Giving these individuals something that is homemade means a lot to them, and this is what sets “Stitches” apart from other nonprofit organizations. [Cailin Acosta]
College Knitters Provide Soap Bags for the Unhoused Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFSSD) alongside six other Jewish Family Service agencies statewide, the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) and the Jewish Caucus advocated for the funding that will be distributed this fiscal year. [Press Release]
California Approves $14.5 Million Fund to Aid Holocaust Survivors Read More »
California, Holocaust, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County
““Wealthy families like mine didn’t build our wealth alone, and we shouldn’t hoard the benefits of success that’s not only ours. I believe it’s our responsibility to fix the systems that worked for us – but leave too many people in poverty or on the edges of poverty while corporate profits and income inequality skyrocket …” [Press Release]
JPride Weekend is almost here! This is a response to the San Diego Pride Parade and Festival allowing a headliner who opposes Israel and has made antisemitic statements. [Cailin Acosta]
JPride in Counter Programming to San Diego Pride, Set for July 18-20 Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The unique character of the American system, built into the Constitution, is its ability to change, to grow. [Jerry Klinger]
Jewish Reflections from Mt. Rushmore Read More »
Antisemitism, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Today, as I begin as CEO of Jewish Family Service, I find myself reflecting on my very first day at JFS—16 years ago. I came here wanting to make a difference in a place that aligned with my values. [Dana Toppel]
Dana Toppel Expresses Her Thoughts on First Day as JFS CEO Read More »
Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Our volunteer for July, Kira Finkenberg is no exception. The energetic Finkenberg is a woman motivated by family, faith, and hard work. She also feels it is her duty to give back to the community, something she learned from her late mother. [Mimi Pollack]
Volunteer of the Month: Kira Finkenberg, Woman of Family and Faith Read More »
Mimi Pollack, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Thank you, Heidi, for being such an amazing CEO for Federation. The Jewish community and Israel, especially Sha’ar HaNegev, are lucky to have you at the helm. We have spent countless hours together and traveled together around the world on behalf of Federation. [David Bark]
Outgoing Federation Board Chair Says His Thank You’s Read More »
Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Although we are filled with pride in the extraordinary accomplishments by the IDF and Israel’s security forces, we know and feel what our families are going through – living in a war within a war…now for the past 20 months. [Carine Chitayat]
Adopt A Family Foundation Cares for Terror Victims amid Israel-Iran War Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsPride Month and Pride celebrations are always a highlight every summer for my family. This year is different. [Cailin Acosta]
Pride Festival versus San Diego’s Jewish Community Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
While the Iranian regime continues targeting Israeli civilian areas and the pace of incoming missile fire has slowed, the situation remains volatile. Our friends in Israel are weary, and they deeply appreciate the moral support from our San Diego community. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Federation Offers Resources for Staying Informed about Israel-Iran War Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAPlease register for the webinar Operation Rising Lion: Update from Israel and Sha’ar HaNegev and learn first-hand from friends in Israel and our partners on the ground in Sha’ar HaNegev how they are being affected, and what needs are emerging. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Federation Reactivates Israel Emergency Campaign, Schedules Webinar for June 17 Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIt is important to stay present, aware, and engaged. Many protests are scheduled this weekend, and I hope they stay peaceful. I am reminded of the La Mesa riots that occurred five years ago and the destruction that happened to many establishments I frequented. There are so many issues that demand our involvement and support. [Cailin Acosta]
Anger Seems to be Evident Everywhere Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodLA MESA, California – On Wednesday, June 11, The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation shared the good news that Lake Murray will remain open on weekdays. The San Diego City Council has approved modifications to the FY2026 budget that includes a restoration of weekday access to Lake Murray. This means Lake Murray will remain open