SAN DIEGO – As June ends in a few days. I find myself wondering where has 2024 gone? Before we know it, Chanukah will be here, and we will be turning on our heaters or lighting our fireplaces. As you can tell, I am trying to wish for cooler weather to head our way. I know it is summertime, but it seems a bit early for it to be this hot and miserable outside.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue’s Farewell Shabbat Weekend for Rabbi Sammy Seid and Cantor Heather Seid will begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 29. Additional farewell opportunities include Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Oneg at 7 p.m., Friday, June 28 and Minyan, Torah Café at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, June 30. Click here to let the caterer know you’re coming.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Silverman Preschool “Lets Play” will be at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, June 30. Families with children through Gesher/UTK are invited to join on the playgrounds. Come and reconnect with friends before school starts in the coming days. Click here for more details.
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Coastal Roots Farm and JFEST “Regenerate! An Eco-Performance Fest” will be at 5 p.m., Sunday, June 30. Join for an evening of original eco-theatre, dance, and music by some of California’s most exciting, forward-thinking artists. Click here to register.
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Travel with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) Entwine and Jewish Federation of San Diego for an “Inside Jewish Italy” adventure. San Diego-area young adults (adults ages 23-39) are invited to delve into rich Italian history while visiting iconic landmarks and the birthplace of Renaissance art. Celebrate Roman-Jewish Kabbalat Shabbat with Roman peers and connect with Italy’s Jewish past and present. Click here for more information and submit your application by August 1.
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Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute powered by Jewish Federation of San Diego announced it is accepting applications for the fourth cohort. The Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute was established in honor of Pauline Foster z”l, a visionary community leader and founder of Federation’s Women’s Division (now known as Women’s Philanthropy). This prestigious program offers a unique opportunity for exceptional Jewish women to enhance their leadership skills through engaging sessions, mentorship with seasoned community leaders, cohort-building retreats, and immersive group experiences. Ideal candidates for the Institute are local Jewish women who bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and passion to their leadership roles. Participants should have at least five years of leadership experience, a strong connection to the San Diego Jewish community, and a desire to further develop their leadership capacities. Click here to apply. Click here to nominate a leader. Applications are due by July 31.
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American Zionist Movement Helyn B. Reich Memorial Scholarship Fund is offering a scholarship opportunity for graduate and post graduate study programs in Israel during the Fall 2024 semester or full year programs. Click here to learn more. Applications are due July 15.
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Mosab Hassan Yousef was the keynote speaker at “A Tribute to our Heroes” supporting the needs of the American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) on Sunday, June 23. Yousef, the son of a co-founder of Hamas who has become a highly valued undercover source for Israel, spoke about the need to educate the world about the dangers of Hamas and its ideology. Proceeds of the event were designated for purchase of emergency equipment and training needed for medics serving in Israel’s embattled border communities.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue’s is participating in the Jewish Family Service Back-to-School Backpack Drive for the mitzvah of summer.
Build an ultimate back-to-school kit with the following items: backpack (for grades K-12), 2024-2025 academic planner, three-ring binder, pack of loose-leaf lined paper, pack of black or blue pens, pack of glue sticks, pack of #2 pencils, pack of colored pencils, highlighter, pencil case, pencil sharpener. All items must be new and brought to Ner Tamid by Thursday, August 3. The goal is to provide 400 needy children with backpacks and school supplies. The focus will be on children whose families are receiving assistance through JFS.
Sunday Minyan will be on hiatus for the summer and is subject to change depending on visiting Rabbi weekends. There will be no Zoom or Synagogue services on Friday, July 5, 26 and August 16, 30.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
US Senate Candidate Steve Garvey is in Israel this week to meet with government, intelligence, military, and cultural leaders as well as the family of a hostage taken from the Nova music festival on Oct. 7. The Republican former professional baseball star also will tour sites attacked by Hamas, military installations, a wounded soldier rehabilitation center, and share a Shabbat dinner with soldiers, according to his campaign staff.
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San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer (District 3) joined by leaders from the cities of Imperial Beach and Coronado, are mobilizing to resolve the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Lawson-Remer wants the County Health and Human Services Agency more involved in examining health impacts on residents beyond direct water exposure.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Lester Lefkowitz passed away on June 23, according to Chabad of East County. His funeral will take place in Long Island, New York.
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Ralph Levy passed away on June 22. Graveside services and burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, June 28 at Cypress View, San Diego.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.