SAN DIEGO – Not only did we celebrate Shabbat this past weekend, but it also coincided with Rosh Chodesh that began at sunset Friday, July 5.
Rosh Chodesh literally means the “head of the month” and is a minor holiday that marks the beginning of every Hebrew month. Rosh Chodesh has been considered a special holiday for women. The moon cycle is perceived to coincide with the women’s menstrual cycle. Rosh Chodesh, historically has been a gathering for Jewish women to gather for a wide variety of activities, from reciting traditional liturgy, sharing a meal, discussing Jewish ethics and working for social change, according to myjewishlearning.com.
“Let us hope that the Jewish nation, especially in Israel, can take encouragement from this special gift of the lunar cycle by which we count our months,” it is suggested by Aish.com “Rosh Chodesh teaches us that everything can change. It is when a situation reaches its bleakest point that the light appears again.”
As each Rosh Chodesh approaches, it’s a good practice to set intentions for the month and check in with yourself. Maybe you want to finish a project you haven’t finished or want to do something healthy and make time for a walk every day, or a few times a week. Sending a “thinking of you” card through “snail mail” brightens a friend’s day since I don’t know about you, but my mailbox is always full of bills or junk mail.
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A panel discussion of the “Right to Read: Understanding Banned Books, LGBTQ+ Representation, and Freedom of Expression” will be held at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 11, at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park. Dr. Lillian Faderman is a scholar of lesbian and LGBTQ+ history and is a featured panelist. Click here to rsvp.
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Coastal Roots Farm presents “Great Outdoor Shabbat” at 5 p.m., Friday, July 12. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to its free festive summer Shabbat series on the farm. Bring a picnic dinner, a beverage, picnic blankets/chairs. Music, a craft for kids and a tour of the farm are provided. Click here to register.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego and Lawrence Family JCC co-sponsor “Shabbat by the Sea” at 6 p.m., on Friday, July 12 at the Hive at Leichtag. Sponsors promise an evening of meaningful connection, conscious community, and deep conversation revolving around Jewish Italian food. Vegetarian Italian Shabbat dinner provided. Click here to register.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue hosts a “Pray at the Park” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, July 12. Cantor/Rabbi Hanan Leberman looks forward to sharing this summertime favorite during his visit. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dairy/pareve Shabbat picnic dinner to enjoy following the service. Grape juice, challah, and cookies will be provided. Call the synagogue at 619 697-6001 for location.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego and Congregation Beth Am offer a “Beit Midrash Class” at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 15 on Zoom. Rabbi David Kornberg suggests that you open yourself up to the wisdom and depth of rabbinic texts, reflecting on topics relevant to today’s world. No previous experience is necessary, and all texts are in English. Click here for more information.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue will present “Summer Movie Theatre” at 7 p.m., Sunday, July 21. The 1982 film My Favorite Year is based on Mel Brook’s time as a young writer on Sid Caesar’s famous live TV show, Your Show of Shows.
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Seacrest Foundation’s Women’s Auxiliary “Together Whenever In Spirit Gala and Online Auction” will start at 8 a.m., Monday July 22 until 5 p.m., Friday, July 26. This stay-at-home but stay-connected event will celebrate the Jewish community and come together in spirit to send love to the residents of Seacrest Village. Click here for more information.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Myron Flamenbaum passed away on Thursday, July 4, according to Am Israel Mortuary. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., on Monday, July 8, at El Camino Memorial Park with Cantor William Tiep of Temple Solel as officiant. Click here to access Flamenbaum’s online tribute book.
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Dr. Louis Towne passed away on Saturday, July 6 according to Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, at Home of Peace.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.