Monday, October 28
- 1:00pm – Registration Opens
- 2:00pm – Opening Program: Keynote by Andres Spokoiny, President & CEO, Jewish Funders Network
- 3:15pm – Shaping our Future: Envisioning a Resilient & Hopeful Jewish Community
This conversation will ask participants to imagine the Jewish future. Using a variety of methodologies, participants will be introduced to the "History of Futures" concept, giving them the opportunity to explore various futures they imagine for their Jewish communities.
Facilitated by Heidi Gantwerk, President & CEO, Jewish Federation of San Diego
- 4:45 pm – Navigating Uncertainty in Philanthropic Fields
Together with experts in their fields, participants will explore increasingly complex challenges facing our Jewish communities. They will gain the context, insights, strategies and tools to navigate these challenges in the current landscape. Focus areas include Democracy, Antisemitism and the Future of Jewish Communal Life. Participants will be better prepared to anticipate potential risks, identify emerging opportunities and make informed decisions that align with their philanthropic values and goals.
Stewarding Democracy: Aaron Dorfman, Executive Director, A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy; Amy Spitalnick, CEO, Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Antisemitism Past, Present & Future: David Bocarsly, Executive Director, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California; Tye Gregory, CEO, Jewish Community Relations Council, Bay Area; Danielle Foreman (Moderator), Chief Program Officer, The Koret Foundation.
The Future of Jewish Communal Life: Zack Bodner, CEO, Oshman Family JCC; Gali Cooks, President & CEO, Leading Edge; Mimi Kravetz (Moderator), Chief Impact & Growth Officer, Jewish Federations of North America.
- 8:15 pm – Israel Briefing: Rebuilding, Resilience & Israel’s Impact on the Diaspora
Experts will provide insight into where Israel stands today in the trajectory of its existence, needs resulting from the past year of war and the intricacies of Israel’s ongoing relationship with diaspora Jews, as it relates to contributing effectively to Israel's long-term resilience and growth. Featuring Sigal Yaniv Feller, Executive Director, Jewish Funders Network - Israel, and Professor Amichai Magen, Visiting Professor in Political Science and Visiting Fellow in Israel Studies at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.
Tuesday October 29
- 9:00am – Funder Case Studies in Resilience & Recovery
JFN members from diverse backgrounds will share their experiences confronting uncertainties that impact philanthropic decision-making. Building on themes from the previous day, the session will showcase real-world examples of how funders have navigated complex challenges related to global crises, local community needs, or organizational obstacles while advancing their philanthropic goals. This session will set the stage for upcoming working sessions by demonstrating how to apply these approaches effectively.
- 10:30 am – Working Groups
In these working sessions, funders will apply the framework of futures thinking to address philanthropic challenges in one of three areas: Democracy, Antisemitism, and the Future of Jewish Communal Life. Participants will divide into working groups based on their area of interest and will collaborate to explore how different future scenarios might impact their philanthropic strategies.
Focusing on their chosen area, each group will work together to answer critical questions:
• What are the “no regret moves” we can take?
• Where are the existential dangers to our community?
• What are the opportunities uncertainties may provide?
• What are the things we can each do independently?
• What are the things we can only do collectively?
• If you are already engaged in futures work, what have you learned?
Facilitated by Heidi Gantwerk, President & CEO, Jewish Federation of San Diego. Participants will explore strategies to build resilience, foster recovery, and inspire hope in the face of uncertainty. The session will conclude with each group presenting their insights and ideas about how Jewish philanthropy can prepare to address future challenges and ensure a resilient future for our community.
- 12:30pm – Networking Lunch
- 1:45pm – Working Groups
Working groups will reconvene to summarize their work and share highlights with the larger group. Each participant will leave the convening with the tools with which they can feel prepared to continue their philanthropic work as they maneuver through uncertainties ahead.
Facilitated by Heidi Gantwerk, President & CEO, Jewish Federation of San Diego
- 2:45pm - 4:00pm – Group Presentations, Final Program & Closing, featuring Sara E. Brown, Regional Director, American Jewish Committee San Diego
*Program subject to change.
Pre-Convening Experience at Leichtag Commons - Monday morning, October 28, 9:30-11:30 am
Start the day feeling grounded at Leichtag Commons, a nexus of Jewish community life and engagement, social enterprise, innovative agriculture, education unique exposure to Israeli technology and more. The Commons is home to Coastal Roots Farm, a Jewish community farm, and The Hive, a Jewish nonprofit retreat center.
The morning will include:
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Conversation with Leichtag Foundation leadership about its nature as a placemaking funder with locales in San Diego and Jerusalem, its connection between local impact and global influence, and the story of Leichtag Commons
- Tour of Coastal Roots Farm, a nonprofit community farm and education center grounded in Jewish values. The Farm utilizes regenerative agriculture to combat climate change and grow 80,000 pounds of food annually, including 75% which is donated to food insecure community members. The Farm also reaches more than 15,000 community members with unique outdoor education, Jewish life programs, and other community events to inspire environmental stewardship, climate activism, love of nature, and connection to Jewish tradition.
Choice of one of two tracks:
- Track 1 – Healthy Soil & Active Hope: Join the Farm's Director of Jewish Life, Cantor Rebecca Joy Fletcher, in a playful exploration of two foundational aspects of earth-based Judaism: healthy soil & active hope. How we can foster more of each – so that we feel more empowered and take better care of our earth.
- Track 2 – Jewish Philanthropy Deeper Dive: a primer on conducting a nonprofit site visit following the tour of Coastal Roots Farm and an explainer about the strategy and decisions of a private foundation with Leichtag Foundation leadership.
Snacks and a light lunch are included in the excursion. Shuttle available to and from the JFN West hotel, or make your own way to the site. There will be no charge for the experience.
Register for this program here.
 
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