Bruce and Hannah Ratain’s love story began not with a grand romantic gesture, but with a shared commitment to something bigger than themselves: building a stronger, more vibrant future for the land and people of Israel. Through JNFuture, Jewish National Fund-USA’s dynamic community of young professionals ages 22-40, the two laid a foundation that has lasted to this day.
Growing up in Chicago, with dozens of cousins in Israel, Bruce had long felt connected to the country. But it was his interest in renewable energy and water innovation that led him to Jewish National Fund-USA. “It brought together what otherwise seemed like very different interests,” Bruce recalled. “Environmental advocacy, innovation, and Israel—it was all there.”
He first got involved at a national conference in Atlanta in 2010, back when JNFuture was still just a handful of people. Over the years, his connection deepened. He saw Jewish National Fund-USA not only as a leader in building Israel’s future, but as a home for like-minded people working toward a shared vision.
Hannah, on the other hand, found Jewish National Fund-USA through the professional path. After working in Israel education and advocacy on campus, she wanted to shift from reacting to threats to building something positive. That’s when she found Jewish National Fund-USA.
“It was the perfect fit for me,” she said. “It let me stay connected to Israel in a constructive way. I was organizing events, working with donors, and building this vibrant young community.”
They first crossed paths at a major JNFuture event in Chicago, Hannah as the Midwest professional, and Bruce as an attendee. They only spoke briefly that night, but a few months later, Bruce reached out asking how to get more involved.
Hannah almost didn’t take the meeting. She considered sending a board member in her place, but something told her to go. “He suggested a couple lunch places that were definitely familiar date spots in Chicago,” she laughed. “But I figured, he’s a nice guy, and if he’s genuinely interested in supporting, I’ll keep the meeting focused.”
“I nearly ended up having lunch with (Illinois Board Member) Jason Zenner instead of my future wife,” Bruce added with a laugh. “But I guess I got lucky.”
The connection was immediate, but the romance took time. They stayed in touch through JNFuture projects, but over the next few months, it became clear that something more was growing. Shared values, common interests—including a mutual appreciation for live band country karaoke—and a commitment to Israel created the foundation for a relationship.
Bruce and Hannah Ratain (center) at their wedding with friends from Jewish National Fund-USA
“He kept showing up,” Hannah said. “To meetings, to events, to help. He stuck out to me because of his genuine interest in the work we were doing.”
A few months later, Bruce and Hannah were at a Purim party that Jewish National Fund-USA co-hosted with Moishe House.
“My crowd came in business casual, and the Moishe House crew showed up in full costume,” Hannah recalled. “It was a hilarious, beautiful mash-up.”
After the party, Bruce walked Hannah back to her car and asked her out. The rest is history.
“He’s just such a good partner,” said Hannah. “I feel like we're in everything together. We share similar passions, like having Israel, and he’s the perfect person to help raise our kids. I got very lucky.”
Bruce and Hannah’s love grew from the very mission they were both committed to: building Israel’s future through meaningful, grassroots action. JNFuture gave them not just a community, but a sense of purpose that now underpins their marriage.
“Over the past few years, since October 7 in particular, we've seen different kinds of fault lines emerge with friends and people you otherwise have a lot in common with right,” noted Bruce. “I’m really grateful for the common foundation that we have, which includes a love for Israel and Jewish National Fund-USA.”
Today, they’re still deeply connected to that mission—and still close to the community that first brought them together. In fact, they now live just a few doors away from Jason Zenner, the board member who almost took Hannah’s place at that fateful lunch.
As Tu B’Av – the Jewish “Valentines Day” reminds us to celebrate connection, Bruce and Hannah’s story is proof that the strongest love grows from shared values. Through Jewish National Fund-USA and JNFuture, they didn’t just find each other—they found a lifelong mission, side by side.
JNFuture is Jewish National Fund-USA’s community of young professionals ages 22-40. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit jnf.org/jnfuture.
