SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — Rabbi Eddie Rosenberg of Young Israel of San Diego advises us: “Moses’ Brit (1393 BCE)—According to tradition, Moses was born on the 7th of Adar I, today (14th of Adar I) was the 8th day of his life and the day on which he was circumcised in accordance the Divine command to Abraham.” … Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort of Chabad of La Costa and other Chabad rabbis point out in their weekly columns: “Because this year is a Jewish leap year, with an extra month of Adar, the holiday of Purim is not celebrated for another month, in Adar II. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get to celebrate this month too. The 14th of Adar I is marked as Purim Katan, or ‘miniature Purim.’ While we don’t read the megillah or have parties and share gifts of food, the date is still commemorated. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the meaning of the holiday of Purim, making the build up to the real thing even more exciting. Purim famously celebrates the Jewish people’s victory over Haman and the antisemites of the day. They wanted to kill all Jews, and with Queen Esther’s intervention, the Jews were allowed to fight back and stand up to their enemies. With G-d’s help, not only did they succeed in fighting back, but they also established themselves as a power to be reckoned with, eventually leading to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.”
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera is trying to protect the cultivators at the New Roots Community Farm from being forced to pay rent or being evicted by the City Heights Community Development Corporation, which, as it turns out, is not the legal owner of the land being farmed, nor is the City of San Diego. The last known owner of the land in the City Heights section of San Diego was the Hubner Building Company, which according to inewsource went out of business in the 1950s without a known successor. City Attorney Mara Elliott researched the property’s status and found that it is part of a right-of-way on which farming is not an authorized use. The farm had been established by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for use by refugees from numerous countries who settled in City Heights, which is perhaps the most multicultural neighborhood anywhere in San Diego County. Elo-Rivera, in whose 9th Council District the community farm is located, told inewsource, “At the end of the day, our focus should be on the farmers and I am committed to doing what I can to ensure they are provided an opportunity to continue growing food and building community in the way they love doing.”
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U.S. Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) along with San Diego’s other Democratic members of Congress – Mike Levin, Scott Peters, and Juan Vargas has urged the Internal Revenue Service to extend the deadline for filing federal tax returns from April 15 to June 17 for San Diego County residents because of the impact of the recent flooding. “This additional time will allow individuals, families, and businesses impacted by the storm more time and dignity in assessing and responding to damages they are experiencing, without the pressure of a looming federal tax filing deadline,” the Congress members wrote.
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Former San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman has written a guest column for The San Diego Union-Tribune criticizing Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer, Nora Vargas, and Monica Montgomery-Steppe for voting to reappoint Imam Mohamed Taha Hassane to the Leon Williams Human Relations Commission following his saying Hamas’ Oct 7 massacre of Israeli civilians was “justified.”
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IN THE GENERAL COMMUNITY
Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, has announced the kickoff of “More Humane: The Campaign for Animals,” a $250 million fundraising effort with four major goals. “We can Save the lives of vulnerable animals while addressing the systemic issues that put their lives at risk. We can Lead the way nationally to reduce suffering and save lives through our nationally innovative programs as well as partnerships with organizations around the country. We will Build by investing in infrastructure that protects our animals and welcomes our community. Updated facilities will provide animal housing that reduces animal stress, limits the spread of disease and creates a welcoming environment for our community. And our community will Sustain the work of San Diego Humane Society and secure a safer future for animals through their generosity.”
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HUMOR
Rabbi Rafi Andrusier of Chabad of East County forwards this anecdote: “A Swiss tourist in Tel Aviv is looking for directions and pulls up at a bus stop where two Israelis are waiting. “Entschuldigung Sie Bitte, koennen Sie Deutsch sprechen?” he says. The two Israelis just stare at him. “Excusey-moi, parlez vous Francais?” The two continue to stare. “Parlare Italiano?” No response. “Hablan ustedes Espanol?” Still nothing. The Swiss tourist drives off, extremely disgusted and frustrated. The first Israeli turns to his friend and says, “You know, maybe we should learn a foreign language” “Why?” says his friend, “that guy knew four languages and that didn’t do him any good!”
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Beth Jacob Congregation: Edith Breskin, mother of Stephen Breskin and grandmother of Andrew Breskin and Alison Ferry. Funeral services were scheduled in England.
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Chabad of University City: Yvette Vogel, wife of David Vogel and mother of Reuben Vogel and Mark Vogel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, at the Home of Peace Cemetery, 3668 Imperial Avenue, San Diego.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue: Martin Leblang, husband of Carole Leblang and father of Dava Leblang and Randy Leblang. Funeral service held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, with meal of condolence and shiva minyan following at Ner Tamid, 12348 Casa Avenida, Poway.
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SDJW staff report