In the terrible, wonderful paradox of the Jew in exile, we are permanently, gratefully, happy. And temporarily, terribly sad.– aish.com
SAN DIEGO – The month of Av has started which is known as the saddest month in the Hebrew calendar. This month encompasses the sin of the golden calf, the destruction of both Temples, the long subsequent exiles, the expulsion from Spain, the beginning of World War 1 and so many other terrible things in Jewish history.
The observance of Tisha B’Av is observed on the ninth day. Prohibitions include eating meat, cutting hair or nails, washing clothes, and listening to music. It is not a time to celebrate weddings but most often a time to stop and reflect. The destruction of the two Temples is a reminder that with sadness there is hope and light.
On a personal note, the 3rd of Av is my Dad’s Yahrzeit (memorial date of passing), I often spend this day thinking about him and telling my kids stories so they don’t forget him. I often wonder what he would be doing if he was still here. It is a day of sadness for me, but also a day I know he is no longer suffering and know he would be proud of me and his crazy grandkids. It is a bit ironic that his death occurred in the saddest month of the Hebrew calendar.
The month of Av is a short period of observance and reflection about the sad events in history and in life. The sadness and reflection may lead to a lifetime of happiness.
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JEWISH OLYMPIANS UPDATE
Right-handed Foil Fencer, 24-year-old, Nick Itkin from Los Angeles, competed in the Men’s Team Foil Event and the team came in fourth place. It was knocked out of the bronze spot by France.
Sport Climber, 27-year-old, Jesse Grupper from New York City will compete with the Men’s combined sport climbing for semifinals in preparation for the finals on Friday, August 9.
Freestyle Wrestler, 20-year-old, Amit Elor from Walnut Creek, California, won her first three matches by a combined score of 28-2 and defeated Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgystan 3-0 in the finals on Tuesday, August 6. Competing in the 68-kilogram final, she became the youngest Olympic wrestling gold medalist in U.S. history, male or female, CBS News reported.
Skateboarder, 18-year-old, Minna Stess from Petaluma, California scored a 54.71 in the prelims but did not advance to the finals.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Beth Jacobs Congregation announced Simcha Greiniman from ZAKA will speak at 10 a.m., Sunday, August 11. Greiniman serves as deputy commander of ZAKA , a respected position in the organization of 4000 dedicated professionals and skilled volunteers. ZAKAs collective efforts focus on emergency response, search and rescue missions, accident prevention and assistance during international disasters. Greiniman has been an integral part of ZAKA for over 30 years.
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Lawrence Family JCC, Jewish Federation of San Diego, Impact Cubed, and the Israel Democracy Institute will present “Understanding Israel: Current Events and Public Opinion” at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 14 on Zoom. This webinar will provide a comprehensive update on the current political, economic and social situation in Israel and daily life in a Jewish state at war, with a special focus on the evolving sentiments and reactions of the Israeli public. Click here to register.
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Hadassah San Diego announces “Havdalah at the Beach” at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, August 17 at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar. Bring your beach chairs, blankets, picnic dinner and enjoy an evening with friends and family. Click here to rsvp.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego announces applications are open for the LEADS Fall 2024 cohort. LEADS (Leadership, Education and Discovery Series) is designed for young professionals with 10 years or less of work experience. The program focuses on networking, leadership and community involvement in the Jewish community. Click here to apply by Sunday, August 25.
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Congregation Beth Israel presents “Reflections for Elul” with Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch at 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, August 27, September 3 and 17 in-person and on Zoom. These Elul learning sessions will address the feelings associated with being “in the depths” and what it means to work through that to see the light and hope in the world. Click here to register.
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The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture announced “Challah Making with the Challah Prince” at 4 p.m., on Sunday, September 22 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Another presentation will be at 6 p.m., on Monday, September 23 at Chabad Hebrew Academy. Idan Chabasov from Tel Aviv and Instagram star will teach unique dough-braiding techniques that will mirror the ingenuity of the Challah Prince himself. Click here to purchase tickets for Sunday, September 22 and click here to purchase tickets for Monday, September 23.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, Jordan Z. Marks has been appointed to serve on the California State Controller’s Committee on County Tax Collecting Procedures. The committee provides guidance, advice and direction to the California State Controller in developing tax levying and collecting procedures.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Alan Bergelson passed away on Saturday, August 3 with funeral and interment at El Camino Memorial Park. Rabbi Devorah Marcus of Temple Emanu-El was the officiant, Am Israel Mortuary reported.
Rebecca Newman passed away on Saturday, August 3. Newman took on many volunteer positions serving as the National Chair of the United Jewish Communities, UCSD Associate Vice Chancellor of Development raising funds to build the UCSD Moores Cancer Center, and as the Salk Institute Vice President of External Affairs. Funeral services will take place at Congregation Beth Israel at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 7, followed by Shiva that evening. In lieu of any flowers or food, the family asks that donations in Rebecca’s honor be made to the Jewish Federation of San Diego, Congregation Beth Israel or Curebound.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.