kindness changes everything
INSIDE THE JEWISH ORGANIZATION MAKING WAVES
PUBLISHERS
Diane Benaroya & Laurie Miller
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alanna Maya
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Laurie Miller
CONTRIBUTORS
Ariela Alush, Barbara Birenbaum, Franklin Felber, Donald H. Harrison, Jacob Kamaras, Stephanie Lewis, Salomon Maya, Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh, Terra Paley, Mimi Pollack, Rachel Stern, Eva Trieger, Deborah Vietor, Chana Jenny Weisberg, Cheri Weiss
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LISTINGS
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prayers & passages
EMBRACING THE SHECHINAH WITHIN US
Faith is not clinging to a shrine but an endless pilgrimage of the heart.
– Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
Where is your personal sanctuary?
Perhaps it is your home that provides you with a refuge from the outside world and all the mishigas surrounding us. Maybe you find sanctuary in nature: a hike through a beautiful botanical garden or trail through majestic green mountains, flowing waterfalls and trees so tall that you can just barely see their tops as your eyes glint in the intense sun. Or is it sitting with your best friends or other loved ones on the beach, sharing your hopes and dreams for the future as you stare out into the seemingly infinite ocean?
Most synagogues are constructed with a designated worship space we refer to as a sanctuary. They range from the modestly decorated to the extremely ornate. Typically, they have a raised platform (“ bimah ”) on which sits the Ark containing the Torahs, a dais or two, a Torah table (“shtender ”), and perhaps a few chairs. The congregants sit in rows of seats affixed to the ground facing the bimah. This is the space where Shabbat and
holiday services are held. You have probably been in a few synagogue sanctuaries over the years.
Yet is this where God truly resides? Perhaps instead of looking for God solely in the synagogue sanctuary on a Friday night or Saturday morning, we should also be looking inside or around ourselves for the Divine. Judaism offers us many opportunities to welcome God into our lives, to find sanctuary in the Divine presence — known as the Shechina. As we welcome and celebrate Shabbat, our candle blessings, prayers such as Shalom Aleichem, L’cha Dodi and our Mourner’s Kaddish may help us welcome the Shechinah into our hearts, our lives, and our communities. Life cycle rituals such B’nei Mitzvah, Shiva minyans, funerals, weddings, and baby namings allow each of us to welcome the Shechinah individually as well as collectively in community.
Committing to acts of lovingkindness for those in need invites the Shechinah into our hearts. Preparing and delivering meals for those who lack enough food, visiting a lonely senior, asking a friend going through a difficult time out to lunch. There are so many ways we can invite the Divine to partner with
us in improving the lives of those around us and as a result, our own lives as well.
In the Book of Exodus God instructs the Israelites to construct a holy place (“Mikdash ”) so that “I may dwell among them.” (Ex. 25:8) God did not say, “So that I may dwell in it” or “there.” God resides in our internal sanctuary, wherever our hearts are open to receiving the Shechinah. When we each open ourselves to living a compassionate and holy life, we invite God’s holy spirit within.
According to Jewish tradition, angels noted in Torah and other sacred texts are considered to be manifestations of God’s presence, appearing on Earth to carry out Divine will. May each of us be inspired every day to somehow serve as an angel for others. And when we ourselves are in need, may we all be blessed and comforted by the Divine presence — the Shechinah — and the angels who walk among us.
RABBI-CANTOR CHERI WEISS IS THE SPIRITUAL LEADER OF TEMPLE EMANUEL IN HONOLULU, HAWAII.
1000 WORDS
FINDING HIS VOICE AND MODELING INCLUSION
Israeli Doron Laor has always charted his own path. The youngest of three siblings, he was diagnosed with autism and developmental delays at the age of 2, and faced a world that often felt overwhelming. Sensory stimuli—sounds, touch, tastes and visual overload—made the world a daunting place.
“Doron didn’t speak much until he was about 4 years old,” says his mother, Dorit. “But one day, he pressed a single finger on an old keyboard at home and played a melody we recognized. That moment changed everything. Music became not only a tool for connection but also a medium for learning and growth.”
Through music, Laor, now 24, has found his voice, literally and figuratively. He learned to speak, read, write and even communicate in English. Rhythm helped him master complex tasks—from riding a bike to using a smartphone. Each beat, note and melody became a step forward, propelling him toward goals once thought unattainable.
SHATTERS BARRIERS AND FOSTERS UNDERSTANDING
As Laor grew, music remained central to his life. At 18, he sought more meaningful challenges beyond the confines of his special education school. After much searching, his family found the perfect match: a three-year music program tailored for young adults with disabilities at Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan. Despite being younger than the usual applicants, his talent and determination secured him a spot. He thrived—learning to compose songs, play various instruments and perform confidently.
It was during this time that he discovered a Jewish National Fund-USA program called Special in Uniform that would transform
his dreams into reality. After an audition, he became a founding member of the band, a group that combined his love for music with the fulfillment of his dream to serve in the army, like his two older siblings.
“Wearing a uniform was something Doron always dreamed of,” Dorit says. “Special in Uniform made it possible, blending his passion for music with his deep desire to serve.”
For Laor, the band was also an opportunity for growth. Speaking about the commitments of rehearsals, he says, “I understood that hard work is necessary for a good outcome and that I shouldn’t give up.”
Performing with the Special in Uniform band was more than a musical achievement; it was a platform for personal growth. Rehearsals, recordings, live performances and engagements with diverse audiences, both civilian and military, pushed Doron out of his comfort zone. He developed resilience, adaptability and selfconfidence that will remain with him for life.
“Performing on stage in front of large crowds—something we never imagined he could do—became a reality,” Dorit says. “The sensory regulation, overcoming noise and movement, and handling the pressure of live performances were achievements beyond our wildest hopes.”
The band not only boosted her son’s self-esteem but also served as a bridge between individuals with special needs and the general public. “Doron and his bandmates became ambassadors of inclusion,” Dorit says. “Their presence shatters barriers and fosters understanding.”
As Laor’s journey with the band came to an end, his family sought the next step in his musical evolution. The Rimon School of Music,
renowned for its excellence, welcomed him as a full-time student. He found not only a place to hone his vocal and instrumental skills but also a vibrant community that embraces him for who he is.
“He practices diligently between lessons and meets the same expectations as his peers,” Dorit says. “The content challenges him, but he loves it. The connection with fellow students and the campus experience has been transformative.”
His presence at Rimon is a testament to his talent and determination, but it also serves a broader purpose. His integration into mainstream society helps dismantle barriers and build bridges between diverse communities.
Thankful for his years with Special in Uniform, Laor is excited about this new chapter: “I’m grateful that they trusted me all these years. Now, I’m learning new things at Rimon, like singing in threepart harmony.”
VALID AND ACHIEVABLE
Laor’s story is not just about overcoming obstacles; it is a beacon for a more inclusive future. His journey highlights the profound impact of opportunity, perseverance and the universal language of music.
“Doron isn’t just receiving opportunities; he’s earning them,” Dorit emphasizes. “And in doing so, he’s teaching society about the value of inclusion and the power of breaking down barriers. His contributions to building a more tolerant and understanding community are as important as the opportunities he’s been given.”
“Doron’s journey embodies the triumph of the human spirit—a young man who refused to be defined by limitations and instead redefined what’s possible. By choosing to serve when he could have stepped back and pursued his passion for music when others might
Doron’s journey embodies the triumph of the human spirit—a young man who refused to be defined by limitations and instead redefined what’s possible.
have stayed silent, he has become a beacon of hope. His courage in wearing the uniform and raising his voice in song has opened doors for countless others with special needs, showing them that their dreams are valid and achievable.”
His mother adds that through programs like Special in Uniform, her son “reminds us that true inclusion means recognizing that every person has unique gifts to contribute to our community.”
TEST YOUR JEWISH IQTM
1. Which of these is not a traditional Chanukah treat?
a. Latkes
b. Sufganiyot
c. Charoset
d. All are traditional Chanukah treats
2. Someone who is said to sit around all day looking at his pupik is said to be looking at what?
a. His reflection in a mirror
b. His navel
c. His genitals
d. His big toe
3. Which of these is not one of the three daily prayer services?
a. Shacharit
b. Musaf
c. Mincha
d. Maariv
7. According to the Torah, Jews today are descended from which son of Adam and Eve and from which son of Noah?
a. Abel from Adam, Seth from Noah
b. Seth from Adam, Shem from Noah
c. Shem from Adam, Japheth from Noah
d. Japheth from Adam, Abel from Noah
8. Which of these is a popular word in Israel today meaning “Cool!” or “Okay!”?
a. M’anyen
b. Mamash
c. Stahm
d. Sababa
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4. A Jew who lends to a fellow Jew without witnesses or other proof of the loan violates which negative commandment?
a. Do not put a stumbling block before the blind
b. Do not steal
c. Do not take or pay interest
d. All of the above
5. Which U.S. president was the first who affectionately addressed Jews in his pronouncement of religious toleration?
a. George Washington
b. Abraham Lincoln
c. Franklin D. Roosevelt
d. Harry S Truman
6. About how many Jews died by their own hand on Masada rather than being taken captive by the Roman army?
a. 10
b. 100
c. 1,000
d. 10,000
9. What is the order in which Jewish men are called to say blessings over the reading of the Torah?
a. Kohen, Levi, Yisrael
b. Yisrael, Levi, Kohen
c. Levi, Kohen, Yisrael
d. Yisrael, Kohen, Levi
10. Which Jewish film star of the 1930s to 1950s, known as “the most beautiful woman in the world,” co-invented frequency-hopping spread-spectrum technology to make torpedoes more accurate in sinking German U-boats in World War II?
a. Lana Turner
b. Audrey Hepburn
c. Lauren Bacall
d. Hedy Lamarr
Answers on page 19. ©2025 Felber, Starmark, Inc., all rights reserved.
KINDNESS CHANGES EVERYTHING
The San Diego-based organization providing essential resources to the Jewish community
Karen Dee Hamul
PHOTO BY CVIEW_PHOTOGRAPHY
Who holds the hands of the 10,000 Jews living below the poverty line in San Diego? Kindness Initiative is dedicated exclusively to supporting San Diego’s Jewish community through times of crisis and hardship. The organization provides not only essential resources but also personalized, one-on-one support for Jewish families and members.
An incredible team, devoted volunteers, and generous donors each play a vital role in transforming lives, offering real, viable, and self-sustaining second chances. Kindness Initiative doesn’t just provide assistance—the organization restores dignity, empowers self-sufficiency, and upholds the highest standards of confidentiality. With care and compassion, Kindness is changing lives.
A LIFELINE OF SUPPORT
Kindness Initiative was founded on a simple yet profound belief: no one in the Jewish community should face their struggles alone. Financial insecurity does not discriminate, and neither does Kindness Initiative. The organization’s compassionate case management team works closely with each family and individual to set personalized goals and craft actionable plans to create a sustainable future. With a team made up of staff, volunteers, and community members, the organization uplifts those in need with empathy, kindness, and unwavering support.
Consider Sarah*—a single mother of two who was on the brink of eviction after losing her job. When she reached out to Kindness Initiative, she discovered not only immediate financial assistance but also a robust support network. Through the kindnessWORKS program, Sarah secured stable employment, and with the help of kindnessG’MACH, she furnished her new apartment. Today, Sarah stands confident and stable, a testament to the power of community support.
KINDNESSG’MACH: A CENTER OF HOPE
“At kindnessG’MACH, every act of giving reflects our deep commitment to uplift and care for our Jewish community,” says Executive Director Keren-Dee Hamui.
The distribution warehouse is more than a storage facility— it’s a welcoming home for every essential item a family might need, from furniture and clothing to household goods and toiletries. Under the warm guidance of Director Karen Lock, kindnessG’MACH volunteers open every Monday and Thursday
“At kindnessG’MACH, every act of giving reflects our deep commitment to uplift and care for our Jewish community,” says Executive Director Keren-Dee Hamui.
to receive goods and donations. On other days, the warehouse is operated on a by-appointment basis, ensuring personalized support for every visitor.
Every act of kindness—whether it’s selecting an item from the group’s Amazon wish lists, sponsoring a section of the warehouse, organizing a B’nai Mitzvah project, providing gas and food vouchers, donating volunteer hours, or serving on a committee—is crucial to their mission. Each gesture embodies the Kindness Initiative’s purpose: to extend heartfelt support that touches lives in ways no other organization in San Diego can.
BREAKING BARRIERS, BUILDING STABILITY
Comprehensive case management services, delivered by professional social workers guide community members through financial challenges toward long-term stability. Programs like kindnessWORKS for job coaching and kindnessCOUNTS for financial counseling, along with budgeting and personal finance courses, empower individuals to take control of their future.
For instance, Allison*—an elderly woman on a fixed income— found herself isolated and struggling to meet basic needs. Kindness Initiative provided food vouchers, warm clothing, and transportation, reconnecting Allison with a community that cares. Today, she is no longer alone; she is supported, connected, and valued.
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH COMMUNITY & VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer with Kindness Initiave and find a meaningful purpose within the Jewish community in ways that will directly touch your heart. Dedicated volunteers, affectionately known as Angels, provide emotional comfort, assist with essential paperwork, and, most importantly, offer friendship.
“We are particularly proud of our work with individuals transitioning out of homelessness, offering not just material support but a sense of community and belonging,” Hamui says.
One inspiring story features Jacob*, who, with help from kindnessG’MACH, furnished his first apartment after years on the streets. Jacob secured employment through kindnessWORKS and regained confidence and independence, illustrating the transformative power of community support.
JOIN KINDNESS INITIATIVE: BIGGER. BRIGHTER. BETTER.
Kindness Initiative is excited to announce the grand opening of a new distribution center on April 6—a milestone that marks the continued growth and the strength of the community’s support. This new facility will enable Kindness to streamline operations, expand services, and provide even more robust assistance to those in need. The grand opening celebration will feature a ribboncutting ceremony, a mezuzot hanging, and tours of the facility. It’s a day to celebrate kindness, community, and recognize donors and volunteers.
