By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
As I drive through my neighborhood in summer-like temperatures. I notice the trees and shrubs appear to be confused. Some appear dormant, with no leaves, while others seem ready to sprout flowers and fruit. Before we know it, the rain and cold temperatures will return, and the trees will be so confused.
My neighbors have warned me to expect an abundance of lemons and grapefruits, as their trees are overproducing.
Warm temperatures will soon turn a bit cooler by the end of the week, and there will be a slight chance of rain.
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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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Nierman Preschool presents its “Open House” at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21, or 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Lawrence Family JCC. With enrollment, the entire family receives a free membership, which includes swim lessons, Shabbat dinners, theatre, and fitness. Children are integrated into screenless learning, flexible schedules, Spanish immersion, and an inclusive environment. Click here to rsvp.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “J-Pop Haman Hunters: Purim Spiel Rehearsals” at 6 p.m., Wednesdays, starting Jan. 21. No experience necessary if you love to sing, act, or have fun. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth Israel’s Men’s Club Speaker’s Forum and Dinner presents “Keeping Memories Alive” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21. Sandra Scheller, founder and president of RUTH – Remember Us The Holocaust, will lead this discussion emphasizing the importance of preserving and sharing personal stories – especially those of Holocaust survivors. Click here to register.
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Stand With Us, Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Community Jewish High, and Temple Emanu-El present “Voices of Courage: Middle Eastern Women on Conflict, Survival, and the Importance of Solidarity” at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27. The event includes speakers with three different religious backgrounds, Carine Bassili – Christian Lebanese, Gazelle Sharmahd – Zoroastrian Freedom Activist, and Rania Dean – 6th Generation Druze Israeli. They will share their profound stories of how radical Islam has affected their lives and how their experiences led them to stand with Israel and the Jewish community. Click here to rsvp and to receive the address.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Musical Shabbat” at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30. This event will be led by Morah Jessie Armin and a talk by Lillian Birnbaum about her trip to Israel. Birnbaum will be providing a special brownie sundae Oneg following the services.
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Congregation Beth El announces its “It Takes Two to Torah” at 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 1. This event will feature journalist Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer and will explore Torah and Jewish ideas while celebrating Tu B’Shvat. Before the class, participants will share in the symbolism and flavors of a Tu B’Shvat seder. Click here to register.
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Israel Friends in California – San Diego announces its “Innovation, Impact and Israel’s Front Line” at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 2, at Chabad Carmel Valley’s Torah Life Center. This discussion will include development director Alex Levite and IDF Reservist Eli Wininger, who will explore the urgent needs of Israel today, PTSD recovery programs, and critical frontline solutions. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth Am and Ohr Shalom Synagogue announce their “Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month: A Conversation with Riva Lehrer with Rabbi Scott Meltzer” at 11 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 15, at Ohr Shalom Synagogue. Lehrer is an artist, writer, and disability rights activist, in dialogue with Rabbi Meltzer. Together, they will explore themes of identity, embodiment, and inclusion through the lenses of art, Jewish values, and lived experience. Click here to rsvp.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Temple Emanu-El reports seeking volunteers to help make hamantaschen for Purim. Click here to review the available time slots.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego reports its Leadership, Education and Development Series (LEADS) is accepting applications. Applicants are young adults with 10 years or less of work experience, especially those new to San Diego or newly engaging in Jewish life. This program is a strong network of peers who grow and learn together, practical leadership, tools to engage a more meaningful Jewish community, and insight into the priorities that impact the Jewish Federation. Click here to apply.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Susan Anesell has died. She was the sister of Debbie Logan. The funeral services were held in Woodbridge, New Jersey, Ner Tamid Synagogue reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.