SAN DIEGO – Do Jews believe in angels? An interesting article I read from myjewishlearning.com includes a midrash about angels.
“The Talmud records a teaching that two ministering angels — one good and one evil — accompany a person home from synagogue on Shabbat evening. If they find the person’s home prepared for Shabbat, the good angel declares: ‘May it be Your will that it shall be like this for another Shabbat.’ And the evil angel answers against his will: ‘Amen.’ If the home is not prepared, the reverse happens: The evil angel voices a wish for it to be this way for another week and the good angel responds ‘Amen.’ Shalom Aleichem, a liturgical song welcoming angels into the home before the Sabbath meal, is inspired by this teaching.”
Before we light the candles, my twins scream, “This house is Shabbat ready!” I giggle and love the welcoming Angels. Who doesn’t want a house of love?
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Zionist Organization of America presents “You’ve Heard the Lies Against Israel – Now Hear the Truth with Morton A. Klein, National President Zionist Organization of America” at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, at Chabad Carmel Valley. Klein will discuss the conduct of the Gaza war, which began when Hamas killed over 1,200 civilians were killed and 250 hostages taken.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “Tech Tips 101: Easy Tech for Everyday Life with instructor Gwyn Chafetz” at 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9. Chafetz will guide this 60-90 minute class and meet the students where they are at technologically. Bring any devices such as smart phones, laptops or tablets. Click here to rsvp.
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Women of Chabad of University City presents a women’s night out “Paint and Sip” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17. Click here to register. Chabad of University City also invites the community to attend “Chinese Food and Movie Night” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 25. There will be separate movies for adults and children and Chinese food for the adults and hot dogs for the children. Click here to register.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces Scholar in Residence Rebbetzin Esti Hamilton will lecture the weekend of Friday, Jan. 31 to Saturday, Feb. 1. Hamilton is a teacher of Torah, spiritual mentor, and religious leader for thousands of students across the globe. More information forthcoming.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Rabbi Chalom and Rebbetzin Mairav Boudjnah of Chabad at San Diego State University Jewish Student Life announces the birth of a baby boy to their daughter and son in-law, Mazel Tov!
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Kindness Initiative reports that CalPrivate Bank and an anonymous donor will match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. This past year, Kindness Initiative provided direct assistance to meet urgent needs, including car repairs for essential transportation to work or school and technology support, such as laptops or internet access for children’s education. Click here to donate.
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Coastal Roots Farm reports that every donation will be matched up to $200,000. This past year the “farm” fought hunger by providing healthy, fresh food to those in need; tackled climate change with regenerative farming practices that restore soil health and nurtured Jewish life and fostered a sense of community that welcomes people of all backgrounds. Click here to donate.
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Hillel San Diego that each donation will be matched thanks to the generous Hillel of San Diego Alumni. Click here to donate.
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The Butterfly Project reports that each donation will support its mission to reach more students, classrooms, and communities ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust inspire compassion and understanding for future generations. Click here to donate.
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Chabad of University City reports that each donation is tax-deductible and provides essential Jewish services to the community. Click here to donate.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Violet Gurfinkel, wife of Benny Gurfinkel, has died. The funeral and Shiva will be in New York, Chabad of University City reports.
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Clara Kanofsky, mother of Sonya Saad, died on Sunday, Nov. 29. Funeral services were conducted Monday, Dec. 2 at Home of Peace Cemetery with Rabbi Moshe Leider as officiant, Chabad of University City reports.
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Susan Pollock died on Thursday, Nov. 28. Donations in Pollock’s memory may be made to Brady: United Against Gun Violence or the American Civil Liberties Union, Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.