Since its inception in 1936, the Jewish Federation of San Diego County has played a crucial role in uniting and supporting the Jewish community locally and internationally.
In 1936 Judge Jacob Weinberger united 2,000 Jews, three synagogues and several agencies in San Diego to form the United Jewish Fund (UJF) from the existing Federated Jewish Charities. The goal of the United Jewish Fund was to be on the frontlines helping Jews overseas, especially those affected by the start of the Holocaust. When the war ended and Israel was founded, UJF shifted its assistance to the formation and settlement of Israel.
In 1947, UJF suggested that all San Diego agencies merge into the United Jewish Federation, a name it held until 2010. Federation formed the heart of the merged agency, accepting new beneficiaries and taking the responsibility of funding the growing community.
Federation Supports a Growing Community
Through the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, Federation grew rapidly, adding new agencies throughout the county, as the local Jewish population reached 18,000. Federation’s annual funding also grew, from $200,000 in 1947 to over $2,000,000 by 1977. As Federation’s budget increased, so did the need for its assistance. San Diego’s population was expanding every year, and Israel was seeing an increase in attacks, most notably the 1967 Six Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
Federation has since assisted in all major rescues of Jews around the world, including those in the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, Yemen, and other Arab countries. Federation also has a rich history of helping in areas devastated by natural disaster, where Jewish populations are either small or non-existent, such as during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti in 2010.
Today’s Federation, known as the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, is part of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), which brings together 151 Federations across North America. San Diego’s Federation plays a central role in serving and convening the county’s diverse Jewish communities and agencies, providing opportunities for Jews of all ages to connect with their heritage, help each other and the State of Israel, and ensure San Diego’s Jewish future.
Federation’s Future
San Diego is now home to over 100,000 Jewish residents, dozens of synagogues and numerous agencies all working to improve the lives of Jews in San Diego, in Israel, and around the world. As the population continues to grow, Federation has accepted the challenge of addressing the developing needs of the community.
In 2013 Federation announced it was changing from an umbrella organization, which primarily helped fund beneficiaries throughout the community, to a direct support and mission-based organization that reaches out into the community through its own initiatives, serving the community from within rather from above.
Federation’s local and international initiatives strive to touch all Jewish lives. One program, Shalom San Diego, connects interfaith and unengaged families with resources, including Shalom Baby and PJ Library. Teen and young adult outreach initiatives engage the younger generations with living Jewishly and learning about philanthropy. Another important program works to keep Jewish seniors safe and cared for in their homes.
Recent Updates and Initiatives
Recent initiatives are combating antisemitism, leadership training, community security, responding to Jewish poverty, Holocaust survivors, Teen initiatives, Immersive travel experiences.
Financial Information and Transparency
Over the years Jewish Federation of San Diego County has a strong fundraising result of over 21,000,000 in gifts, fees and grant income.
Community Impact and Success Stories
Caring for Jews in need they have given over 177,000 to support Holocaust survivors and financially insecure members. 400 Dignity Grows Kits to address hygiene poverty were packed by 60 volunteers, and $9 million raised following the attacks on Israel.
Volunteer and Engagement Opportunities
Over the years, the San Diego Jewish community has embarked on a journey of self-discovery through various forms of engagement. 82% of Jewish adults donated to a philanthropic course and 50% of Jewish adults volunteered in the last year.
Upcoming Events and Campaigns
Throughout the year the Jewish Federation of San Diego County hosts various events. For a list of events, you can attend, and support please visit, https://www.jewishinsandiego.org/our-community
Global Contributions and Partnerships
The Jewish Federation of San Diego County has made investments to address the critical needs of the Jewish people around the world. They work with global partners, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to strengthen Jewish communities, support humanitarian needs, and provide educational and Jewish identity programs.
FAQs:
What percent of San Diego is Jewish?
The percentage of the Jewish Community in San Diego is 3%.
What does the Jewish Federation do?
The Jewish Federation engages donors, supporters and community partners in addressing and planning for current and future needs of the Jewish people locally, in Israel and around the world. They care for Jews in need everywhere, strengthen Jewish identity and community, and connect the community to Israel.
Who is the CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego?
Heidi Gantwerk is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Federation of San Diego County.
Is Jewish Federation a good charity?
According to Charity Navigator the Jewish Federation has a charity score of 95%, earning it a four out of four-star rating. It is a very well respected and admirable non-profit organization.
What city in California has the most Jews?
In California, Los Angeles has the largest Jewish population.
What US city has the largest Jewish population?
The city that has the largest Jewish population in the United States of America is New York City.
Which is the largest Jewish nonprofit?
The largest Jewish nonprofit in the United States of America is Met Council. Met Council is dedicated to fighting poverty. They offer comprehensive social services, including affordable housing, crisis intervention, family violence services, benefits access, senior and Holocaust survivor services. They also run the largest kosher food network in America. They serve all who are hungry while specializing in the provision of emergency food that meets the cultural and religious dietary needs of food insecure kosher- and halal-observant households.
How many Jewish federations are there?
In North America there are 146 Jewish Independent Federation and a network of over 300 smaller communities across North America.
Who is the CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation San Diego?
Jeremy Pearl is the President and Chief Executive Officer, Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair.
Do Jewish charities help non-Jews?
Yes, Jewish charities in San Diego connect and care for Jews and non-Jews. They care for them, addressing the community’s most critical needs.
How many Jews are in San Diego?
In San Diego there over 100,000 Jewish people making it about 3% of the total population.
Accessibility and Contact Information
Jewish Federation of San Diego County
Joseph and Lenka Finci Jewish Community Building
4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858-571-3444 | Fax: 858-571-0701
Email: [email protected]
