Welcome to the December 2024 edition of “Points of Pride,” an exclusive update for Jewish Federation of San Diego’s most impactful supporters.
Whether you are donating your time, talent, or treasure, you make this work possible with your ongoing generosity, and we are eternally grateful for your support. Thank you for helping us make an impact as we seek to strengthen our San Diego Jewish community for generations to come.
If you would like to know more about any of the programs or updates below, we invite you to contact Lorraine Fisher, Director of Development, at or.
October 7th: Marking One Year
On October 7, our community came together in a powerful display of unity to mark one year since the devastating attack on Israel, an event that forever changed Jewish life in Israel and around the world. In partnership with more than 60 local organizations, we brought together an estimated 5,000 San Diegans for a deeply moving commemoration, featuring remarks from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and leaders from our community. Together, we reflected on our shared resilience, participated in interactive exhibits, wrote messages of hope on a communal wall, and joined in prayer and song. It was a heartfelt evening of remembrance and solidarity, reaffirming our commitment to standing with the people of Israel while fostering a future built on unity.
Jewish Community Security Institute (JCSI)
This fall, we launched a new cohort of our Jewish Community Security Institute (JCSI), focusing exclusively on the Orthodox community, an important step in our ongoing mission to ensure safety and preparedness across Jewish San Diego. This tailored program equips institutional leaders with essential skills through a six-session series on situational awareness, Stop the Bleed training, cybersecurity, and emergency planning. The first training session brought Orthodox community leaders together to build connections and strengthen their institutions' security strategies. At the end of the program, each participating organization has the opportunity to receive a $10,000 Federation grant to support security improvements. JCSI continues to be a cornerstone of our efforts to create a safe and resilient community. For more information, please contact Matt Goldberg at or.
Celebrating Leadership and Inspiring New Journeys
Our latest LEADS cohort marked the culmination of their transformative leadership journey with a vibrant taco-filled graduation, surrounded by community and support from our new Federation employees. Throughout its history, this program has empowered dozens of young professionals to grow as leaders, strengthen their Jewish connections, and build meaningful networks that will shape our community’s future. The interest list for our next cohort is now open, please share with your networks to encourage participation!
As one chapter closes, another begins! We’re thrilled to launch cohort #4 of the Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute, bringing together an extraordinary group of women from across our community, including some of our very own Federation staff who were nominated and elected to participate. Their passion and potential promise to ignite new ideas, strengthen bonds, and lead us toward a brighter future. Learn more about the Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute here.
Women’s Philanthropy Brunch Club
In October, our Women’s Philanthropy Brunch Club gathered for a morning of connection, learning, and action. Participants explored the financial challenges facing so many in our local Jewish community, guided by an insightful panel moderated by Women’s Philanthropy Board Chair Debbie Deverett. Panelists Shreya Shah Sasaki of Jewish Family Service and Mindi Frankel of Hebrew Free Loan shared important findings from the recent San Diego Jewish Community Study and shed light on the transformative work being done to provide relief and dignity to those struggling in our community. The morning concluded with a meaningful act of service as the gathering assembled hundreds of Dignity Grows care packages, ensuring that essential hygiene products reach those who need them most. For more photos from Brunch Club, click here.
Teen Delegation from Sha’ar HaNegev
In November, we welcomed 97 teens from Sha’ar HaNegev for a deeply meaningful visit to San Diego, filled with connection and healing. These young visitors, many of whom have faced immense challenges following the events of October 7, experienced moments of joy and renewal during their time here. From surfing at La Jolla Shores and exploring iconic spots like Balboa Park’s House of Israel and the San Diego Zoo, to the magic of Disneyland, where their laughter and smiles returned, the delegation members experienced countless moments of hope. The teens bonded with host families, baked challah, celebrated Shabbat, and shared unforgettable moments of friendship. This visit, organized in partnership with the San Diego Jewish Academy, was a testament to the strength of our shared community and the power of coming together in support and solidarity. To learn more about the incredible impact we’re making in Sha’ar HaNegev, watch this video.
FED360: Meeting this Moment
On November 16, we hosted our annual gala, FED360. The sold-out event brought together 550 community members, including major donors, communal professionals, members of clergy, Hillel students and more, for an unforgettable evening of celebration and reflection. The night featured inspiring stories of resilience from the Cherry family of kibbutz Nahal Oz and our shared vision for the future of Holocaust education, emphasizing the transformative power of philanthropy in shaping a vibrant Jewish community. The evening was made even more memorable by comedian Modi Rosenfeld, whose hilarious performance filled the room with laughter and joy. We hope our attendees left feeling deeply connected to our community and our mission, energized by the progress we’ve made, and committed to building an even brighter future together. If you missed it, check out this meaningful new video we shared during the event about how we are Meeting this Moment.
