SAN DIEGO – As I took my bottles and cans to EDCO Recycle this morning, I reflected that the “haul” used to be filled with Diet Coke cans. However, years ago, I switched to SodaStream, an Israeli product that carbonates your water. I don’t add any syrups. I simply drink fizzy water. The volume of my recycling has decreased, but I feel, nevertheless, that I am dong my part for the environment.
The attendant at EDCO asked if I got a new vehicle and I told him the heartbreaking story of my 15-year-old Jeep Commander’s engine blowing and the mechanic saying “she” literally had a heart attack; it was “her” time, yet nothing else caused it. The person in line in front of me said he had a question and pulled the attendant away. When it was my turn to weigh everything, the attendant told me how much the refund would be. It was a bit more than I was expecting. The attendant gave me the cash and said the person in front of me whispered to pass his amount on to me since he could tell my 2010 “Black Betty” Jeep Commander meant so much to me.
“Black Betty” will be donated since “she” is non-operational. My husband will arrange for a charity to pick “her” up while I celebrate my bestie Charlotte Freifeld’s birthday weekend. I can’t bear to see “her” be hooked up and towed away after all those years. Twelve years ago, I brought my twins home from the NICU in “her.”
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Young Israel of San Diego reports its philanthropy campaign on Wednesday morning was 89% of the way to reach its goal of $16,000. The funds are needed to build and strengthen the community. Click here to donate.
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UCSD Hillel San Diego, TFI and Mishelanu announce “Israel Shabbat” at 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22. A taste of Israel will include schnitzel, falafel, Israeli couscous, Pita and more. Everyone is encouraged to wear white.
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Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra presents an All-Mozart Concert at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Lawrence Family JCC. David Amos will conduct Mozart’s Impresario Overture, Symphony #35, and Piano Concerto #23 with soloist Sonya Schumann. Click here for tickets.
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Hillel San Diego hosts a community briefing on “What’s Happening on Our Campuses?” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3 on Zoom. This online community briefing features student leaders who will share their personal experiences and insights. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth El presents Rabbi Philip Graubart discussing his book, Here There is No Why at noon, Saturday, Dec. 7. Graubart will share insights from his new book following Shabbat services and enjoy a meal together to learn more about this thrilling mystery. Click here to purchase Graubart’s book and click here to register for the luncheon.
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Camp Gan Izzy Poway offers “Kids Winter Camp” at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23 to Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Thursday, Jan. 2 to Friday, Jan. 3. At North County Mall. Shaved ice, pajama day, ice skating, challah baking, art, field trips are offered campers in kindergarten to 6th grade. Click here to sign up.
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The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents Lo-Mein Laughs with Jackie Hoffman’s A Chanukah Charol at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 25, at the Lawrence Family JCC. Delicious Chinese food and hilarious comedy to keep you full, happy and endlessly entertained, organizers say. Inspired by Patrick Stewart’s A Christmas Carol, this acclaimed one-woman show features Hoffman (Only Murders in the Building, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) reflecting on her life with humor and insight. Click here for tickets.
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Israeli American Council San Diego Gala announces “Standing Strong Unapologetically Zionist” at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9 at Congregation Beth Israel. It is described as “an evening of pride, unity, and celebration of the shared commitment to Israel and the Jewish people.” Click here to register.
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JEWISH STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Bronfman Fellowship encourages Jewish 11th graders to apply for the Bronfman Fellowship which is an opportunity for 26 Jewish high school juniors of all backgrounds who love to learn and think outside the box. The Fellowship begins with an immersive summer program and launches into a full year of transformative study and deep personal journeys. Deadline is Monday, Dec. 2. Click here to apply.
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The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize teens who are currently serving in a leadership role on a project or initiative that is making a difference in their community or around the globe. Eligible applicants are 13-19 years old. Identify as Jewish, live in the United States, and do not receive compensation for their work. Click here to nominate a teen leader through Sunday, Dec. 22 or teens can apply directly by Thursday, Jan. 9.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Louis Chesner died on Thursday, Nov. 14. Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Congregation Beth Israel.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.