Kindness Initiative shared the following message as a short reflection. We dip apples into honey and wish one another a Shanah Tovah U’Metukah – a good and sweet New Year.
But the upcoming Rosh Hashanah also gives us an opportunity to ask: What kind of year can we help create for someone else?
Here in San Diego County, approximately one in four Jewish households live in or on the edge of poverty. Many struggle quietly. They may even be our neighbors or friends. An illness, job loss, divorce, aging, or one unexpected crisis can suddenly change a family’s life.
Others may already find themselves much deeper in the cycle of poverty – unhoused, struggling to feed themselves or their families, unable to meet basic needs, and increasingly separated from the community around them. Over time, continuing hardship can take away more than financial security. It can erode hope, confidence, and dignity. It can lead to despair, depression, and worse, until a person can no longer see an apparent path toward stability or self-sufficiency.
Jewish tradition teaches: Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh – all Jews are responsible for one another. We are family. And family does not let family struggle alone.
Kindness begins by noticing. By listening without judgment. By protecting another person’s dignity. By asking, “How can I help?”
That help can take many forms: sharing our resources, our time, our professional knowledge, a meal, a ride, furniture or goods we no longer need, a useful connection – or simply letting someone know, “You matter. You are not alone.”
At Kindness Initiative, we have learned that resources may solve immediate problems, but relationships restore hope.
So … as we celebrate the sweetness in our own lives, perhaps each of us can ask one question: Who beyond this table could use some sweetness in their year?
May this be a year when we notice one another more, open our hands and hearts more readily, and build a Jewish community in which no one facing hardship has to face it alone.
May we be blessed not only with a sweet New Year, but with the opportunity to help make the year sweeter for someone else.
Shanah Tovah U’Metukah.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Congregation Beth Israel presents “Behind the Scenes: Building for the Future” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, September 2. This event includes a conversation and a look behind the scenes at what’s already underway, what’s ahead, and why this is such an important moment. Spend time with clergy and members, ask questions, and learn how every family can be a part of building for the future. Click here to rsvp.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Halacha: Happy Hour with Sushi and Beer” at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2. 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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StandWithUs announces its “Shalom Storytime” at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 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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Temple Beth Shalom presents “A Community Conversation: Pulling the Roots of Antisemitism: A Jewish-Christian Dialogue” at 7 p.m., Saturday, September 5. This event will build understanding together through dialogue with Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel of Temple Beth Shalom, Pastor John Sorrentino of New Covenant Tabernacle, Professor Matthew Herbst, historian and professor at the University of California San Diego, and Bishop Art Hodges, who oversees 120+ churches and 250+ pastors and clergy across Southern California.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “Selichot: Let’s Talk About It” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, September 5. This session will be led by Rabbi Hanan Leberman, who focuses on the journey of reflection, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. Click here to rsvp.
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Beth Jacob Congregation presents its “Rosh Hashanah Challah Bake with Shani Frankel” at 7 p.m., Sunday, September 6. This women’s-only event will include making a round challah for Rosh Hashanah with seasonal toppings and inspiration from Frankel. Click here to rsvp.
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San Diego International Jewish Film Festival announces “Creating Brothers in Blood: A Conversation with Yariv Mozer” at 7 p.m., Thursday, September 24 at the Lawrence Family JCC. Mozer tells the true story of rival Olympic judokas Saeid Mollaei and Sagi Muki set against the backdrop of the political tensions between Iran and Israel. The film follows their unlikely friendship, sacrifices, and pursuit of Olympic excellence. Click here to rsvp.
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Friendship Circle of San Diego announces its “Sukkot Party” at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, at a private residence. This event includes cardio drumming, barbecue dinner, and a time to connect and belong. Click here to rsvp.
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Coastal Roots Farm presents its “Sukkot Harvest Shabbat: Celebrate the Agricultural Holiday on the Farm” at 4 p.m., Friday, October 2. This event combines its Sukkot Harvest Festival and Great Outdoor Shabbat for an evening of the ancient agricultural holiday. Organizers say there will be live music, food vendors, Shabbat celebration, farm tour, tabling partners, and family fun. Click here to register.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Carmel Valley’s Torah Life Center presents “International Law and Israel: Do They Really Not Understand? With Ran Bar-Yoshafat” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, September 2. This event includes Bar-Yoshafat, IDF Reserve Officer (over 500 days of reserve duty since October 7), combat veteran, author, attorney, and public speaker, to discuss tools against anti-Israel bias. Click here to rsvp.
