January 2025 Points of Pride
02/06/2025
Welcome to the January 2025 edition of “Points of Pride,” an inside look at Jewish Federation of San Diego’s latest accomplishments and initiatives made possible by your support. From community-building efforts to impactful programs, these highlights reflect the power of our collective contributions.
Commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Our Federation commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day this week (January 27) in a number of ways. During our morning staff meeting, we were privileged to hear from Survivor and Author Lou Pechi, who shared his harrowing journey of growing up under a hidden identity to escape Nazi persecution. Later that morning, Federation President & CEO Heidi Gantwerk joined Congressman Scott Peters for a guided tour of the Remember Us: The Holocaust (RUTH) Exhibit as part of our ongoing efforts to help elected leaders understand the importance of Holocaust education and the resources available in San Diego so they can advocate appropriately on a local, state, and national level. Finally, we were honored to share a poignant reflection from Federation Donor Operations Associate Joey Schindler about the legacy of his grandparents, Rose and Max, who spent their lives sharing their stories in the hope that the atrocities they endured would never happen again. Read his full interview on our blog here and see more photos of this incredible family here.
Remember Us: The Holocaust (RUTH) Exhibit Re-Opens in La Jolla
And speaking of honoring the legacy of Survivors, this January, we hosted a special opening reception for the RUTH exhibit in its new home, the La Jolla Riford Library. This powerful exhibit brings the stories of Holocaust Survivors living in San Diego to the forefront, ensuring their legacies will continue to inspire and educate future generations. The opening reception was enriched by remarks from exhibit creator Sandra Scheller, Mayor Todd Gloria, and other distinguished speakers, alongside reflections from the Survivors whose stories are at the heart of this exhibit. The event emphasized the vital role of Holocaust education and remembrance in fostering understanding and solidarity. Click here to learn more or plan your visit today.
8 Crazy Flights: A Chanukah Celebration
In December, our annual 8 Crazy Flights event brought together more than 30 young Jewish adults for an unforgettable Chanukah celebration filled with fun, tradition, and connection. The evening featured lively games and delicious holiday treats, while participants shared stories, laughter, and meaningful conversations that deepened their sense of community and belonging. Events like this create opportunities for young adults to come together, celebrate Jewish traditions, and build lasting relationships in a welcoming and vibrant environment. 8 Crazy Flights was a beautiful reminder of the joy and power of gathering during the holidays to strengthen bonds and celebrate shared heritage. Click here to learn more about the various young adult programs Federation has to offer.
International Lion of Judah Conference & Mini Mission
Last week, 18 San Diego Lions attended the International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta, celebrating the strength and leadership of Jewish women worldwide. Highlights included Juli Bear being honored as San Diego’s newest Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recipient and a powerful, pre-conference mini-mission to Civil Rights Movement landmarks in Montgomery and Selma, where Lions crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge and connected with individuals who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These experiences reaffirmed the Lions’ commitment to justice, resilience, and shaping a vibrant Jewish future, exemplifying the heart and strength of our community. Click here to view more photos from this powerful conference.
HMI Couples Retreat: Building Community at Home
When the Honeymoon Israel (HMI) trip was postponed out of an abundance of caution, couples gathered at Temecula Creek Inn for a retreat that marked the start of their journey here at home. Guided by Rabbi Yael Ridberg, the weekend featured Chanukah-inspired activities, menorah making, Israel education, and heartfelt conversations about shared values and community. Through these experiences, couples began building meaningful relationships with one another and the San Diego Jewish community, ensuring their bonds will flourish well before they embark on their rescheduled trip to Israel in July 2025. Click here to view more photos from their couple’s retreat.
JFNA Regional Gathering: Connecting & Growing Together
Earlier this month, we sent a delegation of 19 staff members to the JFNA Regional Gathering in Los Angeles, which brought together 200+ Federation professionals from across the western U.S. and Canada. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to navigating challenges facing our communities. Through departmental breakout sessions and collaborative discussions, we gained fresh perspectives on how to better serve and support the San Diego community, and each other. It was especially meaningful to see our Federation’s leadership shine, driving many of the conversations and reinforcing our commitment to fostering a vibrant Jewish future.
Israel Unfiltered: Step Into the Story
Registration is now open for Israel Unfiltered, Federation’s NEW three-week immersive journey for rising high school juniors and seniors from San Diego. From June 16 to July 7, 2025, participants will step into the story of Israel, exploring its beauty, culture, and history in unforgettable ways. Teens will float in the Dead Sea, sandboard in the Negev Desert, and engage with Israel’s diverse communities—all while forming lasting friendships and discovering more about themselves and their Jewish identity. This program offers a safe, inclusive space for teens to connect with their roots and grow into confident, engaged members of the Jewish community. With generous support from the Zeff family and RootOne, Israel Unfiltered makes this life-changing experience more accessible than ever. Register now for an information session and don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your teens can explore, connect, and grow through this transformative trip.
