Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area

08/22/2026

08/18/2026

Join Temple Sinai for an Ice Cream Social to meet Rabbi David Novak on Sunday, August 30 at 3:00PM

08/12/2026

Leslie Pepper, Director of Women's Philanthropy and Community Engagement was the Keynote Speaker at Hadassah’s Summer Series last week with her presentation “How to Stay Green When Your Hair Turns Grey.”

In 1992, Miriam Bent, Editor, Jewish Desert News created this wonderful series as a way to keep Hadassah women engaged, connected, and inspired during the long, hot summer days in the desert. I have been honored to serve as a keynote speaker for these interactive programs six times over the last few years.

For this presentation, I explored the question: How do we continue to grow, learn, dream, and remain “green” even as our hair turns grey?

The blueprint, I suggested, is deeply rooted in our Jewish tradition. I wove together teachings from the Talmud, Pirkei Avot, Proverbs, and our rabbinic sages, along with the wisdom found in a very different kind of Jewish text—Bob Dylan’s beloved song “Forever Young,” written for his young children. The song is filled with themes that echo timeless Jewish teachings: courage, kindness, curiosity, resilience, purpose, and the hope that we continue to become the best versions of ourselves.

Judaism is rich in the recognition that every stage of life holds opportunities for growth, purpose, wonder, and renewal. Aging is not simply about looking backward; it is an invitation to use what we have learned to enrich the lives of those around us and to continue writing the next chapter of our own story.

According to Proverbs, our grey hair is a “crown of glory” attained through a life of righteousness. Rather than something to hide, our grey hairs—and yes, even our wrinkles—can be viewed as badges of a life lived. Each one represents a story, an experience, a challenge overcome, a lesson learned, a relationship cherished, or a moment that helped shape who we are.

With age comes perspective. With experience comes wisdom. And with wisdom comes the ability—and perhaps even the responsibility—to guide and inspire future generations.

So, when we look in the mirror and see those grey hairs and wrinkles, perhaps we should see not signs of getting older, but evidence of a life filled with meaning.

And now you know why, at Jewish celebrations, we offer the beautiful blessing: “Ad Me’ah V’esrim” - May you live to 120!

May we not only live long, but live fully with curiosity, purpose, laughter, learning, and an enduring sense of wonder. And may we always find ways to stay green, even when our hair turns grey.

08/11/2026

This last Thursday, JFED community leaders and staff volunteered at the Desert Community Kitchen, once again preparing nutritious Kosher meals for members of our community. We are currently recruiting volunteers to take part in this ongoing initiative that delivers food and impact deep into our community.

Desert Community Kitchen by the Numbers: Since its inception a year ago, there have been 4,600+ cookies baked, 3,020+ meals prepared and over 550+ hours of volunteerism.

If you know someone in need who can benefit from a home-cooked meal or would like to volunteer with Jewish Federation of the Desert, please email [email protected].

L to R: Leslie Pepper, Director of Women's Philanthropy, Dr. Gary M. Levin, Halle Kohn-Levine, JFED Executive Office Manager; Stephanie Ross, JFED Board Member, and Bebsy Morrison, JFED Bookkeeper.

07/31/2026

Join Us for a Special March of the Living Information Zoom

The Jewish Federation of the Desert invites you to a special Zoom information session on Wednesday, August 5, at 3:00 PM (PT) to learn more about the extraordinary opportunity to participate in our community mission to Poland for the 2027 International March of the Living.

Hear firsthand from our distinguished speakers:

*Michele Gold, Director of the Tolerance Education Center
*Rose Pepin, local Holocaust survivor, who attended a previous March of the Living with her family and will share her moving personal experience
*Marlene Neumann, National Consultant, International March of the Living

Whether you are considering joining the mission yourself or simply want to learn more about this powerful educational and commemorative journey, we encourage you to attend.

Please share this invitation with family members and friends who may be interested in joining our community mission next spring.

RSVP is required to receive the Zoom link.

Contact:
Leslie Pepper
Jewish Federation of the Desert
[email protected]

760-324-4737

07/23/2026

On Thursday JFED staff and the board of directors held a special celebration to honor outgoing president Arnie Gilman. He was given his plaque to post on the past president wall, an engraved pool cue, as he loves playing pool, and the staff sang a special song written specifically for him. Jewish Federation of the Desert is grateful to Arnie Gillman for his exemplary leadership as Board President and his two decades of service on the Board of Directors.

07/21/2026

Jewish Federation of the Desert was proudly represented by Debbie Orgen of Sabra Hadassah of the Desert at the recent 2026 Jewish California Capitol Summit.

Jewish Federation of the Desert is a proud member of Jewish California, a coalition of over 40 leading Jewish community organizations across the state. Jewish California is our voice in Sacramento, advocating for our community's core concerns and broadly shared values. The annual Summit is attended by 50 constituent lobby groups who meet with the representatives that occupy all 120 California legislative offices in Sacramento.

These are several of the priority's of the 2026 legislation that are sponsored by Jewish California:

California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program - $100 million to secure institutions from hate crimes.
Holocaust Education Grant Funding - $10 million to initiate a statewide programming that has already been approved.
Jewish Ethnicity Act will ensure that Jewish identity is captured in ethnicity data collection systems, in additional to existing to religious categorization.

Learn more about Jewish California’s efforts at www.jewishcal.org and find out how you can advocate for the issues that are most important to you.