SAN DIEGO – With all the secular schools from pre-K to college already back in session, Torah Schools and Hebrew Schools are also heading back for another year of learning.
Before students at Conservative synagogues head back for more learning, USY’ers have a fun social event planned to start the new year off with making friendships, including those of “Mickey and Minnie.” Congregation Beth Am, Congregation Beth El, Ner Tamid Synagogue, Ohr Shalom Synagogue and Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Youth SDUSY (San Diego United Synagogue Youth) will attend “SDUSY Goes to Disneyland” departing at 7 a.m., Sunday, September 1 from Congregation Beth Am and returning at midnight for USY members in middle school and high school, grades 7-12. Click here to register.
Here are a few schools around San Diego County that are starting soon:
Chabad of East County’s “Hebrew School of the Arts” at 4 p.m., Mondays starts, September 2 with a “Kick-off BBQ for grades TK-7.” Lessons are multi-sensory and hands-on through the language of art, drama, dance, cooking and more. Click here to register.
Temple Emanu-El shares in the excitement of the start of the school year with its “Back-to-School Shabbat Dinner and S’Mores” at 6 p.m., Friday, September 6. There is no cost for dinner but click here to rsvp. “Torah School First Day” at 9 a.m., Sundays starts on September 8. Weekday Hebrew classes for grades K-7 study are scheduled at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting September 11 virtually or in-person at 5:30 p.m. Students will learn the basics of Jewish life- how to celebrate holidays and the stories from sacred texts. Click here to register.
Congregation Beth El’s “Viterbi Torah School” at 9 a.m., Sundays starts September 8 for grades K-7. Curriculum emphasizes religious character, ethical awareness, and a love for Judaism. Click here to register…. After Torah School, students and congregants are invited to stay for its “Welcome Back Membership Fair” at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, September 8. Celebrate together with a BBQ, bounce house and slip and slide for the kids. Event committee encourages kids to bring a towel and swimsuit for the inflatable slip and slide. Click here to register.
Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s “Abraham Ratner Torah School” at 9 a.m Sundays starts September 8. Children in third grade and older also attend at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting September 11. School officials say students will gain a knowledge and experience to develop their Jewish identity and an enduring connection to Judaism. Click here to register.
Congregation Beth Israel’s “Lee and Frank Goldberg Family Religious School” at 9 a.m., Sundays starts September 8 for grades Pre-K-6th grade. Weekday Hebrew for grades 3-6 at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays starts September 24 with the option of Hebrew on Zoom, at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, starting September 25. For grades 7-12 ,a 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays class starts September 24. Curriculum teaches core Jewish values and competencies, a connection to Israel and nurtures a Jewish identity. Click here to register.
Ner Tamid Synagogue’s “Shul School” at 9:15 a.m., Sundays starts September 15 for grades K-12 and virtually at 4:20 p.m. Wednesdays starting September 18. Curriculum includes game-based Hebrew de-coding, prayer acquisition, music and engaging and experiential learning. Click here for more information.
Congregation Beth Am’s “Jewish Learning Center Programs” at noon Sundays starts September 22. Students in grades K-12 are engaged in social, educational, religious, and social action programming. Click here to register.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Congregation Beth El announce its “Last Plaza Prayer and Picnic of the Summer” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, August 30. Attendees will gather outside on the Turk Family Plaza for an informal prayer service accompanied by Beth El’s Adult Band Vav and a hosted Shabbat dinner. Click here to register.
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Chabad of University City announces, “Deluxe Kiddush and Farbrengen” on Saturday, August 31, in celebration of the blessing of the new month of Elul. Click here for more information.
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Coastal Roots Farm announces “Sacred Melodies: A Shabbat Gathering to Sing, Learn and Feast” at 6 p.m., Friday, September 6. Guest artist Mikey Pauker will provide melodies of Kabbalat Shabbat.Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth Israel’s Women of Beth Israel announce “A Taste of Rosh Hashanah with Guest Chef Nati” at 6 p.m., Thursday, September 12. Guest Chef Einat Abramovitch Partin will demonstrate four Israeli dishes that are dairy free and can be added to a Rosh Hashanah dinner. Click here to register by September 5. Late registrants and walk-ins will not be allowed.
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Kindness Initiative announces only a few spots are left for the “Games for Good with Kindness” at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, September 15 at Congregation Beth Am. The High Holiday Market will feature handcrafted ceramics, pickleball accessories and spices. Click here to register.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego, Impact Cubed, Lawrence Family JCC and The Israel Democracy Institute announces “Israel’s Moment of Truth Amid Preparations for a Post-War Reality” at 6:30 p.m., Monday, September 16 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute will speak in person about the current situation and plans for democratic renewal following the conflict. Click here to register.
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Hillel of San Diego invites the community to a “Back-to-School Community Briefing” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 18 on Zoom. Karen Parry, Executive Director will give an update and hear from Jewish students and what they need on campus this year. Click here to register.
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Jewish National Fund announces “All in for Israel” at 3 p.m., Sunday, October 13 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack. Veteran Israeli diplomat and current Senior Vice President of Jewish Broadcasting Service, Shahar Azani will focus on topics including lessons for a post-October 7 world. Click here to register.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer’s (District 3) proposal to have 33 County libraries carry nationally recognized “challenged and banned” books put on display at every library during Banned Book Week in September passed with a 3-2 vote. Lawson-Rember asked the Board of Supervisors to support California Assembly Bill 1825 to prevent public libraries in the state that get state funding from banning or restricting materials based on their topics or the views, ideas, or opinions expressed in them.
California Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) Senate Bill 85 was approved by the California State Senate and Assembly. It was a top priority of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee. The California Extended Case Management Act extends critical case management services for new refugees for 90 more days, on top of the 90 days currently funded by the federal government.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Jacqueline Woolf died on Monday, August 26. Funeral services were at 3 p.m., Tuesday, August 27 at El Camino Memorial Park with Rabbi Daniel Reich of Congregation Adat Yeshurun officiating, Am Israel Mortuary reported.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.