The Peter & Elaine Chortek BRIDGE Initiative
The Peter & Elaine Chortek BRIDGE Initiative is a five-year commitment of the Chortek Weisman family to strengthen Jewish identity, leadership, and global connection among San Diego teens. Peter and Elaine Chortek z”l were known for their humility, fierce Jewish pride, and deep commitment to tikkun olam. Peter never forgot the dignity instilled in his family by an interest-free loan from Hebrew Free Loan, while Elaine dedicated herself to Jewish education, legal advocacy, and community service. Together, they gave generously and thoughtfully, with a long view toward the future of the Jewish people.
The BRIDGE Initiative—Building Resilient Identity & Deep Global Engagement—honors that legacy by investing in the next generation. Over the next five years, the initiative will house a portfolio of high-impact programs at Federation, including:
- Global Ambassador Program (GAP): Cultivating connections with Jewish peers in Sha’ar HaNegev and other global communities.
- Student-to-Student: Training local teens to share their Jewish identity and values in schools, fostering pride and reducing prejudice.
- Teen Immersive Experience Grants: Providing subsidies for travel, service, and learning experiences that deepen Jewish identity.
Together, these programs will reach hundreds of Jewish teens directly, and thousands more indirectly, ensuring that Peter and Elaine’s values of dignity, service, resilience, and global peoplehood continue dor l’dor—from generation to generation.
Questions? Contact:
If you have any questions about the The Peter & Elaine Chortek BRIDGE Initiative, please reach out to:
