San Diego Jewish Journal November 2018

November 2018 • Cheshvan/Kislev 5779

Meet Federation’s New President and CEO

MICHAEL JESER Braves the Ferguson Fire

A Jewish Thanksgiving

FIDF GALA CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF HEROES AND HOPE

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DECEMBER 12–30

By TED SWINDLEY | Directed by ALLEGRA LIBONATI Additional material by ELLIS NASSOUR

A dramatic musical theatrical experience that includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” and “Walking After Midnight.”

The Year of Magical Thinking starring Linda Purl NOVEMBER 12 & 13

Linda Purl returns with her one‑woman tour‑de‑force show based on Joan Didion’s National Book Award winning memoir.

(858) 481-1055 | NorthCoastRep.org Group Sales: (858) 481‑2155, ext. 202 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 3

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Pre-Chanukah!

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4 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

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Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 5

Luis Strohmeier, CDFA, ChFC®, CLU®

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Family meetups for kids with special needs ages 3 and up every Sunday.

Join the Friendship Circle of San Diego at the West Coast Family Shabbaton November 9-11 in beautiful Orange County!

Save the date for our annual 24 hour QUADRUPLE matching campaign December 4-5! #onemorefriendship /friendshipcirclesd

6 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

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THE MEN’S EVENT

POWERED BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY Underwritten by Jean and Gary Shekhter

CO-CHAIRS Larry Katz | Seth Krosner | Bob Rubenstein

Join us for Beer, BBQ & Brotherhood Guest Speaker

ETHAN ZOHN Former professional soccer player, cancer survivor, winner Survivor Africa, and co-founder of Grassroot Soccer

Thursday, November 29 | 6pm HILTON LA JOLLA TORREY PINES 10950 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 92037

$50 per person, dietary laws observed.

Seating is limited. First come, first served.

REGISTER & LEARN MORE: JEWISHINSANDIEGO.ORG/MENSEVENT

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 7

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November 2018

Cheshvan/Kislev 5779

33

Feature: The Anti-Defamation League

is holding their Torch of Liberty Award dinner for the first time in six years at the end of this month to recognize longtime volunteer Lorne Polger.

On the Cover: The Jewish

Camps: One Northern California

Jewish summer camp continues to thrive after being caught in the crosshairs of a devastating wildfire last summer.

50

Federation of San Diego County has a new president and CEO.

8 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

35

53

Feature: How to celebrate a Jewish

Thanksgiving.

37

Feature: We talk to the new director for

the Jewish Teen Initiative.

MONTHLY COLUMNS

12 The Starting Line 22 Personal Development and Judaism 24 Israeli Lifestyle 26 Examined Life 28 Religion 60 Advice

Around Town

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

38 FEATURE The San Diego International Film Festival presents "The Samuel Project."

41 THEATER A conversation with Yiddish playwright Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh.

44 FEATURE Women of the Wall at Tifereth Israel.

45 FEATURE Betzy Lynch

on her first year as CEO of the Lawrence Family JCC.

18 Our Town 20 The Scene 56 What's Goin On

Festival presents "When the Smoke Clears."

In Every Issue

52 FEATURE An exhibit of

14 Mailbag 16 What’s up Online 54 Diversions 58 News 61 Synagogue Life

49 FEATURE The GI Film

Israeli sandals at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv.

53 FEATURE Hanukkah

and Tapestry are happening at JCC.

55 FOOD Green beans braised with carrots and potatoes.

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 9

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CA Insurance Lic Insurance #0C28496 Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 1851 Managing DirectorInvestments

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Brie Stimson ASSISTANT EDITOR • Jacqueline Bull ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • Eileen Sondak CREATIVE DIRECTOR • Derek Berghaus OFFICE MANAGER • Jonathan Ableson

