SAN DIEGO – As May comes to an end and June marks the official beginning of summer, I always feel a little sad. Change and moving on is not always easy for me to accept. When I was in college and graduate school, I did not want my classes to end, but was excited for what new classes I would be taking in the summer.
When I graduated from graduate school, I was excited to start working but wished I could afford to attend a doctoral program. My grades were not a concern and I had professors asking me to apply but I just could not afford it with the student loans I had.
Today, as my twins move onto middle school, they are grateful for summer, but I am also sad to see them growing up before my eyes.
*
As high school students are graduating and heading off to college, The Israeli American Council (IAC) encourages students to join Mishelanu (Of our own). Mishelanu is a supportive community for college students to celebrate Jewish heritage and love for Israel. Click here to find your community.
The IAC is also accepting applications for Mishelanu Fellows and Ambassadors. More information can be found here.
For children ages 3-8 years, The IAC posted its Keshet programs of “Israeli Experiences for Young Families”, 3:15-4:45pm on Sundays starting September 8 and ending June 1. Through a fun and enriching curriculum, activities will engage children in celebrating Israeli culture, Jewish traditions and role models. Click here to register for the 2024-2025 term or contact Noy Nehardea for more information.
*
Camp Gan Israel has two amazing summer camps in Poway (Summer Camp and Girls on the Go Adventure Camp) and one in Carmel Valley (Boys Adventure Camp) to keep your children or grandchildren busy this summer. Click here to register.
*
Israeli singer and songwriter, Dana Berger will be performing an intimate show featuring a selection of her hits “If You Want to be King”, “Send Me Quiet”, “Learn to Fly” and many more at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 30 at a private home in Carmel Valley. The address will be sent after ticket purchase. Click here to purchase tickets.
*
The Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival “JFest” starts Thursday, May 30 featuring American-Israeli Rapper/Singer: Nissim Black performing at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC. All ages will groove to the many genres from rap, pop and world music. Click here to get tickets (get $5 off using code NISSIM5).
*
Ner Tamid Synagogue will be hosting Artist in Residence Jenni Asher during Kabbalat Shabbat services, 6 p.m. Friday, May 31. Also 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1 and 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 2 in the Torah Café. Asher is a multi-talented musician (violin, viola, erhu, cello, piano, and voice) and is currently a cantorial student at the Academy for Jewish Religion California. In 2021, Asher released her third album of compositions, Yaladati. If you enjoy classical music while also celebrating Shabbat, this is the prefect weekend to experience both.
*
Emmy-winning TV star and Tony-winning Broadway legend, Mandy Patinkin will be performing in concert at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 4 at the Balboa Theatre. His collection of Being Alive performances will include his favorite Broadway and classic American tunes that will take you on a dazzling musical journey you will not forget. Click here to get tickets.
*
Ner Tamid Synagogue is collecting fresh produce for the JFS Hands Up Kitchen. Bring your donation to Leil Tikun, 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11. Click here to attend Leil Tikun Shavuot service, which will include a dairy potluck and dessert. There will be a children’s pizza and ice cream party and childcare provided. This is a free event but registration is required.
*
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
In a fundraising appeal, U.S. Senate candidate and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) shared pictures of himself at 13 years old in 1970’s fashion with bow tie and braces at his Bar Mitzvah. He said that throughout his career he has applied the Jewish tradition of “Tikkun Olam” or repairing the world. Over the last few years that there has been a lot that was broken and a lot to fix.
*
OBITUARY NOTICES
Tifereth Israel Synagogue reported that Michael Stephen Ellis, brother of Hugh Ellis passed on Thursday, May 23. Funeral services were held in Sacramento.
Leroy Johnson, father to Phil Johnson and father in-law to Seth Krosner of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, passed on Friday, May 24 in Chicago.
*
Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of San Diego Jewish World.