Unfortunately, antisemitism is still an issue around the world and is upsetting to read about in our own San Diego County. The No Place for Hate response is that if you hear something, say something; do not be a bystander, but stand up when hate is encountered. We should support each other.
County Assessor Jordan Z. Marks did exactly the right thing when he heard a woman seated behind him at a Padres game slurring Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Spencer Horwitz, who is Jewish. Marks writes about the incident in an adjoining column.
With the passing of Dolly Parton, who was not Jewish, she left a message to leave the world with more kindness. We all should follow this mantra since kindness does go farther than hate.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Ner Tamid Synagogue presents its “Fix-It Day” at 9 a.m., Sunday, August 30. This event will include sprucing up the campus in preparation for the High Holidays. Click here for more information and to sign up.
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Congregation Beth El announces “News Babies Brunch” at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, August 30. The event includes music with Ms. Diana of Songbirds Music, who will engage with musical instruments, song, and movement. Craig Parks and his guitar will introduce songs and prayers, and Rabbi Avi will share inspiring insights about creating and celebrating a Jewish home. Click here to rsvp.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “Taste of Miller: Introduction to Judaism” at 11 a.m., Sunday, August 30. This complimentary session offers prospective students an opportunity to experience the Miller Introduction to Judaism, to meet Rabbi Hanan Leberman, who will guide the learning, and to get a sense of what the full 18-week course has to offer, all before registering. Click here to rsvp.
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Lawrence Family JCC presents its “Celebrate Rosh Hashanah at the J!” at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 30. This event includes local vendors, food, hands-on activities, holiday traditions, live beekeeping, and creating your own Shofar with the Shofar Factory. Click here to register.
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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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Congregation Beth El presents its “Jewish Meditation Cohort” at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25. Craig Parks will lead these sessions, which will provide going into a deeper and more spiritual practice alongside a caring community. Click here for more information.
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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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Congregation Beth El announces its “Celebrating Our Jewish Journey in America” at 11 a.m., Sunday, September 13. This service will include a conversation between Dr. Joellyn Zollman and Rabbi Shulman as they explore the American Jewish Experience.
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Congregation Beth El presents “Modern Martyrology: Yom Kippur Afternoon” at 2 p.m., Monday, September 21. This event will welcome Dr. Sara Brown, San Diego Regional Director of the American Jewish Committee, who will offer insights on memory, history, and the challenges Jews confront today in a discussion with Rabbi Shulman that honors the past, considers the present, and, on Yom Kippur, envisions return and renewal.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Quarterly Shabbat Dinner” at 6 p.m., Friday, September 25. The event includes an evening of community and tradition together in the sukkah. Click here to rsvp.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
University City presents “Pre-Rosh Hashanah Family Challah Bake” at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 30. Families will mix, knead, and braid their own challah to usher in the new year together. Click here to register.
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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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Chula Vista announces its “Rosh Hashanah Kids Honey Workshop” at 10:45 a.m., Sunday, September 6. This event includes how bees make honey with an interactive presentation and tasting led by Kendal from the Sager Family Farm. Participants will decorate their own honey jar and enjoy an apple dipping bar with toppings. Click here to rsvp.
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Downtown announces its “Shofar by the Bay” at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, September 13 at the Marriott Marina near Seaforth Boat Rentals. This event includes a High Holiday service with meaning and inspiration. Click here to rsvp.
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ONLINE OFFERINGS
Young Israel of San Diego presents “Let’s Talk Parsha with Rabbi Eddie Rosenberg” at 8:30 p.m., Monday, August 31 at San Diego Kollel and on Zoom.
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California Commission on the State of Hate presents “Understanding and Confronting Antisemitism in California” at 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, on Zoom. This virtual community forum focuses on the impacts of antisemitism and the exploration of solutions to prevent it. Speakers include Eric Lichtblau, investigative reporter and author, Jeanne Pepper, advocate and founder of the BlazeItForward movement, Rabbi Jason Nevarez, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel, and Aliza Luft, professor at UCLA. Click here to join Zoom.
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Congregation Beth Israel announces “Morning Mindfulness with Julie Potiker” at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays on Zoom. Potiker will lead these sessions to start the day and move from a place of fear to a place of calm. In these sessions, participants will experience bringing their attention to the present moment without judgment. Click here to register.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Hillel International reports will engage over 800 college students across the United States to honor and commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, in its Repair the World campaign. This campaign is supported by a grant from 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps; campus Hillels nationwide will host volunteer projects addressing food security, environmental stewardship, and other pressing local needs, paired with Jewish learning grounded in the importance of remembrance and renewal.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Liba Jager has died. The funeral was held on Friday, August 28, at Greenwood Memorial Park, Am Israel Mortuary reports.
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Andrew Spector has died. He was the husband of Ann Spector, father of Sam Spector. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 30, at El Camino Memorial Park, Ner Tamid Synagogue reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.