SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — Here are some dates for upcoming Jewish events in San Diego County that you might want to enter into your calendar books or onto your calendar application on your computer. San Diego Jewish World will update the calendar periodically in this column.
JANUARY
Susan Lapidus, director of the Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative, advises that her organization in cooperation with Tel Aviv University (TAU) will present a Zoom panel discussion “From Pre to Post October 7th: What’s Next for Israel, the Palestinians, and the Middle East.” Panelists, who will speak from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, include Ali al-Awar of the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Planning; Lior Handelman-Baavur, a TAU researcher in Iranian studies; Brandon Friedman, research director at TAU’s Moshe Dayan Center; and Dr. Amos Nadan, the incoming director of the Moshe Dayan Center. One may register via this link.
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A Shabbat Market offering a diverse array of foods, Judaica, challah, table decor and more will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Lawrence Family JCC, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. Register via this link.
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Chabad at La Costa hosts a Tu B’shevat party at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at 1980 La Costa Avenue, with a seder featuring the biblical fruits and vegetables of Israel. Suggested donation is $10.
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Beth Jacob Congregation hosts Rabbi Marc Penner, dean of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University in New York, for a scholar in residence weekend over Shabbat Jan. 26-27. He will deliver a free lecture at a community wide melava malka at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, at 4855 College Avenue, San Diego. To register click here.
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Micah Parzen, CEO of the Museum of Us, is supporting the San Diego Public Library’s efforts to encourage more people to read books. Anyone who shows a library card, with matching photo identification, will be admitted to the museum for free on Saturday, Jan. 27, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. During the first hour of that event, museum goers are invited to “bring a gently used book that deserves a new home and leave with a new-to-you book of your own.” Participants wrap their books and write a brief description of its contents, then “engage in facilitated discussion about your book – while keeping the title a surprise!” They then choose a wrapped book to take home.
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San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera will deliver a speech about the state of his 9th Councilmanic District at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan 27, at Wilson Middle School, 3838 Orange Avenue, San Diego.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego is offering as “a gift to our 4- and 5-year-olds” a free monthly Gesher Le Torah class beginning at 9 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 28, for “any students entering kindergarten in the 2024/2025 school year. “The class will focus on the origins of the Jewish holidays, learn the values and morals of being Jewish, and the love of a Jewish community,” according to the Conservative synagogue’s newsletter. Subsequent class dates for the two-hour class will be Feb. 25, March 24, April 21, and May 19.
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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.
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Bonnie Baron seeks people to join the Drum Circle at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Temple Emanu-El, 6299 Capri Drive, San Diego. She said, “The purpose of a drum circle is to give participants an in-the-moment experience of their own rhythmic spirit and power. … Drumming is for everyone! Come let the vibrations sooth away your stress, massage your muscles and un-clutter your mind. Everyone gets a drum to play, simple instructions are given, and we are off!” Leanne Pearl is the drum leader. A gratuity of $10 per person is requested. Baron may be contacted for more information via her email.
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Gerald Szames, who as a boy hid in graves for two years to hide from the Nazi occupiers of his hometown of Trochenbrod, Poland, will tell his story of survival at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon. The library is the home of the Remember Us the Holocaust exhibit curated by Sandra Scheller.
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Rabbi Sammy Seid of Ner Tamid Synagogue will lead Beit Midrash study sessions beginning Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and every last Tuesday of the month thereafter. “Adults and teens are welcomed to participate,” says a notice from the Conservative synagogue at 12348 Casa Avenida in Poway. “No prerequisite language skill needed. All texts provided in English translation along with the original language.” Students will work with a chevrutah (learning partner). One will be matched to students who don’t have one. To register, contact Rabbi Seid via this email.
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FEBRUARY
A Shabbat celebration for children will be conducted at 5:45 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2, at Temple Adat Shalom, 15905 Pomerado Road, Poway, with the Israeli American Council. There will be an Israeli Sing Along, engaging activities for children and an Israeli meal. Registration must be completed before Jan 31. To register, click here.
