SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Congregation Beth Israel, the oldest synagogue in Southern California, kicks off a year-long commemoration of its 150th anniversary with an opening celebration Sept. 18 at the temple in La Jolla. Free and open to all is the afternoon of fun and festivities, including appearances by San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Rep. Brian Bilbray and other public officials.
“We’re fortunate and honored to have so many community leaders join us in celebrating such a momentous occasion in our congregation’s history,” said Michael Berk, Congregation Beth Israel’s senior rabbi.
Highlights of the opening celebration include:
An opportunity to meet soferet Julie Seltzer. A soferet is a female Torah scribe, and Seltzer will spend the coming year helping to create a new Torah — the primary holy scripture in Judaism — for Beth Israel. Seltzer is one of the few known women in the world to write an entire Torah by herself. She will spend a year creating Beth Israel’s new scroll, writing with a feather quill on parchment. Those in attendance will be able to view a brief video on Seltzer and writing a Torah, and also watch in person as she works.
A performance by noted Jewish singer and songwriter Craig Taubman, whose music brings to life the joy and spirit of our Jewish heritage and appeals to all ages. Taubman has composed and directed music for many children’s television shows and performed at venues across the nation, including the White House.
The frosting on the day will be with delicious cupcakes in honor of the synagogue’s 150th birthday.
The opening celebration also will launch an endowment campaign designed to secure the congregation’s financial security for the next 150 years and beyond.
“We are proud of our rich history as a San Diego institution and look forward to sharing this special year with our members and the entire community,” said Mary Ann Scher, 150th anniversary chair.
Congregation Beth Israel includes 1,200 member households living throughout San Diego County and maintains an active affiliation with the Union for Reform Judaism.
The congregation’s award-winning campus is the third location it has occupied during its 150 years. Numerous anniversary events are scheduled throughout the year, most of which will take place at the La Jolla complex.
*
Preceding provided by Congregation Beth Israel