By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
American Jewish Committee San Diego reports that its Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) graduating cohort spent the year gaining the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to advocate for the Jewish people and Israel in high school and beyond.
At their graduation, they presented their incredible advocacy projects, positively impacting the San Diego community, celebrating Jewish pride, and combating antisemitism. Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are open. Click here to apply.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Yiddishland announces its “Beginner Judeo-Spanish (Beginner Ladino) with Esther Rute” at 9:30 a.m., Tuesdays, June 9, 16, 23, and 30 on Zoom. This beginning course is designed for students who are building a foundational vocabulary, learning official Ladino orthography, practicing everyday communication, and exploring Sephardi culture through songs, stories of Djoha, geography, and holidays. Click here to register.
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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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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents “Conversational Hebrew with Elisheva Edelson” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, and August 4 on Zoom. These sessions, led by Edelson, will provide the ability to read texts, understand, and reflect on those texts. Sessions will also focus on the ability to speak, sing, read poetry, and understand modern Hebrew. Click here to register.
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Lawrence Family JCC announces its “17th Women of Valor” celebration at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 14 at Coastal Roots Farm. This event will include six extraordinary San Diego Jewish women. This year’s honorees are Ruth Broudy, Rhonda Fink, Kira Finkenberg, Sharyn Goodson, Karen Parry, and Debby Stauber. Click here to register.
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Jewish Community Symphony presents its “Beethoven Beyond Bald Mountain” at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 28, at the Lawrence Family JCC. This event includes Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, Delius’ A Walk to the Paradise Garden, and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 featuring pianist soloist Stephanie Weaver Yankee, and conducted by David Amos. Click here for tickets.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
East County announces its “Torah Studies: Restrain or Transform?” at 7:15 p.m., Wednesdays, June 10, 17, 24, and July 1. This week’s session, led by Rabbi Rafi Andrusier, discusses the balance between holding back and growing forward. Click here to register.
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Coronado presents “An Evening of Inspiration in Honor of Gimmel Tammuz: The Rebbe’s Yahrzeit with Rabbi Yitzchok Schochet” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 16.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
San Diego Hebrew Day School reports celebrating the graduation of its eighth-grade class. The evening was filled with joy, reflection, and gratitude. The graduates marked the culmination of their years at Hebrew Day and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. One of the most memorable parts of the evening was hearing from its students. The speeches were heartfelt, inspiring, and humorous, capturing the personality and growth of the class. The evening also included the presentation of several prestigious awards recognizing outstanding achievement and character. The Cohen-Jude Award was presented to Yonah Cohen in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions throughout his years at Hebrew Day. The General Studies Award was awarded to Nicole Zagursky for her exceptional academic achievement, dedication to learning, and commitment to excellence. The Weiser Keter Shem Tov Character Award was presented to Leviel Sachs for consistency, demonstrating outstanding character, integrity, kindness, and leadership.
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Olami San Diego reports its “Empowering Jewish Students Campaign.” Its goal is to reach $250,000, and all donations are matched x2 for Jewish students at the University of California, San Diego. Click here to donate.
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Beth Jacob Congregation and the Jewish Community Foundation report it is accepting applications for the “Estelle and Lou Dunst College Scholarship Fund.” Guidelines include awards up to $1,000 provided for students pursuing undergraduate degrees who are members in good standing at Beth Jacob Congregation, demonstrate financial need to support Lou Dunst’s intention of helping the most needy, and have been admitted to an accredited, four-year university. Funds may be used for tuition, room and board, or fees. Maintain an overall high school GPA of about 3.0. Click here to request an application.
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Coastal Gan Preschool reports exciting growth in the children’s play. Many are beginning to move beyond playing alongside one another and are starting to play together. The classroom has been filled with imaginative play, conversations between friends, and children sharing ideas and creating stories together. Favorite activities this week included playdough, balls in cupcake holders, and lots of pretend play.
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Artist Roni Breite reports she will be exhibiting two art pieces at “Ocean Love” through Saturday, June 27, at the East County Art Association. Hours are 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Thursday through Sunday.
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La Mesa Pizzaworks reports that kosher take-and-bake pizzas are available for purchase in vacuum-sealed packaging and are available in cheese and plant-based pepperoni. Also, special Motzei Shabbat opening at 9:30 p.m. until midnight with a full menu available for dine in, take out, and delivery. Click here for more information.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Adele Birnbaum has died. She was the wife of the late husband, Stanley Birnbaum, and was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Helene Goldberg has died. She was the wife of the late husband, Myron Goldberg, mother of Andy (Michele) Goldberg and Matt (Lisa) Goldberg, grandmother of Jake, Lucas, Rachel, and Molly, and longtime companion Bull Sussman. The funeral services will be private, Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.