By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
Yom Ha’Atzmaut is Israel’s Independence Day, which began in 1948, when Israel was declared a state. On the Hebrew calendar, it lands on the 5th of Iyar, which this year begins at sundown on Tuesday, April 21, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, April 22.
The day is always preceded by Yom HaZikaron, which is Israel’s Memorial Day honoring the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.
Many observances include, before sundown, a pause to reflect and pray for the fallen and then transition into the celebration of independence. People gather for nighttime shows, dancing, and singing, enjoying Israeli food and celebrating as a community.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
SCY High School announces its “Annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut Communal Tefillah and Celebration” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 21. Organizers say light refreshments will be served after the program, and all bags and persons will be subject to search. Click here for more information.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue announces its “Yom Ha’Atzmaut Concert” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 21. This event includes a sing-along with the Ohr Shalom choir directed by Elisheva Edelson. Click here to rsvp.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue presents its “Yom Ha’Atzmaut: Celebrate Israel” at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22. This event will include a BBQ hosted by the Men’s Club, a shaving cream battle, and more. Click here to rsvp so food and activities can be appropriately planned.
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Congregation Beth Israel presents its “Torah on Tap” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22. Rabbi Nevarez will lead this session of learning and conversation. Food and libations provided. Click here to register.
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Grossmont College’s Americans and the Holocaust museum exhibit announces “Echoes of Witness: Musical Reflections on Americans and the Holocaust” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23. This event includes internationally renowned cellist Amit Peled. Organizers say seating is first-come, first-served and is free and open to the public. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend.
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Jewish National Fund-USA presents its “Shabbat for Israel: Celebration in Honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut” on Friday, April 24. The event includes hosting a Shabbat dinner to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day. Click here for more information.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Music Meet Up” at 6:15 p.m., on Tuesdays, April 28, May 12, and May 26. Participants are encouraged to bring their voices, instruments, or come and listen.
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Grossmont College’s Independent Companion Program presents “From the Holocaust to Hope: Klezmer Music and Dance featuring Yale Strom with Dance Performance by Litvak and Nancy Boskin-Mullen” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 30 at the Performing and Visual Arts Center (Bldg. 22). This event includes Strom performing with other musicians and two dance pieces with Grossmont College dancers, and the Litvak Dance Ensemble. The program celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Eastern European Jewish communities, honoring the resilience and creativity of people whose traditions endured in the face of unimaginable persecution. A highlight of the evening is a choreographed dance piece What Became by Boskin-Mullen, Grossmont Dance Professor, whose grandparents escaped the Holocaust.
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Kindness Initiative announces its “Kindness Bingo Bash” at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 7 at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The event will include 8 rounds of Bingo plus 2 grand finale rounds, incredible prizes, and refreshments. Every single card played supports San Diego’s Jewish families, who need support. Click here for tickets.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Annual Gala: Simcha Soiree: An Evening Celebrating Rabbi Devorah Marcus” at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16. The event includes a cocktail reception, Havdalah, dinner, program and dancing. Proceeds will benefit the Price Family Preschool. Click here to register.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue’s JAM presents “Arts and Culture: Watercolor” at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 17. The session will be led by artist Diana Finkelstein, who will teach simple contemplative art techniques to create your own art pieces. This event is for ages 10 and up; no experience is needed. Click here to rsvp.
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San Diego Hebrew Day School announces its “Annual Gala: Reaching for the Stars Featuring Shabbos Kestenbaum” at 6 p.m., Sunday, May 17. The event includes a cocktail reception, dinner, and program. Kestenbaum is an advocate against antisemitism who took on Harvard University. Organizers say to wear formal attire, and dietary laws will be observed. Click here to register.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture announces its “Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y: Adeena Sussman” at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 28, at Congregation Beth Am. Sussman will share stories, recipes, and flavors behind her culinary journey in conversation with Debbie Kornberg of Spice and Leaf. Sussman will also have copies of her book Zariz: 100 Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y Recipes for purchase and signing. Click here to register.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
University City presents its new Jewish Learning Institute Course “For All Humankind” at 7 p.m., Tuesdays, April 28 through Tuesday, May 19. This four-part course will explore Judaism’s ethical vision for all people. Through texts, participants will discover a spiritual path that shapes family life, highlights the power of education, and offers a roadmap toward a more just and peaceful world. Click here to register.
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East County announces its “Shabbat Friday Night Dinner” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, May 1. The event includes Shabbat services, prayer and light, and coming together as a community. Click here to rsvp.
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Encinitas announces a save-the-date “Lag BaOmer BBQ” at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, at Moonlight Beach. More information to be shared soon.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Chabad at La Costa reports it has received its Occupancy Permit for the Addy and Arthur Hale Educational Center. Beginning this week, Hebrew School will be held there. Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort’s office and library have been moved downstairs, and the storage rooms and off-site storage units are being liquidated.
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Artist Roni Breite reports her art pieces will be shown at the “Sustainable Creations Exhibition” starting Saturday, May 2, through Saturday, June 13, at the Janice Griffiths Gallery at the Fallbrook Art Center. Breite will have four pieces in the show that have not been previously exhibited, with the theme of transforming waste into art.
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Chabad of University City reports Rabbi Moishe and Sura Leider, and Sohrab and Sharona Elyasi, announce the marriage of their children, Reuvain Leider and Niki Elyasi, at 11 a.m., Monday, May 25. Click here to rsvp.
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San Diego Hebrew Day School reports its 5th-grade students enjoyed an educational field trip to Knott’s Berry Farm as part of their history program. Throughout the program, students were engaged, participated thoughtfully, and brought the classroom learning to life through interactive experiences. After the educational portion, students had the opportunity to enjoy the park together.
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Murray Galinson San Diego Israel Initiative, reports that over 450 University students are learning about Israel in the classes and academic programs. Eight courses across six disciplines are being taught this spring by MGSDII visiting professors, some of Israel’s most esteemed academics and artists, giving students a balanced academic space to explore diverse topics related to Israel.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.