LA MESA, California – Students in K-12 schools are heading back for the 2025/2026 year and colleges are starting up their Fall semesters. Many synagogues are also encouraging adults to register for Judaism classes.
I always find something new when I attend an introduction to Judaism course that maybe I have forgotten about or am learning about for the first time.
Tifereth Israel Synagogue invites adults to register for its “Miller Introduction to Judaism: Taught by Rabbi Hanan Leberman” at 11 a.m., beginning Sunday, August 17. Miller’s curriculum is a nationally recognized course that covers the essentials of Judaism, including its holidays, rituals, ideas, and traditions throughout the 18-week program. Click here for more information.
*
Temple Emanu-El invites adults to register for its “Introduction to Judaism” starting at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays, beginning on September 14. This 19-session course is for anyone interested in exploring Jewish life through a Reform lens. Topics include holidays, life cycle celebrations, theology and core beliefs, Hebrew, prayer, the Bible and other sacred texts, history, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, Zionism and Israel, the American Jewish experience, and the tapestry of the Jewish people today. Click here for more information.
*
Congregation Beth Israel invites adults to register for its “Introduction to Judaism: Fundamentals of Belief and Practice” starting Tuesday, October 21, to Tuesday, April 21. This course is designed for newcomers to Judaism as well as those who wish to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Judaism. Topics include synagogue geography, Jewish sacred literature, Jewish views of God, the Jewish lifecycle, worship and prayer, the High Holy Days and festivals, the Jewish home, Zionism and Israel, and more. Click here for more information.
*
UPCOMING EVENTS
Chabad at University City announces “Out of the Forest: A Child’s Story of Survival With Holocaust Survivor Gerald Szames” at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, August 3. Szames will share his story of surviving two years in the forests of Nazi-occupied Poland after his town, Trochenbrod, was destroyed.
*
Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “San Diego Blood Drive” at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 6. All those who donate will get a limited-edition Marvel Fantastic Four t-shirt. Helpful tips are to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal at least one hour before donating, drink plenty of water, and after donating, eat food rich in iron and vitamin C to ameliorate iron levels drop. Click here to make an appointment.
*
RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust’s Speaker Series presents “Author Talk: The Girls of the Glimmer Factory by Jennifer Coburn” at 6 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, at the La Jolla Riford Library. Coburn will discuss her historical novel set in the Theresienstadt “show camp” used by the Nazis for propaganda. Books will be available for purchase at this event. Click here for more information.
*
Congregation Beth El presents its “Plaza Prayer and Picnic” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, August 15. This event will include an informal Kabbalat Shabbat service accompanied on guitars by Craig Parks and David Lipsitz. Afterwards, it will include a hosted Shabbat dinner. Click here to register.
*
Ner Tamid Synagogue presents “Weekend to Welcome: A Vision to Share: Installation Weekend of Rabbi Ryan Newfield” at 7 p.m., Friday, August 15. Newfield will discuss why he became a rabbi. A special dessert will be served at the Oneg, after services. At 9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 16, Newfield will share three life lessons for community leaders, followed by a Kiddush lunch while sharing his favorite memories as a rabbi. At 10 a.m., Sunday, August 17, there will be the Installation Ceremony, which will include brunch, children’s and teen entertainment, and desserts. Click here to register.
*
Coastal Roots Farms presents its “Farm-to-Table Dinner” at 6 p.m., Sunday, August 17. This event includes a seasonal menu by chef Xavier De La Cruz of Merenda Wine Bar and paired wines. Click here to register.
*
Congregation Beth Israel announces “Torah on Tap” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 20. Rabbi Jason Nevarez will lead this session, which will include reconnecting with friends, making new ones, libations, food, and engaging learning and conversation. Click here to register.
*
The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents “The Vav Band: A Tribute to Paul Simon” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 26, at the Lawrence Family JCC. The event includes Congregation Beth El’s 13-piece band, comprised of congregants and led by musical director Craig Parks. The concert will feature music from Simon’s music and both Simon and Garfunkel. Click here for tickets.
*
To view other events previously listed in this column, please visit our San Diego Jewish Community Calendar page.
*
AROUND THE COUNTY
Congregation Dor Hadash reports its immediate past president, David Kamper, was a guest on the KPBS Midday Edition podcast and spoke about his book Rezballers and Skate Elders, which explores sports culture within tribal communities. Click here to listen to the podcast and read the article.
*
Coastal Roots Farm reports its farm stand is overflowing with tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and herbs, and so is the desire to provide fresh food for families who need it most. At its Pay-What-You-Can stand, everyone has access to organic bounty, regardless of income. Click here to donate.
*
Chabad at La Costa reports that its deadline for its Annual Calendar Campaign is ending soon. Click here to send in your ad to be included in the Art Calendar.
*
Chabad of Encinitas reports its Hebrew School registration is open. Click here to register before Monday, August 18, to receive an 18% discount.
*
OBTUARY NOTICE
Marilyn Steinweg, the mother of Edward Steinweg, has died, Ner Tamid Synagogue reports.
*
Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.