LA MESA, California – The atmosphere around Simchat Torah is a bit different this year. The hostages have been released after two years in Hamas captivity, and families and people around the world watched their emotional return.
Here in San Diego, we are experiencing strong winds and rain. Usually, this time of year, we are in “second summer” and the fear of wildfires. We gladly accept the rain.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Young Israel of San Diego presents its “Simchat Torah Celebration” at 8:45 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15. The event includes ice cream, dancing, and celebrating.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents its “Simchat Torah Celebration” at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15.
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Chabad at University City presents “Kabbalah in the Sukkah” at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15. The event’s topic is “The October 8th Jew”.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Isru Chag Camp” at 9 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, and Friday, Oct. 17. The camp includes LEGO Engineering Programs with Play Well Tek, comic book creation with Little Fish Comic Book Studio, sports and active play with coach Marcus. Click here to register.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego’s “Jewish Author Series: Dana Horn: People Love Dead Jews” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Lawrence Family JCC. Horn will explore how public fascination with Jewish tragedy often overshadows vibrant Jewish life. She will be joined in conversation by Vlad Khaykin, Executive Vice President of Social Impact and Partnerships at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, as they engage in a discussion on literature, antisemitism, and the complexities of historical representation. Click here to register.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “San Diego Blood Drive” at 9 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 19. Participants will receive an exclusive “Vampire Mickey Mouse” t-shirt. Click here to register.
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Hadassah San Diego presents its “Hats Off to Hadassah: With Galia Amram: One of Hadassah’s 2025 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know” at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19, in Encinitas. The event includes meeting Evolve women in the area, food, a discussion with Amram, and bidding on silent auction items. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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Anti-Defamation League presents its “Webinar: AB 715 Implementation” at noon, Tuesday, Oct. 21, on Zoom. This session will provide an overview of the new requirements, timelines, and practical steps for compliance with the law meant to oppose antisemitism in K-12 schools. Click here to register.
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Israeli-American Council’s Shishi Israeli presents its “Community Year Opening” at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24. The event includes music, food, games, and is perfect for all ages. Organizers say to bring a potluck “kosher style” (fish or dairy) dish to share. Click here to register and receive the address.
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Congregation Beth Israel’s Caring Community presents “Building A Caring Community” at 8:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 7. This hands-on workshop will share healing tools and models, explore boundaries, burnout, and spiritual self-care, build relationships across institutions, and grow a caring community. Click here to register.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Havdalah with The San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir” at 7:15 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8. The evening includes Havdalah, a choir performance and shmooze, and desserts. Click here to register.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Women’s Philanthropy presents “Brunch Club: Strong Women, Stronger Community” at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 4 in the University City neighborhood. The event will feature Bill Ganley, San Diego’s Community Security Director, Shelley Zimmerman, the first woman to serve as San Diego’s Chief of Police, and an immersive, hands-on session in personal safety and crisis readiness. More information coming soon.
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Israeli-American Council announces its “National Summit” on Thursday, January 15, through Saturday, January 17, at The Diplomat Beach Resort, Hollywood, Florida. This event includes insightful talks, renowned speakers, interactive workshops, and business networking opportunities. Click here to register.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Ner Tamid Synagogue’s Mitzvah Menches reports its “Stuffed Animal Drive” starting Oct. 1 until Oct. 25. Stuffed animals should be new and 10-12 inches in size, which will be given to Our Father’s Grace Ministries, The Interfaith Community of San Diego, and Our Community Partners. Donation bins are in the front office.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Richard Gilbert, husband of the late Shirley Gilbert, father of Ellen Edwards, the late Lori Kaye, Randi Grossman, grandfather of Amy, Allie, Gabriel, Kelly, and Hannah, great-grandfather to Nicolas, Lauren, and Archer, has died. The funeral was held at 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, at El Camino Memorial Park, Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Charlie Morris has died. The funeral was held Monday, Oct. 13, at El Camino Memorial Park with Rabbi Yael Ridberg of Congregation Dor Hadash as officiant, Congregation Dor Hadash reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.