“Together, we can hold the hands of those in need and create a thriving future for every member of our Jewish community,” Hamui says.
To learn more about Kindness Initiative, visit www.kindnessSD.org or contact info@kindnessSD.org.
PHOTO
SESAME SILAN PARGIOT
BY ERIN GRUNSTEIN-HALPERN @ERIN.EATS.MTL
One of the most delicious chicken recipes you’ll ever make, this chicken is simple enough for a weeknight meal but delectable enough to wow your guests!
INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp zaatar
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/4 cup silan plus more for drizzling if you’d like 1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper
16 pargiot (skinless, boneless chicken thighs)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Combine zaatar, lemon juice, silan, sesame seeds, garlic, oil, salt and pepper.
3. Pour over pargiot and toss to coat. Allow to marinate for about 10 minutes if desired.
4. Spread on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Flip, baste, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Drain liquid if too much has accumulated.
7. Brush with silan.
8. Broil 1-2 minutes to brown.
A simple yet delectable dish for any occasion.
Recipe Developer Erin Grunstein-Halpern lives in Montreal, Canada with her husband and 4 children. She is a pediatric physical therapist. As a newly married woman, Erin developed a love for being creative in the kitchen and eventually started sharing recipes on her Instagram page, @erin.eats.mtl.
She knows how busy life can be and her goal is to share easy and healthy(ish) recipes for the busy family. While sharing recipes, Erin gained a love of food photography as well and now she develops recipes with accompanying photographs for different companies. Erin’s goal is to bring families and friends together around the table, and she believes that a shared love for food and tradition are the key ingredients to making this happen.
THIS RECIPE WAS SUBMITTED BY SHARSHERET: THE JEWISH BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER COMMUNITY. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHARSHERET, VISIT SHARSHERET.ORG.
JEWISH LAW AND CANNABIS USE
BY CAILIN ACOSTA
With the recent legislation of legalizing cannabis use in California, many friends and family have asked how this affects Judaism and health. In addition, with the evolving changes, cannabis is not going anywhere. It is gaining more strength as more states vote to allow medical and recreational usage and is going to eventually be approved federally before we know it.
After many Tifereth Israel Synagogue Sisterhood members approached me on my thoughts (being the youngest on the Sisterhood Board), I started formulating a program, Cannabis 101, to be held at a dispensary.
I wanted a place that was clean, safe, without an overwhelming smell of cannabis. My vision landed me at Buzz Cannabis La Mesa and in conversation with store managers Ty Duong and Lucas Sisneros. Together, we planned an evening to educate on the plant and areas that could offer medicinal help.
Cannabis 101: A Serious Discussion on Holistic Approaches was scheduled in January. The location was packed with 20 Sisterhood members and friends to break the fear of going into a dispensary.
To come into any dispensary in the San Diego area, you must have a valid driver’s license, passport or photo identification to be scanned in. Once all the Sisterhood members were seated, I started the conversation.
I posed the question: Who here in attendance, is coming in for the first time? A few people raised their hands. I then asked if it was scary. People said no, just different. I then read a prepared statement.
According to aish.com, Israel has been leading the world in medical marijuana research since 1964 and more and more Jewish communities are embracing cannabis use. More and more states are voting to make medical and recreational cannabis use legal, so it is just a matter of time before it is federally legal.
In Jewish law, there is a general requirement to observe the civil laws of the land in which one lives when they are not in contradiction with Jewish law. Therefore, in addition to whatever Judaism says about marijuana, Jewish law demands an obedience to the authority of civil
law. If it’s illegal to possess or use marijuana, then it is also against Jewish law. Since we live in California, the civil law and Jewish law are both in agreement that it is legal to possess and use marijuana.
From Florida to Oregon, there are many International Jewish Cannabis Associations, these organizations have hosted CannabisSeders and the Weed Bar in Los Angeles has organized a number of 420-friendly Havdalah, Shabbat and Chanukah parties. Also in Los Angeles, edible providers like Mitzvah Herbal cater to observant Jews who are looking for medicated goodies using kosher ingredients or are seeking an alternative to smoking on Shabbat.
Here in San Diego, Duong and Sisneros educated the group on all the realms and usages of cannabis, as well as the benefits, and what may help each ailment. It is always advisable to speak to your doctor(s) on the prescribed medications given and if they deem it safe to incorporate cannabis.
Many questions came from the attendees on issues with sleep and arthritis. Duong and Sisneros advised reading the items, so you know exactly what you are buying and by what percentage. They also talked about the difference between “sativa” and “indica” and the explanation on the different strains, topicals, edibles and smoke-ables that are available.
They advised trying some of the samples in a smaller form by cutting them in half or in fourths to not overuse and build from there. The “goodie” bags they provided were built on a full spectrum approach so everyone would get a variety of items to try, such as, CBD gummies, disposable vapes, flower and items in the pure form of resin.
