San Diego County

Celebrating Inspiring Legacies of San Diego’s Women of Valor

San Diego County is home to countless remarkable women whose often quiet dedication enriches our community. This year, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center hosted the 16th Women of Valor celebration by shining a light on six such individuals, recognizing their profound impact. Accompanied by inspiration and images, their individual stories came alive in the Garfield Theatre through the music and spoken words of Ali Viterbi. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Jewish Organizations in San Diego to Boycott LGBTQ Pride Parade

Over the past few weeks, our Jewish community has bounced back and forth at light speed between celebration and mourning, joy and fear, delight and anger. We have had dozens of joyful, festive events that highlight the rich history, strength, and depth of Jewish life in San Diego. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Women’s Group Instructed About the Proper Use and Care of Mezuzahs

“I have a story to share with you all that happened before Passover which gave me the idea to make mezuzah’s a topic to educate you all on,” said Rebbetzin Chaya Andrusier of Chabad of East County at the Torah and Tea event on Thursday, June 5. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Satire: Policing the Padres

ICE agents wearing masks and tactical gear raided an Italian restaurant in San Diego and arrested 19 workers for having counterfeit green cards.  San Diegans felt relieved that they can now eat safely at local restaurants without worrying that their chefs and servers are illegal immigrants poisoning their meals. {Laurie Baron}

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Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire

A Report from the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition’s Conference

When I first heard of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition (ZRC), I wondered, “Is it necessary to have an organization for Zionist rabbis?” According to ZRC founder Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, Rabbi Emeritus of B’nai Tzedek Congregation in Potomac, Maryland, I am not alone. He gets that question a lot. (Lisa Rothstein Goldberg)

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Accustoming Young Teens to Appreciate Popular Rock

When I had my twins, I never played “kiddie music” as I called it. I wanted them to grow up listening to the rock classics found on 101.5 KGB and of course my favorite 91.1 91X. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

Hypnotist and Improvisational Comedian to Team at San Diego County Fair June 18

After honing his craft as a hypnotist entertaining audiences in a number of venues including cruise ships for Royal Caribbean and others, in 2016 Asad Mecci sent an unsolicited email to improv TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” star Colin Mochrie suggesting they explore a way to work together. (Douglas Friedman]

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San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire

JCC: Celebrating 80 Years of Growing Community Together

Beyond the culinary delights, the evening was a heartfelt homage to the JCC’s rich history. Engaging speeches and a captivating visual presentation chronicled the JCC’s evolution, tracing its roots from the 54th Street location in San Diego’s Rolando area to its vibrant present-day home in La Jolla. The success of the event was a testament to the dedication of its leaders, including event chairs, Adam and Amy Jacob, who addressed the gala guests, and Kira Finkenberg, who also spoke. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Ben Dishman, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

OpEd: A Call for Justice and Renewal

As the weekend opened, San Diego was stunned by a massive ICE raid on a South Park Italian restaurant. Reportedly, the owner was slammed to the wall, and every employee in the restaurant was handcuffed and held until they could produce proof that they were American citizens or had a work permit. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Law Enforcement Increases Patrols at Jewish Sites in Wake of Colorado Attack

In the wake of a Molotov cocktail being hurled and a makeshift flamethrower being fired at pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, patrols have been stepped up at Jewish synagogues and institutions in San Diego through the Shavuot holiday, according to Bill Ganley, the Community Security Director. [SDJW staff report]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Women in Jeopardy’ Prepare to Retaliate Against Dangerous Man

Women in Jeopardy is a “love letter to mature women who refuse to fade politely into the background,” according to director, Lisa Balderston. Three now-single women enjoy a close friendship of wine dates, fun runs and book clubs, but all of that takes a back seat to their chutzpah! [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast