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The Jewish News of Northern California

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Trailblazers

Rita Semel at home in San Francisco, where she has devoted herself to public service for decades. (Photo/Norm Levin)
Posted inTrailblazers

Rita Semel, 98, is a tireless leader and ‘interfaith bridge’

by Liz Harris April 2, 2020May 21, 2026

Part of Trailblazers, a series of profiles of Jewish men and women who build and sustain our Jewish community, supported by a generous donation from Carol and Norman Traeger. Rita Semel […]

For Lynne Frank, giving back is in her blood. (Norm Levin)
Posted inTrailblazers

How Jewish Home’s first-rate care begat a first-class donor

by Liz Harris December 19, 2019December 23, 2019
an old man in a shirt and tie leans on a window; outside, the view is the sides of tall office buildings
Posted inTrailblazers

Philanthropist Dick Rosenberg isn’t resting on his laurels

by Liz Harris October 4, 2019December 23, 2019
Dorothy Saxe is a mainstay of Jewish philanthropy in the Bay Area with a passion for art. (Photo/Norm Levin)
Posted inTrailblazers

Dorothy Saxe: a masterpiece of generosity and understanding

by Liz Harris September 6, 2019September 5, 2019
Bay Area philanthropist Tad Taube is most proud of his role in the Jewish rebirth of Poland. (Photo/Norm Levin)
Posted inTrailblazers

Tad Taube, proud philanthropist and builder of Jewish life in Poland

by Liz Harris July 12, 2019September 13, 2025
Carol Saal (Photo/Norm Levin)
Posted inPhilanthropy

Philanthropist Carol Saal’s persistence helped save Palo Alto JCC

by Liz Harris June 13, 2019June 13, 2019
Phyllis Cook (Photo/Norm Levin)
Posted inTrailblazers

One-time teacher Phyllis Cook found her calling in philanthropy

by Liz Harris May 2, 2019May 2, 2019
an old man with round glasses and a mustache sits on a windowsill with a view of the Bay Bridge behind him
Posted inTrailblazers

Bernard Osher: tirelessly working for good

by Liz Harris April 8, 2019April 17, 2019
an old woman with short dark hair stands next to a piano with a floral vase on it
Posted inJewish Life

‘Cissie’ Swig: Still a visionary, always a supporter of good causes

by Liz Harris March 7, 2019March 7, 2019
an elderly woman in a stylish black jacket sits flanked by a vase of white orchids and japanese artwork
Posted inTrailblazers

Adele Corvin reflects on a lifetime of community service

by Liz Harris January 23, 2019January 24, 2019

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