About Us
Mount Zion Health Fund (MZHF), a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation Bay Area traces its origins to the founding of Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco at the end of the 19th century. Established to serve the Jewish and broader communities, Mount Zion Hospital was one of the eight original members of the Federation of Jewish Charities of San Francisco (the present-day Jewish Federation Bay Area).
Century in the Making
guided by the values, culture, and traditions of its founders
Over the course of almost a century, the hospital was guided by the values, culture, and traditions of its founders, with the support of engaged community leaders. Changes in the healthcare landscape which led many Jewish hospitals to integrate with other healthcare systems provided an impetus for Mount Zion Hospital’s 1990 merger with UCSF Medical Center. The merger led directly to the establishment of Mount Zion Health Systems, Inc., later renamed Mount Zion Health Fund.
In 2005, MZHF became a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. In this capacity, MZHF currently manages approximately 30 trust and special funds, upholding the legacy of Mount Zion Hospital.
Mission
Mount Zion Health Fund reflects the Jewish values and legacy of Mount Zion Hospital by supporting programs and research that improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of vulnerable populations in San Francisco.
Commitment
Mount Zion Health Fund is committed to advancing the health of the underserved who have limited access to quality health services because of inability to pay, health status, race, religion, language, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Values
Mount Zion Health Fund’s grantmaking is guided by six core Jewish values that are rooted in the history of Mount Zion Hospital and that continue to thrive at the UCSF Mount Zion Campus to this day.
Service
Avodah
MZHF supports organizations and projects that serve society by addressing community health needs.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Tikkun Olam
MZHF supports organizations and projects that seek to correct imbalances, inequities, and injustices in health and healthcare.
Community Building
Kehilah
MZHF supports organizations and projects that build community on the UCSF Mount Zion Campus and across San Francisco.
Education and Leadership
Limud u’Manhigut
MZHF supports educational opportunities that empower the next generation of health leaders at UCSF Mount Zion and across San Francisco.
Innovation
Hidush
MZHF supports pioneering clinical, research, and educational programs that advance new standards of prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of illness as well as the promotion of health and wellbeing.
Compassion
Rahamim
MZHF supports organizations and projects that demonstrate and promote compassionate delivery of care.
MOUNT ZION HEALTH FUND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026
OFFICERS and EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Karen Aidem Maring – President
- Laiah Idelson – Vice President
- Sue Rushakoff – Secretary
- Kalah Espinoza – Treasurer
- Mike Rabow – UCSF
- Ted Storey – Past President
FEDERATION DIRECTORS
- Karen Aidem Maring
- Warren Braunig
- Steven Dinkelspiel
- Kalah Espinoza
- Laiah Idelson
- Evan Loevner
- Liz Ross
- Sue Rushakoff
- Howard Steiermann
- Ted Storey
- Narda Skov
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
- Julia Adler-Milstein
- Megan Bontempo
- Mike Rabow
- Fiona Wilson
- Judy Young
UCSF DIRECTORS
- Mitchell Feldman
- Michelle Guy
- Leah Karliner
- Catherine Park
MZHF STAFF
- Elyse Kaye – Executive Director
- Keli Honsberger – Grants Associate