Leichtag Foundation

Join the The Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative (MGSDII), an initiative of Impact Cubed, and the Center for Jewish Culture for two special screenings this week! Following each screening, hear from writer/director and MGSDII Visiting Israeli Professor Tom Shoval. MORE INFO: https://lnkd.in/e7xPAgYf ??

We are sad to hear of the passing of Joanne Chory, Salk Professor and one of the world’s most influential plant biologists who worked to combat climate change using plant-based solutions. Just this year, Chory was awarded the Wolf Prize, an international award granted in Israel, recognizing her outstanding scientific achievements for the betterment of humanity. A resident of La Jolla, some of Chory’s groundbreaking research was even conducted here at Leichtag Commons with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies’s Harnessing Plants Initiative. We honor Chory’s lifetime of incredible contributions to the world and send our condolences to her loved ones. May her memory be a blessing.

This Shabbat is the 15th yahrzeit of our co-founder Andre “Toni” Leichtag z”l. We draw particular inspiration from the ways she devoted herself to improving the lives of those in need. Raised in abject poverty, Toni dedicated much of her time and resources to uplifting society’s most vulnerable, especially women and children. Approaching every day with a full and open heart, she considered the many ways she could illuminate the world of people around her. Her longtime assistant once recounted that each Friday, Toni would leave a special gift on her desk. When funding a women’s shelter, Toni carefully considered small comforts to brighten their days. Toni's boundless compassion continues to inspire all of our goals and efforts. Carrying her torch, we are honored keep her impact alive through the work Leichtag Foundation does every day. May her memory be a blessing. Shabbat Shalom.

Great news! The Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative (MGSDII), an initiative of Impact Cubed, is expanding its team! ???? More details here: https://lnkd.in/g5CEgyH6

Today we reflect on the extraordinary life of our co-founder Max “Lee” Leichtag z"l as we observe his 17th yahrzeit. We invoke Lee’s memory each day as we honor the impact his remarkable generosity has made and continues to make in our vibrant community. Along with his wife, Toni Leichtag z”l, Lee was wholly committed to uplifting those in need, supporting those experiencing hardship, and nourishing Jewish life in a richly diverse community. He and Toni also believed that a strong state of Israel is critical to flourishing Jewish life around the globe - which continues to be particularly poignant. At Leichtag Foundation, we carry on Lee’s vision of supporting changemakers' bold responses to some of the world’s most pressing and ever-evolving challenges. We are humbled by his benevolent spirit with which he navigated his life. May Lee’s memory continue to be an abundant blessing.

As Yom Kippur approaches, a time of deep reflection, our hearts are especially with the hostages and their loved ones. This sacred day reminds us of the power of compassion, the importance of unity, and the indispensable need for healing. As we begin this new year in the Hebrew calendar, may we continue to focus on our efforts and intentions on those in need of restoration, recovery, and “teshuvah” – or a return – to the prosperity and livelihood they so deeply deserve.

Last night, our community came together to mark one year since the tragic October 7th attacks on Israel. It was incredibly moving to witness thousands of San Diegans unite in mourning, remembrance, and solidarity. This Community Commemoration was made possible by the collaborative efforts of more than 60 community partners, led by Jewish Federation of San Diego, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), Israeli-American Council (IAC) San Diego, Impact Cubed, JCC San Diego, StandWithUs, and the San Diego Rabbinical Association. ? As we continue Meeting this Moment, our work does not stop here. Together, we will persist in our efforts to bring comfort, hope, and security to those in need—today, tomorrow, and every day. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this powerful moment of reflection. ? #MeetingThisMoment #MarkingOneYear #NeverForgetOct7 #StandWithIsrael #StrongerTogether #JewishInSanDiego #JewishSanDiego

Join Fundraising Academy | Cause Selling Education tomorrow for this exciting workshop featuring our Vice President of Philanthropy Sharyn Goodson, CFRE!

One year has passed since our hearts were shattered. We’ve wept for our friends and family in Israel, for the hostages and their families, and for those whose lives have been torn apart. And we wept for ourselves - that we are living at a time when such disaster is possible. Through our tears, we stepped up one year ago to take action through the Israel Emergency Grassroots Response Initiative?(IEGRI) and many other important endeavors to aid Israelis’ efforts to repair and rebuild. And thanks to the generosity of a caring community of donors, we continue responding to urgent needs on the ground. Read our one-year impact report HERE: https://lnkd.in/gJUzA49m ????

Hey, fundraising friends! ?? We’re back at it again with another Live Workshop! This month, we’re diving deep into the art of converting your organization’s members into donors! Get ready to cultivate new skills, engage in small group activities, and receive tailored feedback in real time from expert nonprofit leaders! Host: Sharyn Goodson, CFRE, VP of Philanthropy at Leichtag Foundation Panelists: Laura Rice, MBA, CFRE, Senior Director of Sustaining Philanthropy at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Lenise Andrade, Senior Director of Philanthropy and Communications at San Diego Botanic Garden Alex Kim, MA, NPLM, Chief Development Officer at KPBS