Announcing the recipient of the Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Young Leadership

Each year we honor a recipient of the Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Young Leadership. Recipients are consistent leaders in our Federation volunteer community, have great potential for future leadership, and are 40 years old or younger. Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipient, Brett Goldstein.

Brett Goldstein

Brett Goldstein was born, raised and lived on the east coast until moving to San Francisco in ’03.  He began his engagement with the SFJCF in 2006 on the Tel Aviv One mission to Israel.  Since then, he has actively served as a lay leader in many different capacities throughout the Jewish community.  Currently, he serves on the JCF’s Executive Allocation Committee, as well as the Leadership Development Committee.  Brett is very proud to have helped re-establish the Fed-Fellows program this past year.  He participated on the first IGI committee and maintains an active role as a liaison with one of the agencies funded through the initiative (G-dcast).  Prior to his current JCF roles, Brett spent 3 years on the YAD board and as a member of the executive committee where he chaired the annual campaign.  In addition, he spent 3 years working on the Educating & Engaging Commission, as well as a Finance sub-committee that worked closely with struggling grantee agencies.  He currently serves on the board of the San Francisco Hillel on their executive committee and is the 2013/2014 incoming board President.

Brett was married to his best friend Marisa in July 2010. They have a 2-year-old daughter, Billie, and a 10-month-old son, Simon.  Marisa and Brett were married in New Jersey and their ceremony happened to be officiated by 2009 Dinkelspiel award winner Kevin Waldman.

Congratulations to the 2013 Helen Diller Family Awardees for Excellence in Jewish Education

The Helen Diller Family Excellence in Jewish Education Award announced its 12th year awardees in four categories.  The winners receive a $10,000 cash prize and $2,500 for their institutions.  The Helen Diller Family has chosen to honor exceptional teachers in Jewish education because outstanding teachers encourage youth to explore the rich traditions of the Jewish heritage, to incorporate Jewish values into their own lives, to help build Jewish community, and to take responsibility for the common destiny of the Jewish people.

Congratulations to the 2013 Awardees:

Congregational/Community School: Day Schildkret, Congregation Rodef Sholom

Day is a Jewish educator, director, artist, rites of passage specialist, musician, youth mentor, author, healer, ritualist and upright human being. He brings over a decade of visionary leadership and experience to the Jewish supplemental educational world having worked as a Jewish educator at over 15 Jewish schools on both coasts. In addition to his Fire Circle program at Rodef Sholom, he currently serves as the Director of the Tri-Valley/Tri-Cities Midrasha in Pleasanton. Day has also launched a new business this year, Humbled & Thriving: A spiritual mentoring program for young adults ages 15-30 (humbledandthriving.com). Day holds a B.A in Political Science and Judaic Studies from Binghamton University, and has attended the International Program at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has been trained at the The Art of Mentoring Program with Jon Young, Tama-Do: The Academy of Sound, Color and Movement in Switzerland as well as the Art Student League of New York. He dedicates this award to his father’s memory, to Claire Mikowski and the Fire Circle crew, and to all the good work that reconnects.

Day School: Renee Fine, Yavneh Day School

It wasn’t exactly the most direct route that Renee Fine took to becoming a long term General Studies/Judaic teacher at Yavneh Day School in Los Gatos, CA. Until the first of her five children were born, Renee worked as a social worker, counseling victims of violent crime up. After spending the next few years as a stay-at-home mom, Renee quickly became involved with her children’s classrooms at the Addison Penzak Jewish Community Center. What begun as volunteer work eventually lead to a job teaching their Mommy and Me class. This in turn led to becoming the Judaica Specialist for the JCC Pre-school. After 7 wonderfully enriching years at the JCC, and as her children moved on to Yavneh Day School, it became apparent that her following them to Yavneh was a natural progression. Thus started what, to date, has been an incredible 15 year tenure serving as a 2^nd, 5^th, and currently 4^th grade general studies and Judaica teacher. Her biggest joy in teaching has always been in the creating of meaningful connections by integrating General Studies with Judaica, and vice versa. Outside of the classroom, Renee and her husband of 30 years, Howard, enjoy watching their 5, now adult children, move through college and life. 3 of their sons have served in combat units of the IDF, so the family has been back and forth to Israel many times. Home for Renee can mean many things; home with her family, home with her Beth David community (where the family have been long time members), home in Israel, and home with her Yavneh students and colleagues.

