LA MESA, California – This past weekend, I participated in Tifereth Israel Synagogue Sisterhood’s Havdalah service on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 8. I carried the Torah as we closed out the service.
The first time I was asked to do this mitzvah was before Covid and it was a morning Shabbat service. I was overwhelmed with emotion, but not the weight. I smiled and went through the aisles and saw all my friends who hugged me. After my obligation I had to collect myself as I felt some stress in making sure I held the Torah safely.
This time, I was honored to be asked to carry it again and smiled and felt the love from everyone. I passed the Torah to be closed in the ark.
But the Torah is so sacred and it is heavy. I am honored to hold it and some fellow congregants told me it is my calling.
I will be doing more upper arm weights so it will be easy in the future.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Congregation Beth Israel invites the community to attend its “Shira Chadasha Services” at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14. It suggests that you replenish your soul with contemporary music and prayer with an informal service followed by an Oneg.
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Coastal Roots Farm invites the community to attend its “Seeds of Earth-Based Judaism” at 10 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 16, and experience the wisdom of the sacred texts. Click here to register.
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Lawrence Family JCC will collaborate with Friendship Circle of San Diego for its “A Day of Inclusivity with Brandon Farbstein: Step into a World Where Everyone Belongs” at 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16. This event is in collaboration of the Inclusion Department in celebration of Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). Click here for tickets.
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Congregation Beth El’s Chai group will meet at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20. This event is organized for individuals ages 20-30 to learn the art of braiding and to enjoy delicious toppings. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth Am presents “The 2nd Annual Trivia Night” at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 8 at the Pub Beth Am. This event will include a trivia night with Trivia Goat, appetizers, beer, and friends, Click here to rsvp.
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CHABAD HAPPENINGS
Downtown invites the community to attend its “Jewish Film Night” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15. The event will include the showing of One Life with popcorn and refreshments. Click here to rsvp.
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Chula Vista invites Jewish men to attend its “Bagels, Lox and Tefillin” at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 16. Rabbi Mendel Katz will wrap tefillin and host breakfast. Click here to rsvp.
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Carmel Valley reports Ronen and Alyssa Reouveni and grandparents Nitzan and Danielle Reouveni welcomed the birth if a baby boy. Mazel Tov!
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Rosalyn and Jim Allina died Monday, Feb. 10. Funeral arrangements are pending, Tifereth Israel Synagogue reports.
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Warren Dean, son of May and Irving Dean, husband of Marilyn Dean, father of Brian, Vivien, Marni and Eric, grandfather to Justin, Rachel, Danielle, Sarah, Jake and Natalie and brother of Paul and Nelly, has died. A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13 at a private residence. Donations in Dean’s honor can be made to Congregation Beth Israel.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.