JCC Cares

There’s Something About This Community—and That’s You

JCC Cares brings our community together through service projects, social justice education and ongoing opportunities to support our neighbors. Rooted in the Jewish values of Chesed (kindness) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), JCC Cares turns compassion into meaningful action.

Get Involved

 

Current Opportunities

High Holy Days Community Food Drive

Monday, August 17–Friday, October 2, 2026

Support local San Diegans experiencing food insecurity by donating shelf-stable food for Jewish Family Service.

Drop-Off Information

Place donations in the blue collection bins located at the JCC’s front and back entrances. Bins are accessible during regular business hours.

Suggested Donations

  • Whole-wheat pasta, crackers, oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa
  • Canned tuna, chicken, low-sodium beans and nut butters
  • Fruit packed in juice, vegetables and low-sodium soups
  • Dehydrated mashed potatoes
  • Kosher food items

Please do not donate items packaged in glass.

Reverse Tashlich: A JCC Cares Coastal Cleanup

 

Put Tradition into Action This Rosh Hashanah

Join the Lawrence Family JCC, Repair the Sea®, Ohr Shalom Synagogue, Temple Adat Shalom and Jewish communities around the world for Reverse Tashlich—an international waterfront cleanup initiative.

We’ll begin with a meaningful Tashlich ritual using stones, then work together to remove marine debris and pollution from Mission Bay.

What to Expect

  • A brief Tashlich ritual
  • Family-friendly community service
  • Citizen science data collection with I Love A Clean San Diego
  • Cleanup supplies provided

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
  • Time: 9:00–11:00 AM
  • Location: Mission Bay; meeting location provided after registration
  • Cost: Free; advance registration required

Questions? Contact Michelle Jacobson, Community Engagement Manager, at michellej@lfjcc.org.

Register Here

Shine a Light Shabbat

Shine a Light Shabbat builds understanding and helps prevent antisemitism through personal connection, education, and shared experience. The Lawrence Family JCC brings a full kosher Shabbat dinner to local churches and faith communities. Together, we share a meal, explore Jewish traditions and culture, ask questions, and make meaningful connections.

The goal is simple: when people know Jewish people personally, understanding grows and antisemitism has less room to take hold. Shine a Light creates space for friendship, conversation, and connection across faiths and communities.

We need volunteers to help make these meaningful evenings happen.

Ways to Volunteer

Connector
Help us build warm connections with churches and other faith communities that may be interested in hosting a Shine a Light Shabbat dinner. Connect us directly to people you know, make the introduction, and help start the conversation. Your relationships can help us build trust and create meaningful connections across San Diego.

Cook
Help prepare and cook the kosher meals for our dinners. Good food brings people to the table, and your help makes these warm, welcoming gatherings possible.

Ambassador
Join us at a Shine a Light Shabbat dinner as a representative of our Jewish community. Share the evening, answer questions, enjoy conversation, and help build understanding and friendship across faiths.

Volunteer

Help us shine a light through connection, conversation and community.

Questions about JCC Cares? Email, Community Engagement Manager, Michelle Jacobson at michellej@lfjcc.org