858-532-7904 858-532-7904

12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 12531 High Bluff 12531 Dr,High Suite Bluff 400 Dr,400 Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr,Suite Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 12531 High Bluff Dr, 400 12531 High Bluff 12531 Dr,Dr, High Suite Bluff 400 Dr,400 Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Suite 400 12531 HighDiego, Bluff Dr, Suite 400 San Diego, CA 92130 92130 Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 San H Diego, CA San 92130 Diego, 92130 San Diego, CA San 92130 Diego, 12531 12531 H igh igh BSan Bluff luff D D rive, rive, SSTE STE TE 44400 00 San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 12531 12531 H High igh B Bluff luff D D rive, rive, S400 TE 4CA 00 00 92130 12531 12531 HSan High igh BBluff luff DCA D rive, rive, STE STE 44CA 00 00 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA San 92130 Diego, CA San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 12531 12531 H High igh Biego, Bluff luff DCA D rive, rive, STE STE 4400 00 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 San San D Diego, CC A 9858-523-7913 2130 12531 High Bluff Drive, 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400 San Diego, CA 92130 San San D Diego, iego, CA A 992130 92130 2130 San San D Diego, iego, CCA Bluff A 992130 2130 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400 12531 High Drive, 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 12531 High Bluff Drive, 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 San San D Diego, iego, CC A 992130 2130 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com 858-­‐ 55 7A 904 CONTRIBUTING www.LiberLincoln WRITERS www.LiberLincoln www.LiberLincoln 858-523-7913 San Diego, CAWMG.com 92130 San Diego, CAWMG.com 92130 858-­‐ 5523-­‐ 23-­‐ 7WMG.com 904 858-­‐ 5523-­‐ 7WMG.com 904 858-­‐ 23-­‐ 7WMG.com 904 San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com 858-­‐ 23-­‐ 7 904 858-­‐ 23-­‐ 7 904 www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln www.LiberLincoln WMG.com San Diego, CA 92130 858-­‐ 5 23-­‐ 7 904 San Diego, CA 92130 www.LiberLincoln WMG.comWMG.com www.LiberLincoln www.LiberLincoln WMG.com 858-­‐ 523-­‐ 7904

www.LiberLincoln WMG.com 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 Emily Bartell, Linda Bennett, Leorah Gavidor, 858-523-7904 12531 High Bluff CIMA® Drive, STE 400 12531 High Bluff CIMA® Drive, STE 400 Don Lincoln, CFP®, Don Lincoln, CFP®, Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® 858-523-7904 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400 www.liberlincolnwmg.com www.liberlincolnwmg.com Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 www.liberlincolnwmg.com www.liberlincolnwmg.com Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® DonLincoln, Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® R Liber, CFP® Jeffrey Don Lincoln, CIMA® Don CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey Jeffrey RR R Liber, CFP® San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 Don Lincoln, CFP®, Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don CFP®, CIMA® Don CFP®, CIMA® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA®CIMA® Jeffrey R Liber, Jeffrey CFP® CFP® Don Don LLDon incoln, Lincoln, incoln, Cwww.liberlincolnwmg.com C FP®, FP®, CCCFP®, IMA® CCFP®, IMA® 12531 High Bluff Dr,CIMA Suite 400 CFP Fein Managin gLiber, Director-Inves tments(Senior Travel Correspondent), Lincoln, CFP, CFP, CIMA Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Vice Senior Vice Don Don LLincoln, incoln, Cwww.liberlincolnwmg.com C FP®, FP®, IMA® CPresident-Investments IMA® Jeffrey Jeffrey RR L iber, LLiber, iber, CFP® CJudith FP® Don Don Lincoln, LLincoln, incoln, CC FP®, FP®, CIMA® CPresident-Investments IMA® Lincoln, CIMA® San Diego, CA 92130 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® San Diego, CACIMA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 Don CFP, Vice Managin gDirector-Inves Director-Inves tments Don Don Lincoln, LSenior incoln, C C FP®, FP®, CPresident-Investments IMA® CPresident-Investments IMA® Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Managin g Director-Inves tments Managin ggD tments Senior Senior VSenior V ice ice PSenior President-­‐ resident-­‐ IInvestments IInvestments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior President-Investments San Diego, CA 92130 Senior Senior VCA V ice ice President-­‐ PVice resident-­‐ nvestments nvestments Managing Managing D irector-­‐ irector-­‐ nvestments Investments Senior Senior VCA V ice ice President-­‐ PVice resident-­‐ ILic nvestments Investments CA Insurance Lic I#0C28496 Insurance Lic #0821851 Insurance #0821851 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 Senior Vice President-Investments Managin g Director-Inves Managin Director-Inves tments tments Managing Director-Investments Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments

858-523-7913 858-523-7913 Patricia Goldblatt, Pat Launer, Julia Bernicker, Sharon Rosen Leib, Senior Senior V V ice ice P resident-­‐ P resident-­‐ I nvestments I nvestments Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA CA IInsurance IInsurance LLic Lic ic ##858-523-7904 0821851 #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 Senior Vice CA Insurance LicPresident-Investments #0821851 CALic Lic #0821851 Senior Vice Senior Vice President-Investments Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey R Liber, Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® CA CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance LicLic #0821851 CA Insurance LicLic #0821851 CA Insurance #0821851 CA Insurance #0821851 858-523-7913 CA nsurance LPresident-Investments ic #0821851 0821851 CA Insurance LLic ic ##0C28496 0C28496 CA Insurance LInsurance ic #0821851 CA nsurance CA IInsurance nsurance Lic #CFP® 0C28496 CA Insurance #0821851 don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® CA Insurance LicInvestments #0821851 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance LVice ic #Lic 0821851 CA Insurance Lic #CA 0821851 www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com CA Insurance Lic Insurance #0C28496 Lic#0C28496 #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Insurance Lic #0821851 #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Senior PresidentManaging DirectorInvestments Senior Vice PresidentInvestments don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Senior Vice PresidentInvestments Managing DirectorInvestments Senior Vice PresidentInvestments don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com Andrea Simantov, Marnie Macauley, CA Insurance Lic CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Senior Vice PresidentInvestments

don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Senior Vicedon.lincoln@wfadvisors.com PresidentInvestments jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Patty Dutra don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA Lincoln, Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance LicCFP® #0C28496 CA Lincoln, Insurance Lic #0821851 don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Don CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey R Liber, Don CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey.Liber@wfadvisors.com

Don.Lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic#0821851 #0821851 Zeebah Aleshi don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don.Lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Senior ViceAleshi PresidentInvestments Senior Client Associate

Don.Lincoln@wfadvisors.com

CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 Gina Grimmer Rabbi Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® Jacob Rupp, jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com

CAZeebah Insurance Lic #0821851 Aleshi Saul Levine, Rachael Eden, Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Senior Vice PresidentInvestments don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah AleshiClient Senior Registered Associate Zeebah Aleshi Gina Gina G G rimmer rimmer CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Registered Client Associate Sybil Kaplan, Andrew Breskin, Eva Beim.

Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah Aleshi CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 Senior Registered Client Associate Senior Registered Client Associate Patty Dutra Registered Registered CC lient lient AA ssociate ssociate

Managing Director- Investments don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Grimmer Gina Gina Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Gina Grimmer Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Zeebah Aleshi Grimmer Senior Vice PresidentInvestments Gina Gina G G rimmer rimmer don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah Managin gaddell Director-Inves tments Gina Gina G G rimmer rimmer Senior Registered Client Associate CA Insurance LicAleshi #0821851 CA W Insurance Lic #0C28496 Alissa Alissa W addell Zeebah Aleshi Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah Aleshi Gina Grimmer Gina Grimmer Gina Gina G G rimmer rimmer CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #O178195 858-523-7904 Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Gina Grimmer Registered Registered C C lient lient A A ssociate ssociate Senior Registered Client Associate Patty Dutra Financial Consultant Senior Registered Client Associate Registered Registered CC lient lient AA ssociate ssociate AVP AVP -­‐ R -­‐ R egistered egistered CC lient lient AA ssociate ssociate Zeebah Aleshi don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic#0G75099 #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Registered Associate Senior Registered ClientClient Associate Patty Dutra CA Insurance Lic CA Insurance Lic #O178195 Registered Registered CSenior C lient A0178195 A ssociate ssociate CA CA iinsurance iidon.lincoln@wfadvisors.com nsurance Llient ic Lic ic #Gil #0178195 0178195 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Client Associate Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Financial Consultant CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #O178195 CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #O178195 CA CA nsurance nsurance L L ic # # 0178195 Yesenia CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA i nsurance L ic # 0I18483 CA i nsurance L ic # 0I18483 Gina Grimmer Financial Consultant Senior Client Associate Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Client Associate jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Associate CA Lic #0G75099 Yesenia Gil CA Insurance LicClient #0G75099 Gina Grimmer CA CA insurance insurance Lic LInsurance ic #Associate 0178195 #0178195 Yesenia Gil zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Senior Client Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com CA Yesenia GilCA alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com Client Associate Registered Client Associate zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Insurance Lic #0G75099 #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic Insurance #O178195 LicAssociate #O178195 CA Insurance Lic #0178195 858-523-7904 Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate Registered Client Client Associate zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com CALic Insurance Lic CA Insurance #0G75099

