SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — It is not an endorsement. although it might be mistaken for one given its proximity to Tuesday’s election.
The American Jewish Committee’s Regional Director Sara E. Brown sent out an action alert urging readers to “thank” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria “for supporting the Jewish community and Israel.”
It went on to say, “During these troubling times, Mayor Gloria has been a steadfast friend to the Jewish community of San Diego, having spoken out against Hamas’ deadly terrorist attack against Israel and against antisemitism here at home. We must show the mayor that we deeply appreciate his efforts and stand with him, just as he has stood with us.”
That appeal links to an email to which people can add their names, addresses, phones and email addresses. The text of the email reads, in part: “You demonstrated your commitment by showing up for the San Diego Jewish community and speaking at our vigil. Your words brought comfort at a time of deep distress and grief. And you have been unwavering in your efforts to combat and prevent antisemitism here in San Diego. Thank you for recognizing it as a scourge against our society and for knowing San Diego can and must do better.”
Tax-exempt, non-profit organizations such as the American Jewish Committee are not permitted to make endorsements in political contests in which there are opposing candidates, although they are permitted to express their views on issues, such as ballot measures. Notice that while Gloria was richly praised, never were the words “vote,” “endorse,” or “election” ever mentioned.
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PURIM PREPARATIONS
Chabad of La Costa — “We will again be sending out hundreds of Shalach Manos, food gift packages to our community this year. It has become a beautiful tradition to join together packing the food gifts. [10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sundays, March 3 and March 10.] To thank our volunteers we will have a pizza party, fresh from La Mesa Pizza Works for those in attendance. We are also seeking volunteers to help deliver the Shalach Manos … Purim with flavors of Israel, Sunday, March 24: Megillah reading at 5 p.m. followed by “Israeli buffet, Israeli masquerade, Israeli music, charity to Israel, drum circle, letters to our holy soldiers, Am Yisrael Chai [the people of Israel live] bracelets.”
Chabad of University City — An Israeli style Purim celebration will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 24, with a megillah reading at 12:30 p.m. followed by a Purim feast catered by Israeli Gourmet Chef Shoni, and entertainment including a hypnotist show.
San Diego Hebrew Day School — “Our classes are going to focus on expressing and understanding emotions such as Esther’s smile, Haman’s frown, and how King Achashverosh used his words to invite more people to join his party because including friends feels great. The older classes are working on open-ended questions to provoke more thoughts and ideas rather than yes or no questions. The younger classes are learning shapes as they work on art including triangle hamantaschen, rectangle groggers, and circle clown faces.” … “Giving Mishoach Manot is one of the most joyous mitzvot [commandments, good deeds] of the Purim holiday … We sent [shalach] portions [Manot] to one another to fulfill the mitzvah of Purim. San Diego Hebrew Day families, staff and special friends receive a unique, themed package filled with fun and delicious treats personally delivered to their homes by our volunteers.” … Monday, March 25th, Purim Costume!!!
Tifereth Israel Synagogue promises a feast that will include “festive adult beverages” followed by Purimshpiel vignettes by Torah School students, an abbreviated Megillah reading, and a costume parade, all beginning at 6:30 p.m., Saturday March 23. In a reflection on Purim, Rabbi Mathew Marko opines: “If any people has a right to be angry and desire revenge, it’s the Jewish people. But hate is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. And so, Purim is the healthy Jewish outlet for that negative energy. One day out of the year when we allow ourselves to savor the notion of sweet revenge. In truth, the Book of Esther doesn’t merely end in our survival…the Purim story culminates with the graphic death of Haman and thousands of his followers and would-be oppressors of the Jews. And it’s certainly not lost on me this year that Haman and Hamas are off by just one letter. … We give our desire for revenge and retribution a bit of leeway. But we temper our tempers, so to speak. We have some fun and joke around. We wear costumes, perhaps have a little something to drink, and keep it all pretty light-hearted. It’s a way to get it out of our system so we can truly prepare for the holidays [8 days of Passover] just ahead.”
Young Israel of San Diego — March 11 is the deadline for Mishloach Manot orders — the custom of sending food basket gifts to others for Purim. “Saddle up for a Rootin’ Tooting’ Purim! Yeehaw! Giddy up and spread the joy of Purim with our Kosher Cowboy-themed treats and delights. … Calculate: $18 for 1, $120 for 10 names, or choose “all” [on a list provided by the synagogue] for the 5784 Special at $200.” … March 24th, there will be a Purim Seudah [festive meal] at 5 p.m. with a “delicious western-inspired fest; giddy-up games & activities for all ages; costume contest with fantastic prizes. Adults $18, Kids, 5-12, $13, Under 5, free; Family $60.”
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JEWISH HUMOR
Ernie Addleson passes along a story about Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis that supposedly occurred during his student days at Harvard Law School, whether apocryphal or true we know not. He had an antisemitic professor who tried to publicly humiliate him. The professor asked Brandeis if he came across a bag filled with money and another bag filled with wisdom, which would he take? Brandeis said the bag with money. The professor then indulged himself in an antisemitic trope. “Just like a Jew,” he said. “Unlike you, I would have taken the wisdom.” To which Brandeis reportedly replied, “Well, each one takes what he doesn’t have.”
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SDJW staff