Early Childhood Education: Silvia Gitlin, T’enna Preschool

Being Jewish and having been born in Mexico City defines who Silvia is, and, coupled with her love for children and education, motivates her work and community involvement. Silvia Gitlin is currently a Master Teacher in T’enna Preschool in the 4-year-old classroom. She strives to fuel the hearts and imaginations of her students through a comprehensive curriculum that intertwines Jewish values and traditions into her student’s daily lives, while meeting their emotional and developmental needs. Silvia is also adjunct faculty at Foothill College, were she has been teaching parenting skills and healthy habits classes in both English and Spanish to low-income parents. Her 16 years of experience in the field of education has also included teaching both ESL and Spanish in the Palo Alto and Mountain View School District as well as teaching Kindergarten through 4th grade at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School. Silvia’s true passion is in the classroom, teaching children the love of learning and the importance of passing on the same Jewish values and traditions that she was once taught.

Informal Education: Kenny Kahn, Be’chol Lashon Camp

Kenny Kahn, a 30-year old Jewish, African-American East Bay native, is the co-director of Camp Be’chol Lashon. A unique overnight camp in Northern California, Camp Be’chol Lashon’s innovative activities educate children on diverse Jewish identities, communities, and cultures around the world, reflecting the inclusive values of young Jews. Also a high school English teacher and head football coach at his alma mater, El Cerrito High School, Kenny earned both his bachelor’s degree in Literature/Creative Writing: Poetry and master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in teaching single-subject English/Language Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In the 2012-13 academic year, Kenny was awarded ‘Coach of the Week’ by the Oakland Raiders, ‘Hero in the Classroom’ by the San Francisco 49ers, and was honored by the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame of Northern California with the ‘Golden Bagel’ award.

For further information or questions about the Helen Diller Family Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education, please contact Carrie Sullivan at CarrieS@sfjcf.org or 415.512.6226.

A True Leader in Any Form

Lynn Sedway, the 2013 Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award winner, is a guiding force in the professional and volunteer worlds of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. In her decades of volunteerism, Lynn has demonstrated both passion and resilience; her commitment has been to serve both the Jewish and secular community and raise the bar for women in her professional field. She is not only a self-starter, but also a mentor and friend to many in the community. Her drive and desire to devote herself to causes that many others find too difficult has impacted numerous individuals.

Below are personal statements from just a handful of friends, colleagues, mentors, and mentees who have been touched and positively impacted by Lynn’s desire and drive to improve the community.

Mimi Gauss, Lay Leader, Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award Committee Member, Friend

“As a friend of Lynn and of Judith, I know that had they met, they would have respected and admired each other. Lynn’s quiet wisdom, the strength of her commitment, and her leadership skills , coupled with her warmth and caring,  are a tremendous asset to both her synagogue and the community as a whole.”

 

 

Valerie Jahan, President of the Board, Congregation Sherith Israel

“Lynn has been a wonderful mentor for me as I followed her as President of the board of trustees of Congregation Sherith Israel.  As President, she seemed to have her hand and heart in every aspect of synagogue life. Her tireless energy, unbridled passion and depth of concern for all is remarkable.  She leads by example and never criticizes, but often coaxes me along when I am unsure.  I have also learned from her how important it is to thank people-even when they are doing a job they are paid for.  Lynn never takes what others do for granted and this is an important reason why she is so loved and respected.”

Rabbi Lawrence Raphael, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Sherith Israel

“My career as a rabbi has included 30 years of working for national institutions in the Reform Movement in New York and now ten years as a congregational rabbi at Sherith Israel in San Francisco. Early on in my rabbinate I learned how important it is to partner with talented, and deeply committed lay leaders. With Lynn Sedway I am deeply and truly a partner in making our congregation a community of meaning. Lynn is a dedicated Jew and an earnest and soulful adult learner. She is determined to take on difficult tasks and bring them to fruition. She knows from her life and business experiences how important it is to remain focused, to have clear goals, to take risks and learn from mistakes, and to not take “no” for an answer. My rabbinate, our congregation, and the Jewish community of San Francisco is deeply in her debt.”