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The Jewish Federation of San Diego and the local chapter of the American Jewish Committee will host “Standing Together: A Community Response to Antisemitism” at 9 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 4, at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel.Described as an impactful in-person event aimed at combating antisemitism, the symposium “will serve as a powerful platform to unite our community, foster understanding, and build real-world skills,” according to Sara Brown of the San Diego chapter of the American Jewish Committee and Heidi Gantwerk, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego. “Standing Together” is designed as a day for community learning and action. “Together, we will address rising antisemitism and develop tools to stop its spread. This symposium will bring stakeholder and community members from across San Diego together to understand and implement the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism at the local level. Together, we will explore ways to work as a community, engage in civil discourse, and build bridges for the future.” An opening plenary will feature AJC CEO Ted Deutch and former ADL National Director Abraham Foxman. Thought-provoking breakout workshops led by key thought leaders like Eric K. Ward; and there will be interactive opportunities for dialogue and reflection. Breakout workshops will include: “’Dispute but also Create’: Ending Antisemitism on Campus”; “Building Intergenerational Connections: Talking to the Next Generation About Israel”; “Recognize & Report: Antisemitic Hate Crimes”; and “Combating Misinformation and Disinformation” “By coming together, we can strengthen our bonds, support one another, and create a brighter future,” said the organizers. “Let’s stand together against antisemitism and make a lasting impact on our community!” Space is limited. Register today. Vegetarian box lunch will be served, Glatt Kosher option available. We do not want registration fees to prevent you from attending. Please reach out to sandiego@ajc.org. Ticket $54; Sponsor a Student: $36.
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Three short films made by Israeli filmmakers who have participated in the Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative will be the subject of a 6 p.m. reception, screening at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5, and director talks immediately following. They are White Lie by Eyal Elisha, Letter to a Pig by Tal Kantor, and Requiem for a Whale by Ido Weisman. To reserve free tickets, click here.
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The Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra (TICO) celebrates its 50th anniversary this season. The orchestra started at the old Jewish Community Center on 54th Street and changed its name when it moved its home to the social hall of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd., San Diego. The next program at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 6, will include Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which conductor David Amos points out starts with four g’s and an e flat – which in Morse Code stands for “V” for “victory.” Additionally the orchestra will perform Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins conducted by assistant director Robert Zelickman and conclude with Emek, an Israeli symphonic poem composed by Marc Lavry. An earlier performance of the concert will be given at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 4 at the First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista, 1200 East H. Street.
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Telling the stories of survivors of the Holocaust and of the Oct. 7 massacre in southern Israel is powerful and a necessity, according to the Brunch Club of the Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Federation of San Diego. The brunch at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, at Farmer & the Seahorse, 10996 Torreyanna Road, San Diego, will feature “If You Heard What I Heard,” a nonprofit organization focused on filming the stories of grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. Speakers will include Carolyn Siegel, that organization’s executive director; Sonia Ancoli-Israel, who chaired the committee at Congregation Beth El in charge of creating its Holocaust memorial, and Heidi Gantwerk, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego Tickets are $36 for those who register by Monday, Feb. 5. Here is a link to the registration portal.
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The Women of Beth Israel are hosting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 8, a “Bubbles & Book Swap,” explaining that it is “time to clear out your bookshelves and fill them with new-to-you books. Pass along your well-loved books and find your next favorite titles. … As you sip your bubbly and peruse the stacks, chat with your fellow Women of Beth Israel about their favorites and snack on some desserts.” The event, costing $18 for those who preregister, and $20 at the door is open to persons 21+ who identify as female.”
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Both the Men’s Club and the Sisterhood of Tifereth Israel Synagogue have scheduled trips to the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival on Thursday, Feb. 8. The men plan to watch Israel Swings for Gold at 1 p.m. at the Lawrence Family JCC, while the women plan to celebrate Rosh Chodesh by watching a 7 p.m. performance of Bella! They are inviting the men in their lives to tag along.
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Shayna Kaufmann, a clinical psychologist who founded “Embrace the Middle,” an organization dedicated to women who are middle aged, plans to lead a workshop limited to 12 people from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, at Emerald Village in Vista. The all-day event costs $187. Kaufmann says “This gathering teaches you how to navigate the challenges, celebrate the joys, and find power in midlife. Using a combination of guided and silent meditations, cognitive exercises, music, and movement, we will reveal and map our midlife landscape. By applying gentle presence, illuminating curiosity, and our inner wisdom, we will identify aspects of our lives that are calling for attention and integration.” Here is a link to a registration form.
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Israeli pianist Inon Barnatan and Metropolitan Opera soprano Renée Fleming will perform at the La Jolla Music Society at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14 at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla. The all-new program is based on her Grammy-winning album “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene.” At 6 p.m. on the evening before the concert Fleming will participate in a panel titled “Music and the Mind,” exploring the power of music as it relates to health and the brain. Barnatan serves as the music director for the La Jolla Music Society’s Summerfest.
