Some evenings stay with you — and our recent gathering at Berkeley Repertory Theatre on April 10 was one of those moments. It might sound like just another night at the theater, but for me, it was so much more than that. It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do as a community, and why supporting arts and storytelling is vital, especially now.

We partnered with Berkeley Rep to sponsor their production of Here There Are Blueberries, a play inspired by a real story involving a mysterious Nazi-era photo album that arrived at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The play explores questions of history, memory, and humanity — topics that resonated deeply, especially with Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) approaching later that month.

What made this evening so meaningful was the opportunity for our donors — many of whom support the Berkeley Rep through their donor-advised funds (DAFs) — to engage directly with the creative minds behind the play, director/writer Moisés Kaufman and his cowriter, Amanda Gronich. In a private event before the performance, they told our donors about their inspiration, process, and the importance of re-examining history from different angles, which added a whole new layer of depth to the experience of watching the play.

The arts are a bridge — connecting people across backgrounds, ages, and perspectives. They help us understand each other better and strengthen our communal bonds. Supporting Berkeley Rep, a Bay Area institution since 1968 that has won countless awards and produced over 500 shows, means supporting an organization that pushes boundaries and nurtures new voices.

Our aim was also to broaden the Federation’s reach beyond San Francisco, engaging more of the East Bay and South Bay communities. Many of our donors have a deep commitment to arts and culture, and this was a chance for them to see firsthand how their support makes an impact. For us at the Federation, it’s about creating intimate moments, offering behind-the-scenes access, and showing that philanthropy is about more than just writing a check — it’s about participating in something meaningful.

Why is this important? Because arts and storytelling are essential tools for strengthening Jewish identity, fostering community, and promoting understanding. In a time when polarization is all around us, shared stories create connection, helping us find common ground and move forward together.

This event also highlighted the Federation’s focus on giving our donors more personal, high-touch experiences. When they meet the artists, hear about the creative process, and see the impact of their support, it deepens their connection to the cause. It transforms philanthropy from a transaction into a shared journey of discovery and growth.

Supporting arts organizations like Berkeley Rep is part of our broader mission: to build a vibrant, inclusive, and thoughtful Jewish community. Whether through theater, music, or visual arts, we believe in creating spaces where everyone can reflect, learn, and be inspired.

Thank you to everyone who joined us — your support truly makes these moments possible. I feel grateful to be part of a community that values creativity, dialogue, and the transformative power of the arts.

Looking forward to many more shared experiences like this one.