By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
One hundred and twenty years in San Diego is truly something to celebrate, and on Sunday, Feb. 22, Tifereth Israel Synagogue did just that, marking its 120th anniversary to the date with a memorable and meaningful gala.
Founded downtown in 1906 as an Orthodox congregation, Tifereth Israel Synagogue joined the Conservative movement right after World War II and relocated to the North Park neighborhood of San Diego. Thirty years later, the congregation moved again to its present location on the eastern side of Cowles Mountain in the San Carlos neighborhood
Held in the synagogue’s Hal & Helen Cohen Social Hall, the gala evening was a cocktail-attire affair featuring a cocktail and appetizer hour, plenty of photo opportunities, and a live band that perfectly set the mood with “Celebrate Good Times, Come On!” echoing the spirit of the night.
The party planning committee of Judy Rosenthal, Seth Krosner, Phil Johnson, and Lisa Berman-Hernandez shared heartfelt words about their love for the community and the importance of celebrating together as a congregational family. Countless hours of planning went into making the night a success. Krosner mentioned the event was close to raising $100,000 to help keep the synagogue thriving and encouraged donations from those who felt inspired.
Rabbi Hanan Leberman delivered recorded an in-person messages emphasizing the lasting impact Tifereth Israel Synagogue has had on the broader community. The rabbi’s presentations were accompanied by photos showcasing the many facets that keep the congregation vibrant.
As the buffet dinner featuring main courses of chicken and fish opened, the live band Detroit Underground launched into a wide-ranging set that included ’80s emo, disco, and classic rock. Some congregants skipped straight to the dance floor, while others schmoozed, visited the bar, explored the nostalgic display wall, or snapped selfies with friends.
My 14-year-old daughter, CeCe Acosta, was thrilled to be my plus-one and eagerly embraced the chance to shop for a fun party dress. Dear friends generously loaned her beautiful, jeweled rhinestone bobby pins and heart-shaped earrings. I styled her hair in the braid bun she requested, and the rhinestone pins added just the right touch of elegance and glam. She is experimenting with makeup and chose a subtle look that was stunning.
I also got dolled up for the evening, deciding to straighten my hair and wear it down, something many people remarked they had never seen before. I joked that in another 120 years; I’ll wear it down again for the next big celebration.
One of the highlights of the night for me was dancing with my daughter. It was her first experience attending an elegant evening complete with mocktails, good food, and the feeling of being a belle. It was a special mom-daughter moment, one we will both cherish and never forget.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.