By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
I attended the funeral Friday morning of my second cousin, Russ Christensen, and learned so much about him from all the speakers.
When I was a child, he was more like an uncle to me.
My husband had to work, but said he enjoyed all the computer programming talk they shared and “they spoke the same language.”
His grandson, Archer Christensen, shared a poem by Shel Silverstein:
WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS
There is a place where the sidewalk ends.
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight.
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black.
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go.
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes, we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know.
The place where the sidewalk ends.
Many tears were shed and hugs shared. But the service had me wonder, in my humbleness, quietness, and refusal of affirmations, what legacy would I be leaving behind?
My wish is to leave behind positive love and happiness. As I witnessed today, my second cousin will be missed, but his legacy of kindness, a listening ear, and devotion to mentoring and volunteering will resonate with the next generation.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Other pending events, previously reported in this column, may be found in our Jewish community calendar.
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SD Kollel presents its “Ladies Weekly Kollel Café: Women’s Class and Discussion” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday nights. This event includes women’s topics and desserts. For more information, call 619-287-9890.
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Young Israel of San Diego presents “Let’s Plant Trees Together” at 9 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 1, at Stelzer County Park. Organizers say to wear hats, leg coverings, and closed-toed shoes. Families of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. WhatsApp Rabbi Adam Simon at 619-629-8433.
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Women of Congregation Beth Israel announces its “Roots and Rose: A Tu B’Shvat Experience” at 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 1. This event includes an interactive experience inspired by the traditional Tu B’Shvat seder, guided by the seasons, and exploring themes of growth, gratitude, renewal, and connection. Click here to register.
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Kindness Initiative presents “Omer Wenkert: Transforming 505 Days in Captivity: A Talk That Reveals How One 10/7 Hostage Transformed Unimaginable Trauma into a Life Force That Lights The Way for Others” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3. This event includes Wenkert leading this discussion of being violently abducted, beaten, and taken into Gaza. For 505 days, he endured the unimaginable within the darkness of the underground tunnels. His survival is more than a story of endurance; it is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces “Nili Couzens: This is Not What I Ordered: What To Do When Your Prayers Don’t Get Answered” on Wednesday, Feb. 4. This event is for men and women and will feature Couzens, who is a powerhouse of Jewish humor, charisma, and wisdom. Hot drinks, desserts, and childcare will be provided. Reservation link coming soon.
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Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month presents “Featured Book Speaker: Riva Lehrer” at 11 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 15, at Ohr Shalom Synagogue. This event includes keynote speaker, Lehrer who has written a biography of her life, Golem Girl, which will also be the book for Readings with the Rabbi. Lehrer is an artist, disability rights, and LGBTQ+ activist who will share her insights into art and other disability theories. There will be lunch and book signings. Click here to rsvp.
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Camp Gan Israel announces its “CGI Presidents Camp” from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, until Friday, Feb. 20. This event will include meeting at the North County Mall and going on adventures to mini golf, Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, Carmel Valley Pump Track, challah baking, Shabbat party, and Lake Poway boating. Click here to register.
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Kindness Initiative Men’s Committee presents “KI 3S Event” at noon, Sunday, March 1. This men’s event includes kosher steaks, scotch, and suits (poker). Organizers say to bring your best scotch and your appetite while making a meaningful impact by supporting Jewish families in need. Click here to register.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Chula Vista presents “N’Shei Chabad” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21. This women’s event is for unity, inspiration, and learning for Israel. Click here to rsvp.
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University City announces its “Shabbat in Israel” at 5:45 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30. This event includes classic Israeli flavors, songs, and togetherness. Click here to rsvp.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
San Diego Hebrew Day School reports its preschool focused on journal writing and reviewed the names, sounds, and formation of Hebrew and English letters. They explored letter shapes using playdough, wooden sticks, and chalk. They also loved their visit with Morah Liat in the kindergarten room, where she read a funny Hebrew story with so much animation and energy that it captivated everyone.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue congratulates proud grandparents Anne Heller and Dan Tomsky, who welcomed the birth of their third grandchild, Dillon Thomas Marquez, to first-time parents Daria Tomsky and AJ Marquez. Mazel Tov!
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Coastal Gan Preschool reports it has begun exploring Tu B’Shvat, and welcomed a new tree into its classroom as part of its learning. The children engaged in a creative art process, making crumpled flowers by following a three-step sequence: crumple, dip, and stick, supporting both fine motor skills and early sequencing.
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Chabad at La Costa’s Channah and Arthur Hale Jewish Learning Center Building reports its walk-in coolers have been assembled. Shelving installed and will be powered up after the elevator installation. Condenser installation has begun. Doors have been hung and painted, and doorknobs installed. Baseboards are done. Bathroom accessories installation is progressing. The kitchenette countertop and sink have been installed. Laundry room sink installed. Appliances have arrived.
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SCY High School reports La Mesa Pizzaworks sponsored the recent issue of its student Torah publication, Lishkat Hadarom. The finance department calculated in the end that it was well worth the effort because the lunch was enjoyed by the hungry students. Yasher Koach!
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La Mesa Pizzaworks (kosher pizza establishment) reports it’s open at 7:30 p.m., Saturday nights until 11 p.m. They accommodate dine in, take out, and delivery apps. Click here to order.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Morris Gold has died. He was the husband of Phillis Gold, father of Sari (Phil Factor), Karen (Mark McSteen), and Steven, grandfather of Rachel Factor (Jeremy Berglund), Jordan Factor (Michelle DeLeon), Leah McSteen (Daniel Calem), Jake McSteen (Karina Acosta), Alexandra Gold, Katherine Gold, and Jack Gold, Am Israel Mortuary reports.
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Itshak Magnezi has died. He was the grandfather of Nevo (Leah Schaperow) Magnezi and the great-grandfather of Yael Magnezi. The funeral will take place in Israel, Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports.
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Edward Schechter has died. He was the husband of Carol Goldman Schechter, father of Andrea-Schechter-Wiedner (John), Seth (Laurel) Schechter, grandfather of Ava and Kayla Wiedner, Sydney Schechter, and Lucas Schechter. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 26, at El Camino Memorial Cemetery, Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.