SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — In-depth reporting by Emily Alvarenga of The San Diego Union-Tribune in Sunday’s edition tells of dysfunction on the County Human Relations Commission involving discord among the members, inability to attain a quorum, and intemperate remarks made by Commissioner Pastor Dennis Hodges about transgender people and by former Commissioner Khaliq Raufi about Jews.
Some commissioners have resigned in frustration over the panel’s seeming inability to agree on any substantive issues and others such as Nicole Ramirez Murray, a representative of the LGBTQ+ community, says unless the situation is ameliorated the panel may need to be dissolved. The County Board of Supervisors created the panel four years ago.
Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer did not comment on the commission’s current troubles but did tell Alvarenga that commission members should stand against all forms of hate, whether antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti LGBTQ+ or racist. Outgoing commissioner Kate Clark, a representative of Jewish Family Service, commented that “previous conversations on these topics have not been productive. At a time when the commission is needed more than ever and could be making a positive impact, it continues to fall short of its goals.”
Rabbi Jason Nevarez, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Israel, was appointed as Clark’s successor by the County Board of Supervisors. Nevarez, who celebrates both his Latino and Jewish heritage, was quoted as saying “I’m not adding to the vitriol. My goal is to do my small part to help move the HRC away from that and into the effective, on-the-ground work that it was meant to do.”
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San Diego Jewish World has created a running San Diego County Jewish Calendar of Events, which may be accessed by clicking the “San Diego County Jewish Calendar” tab above the masthead on our homepage at www.sdjewishworld.com . It will be updated regularly. To have your Jewish organization’s or congregation’s events included, please send the notices to San Diego Jewish World’s publisher and editor Donald H. Harrison at sdheritage@cox.net
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Grandparents Shirley Abelsohn and Esther Kaplan presented siddurim to members of the first-grade class taught by Ronit Snyder at San Diego Hebrew Day School last week. Class members sang songs about prayers and the holiday of Tu B’Shvat accompanied by musician Zeji Ozeri.
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Rabbi Eddie Rosenberg of Young Israel of San Diego is raising money from his congregants to participate in a National Council of Young Israel mission to Israel Feb. 13-15. “I plan to visit some of the areas affected by the attacks of Oct. 7, comfort victims and their families, and volunteer to support relief efforts,” he said. “I estimate the costs to be about $3500.”
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A six-lesson series built around the late Chabad leader, Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s advice for life is being promoted at Chabad centers worldwide. Video episodes include 1) Meaning at Work; 2) Family Bliss; 3) Wholesome Health; 4) Healthy at Heart; 5) Above Adversity and 6) Spiritual Heights. Contact a local Chabad center for details.
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JoEllyn Zollman, Ph.D, will lead a three-session course titled “Coming to our Census: History, Demography and the Latest San Diego Jewish Community Study, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Wednesdays of Jan. 31, Feb. 7, and Feb 14. Promotional material for the course says “we will consider the tradition and purpose of Jewish community surveys, review the big takeaways from the most recent American Jewish communal surveys, and unpack the latest San Diego Jewish community study. Join us for this exciting exploration of San Diego’s Jewish community and the future of Jewish life and learning.” Cost is $43 for JCC members, $54 otherwise. Registration via this link
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A 10-session Melton Scholars Course titled “Timeless Tales, Modern Sensibilities: A Deep Look at the Books of Esther and Ruth” will be taught by Rabbi Yael Ridberg of Congregation Dor Hadash from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays beginning Feb. 1 and ending on April 11 at the Lawrence Family JCC’s Astor Judaica Library, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. Fee, including a textbook, is $245 for JCC members and $295 otherwise. Registration via this link.
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Members of the Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood will prepare dinner Thursday, Feb. 29, and bring it to the Interfaith Shelter at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 6556 Park Ridge Blvd, San Diego.
–OBITUARY NOTICE–
Funeral services for Ruth L. (Cohen) Balto (April 14, 1926-January 27, 2024) will be officiated by Cantor Kathy Robbins at 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 29, at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, Am Israel Mortuary has reported. An obituary provided by the 97-year-old Balto’s family read: “Preceded in death by parents, Chaim & Belle Cohen, former husband, Irving Balto, daughter Carol and sister Mae Tanick. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother whose entire focus was on nurturing and supporting her family. Survived by her beloved children (and their spouses) David (Naomi) Balto, Joan (Ron) Hoffman, Ron (Karen) Balto and Lori (Michael) Barnett. She cherished her most precious gift of grandchildren and great grandchildren (and their spouses) Courtney Hoffman & Gilly Barnes, Samuel and Kayci Balto, Lev & Gil Balto, Brandon Barnett, Shana and Noah Johnson, Siena Johnson, Bailee Barnett, Daniel Balto, Amy Balto, Susan Balto, Jennifer Balto, Annie Balto survived by cousins Helen & Morris (Corrine) Toretsky, & many loving nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. Special thanks to everyone who took care of Sharon at Glenbrook Health Center. Donations can be made to San Diego Blood Bank and Temple Solel.
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Compiled by SDJW staff