Humane Society Gift Shop Items Provide Double Benefits

SAN DIEGO – When I returned recently from a camping trip at San Elijo State Beach, it was with Chanukah items from the nearby thrift shop of the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. They were gifts not only for us, but also for the critters because all proceeds go to feed and house the animals at the society. Not only do they have dogs and cats, but they also have rabbits for adoption.

My kids look for toys and games and I usually look at the clothes and find some good deals.
Over the years I have picked up Chanukah items from this thrift shop to add to our decorations since they are not used.  The bonus is that I know my purchase helps pay for feeding and caring for an animal.
I am always thrilled when I come into the shop and find Jewish tchotchkes.  The prices?  Such a bargain!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Congregation Beth Israel presents a webinar on “Bridging Cultures Through Art: Hip-Hop, Poetry, and the Art of Multilingual Expression” at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19. This program will feature Neta Weiner and Samira Saraya, founders of the “Beit System Ali” movement for cultural activism. Click here to rsvp.

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The Women of Temple-Emanu-El group is hosting a “Dinner and Bunco Game Night” at 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20. Click here to reserve your spot.

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Lawrence Family JCC presents “Hear from Holocaust Survivor Anita Frank at the 7th Annual Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival” at 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21. Frank was born in 1936 in Emmen, a small town in northern Holland. Frank and her four siblings were eventually forced into hiding in 1942. Hear her story and then watch her film. Click here for tickets.

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UCSD Hillel San Diego and Alums for Campus Fairness present “Jewish Networking Hub” at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Glickman Hillel Center. Click here to register.

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United Synagogue Youth hosts a “San Diego USY Shabbaton” at 9:15 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 at Congregation Beth El. 9th-12th graders are invited to attend this program that is subsidized by a grant from USY. Click here to register.

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Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative screens Katya’s Hand at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Katya, a Ukrainian immigrant and single mother has no choice but to leave her young sons, and then a severe storm erupted.. Visiting professor Tom Shoval will host an after discussion. Click here to rsvp.

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Congregation Beth El sponsors a “Thanksgiving 5k with the Beth El Kosher Turkeys” at 7:15 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 28 at Balboa Park. Participants will raise awareness and fund to help reduce hunger and homelessness in San Diego. All profits from the event benefit Father Joe’s initiatives. Click here to join the team.

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The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents “Aveva Dese Live in Concert” at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Dese, an Ethiopian Israeli vocalist and lyricist, sings in English and Amharic and explores themes of societal issues, freedom, and love with her blend of traditional Ethiopian melodies and soulful pop. Click here for tickets.

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Chabad of Carmel Valley offers “Israel Lecture Series with Rabbi Danny Cohen” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Torah Life Center. Cohen is the director of Chabad activities in Hebron, the Biblical city of the founders of the Jewish nation. Click here to rsvp.

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AROUND THE COUNTY

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.

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PERSONAL REFLECTION

We are halfway through November, how is that possible? Before we know it, 2025 will be here and Chanukah will be over.

In San Diego County, the Santa Ana winds have been strong this Fall. The Montezuma Fire was very close to San Diego State University on Thursday, Oct. 31. Ashes were falling from the sky in my backyard and many friends were asking if we were safe. Luckily, we were, and many involved in the fire were safe, but it was still a scary situation.

This morning, I was hugging my 12-year-old twins goodbye as they walked to La Mesa Arts Academy and saw a plume of smoke I could identify as being on El Cajon Boulevard. I checked my alerts, and it was an apartment complex off El Cajon Blvd and Guava Ave. in La Mesa.

I am very thankful for the boost in technology and when I get alerts, I think of them as forms of tikkun olam (repairing the world). It is good to be aware and possibly help those neighbors in need.

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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.