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Lisa Edelstein

Lisa Edelstein is an actress, writer, director and producer best known for her work in such critically acclaimed series as “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce,” “House,” and most recently, Golden Globe-winner “The Kominsky Method.” She’s enjoyed portraying indelible characters over the years, ranging from George’s risotto-loving girlfriend on “Seinfeld” to Ben Stiller’s nightmare date in the film “Keeping the Faith.” She’s also played memorable roles in such hit shows as “The Good Wife,” “The West Wing” and “Ally McBeal.”

Edelstein’s speech, "To Be A Jew," covers a wide range of topics, from anti-Semitism to Ethel Merman, in a rollicking and sometimes emotional telling of her experiences of living life while simultaneously being Jewish. She credits being raised in a Conservative Jewish home as being the seed to her passion, not just for empathy, but for activism. She put that activism to work after studying at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, when Edelstein wrote, composed and performed in the musical “Positive Me,” which was one of the first productions to address the devastating AIDS health crisis.

Edelstein now resides in California with her husband, two step-sons and a trio of dogs. As a family, they have found a way to practice Judaism that centers around ritual with an emphasis on social justice.

Healing a Traumatized Nation and its People

Healing a Traumatized Nation and its People

Since the barbaric attacks of October 7, providing mental health services and rebuilding individual, communal and national resilience have been priorities.

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Bringing Israelis Together

Bringing Israelis Together

Demonstrating the power of connection, Federation’s longtime partnership city of Yerucham recently hosted a visit from residents of Kibbutz Or HaNer, a community on the Gaza border hit hard on October 7.

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Subscribe to PJ Library for Free Books


Subscribe to PJ Library for Free Books


With a free subscription to PJ Library, children from birth to eight years old receive Jewish storybooks and activities that spark conversations around Judaism and inspire the whole family to celebrate what they love about Jewish life.

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Nominate an Outstanding Teen

Nominate an Outstanding Teen

Do you know an extraordinary Jewish teen who is a true changemaker? Each year, the Helen Diller Family Foundation awards 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 in recognition of their exceptional leadership and engagement in service projects that embody the value of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

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