Established in 2025, the Jeri J. Masters Carob Tree Fund honors a remarkable life while strengthening expert services for people with disabilities. Jeri J. Masters z”l lived a life of intellectual curiosity, creativity, resilience, and care for those around her. A college physics major who left school to marry and raised three children, Jeri had rich musical talent and devoted time to Jewish and other causes. Once her children were older, Jeri returned to college, eager to begin studies in sociology. “My mother had a keen interest in people throughout her life,” says her daughter, Nancy Masters. “She saw people’s… Read More

Stephen Grand z”l was kind. He embraced life. He was a smart businessperson and a natural leader. And he believed deeply in our shared Jewish values, particularly the responsibility we hold to take care of one another. Stephen’s generosity and compassion continue to improve lives today. With his wife, Nancy, Stephen set an inspiring example of how to thoughtfully and strategically address community issues. First in their hometown of Detroit and later in the San Francisco Bay Area, the couple generously supported causes that enhanced the quality of life for individuals and families facing hardships and difficulties. Nancy recalls that… Read More

Richard “Dick” Segal recognizes the importance of investing in the future. A San Francisco investment advisor since the 1980s, Dick’s professional perspective and commitment to community service have helped shape his philanthropic decisions. He was an early champion of JFCS’ efforts to build an endowment fund to sustain critical human services and education programs. Dick and his wife, Dorothy Connelly, have generously shared their talents, time, and resources over decades to strengthen our community and care for those in need. A JFCS volunteer since the 1980s, Dick’s financial acumen and strategic perspective during his tenure on the Board of Directors,… Read More

In 2023, Dianne and Tad Taube spoke with us about the launch of the Taube Family Emergency Assistance Fund. It is our privilege to share this article in tribute to Tad’s remarkable life, vision, and generosity. His remarkable legacy continues to improve lives every day. May his memory be a blessing. Tad Taube z”l and his wife, Dianne, have been longtime supporters of JFCS as well as models of philanthropy for the entire community. Because of their generous contributions over the years, thousands of individuals and families have found help in times of personal crises or challenges. Now, with the… Read More

When asked about the secret to her long life, Hilda Richards once said, “I am definitely an optimist, and I think that has helped me very much.” Hilda, a true gem of our community, passed away in April 2022 at the age of 104. A resident of San Francisco for more than 84 years, Hilda was a survivor of the Holocaust. She arrived in San Francisco from Germany in 1938 with just $10, joining her sister, who had emigrated two years prior. The sisters remained close throughout their lives. Known for her joie de vivre, Hilda was part of the… Read More

Yvonne and Ernest Schneider z”l wed in Homewood Terrace’s synagogue in 1951, surrounded by friends they had made in the children’s home. Ernest was six years old when his widowed mother, unable to make ends meet during the Great Depression, brought him to live at Homewood Terrace on San Francisco’s Ocean Avenue. The campus for children in need would become his cherished home, where he would make lifelong friends, deepen his connection with his family’s Jewish heritage, and even meet the love of his life. Founded in 1872 as the Pacific Hebrew Orphan Asylum and Home Society and renamed in… Read More