From the JFest Board President

Dear JFest Friends and Family,

WELCOME to the 2026 season of incredible JFest shows! This is a truly exciting time for JFest because after more than three decades of bringing Jewish arts and culture to San Diego, JFest is stepping into a new chapter. This season marks our first full year as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This is an important milestone that allows us to deepen our organizational roots and expand our artistic reach across the region. 33 years ago what began as a single day of programming has grown into a vibrant, multi-week festival and an emerging year-round hub for Jewish creativity, storytelling, and connection. At its heart, JFest remains a welcoming space to experience work that is unapologetically Jewish while inviting people of all backgrounds to share in its energy and meaning.

Our mission and core values—excellence, access, empowerment, recognition, innovation, and celebration—guide everything we do, from the artists we support to the communities with which we engage. This work is only possible because of a remarkable network of people who believe in the power of the arts to bring us together: the artists who lay bare their voices and visions, the staff whose dedication brings each program to life, the partners who open doors to new audiences, the donors whose generosity sustains and grows our efforts, and you—our audience—whose presence, curiosity, and enthusiasm make this community so vibrant. Thank you for being part of JFest’s continued journey. I will “see you at the theater” and look forward to sharing our excitement with you.