Israel in the Gardens: Israel boosters honored for efforts

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Rabbi Dennis Eisner

The S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation has announced this year’s winners of its Israel in Our Hearts Awards. Local winners are Rosanne and Al Levitt, and Rabbi Dennis Eisner of Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo. Israeli winners are Yisroel Hofrichter and Yifat Ovadia.

Federation CEO Jennifer Gorovitz praised the Levitts for work on “the Israel and Global Committee of the federation, the Jim Joseph Foundation, Birthright Israel, NEXT, the iCenter, Bay Area Israel Education (BASIS), AIPAC, our federation, our Jewish Community Center, our synagogues, our teens and interfaith families, just to name a few.” Their wide-ranging involvement illustrates “their commitment to and passion for Israel, our Bay Area community and the Jewish people.”

Eisner, called “a role model” for his vocal and enthusiastic support of Israel, has led four congregational and community trips to Israel since 2007 and hosted scholars-in-residence from Israel-related organizations.

Rosanne and Al Levitt

Hofrichter is director of Shachar Chadash (New Dawn), which helps provide a religiously and culturally appropriate way for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox to serve in the Israel Defense Forces and/or find work.

Ovadia is co-founder and CEO of Olim Beyahad (Making Aliyah Together), which helps integrate Ethiopian immigrants into the Israeli workforce.

Both Hofrichter and Ovadia will be at Israel in the Gardens to receive their awards.