How do JLens’ screening decisions account for the diversity of perspectives within the Jewish community?

JLens recognizes that Jewish values can be interpreted differently across the community. We prioritize screening based on areas of clear consensus such as opposing antisemitism and supporting Israel, while respecting legitimate diversity of Jewish thought on more complex policy questions. This balanced approach allows us to effectively represent shared Jewish communal interests while acknowledging the range of perspectives that exist within our community. Our Index Advisory Committee considers this diversity when making screening recommendations, focusing on core values that unite rather than potentially divide.

Does JLens consider screening out companies that operate in countries with problematic human rights records?

Rather than broadly screening out companies based on the countries where they operate, we prefer to engage as shareholders to encourage responsible business practices. Our approach focuses on company-specific actions rather than geography. We believe maintaining a seat at the table through ownership allows us to advocate for improvements in human rights practices, which aligns with our Jewish values of pursuing justice and human dignity while acknowledging the complex realities of global business operations.

How does JLens respond when a company improves its practices after being screened out?

JLens conducts quarterly reviews of companies on our Do Not Invest List to assess whether they have made significant changes in their corporate behavior. If we determine that a company has made the requisite improvements or circumstances have materially changed, we will add the company back to the Index at the next quarterly rebalance. Companies on our Do Not Invest List receive annual communication reminding them about their status and outlining the specific steps needed to be considered for reinstatement.

Why doesn’t JLens screen out fossil fuel companies?

We recognize the diversity of opinions within the Jewish community on environmental issues. A full fossil fuel screen didn’t reflect a consensus, nor did having no screen at all. Instead, only companies with revenue from oil sands are screened out—an energy production process that’s three times more carbon intensive than conventional oil, depletes freshwater, and creates toxic waste. This allows the Jewish community to have a voice in many other fossil fuel companies and still have an environmental screen that screens out the worst actors. Ultimately, we prefer constructive engagement over exclusion. By holding shares in fossil fuel companies, we can vote on proposals for improved efficiency in energy production and we can engage with them on other Jewish communal interests, such as promoting antisemitism education in their workplaces.

Why doesn’t JLens screen out defense contractors?

From a Jewish-values perspective, life is of the highest value and self-defense is legitimate; nearly any other law can be violated for the sake of saving a life, in line with the idea of Pikuach Nefesh (preserving life), derived from Leviticus 18:5. For pro-Israel investors, a defense screen would not be in line with their value of supporting Israel’s self-defense, as many of these companies supply Israel with armaments that are critical to its self-defense. For example, RTX, formally known as Raytheon, helps build and supply Israel with the Iron Dome, which according to RTX, intercepts more than 1,500 incoming targets with a 90% success rate. Lockheed Martin is also an essential defense supplier to Israel, of which Lockheed’s F-35 aircraft was used by Israel to conduct retaliatory strikes against Iran in 2024.

Why does JLens screen out tobacco but not other “sin stocks” like alcohol and gambling?

The idea of negative screens as an investing principle is credited to Christian denominations which coined the term “sin stocks”, such as tobacco, alcohol and gambling. While many Christian and Islamic funds screen out alcohol, there is no Jewish prohibition on drinking alcohol or gambling in moderation.In Jewish tradition, alcohol is valued for its role in celebration and religious rituals such as Kiddush. While moderate consumption is embraced, caution against excess is emphasized, as overindulgence can lead to impaired judgment and moral compromise. Similarly, Jewish tradition adopts a nuanced approach to gambling. Rather than outright prohibition, it promotes moderation and caution. Talmudic and later rabbinic discussions acknowledge games of chance as recreational, while emphasizing the risks of excess and the need for responsible behavior, reflecting a balanced, tolerant stance.

Why does JLens screen out tobacco?

JLens screens out tobacco companies that derive more than 5% of their revenue from tobacco as part of its Treif (not fit for inclusion) category. This exclusion aligns with the Jewish value of preserving life (Pikuach Nefesh), which is a fundamental principle in Jewish law and ethics. The well-documented health dangers of tobacco products conflict with the Torah’s emphasis on protecting human life and health. Jewish religious authorities across denominations have generally concluded that smoking poses unacceptable health risks, making investments in tobacco companies problematic from a Jewish values perspective.

How are the companies screened out?

At launch in February of 2025, only four of the 500 largest U.S. public companies have been screened out. Our screening is deliberately light because we believe in the “own and advocate” method. Companies that derive material revenue from tobacco, oil sands, thermal coal, and for-profit prisons  —or those that engage in or condone anti-Israel activities—are excluded. The four companies currently screened out are: Altria, Philip Morris, ConocoPhillips, and General Mills. Altria and Philip Morris are removed due to their tobacco revenue ConocoPhillips has been removed due to their revenue from oil sands General Mills has been removed due to their inadequate response to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (“BDS”) movement by removing the majority of their Pillsbury brand from Israel after years of BDS pressure As of December 31, 2024, no companies among the 500 largest U.S. public companies derive material revenue from thermal coal extraction or for-profit prisons. Screens may change over time based on recommendations from the Index Committee.