By Eva Trieger
ENCINITAS, California –The Leichtag Foundation has done it again! The informal gathering at the Hub was exhilarating, inspiring and surprising. There was not one vacant seat at a panel discussion, even though the location was a bit off the beaten path. The evening’s discussion proved how vibrant a Jewish community there is north of La Jolla and west of the Interstate 15.
The Ranch, owned by the Leichtag Foundation, has been created with a vision of ensuring a space for Jews across the spectrum of observance, gender, age and nationalities to gather and grow in their Judaism and establish connections with other Jews. The collaborative effort is truly fantastic in its scope and sequence. The multiple organizations that have united have done so specifically to determine the needs of North County’s Jewish population and provide solutions to current challenges. The panel was quick to point out we are not in “crisis,” to the contrary, we are expanding into ever wider circles, including more individuals.
The thrust of the programs presented Thursday, March 27, seemed to be geared to singles under 30 years of age, as well as young families. This reporter was surprised and delighted to learn that Moishe House, led by Jordan Fruchtman, has created 61 homes for Jews in their 20s who seek like minded roommates. These homes span the globe and provide Shabbat dinners, learning opportunities, book clubs and many more events to engage young Jews who may be living on their own for the first time. Another organization, Next Gen under the auspices of Carly Ezell, Community Engagement Manager, teams up with Moishe House Without Walls to enhance these experiences and create even more venues for Jewish engagement and practical needs, such as professional development and networking.
Everyone in the audience seemed excited to learn about all of the programs and many were unaware of the array of services and supports that are already in place in Carlsbad, Leucadia, Scripps Ranch, Carmel Valley and Encinitas. The panel members spoke of the North County’s Jewish population as having an interest in health, sustainability and tikkun olam, from a very Jewish perspective. These concepts are the underpinnings of the Leichtag Foundation’s ranch. Three acres are envisioned to provide the community with the opportunity to plant and harvest, much in the way of the chalutzim, the pioneers, of Eretz Yisroel. The directors of Hazon, Entwine (Alison Laichter), along with the Jewish Food Justice Fellowship, are especially excited about celebrating our harvest festivals, Sukkot and Shavuot, at the Ranch and encourage families, individuals and the community to learn to plant fruit trees and other crops according to halacha, Jewish law.
The space is dedicated not only to future Jewish leaders, but also will serve as a gathering place for Israeli ex-pats, of which there are many. The Ranch will provide a gathering place for these individuals and families who are far from home. Tarbuton, under the direction of Jennie Starr, offers Hebrew language classes and Israeli cultural programs to all San Diegans. They seek out all families, interdenominational and intergenerational. The Waters of Eden offers a kosher and pluralistic mikvah in North County, for anyone seeking healing, renewal, or desirous of purification for any reason, according to Rabbi Lenore Bohm, Executive Director.
The beautiful setting is undergoing development as I type, and it is hoped that people will come and celebrate simchas and enjoy getting “down and dirty” in the soil that will allow our Jewish roots to continue to spread and flourish l’dor v’dor. Using the plot of land to nurture and sustain our Jewishness, and share the fruits of these labors with the next generation will ensure that our community will survive and thrive, spiritually and materially.
For more information about any of the above programs or if you have any questions or ideas, please direct them to Naomi Rabkin, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Leichtag Foundation. See your dream of a Jewish community become a reality.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com San Diego Jewish World seeks sponsorships to be placed, as this notice is, just below articles that appear on our site. To inquire, call editor Donald H. Harrison at (619) 265-0808 or contact him via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com