SAN DIEGO – As Shavuot is almost here, we eagerly anticipate the receiving of the Torah. Below I mention a few events around our town because making the journey to Mount Sinai is out of many of our budgets and that is a long plane flight.
But why do we indulge in dairy delights like ice cream and cheesecake? I did some research on the origins of eating dairy on Shavuot. Aish.com reports that the Jewish people received special instructions on how to prepare meat. Their cooking pots had not been kashered for meat, so dairy foods were the best option.
Like milk and honey provide physical nourishment, Torah provides the spiritual nourishment for the soul, the Aish article continued. The Torah refers to the Land of Israel as “flowing with milk and honey.” So, with that, enjoy your cheesecake and other delightful treats this Shavuot.
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Rabbi Moishe Leider of Chabad of University City shares the top ten signs you should be in synagogue to hear the 10 Commandments on Shavuot. “10) You have no other plans (I like that answer), 9) You heard them last year, 8) You didn’t hear them last year, 7) You don’t know what they are, 6) You’ve never met a Rabbi, 5) You’ve never been to Chabad, 4) Your recollection of them has faded since you first heard them, 3) You cannot list at least five of them, 2) You have kids and want to raise them to be menschen,” and 1) You are a Jew.” Wednesday, June 12 listen to reading of the Ten Commandments at 10 a.m. followed by a dairy buffet and an ice cream kiddush. The evening before, Tuesday, June 11, there will be services at 7:45 p.m. followed by a dairy dinner. Click here to rsvp for the dinner.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Ohr Shalom Synagogue and Congregation Dor Hadash will gather for a night of learning and cheesecake festival at 6:30 p.m. Shavuot, Tuesday, June 11. It is a tradition to consume dairy foods and stay up all night in anticipation of receiving the Torah. Rabbi Mathew Marko, Rabbi Scott Meltzer, and Rabbi Yael Ridberg will guide the learning sessions. This evening is complimentary but please, click here to rsvp.
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Chabad of East County will have Shavuot services at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, with reading of the Ten Commandments at 11 a.m. Stick around for a dairy buffet at 12 p.m. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth Israel announced “Shabbat Under the Stars” is returning. The signature outdoor Erev Shabbat Services will start at 6:15 p.m., Friday, June 14.Immediately following services, there will be a tapas-style enhanced oneg, dessert bar, and children’s activities. Click here to rsvp as space is limited.
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The 2024 Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Bayside in San Diego, Monday, June 24 through Wednesday, June 26. The conference will provide a wide range of sessions for library professionals working in academic and research institutions, archives, synagogues, day schools, and Jewish community centers, as well as public libraries serving Jewish communities. Click here to make your reservation.
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In honor of 100 years of Hillel International and the graduating high school seniors, Hillel would like to send graduates a graduation gift and connect all incoming students with Hillel on their campus. Click here to fill out the request form.
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As college students are graduating and entering the workforce, affording appropriate business clothing for interviews and professional ventures along with finishing finals and research papers can be very difficult financially. Temple Emanu-El Social Action Team are collecting donations in the lobby for The Stand Basic Needs Resource Center for Mesa College Students. It provides free clothing for students, stocked with gently used professional clothing. In addition, it offers new socks and underwear along with unopened toiletries. Click here for more information.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of San Diego Jewish World.