Jewish Federation of San Diego is investing boldly in the next generation, strengthening Jewish identity, leadership, and global connection at a moment when teens need it most. This commitment comes to life through a transformational new effort: The Peter & Elaine Chortek BRIDGE Initiative, a five-year philanthropic partnership with the Chortek Weisman family designed to shape confident, connected, and resilient young Jews.
BRIDGE – Building Resilient Identity & Deep Global Engagement – reflects an essential truth driving Federation’s work today: the future of Jewish life in San Diego depends on nurturing teens who feel rooted in their identities and empowered to lead.
For the Chortek family, this work is deeply personal. Peter and Elaine Chortek z”l built a life grounded in Jewish values and quiet generosity. Peter’s early experience receiving an interest-free loan through a Hebrew Free Loan organization instilled a lifetime commitment to dignity, opportunity, and responsibility. Elaine devoted her energy to Jewish learning and community service. Together, they supported institutions that strengthen Jewish continuity for generations.
Their legacy now inspires BRIDGE, which unites several of Federation’s most impactful teen programs under one visionary umbrella. Susan Chortek Weisman explains her family’s motivation: “My parents believed that Jewish identity and education are the foundation of a strong future. BRIDGE is our way of extending that belief to the next generation.”
BRIDGE’s integrated portfolio will engage hundreds of San Diego teens directly each year:
- Global Ambassador Program (GAP): Federation’s long-standing partnership with Sha’ar HaNegev serves as the backbone of this teen exchange program. Participants build peer relationships with teens in Israel and around the world, gaining firsthand understanding of Jewish peoplehood and shared responsibility.
- Student-to-Student: Federation trains local Jewish teens to visit schools and share personal experiences of Jewish life, replacing stereotypes with human connection and helping reduce antisemitism across the region.
- Teen Immersive Experience Grants: Federation’s grants make retreats, service trips, Israel journeys, and other immersive experiences more accessible, ensuring finances never stand in the way of a teen’s ability to deepen Jewish identity.
Through this suite of programs, Federation is cultivating a generation of young people ready to lead with courage, empathy, and pride – teens who understand their place within the global Jewish family and who feel empowered to shape Jewish life for years to come.
For San Diego’s philanthropic community, the BRIDGE Initiative is a powerful reminder of how legacy and partnership can shape a city’s future. The Chortek Weisman family’s vision, combined with Federation’s leadership, demonstrates how targeted investment can spark lasting impact: building resilience, strengthening identity, and expanding opportunity across an entire generation.
Federation invites community members to join in expanding this work through support of its Annual Campaign, ensuring Peter and Elaine’s values – and the promise of BRIDGE – continue to inspire San Diego teens dor l’dor, from generation to generation. To give or learn more, visit www.jewishinsandiego.org.
