SAN DIEGO – Eight weeks have come and gone. I have received multiple calls, messages and texts messages reminding me I am eligible to donate my precious O- blood. I got a message from the San Diego Blood Bank that said blood donations of O- blood are at critical levels. I also saw it on the news. Now is the time to boost up my iron intake and supplements and “answer the call.”
To me, it is the easiest Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) service I can offer. Since I have told people of my donations, they thank me for saving so many lives and possibly theirs. It is an honor to just be who I am and give what I can. It leaves me very exhausted, but I get a cool shirt, and I get a “cheat” treat after to recover so it is worth it. My kids also let me rest and make sure my water bottle is full. I know the workers well and they give me extra treats for my twins.
Tifereth Israel Synagogue will be hosting the San Diego Bloodbank Mobile at 12:30 p.m., on Wednesday, August 14 in the lower parking lot. Click here to make an appointment.
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JEWISH OLYMPIAN UPDATE
Sport rock climber, 27-year-old, Jesse Grupper from New York City competed in the Men’s Bouldering Semifinal on Monday (August 5) and came in 18th place. Grupper competed in the Men’s Lead Semifinal on Wednesday (August 7) and came in 17th place. Grupper did not qualify for the finals.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Chabad of University City announces “Parsha Class” at 10 a.m., Sunday, August 11 on Google Meet. Click here to join the session.
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Beth Jacob Congregation presents “Heroes of ZAKA Honoring Simcha Greiniman” at a 10 a.m. breakfast Sunday, August 11. Greiniman is a veteran ZAKA volunteer and unit commander. He will tell of the heart-wrenching and holy work of ZAKA as they sanctified life in the wake of the October 7 massacre.
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Chabad of Poway will conduct its Tisha B’Av services at 8 p.m., Monday, August 12 and morning services at 9 a.m., Tuesday, August 13. Fast begins at 7:36 p.m., Monday, August 12 and ends at 8:01 p.m., Tuesday, August 13.
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Congregation Beth Israel announces “Torah on Tap” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 14 at the Price Family Courtyard. Rabbi Jason Nevarez will lead the conversation spiced with pub style food and of course cold beer. Click here to register.
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Chabad of Encinitas will conduct “Friday Night Services and Dinner” on Friday, August 16. Click here for more information and to rsvp.
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Coastal Roots Farm’s Film and Music Series features two films from Patagonia Films: Undammed and A Salmon Nation at 6 p.m., Thursday, August 22. These films highlight how different cultures protect the survival of their lands, water and future. Bring your own picnic, drinks, chairs and blankets. Click here for tickets…. Farm-to-Table Dinner Series will be held a 6 p.m., Sunday, August 25. A nourishing meal featuring a multi-course vegetarian meal WILL BE prepared by Chef Mark Enciso of VAGA. Click here to register.
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Chabad of East County announces “Shabbat Friday Night Dinner” at 6:40 p.m., Friday, August 23. Rabbi Rafi and Chaya Andrusier say it will be a Shabbat of unity, prayer and strength. Click here to rsvp.
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Stand with Us announces a webinar with Isaac Herzog, President of Israel and Eitan Chitayat, Jewish Advocacy Influencer at 10 a.m., Sunday, August 25. Herzog will address the community and then Chitayat, an expert in branding, messaging and advocacy, will tlk about the realities on the ground and in digital pro-Jewish and pro- Israel advocacy. Click here to register.
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Lawrence Family JCC, Jewish Federation of San Diego, Leichtag Foundation and The Hive presents “Shabbat by the Sea: Havdalah Edition” at 10 a.m., Sunday, August 25 at The Hive at Leichtag Commons. Click here to register.
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The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents “That’s so Jewish Live – A Live Gameshow” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 3 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Comedian Eitan Levine will perform his live gameshow. Watch as contestants fight it out through five rounds of trivia and challenges all with the goal of being crowned “Most Chosen.” Click here to get tickets.
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American Jewish Committee-San Diego announces “L’Dor V’Dor: Learning From Our Students Annual Meeting and Youth Panel” at 7 p.m., Monday, September 9 at Congregation Beth El. New officers will be announced. Click here to register.
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Stand With Us San Diego says ticket prices for its Leaders of Tomorrow Gala will be going up soon. The Gala begins at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, November 17 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront honoring Dan and Jaime Feder with keynote speaker Noa Tishby. Click here to register.
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Chabad of East County shares the following joke: “What a coincidence!” Maurice and Isaac found themselves sitting next to each other in a New York bar. After a while, Maurice looks at Isaac and says, “I can’t help but think, from listening to you, that you’re from Israel.” Isaac responds proudly, “I am!” Maurice says, “So am I! And where might you be from?” Isaac answers, “I’m from Jerusalem.” Maurice responds, “So am I! And where did you live?” Isaac says, “A lovely little area two miles east of King David’s Hotel. Not too far from the old city” Maurice says, “Unbelievable! What school did you attend?” Isaac answers, “Well, I attended Yeshiva University.” Maurice gets really excited, and says, “And so did I. Tell me, what year did you graduate?” Isaac answers, “I graduated in 1984.” Maurice exclaims, “Amazing! This is Berschert. Hashem wanted us to meet! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same bar tonight. Can you believe it, I graduated from Yeshiva University in 1984 also.” About this time, Moishe enters the bar, sits down, and orders a beer. The bartender walks over to him shaking his head & mutters, “It’s going to be a long night tonight, the Goldberg twins are drunk again.”
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Chabad of Poway shares the following joke: “The package.” Moishe walks into a post office to send a package to his wife. The postmaster says, “This package is too heavy, you’ll need another stamp. Moishe replies, “And that should make it lighter?”
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Chris Wilson, chair of the San Diego steering committee of California Working Families Party, has announced the endorsements of Terra Lawson-Remer and Sean Elo-Rivera for reelection respectively to the County Board of Supervisors and the San Diego City Council.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.