A Celebration of Legacy and Community at the 2025 Book of Life Signing Ceremony
On Sunday, August 17, more than 100 members of our Jewish community gathered for a moving Book of Life Signing Ceremony at the historic First Synagogue of San Diego in Heritage Park. With a nod to our local Jewish community’s past, the event recognized those who have dedicated commitments to the Jewish future of San Diego.

Thirty-six heartfelt legacy statements were signed, each representing a family or individual’s promise to support Jewish communal life through planned giving. These statements are now preserved in our community archive, becoming lasting testaments to the values and generosity that shape our collective story.

We shared gratitude for the generations who came before us while standing shoulder to shoulder, accountable to one another and to the generations yet to come. We were reminded that this work to uplift our community is not done alone. As legacy donors shared what inspired their giving, many reflected on cherished memories, mentors who modeled tzedakah, and lifelong ties to Jewish organizations that shaped their identities. We held each other through these personal moments, affirming that giving is not just about resources, but about relationships and responsibility.

We give special thanks to Rabbi Yael Ridberg for guiding the proceedings and the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir, whose uplifting voices added cheer and resonance. On behalf of our partner organizations, thank you for your enduring commitments. If you’re inspired to leave your mark on Jewish San Diego, please reach out to us to join the over 1,400 members of our Create a Jewish Legacy Society. Your story, too, belongs in the Book of Life.