Story and photos by Cailin Acosta in Del Mar, California
One of the best parts of attending the San Diego County Fair each summer is keeping an eye out for Jewish themes and symbolism. My family turns it into a scavenger hunt as we stroll through the exhibit halls, taking in the artwork and handmade crafts.
In the Student Art section, my daughter, CeCe, pulled me over to a piece in the two-dimensional high school exhibit. The artwork, created by Leah McGrath of Sage Creek High School, depicts two people sitting across from one another with mixing bowls, flour, and a challah being braided across the table. Woven into the challah are strands of DNA as well as a tallit.
The symbolism of passing down Jewish heritage—not only through the tradition of baking challah for Shabbat, but also by sharing family history and identity—spoke deeply to both of us. We stood admiring the drawing for quite a while before my teenager gave me a big hug and said she loves being Jewish and cherishes the traditions and heritage that have been passed down to her.
Candles are part of many religious traditions, but there is a saying that “art is in the eyes of the beholder.” We chose to view Isabella Velasquez’s submission of two candles placed side by side as another evocation of Shabbat. She is a student at Meadowbrook Middle School,
Also in the two-dimensional middle school section, Stella Scott’s colored pencil piece from St. James Academy beautifully captures the striking of a match and the vibrant colors created as the flame is lit to welcome Shabbat with candle lighting.
The theme of repairing the world appeared in the Video Projects – Community College and Continuing Education section through Joey De Leon’s public service announcement from San Diego College of Continuing Education. The project serves as a reminder of how delicate our world is and reflects the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world through spiritual, ethical, and social responsibility. While rooted in Judaism, the message is universal. Regardless of one’s religious background, we all share the responsibility to care for one another and the environment.
With Rosh Hashanah just around the corner, another meaningful symbol appeared in Sydney Piedrahita’s acrylic painting from Westview High School in the two-dimensional high school section. The artwork depicts a ripe pomegranate split open.
Traditionally eaten during the High Holy Days, the pomegranate serves as a reminder of the 613 mitzvot, as it is traditionally believed to contain 613 seeds.
The Tree of Life was represented in the adult Needle and Fiber Arts section through Kathy Lowe’s intricate bobbin lace tree mounted on canvas. The piece reminded me of the Days of Awe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—a period devoted to reflection, repentance, and forgiveness. During this sacred time, Jews seek forgiveness from those they have wronged and pray to be inscribed in the Book of Life for the coming year, beginning anew with renewed purpose and a cleansed spirit.
With America’s 250th birthday just days away, I also appreciated a woodworking project by Max and Rodrigo from Tierra Del Sol Middle School. The inscription included Patrick Henry’s famous 1775 declaration, “Give me liberty or give me death!” along with additional patriotic wording emphasizing the value of freedom. The display served as a reminder that liberty is worth defending and honored the sacrifices of the men and women who serve in our nation’s armed forces. Living in America allows us the freedom to express who we are, and for that, gratitude is never enough. Their outstanding craftsmanship earned them the fair’s Best-in-Class ribbon.
Finally, in the adult Needle and Fiber Arts section, Jewish artist Sandy Scheller displayed a crocheted dress featuring a striking pattern of skulls along its one-piece construction bodice and skirt. Scheller is the founder and curator of the RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust exhibit, which has traveled to numerous San Diego Public Library branches over the years. According to her display card, the dress is not for sale.
This year’s search for Jewish symbolism throughout the handmade crafts and student artwork proved to be another successful scavenger hunt at the San Diego County Fair. It served as a reminder that Jewish traditions, values, and heritage can be found in unexpected places, and sharing those discoveries together made for another memorable family visit to the fair.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.