Barbara Rosenberg, 2007 Judith Chapman Award recipient

“I believe Lynn Sedway is one of the most qualified to be given the Judith Chapman Award. Quiet by nature, Lynn is not one to call attention to herself. Still, she has the calm capable abilities of leadership and accomplishment. Her ability to lead Sherith Israel to the completion of restoration raising funds over $8 million is an amazing achievement. Her skills in land use and seismic improvement are lauded by the entire community both Jewish and gentile. She doesn’t speak out loudly, but when she does, people regard her words and listen to her sound knowledge and judgment. Lynn Sedway’s stellar activities have shone through her Temple leadership and accomplishments.”

Connie Shapiro, Close Friend

“Jamie and I met Lynn and Paul over 35 years ago at a Passover Seder.  We immediately connected and have shared almost all major (and minor) events in each other’s lives since then.

There has been a lot of discussion recently – online, in the media, among friends and colleagues – about women “leaning in!”  Well, Lynn has been leaning in for as long as I have known her!  She approaches her profession, her volunteer activities, her friends and her family with boundless energy and enthusiasm.  Nothing gives her more pleasure than helping others – particularly women – advance their cause or enhance their success!  If there is the slightest mention of someone trying to accomplish something, Lynn is on her phone or whipping out her pen to make note of it.  Without missing a beat, she connects people with others who might be helpful and then follows up to make sure those conversations took place.

If I had to choose one word to describe Lynn, it would be inclusive.  She always wants to expand the circle and, in fact, one of her greatest challenges is limiting the number of people she can include in a discussion, a lunch, a bike ride, a shopping trip or a party.  No wonder Lynn is so loved and respected by her friends and colleagues!

Power of One has once again identified an exemplary community leader to receive the 2013 Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award.  I am honored and proud to call Lynn a very close friend and to be among those applauding her accomplishments on May 1.”

Roselyne “Cissie” Swig, 2003 Judith Chapman Award recipient

“I am so privileged to be asked to write a tribute to my dear and treasured friend, Lynn Sedway, on the occasion of her receiving the Judith Chapman Award at Power of One.  That award has so much significance and so much meaning in our entire community, and selecting Lynn as this year’s recipient, honors that award as well.

I have known Lynn for so many years and enjoyed her friendship in so many capacities: professional, civic and personal, and in each case, and to today, she rises to the top with her values, her character, her accomplishments.  She is a teacher by her example, and we all learn from her just by watching her and being embraced by her words of expert advice.

Perhaps in her community engagement, no event will ever exceed her immersing herself so totally in working to restore Congregation Sherith Israel. She brought out the best in all of us with her selfless encouragement, her standing to her own commitment and her desire for all of us to join her in this historical endeavor to save the building and bring it back to its grandeur, and its treasured position as a place of worship and of learning. As a person, a leader, a woman in our community, she has the respect of her family, her peers, her associates, her community organizations; and she never hesitates to reach out and provide the emotional and civic support when needed and or called upon to help. She is there!  She is a woman of valor! She is a dear and trusted colleague and friend, a mensch, an exemplary human being!  Mazel tov, Lynn!  May you continue to go from strength to strength!”

Anita Wornick, Lay Leader

“Lynn is one of the most accomplished women I know; however her accomplishments pale in comparison to who she is as a person.  Kindness personified, she is a most caring friend.  When she sets out to do something she gives it 100%. I do not think the earthquake refitting at Sherith Israel would have happened without her. Growing up with little Jewish learning, she decided only a few years ago to learn about her heritage; Lynn had a bat mitzvah and immersed herself in temple activities to the point where she recently served as President .  She has also served on our Homeowners Board here at the Four Season Residences and her expertise has been a real asset. Professionally she is recognized as an expert in her field, but modesty would not allow her to boast. Ron and I are truly honored to be her friend.”

Mary Zlot, Lay Leader

“I am happy to speak about Lynn and her transformation into “Super Jew”.  We tease Lynn about her newly acquired role in the Jewish leadership capacity.  Lynn is a leader in any role she undertakes.  It is the good fortune of Sherith Israel that she became involved.  She was able with her amazing leadership capabilities, to lead and direct the campaign to restore the synagogue.  A major renovation was necessary to make it earthquake sound and Lynn spearheaded that effort.  She was able to secure funding and redirect the construction of a dome and necessary repairs that made the sanctuary sound and up to code.  In addition, Lynn has inspired so many others in stepping forward to be active and advocates for Sherith Israel as well as the efforts of the New Israel Fund.  It was on a trip to Israel with the fund that began Lynn’s interest and passion for learning about her heritage.  She is an example of “It’s never too late” to embrace Judiasm and one’s past.  Lynn is a leader and an example of commitment, dedication, and inspiration.  She is a great example of what we can aspire to and achieve, if we want to make a difference.”

The Jewish Community and Endowment Fund would like to thank Lynn Sedway for her tremendous impact she has had in the SF Bay Area community. She continues to participate and motivate other to increase their volunteer work and further develop leadership skills.

Please Join Lynn at Power of One! Lynn will be presented with the Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award at this annual Women’s Philanthropy event on May 1 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco. Learn more and register for this celebration of Jewish women who inspire us to make a difference in the world.

Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award nominations now open

Honoring the first president of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, the Annual Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Young Leadership recognizes an outstanding young Federation volunteer leader in our local Jewish community. Nominate a young leader between now and April 25 to be honored at our JCF community. Nominees should be under 40, leaders of our Federation community, and have extensive knowledge of the Bay Area Jewish community.

 

Nomination forms are available here.

Recent winners include:

2012 – Tanya K. Bernstein
2011 – Jordan Sills
2010 – Jeffrey L. Zlot
2009 – Kevin Waldman
2008 – H. Michael Feldman

Visionary Jewish Leaders Join Together in San Francisco

On March 7, 2013 nearly 200 professionals and philanthropists joined together for a morning of inspiration and networking at  BLC’s eighth annual Business Leadership Council Breakfast at the St. Regis Hotel.

We all joined to honor John Osterweis, a business leader, philanthropist, and longtime JCF supporter (in a variety of capacities including as chair of our Endowment Fund for 10 years), with the prestigious Business Leadership Award.

Mr. Osterweis shared that much of his inspiration comes from his sense of identity as a Jew, the values provided by our Jewish tradition, and the countless achievements of Jewish people. Coming from a home that was not particularly observant, he has developed a deep appreciation of Judaism as an engine of culture and has studied Torah for the last 25 years.

John Osterweis speaking at the BLC Breakfast

The  keynote conversation took place between Charles Bronfman, a renowned businessman, philanthropist, and co-founder of Birthright Israel, and Jeffrey Solomon, president of Bronfman Philanthropies and co-author (with Bronfman) of The Art of Giving and The Art of Doing Good.

Impressive change-makers in the Jewish community and beyond, Mr. Bronfman and Dr. Solomon advised that “philanthropy is about how you want to change the world” and that “anything you do has to hit your soul.”  Both statements tie into how Birthright Israel came to be.  Mr. Bronfman relied on entrepreneurial spirit and his instincts that this program was a good idea, securing private funding instead of holding out for support from additional organizations.  Nearly twenty years later, close to 300,000 young adults (including many event attendees) have participated in this journey of Jewish connection and peoplehood.

Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon speaking at the BLC Breakfast

Jennifer Gorovitz, JCF CEO, said of this event, “[it] really highlights the connection between philanthropy and the business community.”  We couldn’t agree more.  To honor Mr. Bronfman’s dedication to the Jewish community, the Business Leadership Council is proudly contributing $3,000 toward funding Birthright Israel this year.

Todah rabah, or thank you, to everyone involved in making this year’s Business Leadership Breakfast such a huge success, and especially to event co-chairs Scott Harrison and Jeff Zlot, as well as BLC Chair Alan Levins.  We hope to see you at many future events!

For more information on the Business Leadership Council, please contact Jeanne Miller at 415.512.6423.  Additional pictures from the event can be found on the BLC Facebook Page, and you can view video of the speeches on YouTube.

Honoring an Extraordinary Leader

Every year, the Federation honors a female role model in our community with the prestigious Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award. The award recognizes outstanding Jewish volunteer leaders who go beyond just dedicating their time, energy and resources. These women are mentors, modeling and motivating others to express their Jewish values by supporting the overall well-being of their Jewish community.

The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund is proud to announce that Lynn Sedway is the recipient of the 2013 Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award.

Lynn was born in Washington, D.C. and spent much of her youth on Chicago’s North Shore.  As a Bay Area resident for 50 years, she has utilized her skills as a highly notable consultant in urban and real estate economics to enhance her communal work.  An active adult learner, Lynn took it upon herself to become a bat mitzvah, and followed up with an adult confirmation.

Committed to diverse Jewish causes, Lynn has stepped up to daunting challenges facing local Jewish organizations and synagogues, serving as a young woman on the boards of the San Francisco, Marin, and United Jewish Community Centers, Jewish Vocational Services, New Israel Fund, and Congregation Sherith Israel. As president of Sherith Israel she led an 8 million dollar campaign to retrofit the synagogue.

“Lynn’s devoted work in raising over 8 million dollars to rehab Sherith Israel shows her dedication and ability to lead in the Jewish community. It also demonstrates her values regarding the key role of synagogues in Jewish life.” – Mimi Gauss, friend

This commitment to preserving and enhancing one of San Francisco’s major Reform synagogues led naturally to an increasing involvement in the Jewish Community Federation.  Lynn embraced the Synagogue Federation Partnership¸ which she now chairs.  The initiation and support of this program by the JCF has brought synagogue leaders in the Bay Area and JCF closer together.  In addition, Lynn serves on the Capital Planning Committee of the Federation, the Board of Governors and the Newhouse Fund.  Lynn also serves on the American Jewish Committee board and is involved with real estate issues at the Jewish Home.

Lynn’s reach expands beyond the Jewish community, as evidenced through her work with organizations like BRIDGE Housing and the International Women’s Forum.

Federation is one of many who recognize Lynn for her service to our local community.  She was named by San Francisco Business Times among its “100 Most Influential Women of the Bay Area” for five years in a row, and received the Women of Achievement Award by Legal Momentum.  She has also received the Silver Spur Award from SPUR, was named to Who’s Who in America, selected as Lambda Alpha’s Member of the Year, and received a junior leadership award from the San Francisco Jewish Community Center.

 “It is difficult to fathom where Lynn finds the hours to successfully cultivate members and supporters of organizations she cares about, attend and lead meetings, study, and demonstrate acts of loving kindness and mentorship each day!” – Barbara Rosenberg, 2007 Judith Chapman Award recipient

Lynn’s tireless work to better our Jewish community is a testament to her passion and sacrifice, distinguishing her as an exceptional leader.

She and her husband Paul Sedway, an urban planner, have three children and three grandchildren.

Congratulations Lynn on receiving this well-deserved recognition!

Lynn Sedway will receive the Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award at the Power of One on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

Know an Exceptional Jewish Educator?

Today’s children will be the gatekeepers to a vibrant Jewish future. Imbuing them with a strong sense of Jewish identity is key to Jewish continuity.

Teachers encourage our youth to explore the rich traditions of our Jewish heritage, incorporate Jewish values into their lives, and  build a sense of responsibility for the common destiny of the Jewish people. With this in mind, the Helen Diller Family has chosen to honor exceptional teachers in Jewish education.

Nominations are currently being accepted 

Four awards will be presented in summer 2013, recognizing an outstanding Jewish educator of the Bay Area community in each of the following areas:

• Early Childhood
• Day School
• Congregational or Community School
• Informal Education (outside of a school setting)

Each award will carry with it a prize of $10,000 for the educator and $2,500 for the educator’s institution.

Eligibility

Nominees must currently work in a program of pre-collegiate Jewish education in San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin or Sonoma Counties, Greater East Bay, or Greater San Jose.

Nominators must be a candidate’s current supervisor, school principal, or institutional director.

Send a note to their principal or supervisor, or nominate someone today!

For further information or questions about the Helen Diller Family Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education, please contact Carrie Sullivan at CarrieS@sfjcf.org or 415.512.6226.

Teens Nationwide Now Eligible for Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards

The Helen Diller Family Foundation is expanding the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, issuing a national call-for-nominations to identify Jewish teens whose volunteer service projects demonstrate a determined commitment to make the world a better place. Up to ten selected teens, five from California and five from other communities across the country, will each be acknowledged for their visionary actions with an award of $36,000, to be used to further their philanthropic work or their education. Nominations are now being accepted; the deadline for nominations is January 6, 2013.

What started as a simple idea for Bay Area philanthropist Helen Diller in 2007 has grown tremendously since its inception, and the Helen Diller Family Foundation has given more than one million dollars to 30 teens to further their visions of tikkun olam.

