Connections Photos

To see photos from this year's event, click here.

Presenter, Esther Kustanowitz

Esther is committed to creating and cultivating collaboration between established Jewish organizations and innovative initiatives. A Los Angeles-based writer, consultant and Jewish communal professional, Esther has written and consulted for many Jewish publications and organizations. A longtime consultant for the ROI Community of Jewish Innovators, Esther also works part-time as Program Coordinator for the NextGen Engagement Initiative at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. In the last six months, Esther has engaged audiences at the BBYO International Convention, LimmudLA, Jewlicious Festival, TribeFest, the ROI Community Summit, and the LA Jewish Federation’s 2011 Master Class in Film & Television. Jewcy.com honored her in 2010 on their list of favorite Twitterers, with the coveted “Person Who Seems to Know Every Jew in the Universe” award, and in 2011 named her to The Big Jewcy, a list of 100 Jews to watch, giving her the title of “Jewish Engagement Superstar.” You can find her in many online and offline places, including Twitter (@EstherK).

For years, 'Choices' has been the premier Women's Philanthropy event in the East Bay. This year, we have a new name and a new style, but we're still about bringing together like-minded Jewish philanthropists in the East Bay to schmooze and have a great time. We hope you’ll join us!

Each East Bay Jewish woman is unique and contributes something special to our community. Here’s a taste of what some of our attendees are saying about themselves:

  • “Happily married with 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Retired. Starting second year as President of Temple Beth Sholom in San Leandro.”
  • “Sisterhood introduced me to mah jongg. Ten years later, I still play with some of the women I met at the class.”
  • “Oakland native — member of Temple Sinai for 48 years — 3 Children, married, living in Bay Area with 7 Grandchildren; 3 Step Children, living in Bay Area with 7 more Grandchildren. Retired and Widowed.”
  • “I have a passion for social justice which was born from my education growing up in the Bay Area Jewish community. I am honored to be a part of such a diverse group of changemakers.”
  • “I like to think I'm proof that it's possible to grow up in Berkeley without being Bezerkeley.”
  • “I'm happy to be alive, blessed with a wonderful spouse and children, and fortunate to live in the beautiful Bay area.”
  • “East Bay AIPAC staff, Temple Isaiah Bd, Avid Gardener. Husband Dan Weiss, 3 girls: Lara Lauritz, Megan & Rebecca Blanck-Weiss. 2 grandsons Kai & Avi Lauritz”
  • “I am Executive Director of Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living in Danville”
  • “Just happy to be there!”
  • “I love being part of such a caring, supportive, committed, involved community.”
  • “I really care about the Jewish Community especially Jewish Learning. Love books, hiking, new adventures and most of all family, Shabbat, and holidays.”
  • “I'm a citizen lobbyist for the U.S.-Israel relationship, but my most successful lobbying to date: all of my grandchildren now attend Jewish day school.”
  • “I have a small but healthy obsession with all-male Jewish acapella groups.”
  • “I really enjoy attending services at shuls/synagogues/temples of varying denominations.”
  • “I enjoy talking with Jews who also have an Italian background.”
  • “I collect Passover recipes and always make new, tasty dishes so I don’t miss leavening as much during the holiday.”
  • “One of the best days of my life was when my toddler exclaimed Shabbat Shalom.”
  • “I practice Bikram “hot” Yoga once a week which I believe literally melts my stress away.”

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.