Jewish Federation of San Diego
SAN DIEGO — Throughout the Torah, interspersed with the dramatic stories of creation, family drama, sin and redemption, there are many passages dealing with counting and accounting. That includes this week’s parsha, Pekudei, in which we learn about the gold and silver collected by Moses to build the mishkan, the tabernacle. Data matters in the Torah: naming all the families and their descendants, taking a census of the people, relaying an accounting of the materials for construction and vestments for the high priests, measurements for construction of holy sites, and more. Transparency and precise information are necessary for the holiness and continued thriving of the Jewish people.
It is a lesson our Jewish community has taken to heart, as Federation, along with Jewish Family Service, the Jewish Community Foundation, the Leichtag Foundation and the Lawrence Family JCC worked in close partnership to undertake our own census, the “Blueprint for Our Future: San Diego Jewish Community Study.”
Last week, I had the privilege of attending a summit at which Jewish communal professionals and volunteer leaders from 45 organizations representing every corner of our community came together to delve into the study’s findings. The process of making meaning of all the data and envisioning our community’s future felt like holy work. Everyone was struck by the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the room, and the way we all worked together toward the betterment of the Jewish people. At this inflection point in our history, we showed up as one people, Am Yisrael, and it inspired us all.
Our lively discussions on the topics of antisemitism, welcome and belonging, Jewish education and literacy, philanthropy and volunteerism, physical, emotional and financial well-being, and our connection with Israel, all underscored not just the challenges we face but also the boundless opportunities that lie ahead. Working together, we can create a San Diego Jewish community that is not only stronger and more vibrant but also more inclusive, engaging, and enduring for years to come.
The study’s findings, which you can explore in depth at sdjewishblueprint.org, reflect four key guiding principles: to reveal actionable data that sheds light on what Jews in our region think and feel; to recognize the diversity of the Jewish community and reflect with an inclusive lens around Jewish identity; to include a full representation of Jews living on the margins and struggling to make ends meet; and to understand Jews who are disengaged and disconnected from Jewish life. It is our hope that all of our Jewish organizations will find valuable insight in this data, and that collectively we will make meaningful investments of time, talent and treasure that will enhance Jewish life, support Jews who are struggling, and create a more welcoming community for each of the more than 100,000 Jews living in San Diego.
I am filled with hope for what we can accomplish together, and I encourage you to read the study and share your thoughts with us. In our Torah portion this week, one passage stands out. Pekudei lays out instructions for the creation of the ephod, the breastplate, worn by Aaron, the high priest. The ephod must have four rows of three stones each, representing each of the 12 tribes of Israel.
In fact, the sages say it is a sin to remove any stone, for all of Israel must be represented for the garment to be holy. The “Blueprint for Our Future” will help us ensure that we include every stone.
With gratitude and optimism, and Shabbat shalom.
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Heidi Gantwerk is the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego.