By Cailin Acosta along the Interstate 10
Provisioned with a variety of tamales, bañuelos (crispy-thin dough sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, a typical Mexican holiday dessert, muy delicioso!), and my father-in-law’s “famous rum cake,” my family and I are heading back to “somewhat sunny” San Diego from El Paso.
My weather alerts were going off, prompting me to check our Ring camera at home, text friends and family to ask about the flooding and power outages. Thankfully, everyone I heard from said they were okay.
I couldn’t help but feel concerned for the residents in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, as back in January of this year, all of that area was devastated by wildfires and now face possible mudslides. I thought of the first responders and the many heroes who saved sacred Torahs from their synagogues when given orders to evacuate. I thought, we Jews are no strangers to saving our Torah, we have been doing this for centuries.
I call the time between December 25 and January 1, the lull of winter break. Celebrations are mostly over, or New Year’s plans are being finalized.
In between this lull is my birthday, December 27th, so I am not offended if I am forgotten. When I was younger, it might have cost me a friendship (I joke). I am thankful for Facebook to remind people of my day of existence, since I end up getting many messages that make me smile.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Other pending events, previously reported in this column, may be found in our Jewish community calendar.
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Temple Emanu-El presents its “Family Pajama Shabbat” at 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9. Organizers encourage participants to wear cozy pajamas and join for breakfast for dinner, followed by a family service and puppet show. Click here to register.
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Congregation Dor Hadash announces its “Bible and Bourbon” at 4 p.m., Sunday, January 11. This event will include a session led by Rabbi Mike Rothbaum and will present short texts and space to discuss and socialize with friends. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be served. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “San Diego Blood Bank Mobile” at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14. Participants who donate will receive an exclusive “Yeti” t-shirt. Click here for more information and to make an appointment.
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Congregation Beth El presents “Chai Challah Making Class” at 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15. This event will include each participant making braided challah dough ready to be baked at home, plus time for discussion and connection. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth Israel presents its “MLK Shabbat: Erev Shabbat Service and Conversation with Guest Speaker Al Abdallah” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16. Abdallah, President and CEO of the Urban League of San Diego County, is featured at an event that also include music by Zimriyah Chorale and Youth and Teen choirs. Adballah will continue the conversation with a question-and-answer session during the Oneg.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s Sisterhood announces its “Rosh Chodesh Brunch” at 11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 18. Click here to rsvp and to receive the address.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue presents its “Gourmet Group: Italian Themed Potluck” at 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18. Organizers say to bring a dairy or pareve dish to share that fits the Italian theme (pasta dishes, pizza/flatbreads, caprese or Caesar salad, Italian wine, or dessert. Click here to rsvp and to receive the address.
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Chabad of Poway announces a “Life Line Screening” at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20. This event includes screenings of carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The reservation link is coming soon.
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Lawrence Family JCC presents “Networking and Bagels at The Hive” at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, at The Hive in Encinitas. This event is for Jewish moms in a coworking space to network over coffee and a bagel. Click here to register.
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Coastal Roots Farm presents its “Food Forest Festival” at noon, Sunday, February 1. This event includes immersive hands-on activities, live music, crafts, learning, and food. Click here for tickets.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego announces its “Fed 360: All In” at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb.7, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center. The event will include an evening of celebration, inspiration, and meaningful connection at San Diego’s newest waterfront attraction. Click here to get tickets.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Temple Emanu-El’s “Mitzvah of the Month” will be collecting blankets and warm clothing for Alpha Project. Items for collection include blankets, sleeping bags, rain ponchos, jackets, sweatshirts, umbrellas, gloves, hats, and other items to help those in need in the community stay warm and dry. Bring donations to the white barrel in the lobby. Click here for more information.
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Beth Jacob Congregation reports parents Rachel and Ami, and siblings Levana and Shemaya Weisel, welcomed the birth of a baby girl! Mazel Tov!
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San Diego Hebrew Day School reports its Preschool celebrated Chanukah before the winter break. The children enjoyed lighting the Chanukiah and learning about the miracle of Chanukah. While playing dreidel, the children practiced taking turns, counting, and proudly showing off their spinning skills.
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Coastal Roots Farm reports its coffee cart and farm store will be open at 8 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with holiday observance closures. Every cup supports its food access and educational programs. Click here to learn more.
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Congregation Dor Hadash reports Rabbi Mike Rothbaum had an article published by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on how his congregation made Indigenous history a part of its spiritual life. Click here to read the article.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports it is collecting nonperishable foods to donate to the Jewish Family Service Food Bank. Blue bins are in the lobby, or click here to make a monetary donation.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue reports the office will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 31, and Thursday, Jan.1. However, Minyan will be at 7:45 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31, and 8:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan.1.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Ben Cary has died. The funeral information is being finalized, the Friendship Circle of San Diego reports.
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Joe Weiner has died. The funeral was held on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at El Camino Memorial Park, Am Israel Mortuary reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.