Taste the flavors of Israel and let them tell their story. Dive into hands-on cultural experiences for all ages, from Israeli dancing and music to interactive activities that spark curiosity and fun. This is a celebration for everyone, a day where families, friends, and neighbors connect, celebrate heritage, and soak in the energy, rhythm, and joy of Israel.

Yom HaAtzmaut Music Festival

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 12-4 PM
Free event, pre-registration required.
Venue location and address provided upon registration.

Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Day of Remembrance, is dedicated to commemorating Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. After a year marked by profound heartbreak as well as soaring hope and joy, we pause as a community and choose reflection and unity. Together with Israeli American Council, Jewish Federation of San Diego, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, and Jewish Community Foundation San Diego, we invite you to gather for an evening of reflection, remembrance, and shared strength. We will honor lives lost, stand in support of grieving families, and hold space for collective memory.

"Hineni” - Here I Am

Monday, April 20, 2026, 7-8 PM
Free event, pre-registration required.

Join us for this powerful afternoon of remembrance and commemoration. 

Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1PM
Free event, pre-registration required.
Venue location and address provided upon registration.

More than 80 years after the Holocaust, we gather not only to remember the six million Jews murdered, but to honor the courage that defied evil and the lives saved because someone chose to act. 

At this year’s Yom HaShoah commemoration, Heroes Beyond Borders: Stories of Diplomatic Courage, our community will reflect on the extraordinary efforts taken by allies — recognized as Righteous Among the Nations — who risked everything to save Jews from the advancing Nazi regime.

March - April, 2026 – Our community’s safety remains a top priority, and being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. This spring, Jewish Federation of San Diego, in partnership with the Secure Community Network, is offering free emergency response trainings designed to empower individuals and organizations with the skills to react quickly and effectively in crisis situations. Through three crucial sessions, we will provide practical guidance on recognizing threats, responding under pressure, and helping ensure the safety of those around you. Whether you’re a community member, organizational staff, or volunteer, this training offers valuable knowledge to help protect yourself and others.

March 2026 - Join us for the Lion of Judah Luncheon, an inspiring gathering honoring the women whose generosity and leadership strengthen our Jewish community and shape its future. The program will celebrate enduring legacies, welcome our newest Lions, and reflect on the collective impact of women giving with purpose.

May 2027 - In May 2023, over 220 members of our San Diego Jewish community joined Federation’s inaugural CommUNITY Trip to Israel. From exploring historic sites to connecting with the local Jewish community and various local leaders, the trip created lasting bonds and strengthened our collective Jewish identity. 

Now, we’re doing it again – but even bigger and better! We’re planning another incredible journey to Israel for May 2027, and we invite you to be part of this next chapter. We’re also offering an optional post-trip extension, with more exciting details to come. 

Keep May 2027 open and get ready for an unforgettable experience with your San Diego community.

Summer 2026 – Israel Unfiltered (IU) is a transformative three-week journey created for Jewish teens who want to connect with their roots in a real and authentic way. This immersive experience gives high school sophomores and juniors the chance to explore Israel as it truly is: vibrant, complex, and deeply meaningful. Participants will engage with Israel's history, culture, and people through fun, hands-on exploration, all within an inclusive environment that welcomes teens of all backgrounds. With safety as our top priority, we are prepared to relocate the trip to Europe if necessary. Israel Unfiltered offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore, grow, and connect while discovering your place in the Jewish story. (subject to change)

May 11-17, 2026 | An Extraordinary Experience for Jewish Women

Jewish Federation of San Diego is thrilled to partner with Momentum, an international movement empowering Jewish mothers to live with purpose and lead with Jewish values.

This life-changing seven-day trip to Israel — followed by a year of continued learning and leadership development — inspires women to connect deeply to Jewish values, engage meaningfully with Israel, take action in their communities, and foster unity without uniformity.

Participants join women from around the world for an unforgettable journey exploring Israel’s land, history, and spirit, guided by world-class educators. Upon returning home, participants engage in ongoing learning and community-building that strengthens Jewish life in San Diego.

• Israel Trip Cost*: $360 acceptance fee + $365 refundable deposit to Momentum
• Program Cost**: $250 fee for pre-and post-trip programming to Federation
• Applications: Open now for women leaders in our Women’s Philanthropy or Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership programs.

*Participants cover airfare, mandatory travel insurance, select meals, and personal expenses.
**Participants must pay both the Israel Trip & Program fee to participate in Momentum.

For questions, contact Carly Ezell Lobenstein.