Jordan Marks to Receive the Judge Jacob Weinberger Leadership Award
The San Diego Jewish Bar Association is proud to announce that San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Jordan Marks will be recognized with the Judge Jacob Weinberger Leadership Award at SDJBA's Hanukkah celebration this December.
Named in honor of Judge Jacob Weinberger, a pioneering San Diego Jewish leader who in 1936 brought together thousands of Jewish community members, synagogues, and agencies to form the United Jewish Fund, the forerunner of today's Jewish Federation of San Diego, the award recognizes individuals whose leadership, vision, integrity, and commitment to public service have made a meaningful impact on both the Jewish community and the broader civic community.
Under Judge Weinberger's leadership, the United Jewish Fund mobilized San Diego's Jewish community to assist Jews overseas during the darkest years of the Holocaust. His legacy is one of moral clarity, community unity, and a commitment to standing with the Jewish people in critical moments.
The period following October 7 has required Jewish elected officials and community leaders to navigate extraordinary pressures surrounding Israel, Zionism, and antisemitism. Throughout this period, Jordan has continued to use his position and voice to stand with the Jewish community, speak out against antisemitism, demonstrate his continued support for Israel, and remain engaged even when doing so has not always been easy.
That leadership has been demonstrated through his response to moments of grief and concern within the Jewish community, including bringing elected leaders and community members together at the San Diego County Administration Center for a public Hanukkah menorah lighting following the Bondi Beach tragedy. The gathering provided an opportunity for the community to stand together against antisemitism and demonstrate the importance of showing up for one another.
When concerns arose surrounding San Diego Pride's selection of its festival headliner, Jordan withdrew his office from the parade, prioritizing the safety and dignity of the Jewish community. He has also participated in StandWithUs briefings addressing community security and antisemitic violence and regularly gives presentations recognizing the history and contributions of Jewish Americans during Jewish American Heritage Month.
In each of these moments, Jordan has demonstrated consistency, community leadership, and a willingness to stand visibly with the Jewish community during a particularly challenging period.
SDJBA is proud to recognize Jordan Marks with the Judge Jacob Weinberger Leadership Award for carrying forward a tradition of Jewish civic leadership rooted in community, public service, and the importance of showing up when it matters most.
