William “Bill” and Renée Rothmann along with Bill’s siblings, John Rothmann and Susan Rothmann Seeley, were honorees at the 2nd Annual Fammy Awards Gala in 1986, the year the event officially became a tradition. “We were huge Gala goers,” said Bill, reflecting in 2018 on the JFCS fundraiser. “The Fammy’s were my wife’s favorite. I don’t know that we ever missed one.” Bill has always recognized the importance of family, and when it was suggested that he be honored for his leadership he said yes, as long as his family was included, too. Bill’s family plays a central part in… Read More

When 8-year-old Tad Taube left Poland in 1939 en route to New York via Ellis Island, the Krakow-born child didn’t know that he and his parents would narrowly escape the Nazi invasion. He also did not know that he would never return to the culturally rich and prosperous Polish Jewish community that he knew in his youth, or that this community would be destroyed during World War II. As the war raged on, Tad and his parents would soon learn that Tad’s beloved grandfather had been murdered by the Nazis, along with many others in their family. More fortunate family… Read More

As a successful entrepreneur and legendary business leader, Barney Mizel knows an effective enterprise when he sees one. Barney and his wife, Ann Mizel, have been providing significant support to JFCS and the community it serves through their family foundation. The Marin County resident has built three national insurance brokerage firms over the course of his long career and served on JFCS’ Program and Planning Committee. This year Barney joined the JFCS’ Endowment Committee, and is planning for the future by leaving a bequest to JFCS. He says, “I truly admire JFCS for the valuable work it does and I… Read More

The dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Nancy Livingston z”l and Fred Levin, together honored a family legacy to support the Jewish community. Well-loved patrons of the Bay Area’s arts scene and married nearly four decades, they were the type of couple who regularly completed each other’s sentences. They were steadfast and passionate supporters of JFCS for over fifteen years, having served on JFCS’ Special Events Committee and worked on the Annual Campaign. Nancy, who died in 2019, once said, “The scope of JFCS’ work is truly amazing.” It is our privilege to share this 2018 interview with Nancy and Fred. How did… Read More

Eric Schmier z’l spent his life caring for others in a quiet and unassuming way. In his childhood Eric connected to the spirit of philanthropy through Judaism. Raised in a Detroit suburb, his parents started the first reform temple outside the city in their basement. It was the center of Jewish life for many in their community, including Eric, who developed his mother’s dedication to serving others. As his brother Ken recalled fondly, Eric was a very special human being who sought out deeply personal ways serving others. Ken would know. Save for the years while Eric was in college… Read More

Siesel Maibach may still have a slight Southern accent from her childhood in Louisiana, but don’t let that fool you—she’s been in the Bay Area for many years. A successful art consultant for decades, you can view a sample of her work at JFCS’ assisted living community, Rhoda Goldman Plaza, where she placed 350 pieces of beautiful art. Siesel has served JFCS in a multitude of vital capacities over the past 40 years. As Board President in the 1980s, her leadership stewarded JFCS through challenging times. A longtime member of JFCS’ Endowment Committee, she has made an estate gift… Read More