LA MESA, California – A week ago, I donated another pint of my O negative blood as my eight weeks had passed which made me eligible. I like to post it on my Facebook page to remind me when I donated and all those that I am friends with know I have their backs if they ever need me to save their lives. Or to also remind them to be extra nice to me as I recover and rest and hydrate. Sometimes the effects can last one to two days after.
I got a notice today that my blood was sent to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and was used in an emergency blood transfusion. I am humbled to know that I have saved over 100 lives by just producing the superpowers I was born with. This notice came the day after my birthday, so this made me so grateful to have given these patients another day of life. With the holiday season here, it makes it more meaningful for me as I know I am helping those stay alive to be with their loved ones.
My Dad z”l was a 20-gallon donor of O negative blood and I plan to keep the legacy going. I am still in the six-gallon range but with each pint, it saves up to three lives. To me it is the easiest tikkum olam (repair the world) I can offer.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s Sisterhood hosts a “Rosh Chodesh Circle and Potluck Dinner” at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 5. This event includes a reflection, and a connect-and-celebrate session. Click here to rsvp.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego partnering with Israel Unfiltered invites parents and teens to an in-person event at 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 5 at the Federation offices. This event is an information session about the first San Diego teen trip to Israel. Organizers will dive into the trip itinerary, discount opportunities, safety protocols and introduce the staff. Click here to register.
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Temple Emanu-El conducts a“Drum Circle” at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7. Participants include newcomers who do not need to be a Temple member and veteran drummers. Click here for more information.
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Congregation Beth Israel conducts “Shira Chadasha” at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10. This event includes a contemporary music prayer in an intimate and informal service open to all and followed by an Oneg.
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Congregation Beth El offers a “Young Family Shabbat Morning” at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11. The event includes a celebration of Shabbat songs, stories and prayer.
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Congregation Dor Hadash will participate in “MLK Day of Service” at 9 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 19. The theme will be “Helping San Diego: Working Together to End Food and Housing Insecurity.” Click here to sign up and bring items for Mitzvah bags to San Diego Rescue Mission and Jewish Family Service.
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KPBS will premiere Resistance: They Fought Back at 10 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27 in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This documentary is about the Jewish resistance, community and strength during the Holocaust.
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CHABAD HAPPENINGS
University City announces “Sunday Mystical Musings with Rabbi Yudell Reiz” at 8 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 29, followed by 8:45 a.m breakfast and Torah class. This event is for men and women.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Hillel Polichenco and Shaindel Carlebach were married on Monday, Dec. 23, Chabad of Carmel Valley reports. Mazel Tov!
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JEWISH HUMOR
Chabad of East County shares the following joke: “The Dream:” Moshe was talking to his psychiatrist. “I had a weird dream recently,” he says. “I saw my mother but then I noticed she had your face. I found this so worrying that I immediately awoke and couldn’t get back to sleep. I just stayed there thinking about it until 7am. I got up, made myself a slice of toast and some coffee and came straight here. Can you please help me explain the meaning of my dream?” The psychiatrist kept silent for some time, then said, “One slice of toast and coffee? Do you call that a breakfast?”
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Harry Bluestein died Friday, Dec. 20. The funeral and internment will be at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 29 at El Camino Memorial Park with Rabbi Avi Libman of Congregation Beth El, Am Israel Mortuary reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.
You are truly a lifesaver. Do you get contacted whenever your blood is used? I’ve need heard of that before. You are truly a “woman of valor.”
Yes, I am in the Guardians Group which I think is only O negative so I think I get notices to where my blood was sent :).