LA MESA, California – Music can set the mood for many occasions in life. When asked who my favorite artist or band is, I cannot name just one. It all depends on what got me through some tough times in life or what brings me back to good memories.
I enjoy attending services at synagogues that encourage congregants to sing along and dance with the Torah, especially during the High Holy Days, when I encounter many familiar faces as we smile and sing together.
One genre I have consistently followed is Alternative Rock, Classic Rock, and Garage. When I had my twins, I never played “kiddie music” as I called it. I wanted them to grow up listening to the rock classics found on 101.5 KGB and of course my favorite 91.1 91X. As a result of these stations, my twins enjoy going to the KGB Sky Show performance that has been held at the Snapdragon Stadium following the Holiday Bowl. It happened to land on my birthday in 2024, so I reminded them the event was in my honor.
Tonight, I will be taking my 13-year-old son to his first concert which he picked to see The Black Keys which will be performing at the Open-Air Theatre at my alma mater, San Diego State University. Interestingly, Dan Auerbach, the lead singer and guitarist is Jewish so we both hope he gives a nod to the Jews in the crowd. I may be a “cool” Mom after all (giggle).
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UPCOMING EVENTS
RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust invites the community to a special event featuring Holocaust survivor, author, and artist, Maria Jutasi Coleman at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 10 at the La Jolla Riford Library. Coleman will present her ceramic creations at this event.
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Temple Emanu-El’s Adult Education presents “Torah for the Table: Saucy Women of the Torah” at 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 11. Rabbi Devorah Marcus will lead the discussion about a different woman, while chef Barry Lander prepares a four-course meal related to the story. Click here to register.
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Congregation B’nai Tikvah announces its “Semi-Annual Meeting” at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 14 at Bethlehem Lutheran. The event will include Torah service, a meeting, and a Shabbat picnic.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents “Book Talk with Elizabeth Schwartz” at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 14. The event will include Havdalah and a book signing of Schwartz’s book The Sweet Fragrance of Life and Other Horror Stories.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Musical Havdalah Led by Kol Tefilah” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14. The event includes Havdalah, followed by open music entertainment and light refreshments. Click here if you would like to tell a story, sing a song, or recite a poem. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth Israel announces its “The Rabbi, The Reverend, and Jerusalem: Can Fiction and Friendship Heal What Politics Can’t?” at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 19. Rabbi Philip Graubart and Dr. Michael Kinnamon will give a presentation on the power of fiction to bridge social divisions, and the importance of interfaith understanding at a time when politics seem to be fractured in the city of Jerusalem. Click here to register.
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Lawrence Family JCC presents its “Jewish Short Play Festival” at 7 p.m., Monday, June 23. The event includes short plays performed by San Diego actors. Directed by Debra Wanger, the event explores themes of identity and tradition in contemporary Jewish life. Click here to register.
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Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 24 at the Lawrence Family JCC. The event will feature pieces from Handel, Tchaikovsky, and Glinka. Click here for tickets.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents “Shalomaland: A Walking Tour of San Diego’s Jewish History” at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 25 at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The event includes a tour that will explore the institute’s architecture – constructed by Louis Kahn – and the many contributions to science over the years. Click here to register.
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The Hive at Leichtag Commons presents “Shabbat by the Sea” at 6 p.m., Friday, June 27. The event includes bringing the community together to welcome Shabbat while surrounded by nature and guided by tradition. Organizers say to bring your picnic dinner, and they will provide the rest. Click here to register.
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To view other events, previously listed in this column, please visit our San Diego Jewish Community Calendar page.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Ner Tamid Synagogue’s Men’s Association of Ner Tamid reports its group is accepting new members. The group participates in activities that support the Ner Tamid community, including movie nights, fundraisers, and synagogue clean-up projects. Click here for more information.
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Young Israel of San Diego reports its congregants Chaya and Reuvie Goodwin welcomed the birth of a baby girl. Mazel Tov!
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Temple Emanu-El’s Price Family Preschool reports preschool registration is now open. Children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old can attend a play-based curriculum that can enroll in the core program and extended care is available. Click here for more information.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports it is collecting dessert recipes to be printed in its 2025-2026 (5786) “Totally Sweet Year” calendar. Organizers say to send in photos of the completed item and why these recipes mean a lot to you. Click here to send in your recipes by Monday, June 30.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.