LA MESA, California — StandWithUs has established a San Diego Antisemitism Task Force with Liat Cohen-Reeis as the task force’s founding director.
The task force’s initial effort will be to persuade local governments in San Diego County, including the City of San Diego, to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s working definition of antisemitism.
Cohen-Reeis is joined in this effort by a cadre of volunteers including Ben & Shelley DeLeon, Sergio Noriega, Staci Wax, Helene Ziman, Tina Kholos and Lata Stein.
More volunteers are needed to join city council meetings when votes occur. Contact Colleen-Reeis for more information or to join this initiative.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Congregation Beth Am announces its “Adult Engagement: Reading with the Rabbi” at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 27. This event includes discussing “The Amen Effect” by Rabbi Sharon Brous. Rabbi David Kornberg will lead the conversation. Click here for more information.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue has scheduled the San Diego-based Jewish musical group, Kol Tefillah to perform at 7 p.m., Friday, March 28 during Shabbat services. Kol Tefillah has performed at multiple venues welcoming Shabbat together as a community. Oneg will follow services.
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Secure Community Network and Jewish Federation of San Diego present “Security Spring Training” at noon-3 p.m., Wednesday, April 2 at Ohr Shalom Synagogue. The event includes preparing the community for many types of emergencies. Click here to register.
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Kindness Initiative| Kindness G’Mach will hold its “Grand Opening Celebration” at 1 p.m., Sunday, April 6. The event will include a ribbon-cutting and mezuzah hanging, bounce houses and an opportunity to bring matzah, grape juice, canned or dry goods for Passover to those in need. Click here to rsvp.
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Hillel of San Diego will host a “Career Networking Night” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 22 at the Melvin Garb Hillel Center at SDSU. The event will include reconnecting with fellow alumni and community members, expanding professional networks, giving back by sharing career insights with students and recent grads, and inspiring the next generation by becoming a mentor. Refreshments and parking will be provided. Click here to register.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue invites its congregation to attend its “2025 Ohr Shalom Weekend Retreat” Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27 at YMCA Camp Marston. The weekend retreat is a family friendly event held in Julian and many activities to connect with other Ohr Shalom families. Click here to register.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego encourages current 9th graders to apply to its “Global Ambassador Program Travel to Mexico City” Sunday, June 22 – Sunday, June 29. The Global Ambassador Program is a unique, highly competitive subsidized travel experience designed exclusively for Jewish 9th graders to connect with Jewish life beyond San Diego. Click here to apply.
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Chabad of Poway’s Camp Gan Izzy is accepting applications for children ages 4-13. Camp is in session from Monday, June 23 through Friday, August 1. The camp includes a flexible schedule, sibling discount, kosher hot lunch available, early and aftercare available, shuttle from Poway, three field trips every week, swim and water activities and is located at the North County Mall. Click here to register.
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PASSOVER PLANNING
Chabad of East County invites the community to attend its “Passover Seder” at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 12. The event includes Passover cuisine, and a night filled with tradition, storytelling and community. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth Israel invites the community to its “Congregational 2nd Night Seder” at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, April 13. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth El invites the community to attend its “2nd Night Seder Community Celebration” at 6 p.m., Sunday, April 13. The Seder will be filled with spirit and song, and the foods and flavors of the Passover festival. Click here to register.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
San Diego Jewish Academy announces new parent and child classes are available to the public. The classes offer a wide range of programs including Kindermusik for parents/caregivers and their babies and toddlers, as well as toddler-parent yoga, prenatal yoga, and a Baby and Me Postpartum Wellness Group. Click here to see the schedule.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Boris Melnik has died. The funeral is scheduled for noon, Friday, March 28 at Home of Peace. Donations in Melnik’s memory may be made to Young Israel of San Diego.
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A PERSONAL NOTE
As Spring is here, many people buy or adopt baby bunnies and do not know the proper care for them. Kits are very fragile and their gender is not always apparent.
I came across a Next Door post for a free rabbit. The owner said the kit was an angora mix to which her son was allergic. We got Freckles in April of 2019 when she was 4 months old.
Rabbits are a 15-year commitment; they are not a spring gift. Bunny-proofing is part of the process with covering cords. I have no idea how many iPhone cords we have had to toss since even one bite from her teeth will sever the cord.
But I know she is just showing her happiness and that she is living her best life with our family.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.