COVER STORYOctober 2024

A Decade of L’CHAIM

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Ten years ago this month, we published the first issue of L’CHAIM Magazine. As we mark this significant milestone, we are filled with gratitude for what we have accomplished and grateful for the support of the San Diego Jewish community,

L’CHAIM was founded with the intention of fostering a sense of belonging and engagement, by bringing stories of San Diego Jewish life to the forefront. With thoughtful stories and columns over the last 10 years, we’ve sought to bridge generational gaps within the community, offering content that resonates with both younger and older readers. Our focus on arts and entertainment stories has been intentional, as have the art, design and layout of individual pieces and full issues—highlighting the great arts culture in our city.

Each piece contributed to a collective dialogue that celebrates the beauty of expression. We’ve explored myriad themes—identity, resilience, love, and the complexities of modern Jewish life. L’CHAIM is also a Jewish publication owned by women, telling Jewish stories in a time where both these experiences are under attack.

Post October 7, we felt a duty to continue sharing as many Jewish stories as possible between cover pages to promote understanding, unity, and pride in Jewish heritage. As female founders, we hope our work is able to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.

A decade is both a blink of an eye and a monumental journey. The first issue we printed felt like taking a leap of faith, but the support we received from our readers and community partners ignited our commitment to the work. Over the years, we’ve been privileged to showcase the work of local writers and international authors. Through these diverse perspectives, our magazine pages have been filled with unique pieces that both entertain and enlighten.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our time working on this magazine has been the relationships we’ve built. Our readers, writers, and collaborators have formed a vibrant community that fuels our work. We are grateful for the special position we hold in the Jewish community; sharing news of San Diego and Israel, which has allowed us to engage in Jewish learning alongside our readers. Our cache of talented writers have become close friends, whose feedback, encouragement and stories have been invaluable over the years.

As we celebrate this milestone of 10 years in publishing, we also look forward to the future. We’re excited to continue our support of the community in which we live, work and play. Our commitment to inclusivity and innovation will remain at the forefront of this work, as well as our steadfast commitment to supporting the land of Israel.

To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. Here’s to the stories yet to be told and the adventures that await us in the years to come.

L’CHAIM to 10 years and many more to come!

More from L’CHAIM Contributors:

“I’ve reaped a decade of light and laughter through writing monthly humor columns for this wonderful magazine—and along with all the Mishagoss, there’s been a ton of Mazel too! Happy 10th Anniversary, L’Chaim!” —Stephanie Lewis

“Writing continues to be an incredible journey. I’m  honored to have interviewed so many interesting, vital and intelligent people with a passion for what they do.   Connecting with charitable groups in the community, each day provides enlightenment and education. Next stop, a book!” —Deborah Vietor

“As the publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World, I am pleased to offer the heartiest mazal tov to the L’CHAIM publishing team and its staff on achieving 10 years of successful publication of a valuable monthly magazine focusing, as we do, on Jewish news and features. In a world where there is so much antisemitism and with a mainstream media that is sometimes infected by such antisemitism, it is necessary for the Jewish people to have their own outlets so that our people can define themselves rather than being defined by hostile others. Discerning San Diego readers have been enriched over the last decade by L’Chaim Magazine, and I am very proud of our two organizations’ informal association.  Hazak! Hazak!” —Donald H. Harrison

“Mazel Tov to L’CHAIM on its 10th anniversary! The publishers, editor, and the whole staff can be justifiably proud of the positive contribution they have made to Jewish life and culture in San Diego. Especially noteworthy is your regular feature, “Test Your Jewish IQ.” Many of my friends agree that is the first page we turn to when we get our new issues. Keep up the good work!” —Franklin Felber

 

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