Last Updated: August 12, 2026
Josh Kushner stands out as one of America’s sharpest venture capitalists. As founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital and co-founder of Oscar Health, he has built a fortune that places him among the nation’s wealthiest investors. Yet beyond the deals and boardrooms, many people remain curious about something more personal: Josh Kushner religion. The answer is clear and consistent across reliable accounts. He is Jewish, raised in an Orthodox household of Ashkenazi descent, and the grandson of Holocaust survivors.
This post takes a straightforward look at his faith background, family traditions, marriage, and how Judaism continues to shape his public identity in 2026.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Jewish Upbringing
Born on June 12, 1985, in Livingston, New Jersey, Josh Kushner grew up in a strongly Jewish home. His parents, Charles and Seryl Kushner, raised their four children—Jared, Josh, Nicole, and Dara—in an Orthodox environment. The family attended Jewish schools and observed traditional practices. Before starting at Harvard, Josh spent a gap year studying at Yeshivat Reishit, a Modern Orthodox yeshiva in Israel. That experience reinforced the religious foundation laid at home.
His grandparents, Joseph and Rae Kushner, survived the Holocaust in what is now Belarus. Their story of resilience and faith became part of the family’s identity. The Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston carries the family name, reflecting decades of support for Jewish education and institutions.
Family Faith and Traditions
The Kushners have long been known for their commitment to Jewish life. Charles Kushner has maintained daily prayer services in his office, and the family has given generously to causes in the United States and Israel. These include support for the Israel Defense Forces, medical centers in Jerusalem, Chabad, and synagogues such as Kehilath Jeshurun.
Key elements of their observance include:
- Keeping kosher households
- Respect for the Sabbath
- Strong ties to Orthodox and Modern Orthodox communities
- Active philanthropy toward Jewish schools and Israel-related organizations
This environment shaped Josh’s early years and continues to influence the broader family, even as individual members chart their own professional paths.
Marriage and the Conversion of Karlie Kloss
In 2018 Josh married supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss in a Jewish ceremony in upstate New York. Before the wedding, Kloss converted to Judaism. The conversion took place in the months leading up to their engagement, allowing the couple to build a shared religious life. They now have three children and have maintained a low-key but clearly Jewish family identity.
The decision mirrored a similar path taken by Ivanka Trump when she married Josh’s brother Jared years earlier. Both conversions highlight the importance the Kushner family has placed on Jewish continuity in marriage.
Public Life and Jewish Identity Today
As of 2026, Josh Kushner remains private about personal religious practice while staying connected to his heritage. He has been described as a supporter of Israel and was linked to discussions among business leaders after the October 7 attacks that focused on sharing accurate information about the conflict. At the same time, he has kept a distance from the political spotlight that surrounds his brother and father.
Recent headlines have linked him with Bob Iger in the high-profile acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers. Both men share Jewish backgrounds, a detail noted in coverage of the record-breaking deal. Through Thrive Capital and his other ventures, Josh continues to operate as a low-profile yet highly successful Jewish American entrepreneur.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Religion | Jewish (Ashkenazi, Orthodox upbringing) |
| Family Background | Grandson of Holocaust survivors |
| Education in Faith | Attended Modern Orthodox yeshiva in Israel |
| Spouse | Karlie Kloss (converted to Judaism in 2018) |
| Notable Family Support | Jewish schools, Israel causes, synagogues |
| Current Public Stance | Private practice, open support for Israel |
Conclusion
Josh Kushner’s religion is not a side note—it is woven into his family history, education, marriage, and quiet sense of identity. From an Orthodox childhood in New Jersey to a yeshiva year in Israel and a Jewish wedding with Karlie Kloss, the through-line remains clear. In a career defined by tech investments and bold moves, his Jewish roots provide a steady foundation. As of August 2026, that foundation continues to inform the man behind one of Silicon Valley’s most respected venture firms.