don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA #0821851 CA Insurance Insurance Lic Lic #0G75099

zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Client Associate Senior Registered Associate CA Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance LicClient #0G75099 CA CA insurance insurance Lic LInsurance ic #0178195 #0178195 Yesenia Gil Senior Client don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Yesenia GilAssociate zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com CALicInsurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance #0G75099

858-523-7904 ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Client Associate Yesenia Gil Lic #O178195 858-523-7904 Client Associate Fluent in Spanish FluentGil inzeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Spanish Yesenia Gil Yesenia CA insurance Gina Grimmer Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah Gina Grimmer zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Fluent in Spanish Fluent inAleshi Spanish FluentGil in Spanish CA insurance Lic #O178195 Yesenia Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com Yesenia Gil Jonathan Gina.Grimmer@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Client Associate Client Associate Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Fluent in Spanish Registered Client Associate eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Ableson – Senior Account Executive Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Client Associate Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Yesenia Gil Gil Yesenia

Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Client Associate Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Investment Investment and and Insurance Insurance Products: Products offered !NOT FDIC through Insured affiliates: !NO!NOT Bank Guarantee FDIC Insured !MAY !NO Lose Bank Value Guarantee Yesenia Gil Yesenia Gil in Spanish Fluent in Spanish CA insurance Lic #0178195 yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Investment Investment and and Insurance Insurance Products: Products offered !NOT FDIC through Insured affiliates: !NO!NOT BankFluent Guarantee FDIC Insured !MAY !NO Lose Bank Value Guarantee Client Associate CA Insurance Lic #0G75099

in Spanish in Insurance Spanish CA insurance #0178195 Investment Investment and and Insurance Products: Products offered !NOT FDIC through Insured affiliates: !NO!NOT BankFluent Guarantee FDIC Insured !MAY !NO Lose Bank Value Guarantee CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CAFluent Insurance LicLic #O178195

yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com

MAY Lose Value Fluent inand Spanish Investment Insurance FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a Products: trade nameNOT used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Wells Fargo Advisors a trade trade nameused used byAll Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC Wells Fargo Advisors is name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC (c) 2016 Wells FargoisClearing Services, LLC Rights reserved 1016-02995 yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Wells Fargo Advisors aa trade name by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC Wells Fargo Advisors is tradename nameused used byAll Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC (c)2016 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing LLC Rights reserved 1016-02995 Wells Fargo Services, LLC All Rights reserved 1016-02995 Wells Fargo Advisors isClearing aa trade by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC (c)(c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC All Rights reserved 1016-02995 (c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services,LLC LLCAll AllRights Rights reserved reserved 1016-02995 (c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, 1016-02995

