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]
Yesterday, we were again reminded of how fragile freedom can be. The assassination of Charlie Kirk was not only an attack on a prominent public figure but on the very principles he sought to defend—open dialogue, free debate, and the courage to confront difficult truths. [Press Release]
Mourning 9-11 Victims and Charlie Kirk Read More »
Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, USA
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]
Two Years Since Oct. 7 Massacre to Be Commemorated Oct. 9 Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We ShareAs 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.
Pomegranates and Nine Jewish Facts About Them As Rosh Hashanah Approaches Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego Calendar, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and FoodSometimes, 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]
The Meaning of Teshuvah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Travel and FoodYesterday, 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]
Sounding the Shofar During the Hebrew Month of Elul Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe month of Elul is upon us and marks the period of soul-searching leading up to the High Holidays. [Cailin Acosta]
Elul is Here; Numerous Jewish Offerings Before the High Holidays Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & BroadcastThe 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]
‘Modeh Ani’: A Good Way to Start Your Morning Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Travel and Food
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]
Anita Satlof Lawson (Oct. 31, 1947-Aug. 8, 2025) Read More »
Israel, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County, Travel and Food, USARed string bracelets have been worn to protect against the evil eye and keep bad luck away. Madonna made these bracelets popular, and they were being sold at the Kabbalah Centre. [Cailin Acosta]
Red String Bracelets Used as Amulets Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
If the person is older, I count the years they outlived me and cheer their longevity. I read their obituary avidly for insights, hints, and clues about how they made it to such a long life. Good for them! If they can do it, I “reason,” so can I! [Karen Galatz]
The Matzo Chronicles: By the Numbers Read More »
Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAHenna is seen to ward off the evil eye and increase fertility. In recent generations, more Jews with Sephardic roots are incorporating this practice into their nuptials. [Cailin Acosta]
Henna Rituals Growing in Popularity Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Having experienced the fear of persecution by executioners, he became the epitome of courage and bravery. Having learned what absolute evil was, he became an absolutely good man. [Alex Gordon]
RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust’s Speaker Series presents author Jennifer Coburn at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at the La Jolla Riford Library. USA Today Best-Selling Del Cerro author will discuss her latest historical book, The Girls of the Glimmer Factory. [Cailin Acosta}
Author Coburn to Discuss ‘Glimmer Factory’ at La Jolla Riford Library Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors