Happenings
A permanent faculty position has been created for USF’s Swig Program in Jewish Studies and Social Justice (JSSJ) with the establishment of the Anne and Nick Germanacos Professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies Endowed Fund. Anne Germanacos said she wants to support the University of San Francisco and the JSSJ program’s innovative work. “USF’s method of teaching maintains this openness,” she said. “Students are encouraged to come to their own solutions and answers. They are encouraged to find their way and discover themselves as thinking human beings.”
Aaron Hahn Tapper, director of JSSJ, said the gift will support a program “that teaches about the multitudes of Jews and Judaisms in an effort to engage our university community about all marginalized peoples. … at the nexus of interfaith, human rights, and social justice rooted in Jewish traditions.”
Oren Kroll-Zeldin, associate professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, is the inaugural Germanacos chair.
Awards
Viviane Safrin received the Tikkun Olam Award from the Jewish Bar Association of San Francisco for speaking out against antisemitism. Safrin, a former attorney, is now a parent advocate and community organizer. “The Tikkun Olam Award was established to recognize the contributions of those who use their efforts and talents to repair the world,” said Adam Cashman, a Jewish Bar Association board member. “I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than Viviane, who has worked tirelessly to combat antisemitism in schools, build connections within our community and advocate for Jewish students, teachers and families in San Francisco and the Bay Area.” The award was presented at the organization’s annual gala on Dec. 4 in San Francisco.
Matthew Nouriel received the Shine a Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Award from the Jewish Education Project for their work to raise awareness about antisemitism. Nouriel is director of community engagement for Bay Area–based JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, where Nouriel uses their online platform to blend storytelling with insights into LGBTQ+ inclusion and Jewish identity.
Quentin Kopp received an award of appreciation for his advocacy and public service on behalf of Pathways for Kids, which provides leadership and career training for underserved youth in San Francisco. Kopp has been a state senator, a San Francisco supervisor and a Superior Court judge in San Mateo County. He was a J. board member from 2015 to 2024. Kopp received the award at Pathways for Kids’ annual gala on Nov. 7 in San Francisco.
Three official proclamations will honor Jewish Family Services Silicon Valley for the work it does supporting Holocaust survivors in the Bay Area. JFS provides social services and raises funds with Jewish Silicon Valley to support seniors’ financial needs, such as medical bills and rent. State Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens and Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg will present two proclamations Jan. 26 at an International Holocaust Remembrance Day press conference in San Jose, with two Holocaust survivors speaking, and San Jose Councilmember David Cohen will present a proclamation on Jan. 27.
Pamela Reitman’s novel “Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life,” about a Jewish painter who created masterpieces while hiding from Nazis in France, has won the PenCraft Award for Literary Excellence in the historical fiction category. Reitman lives in Healdsburg and is a past director of Makor Or, the Jewish meditation center in San Francisco.
Comings and Goings
Rabbi Gray Myrseth is the new rabbi at the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living, the senior residence and nursing home. Myrseth previously served as community rabbi at GatherBay, as a rabbi educator at Kehilla Community Synagogue and a chaplain with Hebrew SeniorLife in Boston. They began the part-time position at SFCJL on Dec. 1, working in tandem with outgoing Rabbi Debora Kohn, and stepped into the role full time on Jan. 5.
Sally Flinchbaugh is the new deputy CEO at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto. She previously served as the JCC’s chief operating officer and executive vice president. Also at OFJCC, Luba Palant is the new chief program officer, following her previous role as senior director of community engagement.
Opportunities
Jewish Family and Children’s Services Holocaust Center is accepting applications for the 2026 Manovill Seminar, which offers high school students learning opportunities about Jewish peoplehood and the Holocaust in several sessions February through April, both in San Francisco and online, plus a family orientation and graduation. The program is named in honor of Lilly Manovill, who helped Jews escape the Budapest ghetto. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Visit tinyurl.com/Manovill-Seminar for more information.
Mitzvah Power Academy is accepting applications for the “I Love Green” Tu BiShvat Challenge. Children ages 5-10 are invited to celebrate the birthday of the trees with eco-focused mitzvot such as planting a tree, recycling, cleaning up a park or creating their own project, then submit a photo, short video, drawing or brief written description of their work. Adult help is welcome. All participants will receive a certificate and “mensch-tivity download,” plus three participants will receive grand prizes of a gardening kit and certificate for a tree in Israel. Submissions due Jan. 31. Visit mitzvahpower.com/tubishvat for more information.