I joined the Jewish Federation’s Board of Governors in 2020 due to my familiarity with several important programs and services the Jewish Federation provides supporting the Jewish communities in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. My decision was also greatly influenced by my relationships with many current and former board members who have a demonstrated history of serving Jewish organizations and causes and a clear commitment to the Jewish Federation's growth and improvement. Also, a key reason for my joining the Jewish Federation is Jason Moss, Executive Director whose leadership, knowledge, and dedication is integral to the Jewish Federation’s success.

Since joining the board, my involvement with the Jewish Federation has become even more meaningful. I have learned to better appreciate the large range of programs and services provided by the Jewish Federation and their impact on the Jewish community. I am very impressed how the Jewish Federation can accomplish so much while operating on a limited budget with a small but dedicated staff while servicing a large geographical region encompassing the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. I am particularly proud with the assistance and support the Jewish Federation is providing to the Jewish community with disaster relief and security initiatives.

The devastating Eaton Canyon fire starting on January 7, 2025, destroyed thousands of homes and claimed many lives. Numerous Jewish families lost their homes and possessions and still struggle with complex insurance issues and whether to rebuild or not while living in temporary housing. The fire also destroyed the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center greatly affecting hundreds of families. I am proud of the way our Jewish Federation mobilized so quickly at the onset of this disaster to help support affected Jewish families by providing timely information, housing assistance and raising funds through generous donors.

Antisemitism has been on the rise for several years but dramatically increased since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023. This has necessitated the need for the increased security and safety of Jewish people, homes and institutions. I am proud that our Jewish Federation is working to provide improved security capabilities for the Jewish community in the region. OurJewish Federation has recently joined the Community Security Initiative (CSI) in partnership with Jewish Federations in Los Angeles, Greater Santa Barbara and Ventura County. CSI is a community wide security plan to coordinate with local Jewish institutions and law enforcement agencies in order to better respond, secure, and protect against potential threats that may arise in the community.

Beyond security and disaster relief, our Jewish Federation provides many programs which are meaningful to me and important to the community, including:

• PJ Library provides free children’s books to 1,351 active subscribers representing 1,123 families.
• JFed Players Community Theater Ensemble perform several plays and musicals each year that enrich the lives of hundreds of attendees.
• Annual Jewish Book Festival brings together Jewish authors to discuss their books with hundreds of attendees.
• Every Person Has A Name is one of our Jewish Federation’s most inspirational and meaningful events which each year honors those killed during the Holocaust with a reading of their names during a 24 hour period by community members at Pasadena City Hall.

Overall, serving on the Jewish Federation’s Board of Governors is very rewarding and meaningful. Our Jewish Federation not only provides essential programs and services but also helps to foster and strengthen the Jewish community throughout the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.