Panim el Panim – 1/24/2010 - 1/30/2010

More than 500 women attended the weeklong regional Panim el Panim programs that culminated in a Shabbat weekend retreat. The program, which brought ten incredible Israeli female leaders to the Bay Area on a reverse mission, was an opportunity to discover commonalities, cultivate friendships, and enrich and strengthen their connection. By providing the opportunity for friendships to form and collaborations to develop, we hope to deepen the interconnections of Jewish women leaders – creating a safety net for our communities while acting as change agents.
Videos, photos, and information on the program are available at:
http://sfjcf.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/panim-el-panim

South Peninsula Region presents Jewish Women Making it Work – 1/14/2010

Joanna Strober, co-author of Getting to 50/50, spoke about how to achieve a healthy balance in one's life between career, marriage/relationships, children, and self. This was an inspiring, educational, and social evening.

Marin Region Pomegranate Event – 12/10/2009

Pomegranates women gathered in a private home in Marin for an intimate evening of fun, friends and food. Rabbi Chai Levy joined us to discuss the emerging Jewish notion of eco-kosher and our attitudes towards food.

Fall Lion of Judah Luncheon – 10/20/2009

Guests at the Women’s Philanthropy annual Fall Lion of Judah Luncheon, held this year at the Lake Merced Golf and Country Club, previewed excerpts from the documentary film “Shifting Sands: Bedouin Women at the Crossroads”.  The event also featured keynote speaker Amal Elsana-Alh’jooj, Director of the Arab-Jewish Center for Equality, Empowerment and Cooperation, who spoke about her personal struggles as a Bedouin woman and her involvement in our JCF Amuta.  Guests also celebrated our newest Lion of Judah and JCF Acting CEO, Jennifer Gorovitz. Photos of the event can be viewed here.

The JCF Amuta is a committee of deeply dedicated Israeli volunteer leaders who reflect a broad spectrum of Israeli society.  The Amuta, in partnership with the Israel & Overseas Committee, sets priorities and evaluates grant recommendations for community funding in Israel. Our Jewish Community Federation is the only community in the United States that has such an advisory board in Israel.

Marin Region Sukkat Shalom (Peace in the Sukkah) – 10/5/2009

During Sukkot, the harvest celebration and “season of our rejoicing,” Jews are called upon to build Sukkat Shalom, or shelters of peace. This event helped attendees contemplate the true meaning of “home” as a “shelter of peace.” Approximately thirty members of Marin Women’s Philanthropy were joined by Naomi Tucker, Executive Director of Shalom Bayit, for a brown bag lunch inside of the sukkah focused on raising awareness of the pressing issue of domestic violence in our community.

Shalom Bayit, a Jewish Community Federation beneficiary agency dedicated to eradicating domestic violence in the Bay Area Jewish Community, provides peer support and counseling, advocacy, and education to battered women, as well as community education.  

Marin Region Women’s Philanthropy Kickoff Brunch and Board Meeting – 9/9/09

Marin Region Women’s Philanthropy kicked off its first full year under its new name with a delicious brunch and Board Meeting.  James Koshland, JCF President, and Jennifer Gorovitz, JCF Acting CEO, were on hand to enjoy the festivities and engage in discussion about the JCF’s mission and philanthropic goals for the coming year. 

Marin Region Community Movie Night – 8/10/2009

Women were invited to attend the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival’s screening of “Hello Goodbye” with Marin Region Women’s Philanthropy.  The event provided Jewish women in Marin an informal opportunity to catch up, enjoy a French-romance film, and partake in discussion following the screening.

Marin Region End of Year Brunch – 6/2/2009

The Marin Region Women’s Philanthropy Board hosted 35 women for some nosh and schmoozing as the 2008-2009 campaign year came to a close.  The beautiful weather made it a perfect day for women to see their friends, make some new ones, and get to know their Marin Region Women’s Philanthropy.

Women’s Philanthropy Annual Meeting 2009 – 5/20/2009

The 2009 Women’s Philanthropy Annual Meeting featured keynote speaker Vicki Agron, founder and principal of Vicki Agron Consulting, LLC and former National Strategic Campaign Planning and Budgeting Director for United Jewish Appeal.  The event, held at San Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel, also included the installation of the 2010 Women’s Philanthropy Board, honored 2009 Judith Chapman Award winner Ann Bear, and recognized our new Lions of Judah.  View our blog post to learn more about the evening’s festivities.

North Peninsula Region Jewish Women Making it Work: Session 2– 3/31/2009

The final session of the successful North Peninsula Region Women’s Alliance* Jewish Women Making it Work series featured professional career/life coaches Rebecca Zucker and Barb Gottesman.  Session 2: Your Career Compass gave women the chance to participate in fun, thought-provoking career exploration exercises aimed at helping women reach their goals.

Fashion and Philanthropy at Michael Kors – 3/18/2009

Pomegranate donors from all regions were invited to an exclusive evening of private shopping and mingling at Michael Kors Collection Boutique in Palo Alto.  Featured on Project Runway, Michael Kors is a leading American fashion designer who is recognized for his philanthropy and support of non-profit organizations in the communities in which his stores are located.  15% of net sales from purchases made during the event were donated to the Jewish Community Federation.

Marin Region Cosmos and Community with Evan Handler – 3/12/2009

Marin Region Women’s Alliance* hosted a group of women at Osher Marin JCC’s Cosmos and Community.  With cosmos available for purchase, the women heard Sex and the City’s Evan Handler discuss his life, career and recent book with San Francisco Chronicle columnist Leah Garchick.  Spouses/significant others were also invited to the event.

North Peninsula Region Reception at the PJCC’s The Comedy of Carol Leifer and Cathy Ladman – 2/26/2009

North Peninsula Region Women’s Alliance* hosted a pre-performance “meet and mingle” reception at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center’s performance of The Comedy of Carol Leifer and Cathy Ladman.  The “female perspective” comedy show featured Seinfeld producer and writer Carol Leifer and American Comedy Award-Winning “Best Female Stand Up Comic” and Tonight Show favorite Cathy Ladman

South Peninsula Region Lion of Judah Reception – 1/28/2009

South Peninsula Lions and Endowed Lions gathered at the home of Emeri Handler for a dinner conversation with Daniel Sokatch, JCF CEO.  The focus of the conversation was on building a vibrant South Peninsula Jewish community in the 21st century.  Guests also had the opportunity to meet Galit Megidish, a participant of the JCF supported program Atidim. 

North Peninsula Region Jewish Women Making it Work: Session 1– 1/22/2009

North Peninsula Region Women’s Alliance* held the first session of their two part series Jewish Women Making it Work.  Session 1: Paths to a Full Life featured guest speakers Jennifer Sarver, Jennifer Dulski, and Linda Gerard with moderator Lisa Solomon.  This interactive session was an opportunity for women to redefine the paradigm of what it means to work and “make it work”. 

Marin Region New Jew Revue Night of Jewish Comedy – 12/14/2008

Marin Region Women’s Alliance* women gathered for a night of laughter at the New Jew Revue.  The women, as well as their partners/spouses, enjoyed an evening of Jewish comedy, friendship and fun at the Throckmorton Theater in Mill Valley.

Marin Region Brunch and Board Meeting – 12/2/2008

This very special Marin Region Women’s Alliance* Board meeting featured guest speaker Nancy Grand, 2009 JCF Campaign Co-Chair.  With more than two dozen women in attendance, Nancy shared her inspiring story of passion for Jewish philanthropy.  Attendees left the brunch event motivated about the Federation’s mission and re-energized for the 2009 Campaign.

South Peninsula Region Conversation with John Rothman – 10/26/2008

Women were invited to a special South Peninsula Region Women’s Alliance* non-partisan analysis of the 2008 election and its potential impact on Israel.  The event featured John Rothman, a renowned political commentator, KGO radio host, and author of the book Icon of Evil.

Fall Lion of Judah Luncheon – 10/8/2008

Women’s Alliance* hosted over 90 women at our annual Fall Lion of Judah Luncheon, held this year in the Gold Ballroom at the Palace Hotel.  The event featured speaker Donna Rosenthal, award-winning journalist and author of The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land.  Attendees also met and heard from JCF’s new CEO, Daniel Sokatch. 

South Peninsula Region Chocolate and Conversation – 8/21/2008

South Peninsula Region Women’s Alliance* women brainstormed solicitation strategies for the coming year and the future direction of the SPWA, while enjoying evening coffee and dessert.  In addition, Anat Pilovsky shared with the group stories of her recent mission to Poland and Israel.  Bernis Kretchmar kindly opened her home for this event.

Spring Lion of Judah Luncheon 2008 – 5/29/2008

San Francisco Bay Area Lions and Endowed Lions gathered at the home of Anne Steirman, Women’s Alliance* Campaign Vice Chair and Executive Committee Member, to celebrate at our annual Spring Lion of Judah event.  To find out more about the event, visit the blog post.   

Power of One – 4/8/2008

More than 700 women were in attendance for the 2008 Women’s Alliance* Power of One gala!  The evening featured keynote speaker Dear Abby and recognized the 2008 Judith Chapman Award recipient Joelle Steefel.  Photos from the event can be viewed here and photos from the evening’s Ruby Lion Reception here.

South Peninsula Region Conversation with Jackie Speier – 3/20/2008

South Peninsula Region Women’s Alliance* women gathered for the brunch program This is Not the Life I Ordered: A Conversation with Jackie Speier.  Author and former State Senator, Jackie shared her stories, wisdom and practical advice as well as the importance of friendship. Michal Ben-Shachar generously hosted this event at her home.

Peninsula Pomegranate Event – 2/27/2008

Pomegranate donors from the Peninsula were invited to the home of Barbi Lazarow for a special evening of pomegranate inspired cocktails, hors d’ouvres, and an exclusive presentation by pastry chef and author, Flo Braker.  A recent JCF Lion of Judah donor, Flo gave a hands-on demonstration of her favorite tips and tricks for transforming everyday cakes and cookies into dazzling desserts.

* Women’s Alliance officially changed its name to Women’s Philanthropy on May 20, 2009.