All those in attendance took notes on the items that were given in the “goodie” bags and did some personal shopping as well. All in all, it was a successful evening.
ANSWERS TO TEST YOUR JEWISH IQ
1. c. Charoset, a sweet paste made from chopped fruits and nuts, is eaten at the Passover Seder. Chanukah treats, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), are generally fried in oil.
2. b. His pupik is his navel.
3. b. The Musaf (additional) prayer service is recited only on Shabbat, festivals, and Rosh Chodesh, commemorating the additional sacrifices that were made in the Temple on those occasions.
4. a. Without proof of the loan, the borrower is likelier to act self-injuriously by failing to repay, either fraudulently or forgetfully.
5. a. See Washington’s famous letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, RI, August 18, 1790. Many of the U.S. founding fathers studied the Bible in Hebrew and embodied its principles in the Constitution and American jurisprudence.
6. c. 960 Jews killed themselves in about 73 C.E., rather than being taken as slaves, after what is commonly thought to be about a threeyear siege, according to Josephus. By tradition, many inductees to the Israeli Defense Forces take their oath of loyalty to the Jewish state on top of Masada.
7. b. The word “semitic” is rooted in the name of Noah’s son, Shem, who is the patrilineal ancestor of the Jews through Abraham’s son Isaac and of the Arabs through Abraham’s son Ishmael. Seth was born to Adam and Eve after their son Abel died childless at the hands of his brother Cain.
8. d. An all-purpose word, “Sababa” comes from the Arabic, and can also mean “Nice!” or “Yes!” or “Good!”.
9. a. Kohen, Levi, Yisrael. A Kohen is a member of the priestly tribe of Levi, but who is also a direct patrilineal descendant of Aaron, the first Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Yisrael includes everyone else.
10. d. Hedy Lamarr, born Hedwig Kiesler in Vienna, was issued US Patent 2,292,387, “Secret Communication System.”
0 – 2 Talmid/Talmida (Student)
3 – 5 Melamed/Melamedet (Teacher)
6 – 8 Talmid Chacham/Talmidat Chacham (Scholar)
9 – 10 Gaon/Gaona (Genius)
Your comments are welcome at Felber@Jewish-IQ.com
©2025 Felber, Starmark, Inc., all rights reserved.
ARTS, CULTURE, & CREATIVITY
A MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION TAKES PLACE IN ESCONDIDO
BY CAROL ROGERS, CHAIR OF ESCONDIDO PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
In 2019, California for the Arts successfully campaigned for the state of California to recognize and celebrate the arts by declaring April as Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month (ACCM). This month is dedicated to free events, resources, and advocacy opportunities across the state, aimed at engaging arts advocates and raising awareness about the impact of the arts within communities. In 2024, the Escondido Public Art Commission and Escondido
City Council adopted a plan for Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month in Escondido. Our goal is to activate the city and make it easy and educational for residents and visitors to participate in ACCM and discover all that Escondido has to offer.
We emphasize that “Art Work is Real Work,” building on our belief that artists are essential workers in our communities. Artists significantly contribute to various areas, including community pride,
James Stone
placemaking, health, education, and economic development. Help us amplify the message that artists and creatives are vital to Escondido’s well-being and economic prosperity.
Escondido takes pride in its diverse and well-established arts and culture community. We have more arts organizations than many cities of our size, which support hundreds of artists. Numerous organizations also offer youth programs, internships, and scholarships.
The Escondido Art Association, established in 1959, began with the mission of enriching the community through art. They later opened a gallery on Grand Avenue to support their artist members, hosting monthly art shows open to artists of all levels.
The California Center for the Arts, established in 1994, serves as a vibrant cultural hub that enriches lives, fosters creativity, and empowers communities through transformative artistic experiences.
The Escondido Arts Partnership, founded in 1995, aims to strengthen and enrich our community as a cultural destination through the power of the arts.
Queen Califia’s Magic Circle, opened to the public in 2003, is the only American sculpture garden and the last major international project created by Niki de Saint Phalle, attracting visitors from around the world.
Distinction Gallery, opened in 2004, is renowned for its extensive collection of pop surrealism, highly detailed figurative art, and Western-style oil paintings.
ArtHatch provides affordable, juried exhibition space for local artists and studio spaces for artists and creative small businesses, as well as free exhibition space, art supplies, and education for teen artists.
The Photographers Eye Collective, led by Donna Cosentino, has brought high-level photographers from around the world to
participate in exhibitions and has taught photography for more than 30 years.
Esco Alley Art, established in 2021, creates public art and outdoor gallery spaces for the enjoyment of residents and visitors in Escondido.
