For the individuals, including Mayor Todd Gloria, who have said they will not attend the San Diego Pride Festival over Kehlani’s headlining show, there is now an alternate place to spend the afternoon after the Pride Parade on July 19. [
JPride Sponsors Festival Without Antisemitic Star Attractions Read More »
Antisemitism, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County
JPride Weekend is almost here! This is a response to the San Diego Pride Parade and Festival allowing a headliner who opposes Israel and has made antisemitic statements. [Cailin Acosta]
JPride in Counter Programming to San Diego Pride, Set for July 18-20 Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Former Congresswoman Lynn Schenk (D-San Diego) has released her correspondence with the San Diego County Bar Association prompted by that organization’s continued support of the Pride Festival even after San Diego Pride refused a request to disinvite Kehlani, a public antisemite. [SDJW staff report]
It was the Fidl-Fantazye: A Klezmer Concerto, that was the starring centerpiece of the program. Written and performed by Noah Bendix-Balgley, concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the piece dazzled with heart-warming folk themes and brilliant violin virtuosity. [Eileen Wingard]
Original Klezmer Piece Delights Mainly Mozart Audience Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
A nice place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of San Diego and escape to the countryside is Ramona, especially when you are walking around and enjoying the lavender fields at the Camel Valley Lavender Farm, on Old Julian Hwy. [Mimi Pollack]
A Visit to a Lavender and Camel Farm Read More »
Business & Finance, Israel, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share
As my “super cool teens” enjoyed the rides at the San Diego County Fair, I stepped into the “Student Showcase” section to look for any Jewish gems, or other inspirational pieces, among the collection. [Cailin Acosta]
Lots of Tchotchkes for Purchase at San Diego County Fair Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Many animals were exhibited: fish, birds, dogs, cats, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, which included hamsters and rabbits. The exhibit was thoughtfully sponsored by the San Diego Humane Society and Kahoot’s Feed and Pet Stores. [Cailin Acosta]
Pets the Theme at San Diego County Fair Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, Travel and Food
Today, as I begin as CEO of Jewish Family Service, I find myself reflecting on my very first day at JFS—16 years ago. I came here wanting to make a difference in a place that aligned with my values. [Dana Toppel]
Dana Toppel Expresses Her Thoughts on First Day as JFS CEO Read More »
Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The performance’s creator and writer, Becca Myers, welcomed the audience with witty verses, setting a delightful tone before the musical journey began. The show then opened powerfully with the ensemble singing Irving Berlin’s iconic “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” immediately building an energetic and celebratory atmosphere. From there, the show skillfully navigated the rich landscape of American musical theater shaped by Jewish talent. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Broadway Musicals Proven to be One Place for Us Jews Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
Our volunteer for July, Kira Finkenberg is no exception. The energetic Finkenberg is a woman motivated by family, faith, and hard work. She also feels it is her duty to give back to the community, something she learned from her late mother. [Mimi Pollack]
Volunteer of the Month: Kira Finkenberg, Woman of Family and Faith Read More »
Mimi Pollack, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAI am excited to attend the San Diego County Fair this week with my “super cool teenagers” and check out the animals. My heart will melt if there are any rabbits to pet. However, I will get stared down when we get home from the smell of someone she hasn’t met, and she might ignore me until I change my clothes. [Cailin Acosta]
The Ruler of Her House Just Might Be a Rabbit Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) from August 21, 2025–January 4, 2026 will present its newest exhibition “Alex Katz: Theater and Dance,” the first comprehensive exploration of Katz’s playful and inventive collaborations with choreographers, dancers, and members of avant-garde theater ensembles over six decades. [Press Release]
TICO opened with a spirited reading of Glinka’s Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla, under the baton of their founder and conductor, David Amos. The violins scampered up and down the fingerboard in rapid runs and the cellos sang out their Slavic folk melody with confidence. [Eileen Wingard]
Varied TICO Program Delights JCC Concertgoers Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Holocaust, International, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Thank you, Heidi, for being such an amazing CEO for Federation. The Jewish community and Israel, especially Sha’ar HaNegev, are lucky to have you at the helm. We have spent countless hours together and traveled together around the world on behalf of Federation. [David Bark]
Outgoing Federation Board Chair Says His Thank You’s Read More »
Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food