SAN DIEGO – Yesterday, June 20, was the summer solstice when we officially celebrate the start of summer and the longest day of the year. I happened to be playing Mah Jongg last night and did not pay attention to when the sun set. I was concentrating on trying to beat these ladies and hold onto to my coins.
According to NPR.org, the date of the summer solstice fluctuates between June 20 and June 22. This year’s early arrival is a big deal since the last time the summer solstice landed on June 20 happened back in 1796.
So, why the early arrival after 228 years has passed? The short answer is our calendar. A typical year has 365 days, however that is not exactly how long the Earth takes to orbit the sun – it is more like 365.24 days. The Gregorian calendar adds a day in February every four years we call “leap day” to account for this extra quarter for the Earth’s orbit.
As you are observing Shabbat tonight, make sure to step out and see the “Strawberry Moon.” According to CNN.com, June’s full moon will not look like a strawberry but the appearance that it is bigger and more colorful than the average moon.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the strawberry moon got its name from the Native American tribes across North America to mark the in-season ripeness of strawberries.
So, with that, enjoy some strawberries and make sure to wear sunblock with those extra rays we are getting. San Diego is also in for a heatwave so stay cool everyone!
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Chabad of University City hosts Girl’s Club and Kids Club at 11 a.m. on Shabbat mornings in the library. Children will daven, enjoy stories, games and a snack. Click here to be a sponsor.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue sponsors a discussion about “What’s the Point of Liberty” at 10:15 a.m. (following morning Minyan at 9:30 a.m.), Sunday, June 23, in the Torah Café. As we celebrate this time of freedom, from Juneteenth to Independence Day, we explore purposes of liberty.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego is welcoming 18 Young Adult Delegation members from San Diego’s sister city of Sha’ar HaNegev, Israel, along with Congregation Beth Israel’s Tribe on Monday, June 24. Many events are planned around the area and the young adults are excited to connect and share their stories and learn more about Jewish life in San Diego. Click here to join the WhatsApp group for up-to-date information on the schedule. Click here to register for any of the events.
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Association of Jewish Libraries Conference 2024, “Standing Together” is scheduled from 8 a.m., Monday, June 24 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 26 at the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside. Click here to register.
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Chabad of Downtown’s Annual Calendar Campaign has begun. The congregation requests messages of greeting, advertisements or sponsorships. Click here for more information. … Ladies Weekly Meet-up will be at 10 a.m., on Wednesdays at the Headquarters at Seaport Village. Ladies are invited to come together, chat and share a word of Torah! Click here to rsvp.
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House of Israel in Balboa Park is seeking volunteers for the summer. It is open Saturdays and Sundays and is 100% run by volunteers. Click here to sign up for a shift.
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The Price Family Preschool summer camp registration is open at Temple Emanu-El. The core program will start at 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., Mondays through Fridays with extended care available until 4:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
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Wyatt Earp in San Diego Tour will be at 11 a.m., Friday, July 19. Step back in time to the Old West with this month’s specialty tour about the legendary lawman, gunslinger, and gambler Wyatt Earp. Although Earp was not Jewish, his wife Sarah Marcus was. They are buried together in the Jewish cemetery in Colma, California. Hear the stories, see the landmarks, and catch the iconic views of Downtown’s Historic Gaslamp Quarter on this 80-minute guided tour by historian Sandee Wilhoit. Click here for tickets.
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Deborah Szekely, co-founder of Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, is the subject of a feature article in Fortune Magazine which discusses longevity into the 100’s. Click here to read the article.
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Young Israel of San Diego shared the following Torah Tidbits: In which two places in this parsha does fire appear (Aish.com)? The “pillar of fire” led the Jews at night (Numbers 9:15). A fire consumed the complainers (Numbers 11:1). … Young Israel of San Diego also expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Liz Thompson for underwriting the Shavuot Scholar-in-Residence in memory of Daniel Simon. … Also sincere thanks went to Rabbi Shalom Hammer for an uplifting and inspiring Shavuot. Click here to make a donation to his non-profit organization, Gila’s Way. This organization implements, educates and presents programs regarding mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
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Chabad of Poway shared the following joke, “A Lecture from Whom?” A Jewish man is speeding on the highway at 1 a.m. A policeman stops him and asks, “Where are you racing at this hour?” “To a lecture,” the man responds. “Who will give you a lecture at this hour?” the policeman asks. “My wife,” was the reply.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
San Diego Councilman Raul Campillo (District 7) was in Sacramento this week to give testimony in favor of AB 3024, the Stop Hate Littering Act. He urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve this bill, which it did, 8-2. The next step is the Senate floor.
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San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer (District 3) reported that initial polling results show 36% in her favor versus former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer at 32%. The two face off in the November election.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.