LA MESA, California – Tisha B’Av is approaching and is observed for the first nine days of the new month of Av. During the nine days, there are several additional observances, which are meant to demonstrate sadness and internalize the sense of loss due to the destruction of the Holy Temples.
During this time, observant Jews refrain from eating meat or drinking wine, wearing freshly laundered clothing, wearing leather shoes, taking long showers or baths, listening to music, or engaging in festive celebrations.
The fast of Tisha B’Av occurs on Saturday night, August 2. Synagogue services include the reading of The Book of Lamentations. The fast ends on Sunday night, August 3.
Some other observations include sitting low to the floor, such as someone in mourning during Shiva (until Sunday). If someone sleeps with two pillows, one is used instead. Refrain from work if possible.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Young Israel of San Diego presents “Great Women of the Torah World” at 7 p.m., Sunday, July 27, on Zoom. Women are invited to share stories, insights, and biographies of influential Jewish women who shaped our past and continue to inspire our future. Click here for the Zoom link.
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Temple Emanu-El presents “Tisha B’Av: Adult Education Movie: October 8” at 5 p.m., Saturday, August 2. This film unpacks the explosion of antisemitism on our college campuses, on social media, and in the streets of America. It is based on the Hamas-led attack that occurred in Israel on October 7, 2023. Click here to register.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue and Ohr Shalom Synagogue will partner for Erev Tisha B’Av service at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, August 2, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. The event includes Ma’ariv services and the reading of Eicha (The Book of Lamentations). Click here for more information.
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Congregation Beth Israel presents “Tuesdays in the Park with Ruth and Emilia” at 5 p.m., Tuesday, August 5. Organizers say to bring a picnic dinner, blanket, and it is open to the community.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Welcome Weekend: Rabbi and Rebbetzin Frankel and Family” occurring Saturday, August 9. More details to follow.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents “Choir Concert in Honor of Ana Galicot” at 6:30 p.m., Monday, August 11. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Dor Hadash announces its “Torah Study Session” at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 16, in the Music Room. Rabbi Mike will lead this session for participants interested in Jewish learning or who are just starting. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth Am announces its “End of Summer Party” at 11 a.m., Sunday, August 17. The event includes BBQ, inflatable activities for all ages, music, and more. Click here to rsvp.
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Lawrence Family JCC’s Gotthelf Art Gallery presents “(Re) Defining Zionism: Portraits and Perspectives from a Post-October 7 Israel by Shlomit Levy Bard” at 6 p.m., Wednesday, August 20. This exhibit brings the complexity and empathy to one of today’s most polarizing conversations. Launched after October 7, 2023, amid a global rise in antisemitism, the exhibit offers space to pause, challenge assumptions, and engage deeply. Click here to rsvp.
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The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents “An Evening with Jeffrey Seller” at 7 p.m., Thursday, August 21, at the Lawrence Family JCC. Seller is a Tony Award-winning producer of Hamilton, Rent, In The Heights, and more. Seller will share stories, insights, and the creative journey that reshaped American theatre, while in conversation with Barry Edelstein, Artistic Director of The Old Globe. Click here for tickets.
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Congregation Beth El presents “San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir Concert: Jewbilation! 28 Years of Brotherly Love!” at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 24. This family-friendly concert will share a preview of the music they will perform at Carnegie Hall. Click here to register.
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Jewish Family Service San Diego’s Joan Jacobs Signature Brunch “Resilience and Renewal: Finding Strength in Every Chapter featuring Julianna Margulies” at 11 a.m., Sunday, October 26, at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. Margulies, an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award-winning actress and bestselling author, uses her platform to champion causes including Holocaust education and women’s empowerment. In conversation with Laura Fink, communications strategist and executive coach, will reflect on how to find strength, purpose, and connection through life’s many chapters. Click here for tickets and underwriting.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Downtown announces its “Birthday Celebration of Rabbi Zalman Carlebach” at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 26. Click here to rsvp.
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Chula Vista announces “BLT: Bagels, Lox and Torah” at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 17. Click here to rsvp.
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Carmel Valley presents “Eyal Nir Sensei: Traditional Karate World Champion: Taking (Self) Control” at 7 p.m., Thursday, August 21. Nir will teach participants essential mental and physical tools in a self-defense situation. Click here to rsvp.
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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
Anti-Defamation League San Diego is accepting applications for its “Glass Leadership Institute for the Class of 2026. An information session is scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, August 6, on Zoom. Participants will gain insight and exposure to antisemitism and having difficult conversations, advocacy workshop, hate groups and extremism trends, a field trip to San Diego Police Headquarters, and more. Click here to register for the information session and click here to apply for GLI by Friday, August 22.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego reports its applications for “Travel with Us to Argentina!” are due by Friday, August 1. The trip will happen from December 8 to December 15. The experience includes local transportation within Argentina, connecting with local communities, and immersing yourself in culture through tango, Yerba Mate, and incredible food. Click here to apply.
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Chabad Poway reports its “Chai Altman Preschool and Infant Center” is expanding and adding additional classrooms for infants. A few spots are still available. Click here to inquire.
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San Diego Jewish Academy reports it will be offering a 50% tuition credit for full-time professionals working at synagogues, Jewish nonprofits, and Jewish community organizations. For more information about eligibility and how to apply, click here or email here.
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Young Israel of San Diego shared the following recipe: Crispy Herb Salmon Bites (perfect for the nine days)
Ingredients:
1-1.5 lbs salmon, cubed
½ cup mayo (or half mayo, half Dijon)
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1 tsp dried dill, parsley, or Italian herbs
Olive oil spray
Dressing:
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp chili paste
1 tbsp brown sugar
Juice of ½ a lime
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a tray with parchment. Mix mayo, garlic, lemon zest and juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss salmon cubes in the mixture. Coat each piece in breadcrumbs mixed with herbs. Arrange on a tray and spray with olive oil. Bake 12-15 minutes, broil 2-3 minutes to crisp.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.