By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
It is the second day of 2026, and the gym is busier than usual with new faces, new clothes, and shoes, as people dedicate themselves to a healthier lifestyle.
Usually, in January, it is difficult for me to find vegetable broth, healthy fruits and vegetables, and faux meats. Many people decide to try the vegan lifestyle. In the middle of the month, I start to find my staples in more plentiful quantities.
Here is to making positive changes in 2026.
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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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Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s Adult Education announces its “Hebrew Learning Opportunity on Zoom with Sue Brown” at 2:45 p.m., Sundays, starting Sunday, Jan. 4. The classes include learning to read common Hebrew texts from the prayer book and Bible, studying key vocabulary and 3 letter roots, studying basic grammar to help with comprehension and translation, and discussing enrichment materials provided. Click here if interested in the program.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces “Jiu Jitsu” at 5:45 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 8 until March 18. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt World Champion, Javier Zaruski, will lead the sessions and is considered one of the safest martial arts to learn and practice. Adult session starts at 5:45 p.m., and Teen session (Bar/Bat Mitzvah age through high school) starts at 7 p.m. Click here to register.
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Young Israel of San Diego presents “Crash Course in Jewish History Part III with Rabbi Eddie Rosenberg” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10. Click here to rsvp and to receive the address.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue presents “Sneak Preview: 2026 Jewish Film Festival” at 11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, at Lawrence Family JCC. The event includes a sneak peek to watch the trailers of the upcoming films to be featured at the 2026 Jewish Film Festival. Light refreshments after the sneak preview. More information will be coming soon.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue announces “Israeli Dancing” at 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25. The event will include instruction, is for the entire family, and light refreshments will be served. Click here to rsvp.
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Hadassah’s Bat Shemesh chapter presents the screening of “Labors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold” at 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, at Lawrence Family JCC. The San Diego International Jewish Film Festival invites Hadassah members to purchase tickets for this film screening and receive a 15% discount. Click here to purchase tickets and use code HSDLOL. Afterwards, members will meet in The Bean to enjoy a “no-host” discussion.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Exploring Jewish Prayer with Rabbi Benj” after morning Shabbat services, Saturdays, Feb. 7, 28, and May 23. In this class, participants will learn from the Talmudic sources where prayer services took form and talk about the themes of the prayers for a lunch and learning. Click here to register.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
La Costa’s Men’s Club will meet at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 4. Men will gather, share Torah thoughts, engage in conversation, and light refreshments will be served. Click here to rsvp.
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La Costa announces “Stop the Bleed/AED/CPR Workshop” at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 4. Organizers announced they received a grant from the Jewish Federation for community security and safety. Congregant Scott Illions will lead this workshop on how to use these new devices. Click here to attend the workshop.
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Downtown announces its “Lunch with the Rabbi” at noon, Wednesday, Jan. 7. This event includes lunch, conversation, and timeless wisdom. Click here to rsvp.
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East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents its “Torah and Tea” at noon, Thursday, Jan. 8. Women are encouraged to attend this monthly meet-up while exploring the topic “The Women of Exodus: Courage in Ancient Egypt” while enjoying a cup of tea. Click here to sign up.
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Downtown’s Rosh Chodesh Society announces its “Rachel – Mother of Devotion: The Limits of Sacrifice” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14. This event includes a women’s evening and learning. Click here to register.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Temple Emanu-El reports that after a long hiatus, it will be starting a new chavurah program. Click here to sign up.
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Chabad at Carmel Valley reports ITAC Academy will be providing classes in the Carmel Valley area to those interested in how to defend themselves when violence occurs. ITAC is founded by a former Israeli Special Forces Officer and provides specialty security services and tactical training. Class schedule ranges from MMA (Striking and Grappling), Men’s Krav Maga, Striking, Group Defense, Women’s Krav Maga, and the first class is free. Click here for more information and to receive the address.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Ralph Golden has died. He was the husband of the late Sandra Golden and father of Richard, Jeff, and Stuart Golden. The funeral was held on Friday, Jan. 2, at El Camino Memorial Park, Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.