By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
Despite the ongoing Mideast War, celebrating Israel will be a happy occasion in San Diego County. Many people will gather to eat Israeli food, dance and sing to live music, and participate in a variety of interactive activities.
Jewish Federation of San Diego’s celebration of Yom Ha’Atzma’ut will be highlighted by a music festival at noon, Sunday, April 26, at the Lawrence Family JCC. The event includes live music, food trucks, interactive games/activities, soccer tournament, Israeli dancing, over 40 community partners, and activities for all ages. Click here to register.
San Diego Hebrew Day School got a headstart on the fun with its “Yom Ha’Atzmaut School-wide Celebration.” The event was thoughtfully led by Morah Sharon with the support of Rotal and Shinshin Barr. The year’s theme was “Traveling Around Israel,” which brought a creative and engaging twist to the celebration. Students journeyed from station to station as if traveling by bus across the country, exploring different aspects of Israeli culture along the way. Each stop offered a new hands-on activity, allowing students to connect with Israel in a fun and memorable way.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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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Momentum Unlimited announces its “Fellowship Summit: Turning Inspiration into Leadership” from Sunday, April 26, to Tuesday, April 28, in Los Angeles. The event includes three immersive days, during which Jewish women will deepen leadership skills, strengthen personal growth, and gain tools to create meaningful impact in their communities. Click here to register.
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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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Anti-Defamation League Southern California and Parents for Peace announce its “Building Safe and Resilient K-12 Communities: Understanding Hate, Extremism and Radicalization” at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 28. This webinar will share current data, critical insights, and practical strategies to help K-12 leaders navigate these challenges. Click here to register for the webinar.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Music Meet Up” at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, April 28, May 12, and May 26. Participants are encouraged to bring their voices, instruments, or come and listen.
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SD Kollel presents its “Women’s Class at the Kollel: featuring Rebbetzin Karen Geiger” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28. Geiger will lead this session discussing making a space for what matters, preparing for the holidays with intention. For more information, call 619-287-9890.
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Young Israel of San Diego announces its “Shabbat Community Dinner” at 7 p.m., Friday, May 8. This event includes Mincha services and dinner. Click here to register.
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Costal Roots Farm announces its “Farm Film and Music Series: The Danube Delta, The Healing Power of Nature and Guardians of the Wild” at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 28. The evening will focus on nature and wildlife conservation, and will welcome local organizations and expert panelists to facilitate meaningful community conversations. Organizers say to bring a cozy blanket, picnic dinner, and a sense of wonder for a magical night of film and community under the stars. Click here for tickets.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue invites adults to register for its “Miller Introduction to Judaism: taught by Rabbi Hanan Leberman” at 11 a.m., beginning Sunday, August 17. Miller’s curriculum is a nationally recognized course that covers the essentials of Judaism, including its holidays, rituals, ideas, and traditions throughout the 18-week program. Click here for more information.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Chula Vista’s Men’s Monthly Tefillin Club announces its “Bagels, Lox and Tefillin” at 9 a.m., Sunday, April 26. This men’s monthly session includes breakfast, Tefillin, and a Torah discussion. Click here to rsvp.
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East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents “Three Women, Three Journeys, One Powerful Conversation: Cancer Impacted Our Lives, But Not Our Strength” at noon, Tuesday, April 28. This event includes an open dialogue about faith, resilience, and inner strength with a space for connection for women seeking inspiration and strength through life’s challenges. Speakers include a mother, attorney, and author: Andrea Schneider, CEO of a catering business, nana, and volunteer: Olga Worm, and clinical psychologist, author, and teacher: Dr. Shayna Kaufmann. Click here to register.
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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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Downtown presents its “Rabbi and Retirees Lunch” at noon, Wednesday, April 29. This monthly luncheon event includes a midday gathering, meaningful conversation, and timeless Jewish insight. Click here to rsvp.
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East County announces its “Shabbat Friday Night Dinner” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, May 1. The event includes Shabbat services, prayer and light, and coming together as a community. Click here to rsvp.
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University City announces its “Soulfire: Lag BaOmer” at 8 p.m., Monday, May 4. This Men’s gathering will include a soulful gathering for men to speak from the heart and grow in purpose. Click here to rsvp and to receive the address.
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Carmel Valley Hebrew Academy announces its “Grand Lag B’Omer Event” at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 5. The event includes a bonfire, music, s’mores, game booths, face painting, and a hotdog dinner. Click here to rsvp.
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East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents its “Torah and Tea” at noon, Thursday, May 7. This women’s discussion will include Torah study, lunch, and connection focused on the stone to the soul: the hidden code of the 10 commandments. Click here to rsvp.
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Carmel Valley announces its “Shabbat Dinner” at 8 p.m., Friday, May 15. This event is for singles 39 and under and will include services and dinner. Click here to rsvp.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.