Compiled by Donald H. Harrison
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Jewish organizations
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A trialogue among representatives of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths will be conducted 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at Temple Adat Shaom, 15905 Pomerado Road, Poway. Host Rabbi David Castiglione will be joined on a panel by Prof. Khaleel Mohammed of San Diego tSate University, and Rev. Glen D. Larsen Jr., the senior minister of the Community Church of Poway. Their topic: how each religion interprets the first two of the Ten Comandments.
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Here’s what Jewish Family Service reports about the people it will honor at its annual fundraiser, to be conducted this year at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 12, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel: “When the effects of the economic crisis hit, longtime San Diegans Esther and Bud Fischer wanted to help, especially struggling military families. Their generosity enabled the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry to greatly increase distribution at Camp Pendleton and Murphy Canyon Military Housing—more than 10,000 bags of food were provided to 1,200 families last year. Along with the expansion of case management and counseling, Esther and Bud have provided a safety net for the brave members of our armed services. … Rebecca McInnis lives by the concept of ‘pay it forward.’ Searching the internet for volunteer opportunities, she was drawn to the JFS Embrace-A-Family Program, which matches families in dire need with donors willing to help ensure a joyous holiday celebration by filling their wish lists. Rebecca mobilized an army of volunteers which in 2010 embraced almost 100 families. She is inspired by the community’s response, especially among children who staged garage sales and did extra chores to donate….Robert Rubenstein inspires others with his compassionate philanthropy. Concerned that families faced a difficult time in paying for higher education, Bob established the Rubenstein Family Scholarship for recent high school graduates of the Jewish community who plan to attend college or vocational school. This program offers financial assistance to be used toward tuition, books, and supplies. More importantly, it ensures that deserving students are able to follow their dreams.”
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The Jewish Community Foundation has six slots available for JCF donors 40 and under at the March 27-29, 2011 Jewish Funders Network International Conference in Philadelphia! The conference brings together hundreds of Jewish philanthropists from across the globe in order to educate, engage and enrich our community’s philanthropic endeavors. In exchange, JCF asks that you the six attendees serve as its representatives at the conference and help plan programs to engage younger funders upon return to San Diego. Just contact the Jewish Community Foundation’s Vice President of Philanthropy, Charlene Seidle by February 15, at Charlene@jcfsandiego.org or (858) 279-2740.
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Larry Acheatel, executive director of San Diego Jewish Academy, says the school which already stretches from Kindergarten through 12th grade, wil add a preschool program this coming fall. “Our objective is to extend the warmth of a child’s home into the classroom and provide a stimulating, active environment that helps children develop… ” he said. Acheatel noted that the addition fills a gap between SDJA’s Beit Yeladim program, which serves students six weeks to 24 months old, and its kindergarten program.
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Audrey Jacobs and Michael Lurie of the San Diego Israel Coalition are recommending that readers mark their calendars: “Congregation Beth Am is hosting three great lectures on Feb 9 (David Horowitz), March 6 (David Brog) and May 11 (Andrea Levin), 2011. All three will share their views on the battle they are engaged in to defend Israel against false accusations aimed at delegitimizing it.
For more information and to RSVP Click http://www.betham.com/content/view/381/37/ “
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Besides the Agency for Jewish Education, what Jewish organization would you imagine would have a natural interest in a program called, “Journey Into the Deep”? You guessed it, our new community mikvah, Waters of Eden. “Journey into the Deep: A Connection Between Music and Spirituality”, will be led from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. by Seth Glass at the all-day Yom Limmud on Sunday, Jan. 30 at the Lawrence Family JCC.
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Chabad of La Costa has an upbeat video on YouTube promoting its Jewish Learning Institute programming:
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Jews in the general community
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Congressman Bob Filner noted that President Barack Obama, in his State of the Union Address, called for an increase in investments in biomedical research, information technology and clean energy. “These are industries where the San Diego region excels. Our technology companies have been on the cutting edge and investing in them will help them grow, innovate and further stimulate our economy.”
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Eric Herschthal covers ballet for New York Jewish Week. An article he wrote attracted the attention of Sheila Orysiek, who covers the dance beat for San Diego Jewish World. Essentially he asks whether ballet is impervious to Jewish themes and concerns? *
Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and other leaders of the Big Bands will be recalled in the San Diego stop of the touring show, “In the Mood,” an homage to the era of Swing. It will be presented at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Balboa Theatre.
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Ian Campbell, general director of the San Diego Opera, is walking around with a smile. He reports “The Saturday, Jan. 29 and Sunday, Feb. 6 performances of Turandot are already sold out!” Tickets are still available for Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 7pm and Friday, Feb. 4 at 8pm. The Viterbi Family is sponsoring this year’s season of opera.
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David Amos is conducting the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra in an all Saint-Saens program at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 1. Selections will include Marche Militaire Francais, the Piano Concerto No. 4 with guest pianist Tatiana Roitman, and Symphony No. 3 for Organ and Orchestra. Purchase tickets online, at the door or phone the office at (619) 697-6001.
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In Memoriam
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Donn Kobernick, a popular San Diego dentist, died in his sleep on a flight home with his wife Zena from a vacation in Asia. He was buried on Wednesday at El Camino Cemetery.
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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World