By Heidi Gantwerk
SAN DIEGO — We are honored to share the launch of the Peter & Elaine Chortek BRIDGE Initiative—a five-year commitment of the Chortek Weisman family to strengthen Jewish identity, leadership, and global connection among San Diego teens.
Peter and Elaine Chortek z”l were known for their humility, fierce Jewish pride, and deep commitment to tikkun olam. Peter never forgot the dignity instilled in his family by an interest-free loan from Hebrew Free Loan, while Elaine dedicated herself to Jewish education, and community service. Together, they gave generously and thoughtfully, with a long view toward the future of the Jewish people.
The BRIDGE Initiative—Building Resilient Identity & Deep Global Engagement—honors that legacy by investing in the next generation. Over the next five years, the initiative will house a portfolio of high-impact programs at Federation, including:
–Global Ambassador Program (GAP): Cultivating connections with Jewish peers in Sha’ar HaNegev and other global communities.
–Student-to-Student: Training local teens to share their Jewish identity and values in schools, fostering pride and reducing prejudice.
–Teen Immersive Experience Grants: Providing subsidies for travel, service, and learning experiences that deepen Jewish identity.
Together, these programs will reach hundreds of Jewish teens directly, and thousands more indirectly, ensuring that Peter and Elaine’s values of dignity, service, resilience, and global peoplehood continue dor l’dor—from generation to generation.
As Susan Chortek Weisman, speaking on behalf of her family, shared with us:
“My parents believed deeply that the future of Judaism lies in our youth. The BRIDGE Initiative gives today’s teens the tools and opportunities to live those values with pride, resilience, and connection to the global Jewish people.”
We extend our deepest gratitude to Susan for stewarding Peter and Elaine’s legacy with this remarkable gift.
The BRIDGE Initiative joins a broader landscape of opportunities in our community that honor the Chortek’s legacy. Our partners at the Jewish Community Foundation administer the Peter Chortek Leadership Award, which uplifts Jewish teens leading with purpose and service across San Diego. We encourage you to share this opportunity with outstanding teens in your network who exemplify these values and are making a difference in the Jewish community.
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Heidi Gantwerk is President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego.