By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
America turns 250 years old. A friend of mine told me she was in Washington, D.C., 50 years ago when America turned 200 years old. I find it interesting to see old pictures of how things used to be and how things have changed throughout the years and decades. It is amazing how technology and education have evolved over time.
What do red, white, and blue collectively symbolize?
Red is commonly associated with courage, valor, and passion. It represents the sacrifices made by those defending freedom and evokes energy, determination, and emotional strength. In national contexts, red often symbolizes the blood shed for independence or justice, while in broader cultural settings, it can signify love, danger, or vitality.
White symbolizes purity, innocence, and peace. It conveys honesty, integrity, and hope, emphasizing unity and harmony within a society. White is also linked to spiritual enlightenment and new beginnings, making it a universal symbol of optimism and moral clarity.
Blue represents loyalty, vigilance, and justice. It evokes calmness, trust, and stability, encouraging thoughtful reflection and peaceful coexistence. In national symbolism, blue often signifies fidelity to a nation or community and the importance of fairness and perseverance.
As we celebrate this milestone, be safe. Take care of your animals and make sure the loud booms in the sky will not scare them away or cause any panic in them. Celebrate safely and smartly.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Temple Emanu-El announces its “Music with Michelle Jirkovsky” at 11 a.m., Tuesdays starting July 7. These sessions led by Jirkovsky include a journey through Jewish music history, from ancient melodies and cantorial greats to Broadway composers, camp songs, contemporary Jewish artists, and secular musicians with Jewish roots. Participants are encouraged to listen, learn, reminisce, sing, and share memories of the music that shaped our identities and communities. Organizers say bagels and coffee will be available. Click here to register.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue presents “Music Meet Up” at 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, July 7. This event includes singing and learning together. Organizers say to bring your voice, an instrument, and to come to learn and listen. Click here to rsvp.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents “Conversational Hebrew with Elisheva Edelson” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, and August 4 on Zoom. These sessions, led by Edelson, will provide the ability to read texts, understand, and reflect on those texts. Sessions will also focus on the ability to speak, sing, read poetry, and understand modern Hebrew. Click here to register.
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SD Kollel presents its “Ladies Weekly Kollel Café: Women’s Class and Discussion” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 7. This event includes women’s topics and desserts. For more information, call 619-287-9890.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Summer Kickoff for Everyone” at 4 p.m., Sunday, July 26. This event includes food for purchase from Moishe’s Grill, Moon Bounce games, and many more.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
University City announces its “Sinai and Civics” at 7 p.m., Tuesdays, July 7 and 14. These sessions will be led by Rabbi Effy Kahn and will reflect on the Jewish ethics, ideas, and values that inspired and influenced America’s founders and that still shape our government and society today. Click here to register.
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East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle announces its “Torah and Tea: The Three Weeks, The Ache of Exile, the Hope of Redemption” at noon, Thursday, July 9. This women’s event led by Rebbetzin Chaya Andrusier includes Torah study, lunch, and connection. Click here to rsvp.
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University City’s Men’s Club presents its “Men’s Soulfire Event” on Thursday, July 30. This men’s event will be celebrating the birthdays of Rabbi Effy Kahn, Raphael Meno, and Jeremy Kahan. The focus will be on bad stress, fear, family, friends, purpose, meaning, and what life hands us all at once. Click here to register.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Chabad of University City reports parents Julian and Chaya Bortz, and grandparents David and Helen Bortz, welcomed the birth of a baby girl named Liel Tova. Mazel Tov!
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Nora Pourat has died. She was the mother of Dan, Sam, Moshe (KC), and Nadir. Funeral arrangements are pending, Chabad of University City reports.
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Marilyn Ritter has died. She was the mother of Laura (Steven) Maisto, Janice (Sal) Bisaccia, Brenda (Marty) Trackman, and Diane (David) Weinstein, grandmother of Joseph, Miranda, Adina, Sarah, Rebecca, Alex, Zachary, Haley, and Mikayla. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 6, at Beth Kehillah Cemetery in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.