Our History

Over 80 Years of Caring And Counting

Our doors opened in 1944 to care for 10 Jewish seniors. Today, our community is home to nearly 250 residents.

Our Founders 

San Diego Hebrew Homes originated as a small Home caring for 10 Jewish seniors.

1944

Residential Care Facility

First Residential Care facility on 54th Street. Home to 30 seniors.

1955

New Skilled Nursing

New Skilled Nursing unit at 54th Street accommodates 27 seniors.

1961

Skilled Nursing Expansion

Skilled Nursing expands by 15 additional beds.

1969

More Skilled Nursing

Skilled Nursing adds 30 beds, increases total to 72 beds.

1978

Encinitas Property Purchased

Ten acre site purchased in Encinitas.

1982
Lee-Frank Goldburg Building

Lee & Frank Goldberg Court Opens

Seacrest Village at Encinitas introduces The Garden Court, with 98 Independent Living apartments, now known as Lee & Frank Goldberg Court.

1989

Skilled Nursing Center

Joseph & Dorothy Goldberg Healthcare Center opens at Encinitas with 58 skilled nursing beds.

1990
Sam Rose Stein Day Care Center

Sam & Rose Stein Day Care Center opens.

Sam & Rose Stein Day Care Center opens.

1991

Expansion to Rancho Bernardo

Purchase of Seacrest Village at Rancho Bernardo, 60 units of Independent Living.

1996
Administration Building

Administration Building Opens

New Bernard & Dorris Lipinsky Administration Building at Encinitas opens.

1997

Assisted Living Residence

Encinitas Campus adds Leichtag Family Assisted Living Residence to accommodate 49 seniors.

1998

Mel’s Place Opens

Mel’s Place Coffeehouse opens.

1998

Campus Renaming

Seacrest Village at Encinitas is named The Leichtag Foundation Campus.

2004
Katzin - Memory Care Building

Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Opens

The Katzin Residence opens, with 26 units of Alzheimer’s/memory support care.

2007

Encinitas Campus Expands

Encinitas Campus addition of 30 new apartments to the Lee & Frank Goldberg Residence Court.

2011

Synagogue, Aquatics and Fitness Center Open

The Ottenstein Vitality Center opens, including the Ellen & Ingram Chodorow Synagogue and Esther & Bud Fischer Aquatics and Fitness Center.

2011

New Dining Room Opens

Two new units are added to the Leichtag Family Assisted Living Residence. A larger, remodeled dining room is opened.

2012

Celebrating 80 Years

80th Year Gala celebrating eight decades of caring for seniors in the San Diego area.

2023

About Our Founders

Original Founders

What began as a mere social gathering, The Jolly 16 swiftly transformed into a devoted community service organization. Their impact on the Jewish community in San Diego was profound, marked by a rich history of aiding the less fortunate, assisting newcomers in settling, and providing clothing for children in need. Their compassion extended to supporting Jewish individuals fleeing perilous situations in Eastern Europe, who found themselves stranded in Tijuana, yearning to cross the border.

Regular meetings convened in the 1920s and 30s allowed them to address pressing issues. During one such meeting, the group decided it was time to establish a residence for the elderly. Witnessing their own community's grandparents placed in dismal convalescent homes, often unwelcoming to Jews, spurred them into action. These 16 resilient women aspired to create a haven for the most vulnerable members of their community.

Their vision was simple yet profound: a place where the elderly could come together for Shabbos celebrations, savor kosher meals, bask in comfort, and even partake in Synagogue services. Their determination led them to commit $500 each to start their dream. They raised funds by selling a variety of items, including Puff Pastries, Doll Clothes, Wax Candles, and Gingered Orange Peel.

This unwavering group of Jewish women managed to accumulate $8,000, a considerable sum at the time. However, it was insufficient, prompting them to seek support from prominent individuals in their community. In 1944, they purchased a two-story home on 4th Avenue, meticulously remodeled it, and inaugurated the San Diego Hebrew Home for the Aged, initially with 10 beds.

Over the years, this remarkable institution has journeyed from its humble 4th Avenue beginnings to its current vibrant and bustling community in Encinitas California, where, for 80 years, our doors have remained open without interruption, a testament to their enduring dedication.