SAN DIEGO – Yom Kippur is a time to reflect and ask forgiveness and is the Day of Atonement. This is when people usually apologize for any wrongdoings in the past year. I always ask forgiveness for possibly not being as attentive as I should be. Or not always answering my phone. But it is hard to answer when I am driving or when I am in conversation with a friend who really needs my attention. I think when I explain that people understand I am not ignoring them, I do get back to the calls and emails when I am able to devote that time to that person.
Wishing you all an easy fast and may you be inscribed for a good year.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Chabad at La Costa invites the community to attend Yom Kippur services with an Erev Yom Kippur meal before Kol Nidrei at 6 p.m, Friday, Oct. 11 Yom Kippur day services start at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12 with fast ending at 6:56 p.m. and light refreshments afterwards. Click here to rsvp.
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Temple Emanu-El announces “Limmud Breakout Sessions” starting at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12. Rabbi Benj Fried and Rabbi Marty Lawson will lead Sacred Scripture: A traditional recitation and study of the text of Jonah. Congregants Michelle Jirkovsky and Jean Seager will lead Sacred Stories: Three short play readings and discussion on the themes of these sacred story plays. Rabbi Devorah Marcus and congregant Gail Braverman will lead Sacred Souls: Meditation and Reflection on the themes of Jonah- Embracing obligations, accepting responsibility, and cultivation compassion.
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Chabad of East County presents “New York Style Deli in the Sukkah” at 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17. A festive Sukkot celebration featuring classic New York-style deli foods, and great company, organizers say. Click here for rsvp and for address.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue invites its congregants to welcome Shabbat with the Shir Chadash band at 6:15 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18. After Shabbat services and the band’s performance, the congregation will meet in the sukkah under the stars for an lovely Oneg. Click here for more information.
Coastal Roots Farm presents “Pride in the Sukkah: An LGBTQ+ Harvest Hang” at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22. Organizers say attendees will enjoy joyful Sukkot traditions; get inspired by scholar and writer Hanz Enyeart who will share stories of lesser-known queer Jewish history makers; eat, drink, and socialize with new friends as the sun sets. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth El hosts “Shabbat Candle Dipping” at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct 27, for adults in their 50s through 70s. This is a new cohort of programming for adults. Rabbi Ron Shulman will impart Shabbat traditions and customs while registrants handcraft personalized candles. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth Israel’s Adult Education presents “Social Media as a Platform for Change and Advocacy with Debbie Lechtman” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29. Lechtman will discuss how she decides with whom to engage in dialogue about online propaganda, as well as the role social media has played in shaping attitudes about Israel and Judaism. Click here to rsvp.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
San Diego Hebrew Day shared an exciting week of learning in Preschool. In honor of Sukkot, Hummingbird classes enjoyed an exciting field trip to Oma’s Pumpkin Patch. The children received mini pumpkins to hang in their sukkah and recited brachot thanking Hashem for the bountiful fall harvest.
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Kindness Initiative related Sarah’s story of success: Sarah (name changed for privacy) came to Kindness Initiative facing immense challenges. Not only was she homeless and jobless, but she was also grappling with complex mental health issues that made rebuilding her life seem nearly impossible. Here’s how the Kindness Initiative described Sarah’s case:
“Our team approached her situation with care, offering a modest stipend for three months while she worked closely with a case manager and resource specialist. Together, they helped Sarah access vital resources like food and secure a safe place to park her car. Her case manager connected her with mental health services, while the resource specialist guided her through the job search process—helping her update her resume, apply for jobs, and practice interview skills.
“When Sarah finally received a job offer, kindnessG’MACH provided professional clothing and toiletries, and we covered the costs for her LiveScan and TB test, ensuring nothing stood in her way. Sarah is now employed, working hard to save for her own apartment, and when she’s ready, kindnessG’MACH will assist in furnishing her new home.
“Sarah’s journey to stability is a testament to the power of personalized support, addressing both immediate needs and long-term well-being. With the right help, even the most complex challenges can lead to hope and independence.”
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Jewish Federation of San Diego established a Hurricane Emergency Relief Fund to provide critically needed aid to both Jewish and non-Jewish communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Click here to donate.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera (District 9) and Councilmember Marni von Wilpert (District 5) have introduced legislation aimed at reducing cost of living by requiring equal access to grocery store discounts. The San Diego City Council colleagues said that with digital-only deals excluding seniors, English language learners, and those without smartphones, this proposal tackles one aspect of San Diego’s high cost of living by ensuring fair pricing for all.
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OBTIUARY NOTICES
Leo Abramovitz died on Thursday, Oct. 3. The funeral took place on Monday, Oct. 7 in Los Angeles.
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Barbara Brothers died Tuesday, Oct. 8. She is the mother of Tifereth Israel Synagogue congregant Pamela Cohen. Funeral services will be in Boston.
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Eunice Barbara Brown Greenhaus died, and funeral services were observed Monday, Oct. 7 in New York. Shiva services will be observed at the Torah Life Center through Friday, Oct. 11.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.