SAN DIEGO — The Jewish Federation of San Diego and the regional chapter of the American Jewish Committee have released a video about the Feb. 4 “Standing Together” symposium on antisemitism that will bring AJC’s executive director, former Congressman Ted Deutch, and the former head of the national Anti-Defamation League, Abe Foxman, to San Diego. It may be found above.
I. Gerry Burstain, the Israeli-born former president of Ner Tamid Synagogue, was in San Diego for a short visit over the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial holiday. Now living in Austin, Texas, he flew into Los Angeles for a relative’s funeral, then came down to San Diego to visit other family members. At Hamitbach, the kosher Israeli restaurant on Mission Center Road, he renewed acquaintances with Ner Tamid congregant Jerry Markus, before flying back to the Lone Star State.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue conducts a blood drive for Israel from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28, in its social hall at 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd. According to an announcement the blood will be connected by the San Diego Blood Bank on behalf of Magen David Adom. “As the war continues, so do the needs,” a spokesperson commented. “Giving blood is a quick and easy way to offer the gift of a life-saving necessity. All donations from this blood drive will be earmarked for use in Israel. When needed, the blood will be sent to Israel to help keep up with their needs during this crisis.” To make an appointment, click here. For answers to frequently asked questions about donating blood, click here.
–OBITUARY NOTICES–
Sarah Schaffer Cooper posted on her Facebook page sad news about her father, Dan Schaffer, z’l, who was a columnist for the now defunct San Diego Jewish Times, a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria, and a long-time history teacher at Santana High School and West Hills High School, both in Santee. Sarah’s FB post read: “Hi friends, I wanted to let you know that my dad, Dan Schaffer, passed away on Saturday night [January 13] at 87 years old. His last days were very peaceful, and the care through hospice and his assisted living facility in San Gabriel was kind and compassionate to the end. I played him a lot of music from my phone during our last few visits, which has always been a way we connected – everything from “It’s Been a Long, Long Time” to “How Deep Is the Ocean?” to “Sunrise, Sunset.” He was a teacher, writer, father, husband, musician, advocate of Jewish causes, connector of family, and much more. (This photo is from one of the many L.A. family gatherings he loved attending over the years.) In our past year and a half of weekly visits, I realized more than I ever had how much of him is in me, and I’m grateful we had that time together. I’m sure I’ll write more about him in the months and years to come. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, Dad.” The photo shows Dan, Sara, and Jane Schaffer, Dan’s wife, who predeceased him in 2010.
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Ruth Seligmann, a long-time member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue and a past member of its Sisterhood, died peacefully Sunday, January 14, Rabbi Mathew Marko reported. She is survived by her son Steve, daughter Carol, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her husband, Justin Seligmann, a former president of their Conservative congregation, predeceased her. Funeral services for Ruth will be conducted at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego.
SDJW staff report