150 Years of Congregation Beth Israel

We here at Federation would like to congratulate San Diego's oldest Synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel, on its 150th Anniversary here in San Diego! The San Diego Union Tribune has written a wonderful article about the celebration.  

I invite you to read it, and join us in saying "Mozel Tov!" to our friends at Congregation Beth Israel

Photo Credit: San Diego Union Tribune 

Who Mentored You? Jewish Family Services BigPals Program

Each one of us has someone special we remember—someone who helped us become who we are today. You can be that special someone to a child who needs you. This afternoon I'd like the write about Jewish Family Services BIGPals mentor-ship program. Federation is in full support of the BigPals program, as it matches Jewish adult mentors with Jewish children from single-parent or non-traditional families. 


Mentors provide friendship, companionship, and life-enriching experiences to the children they mentor, enhancing their growth and development and helping them achieve their full potential. Big Pals support the children in facing life transitions and help them develop positive self-images, new behaviors, and coping skills.


So why not volunteer?  This program offers a unique opportunity to directly affect and improve the life of a young Jewish person in your community. Be a Big Pal and become a role model, a confidant, a friend.  It's tangle, it's meaningful, and to that child - you will be making a world of difference.


Learn more about the program here

Will Palestinians Partner in Peace – or in Conflict?

CEO Steven J. Morris

The San Diego Union Tribune recently published our opinion piece regarding the upcoming Palestinian UDI. While Abbas might come home from the U.N. with a statehood resolution of some kind. However, what he will gain will pale in comparison to the benefits that would result from taking positive steps toward peace. Ultimately, a negotiated agreement is the only way to resolve the conflict and move toward the only sustainable solution – two healthy democratic nations living side by side. Israel is waiting – hopefully not in vain – for the Palestinian leadership to fill the lonely, empty chair at the negotiating table. Only in this way can we all ride the wave of democratic renewal into an era of peace and independence for both peoples.


Read the article here


What do think of the upcoming vote? 

Federation's Response to Renewed Violence Along Israel’s Borders with Gaza and Egypt

Last week we sent the following message to the community regarding renewed violence along Israel’s borders with Gaza and Egypt.  Sha’ar Hanegev, the partnership region of the San Diego Federation, lies alongside Gaza in Israel’s northern Negev Desert.

Read the Article Here