By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
World Bipolar Day was this week, and the hope is to bring awareness and break the stigma. With advances in medications and therapy, many individuals can maintain their jobs, provide for their families, and fully function in society.
Bipolar disorder is considered a mood disorder that affects emotions, with an up and down challenge of managing situations. Many suffer from extreme highs of mania for periods of time and extreme lows of depression for periods of time.
Mania can cause days of sleep disturbance, lead to impulsive decisions with little regard for consequences, and can be associated with excessive energy.
Prolonged periods of depression can lead to crying more than usual, having a negative outlook on life, poor eye contact, self-harm, or even suicide.
Famous Jewish individuals who had bipolar disorder include:
Bernard Levin (1928-2004) was an English journalist, author, and broadcaster. Levin battled depression, akin to bipolar disorder, but later died from Alzheimer’s.
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Herbert Meyerowitz (1900-1945) was an artist, educator, and British colonial administrator in South Africa. Meyerowitz discovered that his mother died in the Leningrad siege and died by suicide in the same year; he suffered from “manic depressive cyclothymia.”
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Amy Winehouse (1983-2011) was a British singer, songwriter, musician, and businesswoman. She died from an overdose and possibly suffered from manic depression.
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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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Yiddishland presents “Yiddish Movie Club” at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21. Following the screening, Yale Strom and Elizabeth Schwartz will lead a conversation about the film. Click here to rsvp and to receive the address.
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Nierman Preschool presents its “Open House” at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 22, at the Lawrence Family JCC. The event includes a tour of the classrooms, meeting the educators, and viewing the curriculum. Click here to rsvp.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s Men’s Club announces its “Happy Hour” at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, at Corner Drafthouse. Men are invited to join in conversation while enjoying a beverage. Click here to rsvp.
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Temple Emanu-El announces “Israel Talk with Don Mendel” at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 29. Mendel will share his experiences and observations on Israel in the aftermath of two years of war, the resettlement of the Gaza Envelope, and the key topics shaping the current political landscape. Click here to register.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s Ohrzennials present “First Night Seder” on Wednesday, April 1. This event is for adults 21-45 years old and their children. The Seder will be dairy and kosher for Passover. Organizers say to have a snack before the event, as dinner won’t be served for at least two hours and likely longer. Click here to sign up and to receive the location.
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Congregation Dor Hadash announces its “Second Night Seder and Potluck” at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 2, at the Lawrence Family JCC. The event includes services and a potluck Seder. Organizers request the help of volunteers before and after the Seder. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth Israel announces its “Congregational 2nd Night Seder” at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 2. Long-time members and new members of the community are invited for an evening of tradition and togetherness. Click here to rsvp.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue presents its “Community Seder” at 5:45 p.m., Thursday, April 2. This community Seder includes the retelling of the Passover story by Rabbi Hanan Leberman, uplifting singing, music, and a meal shared with family and friends. Click here to rsvp.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Pesach Seder” at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 2. This community Seder is for all ages, and non-members are welcome. Click here to register for security purposes.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue presents its “San Diego Blood Bank Drive” at 9 a.m., Sunday, April 12. Donors receive a Disney Blood Drive t-shirt. Click here to register.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s Sisterhood announces its “Rosh Chodesh” observance at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 19. Eti Chagall will lead this session on counting the Omer. Organizers say to bring journals and colored pencils for the activity. Click here to rsvp.
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Jewish Community Symphony presents “The Bear and the River” at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the Lawrence Family JCC. The event includes selections from Schubert: Overture to Rosamunde, Haydn: Symphony No. 82, The Bear, Smetana: The Moldau, Mozart: Violin Concerto No.3, and Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso. Guest soloist: Martin Chalifour, Conductor: David Amos, and Assistant Conductor: Robert Zelickman.
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Eric and Shayna Kaufmann announce “Joy Jam” at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 9, at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living. This community gathering will include live music, participation in drum circles, healing arts, and human connection. Proceeds will help defray Shayna’s ongoing medical costs from a full recovery from stage-4 cancer. Click here to get tickets.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
La Costa, Encinitas, and Coastal Gan Preschool present “Resin Seder Plate” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, at Chabad La Costa. This event includes creating your own custom Seder plate using resin art. Choose colors, add decorative elements, and design a one-of-a-kind piece to use at your Pesach table. Click here to register.
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Chula Vista announces its “Passover Seder” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 1. This event includes an interactive Seder, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a gourmet Passover meal. Click here to register.
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Poway presents its “Passover Seder” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 1. This event includes evening service, an interactive Seder, warm and inviting atmosphere, and a gourmet 5-course meal with chicken, brisket, salmon, and more. Click here to rsvp.
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Downtown announces its “First Night Seder” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, and its “Second Night Seder” at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 2. The events include interactive and meaningful Seders, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and gourmet Passover cuisine. Click here to register.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Coastal Roots Farm reports that President and CEO, Javier Guerrero, will be stepping down on April 15 to accept an exciting new opportunity. Looking ahead, Kesha Dorsey will step in as Interim CEO. The community is invited to gather in gratitude and celebration of Guerrero’s leadership at a Happy Hour Gratitude Celebration at 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 15. Click here to register.
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Congregation Dor Hadash reports it is seeking two volunteers to join the Jewish Community Institute’s 6-month security training program that meets once a month, starting at 8:30 a.m., Friday, March 20, at the Federation building. This training is critical for strengthening its security and qualifies CDH for a grant to offset security costs. Click here if interested.
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Anti-Defamation League California reports CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, will headline the Jewish California’s Capitol Summit on Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, in Sacramento. Greenblatt will discuss the rise of antisemitism, the resolve of the community, and a call to action in this moment. Click here to register and use code: ADL.18.26 for $18 off registration.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Shelha bat Moshe has died. She was the sister of Mabel Cohen. The funeral took place in New York, Chabad of Downtown reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.