Jewish Community Foundation News

Dear Friends,

It is one of the greatest honors of my life to write this introduction in my new capacity as President and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation San Diego. I am blessed to lead a talented and experienced team of professionals, who are passionate about community and dedicated to supporting our fundholders and partner organizations in their quest to make an impact on San Diego, Israel (especially our sister community in Sha'ar HaNegev), and beyond.

These are challenging times. Since the October 7th attacks on Israel, our donors have directed $10,606,324 to 99 organizations supporting needs from crisis management to mental health support. Anti-semitism is flourishing in our own neighborhoods. Our staff has responded, connecting donors with organizations working to combat hate. Within my first two weeks as CEO I had the opportunity to join Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Solidarity Mission to Israel, to get a firsthand look at the daunting needs for rebuilding shattered lives and places. It was an intense, emotional, and deeply moving experience. You can read more about my trip here.

As we have always done, and particularly since October 7th,

I look forward to continuing to share meaningful opportunities

to support our partners here and in Israel.

One of my central goals is to expand our capacity to support you through programs that have proven resoundingly popular: developing personalized giving plans, philanthropic legacy planning, behind the scenes site visits, and more. None of these programs would be possible without our incredibly generous donors. The Jewish Community Foundation exists to serve you and support the Jewish and general communities. Our values are based in service and drive our work. Please reach out to me or our team anytime – we love hearing from you.

Wishing you a joyous and meaningful Passover,

Jeremy Pearl

President and Chief Executive Officer

Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair

jeremy@jcfsandiego.org

"I am so honored to succeed Beth in leading our talented and experienced team who support our donors' impactful and innovative philanthropy."

...

– Jeremy Pearl

MAKING AN IMPACT

Jeremy Pearl attends Mission to Israel with the Federation

JCF's new President and CEO, Jeremy Pearl, joined the Jewish Federation of San Diego on their Israel Solidarity Mission to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv earlier this month. He kept an informative and emotional daily account of his experiences while on the trip.

Learn More Here

Recipient Announced for 2024 Peter Chortek Leadership Award

Hayden Crocker, a junior at Canyon Crest Academy, was selected as the 2024 PCLA recipient. Hayden is the founder of Go Greenish, a youth led environmental organization and national activism movement. Click below for a recently published article.

Learn More Here

giv4 Homelessness:

Grantee Organization Spotlight

The Monarch School is the nation’s only K-12 public school exclusively for homeless children. Located between Barrio Logan and the San Diego Convention Center, Monarch offers an innovative and stable environment to foster learning and healing.

Learn More Here

Jewish Women's Foundation (JWF) Visits Local Grantee

JWF members recently visited the San Diego Community Kollel to experience one of Moving Traditions' sessions as participants themselves. Currently facilitating the second cohort of participants, this grantee has one more year of JWF support.

Learn More Here

UPCOMING PROGRAM

Sunday, May 19, 2024 | 12:00 pm

Jewish Teen Foundation

Annual Community Celebration and Check Presentation

Join us to celebrate the Jewish Teen Foundation (JTF) as they award grants to four organizations supporting Israel and the local Jewish community following a year-long grantmaking process. This year's program will be held along with the Jewish Federation's 'Celebrate Israel: Now and Forever' event at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. Experience the power of unity at Israel's 76th Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut) celebration right here in San Diego on May 19th.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

More Information Coming Soon

ON THE MOVE

Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer

Congratulations

Sharleen Wollach

We are proud to announce that Sharleen Wollach has been promoted to Executive Vice President. She will also retain the Chief Impact Officer title. Sharleen’s journey with the Foundation began in 2009, and she has since filled key roles. We celebrate her many accomplishments and in particular her leadership around community endowment development, donor legacy planning, and professional advisor programs – all of which have deservedly brought her and the Foundation national attention.

We are grateful to have Sharleen’s passion and talents and look forward to many more years of her exceptional leadership!