Gideon Bernstein, CFA, CAP®, is a distinguished financial advisor, author, and philanthropic leader based in Orange County, California. As a Principal and Chief Investment Officer atLeisure Capital Management, he has spent decades providing trusted wealth management and investment expertise to affluent families, focusing not just on growing assets, but on harnessing wealth for significant positive impact. His career is uniquely defined by the fusion of financial acumen and a profound commitment to charitable giving, ensuring his clients achieve both financial security and their deepest philanthropic missions.
Gideon's dedication to community service is exemplified by his extensive involvement with the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County (JCFOC), where he served with distinction as the Chairman of the Board (2004-2024) and Vice President of Investments. Under his leadership, JCFOC has excelled in its mission to guarantee a Jewish tomorrow by fostering a culture of legacy and empowering meaningful giving through permanent endowments and strategic grants. He holds the prestigious Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation, showcasing his specialized expertise in guiding families and private foundations through complex charitable planning.
His belief that giving is the key to happiness is the central theme of his acclaimed book, Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist, and its companion, The Workbook for Giving. This work inspires people of all wealth levels to become intentional philanthropists by exploring the emotional, spiritual, and financial aspects of giving. His personal journey into intentional philanthropy deepened following the devastating loss of his son, which inspired the creation of the #BlazeItForward movement, encouraging widespread acts of intentional kindness and memorializing his son’s generous spirit.
Through his dual roles at Leisure Capital Management and JCFOC, Gideon Bernstein advocates for a disciplined, holistic, and tax-aware approach to managing wealth. He champions the use of vehicles like Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and legacy planning to create a multi-generational impact. Gideon is a sought-after voice on financial markets and philanthropy, committed to helping families articulate their values and translate their generosity into an enduring legacy that benefits the local community, Israel, and global Jewry.
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