Beth Israel’s Thank You to Our Most Generous Donors Featured Reform Movement Head, Rabbi Eric Yoffie

By Emily Jennewein, President

Bud and Esther Fischer hosted Beth Israel's Thank You Event

This year’s event to thank Beth Israel’s Century Club, Dor L’Dor members and major donors was especially significant because our keynote speaker was the head of the Reform Movement, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, who retires in June after 16 years at the helm of our Movement.

Beth Israel was extremely privileged to host Rabbi Yoffie at the spectacular home of Esther and Bud Fischer, high on the bluff, above the Pacific Ocean. Cindy and Lorne Polger chaired the reception.

Emily and Chris Jennewein with Rabbi Eric Yoffie

Rabbi Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, which represents 1.5 million Reform Jews in 900 synagogues across North America, said membership and participation in synagogues is fundamental to Judaism in America. He also thanked those in attendance for their steadfast support and involvement in the life of Beth Israel.


The reception was Beth Israel’s annual event to thank our Century Club members whose generosity makes it possible for Beth Israel to have open arms to all who want to be members, regardless of the ability to meet our dues. Beth Israel values inclusiveness and openness, and our Century Club members make it possible for us to live these values.



Rabbi Michael Berk with Cindy Polger, who chaired
the Thank You Event with her husband, Lorne.

We also honored the members of our Dor L'Dor Society, those who have left a legacy bequest to Beth Israel that will become part of our endowment. Those legacy gifts will forever benefit our synagogue and ensure the strength of the Reform Jewish community in San Diego.


And we thanked all our major donors to Beth Israel, including those who have made dedications as part of our 150th anniversary Torah Project. Our major donors’ generosity allows Beth Israel to assure the vitality of our synagogue this year and for the next 150 years.

Linda Goldberg and Bonnie Graff.

I’m proud to be able to report that every member of Beth Israel’s Board has made early, personal commitments to our fundraising initiatives. Our leadership takes very seriously the responsibility to strengthen our congregation, the historic center of Jewish life in San Diego. Our Board leaders continue the strong legacy established by a group of Jewish pioneers on the wild, remote coast of California, who created a community so successful that it has endured 150 years and seems still to get stronger.

Our visionary founders sought to establish Jewish connection then, and Beth Israel continues on that same quest now. Through the generosity of our members, we sustain a thriving, inclusive community where people find ways to connect to Judaism and to one another. The support of our donors ensures Beth Israel’s ability to do so effectively for generations to come. For that, I thank each of you who make Beth Israel a financial priority.

Sallye and Larry Krause with Jerry and Lee Levy.

George Scher with Jerry and Marge Katleman

Nadine Finkel and Gail Malkus.