Obituaries & memorials

Federation Conducts Training Program for Students to Fight Antisemitism

This program is for Jewish high school students to join a research-backed initiative that empowers them to combat antisemitism by sharing their Jewish identity and what it means to them personally. Students are provided the conversational and social tools necessary to navigate rising antisemitism and build strong relationships between Jewish and non-Jewish students. [Cailin Acosta]

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Gladys Sturman, Jewish Activist & Western States Jewish History Publisher

She served on the boards of the Bureau of Jewish Education, the San Fernando Valley Alliance, Kadima Hebrew Academy, the University of Judaism, the West Valley JCC, and the Catholic-Jewish Women’s Conference. She was also the publisher of the Western States Jewish History Journal. [Rabbi David Vorspan]

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California, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The Meaning of the Shofar Blasts

When we hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, it reminds us that G-d created the world, and He is our King. Additionally, when we hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, it reminds us to reflect on our past mistakes and return to G-d. [Cailin Acosta]

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Mass Execution at Babi Yar and Subsequent Flooding of Kurenevka Part of Ukraine’s Tragic History

After the war, Kiev was rebuilt, constructed, and grew. Brick factories were built. Kiev became a large construction site. Local brick factories dumped their waste, which was diluted with water, into Babi Yar. The ravine gradually filled with slurry, a mixture of sand, clay, and water. The population of Kiev grew. The residential area of Kurenevka was located near Babi Yar. Babi Yar was 65 meters above Kurenevka. [Alex Gordon]

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U.S. House Approves Bill to Replace Fallen Armed Service Personnel’s Grave Markers with Those Reflecting Warriors’ Actual Religions

Due to the sheer scale of burials that occurred during World War I and II, hundreds of American-Jewish servicemembers killed in action were improperly buried under Latin Cross grave markers, rather than Stars of David. It is estimated that as many as 900 remain that way today. [Press Release]

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Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, USA

Two Years Since Oct. 7 Massacre to Be Commemorated Oct. 9

Jewish Federation of San Diego, together with the Lawrence Family JCC and the Israeli American Council, will present an evening of remembrance and resilience marking two years since the October 7 attacks on 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9 at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds. [Cailin Acosta]

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Pomegranates and Nine Jewish Facts About Them As Rosh Hashanah Approaches

As I am keeping an eye on a neighbor’s pomegranate tree, I wonder each year if they will be ripe and ready before Rosh Hashanah. For many years, we picked buckets full, and for a few years, it’s been just a couple. Every year, I leave a note in their mailbox asking when or if my kids can come and pick from their trees. I always sign the note, from your friendly neighborhood Jew. Giggle.

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The Meaning of Teshuvah

Sometimes, I would forget and respond that the person asking for forgiveness could never do anything to hurt me on purpose. Then I am reminded that it is that time of year when we apologize, and when I say they are forgiven, I usually get a huge hug, which is a good start for the new year. [Cailin Acosta]

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Sounding the Shofar During the Hebrew Month of Elul

Yesterday, I attended Chabad of East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle “Torah and Tea.” At the end of the lesson, Rabbi Rafi Andrusier emerged from his office and blew the shofar. When I hear its sound, I always close my eyes and imagine myself transported to Israel, joining my ancestors and the generations before me in the shared act of listening, praying, and setting intentions. [Cailin Acosta]

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Elul is Here; Numerous Jewish Offerings Before the High Holidays

The month of Elul is upon us and marks the period of soul-searching leading up to the High Holidays. [Cailin Acosta]

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‘Modeh Ani’: A Good Way to Start Your Morning

The prayer acknowledges that there is something bigger than us and that G-d gave us life and can easily take it away. It is a time to acknowledge that one day we will not live to see another day and to be grateful for the day we were blessed with. [Cailin Acosta]

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Anita Satlof Lawson (Oct. 31, 1947-Aug. 8, 2025)

In 1976, the Lawsons settled in San Diego, where Marty became the then-assistant rabbi of Temple Emanu-El. As a rabbi’s wife, Anita was an essential part of temple life-raising her children while actively participating in Sisterhood and countless programs. [Family-provided obituary]

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