San Diego County Jewish Calendar

DECEMBER

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Parsha and Pizza with Cecelia” at 1 p.m., Thursdays at the Price Center, at which students are invited to enjoy some pizza and Jewish learning.

Beth Jacob Congregation invites its congregants to register for the “Cholent Cook-Off” on Shabbos, December 7. All participants must prepare their cholent entry at shul at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5. Potatoes, onions, barley, beans, ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper will be provided. All other ingredients brought in will be checked for hechsherim. Click here to register.

Chabad at La Costa announces its weekly virtual Torah class with Rabbi Sholom Eilfort at 6 p.m., Thursdays Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26 on his father Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort’s Facebook feed.

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House of Israel volunteers are also needed for “Balboa Park December Nights” at 3 p.m., Friday, December 6 and 11a.m., Saturday, December 7. Volunteers will be serving potato latkes and sufganiyot at the House and will also be in the spirit garden. Click here to sign up.

Congregation Beth Israel’s Caring Community reports its “Healing Quilt Presentation” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6. The Caring Community will share with its congregants the assembled quilt made with assistance from The First Methodist Church. Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Yael Vurgan from Sha’ar HaNegev (San Diego’s sister city in Israel) will discuss the dreams of her community following the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre.

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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.

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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Ohr Shalom Synagogue invites the community to its “Blood Drive Mobile with San Diego Blood Bank” at 9 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 8. All blood types are needed, especially O negative. Click here to register.

Ohr Shalom Synagogue asks congregants for help in painting the utility box in the courtyard. Congregant and artist, Vivien Ressler needs members to assist with this project at 9 a.m., beginning Sunday, Dec. 8. Click here to select a time slot. All supplies will be provided and ages 13 years and older can volunteer.

Hadassah San Diego invites the women in the community to “Latkes and Vodka Hanukkah Party” at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Celebrate Hanukkah with the Bat Shemesh Hadassah sisters. There will be food, drinks, games and socializing. Click here to register.

Young Israel of San Diego and Beth Jacob Congregation announces a “Kidney Awareness and Swabbing Event” at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8 at Southern California Yeshiva High School. Learn about kidney donation and get swabbed to see if you are a match for someone in need of a lifesaving kidney transplant.

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.

Zionist Organization of America presents “You’ve Heard the Lies Against Israel – Now Hear the Truth with Morton A. Klein, National President Zionist Organization of America” at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, at Chabad Carmel Valley. Klein will discuss the conduct of the Gaza war, which began when Hamas killed over 1,200 civilians were killed and 250 hostages taken.

Women of Beth Jacob Congregation host a Pre-Chanukah Gift Exchange Party” at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8. They ask attendees to bring a wrapped gift (between $10-15) to swap. The theme is kitchen and self-care gifts. Soup, bread, and cider will be served. Click here to rsvp.

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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “Tech Tips 101: Easy Tech for Everyday Life with instructor Gwyn Chafetz” at 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9. Chafetz will guide this 60-90 minute class and meet the students where they are at technologically. Bring any devices such as smart phones, laptops or tablets. Click here to rsvp.

The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture announces “An Evening with Tal Schneider, the Times of Israel Correspondent” at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Schnieder will discuss Middle Eastern and Israeli politics and society through her first-hand experiences and journalistic expertise. Click here to register.

Beth Jacob Congregation announces “Semichas Chaver Revolutionize Your Torah Learning” at 7:30 p.m., on Mondays. Rabbi Avraham Bogopulsky will lead these sessions to learn the most common halachos that arise daily. Click here for more information.

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Jewish Community Foundation San Diego and Impact Cubed are partnering to provide a webinar “Women During a Time of War” at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10. This is the second webinar in this monthly series on responding to needs in Israel which includes deep discussions with Israelis on the ground. Guest speakers include Ofir Dayan, researcher at the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS); Sapir Bluzer, senior consultant to the Ministry of Economy and Industry, and Fainy Sukenik, social entrepreneur, educator and ultra-Orthodox feminist activist. Click here to register.

Chabad of Chula Vista presents “Lunch and Learn” 12 p.m., every Tuesday, over lunch, to discuss relevant Jewish topics using ancient wisdom as a guide in a modern society. Click here to rsvp.

Congregation Beth Israel: Member Meet up: Tuesday, Afternoon Mahjongg at 1 p.m., Make new friends! Join us on Tuesdays from 1-3 pm to play Mahjong. All levels are welcome. If you would like to watch and learn, just let the organizer know you will be watching. Space is limited. No fee, click here to rsvp.

UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Schmoozeday with Cecelia and Shir” at 1 p.m., Tuesdays at the Price Center, at which they can stop by and grab a sweet treat and chit chat.

Chabad at La Costa announces a new series of lessons on “Nurturing Relationships” through the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Rebbetzin Nechama Eilfort will discuss Jewish wisdom for building deeper, richer connections in all relationships. Click here to register.

