By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
Jewish Federation of San Diego has welcomed back Heather Wolfson as Senior Director of Leadership and Belonging. Wolfson returns in a focused capacity dedicated to the two areas that have defined her career and sit at the heart of Federation’s mission.
Building a thriving and welcoming Jewish community is an ongoing work that requires investing in leaders, strengthening relationships, and creating spaces where every person feels they belong. Wolfson brings not only extraordinary expertise but also a deep love for the community and a genuine belief in the future.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
JFest announces “And the Angels Swing: From Berlin to Bacharach” at 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 22, at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego. This event features three of Southern California’s most celebrated vocalists, Mara Kaye, Elizabeth Schwartz, and Whitney Shay, in a program celebrating the most influential Jewish composers of jazz and swing tunes in American history. \Yale Strom and Hot Pstromi with Fred Benedetti, Tripp Sprague, Luke Little, and Schwartz will perform. Click here for tickets.
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Talking San Diego presents “Adam Schiff: In Conversation with Harry Litman About the Fight for our Democracy” at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 3, at Congregation Beth Israel. Senator Schiff and Litman will discuss the challenges facing our democracy as it marks its 250th year and how to overcome them. Click here to register.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue and Temple Adat Shalom present “Celebrate July 4th with Us” at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 4, at Ner Tamid Synagogue Parking Lot. The event includes sandwiches, sides, desserts, Havdalah, and a view of the Rancho Bernardo fireworks. Organizers say to bring your own chairs, blankets, and personal food and drinks. Click here to register.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Music with Michelle Jirkovsky” at 11 a.m., Tuesdays starting July 7. These sessions led by Jirkovsky include a journey through Jewish music history, from ancient melodies and cantorial greats to Broadway composers, camp songs, contemporary Jewish artists, and secular musicians with Jewish roots. Participants are encouraged to listen, learn, reminisce, sing, and share memories of the music that shaped our identities and communities. Organizers say bagels and coffee will be available. Click here to register.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue announces its “Art Tours with Marvin Yudkovitz: Shanghai – Once Upon a Time Jewish Refugees” at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. This event will be led by San Diego Museum of Art docent Bob Stein. Organizers say there is a required minimum of attendees needed to conduct this tour. Once they know who wants to attend, arranging carpool for those interested. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth-El presents “Observing Tisha B’Av: Israel on Trial with Judge Roy K. Altman” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 22. Altman’s presentation and discussion are inspired by his recent work, Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law. Altman brings a jurist’s perspective to questions of history, international law, and Jewish connection to the land of Israel. Drawing on archaeology, legal analysis, historical records, and contemporary public discourse, he challenges us to consider how evidence, reason, and intellectual rigor can help respond to misinformation and antisemitism in today’s world. Following Altman’s presentation, attendees will participate in a Tisha B’Av evening service and the chanting of Megillat Eikhah (Book of Lamentations). Altman’s books will be available for purchase at the event.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces “Tisha B’Av with Rabbi Ken Spiro” on Wednesday and Thursday, July 22 and 23. Spiro is a world-renowned speaker and best-selling author of Crash Course in Jewish History, Destiny, and World Perfect. More information coming soon.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue announces its “Art Tours with Marvin Yudkovitz: Cafes and Cabarets – The Spectacular Art of Toulouse-Lautrec” at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, July 26, at the San Diego Museum of Art. This event will be led by Yudkovitz, who will point out how Toulouse-Lautrec revolutionized the art of the poster with unforgettable images of the people and performers of turn-of-the-century Paris. Click here to rsvp.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Carmel Valley’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents its “Torah and Tea: Greeting Moshiach with Joy” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 25. This session is led by Rebbetzin Mushka Polichenco in honor of her birthday and Chanukat HaBayit’s dedication of her new home. Click here to rsvp.
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University City announces its “Sinai and Civics” at 7 p.m., Tuesdays, June 23, 30, July 7, and 14. These sessions will be led by Rabbi Effy Kahn and will reflect on the Jewish ethics, ideas, and values that inspired and influenced America’s founders and that still shape our government and society today. Click here to register.
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University City presents its “July 4th Weekend BBQ for the Community” at 5 p.m., Friday, July 3. This event includes food, music, fun, and community. Click here to rsvp.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Coastal Gan Preschool reports its children spent time strengthening their impulse control and listening skills. The children loved playing the Spoons Game, which was also adapted to using their fingers. As the children chanted “I tap, and I tap, and I stop!,” they practiced paying attention, following directions, and controlling their movements. Music and movement gave the children more opportunities to practice self-regulation and encouraged them to listen carefully and control their bodies as they started, changed, and stopped different movements.
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Chabad at La Costa reports it has started a WhatsApp Community Group. This space brings together branch-off groups like Coastal Chabad Announcements, Coastal Gan Families, Men’s Club, Coastal Women, and more. Click here to be added.
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San Diego Hebrew Day School reports its first-grade students enjoyed a special end-of-year field trip to the library. Students explored the library, discovered new books, and were encouraged to continue their reading journeys throughout the summer and beyond. The trip served as a reminder that reading is not just a school activity but a lifelong adventure.
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San Diego Hebrew Day School reports that Sarah Evanson-Atkinson will serve as the next Principal beginning Wednesday, July 1. Evanson-Atkinson brings more than 20 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school leader. Evanson-Atkinson stood out for her student-centered approach, collaborative leadership style, and deep commitment to supporting both students and teachers. She also demonstrates genuine appreciation for the Torah values and Jewish traditions.
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Women of Congregation Beth Israel report that its fundraiser “Honey from the Heart” is now accepting orders. The 8-ounce jar of honey will have the message “Shana Tova – Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year,” and a personalized card signed with your name will be delivered in time for Rosh Hashanah. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help support the Beth Israel community with camperships, scholarships, B’nai Mitzvah gifts, Caring Community, programming efforts, and provide tzedakah. Click here to place your order.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.