JFSLA Young Leaders Host Shabbat Fundraiser for Tools for School Program

Community and charity unite

By Cary Schultz

On April 12, the Jewish Family Service LA Young Leaders, in partnership with Leora in Beverly Hills and Gourmet Gatherings, hosted a memorable fundraiser that not only celebrated community but also supported a cause close to many hearts—the JFSLA’s Tools for School program. This program plays a crucial role in providing school supplies to students who are most in need within the Los Angeles area.

The event, held at the chic venue of Leora, saw a sold-out crowd of 50 young philanthropists, all eager to contribute to the oldest social service agency in Los Angeles, which addresses critical needs around mental healthcare, food insecurity, domestic violence, aging, and disabilities.

Maggie Wolf Lewis, the Vice Chair of JFSLA Young Leaders, shared her enthusiasm about the gathering, "As the Vice Chair of Jewish Family Service LA Young Leaders, I am honored to co-host this event with Leora and Gourmet Gatherings! This evening, which benefits JFSLA’s Tools for School Program, is a way for young philanthropists to gather on Shabbat, nosh on Israeli food, and be in community all while supporting the vital work of JFSLA.”

The sentiment of community and the importance of gathering were echoed by Lewis in another statement, “Now more than ever, young Jews in LA need meaningful spaces to gather and be in community. Tonight’s JFSLA Young Leaders Shabbat fundraiser benefiting Tools for School was the perfect way to do this.”

The commitment to social justice and community support was palpable throughout the evening. “Tikkun olam and tzedakah are core values we hold at Jewish Family Service Young Leaders. Our next-gen philanthropists are proud to steward programs like Tools for School, which provides school supplies to under-resourced students," Lewis added, emphasizing the core values of the organization.

Max Simon, also known as Challahdad, brought a light-hearted spirit to the event, contributing with his unique brand of humor, “When we asked Challahdad why he wanted to support JFSLA Young Leaders' Tools for School program, he replied with a punny, ‘It’s the yeast I could do.’”

Heather Cohen and JFSLA Young Leaders Co-Chair Maggie Wolf Lewis

Heather Cohen and Jordan Smith.jpg

Leor Klein, the owner of Leora, reflected on the importance of such gatherings, especially post-pandemic, “Having everybody here at Leora on Shabbat, especially after the past six months, it’s such a holy, beautiful experience to have a sense of community and hope with all these people coming together for such a beautiful cause.”

Carly Maltzman, co-founder of Gourmet Gatherings, also emphasized the synergy between delicious food and philanthropy, “I really admire the work that JFSLA does. When I heard about Tools for School, which supports students who are in need of school supplies and basic necessities, I thought—what a great way to create an event around a table filled with delicious Israeli food to raise money for such a great cause.”

Leora co-owner and head chef Leor Klein with 3-foot long challah from Challahdad

Leora co-owner and head chef Leor Klein

Other attendees shared their connections and inspirations for supporting JFSLA. Heather Cohen and Jordan Smith expressed their appreciation for reconnecting with the community, “Coming out of COVID, it's great to have an opportunity to reconnect with other young Jewish couples and learn more about the amazing work JFSLA does to support vulnerable communities in Los Angeles.”

Eliana Kandel summed up the sentiment of many young attendees who find community in such events, “I found out about this through Instagram! After moving back to LA in my thirties, I found it hard to find Jewish community because LA is so spread out, but events like tonight bring us together and create warm spaces where I can be around other people who care about the same kinds of things I do.”

This event not only highlighted the dedication of the JFSLA Young Leaders but also showcased the vibrant spirit of next-gen philanthropy in Los Angeles, proving that community and charity are always in style.

Carly Maltzman of Gourmet Gatherings and Friends

Guest Josh Flagg