Adam Bronfman

Bronfman, the son of mega-philanthropist and former beverage baron Edgar Bronfman Sr., recalls when he and his non-Jewish wife, Cindy – she has since converted – wanted to put their first son in religious school 15 years ago. They joined a synagogue, paid their dues and tuition. Then the rabbi asked Adam whether he could get his father to speak to the congregation. Bronfman emerged seemingly out of nowhere to become managing director of his father’s New York-based philanthropy, the Samuel Bronfman Foundation. His appointment elicited grumbles: Who was this guy, and where had he been all this time? Bronfman had been spending most of his time at his homes in Phoenix, Ariz., and Park City, Utah. Most of Adam Bronfman’s business travel is related to Hillel, visiting chapters in North America, South America and the former Soviet Union, or meeting with local directors to discuss new programs. He also spends about a week each month at the foundation’s New York headquarters, where he joins the staff at the Wednesday afternoon Torah study.