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When Manny Kagan and his family stepped off the plane to start their new life in the United States, he knew from his first day in San Francisco that he was in a town like no other. In the years that have followed Manny has become a successful businessman, a well-loved philanthropist, and a talented photographer. A long-time member of JFCS’ Emigre Committee, Manny has been an instrumental supporter and voice for the thousands of immigrants from the former Soviet Union who were helped by JFCS to start new lives in California over the past forty years.
Elfa and Manny Kagan with their daughter, Alona
A Life Purpose to Serve Others
Growing up in Riga, Latvia a part of the former Soviet Union, Manny’s father kept the Jewish traditions alive by celebrating holidays with his family in secret. As a young professional with a degree in engineering, Manny immigrated to Israel with his wife, her mother, and their young daughter, before heading to San Francisco eight years later.
A JFCS volunteer and supporter for over two decades, Manny continues to sing the praises of the agency everywhere he goes and is actively involved in the annual Emigre Community Gala, which raises funds for causes he cares deeply about—emergency services for families in crisis, care for the elderly, youth scholarships, and Israeli Lone Soldiers. He says he has appreciation for the organization since it helps so many and does so much good.
“JFCS helps a lot of community members, and I always try to make the connection with people that the benefits and services they receive from JFCS are only made possible by people who give,” says Manny.
Sharing Gratitude One Picture at a Time
Giving is something that Manny knows a lot about. Although Manny and his wife, Elfa, have been happily married for almost 50 years, and raised two daughters, he says, “Thirty-five years ago I fell in love—with the city.” Manny has recently published a book called 42 Encounters in San Francisco. It’s Manny’s love letter to the city he calls home.
Manny has previously authored a number of books, two that detail his colorful life journey and secrets to his mortgage brokerage business success, and a photography book on his travels to Cuba, but this is his first book about San Francisco. Manny calls it 42 Encounters because, “For me, the word ‘encounter’ has a deeper meaning than just a chance meeting. An encounter is a choice … you can choose to connect with this person in front of you and create a relationship or not.”
His images are of the city’s distinctive residents, enhanced with personal reflections, fascinating bits of San Francisco history, and clever trivia, giving it a distinctive voice.
Manny takes his cameras with him everywhere he goes and says, “Throughout the day we have many opportunities to encounter new people. My camera helps me interact and have new and interesting experiences which continue to intrigue me.”
Manny’s goal is to make people feel good, whether it is by helping others through his business, supporting his community through his work at JFCS, or by creating images and stories that make people smile and laugh. As he says, “It’s really our life’s purpose to serve others.”
Manny will generously donate 20% of his book’s proceeds to JFCS in order to support vital programs and services. You can find 42 Encounters in San Francisco on Amazon.com >
Manny posts new writing and photography each Friday on his website and sends a weekly email called Shabbat Musings. You can find them here>