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Wells Fargo Advisors is tradename nameused used byAll Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC (c) 2016 Wells FargoisClearing Services, LLC Rights reserved 1016-02995 Wells Fargo Advisors aa trade by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC (c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services,LLC LLCAll AllRights Rights reserved reserved 1016-02995 (c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, 1016-02995

eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate

in Spanish !MAY Lose Value Fluent inValue Spanish CA insurance #0178195 Client Associate Client Associate Client Associate Client Associate Alan Moss – Palm Springs Investment Investment and and Insurance Insurance Products: Products offered !NOT FDIC through Insured affiliates: !NO!NOT BankFluent Guarantee FDIC Insured !MAY !NO Lose Bank Value Guarantee Fluent in Spanish Fluent in Spanish !MAY Lose !MAY Lose Value CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance LicLic #O178195 yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Yesenia Gil Gil Yesenia Gil Yesenia Gil Yesenia Gil eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Client Associate Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah Aleshi Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Fluent in Spanish !MAY Lose Value yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Yesenia Yesenia Gil eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Wells Fargo LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Fluent in Spanish Fluent inAdvisors, Spanish Michelle Hasten Fluent in Spanish Fluent in Spanish yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Company.

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC,Member MemberSIPC, SIPC,isisa aregistered registeredbroker-dealer broker-dealerand andaaseparate separate non-bankaffiliate affiliate of WellsFargo Fargo & Company. zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, non-bank Fluent in Spanish Company.

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC,Associate is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliateofofWells Wells Fargo&& Company. Client Associate Company.

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC,Associate is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Client Associate Client Associate Client Associate Fluent inFargo Spanish yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Client Senior Registered Client

©2009 ©2009 Wells Wells Fargo Advisors, Advisors, LLC. LLC. All All rights rights reserved. reserved.

88580 88580 –v1 –v1 -0312-2590 -0312-2590 (e7460) (e7460) Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is areserved. registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Company.

Client Associate Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Member ©2009 ©2009 Wells Wells Fargo FargoAdvisors, Advisors, LLC. LLC.All Allrights rights reserved.88580 88580 –v1 –v1-0312-2590 -0312-2590 (e7460) (e7460) ©2009 ©2009 Wells WellsFargo FargoAdvisors, Advisors,LLC. LLC.All Allrights rightsreserved. reserved.88580 88580–v1 –v1-0312-2590 -0312-2590(e7460) (e7460) yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Senior Client Associate trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, SIPC. yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com ©2009 WellsFargo Fargo Advisors,LLC. LLC.All Allrights rightsreserved. reserved.88580 88580–v1 –v1-0312-2590 -0312-2590(e7460) (e7460) Wells Advisors, yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Fluent in in Spanish Spanish Fluent inGil Spanish Fluent in Spanish Fluent inGilSpanish Yesenia Yesenia SAN DIEGO JEWISH JOURNAL ©2009 Fluent CA CA Insurance Lic #0183194 #0675099 Insurance Lic #0675099 Fluent in Yesenia GilSpanish CA Insurance Lic Client Associate Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Investment offered through affiliates:NO NOT FDIC Insured MAY NO Bank Investment and Insurance Products offered through affiliates: NOT FDIC Insured MAY NO Bank Zeebah.Aleshi@wfadvisors.com Zeebah.Aleshi@wfadvisors.com Investment and Insurance InsuranceProducts Products: NOT FDIC Insured Bank Guarantee LoseGuarantee Value Investment Insurance Products: NOT FDIC NO Bank Guarantee LoseGuarantee Value (858) 638-9818 • Insured fax: (858) 638-9801 Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Investment Insurance Products offered through affiliates: NOT FDIC Insured MAY NO Bank Guarantee Michelle.Hasten@wfadvisors.com Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDICInsured Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value MAY Lose Value MAY Lose Value Fluent inand Spanish Fluent inand Spanish Investment Insurance Products: NOT FDIC NO Bank Guarantee Lose Value Investment Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value

CA Insurance Lic #O178195

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC.

Larry M. Katz Certified Public Accountant

• Income Tax Preparation • IRS and State Audit Representation • Litigation Support Services • Forensic Accounting Services • Business Consulting Services

5665 Oberlin Drive, Suite 204 • San Diego, CA 92121

Wells Fargo AdvisorsEDITORIAL: is a trade name usededitor@sdjewishjournal.com

by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC.

