By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative has named its nine visiting Israelis who will teach at San Diego area universities in 2026-27. They are:
Yariv Mozer (Tel Aviv University) will teach Techniques of Screenwriting and Page to Screen: Queer Identity, Memory, and Adaptation in Israeli Cinema at the SDSU Department of English and Comparative Literature and at the UCSD Department of Theatre and Dance.
Amit Birenboim (Hebrew University) will teach Sustainable Cities and Public Health Research at the SDSU Department of Geography and School of Public Health.
Eitan Shamir (Bar-Ilan University) will teach Insurgency and Terrorism and Politics and Warfare at UCSD Department of Political Science.
Daniel Tchetchik (Ha’aretz photography editor) will teach Photography and Visual Communication at SDSU School of Art and Design.
Adi Shany (Tel Aviv University) will teach Economics of Israel and Start-Up Nation: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Israel at UCSD Department of Economics and Rady School of Management.
Giora Goodman (Kinneret College) will teach The Holocaust and Western Civilization and Modern Jewish History at SDSU Department of History.
Keren Agay-Shay (Bar-Ilan University) will teach Climate Justice and Climate Change Seminar: Women’s and Girls’ Health at UCSD Department of Anthropology.
Maya de Vries (Hebrew University) will teach Perspectives on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Building and Advanced Skills in Peace Building at USD Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies.
And Eli Cook (University of Haifa) will teach American Presidents and Israel from Truman to Trump at the SDSU Department of History.
MGSDII also announced its “Salon Dinner Reception: Meet the Fall Professors” at 6 p.m., Thursday, October 8 in La Jolla. The event includes a fall welcome reception for the visiting professors and salon members. Click here to rsvp and to receive the address.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Jewish Community Symphony announces “Pops Around the World: Featuring Soloist Rabbi Hanan Leberman” at 3 p.m., Sunday, August 16 at the Lawrence Family JCC. This event includes music by Sousa, Bizet, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, and more. Conducted by David Amos and Assistant Conductor Robert Zelickman. Click here for tickets.
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Congregation Beth El presents “The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s Attic: Rereading the Women of the Talmud: Book Talk with Gila Fine” at 7:30 p.m., Monday, August 17. This event includes an evening of learning and conversation with author and teacher Fine. She will explore the remarkable women of the Talmud and the enduring questions their stories raise about relationships, identity, and Jewish life. Books will be available for purchase at the event or purchased ahead of time through the registration link. Click here to register.
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Beth Jacob Congregation’s Elul Series announces its “The Four Elements of Teshuvah” at 8:15 p.m., starting Tuesday, August 18. This 5-part series will be led by Brandon Fisher and is open to all searching for a transformational Elul. Click here to join the WhatsApp group.
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Coastal Roots Farms Film and Music Series announces its “Sunset, Cinema and a Night for the Ocean” at 6 p.m., Thursday, August 27. This event includes the screening of Sequoias of the Sea, a documentary about saving California’s kelp forests. Organizers say to pack a picnic and grab a blanket. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth Israel presents “Behind the Scenes: Building for the Future” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, September 2. This event includes a conversation and a look behind the scenes at what’s already underway, what’s ahead, and why this is such an important moment. Spend time with clergy and members, ask questions, and learn how every family can be a part of building for the future. Click here to rsvp.
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Yiddishland announces its “Movie Night with Special Guest: Professor Amelia Glaser” at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 24, in the Sherman Heights neighborhood. The event includes an evening of film, conversation, and community to celebrate Yiddish culture. Following the film, Glaser will explore the film’s historical, literary, and cultural themes. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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StandWithUs announces its “San Diego Leaders of Tomorrow Gala” at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, October 18. The event includes a performance by Idan Raichel, keynote speaker Loay Alshareef, and honoring Jenny Josephson and the legacy of Julian Josephson. The evening will celebrate leadership, courage, community, and the power of standing together. Click here to register and to receive the location.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Coastal Chabads Women’s Group presents “Caffeine for the Soul: Elevate Your Daily Grind” at 1 p.m., starting Thursday, August 13. This weekly women’s discussion group will focus on Kabbalah topics. Click here to rsvp.
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East County announces a new season of Torah Studies, “Happiness is Learned” starting Wednesdays, July 15, until September 23, with all sessions led by Rabbi Rafi Andrusier. “When Everyone’s Wrong: How to See the Good When Everyone Else Sees the Bad” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 13. This session will explore the Torah’s fascinating perspective on unanimous judgments and how they often point to a deeper truth.
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Chula Vista’s Jewish Women’s Circle announces its “Babka Bake” at 7 p.m., Sunday, August 23. This women’s event will teach how to roll, fill, and twist and create babka from scratch, just in time before the High Holidays. Click here to rsvp.
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East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents “Torah and Tea” at noon, Thursday, September 3. This women’s session is an opportunity to pause, nourish the soul with Torah study, enjoy lunch, and to connect. Click here to rsvp.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Ned Tolbert has died. He was the husband of Cheryl Lamin, stepfather of Adam, Mark, and Evan, Tifereth Israel Synagogue reports.
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Joseph Witztum has died. He was the husband of Mary Witztum, father of Michele (Moshe) Witztum, Becca (Aneel) Henry, Amy (Jorge) Donoso, grandfather of Zachariah Witztum, and Ari Henry. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 14, at El Camino Memorial Park, Am Israel Mortuary and Tifereth Israel Synagogue report.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.