The Public Art Commission is excited to fund nine projects that celebrate Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month throughout April 2025. The following are the recipients and the funded projects:
James Stone, a Jewish artist from Stone and Glass, received a grant to present a live glassblowing demonstration on April 18 and 19 at the California Center for the Arts. He believes that glassmaking is deeply rooted in our heritage, with a rich Jewish history dating back to Abraham. The Hebrew word for glass, “זכוכית” (zekukith), meaning “pure” or “clean,” reflects its transparent nature and is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.
The earliest archaeological evidence of man-made glass suggests it was created around 3,500 BC in Mesopotamia and Egypt. In ancient Egypt, glass was considered a luxury item, primarily used for small, colorful vessels like perfume containers and jewelry. These items often featured vibrant colors such as blue and green, imitating precious stones like turquoise and lapis lazuli.
One of the most remarkable pieces of Jewish historical glass can be found in Beit She’arim, Israel. This artifact is a massive block of glass measuring six feet wide, ten feet long, and eighteen inches thick, with an estimated weight of sixteen thousand pounds. Experts believe this large, lime-rich block of glass was likely made in the 9th century and was discovered during excavations for a museum in 1956.
Little has changed in the thousands of years we have been working with glass. Join James to experience his art and enjoy a demonstration of the skills that are deeply embedded in our culture. -
Other grantees include: ArtHatch, ESCO ALLEY ART and the Escondido Downtown Business Association, CoLabCrafts, Escondido Arts Association, Escondido Choral Arts Foundation and California Center for the Arts, Glass House Arts and California Center for the Arts, Escondido Arts Partnership and Daydream Here Gift Shop.
In addition, the MAGEC (Museums and Art Growing Escondido Culture) group is planning a full month of activities, including art scavenger hunts, guided sculpture and mural walks, educational opportunities, pop-up art galleries and shows, hands-on art activities, and, of course, our 2nd Saturday Art Walk.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTS, CULTURE, AND CREATIVITY MONTH IN ESCONDIDO AT HTTPS://VISITESCONDIDO.COM/TO-DO/ARTSCULTURE.
Stained Glass windows created by James Stone
The Ethnic Studies Battlegrounds
Political Ideology, Teacher Unions and a Divided Jewish Community
BY NICOLE BERNSTEIN
Education is no longer just about reading, writing, and arithmetic; ideological battles now shape classrooms across the United States. One such battle centers on ethnic studies— originally intended to highlight marginalized voices and foster historical understanding.
However, ethnic studies was hijacked right from its inception by political operatives aiming to reshape our nation’s core values. The surge in antisemitism, particularly in K-12 and college settings, underscores the success of these divisive strategies. Subversion and “othering” have proven to be disturbingly effective, contributing to an increasingly fractured Jewish community. This division has made it difficult for us to unite and recognize the external threats we face.
THE ETHNIC STUDIES ORIGIN STORY: HERO OR VILLAIN?
Ethnic studies began in the late 1960s at San Francisco State University and the University of California, Berkeley, with the goal
of offering diverse perspectives and reconciling historical truths, though it quickly became a Trojan Horse for radical, anti-American ideology—eroding our nation’s Judeo-Christian, pro-democracy foundations in favor of collectivism, violent revolution, and Marxist totalitarianism. Rather than foster unity, it divides students into categories of oppressors and oppressed, fuels resentment, legitimizes Jew-hatred (including anti-Zionism), and glorifies violent social upheaval.
THE DATA BEHIND THE CONCERNS
Jewish organizations initially dismissed concerns about systemic antisemitism in education, attributing incidents to isolated cases. However, a December 2023 Harvard-Harris Poll revealed disturbing trends: a 900% increase in reported antisemitic incidents in the U.S., with 30% of young Americans under 24 believing Jews caused the Holocaust, 60% believing Hamas was justified in its October 7
attacks on Israel, and 67% viewing Jews as oppressors. These statistics point to a broader educational shift that prioritizes political activism over academic rigor.
CALIFORNIA’S ETHNIC STUDIES MANDATE CONTROVERSY
Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2025 budget excluded funding for the ethnic studies mandate (AB101), preventing its enforcement as a graduation requirement. While seemingly a victory for opponents, the battle is far from over.
Ethnic studies advocates are entrenched among faculty and administrators while school board meeting confrontations confirm a determination to teach ethnic studies regardless of state funding. Moreover, external funding from activist groups and foreign entities shields these programs from financial constraints, allowing them to spread unchecked.
TEACHERS’ UNIONS: AMERICA’S MOST POWERFUL MONOPOLY
Teachers’ unions control nearly every aspect of public education. According to Americans for Fair Treatment, unions allocate twice as much funding to political campaigns as they do to services for members.
