Foundation News

The San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Night Gala on September 4th marked the beginning of Michael Tilson Thomas’s final season as the symphony’s music director. Among the celebrations, Thomas conducted a special performance at Davies Symphony Hall, featuring special guest artists to commemorate his 25 remarkable years in the role.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed was on-site to help Meals on Wheels of San Francisco break ground on its new facility. The new kitchen and food production area will more than double the number of meals served daily for San Francisco’s homebound seniors. Research shows that this population will continue to grow, so the expansion of services from organizations like Meals on Wheels is especially timely.

With lead support from Koret, Shalom Hartman Institute North America has begun its next phase of growth. For the past five years, the San Francisco Bay Area has served as a pilot for elevating Jewish thought leadership in an entire region. Hartman is using its experience in the Bay Area to expand to more cities across the country, including growing its research centers and programs nationally.

Veterans News Report announces Koret’s new initiative, supporting Bay Area veterans in workforce development, health care, and transition to civilian life.

San Francisco Symphony celebrated another successful year of its Music and Mentors program with a year-end luncheon for its music educators and mentors. The annual celebration brought together teaching artists and community supporters to share program highlights, accomplishments, and special moments. Pictured is San Francisco Symphony Principal trombone Timothy Higgins visiting and coaching students in the program.

The Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies at UC Berkeley created its first endowed chair in Israel Studies. Koret was an early and lead funder for the Institute, and recently awarded a new $1 million gift. The Institute’s interdisciplinary approach addresses the complex challenges of modern Israel and Jewish identity, allowing students to explore these issues from different angles.

Koret CEO Jeffery Farber reflects on the connection between Israel and Diaspora Jews and how we can continue strengthening the US-Israel relationship.

The Koret Foundation sends its thoughts and prayers to the victims, families, and community of Chabad of Poway in San Diego. As we continue our combat against anti-Semitism, we stand in solidarity with all those working to fight hate in our communities.

Officials broke ground on April 25 to begin improvements to San Francisco’s playgrounds most in need. As part of the Let’sPlaySF! campaign, the first 5 of 13 playgrounds began construction to ensure that all San Francisco children have safe and accessible places to play. The campaign is part of a partnership between San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance.