SAN DIEGO – The effect of a Selichot service can be quite moving. The mere gathering of people at a time when they are usually asleep is impressive. We sense the extraordinary nature of the prayer and turn introspectively within ourselves as the High Holy Days grow imminent.
The prayers themselves are pleas for mercy. The melodies are sad and full of longing. Properly chanted, they form an oratorio expressing the despair that accompanies separation from God and the desire to change and repent. The self‑deprecation contained in the words, which express the feeling of life’s fleetingness, and the burden of vanity that motivates so much of what one does, all cause us to ponder how we can break the cycle of our lives and change ourselves for the better.
Selichot will be celebrated Saturday evening, Sept. 28, and Sunday daytime.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
La Mesa Pizza Works announces on social media that it is closing on Fridays at 2 p.m. with the fall hours. The kosher pizzeria will remain open at 11 a.m., Sunday until Thursday until 8 p.m.
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Chabad of Downtown presents its “Annual Kumzits and Musical Selichot with Bentzi Marcus of the 8th Day Band” at 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Chabad Educational Campus. An evening of inspiration and song will welcome Selichot, organizers say.
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Temple Emanu-El’s Scholar in Residence, Yisrael Klitsner, offers his insights on Israel at 5 p.m. for dinner and 6 p.m. for discussion, Sunday, Sept. 29. Klitsner previously served as the Diaspora Affairs Advisor for former Prime Minister,Naftali Bennet, and completed his reserve tour duty in Gaza. Click here to rsvp.
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Jewish Women International shares “Sweetness for Rosh Hashanah” starting Wednesday, Oct. 2. Click here to send e-cards.
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Congregation Beth Israel announces “Tashlich” and “Reverse Tashlich Cleanup” at 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3 at La Jolla Shores (Lifeguard Station 32). Organizers encourage congregants to bring their shofars to organize a grand t’kiyah (shofar blowing). Instead of casting away sins, garbage bags will be given to attendees to clean up the beach and connect with nature.
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Chabad of Poway announces its Yizkor Memorial Booklet deadline is Monday, Oct. 8. Yizkor honors the memories of departed loved ones. Click here for the form.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s “Dignity Drive” will start Wednesday, Oct. 2 and continue through Friday, Oct. 25. Partnerships include No One Left Behind, Stepping Stone of San Diego, Youth Assistance Coalition, and various food pantries throughout San Diego including Jewish Family Service’s. These organizations supply necessary items for personal hygiene, as well as those necessary for basic human dignity and well-being. Click here for more information.
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San Diego Jewish Academy announces two new classes starting in October in the Cub Corner. Class one: “Baby and Me Postpartum Wellness Group” at 10 a.m., Mondays, Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2, 9, and 16. Gabi Kass, LPCC, PMH-C, will lead discussion topics of ups and downs of parenthood, realistic self-care as a parent, family dynamics postpartum, and parenting in the US with current climate in Israel. Sessions are limited to 10 mothers and babies ages 0-12 months. Class two: “Toddler and Me Class” at 8:45 a.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4 and 11. Parents or other loved ones and their toddlers play, grow and socialize for musical circle time and will be introduced to new sensory and art activities. This class is for toddlers ages 13 months to 24 months. Click here to register.
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Chabad at La Costa will host “Suktoberfest: Beer and Brats” at 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21. The night will feature a peanut butter stout beer making masterclass and light refreshments. Click here to rsvp.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Leon Kutner died on Thursday, Sept. 27. Funeral services at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept.29 at El Camino Memorial Park, Congregation Beth Israel reported.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.