By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
Across the globe, Jewish communities are facing an unprecedented rise in antisemitism, from college campuses to holiday gatherings, workplaces to K-12 classrooms, and from social media to ordinary public spaces. Unfortunately, silence and trepidation only make it easier for this kind of hate to fester and spread.
This is why the Jewish Federation of San Diego launched its “Standing Up to Antisemitism Toolkit,” an online resource to help individuals respond to antisemitism, report incidents, and empower them to take meaningful action across San Diego. Click here to view the toolkit.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
San Diego Center for Jewish Culture East County Lecture Series presents “Understanding and Navigating Spiritual Distress: Featuring Rabbi Susan Freeman” at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Freeman will lead an exploration of spiritual distress and its emergence in times of global uncertainty and in the challenges of personal relationships. Click here to rsvp.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Halacha Happy Hour with Sushi and Beer” at 8:15 p.m., starting Wednesday, Jan. 21. This weekly meetup, led by Rabbi Frankel, will explore learning from Gemarah to practical Halacha.
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Congregation Beth Israel announces “The Unexpected Divine: A Two-Part Interfaith Lunch and Learn Series” at noon, Wednesdays, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4. This event is hosted by Congregation Beth Israel and First United Methodist Church, featuring Rev. Trudy Robinson and Rabbi Jason Nevarez. Session 1 will focus on the mystery of God and explore how mystery is not something to solve, but something sacred to encounter. Session 2 will focus on the power of the Sabbath and examine Shabbat and Sabbath through Jewish and Christian lenses. Click here to register.
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Women of Congregation Beth Israel presents “Rosh Chodesh Series” at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29. These sessions will be led by Rabbi Ackerman Hirsch and Rose Orlovich. Each month will discuss a different topic and snack, and beverages will be provided. Click here to register.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces a “Scholar in Residence: Rabbi Yitzchak Scher” at Shabbos, Saturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15. Scher is the Rebbe at the Yeshiva Gedolah of Greater Washington and is the organizer of the Seed Program. More information coming soon.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
East County’s Men’s Group announces its “Bagels, Lox and Tefillin” at 8 a.m., Sundays. This men’s event includes breakfast, wrapping tefillin, and conversation. Click here to rsvp.
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Chula Vista presents its “Community Shabbat Dinner” at 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30. The event includes an Italian-themed community Shabbat dinner. Click here to rsvp.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.