Registered Investment Advisor, that is bringing to market the first mutual fund based on Jewish Values to ever file with the SEC. With that being said, we are proud to introduce the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund (TZDKX).
L’CHAIM: What made you start Jewish Values Investment Funds?
JVIF: Recognizing the abundance of other faith based mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETF’s) available to the investment community and noticing a clear void in the options available to the Jewish community, something had to be done. Now, more than ever, people are interested in investing alongside their values and providing this option to the Jewish community is a great honor.
L’CHAIM: What is Jewish Values Investment Funds purpose?
JVIF: JVIF’s purpose is clear and simple: To provide investors the opportunity to invest alongside Jewish Values, promoting the development and growth of the Israeli economy, while recognizing the importance of tzedakah.
L’CHAIM: What do you mean by Jewish Values?
JVIF: The foundation of JVIF’s investment strategy centers around the values of Tikkun Olam, Israel and tzedakah. Therefore, JVIF invests in companies that generate a substantial positive, social and environmental impact, promote the growth and development of Israel and recognize the importance of tzedakah. Investing in companies that generate measurable social and environmental impact in conjunction with a financial return is known as impact investing.
L’CHAIM: One common criticism of impact investing is that supporting companies that do well for the community limits financial return – did you take this into consideration?
JVIF: We believe that criticism to be a misconception. Historically, sustainable investments have met, and often exceeded the performance of traditional investments. At JVIF, we believe that investing in companies that lead their industries in social and environmental impact, combined with strong financial analysis will help the advancement of our purpose and our investor’s success.
L’CHAIM: What is JVIF’s connection to Israel?
JVIF: For many, Israel holds a special place in the Jewish community and a connection to Israel is seen as a core value. Thus, JVIF will be investing in U.S. companies that contribute to the development and growth of the Israeli economy and investing in U.S. traded Israeli companies themselves.
L’CHAIM: Why is Tzedakah such an important part of JVIF’s purpose?
JVIF: Tzedakah is a way of life that we believe has countless positive effects that makes the world a better place. Understanding the importance of tzedakah, JVIF will donate 10% of the profits (after costs and before compensation) from managing the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund (TZDKX) to select 501(c)(3) organizations.
L’CHAIM: Any other thoughts or something you would like to share?
JVIF: The JVIF team is honored to be able to give the Jewish community an option to invest alongside Jewish Values. For more information on the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund (TZDKX), visit jvifunds.com or email us at info@jvifunds.com.
You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. You may obtain a current copy of the Fund’s prospectus by calling (800) 824-5041. The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. There is no guarantee that this, or any, investing strategy will succeed. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Due to its socially responsible investing strategy, the Fund may choose not to purchase, or may sell, otherwise profitable investments in companies which have been identified as being in conflict with its established socially responsible investing principles. This means that the Fund may underperform other similar mutual funds that do not consider socially responsible investing principles in their investing.
