I attended the House of Israel’s 75th birthday celebration Sunday on the Balboa Park international cottages lawn. Many organizations participated in the celebration. (Robin Dishman)
House of Israel celebrates its 78th anniversary in Balboa Park Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
After October 7, I sent him a message. Nothing dramatic. Just letting him know I was alive, that my family was alive, that I was thinking of him. He never answered. (Ari Melnik)
Warmest hug, coldest shoulder Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
After years of war, extended evacuation, separation, and profound grief, there is a new energy in Sha’ar HaNegev focused on rebuilding and reconnecting its 10,000 residents. I came away moved, inspired, and immensely proud that San Diego has been such a critical partner in this work. (Heidi Gantwerk)
Come witness the remarkable resilience in Sha’ar HaNegev Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
When students learn about a child who was murdered in the Holocaust and paint a butterfly in honor of that child’s life, they become grounded in history in a way that textbooks alone cannot accomplish. They understand that the Holocaust was not just a historical event, but a collection of individuals with lives, hopes, and dreams just like their own. [Debra Feldstein]
True stories from the Holocaust create strong connection Read More »
California, Holocaust, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined ContributorsBy Heidi Gantwerk in San Diego As this campaign year comes to a close, I am reminded of what our community can accomplish when we show up for one another, especially in moments that test us most. The ongoing war in Israel, the long road to recovery, and rising antisemitism here at home have challenged
Federation fundraises for many good causes Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The negative commandments can often be fulfilled alone. They require restraint. The positive mitzvot, however, requires a relationship. You cannot welcome a stranger without a community. [Betzy Lynch]
Judaism has a ‘to do’ list Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
American Jewish Committee San Diego reports that its Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) graduating cohort spent the year gaining the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to advocate for the Jewish people and Israel in high school and beyond. {Cailin Acosta}
Graduations lead to service on behalf of the Jewish people Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Even amid war, tension, and uncertainty, the country’s population reached more than 10 million, growing by 146,000 people over the past year. People are still choosing to make aliyah (immigration to Israel). Young families are planting roots. Communities, both new and established, are expanding to create thriving populations. Not because we have to, but because it’s the place to be a part of the Jewish people. (Russell Robinson)
Israel continues to grow notwithstanding Mideast turbulence Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
“Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary contributions Jewish Americans have made to our state and nation, while also reflecting on the values that have sustained our community across generations – our commitment to justice, learning, service, and repairing the world,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. [Press Release]
Rabbi Devorah Marcus, 13 others, honored at California Capitol Read More »
California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County, USALong before phrases like “immersive engagement” and “experiential Judaism” became common communal language, Jewish camp was already doing that work. Camp created environments where Judaism was not confined to a classroom or a single hour each week. Judaism became woven into the rhythm of daily life through songs, Shabbat under the stars, Hebrew cheers, Israeli dancing, storytelling, friendship, color wars, mentorship, and shared memories that would last a lifetime. [Betzy Lynch]
The importance of Jewish camping Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Effective June 1, 2026, Kindness Initiative will co-locate its Member Services case management division at the Jewish Family Service Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus in Kearny Mesa (8804 Balboa Avenue, 92123). [Press Release]
Kindness Initiative and JFS team up to provide some services to people in need Read More »
Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County
With the help of a remarkable West Haven, Connecticut, genealogist, John Doe’s unmarked burial site was identified. JASHP’s obligation was clear. The boy deserved a stone of memory. No longer, unintentionally, would feet stand on his grave. [Jerry Klinger]
Plaque donated for grave of mass murderer’s teenage Jewish victim Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The Hebrew language is gloriously rich in words for “poor person.” We’ve got dal, evyon, oni, rash — a whole thesaurus of poverty. Yet when the Torah lays down the laws about helping the poor, it refuses to use any of them. Instead, it keeps repeating one single word: achicha — “your brother.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Parsha Behar: Schnorrers are unsung MVPs of Jewish history Read More »
Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWe got a little scatter of rain this morning; hopefully, all the exciting bonfires scheduled tonight around the county will not have their fires extinguished by any surprise rain pockets. But the rain is so welcome and needed. [Cailin Acosta]
Lag B’Omer bonfires unlikely to be doused in San Diego County Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA