About Us
Who We Are
Our Mission
Our mission is to alleviate poverty in San Diego’s Jewish community by mitigating individual crises and fostering self-sustainability, rooted in kindness, empathy, and Jewish values. Fully dedicated to our Jewish community, we go far beyond crisis response. We walk alongside families, building lives through dignity, education, and personalized one-on-one concierge case management that meets each person exactly where they are.
What sets us apart is our commitment to providing a personalized, one-on-one experience with our members through our customized concierge case management program. By providing comprehensive support, resources, guidance, and financial aid, we partner with each individual on their unique path to self-sufficiency.
From Our Roots to Today: How We Started and How We’ve Grown
In 2009, two incredible women, Helene Bortz and Myrice Goldberg, founded The Jewish Gift Closet in San Diego. What began with a few racks of clothing, shoes, and wedding dresses quickly grew as the founders realized that individuals and families needed more than physical goods—they also needed food, household items, financial support, and access to essential services.
Over the next decade, the Jewish Gift Closet became a vital lifeline, serving thousands of local Jews and addressing a wide range of needs, from emotional and medical support to transportation and other critical resources. Helene and Myrice worked tirelessly to ensure that every client received compassionate, dignified care.
In 2020, Kindness Initiative formally adopted the program, renaming it kindnessG’MACH.
Israel at Kindness’ Core – How We Help Israeli Families
Looking after our own people is our responsibility, because only our community can truly care for the Jewish people within it. At kindnessG’MACH, we are proud & honored to support Israeli families who come to San Diego for medical treatment, work, or relocation, providing them with a home-away-from-home and the essentials to live with dignity and comfort.
Israel & UCSD’s Joint Transplant Program
Each month, kindnessG’MACH assists 3–4 Israeli families arriving for two-year medical treatments through UCSD’s transplant program. Entire families travel from Israel, and with our support, we furnish their homes, provide new sterile mattresses, and supply other essential items to help protect their immunity while surrounding them with love, care, and community support.
Ongoing Support for Israeli Families
Since October 7th, kindnessG’MACH has also welcomed 2–3 additional Israeli families each month, helping them settle immediately with furniture, household goods, financial assistance, and even job coaching. We ensure that these families can create a fully Jewish home at no cost, providing items like mezuzahs, menorahs, seder plates, candlesticks, challah covers, and more—bringing tradition, comfort, and familiarity to a new place far from home.
Israel at Kindness’ Core
We proudly support Israeli families coming to San Diego for medical treatment, work, or relocation, providing a home-away-from-home and all the essentials to live with dignity. From furnishing homes and supplying sterile mattresses to offering Jewish items like mezuzahs, menorahs, and seder plates, kindnessG’MACH helps families feel safe, supported, and connected to their heritage—at no cost.
Our Governance
Board of Directors
- Selwyn Isakow, President
- Simone Abelsohn
- Bruce Abrams
- Alan Binder
- Paul Hyde
- Suzanne Marcus
- Susan Monk
- Sari Rudy
- Sarah Shekhter
- Jack Shevel
- Brad Slavin
Board Committees & Task Forces
- CGN, Governance, Nominating, Compensation
- Development, Fundraising
- Finance, Budget, Risk Management, Audit, Investment
- Marketing, Branding, Communications, Events & Community Outreach
- Member Services, Internal Services & Member Needs
- Real Estate, Accommodations & Facilities
- Strategy, Strategic Planning & Initiative Tracking
- Technology, Operations & Innovation
Board Committee Advisors
- Barry Entous, Finance & Strategy
- Blake Thompson, Real Estate
- Rabbi Simcha Weiser
Women’s Committee Chair
- Sari Rudy
Men’s Committee Chair
- Jeff Schwartz