For Michael S. Levinson, community involvement has always been a way of life. As he begins his tenure as Board Chair of Jewish Community Foundation San Diego (JCF), we sat down with him to discuss his background in San Diego, his vision for the Foundation, and the opportunities he sees to strengthen Jewish life for generations to come.

In a few words, how would you describe your San Diego roots?

I’m a native San Diegan. My father was a Jewish Federation president and my mother was active in the local Jewish community, so community involvement was always part of our family life. I often joke that it was predestined that I would get involved in the Jewish community here.

I lived in New York briefly after college, but what drew me back to San Diego was how welcoming and accessible it is. Here, people are encouraged to get involved and make a difference.

What first drew you to Jewish Community Foundation San Diego (JCF)?

A lot of credit goes to my friend Jeff Silberman. When Jeff became Board Chair, I told him that I wanted to become more engaged with the community. He helped introduce me to JCF, and I quickly saw the impact it has on maximizing philanthropy for fundholders and supporting nonprofits. Along the way, I benefited from great mentors who helped me understand the Foundation’s work and mission.

What does becoming Chair of JCF’s Board of Directors mean to you?

Honestly, it’s a tremendous honor. When I was asked, my first reaction was surprise…I definitely felt a little imposter syndrome. My background is law and finance, so for many years I was drawn to that side of the Foundation’s work. I’ve come to appreciate the full scope of what JCF’s incredible leadership does and I enjoy being involved in every aspect of the Foundation’s services for fundholders, nonprofits, and partners.

After more than a decade of involvement, I’m excited to help lead the organization into its next chapter.

What excites you most about JCF’s future?

The opportunities in front of us are extraordinary. Last year’s integration with the Leichtag Foundation has been monumental, but what excites me even more is the moment we’re in as a community.

I’ve seen a renewed desire for connection, belonging, and engagement across San Diego. People are looking for ways to connect, strengthen Jewish life, and make a difference. JCF is uniquely positioned to help turn that energy into lasting impact.

How have you seen philanthropy make a difference?

I’ve seen philanthropy make a difference throughout my life, from historic efforts like Operation Moses (which airlifted approximately 8,000 Ethiopian Jews from civil-war torn Sudan to Israel in 1984-5) to countless local initiatives within San Diego.

Most recently, what stands out is the community’s response after October 7. At JCF, we moved quickly to support Israel, and I saw firsthand how philanthropy could respond in a moment of urgent need. I also witnessed extraordinary generosity across our community, from increased support for Jewish organizations to the broader fundraising efforts that helped bring people together and strengthen our institutions.

What Jewish value most influences your leadership?

This teaching from Hillel has always resonated with me: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”

To me, that reflects what JCF is all about. We are committed to strengthening Jewish life while also honoring the values and charitable goals of all our fundholders because of how we are grounded in Jewish values. It’s a balance of caring for our own community while helping make the broader world a better place.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to make a greater impact through philanthropy?

Call us! Really, it’s that simple. Meet with one of JCF’s charitable giving experts and start a conversation. Philanthropy doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. The Foundation can help you align your values with your giving and maximize your impact.

What gives you the most hope for our community’s future?

Despite the challenges we’re facing, including rising antisemitism and the many issues affecting Israel and the Jewish people, I remain optimistic because of what I’ve seen in our San Diego community. People genuinely want to make a difference. They want to connect, contribute, and support one another. That commitment gives me a great deal of hope for the future.

Is there anything people might be surprised to learn about you?

Most people are surprised to learn that I’m actually a very introverted person. I enjoy being with people, but social interaction takes energy for me rather than being invigorating. That said, there’s something unique about JCF. Every time I come to the Foundation for a meeting, I leave feeling energized and inspired by the people and the work being done.

And if that’s not surprising enough, I was once arrested in college while protesting apartheid in South Africa.

What one message would you like to share with JCF fundholders, nonprofit leaders, partners, and community members?

JCF is here for you. Our role is to help people turn their values into action and strengthen the Jewish community for generations to come. We want to help make our community stronger, more connected, and a place where people feel a genuine sense of belonging.