AI Youth Fund

The Anshei Isaiah Youth Fund (AIYF), formed in 2006, is a beneficiary fund for Temple Isaiah teenagers.

With funding culled from AI membership dues, fundraising events, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants, the AIYF serves temple youth in two ways: by providing individual scholarships and overall subsidies. Scholarships are given to young adults who otherwise would not be able to afford major youth trips and events, such as NFTY (National Federation for Temple Youth) Leadership Weekends, the 10th grade trip to the Religious Action Center in Washington, D.C., or summer trips to Israel. Scholarships are distributed at the sole discretion of the Rabbis and Youth Director, and the names of students receiving financial aid through the scholarship fund are kept strictly confidential.

The AIYF works to lower the overall cost of youth events for all families, allowing more teens to participate in these important programs. For example, AIYF monies may pay for the buses that transport kids to and from an event or cover the cost of food.

The AIYF’s scholarships and subsidies have a lasting impact. Far from being soon forgotten, youth programs and trips are remembered and valued by Jewish teens and have a profound impact on their lives. Says former Anshei Isaiah president Alan Jacobson, “Most of the board had children who’d gone through Isaiah’s youth program, and we saw first-hand what a difference it made. It solidified their Jewish identity, and a lot of those kids went on to become leaders.”

For more information or to make a contribution, please contact the Temple Office at (925) 283-8575 or give online through your Temple account.