By 
After the devastating attacks of October 7, 2023, the communities of Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister region on the Gaza border, were left facing unimaginable trauma. Homes were destroyed, 80 lives were lost, 23 taken hostage, and nearly 10,000 people were displaced. Amid this heartbreak, Jewish Federation of San Diego is helping lead a powerful response rooted in healing, creativity, and resilience: the revitalization of Beit Melachah.
Beit Melachah, or “House of Making,” was originally founded by Livnat Kutz z”l, a beloved artist and educator who believed deeply in the restorative power of art. Livnat and her family were tragically murdered in the attacks, and her legacy has inspired the vision for a renewed and expanded Beit Melachah: a permanent center for arts and therapy at the heart of Sha’ar HaNegev.
Jewish Federation of San Diego, in collaboration with the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, is bringing this vision to life. The expanded Beit Melachah will be a sanctuary where individuals and families can process grief, rediscover connections, and rebuild through creativity and community. It will provide a safe and welcoming space on the educational campus where healing is not just possible but encouraged and nurtured. It will serve thousands of students per year.
The center will feature therapeutic and creative spaces that meet the emotional and developmental needs of people of all ages. These include creative learning spaces, a therapeutic kitchen, ceramic and carpentry workshops, and a science and innovation center. Safe rooms are integrated throughout, offering both physical protection and a sense of security essential for recovery.
This project reflects a deep commitment to honoring Livnat’s legacy and addressing the long-term needs of a community that is returning home after immense loss. Since the attacks, temporary versions of Beit Melachah have helped displaced residents engage in creative therapy while living in evacuation centers. The new, permanent center will offer a sustainable model for healing that will serve Sha’ar HaNegev for generations to come.
Jewish Federation of San Diego is proud to be at the forefront of this effort. Our close connection to Sha’ar HaNegev—a longstanding partnership forged over years of collaboration—makes this project especially personal. We are working hand in hand with Israeli leaders and organizations to ensure Beit Melachah reflects the true needs of the community and provides a place for dignity, expression, and growth.
Beit Melachah stands as a symbol of what it means to rebuild with compassion. It shows that out of darkness, creativity can still flourish; that through art, people can reclaim a sense of agency and wholeness; and that the power of community, both locally and globally, can light the path forward.
To learn more about Beit Melachah, visit www.jewishinsandiego.org/supportshaarhanegev or reach out to Jewish Federation of San Diego.
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