Community
Jewish Federation ’ s
OPTIONS
Highlighting Resilience and Leadership
BY ELISSA EINHORN
Closing in on a year
of unprecedented challenges , it seems only fitting that OPTIONS , Jewish Federation of San Diego County ’ s signature fundraiser for women , is celebrating “ Seasons of Strength .”
Stacie Bresler- Reinstein , one of three OPTIONS Committee Co-Chairs , notes that the annual event , this year being held virtually on February 28 , “ is the largest community outreach and fundraising event , where women find inspiration , meaningful connections , and sisterhood .”
And while “ Seasons of Strength ” will highlight how Federation has addressed the challenges of Covid-19 – including raising more than $ 2.3 million for the San Diego Jewish Community Covid-19 Emergency Fund that kept the doors of many Jewish
Rain Pryor organizations opened and people working – it will also introduce the virtual audience of more than 600 participants to local Jewish women who have demonstrated resilience and leadership . Featured speaker Rain Pryor , the multitalented daughter of legendary comedian , Richard Pryor and Jewish dancer Shelley Bonus , will also share her experience as a Jew of Color .
OPTIONS will be the first virtual appearance for Pryor and will reference her onewoman show , “ Fried Chicken and Latkes ” that , for nearly 20 years , has entertained audiences of every hue about the journey of growing up Black and Jewish in 1960s , 1970s and 1980s .
“ This year has challenged us to reflect and see some deep-seeded issues that I have been exploring for years ,” Pryor says . “ Our construct of European , Ashkenazi Judaism is being torn apart in terms of my identity and all sorts of Jews coming to the table .”
24 GBSAN . COM | FEBRUARY 2021