Teachers’ unions, which dominate oversight mechanisms at the local, county, state, and national levels remain deeply invested in advancing ethnic studies, strategically infiltrating school boards over the past fifty years, and redirecting their focus from teacher advocacy to political activism. At the 2019 National Educators Association (NEA) conference, for example, they rejected a proposal to prioritize “centering student learning” in favor of a resolution mandating Critical Race Theory (CRT) in K-12 schools.
Activist educators have embedded themselves in school systems, promoting antisemitic rhetoric and radical political views. Groups like the Liberated Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Coalition equate Israel with apartheid and promote figures like Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) member Leila Khaled, Huey P. Newton, and Angela Davis, while the Marxist-Leninist group Union del Barrio, which calls for the decolonization of Southwestern USA, is influencing school board elections.
WHEN IDEOLOGIES BECOME REALITY
PeerK12 has exposed many incidents which illustrate the extent of the issue locally. The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Equity & Belonging Department has repeatedly distributed anti-Israel and antisemitic propaganda as resources to thousands of teachers; they later retracted and apologized but the damage is done. SDUSD was also forced to remove their District English Learner Advisory Committee Chair for sharing violent anti-Israel imagery. Unfortunately, she also served on the district’s Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee, and currently does teacher training for the Liberated Ethnic Studies Consortium.
In San Dieguito Union High School District, a middle school teacher proudly displayed a picture of Adolf Hitler as an example of “great leadership skills.” She vehemently refused to remove the photo but was finally forced to after PeerK12’s mobilization efforts. That incident also resulted in the district creating the Superintendent’s Jewish Parent Committee.
In Poway Unified School District, a PTA president and DEI VP was removed, and that DEI committee was dismantled, after we exposed her promotion of extreme antisemitic rhetoric while leading diversity efforts across the K-12 district. Another district enacted new policies for “Multicultural Day” after we exposed anti-Israel paraphernalia being distributed under the guise of a Palestinian heritage display.
A history teacher at High Tech High International publicly undermined a Jewish student’s presentation on Israel’s 1948 War, replacing it with a pro-“Nakba” narrative while exempting other students from such scrutiny. After many meetings the teacher was forced to publicly apologize for the incident in front of the entire class.
At Francis Parker School, a history class provided heavily anti-Israel biased materials with inflated casualty stats. PeerK12 was allowed to audit the history department curriculum, resulting in removal of biased materials and the restoration of factual lesson plans.
Groups like ours are fighting back through monitoring curricula for biased content, advocating in school board meetings and parent coalitions, using legal action including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to challenge antisemitic discrimination, and engaging with school board candidates to restore educational integrity.
A Fight for the Future of Education
The ethnic studies battle extends beyond education—it represents a battle for the ideological future of America’s youth. It is also a crucial issue for the American Jewish community, which faces the risk of further division or, alternatively, the opportunity for unity in the fight against this radicalization.
Teachers’ unions and activists have spent decades embedding their agenda in public schools. We must act to undo this damage by reclaiming school boards, holding unions accountable, and advocating for objective, non-politicized curricula. Until this is achieved, education will remain a battleground for the ideological hearts and minds of Americans.
NICOLE BERNSTEIN IS THE CO-FOUNDER OF PEERK12, A GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION COMBATING INSTITUTIONALIZED JEW-HATRED IN K-12 EDUCATION. A MOTHER OF TWO PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS, SHE SERVES ON THE DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT EQUITY ADVISORY COUNCIL AND PREVIOUSLY LED AIPAC SAN DIEGO AND STANDWITHUS SAN DIEGO. VISIT PEERK12.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.
mazel & mishagoss
ODE TO ALL MATERNAL JEWISH CONTROL FREAKS
You may think our logic is slightly flawed,
We’re “Know-It-Alls” but can’t compare to G-D.
Our kids wear sweaters when we’re the ones who’re cold.
Good luck sneaking into our kitchens, unless we’re in blindfold.
And we must find out your news—how else can we kvell?
You may admonish, “Mind your own business” but that won’t go over well!
It’s not enough to know the outer you, we want your internals.
That’s why it’s okay for us to snoop thru your diaries and journals!
But we’ll keep your deep, dark secrets— nothing’ll cross our lips.
Until someone calls us ‘Yente,’ then we’ll morph into town gossips!
We’re extra polite, saying please and thankyou quite often,
So you won’t refuse our demands, in fact
we hope you’ll soften.
Potluck Break-The-Fast? We’ll bring our famous brisket and assign you plain kugel.
Not to be outclassed! As we walk in, the shofar announces us like a bugle!
‘Micromanaging’ is such a vulgar term, we’d never EVER do it!
Yet our “helpful hint” gets taken the wrong way, family and friends misconstrue it.
So if we can’t manipulate the world at large, or even our mate’s lives,
At least we’ll stay in charge (of our kid’s health!) they’ll never get hives!
Oy! That last line was silly, but controlling mothers are stubborn, Even writing poetry, our ridiculous rhymes we must govern!
