LA MESA, California – Pride Month and Pride celebrations are always a highlight every summer for my family. This year is different. My teens are old enough to know that there is friction between the Pride Festival and Parade and the Jewish community.
I took my then-three-year-old twins (by myself) to their first Pride parade and Festival, and they were in amazement the whole time. I think the number of rainbows blew their minds (giggle). I had family and friends who questioned my judgment. Still, at the end of the day, as we were driving home all sweaty and exhausted, the priceless memories of them passed out in their car seats decked out in rainbow leis, face paintings, and bags of swag are moments that made it worth it and every year since then.
This year will be different, but our love for the LGBTQ+ community will not change. We hope to be back next year with less drama.
Fabienne Perlov, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, provided perspective on the controversy in an OpEd published by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Jewish Federation of San Diego, in partnership with the greater San Diego Jewish community, is coming together to create “JPride Weekend”. This will be a space where LGBTQ+ Jews and allies feel seen, safe, and celebrated. The weekend starts with “Pride Shabbat” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, July 18 will include an inclusive, spirit-filled service to open the weekend with meaning and music. The “JPride Festival” at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 19 will include a family-friendly celebration with crafts, games, music, art, and food trucks. The “Big Gay Brunch” at 10 a.m., Sunday, July 20 will close out the weekend with bagels, coffee, and conversation. Click here to register for Shabbat, click here to register for the Festival, and click here to register for the Brunch. Location details will be provided upon registration.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Chabad at La Costa announces its need for a Minyan at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 19. The Minyan is needed so Kaddish can be recited for a Yahrzeit. Click here if you can help.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue presents “Shir Chadash: A Brand-New Song” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, June 20. The Shir Chadash band accompanies the Kabbalat Shabbat service with traditional, rock, and world music melodies. Click here for more information.
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Hadassah San Diego invites the community to attend its “Sunset Picnic at the Beach” at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, July 12 in Del Mar. Organizers say to bring beach chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Click here to rsvp and receive the address.
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Congregation Beth Israel presents “Tuesdays in the Park: Foam Party” at 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 15. Organizers say to bring a bathing suit, towel, a picnic dinner, and a blanket. Entertainment and desserts will be provided.
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Seacrest Foundation announces its “47th Annual Gala – Seacrest Summer Soiree” at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 26 in La Jolla. The event is hosted by Seacrest Foundation’s Women’s Auxiliary and proceeds from the Gala will benefit the Resident Assistance Fund which provides charitable care to residents of the Seacrest Village. Click here for more information.
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To view other events, previously listed in this column, please visit our San Diego Jewish Community Calendar page.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Chabad of East County reports tile floors, kitchen cabinets, and bright lighting have been installed at its new location at 7189 Navajo Road in San Diego. Shrubbery from outside has been removed to open the space up and the move is anticipated to take place over the summer. Click here to donate to the campaign.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego reports reopening its “Israel Emergency Campaign” which will deliver critical emergency services in response to the ongoing conflict with Iran and the continued situation in Israel. Click here to donate.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego reports that more than 30% of Holocaust Survivors in the US are living below the poverty line. Many Survivors in San Diego are quietly struggling. Through the Federation’s unique partnerships with KAVOD Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund (SHEF) and Jewish Family Service (JFS), this campaign helps care for Survivors in need. Click here to donate as the campaign will close on Monday, June 30.
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Congregation Beth Am reports congregants Gillian and Gad Hoffman, and Uncle Gilad Hoffman, welcomed the birth of a granddaughter and niece, Jade Aria Brodie to parents Liat Hoffman and David Brodie. Mazel Tov!
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Sandra Edenbaum, mother of Robin (Mason) Harris, Paul (Robin) Edenbaum, and Gail (Jonathan) Schwartz, grandmother of Matthew (Rachael) Edenbaum, Ross (Gaby) Edenbaum, Stephanie (Matthew) Lyulkin, Eric (Jessie) Harris, Alison (Alex) Kernus, Dana (Victoria) Harris, and Brandon Schwartz, has died. The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Sunday, June 22 at King David Memorial Gardens in Virginia. Donations in Edenbaum’s honor can be made at Makom, Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Mark Goldstein, husband of Kris Goldstein, father of Emily (Richard) Howland, and Nicole (Justin Jolly), grandfather of Gwendolyn and Richard Howland, has died. The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 1 at Congregation Beth Israel. Donations in Goldstein’s honor can be made at Congregation Beth Israel, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, and the MSPCA (Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Steve Wilson, brother of Sharon Wilson-Ogul and brother-in-law of David Ogul, has died. Funeral arrangements are pending, Tifereth Israel Synagogue reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.