LA MESA, California – Teshuvah, which translates to “return,” is the process of turning away from those ways in which we missed the mark so we may come back into the right relationship with others and with ourselves.
Teshuvah challenges us to acknowledge our transgressions, make amends, and commit to being better in the coming year. Many friends and family members will ask for forgiveness for anything they have done in the past year that might have hurt others or ask for forgiveness themselves.
Sometimes, I would forget and respond that the person asking for forgiveness could never do anything to hurt me on purpose. Then I am reminded that it is that time of year when we apologize, and when I say they are forgiven, I usually get a huge hug, which is a good start for the new year.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Young Israel of San Diego presents its “Taam Dagan on Parshat Ki Teitzei: Or Eating Like a Mensch” at 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, on Zoom. Rabbi Eddie Rosenberg will lead this session, which will include such subjects as self-control, gluttony, eating eggs, crossbreeding fruits, generous hospitality, and feeding workers. Click here to join Zoom.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents “The Rabbi, the Reverend, and Jerusalem: Can Fiction Heal What Politics Can’t?” featuring Rabbi Phil Graubert and Reverend Michael Kinnamon at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 7. Graubert and Kinnamon will discuss their new books and how fiction can help find a path to healing. Graubert’s book Here There is No Why is set in Jerusalem and raises issues of Jewish history and identity. Kinnamon’s book A Rooftop in Jerusalem entwines a deeply moving love story with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth El announces its “Selihot: Thoughts and Prayers Before a New Year” at 9 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 14. The service will be led by Rabbi Ron Shulman and Ba’al Tefillah David Lipsitz and will include prayers for forgiveness and conclude with the sounding of the shofar. At 10 a.m., there will be a Selihot Study Brunch led by Shulman. Click here to register.
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Beth Jacob Congregation presents its “Rosh Hashanah Challah Bake” led by Shani Frankel at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18. Participants will go home with a round challah and seasonal toppings. Click here to rsvp.
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Beth Jacob Congregation’s Kidz Camp sponsors an “Erev Rosh Hashanah Dragon Fruit Farm Trip” at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 22. This event is open to all children and will include a field trip to a dragon fruit farm. This new fruit can be added to the participants’ Rosh Hashanah table. Click here to register.
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June Rubin Studio and Gallery presents a “Viva Mexico” exhibit at 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, at Liberty Station NTC, Barracks 19. This exhibition will feature Rubin’s artworks inspired by Mexico. Click here for more information.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
East County announces its “Torah Studies Class: Motivated by Nature” at 7:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10. This week’s session will explore how doing the right thing feels like the only thing. Click here to register.
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Chula Vista’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents “Challah Bake” at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11. The event includes making challah from scratch and praying for blessings for the coming new year. Click here to rsvp.
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University City announces its “Pre-Rosh Hashanah Family Experience” at 10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, at Standley Park. This event will include making a honey jar, a bee workshop, a shofar display, and apple and honey tastings. 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
Congregation Beth Am reports it needs ushers to volunteer during the High Holy Day services. Each shift is one hour, and many early or late morning shifts are available. Click here to sign up.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue reports it needs greeters to volunteer during the High Holy Day services. Greeters will check for HHD tickets, open/close exterior doors to let congregants in the building, and help direct people to available seating. Click here to sign up.
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San Diego Jewish Academy reports it held an opening ceremony for all students and their families to kick off the new school year.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Rosie Baum, wife of Dr. Henry Baum, mother of Rabbi Michael Baum, Debbie Jacobs, and Dr. Joel Baum, has died. The funeral took place on Sunday, August 31, at Hebrew Memorial Chapel in Michigan, Beth Jacob Congregation reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.