SAN DIEGO – Do Jews believe in miracles? An article on myjewishlearning.com sparked my interest. Miracles appear throughout Jewish texts, from the splitting of the Red Sea to the bush that burned but was not consumed.
The walls of Jericho fell by a shofar blast. How is that possible? If you have been near someone blowing a shofar, it can be unpleasant if you are sensitive to loud noises but can sound reverberations crumble walls?
One of Judaism’s most famous miracle surrounds the holiday of Chanukah and the miracle of the oil lasting eight days. Miracles are difficult to explain to young children since the typical response is “why”, “how” and “show me, I don’t believe you.”
When explaining the miracle of the oil lasting eight days, I told my twins, since I am “so old” I saw it with my own eyes. They were quiet looking at me with eyes wide open and said “whoa, that is amazing.” I had to break the news to them that I really wasn’t there, but it is like magic, there is no right or wrong answer. Celebrating the miracle of the holiday enhances the celebration and makes it more spiritual.
With Chanukah on the horizon, I need to stock up on candles since like a good Jewish mom, I pull out all the chanukiahs and must light all of them. There is no need to turn on the heater for those eight nights since there is enough warmth coming from those many candles!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Chabad of East County conducts a Torah lesson, “The Strength in Struggle: It’s Not So Good to be a Goodie-Goodie” at 7:15 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26. Click here to register.
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Marc Goldberg, San Diego author will have a book signing event for An Arborist Point of View from Under the Canopy” at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Tierrasanta Library. Goldberg has been an arborist in San Diego for over 20 years. Refreshments will be provided.
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Lawrence Family JCC hosts Mah-Jongg expert Michele Frizzell” at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3. Frizzell will teach, there will be a raffle, and a chance to play with Frizzell herself. Click here for tickets.
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Chabad at La Costa and Chabad of Downtown co-host a women’s prayer event at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Chabad of Scripps Ranch. The focus will be on the people of Israel. Click here to rsvp.
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Women of Congregation Beth Israel will serve latkes and vodka at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, at a social get-together. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth El conducts Minyanaires Shabbat at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. Minyanaires will lead Shabbat Services and sponsor a Shabbat luncheon for all.
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Chabad of Downtown’s Jewish Women’s Circle sponsors Pre-Chanukah jewelry making with artist Kris Miller at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8. Women are invited to craft jewelry, connect and celebrate Chanukah. No experience necessary. Click here to register.
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San Diego Jewish Academy invites the community to its annual Hanukkah Shuk at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec.12. Click here for vendor registration. Space is limited.
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Temple Emanu-El will combine Hanukkah Shabbat and Kwanzaa dinner” at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13. Celebrate Hanukkah with a musical revue during the Erev Shabbat Service and a Kwanzaa-themed dinner and program afterwards. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth Am presents Improv Night at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec.14. Improv performers Spiked Punch create every scene on the spot based on the audience suggestions. This is a 21+ event. Refreshments will be available. Click here to rsvp.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue hosts a Shabbat Kehillatit Dinner” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20. After Kabbalat Shabbat Services, celebrate Chanukah early with latkes and donuts. Click here to register.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Hillel of San Diego connected one of its students Noah, who is deeply interested in medicine with Dr. Franklin Gaylis, a community leader and urologist. This year, they presented at a national conference together, and Noah won second prize for his poster on urology.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s “Toys for Tots” will begin after Thanksgiving. It seeks new unwrapped toys to help underprivileged kids have a good holiday. Toys may be placed in a toy box in the lobby before Monday, December 16,
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Young Israel of San Diego has raised over $17,000 in a drive. Although the official campaign has ended, donations are accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 25. Click here to donate.
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Coastal Roots Farm has set a goal of raising $200,000 by Tuesday, Dec. 31. Each year the “farm” feeds over 45,000 neighbors and donates the vast majority of food to those in need. Click here to donate.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.