Jewish Federation San Diego announces that registration is open for next May’s Community Trip to Israel, which lasts from Tuesday, May 18 through Tuesday, May 25. An upcoming information session will be held on Zoom at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, to answer questions. Click here to register.
This journey for ages 18+ to Israel and beyond is an experience designed to explore, connect, and celebrate Jewish life together. Travel with other San Diego Jewish community members and deepen bonds within your community, with Israel, and with our sister city of Sha’ar HaNegev through shared stories, meals, and moments of meaning.
An optional extension is offered to Budapest, where exploration of Jewish heritage, resilience, and renewal in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Click here to register.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Halacha: Happy Hour with Sushi and Beer” at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26. 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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Coastal Roots Farms Film and Music Series announces its “Sunset, Cinema and a Night for the Ocean” at 6 p.m., Thursday, August 27. This event includes the screening of Sequoias of the Sea, a documentary about saving California’s kelp forests. Organizers say to pack a picnic and grab a blanket. Click here to register.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue presents its “Fix-It Day” at 9 a.m., Sunday, August 30. This event will include sprucing up the campus in preparation for the High Holidays. Click here for more information and to sign up.
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Congregation Beth El announces “News Babies Brunch” at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, August 30. The event includes music with Ms. Diana of Songbirds Music, who will engage with musical instruments, song, and movement. Craig Parks and his guitar will introduce songs and prayers, and Rabbi Avi Libman will share inspiring insights about creating and celebrating a Jewish home. Click here to rsvp.
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Lawrence Family JCC presents its “Celebrate Rosh Hashanah at the J!” at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 30. This event includes local vendors, food, hands-on activities, holiday traditions, live beekeeping, and creating your own Shofar with the Shofar Factory. Click here to register.
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StandWithUs announces its “Shalom Storytime” at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 3 at the La Jolla Library. This event is for families with children in grades K-5 for Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot stories, music, and hands-on activities. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth El presents “Dinner for Rachel’s Women’s Shelter” at 4:15 p.m., Sunday, September 6. Volunteers prepare and serve Sunday dinner once a month to the residents of Rachel’s Women’s Shelter. Click here to sign up.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Chula Vista announces its “High Holiday Class” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 26. This class will explore the meaning, traditions, and relevant themes of the High Holidays and is a chance to ask questions, discover new perspectives, and prepare for the holidays with greater intention. Click here to rsvp.
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East County announces a new season of Torah Studies, “Happiness is Learned,” until September 23, with all sessions led by Rabbi Rafi Andrusier. “Gratitude in Two Acts: The Immediate Thank You and the Thoughtful Follow-Up” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 26. This session explores how the mitzvah to thank G-d for the first fruits teaches us two layers of gratitude: the spontaneous initial thanks, and the deeper reflection that follows.
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East County announces “Challah Babies: Rosh Hashanah Edition” at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, August 27. This event is for babies and toddlers ages 0-3 years old and will include baking fresh challah, engaging in creative sensory activities, enjoying music and movement, and connecting with other parents in the community. Click here to rsvp.
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Coastal Chabads Women’s Group presents “Caffeine for the Soul: Elevate Your Daily Grind” at 1 p.m., Thursday, August 27. This weekly women’s discussion group will focus on Kabbalah topics. Click here to rsvp.
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East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents “Torah and Tea” at noon, Thursday, September 3. This women’s session is an opportunity to pause, nourish the soul with Torah study, enjoy lunch, and to connect. Click here to rsvp.
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ONLINE OFFERINGS
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California Commission on the State of Hate presents “Understanding and Confronting Antisemitism in California” at 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, on Zoom. This virtual community forum focuses on the impacts of antisemitism and the exploration of solutions to prevent it. Speakers include Eric Lichtblau, investigative reporter and author; Jeanne Pepper, advocate and founder of the BlazeItForward movement; Rabbi Jason Nevarez, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel, and Aliza Luft, professor at UCLA. Click here to join Zoom.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Seacrest Foundation and sponsor William Gumpert Foundation report its inaugural “Stroll for the Soul” fundraising walk and community festival to benefit seniors in need. This community celebration was created to bring generations together in support of seniors and carry forward Seacrest’s more than 80-year legacy of compassionate care. The event will take place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, November 15, at Fox Point Farms in Encinitas. All proceeds will benefit the Seacrest Village Resident Assistance Fund, which helps ensure residents who have exhausted their financial resources continue receiving housing, meals, nursing care, and services that support their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
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Beth Jacob Congregation reports that congregant Dena Gleiberman will be attending seminary at Midreshet Moriah in Israel. Also, congregant Shira Adatto will be attending seminary at Darchei Binah in Israel. Mazel Tov!
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Temple Emanu-El reports that its Mitzvah of the Month will help the non-profit Special Delivery San Diego. This organization provides free, nutritious meals and groceries to homebound individuals in San Diego with critical illnesses, as well as a food pantry for the community, and a specialized diabetic program. Items needed include Ziploc plastic bags – sandwich, quart, and gallon size; plain brown paper sandwich/lunch bags; microwave-safe rectangular meal prep/food storage containers for single meals, black with clear lids (may have 1, 2, or 3 compartments); and plain large plastic t-shirt/grocery bags with handles. Bring donations to the white Social Action barrel in the lobby.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.