By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
SAN DIEGO — Rabbi Chaim Hollander, spiritual leader of Young Israel of San Diego, proclaims, “We can never be satisfied with our accomplishments and rest on our laurels. We must constantly strive to move forward.”
When in 1988 three families in the Del Cerro – San Carlos neighborhoods of San Diego sat together and wondered what it would take to create a synagogue close to their homes, did they ever imagine that in one December evening in 2017, that synagogue would raise $30,000?
With the excitement surrounding this financial achievement, Young Israel will involve current members as well as open the door for greater community participation in more frequent classes and learning opportunities with national level inspiring guest speakers, “kiruv” or outreach programming for those interested in learning more about Judaism, Shabbat and other festive meals for members and guests, sponsoring more health, nutrition and fitness-focused learning activities, provide innovative science-backed parent-child and family development opportunities, offer specialized programming for Jewish singles, and focus on securing Young Israel’s anchor location in the San Carlos-Del Cerro neighborhood.
Did the Ziff, Sherman and Tehrani families know that nearly 30 years later the flame they lit under the successive guidance of Rabbis Breitowitz, Korobkin, Snyder and currently Rabbi Hollander, would continue to burn most brightly at 7291 Navajo Road in the beautiful eastern San Diego community of San Carlos?
Could they ever envision weekly classes, daily services, holiday celebrations, life cycle events and special occasions being supported by a warm, vibrant, faithful, supportive, caring membership of families and singles from all backgrounds and levels of Jewish observance under the Young Israel of San Diego banner?
Of course they did. They were, along with many other families including the Sonabend’s, Kugler’s, Magen’s, Winter’s, Feinswog’s, Weiss’s, Balarsky’s, Wachtel’s, and Goodwins, after all, visionaries. Their goal? Simple. They set out to provide many with the opportunity to fulfill their spiritual needs to come closer to the service of G-d, with engaging prayer services and cultural, social and communal activities, all while perpetuating Torah-true Judaism.
With the leadership of Robert Sigal and his wife, Claire, along with a team of 15 members, Young Israel of San Diego embarked on the $30,000 matching fund campaign over Super Tuesday, December 26th. With the help of GiveButter.com, contributors from all over San Diego, the United States, Europe and Israel, were contacted with appeals to support Young Israel of San Diego’s efforts to help families and singles grow closer to Torah.
The synagogue, tucked next to to Cowles Mountain, San Diego’s tallest feature, offers worshipers an added inspiration not found in many synagogues, a view of the 1,593 -foot summit during services.
Many members enjoy the hiking, outdoor-workouts, wildlife and 360-degree vistas of San Diego County this highest point in San Diego provides.
Each week Young Israel provides home hospitality to visitors interested in a visit to San Diego, to those interested in considering moving into the warm, family-oriented and immaculate single-family and condo filled neighborhood, or who simply want to spend a Shabbat enveloped in an open, accepting, spiritually stirring and enjoyable congregation.
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Michael Mantell, PhD based in San Diego, provides coaching to business leaders, athletes, individuals and families to reach breakthrough levels of success and significance in their professional and personal lives. Mantell may be contacted via michael.mantell@sdjewishworld.com