There’s one more thing we’re planning to subtly orchestrate, Bestowing a new name on us—one that promotes a euphoric state!
Cuz calling us ‘CONTROL FREAKS’ is
rather harsh, ugly, and bleak.
How about saying we have special powers and a charming technique?
So from now on ‘Universal Supervisor’ will become our new term.
Can we all just agree on this? Simply nod your head to affirm!
Future conversations will contain lotsa “shoulds” and “oughts.”
Please do exactly as we say … or find us a chair when we plotz!
Now before I end, I’m not beyond using guilt to apply some pressure.
Write to L’CHAIM and tell them to pay me more, cuz I’m such a treasure!
STEPHANIE D. GITTLEMAN WILL INJECT HUMOR INTO ANYTHING YOU HIRE HER TO WRITE. EMAIL HER AT THEQUOTEGAL@YAHOO.COM.
NEWS TO KNOW NOW
WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT
DAVID LABKOVSKI PROJECT STUDENT DOCENT & LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
Students in grades 8-12 are invited to join the David Labkovski Project’s Student Docent & Leadership Program. DLP exhibit docents will become part of a team of people who understand the importance of bearing witness to the history of the Holocaust.
David Labkovksi is an artist who painted, in painful detail, his experiences in pre-war Vilna, his time in the brutal Gulag prison camp, his return to Vilna in ruins, and his eventual immigration to Israel. His artwork is a primary source which goes beyond history. The details provide a window into the emotions and development of his life and tasks students with generating their own insights about the work which in turn helps them to understand and empathize.
After completing seven 1-hour virtual training sessions where student docents will engage with Labkovski's art and the historical context of the artwork, students will have the opportunity to curate an exhibit, educate exhibit visitors about the Holocaust, and earn community service hours. Participants will gain leadership and docent skills, develop & practice public speaking skills, and upon
completion of the program, student docents will have opportunities to docent at in-person school or community events.
Learn more about this opportunity at http://davidlabkovskiproject.org/ dlp-programs/student-docent-leadership-training/.
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND-USA HOSTS ANNUAL STAND WITH ISRAEL LUNCHEON IN SAN DIEGO
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Jewish National Fund-USA hosted its annual Stand with Israel Luncheon at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront to thank local partners (donors), as well as the organization’s Legacy Society members who support the land and people of Israel through their long-term financial or estate plans.
The event’s featured speaker was Colonel Richard Kemp, a decorated military leader with 30 years of experience fighting terrorism in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones and who is considered to be one of the most respected voices in global security. Kemp defends Israel at the U.N., in the media, to national parliaments and political leaders, and on university campuses to counter the deluge of lies and misinformation spread about Israel via news headlines and social media posts.
“This is not just Israel’s war, it is also a war against the West and its democratic values,” said Kemp. “Anyone who is in a position to do so has a duty to stand up and expose the lies.”
Kemp’s keynote speech focused on the Israel-Hamas war and how Israel is fighting a war on seven fronts, as well as the eighth front, the political warfare campaign against Israel; the deeply over-exaggerated casualty numbers provided by the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health; how Hamas uses civilians as human shields; and how the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has taken extraordinary measures to
provide Gazans with humanitarian aid. Attendees also heard from Jewish National Fund-USA’s Director of Planned Giving, West Coast, Cynthia Hizami, Esq, who highlighted Jewish National Fund-USA’s Build Together plan for Israel’s South and its Reimagine plan for Israel’s north, and how the organization is consistently meeting the changing needs of Israelis living on (and currently evacuated from) the Gaza and Lebanon borders.
To learn about ways you can leave a legacy for Israel, call a Planned Giving specialist at (800) 562-7526 or email plannedgiving@jnf.org.
HEBREW FREE LOAN OF SAN DIEGO HOSTS HAPPY HOUR
The Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD) Havdalah Happy Hour, held at Congregation Beth El in February, resonated deeply with the weekend's Torah portion, Parshat Mishpatim. This portion, which emphasizes the mitzvah of lending money without interest, is the very foundation upon which Hebrew Free Loan is built, empowering members of the San Diego Jewish community with interest-free, cost free loans. In these challenging times, the event served as a powerful testament to the organization's impact. Guests witnessed firsthand the transformative power of interest-free loans through moving interviews with courageous loan recipients, who shared their personal journeys toward financial stability. Adding to the evening's vibrancy, several small business loan recipients showcased their thriving ventures, displaying their products and demonstrating the tangible success made possible by HFLSD's support. The event was a poignant reminder of the community's resilience and the vital role HFLSD plays in empowering individuals and strengthening the San Diego Jewish community.
Learn more at https://hflsd.org.
SINGING & SHARING a variety of traditional Jewish music
We welcome new members!
Email Rita for more info: rheller8@gmail.com
