Other items in today’s column include:
*At the synagogues
*Political bytes
*In memoriam
SAN DIEGO — Jewish seniors isolated during the coronavirus pandemic may be better off both physically and mentally by moving to the Independent Living section of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities, its president and CEO Pam Ferris says.
“At home, seniors may feel isolated and need to figure out how to get groceries and medication delivered, safely visit the doctor, and be restricted in seeing friends and family,” she said. Seacrest Village Retirement Communities, in coastal Encinitas, “recognizes isolation as a risk factor for aging adults and developed a safe process for allowing seniors to move into independent living during the health crisis.”
“The safety measures we designed for seniors moving into the Lee & Frank Goldberg Residence Court include testing for COVID-19, and a schedule and protocol for movers to safely bring residents’ furnishings into the apartment,” Ferris said. “The health and well-being of our residents is our number priority.”
“We’re experiencing an uptick in the number of calls from concerned family members worried about their parents or spouse and looking for a solution to social isolation and additional care,” said Matthew Schiff, Director of Sales and Marketing at Seacrest Village. “They’ve seen them recently – often not in person for a long time – and have noticed changes and decline in some cases.
“Apartments are rented month-to-month, with no buy-in fee,” Schiff added. “We are offering a move-in special for new residents. They can get 12 months of rent for the price of 10, if the move in takes place between September 1 and December 31, 2020.”
Operated under Jewish community auspices, Seacrest Village offers a selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites facing either the garden or the ocean view. The retirement community offers such amenities as a fitness and aquatics center, a putting green, theater, and a newly remodeled dining room and lounge. More information and scheduling a virtual tour of Seacrest Village may be accessed via this website.
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At the synagogues
*Beth Jacob Congregation (Orthodox) reports “Registration is no longer needed for weekday minyanim, however, all other protocols are still in place, including self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms, physical distancing, facial coverings and staying at one’s seat for the duration of the services.
High Holidays Registration – Seating is limited and is already filling up. The deadline is this Friday September 11. Please register each and every person (adult and child) who is coming for any of the services during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, including Family Shofar Blowing (The Shofar will be blown during the morning service on 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah).”
*Chabad of East County messages: “Celebrate the High Holidays among friends and connect with your inner self. All outdoors. Socially distant yet spiritually close. Masks required. RSVP a must. A kippah and prayer book will be provided for you. Services will be interspersed with explanations and page guidance and option for shortened service. In short, while it may be different, you will feel at home. ” Additionally, “We are pleased to be offering: Rosh Hashanah Dinner in a Box. Orders must be in by Sunday, September 13, 2020. Pick up/Delivery on Friday, September 18, 2020. Includes Apple & Honey and Honey Cake.”
Tifereth Israel Synagogue — This year’s High Holy Days will be unlike any we’ve experienced before. While being together in the warmth and tradition of our Ohel Aharon (our Main Sanctuary) isn’t possible this year, we’re looking forward to sharing a combination of live-streamed services, virtual programs, as well as safe in-person experiences. Please note, all programs (even those with in-person options) will be streamed through Zoom. Beginning with our High Holy Days at Home workshop through our final Sukkot and Simchat Torah celebrations, there’s something for everyone. High Holy Day Services–Join Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Cantor Hanan Leberman (from Jerusalem) for uplifting and engaging services.All of our services, even those with an in-person option, will be streamed on Zoom. Congregational President David Ogul stresses: “Our synagogue’s leadership several months ago created a Medical Advisory Committee composed of several medical professionals to analyze the science, data, and research in guiding our congregation’s decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Medical Advisory Committee has met several times since first meeting in the spring and virtually every Medical Advisory Committee recommendation has subsequently been adopted by the Board of Directors as synagogue policy. Among the policies adopted by the Board of Directors is a requirement that face masks always be worn by anyone at shul, including those attending our limited, outdoor, services. This requirement is non-negotiable.”
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Political bytes
53rd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT — Sara Jacobs has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) in her race against San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez to succeed Congresswoman Susan Davis. ““San Diego will be well-served with Sara Jacobs in Congress,” Allred said. “Sara has the experience, energy, and understanding of the federal government that will make her an effective, no-nonsense Member of Congress. I have no doubt she’ll be a leader in her own class and will put in the work to ensure the 53rd District gets what it needs in the COVID-19 recovery.” Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-California) has endorsed Gomez. He said: “Georgette would be the first LGBTQ Latina elected to Congress — and that kind of representation matters. When I won in 2012, representing the Inland Empire, I was the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress. I’m so excited that 8 years later, we can continue to make history with your help.”
SAN DIEGO MAYOR’S RACE — San Diego City Councilwoman Barbara Bry says, “Recent investigative reports by the media include references to documents that have never been shared with the Council or the public. These media reports suggest that city officials participated in a scheme to secure financing for the 101 Ash Street transaction at a price well above the appraised value of the building. I am asking the Mayor and City Attorney to immediately publicly release all documents related to this transaction, including the signed lease agreement, all documents associated with the transaction and subsequent investigations, including drafts, closing documents and communications between the attorneys. The public deserves an independent accounting of what happened, who was responsible, and what, if any, criminal violations occurred.”
5th SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT — Deputy City Attorney Marni von Wilpert, who is in a runoff in the 5th District of the San Diego City Council with private attorney Joe Leventhal, has been endorsed by the San Diego Education Association (SDEA). ““As a proud graduate of San Diego schools, I know the value of a good education and the immensely important role teachers play in our communities,” said von Wilpert. “I am honored to have the support of our teachers and I am eager to get to work facilitating a productive partnership between our schools and City Hall.”
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In memoriam
*Melvin L. Feldman, 93, died Saturday, Sept. 5, Am Israel Mortuary reported. Graveside services officiated by Rabbi Ralph Dalin, the community chaplain, were scheduled this morning at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road.
*Betty Smith Opper, 94, died Sunday, Sept. 6, Am Israel Mortuary reported. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 14, at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego. Her family provided this remembrance: “Betty S. Opper came to the end of her life’s journey on September 6, 2020. Her life was filled with purpose and grace, as she was always kind and generous and always saw the kind and generous side of others. Her career as an elementary school teacher began in New Haven, Connecticut, and continued when the family moved to Miami, Florida and later to Fresno, California. After retirement Betty and her husband of 73 years, Mike, moved to San Diego to retire and live near their son. Their daughter, Susan Faith Maher, followed her mother’s career and also moved to San Diego to become an elementary school teacher, although she sadly predeceased her. Betty is survived by her husband, Michael, her son Richard Opper and his wife, Ann Poppe, their two children, Nico and Wes, and Susan’s two children, Megan and Daniel Maher, as well as two great grandchildren, Jonah and Briar. ”
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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com. Free obituaries in memory of members of the San Diego County Jewish community are sponsored on San Diego Jewish World by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg.