LA MESA, California – With Thanksgiving just a week away, many of us begin to reflect on what we are grateful for.
In Judaism, we are taught to express gratitude each morning when we rise and each night when we close our eyes. We give thanks for our health, for our lives, and for the blessing of another day.
When we look closely at the word Thanksgiving, we see that gratitude in America is not only about inviting family and friends to share a meal, but also about giving to those in need and counting our blessings.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents its “Friendsgiving Picnic and Beach Cleanup” at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 23, at Playa Pacifica at Mission Bay. Organizers say to bring a packed lunch. Click here to rsvp.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Yarn, Threads and Needles: A JAMEETS Arts and Culture Circle” at 11:30 a.m., on Sundays, Nov. 23, Dec. 28, and Jan. 18. All ages and all skill levels are encouraged to join embroiderers, needle pointers, crocheters, and knitters to connect over shared projects, a few snacks or to learn basic techniques.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture’s North County Lecture Series presents “How the Jews Re-Created Christmas with Cantor Lori Frank” at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 1, at the Carlsbad City Library. Frank will explore how Jewish composers shaped some of the most iconic Christmas songs, and helped turn the holiday into a wintery, secular celebration around the world. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth Israel’s Women of Beth Israel presents its “Rosh Chodesh Series: Featuring Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch” at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Dec. 4, Jan. 29, Feb. 19, March 12, April 23, and May 28. Each month will discuss a different topic, and snacks and beverages will be provided. Click here to register.
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Chula Vista announces its “Kids Menorah Workshop” at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Eastlake Home Depot. The event includes building your own Menorah, Chanukah treats, and meeting other community families. Click here to rsvp.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture’s Mandelbaum Family Lecture Series presents “The Unique Challenges of Being Jewish in the US Military with Rabbi Josh Sherwin” at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Coronado Public Library. Sherwin will share what it’s like to live Jewishly while serving in the Navy, far from home, community, and tradition. He will also explore isolation and the creative ways he stayed connected to Jewish identity. Click here to register.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Ugly Sweater Family Shabbat” at 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12. Organizers say to wear your favorite ugly holiday sweater and join members of its fourth and fifth grade Torah School classes as they lead Friday Shabbat service. Click here to register.
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Lawrence Family JCC announces its “Shalom Baby is Turning 25: It Takes A Village Celebrating Everyone Who Lifts Us Up” at 10:15 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. The event includes a Build-A-Bear Mobile Station, catered kosher meal, alumni service project, baby crawl race, story time with community guests, appearances from special characters, photo booth, live music, games, and activities, and includes a special tote bag and access to all Hanukkah Happening activities. Click here to learn more.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture’s East County Lecture Series presents “Charlie Chapman and the Early Days of Film with Guri Stark” at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Stark will explore how Chapman turned comedy into art and reshaped the film industry, with highlights from classics like The Kid and Modern Times. Click here to register.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “HanukKwanzaa Shabbat” at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19. The community is invited to join for a festive dinner, light the Hanukkah candles, and delve into the creation of Kwanzaa by the African American community in California, inspired by the structure of Hanukkah. Click here to register.
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Other pending events, previously reported in this column, may be found in our Jewish community calendar.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
San Diego Hebrew Day School reports it reached its fundraising goal of $700,000 which ensures its students continue to thrive in rigorous secular and Judaic studies. Classrooms remain places of joy, curiosity, and Jewish pride. Teachers feel supported and empowered to inspire each day, and its school community strengthens the next generation of Jewish leaders. Yasher Koach!
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Congregation Beth Israel will host the Peace of Mind program – an initiative that provides healing, grounding, and emotional strengthening for IDF veterans who have experienced combat trauma from Sunday, Dec. 7, until Monday, Dec. 15. For one full week, the 23-soldier unit will study, reflect, process, and breathe. Click here if you are able to volunteer as a driver or host a family.
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Beth Jacob Congregation reports Boker Kitchen has changed ownership and will no longer be kosher certified by the VAAD. The establishment has been sold, and the new ownership has reported that they do not wish to renew VAAD kosher supervision.
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Lawrence Family JCC reports starting Monday, Dec. 1, the barrier arms in the back parking lot will be activated as part of a campus-wide security upgrade. Once in place, access will be limited to authorized vehicles and reserved exclusively for LFJCC members and staff. Complimentary parking will continue to be available in the front lot, and the ACE parking lot across Executive Drive is also an option.
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San Diego Jewish Academy reports students gathered to honor Veterans Day. Lower School students sang patriotic songs, welcomed veterans from the community, and heard from veterans and active-duty personnel about their military service after the ceremony. Upper School students heard reflections from Head and Upper School Mike Quigley about his nine years in the U.S. Navy and wrote letters of gratitude to those who have served.
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Beth Jacob Congregation reports that Rabbi Simcha Weiser and Debra Askotzky were married on Thursday, November 20, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mazel Tov!
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports the last day for Thanksgiving turkey donations for Christie’s Place will be Monday, Nov. 24. Click here to donate.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Elvia Hortencia Escarzaga has died, Beth Jacob Congregation reports. Click here to contact the office for more information on the funeral.
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Barrett Lambert, husband of Marilyn Blitz, father of Kelila (Brian) Schonhoff, Jill Blitz, Alan (Kelly) Blitz, grandfather of Jayden Schonhoff, Rebecca Schonhoff, Jordan Blitz, and Morgan Blitz, has died. The funeral was held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at El Camino Memorial Park with Rabbi Devorah Marcus and Rabbi Martin Lawson of Temple Emanu-El as officants, Am Israel Mortuary, and Temple Emanu-El report.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.