By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
Yom Kippur asks us to slow down and come back to what matters. Teshuvah is often translated as repentance, but its deeper meaning is return, returning to ourselves, our values, our relationships, and the woman we want to be.
As women, so much of our lives can be spent caring for others. We remember birthdays, answer messages, make plans, offer support, and notice what everyone else needs. We often carry more than anyone realizes.
Yom Kippur gives us permission to pause. For a little while, we can set aside the expectations, responsibilities, and endless lists and simply listen to ourselves. What has this past year taught me? What am I proud of? Where do I need to make amends? What relationships need my attention? What am I ready to release? And perhaps most importantly: Am I making room for the person I am becoming?
Teshuvah reminds us that returning is always possible. We do not have to have everything figured out. We can acknowledge where we have fallen short, forgive ourselves and others, make different choices, and begin again. And as women, we know the power of beginning again.
Our daughters, sons, families, friends, and communities learn from the way we live. When they see us pause, reflect, apologize when necessary, set boundaries, show compassion, and return to our values, we teach them that growth is not about being perfect. It is about being willing to begin again.
So on this Yom Kippur, may we give ourselves the same compassion we so readily offer others. May we release what no longer serves us. May we repair what can be repaired. May we nurture the relationships that give our lives meaning. And may we return to our values, to our purpose, to one another, and to ourselves.
May this be a Yom Kippur of reflection, connection, forgiveness, and renewal. And when the fast is over, and we step back into our busy lives, may we carry with us one simple reminder: We matter, too.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Congregation Beth El presents “Modern Martyrology: Yom Kippur Afternoon” at 2 p.m., Monday, September 21. This event will welcome Sara Brown, Ph.D., 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 Ron Shulman that honors the past, considers the present, and, on Yom Kippur, envisions return and renewal.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue presents “Hineni: A Yom Kippur Meditation Experience Guided by Shayna Kaufmann, Ph.D.,” at 4:40 p.m., Monday, September 21, in the Goodman Chapel. Kaufmann will guide an hour of accessible mindfulness practices and reflection centered around three themes: presence (Hineni), compassion (rachamim), and connection. Participants will also explore the spirit of teshuvah. Click here for more information.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Break-Fast: Sponsored by the Brooklers and Doris Jaffe” at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. September 21. Organizers urge you to join for a fun and celebratory Break-Fast meal. Click here to rsvp.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Music with Michelle Jirkovsky” at 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 22. 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, September 22. 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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Tifereth Israel Synagogue presents its “Shabbat and Erev Sukkot: Followed by an Oneg and a L’Chaim” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, September 25. This event includes Shabbat services, and following the service, Rabbi Hanan Leberman invites everyone to gather in the TIS Sukkah for Kiddush (nosh and l’chaim) to fulfill the mitzvah of dwelling in the Sukkah. Click here to rsvp.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Men’s Club announced its “Shawarma in the Sukkah” at 5 p.m., Sunday, September 27, at the TIS Sukkah. The event will include your choice of chicken or vegetarian shawarma. Click here to register.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood announces its “Sukkot: Bollywood Style! TIS Sisterhood invites you to celebrate the Jews of India” at 5 p.m., Monday, September 28, at the TIS Sukkah. The event includes a three-course meal, Bollywood dancers, and henna artists. Click here to rsvp.
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Temple Emanu-El and Ohr Shalom Synagogue announce “Living with Cancer Support Group” at 4 p.m., Thursdays once a month, rotating at both synagogues. At Ohr Shalom Synagogue: October 8, December 10, February 11, 2027, April 8, June 10, August 12, October 14, December 9. At Temple Emanu-El: November 12, January 14, 2027, March 11, May 13, July 8, September 9, November 11. This support group, led by Sara Fainstein, PhD, is not a therapy group but is open to all adult members of both synagogues who have a cancer diagnosis, both currently in treatment and in remission. Organizers say no outside food is allowed; tea, coffee, water, and cookies will be provided. Click here to register.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Downtown invites the community to attend its “Yom Kippur at the Hyatt” at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, September 20, and 10 a.m., Monday 21, at the Grand Hyatt. Services will be inspirational, meaningful, warm, and welcoming. Click here to rsvp. Yom Kippur Break-Fast after services will be at 7:23 p.m., Monday, September 21 at Chabad Downtown. Click here to rsvp.
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Poway invites the community to attend its “Yom Kippur Prayer Services” at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, September 20 and 9:30 a.m., Monday, September 21. Services will be inspiring, with meaning and melody and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
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University City invites the community to attend its “Yom Kippur Services” at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, September 20 and 10 a.m., Monday, September 21. Services will be traditional and inspiring with a children’s program and activities all day. Click here to rsvp for break-fast.
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Chula Vista invites the community to attend its “Yom Kippur Services” at 6:45 p.m., Sunday, September 20, and 10 a.m., Monday, September 21. Services will be easy to follow, with traditional tunes, many prayers read in unison in English, and relevant and meaningful insights and explanations throughout. Click here for more information.
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Downtown’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents its “Ladies Events” at 7 p.m., Sunday, October 11, Wednesday, December 9, Monday, February 22, Wednesday, June 2, and Thursday, July 29. These women’s events will be filled with friendships, creativity, inspiration, laughter, and meaningful connection. Click here to register, and more details are coming soon.
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Downtown’s Rosh Chodesh Society announces its “Nest Genesis: A Monthly Educational Series for Women” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, October 21, November 11, January 13, February 10, March 10, April 7, and May 5. This women’s event will feature thought-provoking learning, meaningful conversations, and inspiring connections. Click here to rsvp.
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ONLINE OFFERINGS
Momentum Unlimited announces its “Till You Come Home” at 11 a.m., Sunday, October 11, on Zoom. This event is led by Adrienne Gold Davis in conversation with Dana Levenson, director of IMA, a new film following seven Israeli mothers whose lives were directly impacted by the October 7 Hamas attacks. Together they will explore motherhood, resilience, memory, and what it means to carry a story forward. Click here to register.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Ner Tamid Synagogue reports it needs palm fronds for its sukkah and needs help building the sukkah at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, with The Man. Pizza will be provided. Click here for more information.
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JEWISH FINANCIAL APPEAL
Hebrew Free Loan reports that its San Diego Gives campaign will help fund and help create new beginnings for individuals and families throughout the community. Its campaign will help provide educational opportunities, support for unexpected medical or dental expenses, resources to help small businesses start and grow, financial assistance during challenging moments, and a pathway toward greater stability and self-reliance. Click here to donate.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports one of its congregant families has generously offered to match all new pledges as well as increases for its Yom Kippur Appeal campaign. Click here to donate.
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Hillel San Diego reports San Diego Gives campaign supports thousands of young people who are going to make an impact in the Jewish community. Click here to donate.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Beverly Fine has died. She was the late wife of Arnold Fine, mother of Amy (Mark) Johnson, Cynthia Fine, grandmother of Amanda Johnson, Ben (Gabriela) Johnson, Cerena Johnson and Clayton Checkeye, Abigail Fine, great-grandmother of Louis, Eloise, and Theodore. The funeral was held on September 18 at Temple Emanuel Memorial Park in Randolph, Massachusetts, Congregation Beth Israel reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.