Welcoming all 20- and 30-somethings who came from the former Soviet Union, the Jewish Community Federation's Russian Division Speaker Series brings together Russian-Jewish young adults with prominent Jewish leaders.

Want to meet the best entrepreneurs, artists, politicians, and educators our area has to offer? Want to know how they made it to the top? How they connect to the Jewish community? Want to connect meaningfully with each other? Join us as we get together for an unforgettable evening with a dynamic speaker.

Interested in learning more or getting involved? Check out the Russian Division’s calendar of upcoming events. Email russiandivision@sfjcf.org or call 415.512.6248. For more events of interest to adults, please also visit the Young Adults Division.

Young Adults Speaker Series making news

Featured on Friday December 1, 2006, in the Jewish News Weekly of Northern California
Social networking, leadership programs reach out to Russian émigrés Even as adults, and even if they've been here for years, many Bay Area Russian-Jewish émigrés never feel truly "Americanized." Nor are they necessarily hooked into the local Jewish community. more...

Past Young Adults Speaker Series events

An Evening with Kira Soltanovich

On March 19, 2006, the Russian Division’s Young Adult Speaker Series hosted an event with comedienne Kira Soltanovich. Over 80 people came together at San Francisco’s The Cellar nightclub to share our common heritage, laugh, enjoy the food, and mingle with fellow Jews born in the Former Soviet Union... Learn more and see photos

The California Israel Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala

The California Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC) held its International Partnership Award Gala on November 10, 2005. The CICC President, Zvi Alon, was the Russian Division’s young adult speaker in October and developed a close connection to this group of aspiring business men and women. A group of 20-something Russian Jewish entrepreneurs received special seats for the Gala from Zvi himself.... See photo

An Evening with Zvi Alon, President and CEO of NetManage Inc.

On October 23, 2005, a group of young adult Russian Jews, all up and coming entrepreneurs in some way, had the pleasure of meeting with NetManage President and CEO Zvi Alon. Zvi shared his life story with us, demonstrating that hard work and smart decisions can lead to immense success.... Learn more and see photos

An Evening with Omer Caspi, Deputy Consul General of Israel

On July 24, 2005, the Russian Division’s RYAD Speaker Series met for the second time as Omer Caspi, Deputy Council General, spoke on the situation in Israel. The event was attended by eighteen Russian-Jewish-Americans in their 20s and 30s.... Learn more and see photos

An Evening with David Blumberg, Managing Partner of Blumberg Capital

On May 19, 2005, a group of Russian-Jewish young adults joined David as he spoke eloquently about intertwining his business success with Jewish involvement. His passion for the Jewish community and Israel was infectious.... Learn more and see photos