By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
With elementary, middle, and high schools all heading back for a fun and adventurous new year, be mindful on the road, look for kids with backpacks, and watch your speed.
I had a scary moment walking my then 7th graders to middle school since I had to go to the office to pick up a schedule change for my daughter CeCe. The walk signal lit, and my son Alex started to walk off the curb, and I pulled him back since a car decided to run the red light. I thought that this is not the best way to start the new year. I reminded them many times, even though the walk sign says to walk, look before going since you never know.
They have a shorter walk this year and were excited to see their friends bright and early, an hour before school started.
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Speaking of school, it is never too late to learn Hebrew.
Lawrence Family JCC announces its “Let’s Speak Hebrew from Day One” at 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting August 18 until September 10 at the Lawrence Family JCC. These courses will be led by Shira Schaffer and are based on the Ulpan-Or method: speaking from day one, real-life, day-to-day communication, interactive and engaging learning, confidence-building approach, straight-to-the-point, focused on practical day-to-day Hebrew conversation. Click here to register.
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Already know Hebrew? Lawrence Family JCC presents its “The Pesek Zman Club: Hebrew, Culture, Community” at 11 a.m., Tuesdays, August 18, September 22, and October 13 at the Astor Judaica Library at the Lawrence Family JCC. Each monthly session will provide lively discussions, inspiring speakers, and meaningful cultural moments. Along the way, participants will celebrate holidays, enjoy summer evenings together, and strengthen connection to language, heritage, and one another. Click here for more information.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents “Family Tot Shabbat with Jennifer Meltzer” at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 8. This kid-friendly service will be led by Meltzer, and lunch is provided. Organizers say children are welcome to bring their non-electric musical instruments.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego announces its “Mosaic San Diego Launch” at 4 p.m., Sunday, August 9. This new launch is for Jewish young adults across San Diego. Organizers say to expect appetizers, drinks, and a view of the bayfront, plus a social flow designed to help meet people to connect with. Click here to register.
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San Diego International Jewish Film Festival will show Frontier at 5:15 p.m., Monday, August 10 at the Carlsbad City Library. This film takes place in 1943 after Franco seals the Pyrenees to Jews fleeing Nazi persecution; border official Manel Grau defies orders to help refugees escape. Click here for tickets.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Music with Michelle Jirkovsky” at 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 11. 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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SD Kollel presents its “Ladies Weekly Kollel Café: Women’s Class and Discussion” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 11. This event includes women’s topics and desserts. For more information, call 619-287-9890.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Halacha: Happy Hour with Sushi and Beer” at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12. This event will be led by Rabbi Baruch Frankel and will discuss the experience of learning from Gemarah to practical Halacha.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture announces its “San Diego International Jewish Film Festival Season Kickoff Screening” on Wednesday, August 12 at the Lawrence Family JCC. This event will be a part of the 37th Annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival’s Season Kickoff as they screen the Joyce Short Film Series (themed around family) and view the full-length film, Hola Chau. This is a heartwarming comedy-drama about an Argentine Jewish family’s chaotic reunion in Israel, exploring forgiveness and family. Click here for tickets.
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Congregation Beth Israel presents “Israel on Trial: Examining the Six False Claims Against Israel featuring the Judge Roy Altman” at 6 p.m., Thursday, August 13. Altman will bring legal rigor to the world’s most contentious debate by applying courtroom-tested standards, burden of proof, corroboration, and chain of custody as he examines colonialism, apartheid, and genocide with dispassionate precision. Click here to register.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Rosh Chodesh” at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 13. This women’s event is a celebration of the new monthly moon and is an ancient tradition of women to connect, grow spiritually, take time for themselves, and to recharge energetically. Click here to register.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s Sisterhood announces its “Rosh Chodesh Picnic” at 5:30 p.m., Friday, August 14. Followed by “Shabbat at the Bay: Kabbalat Shabbat Service” at 6:45 p.m. Click here to rsvp.
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Beth Jacob Congregation Elul Series presents “The Four Elements of Teshuvah” at 8:15 p.m., starting Tuesdays, August 18. This 5-part series led by Brandon Fisher is open to all searching for a transformational Elul. Click here for more information.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Momentum announces its “Journey of Growth” Monday, November 2 until Sunday, November 8. This women’s event will journey across Israel, followed by a year of learning and leadership development, inspiring Jewish mothers to connect deeply to Jewish values, engage meaningfully with Israel, take action in their communities, and foster unity. Click here to learn more.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego presents its “Community Trip 2027” from Tuesday, May 18 until Tuesday, May 25, 2027. This trip will experience Israel and Budapest, full of many unforgettable moments. Jewish San Diegans will explore incredible places, share meaningful experiences, and have fun along the way. Click here to register.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
University City’s Men’s Club announces its “Men’s Steak Night” on Thursday, August 6. This men’s event includes grilling steaks, cold drinks, no agenda, no pressure, just good food and good company. Click here to register.
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East County announces a new season of Torah Studies “Happiness is Learned” starting Wednesdays, July 15, until September 23, all sessions led by Rabbi Rafi Andrusier. “When Everyone’s Wrong: How to See the Good When Everyone Else Sees the Bad” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 13. This session will explore the Torah’s fascinating perspective on unanimous judgments and how they often point to a deeper truth.
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Chula Vista’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents “Babka Bake” at 7 p.m., Sunday, August 23. This women’s event will include rolling, filling, and twisting your own babka in a sweet night out with great company. Click here to rsvp.
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Chula Vista announces its “Curious About the High Holidays?” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 26. This engaging class will explore the meaning, traditions, and relevant themes of the High Holidays. Organizers say there are opportunities to ask questions, discover new perspectives, and prepare for the holidays with greater intention.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Beth Jacob Congregation reports parents David and Leah Gerendash, grandparents Joel and Marlene Gerendash, welcomed the birth and Bris Milah of a baby boy named Daniel Natan Gerendash. Mazel Tov!
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Beth Jacob Congregation reports parents Tova and Yehuda Neiburg and grandparents Rabbi Moshe and Rebbetzin Ariella Adatto welcomed the birth of a baby girl. Mazel Tov!
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San Diego Jewish Academy reports the 2026-27 school year will feature significant investments in leadership, academics, technology, the arts, and student enrichment, reinforcing its commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience from early childhood through 12th grade. Dr. David Weiner joins as head of Maimonides Upper School (grades 6-12). Weiner brings 17 years of independent school leadership experience, having served as a division head, academic dean, director of college counseling, admissions leader, and classroom teacher. Sara Hansen has been appointed Middle School Principal. Hansen is a longtime academic leader and will oversee academic programming, student life, and strategic initiatives for grades 6-8 while continuing to strengthen curriculum, faculty development, and student support.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Michael Bortz has died. He was the brother of David Bortz. The funeral will take place in South Africa, Chabad of University City reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.