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Michael Oren, formerly Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, will be the featured speaker at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Stand with Israel luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21. More information from JNF via this email.
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MARCH
Carla Sitton Berg, a Brazilian singer who with a 3-piece band performs songs in English, Hebrew, Portuguese, Spanish and Ladino, will be the featured entertainment at the March 2 gala at Ner Tamid Synagogue in Poway. Festivities are planned from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. by the synagogue located at 15318 Pomerado Road… In another news item culled from Ner Tamid’s bulletin, “The Donut Song” by Cantor Heather Seid has become available on several internet platforms. Here’s a link to a preview.
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The San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir will concertize at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at Congregation Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego. To register for a $10-per-person ticket, click here. A dessert reception follows the Beth Israel Men’s Club-sponsored event.
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The San Diego Humane Society, headed by Gary Weitzman, is sponsoring a North County Walk for Animals on March 16 at Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido. Early bird registration through January 31 is $20 for adults and $10 for children through the age of 17. Walk participants who register before March 16 will be eligible for a pancake breakfast, a T-shirt, a bib, and will receive a donation envelope to place “all the cash and checks you’ve collected” to help 40,000 animals a year that are cared for at Humane Society shelters. The goal of the walk is to raise $150,000.
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APRIL
A free showcase of woodworkers, photographers, artists, ceramicists, jewelers, authors, and a doll maker, among other artisans, will take place from 1 p.m to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 7, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd. Two of the exhibitors — Bill Goldschneider and Leah Horstman — won Best of Show awards at last year’s San Diego County Fair respectively in woodworking and photography.
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MAY
The Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, better known as JPAC, holds its Capitol Summit in Sacramento on Tuesday, May 14, and Wednesday, May 15, while the state Legislature is in session. It’s a good bet that some San Diegans will be in attendance because four local organizations are members of the lobbying group. These are Jewish Family Service of San Diego, Jewish Federation of San Diego, and the local chapters of the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee, according to David Bocarsly, the organization’s executive director. During the meetings at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, attendees will “hear from some of the state’s most powerful lawmakers and activists; practice and participate in direct lobbying; and access exclusive networking opportunities with elected officials, Jewish organizational leaders, and lay leaders from across the state,” Bocarsly said. Registration before March 15 is $225; from March 16-April 23 is $275, scholarships are available for students and young professionals.
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The San Diego Padres have announced that this year’s Jewish Heritage Celebration at Petco Park will be at the Padres game against the Colorado Rockies, starting at 6:40 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, during Jewish American Heritage Month.
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–JEWISH COMMUNAL NEWS–
Sabrina Kerbel, executive director of the Kindness Initiative and Kindness G’Mach, the Jewish Gift Closet, says the organizations anticipate expanding their reach from 500 Jewish households served in 2023 to 750 households this year. This will require expanding staff with a new a new case manager and three interns. “We are enthuiastic about the upcoming year and the positive changes we can bring to the lives of our community members in need,” said Kerbel. “Your continued support is invaluable and plays a crucial role in our collective efforts.”
–JEWISH POLITICAL SCENE–
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) reported in her newsletter: “Last week in Washington, Democrats voted for the third time to avoid another government shutdown (most House Republicans didn’t). President Biden, Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, and House Democrats have all agreed to a spending deal for the year, but Speaker [Mike] Johnson and House Republicans are the hold up. We need to stop these political games, do our jobs, and pass a year-long budget.”
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County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer has endorsed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed $6 billion bond issue to reform the state’s mental health system, which she says will “prioritize individuals that have the greatest mental health needs, are living in encampments or suffering from substance abuse.” The measure, which is Proposition 1 on California’s March 5 ballot, also would help to build 11,150 new treatment beds and supportive housing, create 26,700 outpatient treatment slots, and set aside $1 billion for the recruitment and training of 65,000 mental health workers.
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San Diego Political Consultant Larry Remer is quoted in a USA Today investigation of the role that Oliver Krvaric played at the January 6, 2021 break-in at the U.S. Capitol and Krvaric’s ties to neo-Nazis. Krvaric, a former president of the College Republicans at San Diego State University, is the son of former Republican County Central Committee Chair Tony Krvaric, whom Remer called “a player in Republican politics” and “one of the local wise men of the Republican party.” USA Today made the case that Oliver Krvaric is the person using the handle “NeoSvensk” on a neo-Nazi website who “talked openly of his admiration for Hitler and fascism and his disdain for multiculturalism, and used a derisive term for gay men, whom he described as ‘utterly revolting.'”
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SDJW staff report