Points of Pride Sep ’25
09/26/2025
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of “Points of Pride,” an inside look at Jewish Federation of San Diego’s latest accomplishments and initiatives made possible by your support. From community-building efforts to impactful programs, these highlights reflect the power of our collective contributions.
Cornerstone: Celebrating Your Generosity
On September 14, Federation proudly hosted Cornerstone, our signature major donor thank-you event, where more than 100 of our most impactful supporters celebrated the generosity fueling Jewish life in San Diego, Israel, and around the globe. With an extraordinary audience and a lineup of inspiring speakers, including the powerful voice of Tessa Veksler, the evening reminded us of what is possible when our community comes together. Guests heard personal stories of impact, updates on Federation’s work locally and abroad, and reflections from leaders who are shaping the future of Jewish San Diego. Cornerstone was not only a gathering; it was a powerful celebration of shared purpose. Click here to view more photos from Cornerstone.
Leadership in Action
In June, our Courageous Leadership Initiative (CLI) concluded with a gathering that reflected on a year of values-driven learning with the Shalom Hartman Institute Soon after, the Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute (PFWLI) launched its fifth cohort with an opening session and full-day retreat that set the stage for a transformative year of growth and purpose. With more than 100 alumnae since its inception, PFWLI continues to shape the leadership pipeline for Jewish San Diego. At the same time, Giborim completed its third retreat and welcomed peers from Sha’ar HaNegev to San Diego, strengthening cross-border friendships and collaboration among 12 Jewish organizations. In November, the San Diego cohort will travel to Israel for the next phase of their journey. Together, these programs continue to invest in the leaders who will carry our community forward. Click here to learn how to get involved.
Global Jewish Journeys
The summer was filled with opportunities for San Diego teens and young leaders to connect with Jewish life around the world. Israel Unfiltered reimagined its path this year, guiding 22 participants through Europe to engage with Jewish communities, reflect on history, and discover new aspects of Jewish identity. Through the Global Ambassador Program (GAP), San Diego teens also traveled to Mexico City to engage with Latin America’s third-largest Jewish community, while others welcomed Hungarian peers for a week of shared experiences in San Diego. In August, participants from this year’s March of the Living reunited to reflect on their transformative journey and the friendships it sparked. Federation also proudly celebrated the selection of two San Diegans into the National Young Leadership Cabinet, who joined peers from across the country for a Cabinet gathering in Denver. These connections are shaping the next generation of Jewish leaders and weaving San Diego into the fabric of global Jewry. Click here to learn more about how you or your teen can experience a journey like this.
Standing For a United Future
Throughout the summer, Federation hosted webinars and briefings to keep our community closely connected to the realities on the ground in Israel. Solidarity with our partner region, Sha’ar HaNegev, remained central, including participation in a global Zoom gathering with families of hostages still held in Gaza.
In June, Federation President and CEO Heidi Gantwerk, Immediate Past Board Chair David Bark, and Adam Maslia, Director of the Finest Community Coalition, traveled to Washington, D.C. for the United for Security Fly-In, where they met with national leaders to advance Jewish communal safety.
Locally, Federation’s advocacy helped support the passage of AB 715, strengthening protection for Jewish life in California. Together, these actions reflect our community’s commitment to standing with Israel while ensuring Jewish San Diego remains safe, strong, and resilient. Click here to learn more about The Finest Community Coalition or follow along on Instagram and Facebook for updates and news.
Community in Action
In August, Federation convened the Blueprint: San Diego Jewish Community Forum, a pivotal gathering that brought together more than 150 leaders, executives, volunteers, and changemakers to reflect on the findings of the PULSE Survey.
Representing 39 organizations across Jewish San Diego, the survey revealed both areas of growth and pressing challenges, sparking dialogue on safety, belonging, and resource needs. The Forum not only created a space for reflection and collaboration, but also set the stage for shaping collective priorities and strategies that will guide Jewish San Diego into the future. To view more photos from Blueprint, click here.
Celebrating Belonging
This season also marked the first-ever JPride Weekend, a historic celebration of Jewish belonging that came to life through the dedication of 30 community partners. Nearly 800 people attended in person, with hunderds more joining online, for a moving Pride Shabbat hosted by Congregation Beth Israel.
The celebration continued with a vibrant festival at the Lawrence Family JCC that drew more than 1,000 participants, and concluded with the Big Gay Brunch at Temple Emanu-El, which quickly sold out. These milestones reflect the power of belonging and partnership, building a community where every individual feels seen, safe, and proud. View more photos here.
ShinShinim: A Year of Connection
In August, the community bid farewell to our 2024–25 ShinShinim, nine inspiring young Israelis who spent the year bringing Israel into San Diego’s synagogues, schools, and homes.
Through teaching, volunteering, and living as part of our community, they built bridges of understanding and friendship that will last a lifetime. Their presence brought Israel closer to San Diego families, while leaving a lasting impact on everyone they met. As we send them home with gratitude and pride, we are thrilled to welcome a new group of ShinShinim whose energy and creativity will continue this tradition of connection in the year ahead. Click here to read more about the Shinshinim program.
