By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
Voting is both a privilege and a civic responsibility. Yet many eligible Americans do not participate in elections. Jewish tradition offers several reasons why taking an active role in civic life matters, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, responsible leadership, and the pursuit of peace and justice.
According to My Jewish Learning, the Talmud teaches that community members should have a voice in choosing their leaders. Rabbi Yitzhak states, “A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted” (Berakhot 55a).
Another Talmudic discussion in Arakhin 17a explores the relationship between leaders and the people they represent, suggesting that the character of a generation is reflected in its leadership, while leaders are also shaped by their communities.
Pirkei Avot 3:2 offers another perspective on government and social responsibility. Rabbi Hanina, the Deputy of Priests, teaches: “Pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear of it, people would swallow each other alive.”
These teachings remind Jews that civic participation and responsible leadership have long been subjects of Jewish concern.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Adventures in Bereshis with Brandon Fisher” at 7 p.m., Tuesdays, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24. These sessions will discuss life-changing insights for personal growth and everyday life from the first book of the Torah. Click here to join the WhatsApp for updates.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces “Mah Jongg Lessons” at noon on Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18, and December 2. This is a six-week session to learn how to play Mah Jongg in a fun, welcoming environment. If you are new to the game or have always wanted to learn, this is a great opportunity to learn the basics, meet new people, and enjoy a game that brings people together across generations. Click here for more details.
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Beth Jacob Congregation presents its “Halacha: Happy Hour with Sushi and Beer” at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. These sessions are led by Rabbi Baruch Frankel, who will explore learning from Gemara to practical halacha.
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Shalomaland presents its “Walking Tour of San Diego’s Jewish History” at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 5 and Liberty Station, Point Loma. Guided by Dr. Joellyn Zollman, this four-session series journeys through key Jewish sites across the city, bringing to life the stories, people, and places that helped shape San Diego’s Jewish community. November 5: Louis Rose Point at Liberty Station, Point Loma, with a walking tour of the former naval training center. Click here to register.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “Chair Aerobics Class with Ethel Speiser” at 11 a.m. on Thursdays, starting November 5. Speiser will teach a one-hour, low-impact exercise class that delivers a full-body workout from the comfort of a seated position or using a chair for balance. Click here to register.
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American Jewish Committee San Diego presents “Looking Ahead After the Elections: Exclusive Briefing with Jason Isaacson” at 7 p.m., Thursday, November 5, in the La Jolla area. This event will be led by Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Isaacson on the impact of the October elections in Israel, the midterm elections in the United States, and the collective impact on the Middle East. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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Congregation Adat Yeshurun presents “Bolok: The Story That Silence Covered, Theatrical Adaptation by Todd Salovey based on the book by Alfredo Ratniewski” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, November 5. The dramatic play reading reveals the story of a family who risked everything to save a Jewish man during the Holocaust in war-torn Poland, and their descendants who, 80 years later, reached out to hide their son to ensure that history was not forgotten.
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Young Israel of San Diego presents “Let’s Talk Parsha with Rabbi Eddie Rosenberg” at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 at San Diego Kollel. This event is a weekly parsha discussion and will be held in person and on Zoom.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Women’s Philanthropy presents “Brunch Club: Building Bridges, Connecting San Diego and Israel” at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 10. This women’s event will explore the relationships and partnerships that connect San Diego with our sister region of Sha’ar HaNegev and communities throughout Israel. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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CHABAD CENTER HAPPENING
Coastal Chabads Women’s Group presents “Caffeine for the Soul: Elevate Your Daily Grind” at 1 p.m., Thursday, November 5. This weekly women’s discussion group will focus on Kabbalah topics. Click here to rsvp.
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ONLINE OFFERINGS
Congregation Beth Israel announces “Morning Mindfulness with Julie Potiker” at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays on Zoom. Potiker will lead these sessions to start the day and move from a place of fear to a place of calm. In these sessions, participants will experience bringing their attention to the present moment without judgment. Click here to register.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents Parshat HaShavua Im Meforshim at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, on Zoom. Rabbi Scott Meltzer will lead these weekly classes on the Torah portion through the eyes of traditional commentators. Click here to join the session.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue announces its “Responsa and the Conservative Movement Class” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, and once a month through April on Zoom. This coming year marks the 100th anniversary of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS). This monthly class will explore its history, how it makes decisions, and how its responsa have shaped Conservative Judaism, while letting participants help choose which issues to study. Click here to join the session.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Jacqueline Jacobs has died. She was the wife of Irv Jacobs, mother of Karl and Ken. The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, at El Camino Memorial Park, Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports.
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Francine Krieger has died. She was the wife of Burt Krieger, mother of Ilise, Stephanie (Mike), grandmother of Olivia and Simone. The funeral was held on Sunday, November 1, at El Camino Memorial Park, Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.