By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
The Ninth of Av, “Tisha B’Av is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, as this is the date both Holy Temples were destroyed, and exile, persecution, and spiritual darkness began.
San Diego Comic Convention is upon us. Let’s be good hosts and help those visitors with directions and drive safely.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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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Tifereth Israel Synagogue and Ohr Shalom Synagogue announce their “Erev Tisha B’Av Service” at 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 22 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. The 9th day of the month of Av commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as many other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people. Click here for more details.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Halacha: Happy Hour with Sushi and Beer” at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. This event will be led by Rabbi Baruch Frankel and will discuss the experience of learning from Gemarah to practical Halacha. This week’s sessions will focus on the topic of reheating food on Shabbos.
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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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Young Israel of San Diego presents its “Taam Dagan (Or Eating Like a Mensch): Halachot and Hashkafot Related to Food in the Weekly Parsha” at 8 p.m., Thursdays, July 23, and 30, on Zoom. Click here to rsvp and receive the Zoom link.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture announces its “Jewish Spirit Song Jam” at 6 p.m., starting Monday, August 3, until 17 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Song leader Adam Shames will lead these sessions of live music, creative expression, and community singing. Shames will include a mix of classic and contemporary Jewish songs in Hebrew and English with guitar in hand. Organizers say to bring your voice, instruments, and rhythm makers as participants improvise together. Click here to register.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents its “Embodying the Psalms: Movement, Breath, and Prayer” at 10 a.m., starting Thursdays, August 13 until September 10 at the Lawrence Family JCC. This five-part series, led by Rabbi, chaplain, and ACPE-certified educator Susan Freeman, will explore the Psalms through gentle movement, breath, and reflection. Inspired by qigong, each accessible session connects participants to themes of nature, renewal, and Jewish practice. Click here to register.
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Stand with Us Southwest announces “Leaders of Tomorrow San Diego Gala” at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, October 18. This event includes keynote speaker Loay Alshareef, live performance from Idan Raichel, and honoring Jenny Josephson and the legacy of Julian Josephson. Click here to register.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
East County announces “Rabbi Rafi Andrusier Turning 40” at 6 p.m., Friday, July 24. The event will include L’Chaims, hors d’oeuvres, and Kabbalat Shabbat. Click here to rsvp.
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Downtown presents its “Welcome Comic Con Community Shabbat Dinner” at 8 p.m., Friday, July 24. Click here to rsvp.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.