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East County announces a new season of Torah Studies, “Happiness is Learned,” 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 2; all sessions led by Rabbi Rafi Andrusier. “The Power of Standing Still: Why the Paradox of Jewish Law Actually Sets Us Free.” This session unpacks the paradox of Jewish law: how we are rooted in the unchanging yet constantly urged to innovate.
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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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Coastal Chabads Women’s Group presents “Caffeine for the Soul: Elevate Your Daily Grind” at 1 p.m., Thursday, September 3. This weekly women’s discussion group will focus on Kabbalah topics. Click here to rsvp.
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University City’s Men’s Club announces its “Soulfire Event” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, September 3. This men’s event will ask the honest question: what do you actually want to change this year before Rosh Hashanah? Click here to rsvp.
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Chula Vista presents its “Rosh Hashanah Kids Honey Workshop” at 10:45 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 6. Children are invited to learn how bees make honey with an interactive presentation and tasting led by Kendal from the Sager Family Farm. The event includes decorating your own honey jar and enjoying an apple dipping bar with toppings. Click here to rsvp.
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University City announces its “High Holidays Course” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, September 8, 15, and 22. This three-part course runs through the season of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, each night one idea to carry through the Days of Awe. Click here to sign up.
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Chula Vista presents its “Shofar in the Park: Express Shofar and Tashlich Service for all ages” at 6:15 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13 at Mountain Hawk Park. Click here to rsvp.
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ONLINE OFFERINGS
B’nai B’rith International, in partnership with the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), held a live program examining the lasting and harmful effects of the 2001 U.N. World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa. On the 25th anniversary of the Durban conference, the program explored how the U.N. event helped legitimize antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric, including the portrayal of the Jewish State and its supporters as “racist.” Panelists examined how the normalization of such rhetoric has contributed to anti-Jewish hostility and violence, particularly in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks. Click here to view the video.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Tifereth Israel Synagogue reports its Dignity Drive has started and will run through Sunday, October 4. Items include, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, brown rice, dehydrated mashed potatoes, canned fish or chicken, natural nut-butters, low-sodium beans, fruit packed in juice, low-sodium vegetables and soups, protein bars, protein drinks, granola bars, crackers, cookies, chips, soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, sunscreen, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, and toilet paper. Click here to make a monetary donation.
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Chabad of Poway reports its Lulav and Etrog orders will end Saturday, September 5. Click here to place your order.
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Congregation Dor Hadash reports the need for English readers for Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services. Click here if you are able to volunteer.
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Brigitte’s Bakery: Baking Beyond Limits reports that its vocational program for adults with disabilities offers fresh-baked favorites and special treats. Under the supervision of Rabbi Yossi Rodal, all goods are kosher, with gluten-free options available. Click here to view the menu.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Danny Bailund has died. He was the husband of Robbie Bailund, father and grandfather of Michael Bailund, Allison Bailund, Belinda Bailund, and Zeke Bailund. The funeral service was held on Monday, August 31, at Home of Peace Cemetery, Temple Emanu-El reports.
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Esther Nathan has died. She was the wife of Fred Segal, mother of Alysa (Eric) Segal, Tamar (Dovid) Halberstam, Aaron (Hien) Nathan, and grandmother of Dana, Brian, Becca, and Joshua Segal, Avrumi and Shalom Tzvi Halberstam. The funeral took place in Dallas, Texas, Tifereth Israel Synagogue and Beth Jacob Congregation report.
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Meyer Planer has died. He is the father of Janine (Ian) Subel, and grandfather of Jake and Adam Subel. The funeral took place on Friday, August 28, in Kfar Saba, Israel, Chabad of Carmel Valley reports.
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Joseph Rosenzweig has died. He was the husband of Lois Rosenzweig, father of Eric (Paula) Rosenzweig, Scott (Michael) Rosenzweig, grandfather of Taylor (David) Azhocar, Rachel Rosensweig, and great-grandfather of Rory Azhocar, Collin Azhocar, Selah Azhocar, Temple-Emanu-El reports. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, at Temple-Emanu El.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.