By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
In the 1950’s and 1960’s, during the Civil Rights Movement, Black and Jewish individuals stood in solidarity. Some Jewish leaders supported the movement, while others hesitated, fearing for communal safety.
The Jewish value of justice made those who acted in solidarity more meaningful. Despite color or religion, we all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Dr. Rabbi Joachim Prinz, spoke at the 1963 March on Washington as he represented the Jewish community. Prinz came to the podium just before Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech. Prinz’s address is remembered for its contention that in the face of discrimination, “the most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence.”
Coincidentally, 43 years later the month of May was designated as Jewish American Heritage Month by President George W. Bush and subsequently by every U.S. President.
President Donald Trump called upon American Jews to celebrate a National Shabbat this coming Friday evening and Saturday. In a proclamation, Trump said: “Throughout this historic year, we rejoice in the triumph of the American spirit and rededicate ourselves to the cause of liberty and justice for all. In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath. From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.”
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Music Meet Up” at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, 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 “Ladies Weekly Kollel Café: Women’s Class and Discussion” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 12. This event includes women’s topics and desserts. For more information, call 619-287-9890.
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Anti-Defamation League Southern California announces its 4-part webinar series on the 250th anniversary of the United States, “Jews and the American Experience with Dr. Steven Windmueller” at noon, Thursday, May 14, part two: “Zion in America” will discuss how Zion helped to shape America as “the new Israel” and how this concept has been significant in building this country and in creating the special relationship between Washington and Jerusalem. Click here to register. At noon, Thursday, May 21, part three: “The Israel-American Connection” will discuss the elements that define the connections between our two nations. Click here to register. At noon, Thursday, June 4, part four: “Jews and American Racism/Anti-Semitism” will explore the evolution of “Jewish power”, political influence, and communal advocacy. Click here to register.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue’s She Force and The Man present “Night Shuk at UCSD” at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 14, at the University of California, San Diego. The event will include a walk through the night shuk, featuring food, music, and community connections.
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Lawrence Family JCC’s 36th Annual Midseason Film Screening presents “Frontier” at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 14. This film takes place in 1943 when Jews fleeing Nazi persecution set out across the Pyrenees. A civil servant chooses to defy his superiors and help refugees cross into safety. Click here for tickets.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue announces its “Shabbat Kehillatit: Rabbi Brianah Caplan’s Ordination Shabbat” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, May 15. This event includes services and a community dinner, religious school graduation, and teacher appreciation. Click here to rsvp.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Annual Gala: Simcha Soiree: An Evening Celebrating Rabbi Devorah Marcus” at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16. The event includes a cocktail reception, Havdalah, dinner, program, and dancing. Proceeds will benefit the Price Family Preschool. Click here to register.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue announces its “1st Annual Men’s Club Lawn Bowling” at noon, Sunday, May 17. This event is open to all Ohr Shalom adults 21+, and no experience is needed. Click here to rsvp.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue’s JAM presents “Arts and Culture: Watercolor” at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 17. The session will be led by artist Diana Finkelstein, who will teach simple contemplative art techniques to create your own art pieces. This event is for ages 10 and up; no experience is needed. Click here to rsvp.
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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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San Diego Hebrew Day School announces its “Annual Gala: Reaching for the Stars Featuring Shabbos Kestenbaum” at 6 p.m., Sunday, May 17. The event includes a cocktail reception, dinner, and program. Kestenbaum is an advocate against antisemitism who took on Harvard University. Organizers say to wear formal attire, and dietary laws will be observed. Click here to register.
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The Roustabouts Theatre Company presents “An Evening of Music With Hanan Leberman” at 7 p.m., Monday, May 18, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. The event will feature a special concert with a variety of musical genres. Click here for tickets.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood announces its “Surf’s Up Summer Bash” at 6 p.m., June 7. The event includes music by Surf City, a fish taco bar with vegan and vegetarian options, silent auction items, and an open bar. Click here to rsvp.
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San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, Jordan Z. Marks, in partnership with California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, will host the second Apostille Pop-Up Shop of 2026 on Wednesday, June 17, at the County Administration Center. The event will allow residents to obtain in-person apostille services locally and will now include domestic partnership registration services, eliminating the time and expense of traveling to Los Angeles or Sacramento, where these services are provided. Click here for more information.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
University City presents its new Jewish Learning Institute Course “For All Humankind” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 12. 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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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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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Town Hall Meeting” at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 20. Congregants are invited to join to discuss its participating at the San Diego Pride Parade in July.
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Chula Vista announces “Celebrate Shavuot” at 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 22. The event will include a dairy buffet, an ice cream party, hearing the 10 Commandments, and a children’s program. Click here to rsvp.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Congregation Dor Hadash reports that due to scheduling complications with the City Council budget review process, Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera has postponed the Jewish Heritage Month proclamation. Information will be shared as it becomes available on a new date.
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San Diego Jewish Academy reports it hosted its annual Wellness Fair, bringing together students, educators, families, and community partners for a day dedicated to supporting the well-being of the whole child. Designed for K-8 students, the event transformed wellness into an engaging, hands-on experience focused on caring for the mind, body, and heart. With support from parent volunteers, faculty, local wellness organizations, and the County of San Diego, students rotated through a variety of interactive stations that encouraged healthy habits, emotional awareness, movement, and self-care. Activities included visits with therapy dogs, Pilates sessions, nutrition education, improv games, and opportunities to connect with wellness professionals.
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Chabad of East County reports on the hiring of Ana Pierina as Administrative Assistant. Moving forward, she will be the person reaching out and assisting with inquiries. Click here to welcome her or reach out for assistance.
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Chabad of University City reports that grandparents Louisa and Don Liebman and parents Efraim and Reut Liebman welcomed the birth of a baby boy. Mazel Tov!
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Warren Laddon has died. He was the husband of Paula Cramer, father of Michael (Star) Laddon, Benjamin (Jessica) Laddon, Susan Laddon, Reid Cramer, Erin Cramer, Gillian Cramer, grandfather of Isaac Laddon, Levi Laddon, Joshua Laddon, Dio Cramer, Gabel Cramer, James Rankin, and Lucius Macaluso. The funeral service will be held at 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 15, at Temple Emanu-El, which made this report.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.