Where else but in Israel do you get in a cab only to hear a beautiful version of Unetaneh Tokef on the radio? Where else but in Israel does your airline pilot welcome you upon landing with a Chag Sameach, Shanah Tovah and G’mar Chatimah Tovah? [Heidi Gantwerk]
S.D. Jewish Federation Strengthens Ties with Grieving Sha’ar Hanegev Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAA few weeks ago, I asked people to share with me the moments that have given them hope lately. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Hope Here in San Diego and in Sha’ar Hanegev, Israel Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAA week after October 7th, my family and I went to the wedding of the daughter of some of our closest friends, whom we have known for a quarter of a century. I was exhausted and distracted and not sure I felt ready for such a joyful simcha. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Finding Moments of Joy to Pierce the Sadness Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWe always have the power to choose, no matter the circumstances surrounding us. Today, so many of us are choosing to spend time and resources defending the Jewish people, making our community safer, and supporting Israel in her time of need. We are choosing to do this because it answers the questions of who we are and where we are, and what kind of people we want to be. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Choosing Blessings Over Curses in San Diego’s Jewish Community Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAOvernight, a major escalation took place in Israel’s north. Thankfully, at this stage, there are no reports of Israeli lives lost, and the immediate threats to Israel seem to be over for now. {Heidi Gantwerk]
Situationer on the Fighting in Northern Israel Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Middle East, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis week, I found my attention torn in so many directions. We marked the unthinkable 300th day of war in Israel since October 7 and the heartbreaking 300th day of captivity for the remaining hostages. The terrible attack in Majdal Shams, the increasingly tense situation in the North of Israel, and our own divisive election cycle competed for views with the pageantry, patriotism, and moments of incredible athleticism of the Olympics. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Woeful News from Israel; Mixed News from Olympics and at Home Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAOver the past few weeks, we hosted two delegations from our sister region of Sha’ar HaNegev, offering the opportunity for processing and respite. It was a chance to take a moment, with their San Diego family, to come back to themselves and breathe. [Heidi Gantwerk]
San Diego: A Place for Shell-Shocked Israelis to Unwind Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAThis year marked the dividing line of this generation: before October 7 and after. Thanks to a strong national Federation system, powerful ties with international and local partners, a deep relationship with Sha’ar HaNegev, and a robust Community Security Initiative, we met the moment, and we continue to do in so many ways, both here in San Diego and in Israel. {Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Federation of San Diego Meets the Moment Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAWe helped many local Jewish institutions secure State and Federal security grants through Threat and Vulnerability Assessments and grant writing support. We also provided our own grants to organizations like Chabad of Carmel Valley and San Diego Hebrew Day School to enhance their security plans. And in response to heightened security needs post-October 7, we provided funding Hillel of San Diego to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of Jewish students on our college campuses. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Federation Promotes Physical Security Amid Rising Antisemitism Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, TechnologyAt 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. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Federation Invests in ‘Transformational Experiences’ Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USACaring for Jews in need – wherever they are and whenever they need us – is at the heart of what we do at Jewish Federation of San Diego. And this year, you helped us care in a big way. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Where Money You Donated to Jewish Federation Has Gone Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This year’s events demonstrated the San Diego Jewish community’s resilience and unity. Despite geopolitical tensions, anti-Israel protests across our college campuses, and the rising tide of antisemitism, we showed up for each other, affirming our shared identity and commitment to our heritage. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A Word from Your Federation: A Month of Togetherness & Community Commemorations Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, Israel, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Still, Jewish life exists in Cuba. At Temple Beth Sholom (a Reform synagogue and community center in Havana), Shabbat services take place whenever there is food for Shabbat dinner, usually from visiting groups like ours. They gather for Shabbat despite not having a rabbi anywhere in Cuba. The congregants have learned to do everything themselves, often even offering special blessings to young couples and others leaving Cuba to make Aliyah. [Heidi Gantwerk]
San Diego Jewish Federation Women’s Report: To Cuba With Love Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAThe presence of pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protests, including a significant walkout at SDSU and an unsettling encampment at UCSD, has created an atmosphere of intimidation and misinformation that deeply concerns us all. [Heidi Gantwerk]
San Diego Jewish Community Statement on Campus Turbulence Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA