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 leader in the local Jewish community. Nominate a young leader between now and May 3rd to be honored at our JCF Annual Meeting. Nominees should be under 40, leaders of our Federation community, and have extensive knowledge of the Bay Area Jewish community.

Recent winners include:

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

Day 1 – Sunday, March 25

The main hall, just before 1,516 young adults poured in.

TribeFest is a weekend long conference for young Jewish adults focused on engaging community and enriching identity. It should also be mentioned that this conference is 1,516 people strong and like our ancestors, meets in the desert. Well, Las Vegas.

Our first day started on strong with addresses from Rachel Wright and Jason Rubinoff, TribeFest co-chairs, and then Rachel Dratch of Saturday Night Live fame, who brought down the house by first addressing us all in “Jewish grandmother from Brooklyn voice” and then questioning how we were supposed to overcome stereotypes while we teach our children a game (dreidel) that most resembles stock trading.

Alia Gorkin and Ariella Leaffer represent the Bay Area and hold up signs for our incoming participants.

Also, it should be mentioned that this many people all moving about in one (albeit giant) hotel, really makes a stir. Everywhere I go, on elevators, to get coffee, trying to find registration, I have run into not a few others who are part of this conference, but scores. Following that, the community feeling has made its way through the halls of the hotel, and one of the real joys of this conference so far has been simply striking up conversations with total strangers.

Sarah Lefton of G-dcast.com winning the Shark Tank and $1,000

The first breakout session I attended was inspired by ABC’s “The Shark Tank,” which brings a panel of expert “celebrity investors” – including noted experts on Next Gen issues – to evaluate innovative programs aimed at reaching out to and engaging young adults. The Bay Area’s own Sarah Lefton of G-dCast, up against other notable projects such as Moishe House  from New York and CommunityNEXT, from Detroit, took home the grand prize.

Day 2 – Monday, March 26

TribeFest attendees ready for reading.

Seven thirty in the morning isn’t the first hour that comes to mind for a person’s second day in Las Vegas. But that’s exactly when hundreds of TribeFest attendees met for breakfast and started to get ready for their service project. Focused on literacy and tikkun olam, we boarded buses and made way for the elementary school. My student, Jacqueline, who hates Halloween because people call her “Jacq-olantern,” likes soccer, and said she loves to read chapter books. Specifically, Judy Blum’s Superfudge and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing were her favorites. Now, I was under the impression that I’d be reading to her. But no need – she ended up reading most of the books in our donation bag to me. Although, I did need to explain who Sandy Koufax is and what being a “lefty” meant in baseball.

The group discusses grant making.

Later in the afternoon I attended what I was told was the most popular seminar from last year, the 90 minute Slingshot Fund, and quickly saw that it deserved its fine reputation. With $5,000 real dollars up for grabs, this session offered insight into the thinking and strategizing of grant making. Sitting in groups of eight or so, each table was given a book full of profiles of Jewish non-profits, stacks of cards that featured possible values for our imaginary grant circle, and a card with four specific organizations to choose from. First, each group would read through the value cards and choose three that we wanted to represent us in our mock granting foundation. We chose “Effectiveness,” “Tolerance,” and “Community.” We discussed and debated whether we wanted to fund a young project or an old one, a large one or a small one, and how each of our organizations matched up to the values we had picked. Now, even though our first pick, interfaithfamily.com, didn’t get the $5k prize, I’d say that everyone walked away with the real value of the session, an insight into grant making process.

In the evening, we had a lively reception for Bay Area attendees before people headed down for the night’s entertainment.

Day 3 – Tuesday, March 27

Keeping the energy strong, the closing main stage event featured Jordan Wolf, leader of Detroit’s wildly successful CommunityNEXT program aimed at young adults (it should be mentioned that Detroit’s group had 80 participants this year) that has taken participation from around 1,000 to over 4,500, with a very modest budget and a plan to keep their new community connected for a lifetime. Following Jordan, we heard from Jonathan Greenblat, founder of Ethos Water, a company that with a portion of its profits works to make safe, clean water available around the world. Greenblat sold the company to Starbucks in 2006 and is currently serving as Special Assistant to the President of the United States and Director of the U.S. Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation.

Finally, we had our closing. As people trickled out of the hotel, into cabs, and to the airport, I for one certainly knew and recognized many more faces than when I first arrived. It’s hard to say specifically what the take away from TribeFest is, because there isn’t simply one answer. With a menu of sessions based around discovering and enriching one’s personal identity, I’m sure that the lasting lessons and discoveries are just as varied as the people who come to TribeFest – and I’d say that this is the point.

You see more from my trip to TribeFest on Facebook and Twitter.

Ariella Leaffer and Alia Gorkin of SFJCF with Julia Malkin of East Bay Jews at the Bay Area reception.

Lana Volftsun

By Lana Volftsun, Young Adult Impact Grants Initiative Member

This year’s IGI kicked off at the JCF where we had the opportunity to hear from Roger Bennett about the changing young adult Jewish experience in America. We discussed why we give and why we give Jewishly – what does giving Jewishly mean to us? Afterwards, we broke into groups to discuss our values. It was fascinating to see what motivates each IGI member to give and what fuels their passions. Our IGI chairs, Matthew and Jason Goldman facilitated a group discussion on the topic, ultimately unifying the group around shared values ranging from innovation to community to tradition. It was exciting to meet so many new people who also care about doing good Jewishly.

Our second gathering was held over dinner at the home of Doug & Lisa Goldman. I was thrilled that we were joined by Toby Rubin, Founder and CEO of UpStart Bay Area. She educated us about the local and national climate for serving post-college young adults and provided great examples of what has worked locally and nationally. We went around the table and shared our most valuable or engaging recent Jewish experience. Responses ranged from Birthright Israel and other travel opportunities to Mission Minyan or a casual Shabbat with friends. After a delicious dinner, we broke into small groups to discuss how we like to be engaged Jewishly and where we see areas that could be better served in the Bay Area. The warmth of the Goldman’s home and the excitement building around the table made for a really wonderful evening and I can’t wait for the next one! We’re convening again at the end of March to design our Request for Proposals and we may even have a local ‘field trip’ before then.

I’m thrilled to be part of IGI to learn more about myself, my peers, and to positively influence the Bay Area Jewish community. Thank you so much to everyone who made this program possible, I can’t wait to see the impact we make!

Last night, Thursday, September 15, I joined over 40 Jewish young adults for what has become an annual tradition in our community, the Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) Rosh Hashanah Bag Assembly.  After some time to mingle and grab a few snacks, we were put to work!

In just over an hour, our group assembled over 500 bags (!) filled with apples, honey, honey cake, chocolate, soup, peanut butter, crackers, and more for seniors, émigrés and people with disabilities to enjoy this Jewish New Year.  I had so much fun catching up with good friends and meeting young adults new to our community. Can’t wait to see everyone again soon!

This event was a partnership between the Young Adult Division (YAD) of the Jewish Community Federation and JFCS.  Luckily, YAD won’t be waiting until next year to team up again with JFCS.  The YAD Outreach Team has chosen JFCS’s “Chicken Soupers” program to be the beneficiary for our YAD Challah Baking Class coming up on November 2.

Visit us at www.jewishfed.org/yad or on Facebook to see more photos and upcoming YAD events.

What is Tribefest? Probably not what you’re thinking. Tribefest is an international (if you count Canada, and we do) gathering of Jewish Young Adults (22-45) brought together to celebrate, innovate, and build community. Last year our Young Adult Division (YAD) brought 78 people, the second largest delegation in North America, and this year we want to bring even more. Join us, and 1,500 other participants March 25-27th in Las Vegas for an unforgettable experience!

In case you need even more enticement, here’s the highlight reel from 2011:

By Jessica Levy, YAD Mission Participant & Ben Gurion Society* Member

Jessica Levy (left) and Albina Khazan in the Old City of Jersusalem

As our large tour bus weaved up the steep road to the Druze village of Kissar-Samia to see the ECHAD program, I had no idea what to expect. I felt surprised that my local San Francisco Jewish Federation was funding a program in Israel not for Jews, but for Arabs. I honestly did not think it would be a highlight of the trip while browsing the itinerary pre-departure, but reflecting on the trip, I realize that the short time we spent seeing ECHAD and learning about the work of the Federation in Israel had a deep impact on me.

Primarily, I got to see with my own eyes what it means to have a San Francisco funded program in Israel. I saw young, smiling children singing in music class, and I saw other kids bonding with their mothers in an adjacent classroom. I learned that while this may seem commonplace to us Americans, this was quite novel to this community. Kissar-Samia did not previously have a physical place or programs for childhood development. We heard the mothers of the children enrolled in ECHAD share how the program has given them resources and support on parenting, and has been critical to the relationships in their families. The entire row of women wearing traditional clothing expressed a deep gratitude that was heartfelt to the entire audience.

Kids participate in a learning game at the ECHAD program

Moms and kids enjoy activities together at the ECHAD program

The visit gave me many new insights and I began to understand why the Federation is funding a program for Arab-Israeli children. First of all, an important piece of the fundamental Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is that it is not meant only for Jews, but for all people in need. Furthermore, in order to promote a safe and peaceful Jewish homeland in Israel, we must help our Arab-Israeli neighbors in Israel. This work is basic to any realistic peace that we pray for.

Prior to the trip I did not have a concrete understanding of what the Federation did or what it stood for. After the site visit to ECHAD, I decided that I wanted to contribute to Federation’s Annual Campaign. ECHAD is one of hundreds of programs that would not be possible without support from Federation. I am happy to now have a direct connection to the Federation and to join the Ben Gurion Society (BGS)* to help guide my tzedakah and encourage me to engage in giving as a young Jewish professional.

*The Ben Gurion Society (BGS) is a national giving level for young leaders who make a commitment of $1,000 or more to the Jewish Community Federation’s annual campaign.

On Sunday morning, July 17, 100 Jewish young adults came together for the first ever Day of Volunteering (DOVsf), rolling up their sleeves to make San Francisco more beautiful than ever. 

We spent the morning repainting Christopher Playground with the Neighborhood Parks Council, serving food at St. Vincent de Paul and St. Anthony’s, restoring the natural habitat of the Presidio with the Golden Gate Parks Conservancy, and participating in the AIDS Walk. After working hard, getting sweaty, and having fun, we all met up for lunch at Jillian’s Billiards Club and enjoyed some well-earned relaxation.

Here’s what some of the volunteers have to say:

“I signed up for DOV because I like volunteering but don’t always put the effort into finding opportunities. I also liked that all the young adult groups that I participate in were coming together for one big day!”

“I really enjoyed our activity [painting the playground] because I felt like we were doing something productive and it was fun because we were able to talk to each other while we were doing it. The park staff was very appreciative and made us understand the importance of the work.”

“The group of volunteers in the Presidio spent the day removing non-native and invasive plants from the area…[which] required use of shovels and pick axes – definitely sweat breaking work! There were many new faces and people got to know each other through hard/dirty work.”

DOVsf was a partnership between the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Community Federation, Birthright Israel NEXT, and Temple Emanu-el’s Young Adult Community (YAC). We plan on doing this again next year so stay tuned!

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy some pictures from the day:

Jordan Sills

Honoring the first president of the Jewish Community Federation, the Annual Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Young Leadership recognizes an outstanding young leader in the local Jewish community. This year’s recipient is Jordan Sills.

A native of the Bay Area, Jordan has been involved in Jewish philanthropy for well over a decade.  He has served as president of San Francisco Hillel for the last two years, and also served on the National Hillel Board.  As a member of JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, Jordan co-chaired the young adult Tribefest conference in Las Vegas this year.  Among his many roles at JCF, Jordan served on the Board of the Young Adult Division (YAD) for seven years, including two as its President.  He currently serves on JCF’s Board of Governors and has served on the Leadership Development Committee.

Co-founder and CEO of J2 Properties, Inc., Jordan also deals poker to the residents of the Jewish Home on Wednesday nights.

Jordan will be honored at the JCF Annual Meeting on June 16.

Nomination forms are available at:
http://www.jewishfed.org/dinkelspiel

Recent winners include:
2010 – Jeffrey L. Zlot
2009 – Kevin Waldman
2008 – H. Michael Feldman

Rebekah quickly changes sheet music between numbers.

Brandeis Hillel Day School parents proudly document their kids' performance.

Members of the Jazz Band after completing their set.

The Atrium is abuzz with activity between lectures.

Jacob Cohen and his mom Roxanne work on the family time capsule.

Art educator and CJM docent Gail Newman takes a break from working on the family time capsule.

Zsuzsa Fritz shares her experiences from Budapest during the "Jewish Identity" session.

A young donor works on her terrarium.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum hosts an art activity room.

Memories etched on the leaves of the family time capsule.

Tavi Nathanson promotes YAD's upcoming trip to Israel.

The audience before David Brooks' talk.

What birthday party would be complete without cake?

Federation donors gather to sing "Happy Birthday" in the Atrium.

Incoming Federation President Nancy Grand thanks donors for their support of the Federation.

Kol Hadov, UC Berkeley's a cappella group serenades the crowd.

All of the above photos were taken by Joy Powers.