As part of a series of Courage Shabbats highlighting our congregational values, special guest speaker, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu will discuss his efforts defending civil rights and upholding democratic values during the Trump administration’s first 100 days in office. Attorney Chiu and his team have filed multiple briefs and signed onto several lawsuits opposing Trump’s executive orders that encroach upon the freedoms and liberties of San Francisco’s marginalized communities. Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman Graf, cantorial soloist Simon Barrad and music director Jonathan Dimmock. 

Watch City Attorney David Chiu's Speech

David Chiu is the City Attorney of San Francisco. He is the first Asian American elected to lead the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, recognized as one of the top municipal law offices in the country.  His Office and its 300 legal professionals provide legal counsel to the Mayor, Board of Supervisors and over 100 departments, boards, commissions and offices that comprise the City and County of San Francisco’s government. 

Before becoming City Attorney, David represented the 17th Assembly District, encompassing eastern San Francisco, in the California State Legislature. First elected in 2014, he was re-elected to three more terms in 2016, 2018, and 2020. In his first year, David was appointed to serve as Assistant Speaker pro Tempore. Between 2015 and 2021, David served as Chair of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee. He also served as the Chair of the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus and Policy Chair of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.