SAN DIEGO – As of 1990, the first week of October has been recognized as Mental Health Illness Awareness Week. This year, Mental Illness Awareness Week will be observed from Sunday, Oct. 6 to Saturday, Oct. 12. The theme for this year is “My Mental Health at Work.”
According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, mood disorders can greatly affect work lives. Those with depression may face decreased interest and fatigue that impact focus and attendance, while individuals with bipolar disorder may struggle with fluctuating symptoms that disrupt workflow.
I mention this as we are in the lull of the happiness and excitement of the New Year as we await the Days of Awe. This is a time to reflect on how we can make personal improvements for the new year. Always be mindful of those struggling at work or at synagogue and to practice patience. You never know a person’s struggle so just be kind. A smile really does go a long way.
Speaking of smiling, the San Diego Padres having tied the National League Division Series at 1-1 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, are returning to Petco Park on Tuesday for two games in the best of five series. Padres hit multiple home runs to end Game 2 with a 10-2 victory. I kept saying to save those home runs for Tuesday. My Dad (OBM) is very happy.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue reminds its congregants to send in reservations for “Break the Fast” by Monday, Oct. 7. Break the Fast will be at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct.12. Click here to make your reservations.
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Chabad of Poway and Chabad of Downtown invites the community to attend a webcast “One Year Stronger” 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7. This webcast will feature messages from those directly impacted by last year’s attack and the war. It shows how the Jewish nation is “one year stronger.” Click here to view webcast.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego, Lawrence Family JCC, Friends of the Israeli Defense Force, Impact Cubed, San Diego Rabbinical Association, Israeli American Council and Stand With Us invite the community to attend “October 7th, Marking One Year, San Diego Community Commemoration” 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7 at the Lawrence Family JCC. More than 4,500 people are anticipated to gather in solidarity. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear white. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth El’s Women’s Connection announces “Festival Art Series: Flowers for Israel” at 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 20. Congregant, Varda Lev-Ram will lead this session in creating anemones, representing the red flowers of remembrance. Participants will also create additional flower pins to raise donations for three charities in Israel: Rebuilding the landscape of Kibbutz Nahal Oz; Our Children, Our War – Psychological support to orphans of Oct. 7; and Bring Them Home. Click here to register.
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Israeli American Council presents “Christians and Jews United with Israel and Against Antisemitism” at 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20. Compelling speakers, performers and the energy that comes from building communities that bond over their love for Israel are forecast by organizers. Click here to register and receive address.
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2024 Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival announces screenings from Thursday, Nov. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Over 30 short films will be shown during the festival which offer a unique perspective on the rich tapestry of Jewish culture and heritage. Click here for more information.
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Coastal Roots Farm shares Cantor Rebecca Joy Fletcher’s Rosh Hashanah Reflections: “Let’s Choose Hope.” Click here to read her message of hope.
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Congregation Beth Israel shares messages its clergy delivered on Rosh Hashanah. Click here to read Rabbi Jason Nevarez’s sermon. “Min Mameitzar: From Constriction to Soulful Expansion. Click here to read Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch’s sermon, “All Lights Turned Off Can Be Turned On”.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.