JFS BlogThe David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship Celebrates 18 Years at JFS
January 14, 2026
2026 marks a proud milestone for our David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship program—18 years of transforming Jewish students’ lives through education. What began as a vision to support talented and deserving students has grown into a lasting legacy of opportunity, resilience, and hope.
For nearly two decades, the Scholarship has stood for more than financial assistance. It has served as an important reminder that potential should never be limited by circumstance, and that education remains one of the most powerful tools for individual and societal change.
Opening Doors to Higher Education
Longtime JFS supporters, Dr. Bob Rubenstein and Marie Raftery, have often said that one of their most rewarding contributions has been the creation and management of the David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship at Jewish Family Service. Named in honor of Dr. Bob’s son, David, the Scholarship seeks to encourage young people to maintain intellectual curiosity, reflect on their Jewish values, and give back to the community.
“The Scholarship is important because it calls for determination, dependability, and a sense of community.”
– Dr. Bob Rubenstein
“We believe in our Jewish students and are proud to support them on their journey as they strive toward their educational goals. It is deeply rewarding to watch them grow into thriving members of our community.”
– Marie Raftery
Awards granted to students in San Diego’s Jewish Community help to offset financial barriers in college or vocational school. Many of the recipients are college and graduate students needing help with basic expenses like tuition, room and board, books, school fees, and supplies. They also need the support of their Jewish community as they face increased acts of antisemitism in their schools and neighborhoods.
The task of deciding who receives the scholarship every year falls to the JFS Scholarship Committee. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need. Since 2009, the program has awarded 320 scholarships ranging from $2,500-$10,000 to 183 students. Recipients have gone on to study at more than 30 different universities and trade schools—each on a unique path, but all connected by this community’s belief in them.
Empowering Jewish Students
Every December, Scholarship recipients are invited to a Brunch at the Westgate Hotel celebrating their accomplishments and sharing their progress with fellow recipients, committee members, and Scholarship donors. It’s a great opportunity for students to network and connect directly with their Jewish community. Here’s what some of this year’s recipients shared with us:
“I am a student at Cal State San Marcos, currently working on my Master’s Degree in social work. The Scholarship allows me to afford food, rent, all the basic expenses including gas to get to my internship and really focus on my education. This support helps me focus on becoming the best social worker I can be and gaining the experience I need to become a strong provider. After graduation I plan on working as a full-time therapist in the Jewish community.”
– Nikki
“I go to the University of California, Santa Barbara where I am a graduate student in the Environmental Science & Management program. I’m really excited to bring the information that I’ve learned from my graduate program back to my hometown of San Diego to teach people how to make their programs more inclusive and environmentally friendly. The Scholarship has made it possible for me to focus on my studies without having to take out more loans. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
– Nadav
“I am working on my Master’s Degree in social work at Seattle University. Since my dad passed away five years ago from an aggressive cancer, it’s been a struggle financially for my mom, brother, and I. The Rubenstein Scholarship has allowed me to work part-time instead of full-time, leaving more time for studying and building community in my new home (Seattle). I look forward to becoming a social worker and helping people achieve their goals and dreams and leading with empathy and compassion like I’ve learned from my Jewish upbringing.”
‒ Shayna
Celebrating Impact
Eighteen years is a testament to consistency, trust, and shared belief in the power of education. This scholarship is more than a program—it is a movement that proves when opportunity meets determination, extraordinary things happen. Our Scholarship recipients have gone on to become shining lights around the globe. Here are just a few of their stories…
“I would not have been able to acquire a graduate degree debt-free without the Rubenstein Scholarship. With this support, I earned a Master’s in International Affairs at UC San Diego, which has helped me greatly in advancing my career. Now I’m working as Director of Programming in Oxford, England.”
– Jeremy
“The Scholarship played a crucial role in my journey to becoming a mental health therapist—which I am now doing! The financial support along with the encouragement of the JFS community, gave me the confidence to excel academically. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of San Diego’s Jewish community.”
– Hannah
“With the Scholarship, I was able to pursue a Master’s Degree in Psychology at Touro University. Now I work at Friendship Circle of San Diego helping Jewish teens and community members with special needs build lasting friendships.”
– Shaindle
“Having the support of the Jewish community through the Rubenstein Scholarship helped me afford tuition at UC Berkeley and inspired me to stay engaged in Jewish community work. Now I work as a program manager at HIAS Europe. I am proud to be able to pay forward the support that was given to me.”
– Liora
Funding the Future
While we celebrate our past accomplishments, our focus remains firmly on the future. The need for educational support in our community continues to grow, and so does our commitment to expanding opportunities for deserving students. This Scholarship is our belief that the Jewish community’s greatest strength is in a better tomorrow.
The David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship is funded by Dr. Bob Rubenstein and Marie Raftery, a very generous and long-time anonymous donor, as well as several community donors who find joy in being able to light the way for the next generation. If you’d like to support the David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship program, click here ».
Applications for the 2026/2027 school year will open on Friday, January 30.
For more information, click here »
Share this opportunity with a Jewish student in your life!
Here’s to the next generation of Jewish dreamers, achievers, and changemakers! JFS is honored to be part of their success.
