I have been away all week and was not planning to write Marc’s Remarks. However, despite having mixed emotions, I want to share some exciting news. 

I am delighted to announce that Michael Jeser, who has served our Jewish Federation as Director of Financial Resource Development for the past 2 ½ years, has been appointed the new President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego. This is quite an opportunity for him.

Michael has been an incredible asset to our team ever since he arrived. His efforts strengthened our Campaign for Community Needs, worked to develop our LGBTQ outreach efforts (including taking community members on a trip to Israel), and was the creator of our very successful Pathways program (young adult mentoring and networking cohort) – plus so much more. Michael has been an incredible partner to me, our Federation team, and the scores of volunteer leaders with whom he worked. He will be missed.

On a selfish note, I take great pride in watching members of our professional team grow, develop and move on to greater opportunities. In fact, I see that as one of my primary responsibilities as CEO. I am excited for Michael and have no doubts he will lead the San Diego Jewish community to even greater heights.

Michael will conclude his work at the Jewish Federation on July 27 (he gave us plenty of notice, but we were asked by the Jewish Federation of San Diego to wait until now to announce his new position). We wish the entire Jeser Family only great joy and success in their new home in southern California. I invite you to send him your own congratulations.

Summer always feels like a slower time. It gives our team a chance to prepare for the upcoming program year. It is also a chance for vacation and time to catch up on some reading, which I have been able to do.

Three books/articles I highly recommend:

1. Can American and Israeli Jews Stay Together as One People by Natan Sharansky and Gil Troy in Mosaic Magazine

2. Letters to My Palestinian Neighbors by Yossi Klein Halevi

3. My Country, My Life: Fighting for Israel, Searching for Peace by Ehud Barak

Each is Israel focused, and definitely worth the read. There is so much to learn from these perspectives.

Shabbat shalom and a more full Marc’s Remarks next week.

Marc