Common Era is an R&D platform that invents new Jewish realities by catalyzing the work of creators, builders, and entrepreneurs.

Over 70% of American Jews claim that they don’t connect with mainstream Jewish life, yet are proud to be Jewish. Through partnerships and collaboration, Common Era supports bold experiments to expand what Jewish life can look like so more people can connect with timeless, transformative Jewish wisdom.

The organization is based in New Orleans and led by Yonah Schiller, whose background spans rabbinic ordination, an MBA in innovation, and a studio practice focused on large, abstract mixed media painting. This combination reflects a point-of-view that blends spiritual leadership, organizational strategy, and creative design. As Common Era was forming, he sought support in the positioning and storytelling for the emerging operation.

In 2022, 1504 developed a narrative strategy for the organization, outlining story and positioning opportunities for the coming years. In 2023, 1504 participated in a workshop with ReD & Associates on Belonging, conducting stakeholder interviews and documentation. Since then, 1504 has crafted messaging plans, produced films and photography for the website and stakeholders, and created case study materials of various experiments across the US.

Today, Common Era’s work aims to ensure that Jewish education and life are part of an ongoing movement, designed for today and the future, empowered by dynamic and diverse people at its center.