Lesley Mills to retire next year as executive director of CBI

Lesley’s impact on Beth Israel is immeasurable. She has guided our congregation through periods of growth and change with professionalism, compassion, and deep devotion to our mission and values. Whether supporting our clergy, staff, lay leaders, congregants, or the many families who call Beth Israel home, Lesley has consistently led with heart, integrity, and a profound love for this community. Few individuals have shaped Beth Israel as greatly as Lesley, and her legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. {Rabbi Jason Nevarez and Robyn Spiegel]

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish birthday: Oliver Sacks

Oliver Sacks (July 9, 1933 – August 30, 2015) was a British neurologist, naturalist, historian of science, and writer. Born in London, Sacks received his medical degree in 1958 from The Queen’s College, Oxford, before moving to the United States, where he spent most of his career. [Wikipedia]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Jews of Color to convene meeting exploring history of disparate groups

San Diego Jews of Color (JoC) will convene Jews of African, Asian, Indigenous, Latin, Mizrahi, and Sephardic descent will gather at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at the Lawrence Family JCC for an afternoon of rich storytelling, deep connection, and historic revelation. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Laughter is the best Medicine … and ‘Improvability’ has got it in spades!

The full troupe of Improvability consists of four women and four men. These talented folks are gifted with quick wit, an excellent sense of timing, good humor and the desire to make people laugh. (Eva Trieger)

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

Today’s Jewish birthday: Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall (July 7, 1887 – March 28, 1985) was a Russian and French artist of Jewish ancestry. An early modernist, he was associated with the École de Paris, as well as several major artistic styles and created works in a wide range of artistic formats, including painting, drawings, book illustrations, stained glass, stage sets, ceramics, tapestries and fine art prints. [Wikipedia]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Governor Newsom approves $80 million in annual support for the security of at-risk organizations

For years, the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program has been funded one budget cycle at a time. The program began 10 years ago, and each year since Jewish California returned to Sacramento to make the case all over again. [David Bocarsly]

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California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Women of Color to enjoy a retreat in Escondido

It is precisely against this backdrop of collective trauma that the JOC Women’s Retreat 2026: A Joyful, Restorative Retreat for Jewish Women of Color becomes essential. Scheduled midweek from August 25–27, 2026, this gathering offers a vital time away—a dedicated space to heal, relax, and build spiritual resilience. (Barrett Holman Leak)

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food