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Beth Israel – Morning Mindfulness with Julie Potiker starting at 10:00 am: Join Julie Potiker for this grounding way to start the day and move from a place of fear to a place of calm. In these forty-five-minute mindfulness sessions, you will experience bringing your attention to the present moment without judgment. Click here to register for the Zoom.

Lawrence Family JCC announces a “Mandelbaum Family Lecture Series: Maccabees, Mayhem and Myth: The Temple Conspiracy They Don’t Teach in Hebrew School”with Rabbi George Wielichowski at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Coronado Public Library. Wielichowski will explore how Hanukkah emerged from an intense civil war between rival Jewish factions in Jerusalem. Click here to rsvp.

UCSD Hillel of San Diego “Bagels Ba Boker” at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at the Sun God Lawn, where they can enjoy an Einstein bagel.

Congregation Beth Israel’s Cooking with Caring Community presents its “Chanukah Edition” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11. The Zoom event will be hosted by Rabbi Jason Nevarez, Rabbi Cantor Emerita Arlene Bernstein, Rabbi Cantor Jeremy Gimbel and Rabbi Ackerman Hirsch as they share Chanukah latke recipes and traditions. Click here to register.

-12-

UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Parsha and Pizza with Cecelia” at 1 p.m., Thursdays at the Price Center, at which students are invited to enjoy some pizza and Jewish learning.

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.

Chabad at La Costa announces its weekly virtual Torah class with Rabbi Sholom Eilfort at 6 p.m., Thursdays Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26 on his father Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort’s Facebook feed.

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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 lecturer Allison Madwatkins, esq., who will discuss “Practical Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence” at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 15.

Congregation Beth Israel announces a Sunday brunch and discussion on the current Jewish situation on campuses with Rabbi David Wolpe at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 15. Wolpe will address challenges faced in the Jewish community today and how our history of resilience can help move us forward. Click here to register.

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Anti-Defamation League San Diego and Israel Baseball Americas announces a screening of the film Israel Swings for Gold at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 16 at Lawrence Family JCC. This documentary highlights Team Israel’s Olympic journey and their resilience in the face of antisemitism. After the screening a question and answer session will be hosted by former Major League Baseball players Kevin Youkilis and Brad Ausmus. Click here to rsvp.

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Chabad of Chula Vista presents “Lunch and Learn” 12 p.m., every Tuesday, over lunch, to discuss relevant Jewish topics using ancient wisdom as a guide in a modern society. Click here to rsvp.

UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Schmoozeday with Cecelia and Shir” at 1 p.m., Tuesdays at the Price Center, at which they can stop by and grab a sweet treat and chit chat.

Women of Chabad of University City presents a women’s night out “Paint and Sip” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17. Click here to register.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Bagels Ba Boker” at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at the Sun God Lawn, where they can enjoy an Einstein bagel.

Jewish Federation of San Diego presents “8 Crazy Flights: A Chanukah Celebration” at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Bivouac Adventure Lodge. The evening will be filled with cider tastings and holiday-themed appetizers, Click here to register.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Parsha and Pizza with Cecelia” at 1 p.m., Thursdays at the Price Center, at which students are invited to enjoy some pizza and Jewish learning.

Chabad at La Costa announces its weekly virtual Torah class with Rabbi Sholom Eilfort at 6 p.m., Thursdays Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26 on his father Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort’s Facebook feed.

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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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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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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 6^th grade. Click here to sign up.

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Chabad of Chula Vista presents “Lunch and Learn” 12 p.m., every Tuesday, over lunch, to discuss relevant Jewish topics using ancient wisdom as a guide in a modern society. Click here to rsvp.

UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Schmoozeday with Cecelia and Shir” at 1 p.m., Tuesdays at the Price Center, at which they can stop by and grab a sweet treat and chit chat.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Bagels Ba Boker” at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at the Sun God Lawn, where they can enjoy an Einstein bagel.

Chabad of University City also invites the community to attend “Chinese Food and Movie Night” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 25. There will be separate movies for adults and children and Chinese food for the adults and hot dogs for the children. Click here to register.

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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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Parsha and Pizza with Cecelia” at 1 p.m., Thursdays at the Price Center, at which students are invited to enjoy some pizza and Jewish learning.

Chabad at La Costa announces its weekly virtual Torah class with Rabbi Sholom Eilfort at 6 p.m., Thursdays Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26 on his father Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort’s Facebook feed.

Chabad of Poway announces its Grand Menorah Lighting, Thursday, Dec. 26 at North County Mall

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Congregation B’nai Tikvah announces its Hanukkah Party and Latke Contest on Shabbat, Friday, Dec. 27 at the Masonic Center in Escondido. Non-perishable food is requested for the edible tzedakah drive of Interfaith Community Services.

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Coastal Roots Farm presents “Fields of Light: A Chanukah Celebration” at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 29. People of any or no faith background are welcome. Click here to register.