“It has been a joy to celebrate so many incredible Jewish teens over the past six years, and to support them in their efforts to repair the world. This opportunity to empower and nurture teens throughout the entire United States is a dream come true, and a simple way to foster the spirit of tikkun olam among our future leaders.” -Helen Diller

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and their network of 155 Jewish Federations throughout the country will collaborate with the Helen Diller Family Foundation to publicize the awards and garner nominations.

“We applaud those who demonstrate such dedication to Jewish values and service at a young age,” said Jerry Silverman, president and CEO of JFNA. “The Helen Diller Family Foundation is known for its commitment to providing enrichment opportunities that truly do change lives. We are delighted to collaborate with them on this innovative program, which will help create a vibrant future for the Jewish People.”

Learn more about past recipientsof the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards here.

The 2012 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award Recipients

Kathy Williams Receives National Lion of Judah Award

Kathy Williams

Kathy Williams, long-time JCF and Women’s Philanthropy lay leader, has been named the Federation’s 2013 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recipient.  The national award recognizes extraordinary women who have set a high standard of philanthropy and volunteerism in their community.

For more than three decades, Williams has displayed a passionate commitment to the Bay Area Jewish community through her work as a volunteer leader and philanthropist. Known for her warmth, elegance, modesty, and wit, she has been active on the boards of the Bureau of Jewish Education, Peninsula Temple Sholom, the Wornick Jewish Day School, and Pacific Northwest regional AIPAC, among others. Williams first joined the JCF Board in 1993, and among her many contributions, she co-founded the Women in Leadership program in 1999. A former volunteer and professional counselor who has worked with abused children, Williams is passionate about abuse prevention, education, health issues, and overseas needs.

JFNA and its National Women’s Philanthropy (NWP) created the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award as a tribute to Norma Kipnis- Wilson and Toby Friedland, z”l, co-founders of JFNA’s Lion of Judah program in 1972. The Lion of Judah is an international honor society that recognizes women who make gifts of at least $5,000, in their own names, to the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign in their respective communities.

Kathy will be honored at the bi-annual International Lion of Judah Conference, held September 10-12, 2012 in New York City. For more Information about the conference, visit: http://www.lionconference.org/

Meet the 2012 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awardees

This week, the Helen Diller Family Foundation celebrated outstanding California teenagers working to make a difference at the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards luncheon. Five exceptional teens were recognized for their volunteer work with an Award and $36,000 to further their college education or their vision of tikkun olam (repairing the world). These videos, which premiered at the luncheon, showcase their hard work and dedication.

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Zak Kukoff, Thousand Oaks, CA

“We bring students together to build understanding and friendships.”

Zak founded Autism Ambassadors after seeing his autistic cousin ostracized and alienated in the classroom.  Moved by her experience, he created this peer-led program to foster friendships between students with and without autism, and to teach autistic students social, emotional and academic skills.

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Joe Langerman, Coronado, CA

“Be a part of the solution to end hatred and embrace tolerance.”

Joe stood up to bullying by starting Voices Against Cruelty, Hatred and Intolerance. He has engaged and educated teachers, students and parents about the prevalence and impact of bullying, combating intolerance at his own school and beyond.

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Daniel Rosenthal, Santa Rosa, CA

“Magic takes you on adventures–without ever leaving your seat, hospital bed or wheelchair.”

As an eight-year-old, Daniel began performing magic tricks for hospital patients. Inspired by the healing power of laughter, he established Magic is Medicine, coordinating other volunteer magicians who give magic shows in hospitals, schools and rehabilitation and assisted living centers across the country.

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Adam Weinstein, Los Angeles, CA

“Sparking  interest in math and science enriches students’ lives and betters our world.”

Adam’s love for math and science encouraged him to share his passion with underprivileged fifth graders in Los Angeles. He started Archimedes Learning to teach students through fun, hands-on and creative activities  and demonstrations – setting them up to succeed in two subjects that are vital to their and America’s future.

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Celine Yousefzadeh, Los Angeles, CA

“Through fashion, we can engage and empower students to take action to help Israel.”

Celine felt a responsibility to help students in S’derot, Israel, after Gaza Strip rocket attacks devastated their high school. She began Fashion with Compassion, an annual event that turns hundreds of students each year into fashion show models, planners and philanthropists raising money for Israeli charities.

The Diller Teen Initiatives are funded by the Helen Diller Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund.