Rachel and Jonathan Hoffer have been involved in and supporting the greater Jewish community for decades and have a deep connection to the JCC.

Rachel was born in Worcester, MA and, as the daughter of a JCC executive, lived in multiple communities as her father climbed the JCC corporate ladder. Her family settled in Phoenix when he was named CEO in 1987.  The JCC was their second home and Rachel spent most of her time on the tennis court ultimately becoming the Head Tennis Pro. A native Phoenician, Jonathan spent his formative years living across the street from the old Phoenix JCC.  He started out as a young “gym rat”, evolved to a full-time employee and then to a lay leader.  Rachel and Jonathan met in the summer of 1993 when Rachel was working in the childcare center and Jonathan was working as the program director.  In addition to meeting each other at the J, they also formed lifelong friendships and business relationships there as well.

Rachel began a career in real estate before deciding to focus on raising their children as well as her philanthropic and volunteer leadership positions. She is active in both the Phoenix and global Jewish community, having recently completed her service as the Board Chair for Jewish Agency for Israel – North America, and Board Chair of Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix.  She is currently a board member of Jewish Agency, JAFINA, CJP, JFNA and BBYO. Rachel was Co-Chair of National Young Leadership Cabinet representing JFNA and 350 leaders nationwide and held several other positions within NYL Cabinet. She has chaired and co-chaired various events and campaigns within the Phoenix Jewish Community including the capital campaign for Congregation Beth Tefillah and Violins of Hope, a project of Federation which was one of the largest non-profit collaborative efforts in Arizona. In addition, Rachel has led multiple women’s missions to Israel.

Jonathan also began a career in real estate, before joining SMS Financial, a private equity firm in 1998 where he currently serves as Managing Partner. Jonathan is a past JCC Board Chair, has chaired or co-chaired multiple JCC capital campaigns and the CEO Search Committee.  Outside of the JCC, Jonathan serves on the national JCC Board and previously served on Secure Communities Network Board and locally as an Officer of the Phoenix Federation and Foundation boards.  In those broader community roles, he’s chaired or co-chaired numerous campaigns including the Foundation’s Life & Legacy initiative with his mentor Mark Sklar. Jonathan has also led multiple men’s missions to Israel.  

Together, Rachel and Jonathan co-chaired the JCC Gala honoring Bill Levine, the capital campaign to relocate Pardes to the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus and the Federation (now CJP’s) efforts to launch NowGen. Additionally, they led a mission to Cuba, are Fisher Flight alumni and are spearheading the CJP’s efforts to combat antisemitism. One of the recent projects they are most proud of that honors Rachel’s father, is developing the Martin Pear Israel Fellowship with the national JCC Association to bring 12-15 JCC professionals to Israel annually who then bring their experiences back to their JCC and plan Israel initiatives for their communities.

While Rachel and Jonathan feel immense honor and pride with their community involvement both locally and globally, the most rewarding and important role is as parents to their three daughters, Ilana, Talia and Alexis, who are a constant inspiration in their lives.

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