Chabad of Poway Grand Chanukah Party and Carnival, Sunday, Dec. 29

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Beth Jacob Congregation announces Scholar in Residence Rebbetzin Esti Hamilton will lecture the weekend of Friday, Jan. 31 to Saturday, Feb. 1. Hamilton is a teacher of Torah, spiritual mentor, and religious leader for thousands of students across the globe. More information forthcoming.

Chabad of Chula Vista presents “Lunch and Learn” 12 p.m., every Tuesday, over lunch, to discuss relevant Jewish topics using ancient wisdom as a guide in a modern society. Click here to rsvp.

UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Schmoozeday with Cecelia and Shir” at 1 p.m., Tuesdays at the Price Center, at which they can stop by and grab a sweet treat and chit chat.

JANUARY

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Bagels Ba Boker” at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at the Sun God Lawn, where they can enjoy an Einstein bagel.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Parsha and Pizza with Cecelia” at 1 p.m., Thursdays at the Price Center, at which students are invited to enjoy some pizza and Jewish learning.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Schmoozeday with Cecelia and Shir” at 1 p.m., Tuesdays at the Price Center, at which they can stop by and grab a sweet treat and chit chat.

-8-

UCSD Hillel of San Diego:“Bagels Ba Boker” at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at the Sun God Lawn, where they can enjoy an Einstein bagel.

-9-

UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Parsha and Pizza with Cecelia” at 1 p.m., Thursdays at the Price Center, at which students are invited to enjoy some pizza and Jewish learning.

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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Hadassah Southern California reminds its members that it is time to order the 2025 Mah Jongg. Click here to order online and to mention Hadassah Southern California since each chapter receives credit for orders. Deadline to purchase is Sunday, Jan. 12.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Schmoozeday with Cecelia and Shir” at 1 p.m., Tuesdays at the Price Center, at which they can stop by and grab a sweet treat and chit chat.

12-December 14, 2025

RUTH: Remember Us the Holocaust: Voices of San Diego Survivors, La Jolla/Riford Branch Library. An exhibit created and curated by Paul Nussbaum, Sam Landau, and Sandra Scheller. Holocaust collection of artifacts and lessons from the Holocaust. Click here for more information.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Bagels Ba Boker” at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at the Sun God Lawn, where they can enjoy an Einstein bagel.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Parsha and Pizza with Cecelia” at 1 p.m., Thursdays at the Price Center, at which students are invited to enjoy some pizza and Jewish learning.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Schmoozeday with Cecelia and Shir” at 1 p.m., Tuesdays at the Price Center, at which they can stop by and grab a sweet treat and chit chat.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Bagels Ba Boker” at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at the Sun God Lawn, where they can enjoy an Einstein bagel.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Parsha and Pizza with Cecelia” at 1 p.m., Thursdays at the Price Center, at which students are invited to enjoy some pizza and Jewish learning.

24-May 4, 2025

RUTH: Remember Us the Holocaust: Holocaust Survivor: Ruth Goldschmeidova Sax: One Woman’s Journey, Coronado Library. An exhibit created and curated by Sandra Scheller. Click here for more information.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Schmoozeday with Cecelia and Shir” at 1 p.m., Tuesdays at the Price Center, at which they can stop by and grab a sweet treat and chit chat.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Bagels Ba Boker” at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at the Sun God Lawn, where they can enjoy an Einstein bagel.

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UCSD Hillel of San Diego: “Parsha and Pizza with Cecelia” at 1 p.m., Thursdays at the Price Center, at which students are invited to enjoy some pizza and Jewish learning.

FEBRUARY

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AJC San Diego and Jewish Federation of San Diego on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. PST for an impactful, in-person event to combat antisemitism. The 2025 “Standing Together” symposium will build on the success of last year’s inaugural event and expand in scope and size, with programming designed for allies of the Jewish community, a teen track, and additional breakout workshops to meet the growing needs of our community. Click here to register.

MARCH

APRIL

-22-May 1-

Jewish Federation of San Diego announces a “Save the Date: March of the Living: 80^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Camps” April 22-May1, 2025. Trip highlights include March of the Living – explore Holocaust history while celebrating Jewish survival and strength with an adult delegation from the San Diego Jewish community. Visit historic sites in Poland and optional extension to observe Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). Click here for more information.

May

-12-23-

Jewish Journey in Lithuania and Latvia Led by Professor Yale Strom and Elizabeth Schwartz is accepting registrations for the May 12-23, 2025, trip. This culturally rich tour of Lithuania and Riga, Latvia was once 40% Jewish, and the entire country was once 10% Jewish. As many as 1 million Americans have ancestral roots from Lithuania – many of them Jews. Strom and Schwartz will also perform klezmer/Yiddush concerts with local professional musicians. Click here to register by July 1 and save $100 per person.

Please send your Jewish community calendar items and announcements to assistant editor Cailin Acosta via cailin.acosta@sdjewishworld.com

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