Jewish Federation Invests in ‘Transformational Experiences’

SAN DIEGO — As we approach the end of our fiscal year, we are reflecting on the extraordinary progress we’ve made together in building a vibrant Jewish future for San Diego. Your support has been instrumental in empowering our community, and today, I invite you to help us continue this vital work.

At Jewish Federation of San Diego, we are deeply committed to investing in transformational experiences that ensure a brighter, stronger, and more connected Jewish community for generations to come. Our initiatives focus on inspiring a life-long love of Judaism, fostering a robust pipeline of future leaders, and deepening community bonds.

Here are just a few examples of how your contributions helped us make an impact this year:

• Launching the Courageous Leadership Initiative: In partnership with the renowned Shalom Hartman Institute, our Federation designed this program to strengthen discourse and relationships among the current leaders and professionals shaping our community. Together, our first 60 participants – which included cohorts of executive, board and communal leaders – addressed critical challenges and explored opportunities for partnership and collaboration.
• Organizing San Diego’s First Jewish Youth & Teen Wellness Summit: Nearly 80 community professionals, board members, and parents gathered for engaging presentations and breakout sessions focused on the mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellness of our youth and teens. This summit provided invaluable resources and best practices for supporting local parents and raising resilient youth, creating a healthier future for our young community members. Each participating organization also received a grant from Federation to create or enhance their own teen wellness initiatives. We look forward to continuing the summit in 2025 thanks to generous support from the Chortek Weisman Family Foundation.
• Continuing the LEADS Program: This initiative engages and empowers the next generation of young Jewish leaders. Each year, a new cohort of more than a dozen young professionals participate in sessions on leadership through a Jewish lens and learn about San Diego’s many Jewish institutions. These emerging leaders leave the program ready to spearhead their own community-building efforts, and now have access to Federation’s new Gather Grants to turn their ideas into unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a cozy Shabbat dinner, a lively game night, or a thought-provoking discussion, the possibilities are endless!

Thank you for your continued partnership.

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Heidi Gantwerk is the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego.