By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
Today’s adventure brought me to Parkway Plaza Mall in the heart of El Cajon. My “super cool 13-year-old twins” had special requests for Chanukah from a few shops there, so while they were at school in the week leading up to winter break, I seized the opportunity to make a quick trip.
As I walked in through the entrance near Five Guys Burgers and Fries, I was greeted by a delightful surprise: a Chanukah display set up at the main intersection, right beside the Five Below store. A representative was carefully adding the finishing touches as I passed by.
She shared that on Sunday, December 14, the first candle will be lit—kicking off the Festival of Lights for all mall visitors to enjoy.
Chag Chanukah Sameach, Parkway Plaza Mall! It is heartwarming to see our holiday so beautifully represented in a public space.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Pending events, previously reported in this column, may be found in our Jewish community calendar.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Travelling Chassidim” at 4:25 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12. The event will include Mincha and Carlebach Kabbolas Shabbos, followed by a steak Seudah and Oneg. At 4:20 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, the event will include a special Shalosh Seudos, Maariv, musical Havdalah and parent/child learning with La Mesa Pizzaworks and prizes. At 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. The event will include a Chanukah Party. Click here to sign up for the weekend of Chanukah celebrations.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Men’s Club and Sisterhood present “Come for the Latkes – Stay for the Laughter, Light, and Love Chanukah Party” at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17. The event includes candle lighting, Chanukah songs, gifts, dreidels, and gelt for all the children, special Chanukah crafts presented by Sisterhood and Men’s Club, dreidel tournament, trivia, and “getting to know you” games, prizes and surprises throughout the night! Click here to rsvp.
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Young Israel of San Diego announces its “Chanukah Party and Game Night” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17. The event will include games, music, Chinese food, donuts, latkes and a hot cocoa bar. Click here to rsvp.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Carvel Valley presents its “Chanukah at One Paseo” at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16. The event includes a menorah lighting, Chanukah smores, donuts, live music, face painting, and crafts for kids. Click here to rsvp.
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Chula Vista announces its “Community Chanukah Celebration” at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14 at Otay Ranch Town Center. The event includes a menorah lighting, latkes, donuts, hot cocoa and smores, magic show, crafts for kids, and Chanukah music. Click here to rsvp.
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Carmel Valley announces its “Chanukah Party: Celebrating our Present Day Makablm” at 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21. The event will include Israeli food, games, birthday cake, gifts, and music. Click here to rsvp.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
San Diego Jewish Academy reports it is the first in the country to offer University of California naturalist certification to high school students. This program is an intensive, hands-on program teaching California’s unique ecology, environmental stewardship, and citizen science through fieldwork, expert lectures, and community projects. The program is open to both SDJA and non-SDJA 9-12 grade students and will begin in Summer 2026 with limited space, applications are encouraged early. Click here for more information and to apply.
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Young Israel of San Diego reports congregant Leah Wilson has launched “Crumbledough,” offering Shabbat baked goods and is certified by Rabbi Eddie Rosenberg. Click here for more information.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue reports that every night of Chanukah a menorah will be lit at 5:30 p.m., beginning Sunday, Dec. 14 until Sunday, Dec. 21, and at 4:30 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 19 before Shabbat. Candle lighting will be accompanied by music and joyous singing. Weather permitting, members will meet in the entry path near the bulletin board and bring a jacket.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.