By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
It’s that time of year again with the many Yom observances. Jewish Federation of San Diego has a few coming up that are always meaningful.
“Yom HaZikaron: Israel’s Day of Remembrance: Hineni Here I Am” at 7 p.m., Monday, April 20. This event includes an evening of reflection, remembrance, and shared strength. The night will honor lost lives, stand in support of grieving families, and hold space for collective memory. Click here to register and to receive the address.
“Celebrate Israel: Yom HaAztmaut Music Festival: Israel’s 78th Independence Day” at noon, Sunday, April 26. The event includes hands-on cultural experiences for all ages, from Israeli dancing and music to interactive activities that spark curiosity and fun. The day includes music, culture, connection, celebrating, and creating memories. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Secure Community Network and Jewish Federation of San Diego present “Security Spring Training: Free Safety Trainings for San Diego Jewish Organizations and Community Members” at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 16, at Temple Emanu-El. This session will provide practical guidance on recognizing threats, responding under pressure, and helping ensure the safety of those around you. Click here to register.
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Jewish Family Service of San Diego announces its “2026 Heart and Soul Gala: Celebrates Meaningful Change and Recognizes Honorees” at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. The event will include sharing recent successes and empowering the community as an impactful resource for individuals and families in need. The nonprofit will celebrate the contributions of honorees Jerri-Ann and Gary Jacobs and Tammy and Louis Vener, longtime JFS supporters and volunteers who inspire many with their generosity and leadership. All proceeds will benefit JFS’s ongoing programs that serve the community through ensuring people have a safe, stable place to live; making sure individuals and families have enough nutritious food to eat; and surrounding each person with a strong community of support in San Diego. Click here to register.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “Jewish Living Museum and Cultural Fair” at 11 a.m., Sunday, April 19. This event includes members showing family heirlooms and sharing stories, dancing, singing, crafts, and Jewish noshes. Click here to rsvp.
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Nierman Preschool announces its “Open House” at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the Lawrence Family JCC. This event is for families to tour the classrooms, meet the educators, and ask questions. Light refreshments will be served. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth Israel presents its “Torah on Tap” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22. Rabbi Nevarez will lead this session of learning and conversation. Food and libations provided. Click here to register.
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Jewish Community Symphony presents “The Bear and The River” at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the Lawrence Family JCC. The event includes selections from Schubert: Overture to Rosamunde; Haydn: Symphony No. 82, The Bear; Smetana: The Moldau; Mozart: Violin Concerto No.3; and Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso. Guest soloist: Martin Chalifour, the retired principal concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; Conductor: David Amos; and Assistant Conductor: Robert Zelickman.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue and Temple Adat Shalom announce their “Musical Havdalah and Open Mic” at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at Ner Tamid Synagogue. The event includes open mic, Havdalah, desserts, and schmoozing. Click here to register for security purposes.
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Congregation Dor Hadash presents “Coexistence in a Time of War with Roots speaker, Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger” at 6 p.m., Monday, April 27, at the Lawrence Family JCC. Schlesinger will discuss his personal experiences, having spent most of his life living in the heart of conflict, both before October 7 and since. He will also share how Israeli and Palestinian communities view Roots, and his hopes and vision for the future.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents its “Centennial Celebration and Gala” at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 3. The event includes a rededication ceremony, cocktails, a gala dinner, music, an auction, and a paddle raiser. Click here to register.
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Coastal Roots Farm and JFest announce its “Regenerate: An Eco-Performance Fest” at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, May 17. This outdoor festival will feature theatre, music, dance, and ritual across the landscape. Performances by Jewish Climate Artists for California Incubator and during intermission, enjoy bites, drinks, music, and a chance to meet the artists and connect with the community. Click here to register.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents its “Torah and Tea: Rest and Renew – Embracing Shabbat” at noon, Thursday, April 16. Women are invited to connect, learn, and find inspiration as they explore the beauty and tranquility of Shabbat together. Click here to rsvp.
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Encinitas’ Jewish Women’s Circle announces its “Iyar: A Time of Healing Sourdough Experience” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 16. This women’s event will discuss the month of Iyar as a time of healing and growth that happens slowly, just like making sourdough, as it is not rushed or instant. Participants will create their own sourdough starter and tap into something deeper than just baking. Click here to rsvp.
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University City presents its new Jewish Learning Institute Course “For All Humankind” at 7 p.m., Tuesdays, April 28 through Tuesday, May 19. This four-part course will explore Judaism’s ethical vision for all people. Through texts, participants will discover a spiritual path that shapes family life, highlights the power of education, and offers a roadmap toward a more just and peaceful world. Click here to register.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Ralph Lazar has died. The funeral was held on Monday, April 13, at El Camino Memorial Park with Rabbi Scott Meltzer of Ohr Shalom Synagogue as officiant, Am Israel Mortuary reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.