LA MESA, California – July is known as Wild About Wildlife Month, according to the San Diego Humane Society, I am always amazed at what creatures I find in the neighborhood or even in my backyard.
One dark December night, I went outside to throw some recycling away in our blue bin. The motion sensor lights went off when I passed them, and I felt something looking at me. I found on the fence two opossums on the fence who didn’t move when they saw me. I ran back excitedly, looking for my phone to hopefully get a picture of them.
I bravely reached out and touched one on its backside, and it scurried off. It felt like a bristle brush. I know I shouldn’t have touched it, but I just was so curious. I ran back to tell my “super cool teens” and husband, but they were not amused at my excitement. Now, when I go out to throw out recycling, I walk past the fence slowly and keep an eye out for when they come back.
The San Diego Humane Society’s Wildlife Help Hub offers step-by-step instructions on what to do if you encounter an animal that appears to be injured, trapped, or sick. We share our properties with wild animals, so unless they are causing a problem, it is kind to show compassion and let them live in the trees or safe spots so they can feel safe.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Beth Jacob Congregation and Young Israel of San Diego present “Jesus Was a Jew, But Can a Jew be for Jesus? An Evening with Rabbi Tovia Singer” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, at Young Israel of San Diego. Singer is the founder and director of Outreach Judaism and a world-renowned speaker who has delivered over 100 lectures worldwide, educating communities about Judaism’s perspective on Christianity. Click here to register.
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Chabad of East County announces its new “Torah Studies Season Four: Eternal Moments” at 7:15 p.m., Wednesdays July 16 until October 1. These classes will focus on how the daily sacrifice in the Temple shows us that every moment holds a chance to experience G-d’s infinite light. Click here to register.
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Coastal Roots Farm announces its “Great Outdoor Shabbat” at 5:30 p.m., Friday, July 18. The event includes live music from Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s band Kol Tefillah to welcome Shabbat and crafts for kids. Organizers say to bring your picnic dinner. Click here to register.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents “Dances with Words” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 22. Union-Tribune language columnist Richard Lederer and musical comedian Bill Shipper will deliver a wordplay in music and song. Click here to rsvp.
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Young Israel of San Diego presents “Great Women of the Torah World” at 7 p.m., Sunday, July 27. This evening will honor Jewish women throughout history as community members will share stories, insights, and biographies of influential women who shaped our past and continue to inspire our future. Click here to receive the Zoom link.
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Congregation Beth El’s Women’s Connection announces its “Rosh Chodesh Gathering: Let The Games Begin” at 4 p.m., Monday, July 28. The event includes game tables that include Mah Jongg, Scrabble, Bridge, Backgammon, Charades and Trivial Pursuit. The documentary Mah Jongg: The Tiles That Bind will be screened. Click here to rsvp and for more information.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its Welcome Weekend for Rabbi and Rebbetzin Frankel and Family” on Saturday, August 9. More information will be coming soon.
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American Technion Society presents “A Special Evening with Rabbi David Wolpe” at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9. Wolpe will address the complexities of being Jewish in a polarized world and the impact of antisemitism on the global academic landscape. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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Jewish Family Service’s Joan Jacob’s Signature Brunch presents “Resilience and Renewal: Finding Strength in Every Chapter: A Conversation with Julianna Margulies” at 11 a.m., Sunday, October 26, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. Margulies is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award-winning actor and uses her platform to champion causes, including Holocaust education and women’s empowerment. In conversation with Laura Fink, communications strategist and executive coach, she will reflect on how we find strength, purpose, and connection through life’s many chapters. Click here for tickets or to underwrite.
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Stand With Us San Diego presents “Supporting Israel and Fighting Antisemitism Around the World: Leaders of Tomorrow Gala” on Sunday, November 16. Keynote speaker: Michael Rappaport is an American actor and comedian. Click here to purchase tickets to receive the early bird rate before Friday, August 1.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Chabad of University City reports that Rabbi Efraim and Rebbetzin Doba Kahn arrived in San Diego this week and can be welcomed at this weekend’s Shabbat Services.
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Chabad of Poway and Chabad of Rancho Bernardo report that many new families are moving into the community and are actively exploring the opportunity to build an Eruv to be able to carry items on Shabbat in the community.
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Coastal Roots Farm reports its farm camps are in full bloom this July. Middle schoolers can join the Counselor-in-Training program, which is designed for future leaders who are ready to grow in confidence, skills, and purpose. Click here to register or support a scholarship.
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Congregation Dor Hadash reports Rabbi Mike has completed contract negotiations and his tenure will begin on Sunday, July 20. Mazel Tov!
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San Diego Jewish Experience reports it has raised $164,146 out of its $200,000 goal. Click here to donate to the last 18% left in its campaign.
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Young Israel of San Diego shares the following recipe: Maple Pecan Cookies
2 cups finely crushed pecans
A pinch of salt
1/3 cup maple syrup
2/3 cups vegetable oil
Zest of 1 orange
2 cups all-purpose flour
About 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, for tossing the cookies in after baking
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix crushed pecans, salt, maple syrup, oil, orange zest, and flour until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms. Adjust with more maple syrup if too dry or flour if too sticky. Scoop dough onto the baking sheet. Cover with parchment and gently flatten each with a cup, then remove the top parchment. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden (tops will stay pale). Cool completely on the baking sheet. Toss cooled cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Derek Horwood, father of Lindsay Curtis, has died. The funeral will take place in London. Chabad of Carmel Valley reports.
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Joanna Schulmann’s unveiling was held Thursday, July 10, at El Camino Memorial Park. Chabad of University City reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.