ADVERTISING: marke@sdjewishjournal.com CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS: jableson@sdjewishjournal.com ART DEPARTMENT: art@sdjewishjournal.com LISTINGS & CALENDAR: assistant@sdjewishjournal.com SDJJ is published monthly by San Diego Jewish Journal, LLC. Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Send subscription requests to SDJJ, 5665 Oberlin Drive, Suite 204, San Diego, CA 92121. The San Diego Jewish Journal is a free and open forum for the expression of opinions. The opinions expressed herein are solely the opinion of the author and in no way reflect the opinions of the publishers, staff or advertisers. The San Diego Jewish Journal is not responsible for the accuracy of any and all information within advertisements. The San Diego Jewish Journal reserves the right to edit all submitted materials, including press releases, letters to the editor, articles and calendar listings for brevity and clarity. The Journal is not legally responsible for the accuracy of calendar or directory listings, nor is it responsible for possible postponements, cancellations or changes in venue. Manuscripts, letters, documents and photographs sent to the Journal become the physical property of the publication, which is not responsible for the return or loss of such material.

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3070 Racetrack View Drive Del Mar, CA 92014 858.461.0115 lkatz@lkatzcpa.com www.lkatzcpa.com 10 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

#SDJewishJournal

SanDiegoJewishJournal

JCC

Saturday, December 1, 2018

at the

7:00 pm

Tapestry

A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF JEWISH LEARNING

Come enrich yourself at the third annual event featuring an Havdalah ceremony, fascinating classes, a latke bar, and a dessert reception.

Sunday, December 2, 2018 10:00 am–11:00 am

Hanukkah Sing-a-long & Storytelling PLEASE JOIN SHALOM BABY & PJ LIBRARY for a fun and festive morning with song leader extraordinaire, Cara Freedman. Music will be followed by PJ Library story time and a surprise character visit. FREE!

11:00 am–2:00 pm

Hanukkah Happening Festival 35TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Don’t miss San Diego’s largest Hanukkah celebration with games, crafts, prizes, arcade, theme baskets, auctions, and Jumpy Jubilee.

3:00 pm

The Olive Oil Press Workshop MAKE YOUR OWN OLIVE OIL

Participants will produce freshly squeezed olive juice and turn the juice into oil using an authentic olive press. Together, the group will light the menorah with the olive oil. FREE! Ages 4 and up; Space limited; Registration required by November 2.

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla

SAN DIEGO

FOR INFORMATION & REGISTRATION: lfjcc.org/hh

Lawrence Family JCC

JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 11

FROM THE EDITOR

THE STARTING LINE

by Brie Stimson editor@sdjewishjournal.com

Giving Thanks

T

his is one of my favorite times of year.

Fall always feels like a new beginning.

The indulgences of the summer are but distant memories posted on our Instagrams and we are all in the process of starting anew, refreshed, focused and hopeful.

Thanksgiving is also a well-timed respite in what could be a dreary time of year. For many years, I was unable to afford to fly home for the holiday, but for the first time last year I did return. I managed as best as I could for those other years, but there’s nothing like being in Mom’s kitchen. I also like to think I add a little something to the dinner with the vegetarian dishes I’ve perfected over the last few years.

There’s an ambiance about Thanksgiving that I love. Growing up, I would always watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while the smell of dressing, potato salad and pumpkin pie wafted down from the kitchen.

Mom would always be in a sweat – she never really cooked except for Thanksgiving – but on that day she outdid herself. Many years it would have been snowing and various family members would trickle it into the entryway, beating their boots on the floor and rubbing their hands together to get warm as I would

12 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

Thanksgiving is a time for family and food, but, as it says in its name, it’s also a time for giving thanks for the good things in your life. wait for them to shut the door to keep the cold wind out. Winters in Spokane, Washington are very real.

We would cook, laugh, drink and eat and finally as the white world outside started to turn blue, we would say goodbye and each person would head back through the snow to their homes.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and food, but as it says in its name, it’s also a time for giving thanks for the good things in your life. We all have strife, whether it’s personal, professional, family or health. We all struggle with different pains at different

times. Life at times can seem almost impossible, the stress of everything too great.

That’s why Thanksgiving is so wonderful.

It’s a holiday meant specifically for reminding yourself that no matter how difficult things may seem, there are many things to be grateful for and good things to look forward to.

It may sound corny, but that old Bing Crosby song “Count Your Blessings” is pretty helpful in hard times. Life is hard and some days are worse than others, but I bet if you sit down at the table this Thanksgiving and take a moment to appreciate the fact that you have people in your life who love you, that you have a roof over your head, that you hopefully are in good health, you might just realize how lucky you are.

Soon, the pie will be eaten and the leftovers will be covered in saran wrap. Pumpkins, breezy winds and Black Friday sales will soon give way to colder weather, menorahs and Christmas lights – but even in the chilliest of weather (relatively speaking in San Diego) on the darkest of nights, never forget that you can always find the good if you look hard enough.A

“Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Your kindness is beyond words. We hope that one day we will be able to do for a family, what you have done for us.”

– Embrace-a-Family recipient for Embrace-A-Family 2018, we’re on a mission to embrace 326 households in our community. there are still more than 150 families waiting to be embraced.

We need your help.

Many San Diegans are struggling with their day-to-day expenses.

The holidays bring additional hardships – like wondering if a Thanksgiving meal or holiday gifts are even possible.

Let’s do our best to make the season a little brighter for those in need in our community.

BECOME AN EMBRACER OR DONATE ONLINE AT WWW.JFSSD.ORG/EMBRACE FOR MORE INFORMATION: (858) 637-3050 • embrace@jfssd.org Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 13

let us know what’s on your mind.

Dear Editor, Dear Editor, I am responding to the letter of journalist, Dina Your last opinion spoke about praising Republicans Robinson in the October issue.

- well Trump is not a Republican. He represents If you weren’t aware, the president of the United nothing! Just hatred, xenophobia – He is rude, States, Donald Trump, has kept every single one crude and immoral and a racist. Jews are against of his promises that he campaigned on, which ob- all that he stands for and regardless of party – he is viously upsets you greatly. Incidentally, Ms. Rob- not someone to admire. What has he done for the inson, if you are still sleeping since the election, country – our allies all over the world hate him – do wake up! Our president was not “accidentally” You blindly support him because you think he is a elected; he was elected by the people who believed Republican – He is not. He is a traitor by his actions in him. Furthermore, in the short time he has been with Russia. There is not any middle ground. He has in office, he has done more for our country than any no redeeming qualities – Wake up and see him for other president, i.e. taxes lowered, unemployment what he is – a phony, carnival barker not worthy of at its lowest, bringing back both alive and deceased being a president of the United States.

Thank You, Americans from foreign soil, building relationships Florence Levine with other countries, etc., etc.

Carlsbad Our world has never been safer thanks to our president. Donald Trump is not trying to make America into a Socialistic country, nor is he, like our last president, apologizing for America; he is making America great again. And if you don’t appreciate the positive direction in which he is taking our country, remember you do have other options.

Sondra Burke, San Diego

@SANDIEGOJEWISHJOURNAL

Send us your comments: editor@sdjewishjournal.com 5665 Oberlin Dr., Ste 204, San Diego, CA 92121

Please consider our guidelines for Letters to the Editor prior to submitting your comments: The San Diego Jewish Journal welcomes reader responses to articles. Due to space limitations, responses to articles cannot exceed 200 words and will be edited in coordination with the letter’s author and at the discretion of the editor and publishers.

For readers who wish to submit multiple letters, we require three issue months to pass between published letters so as to make space for more reader responses.

All readers can comment as often as they’d like in the comments section of our website, found at the bottom of every articleon sdjewishjournal. comMagazine articles are republished on the website at the beginning of each issue month.

14 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

Dear San Diego Jewish Journal Reader, You have been enjoying our award winning magazine for years.

Whether you or a family member receives SDJJ at home, office or at many of our high traffic drops, we need your helpful input.

Have you, a son or daughter, or any family member attended Camp Mountain Chai in the last 5 years? PLEASE LET US KNOW by contacting our office at 858-638-9818 or email marke@sdjewishjournal.com.

Thank You.

An Evening of Hanukkah Fun!

LIVE IN CONCERT December 8th @ 6:30

Doors Open at 5:15pm 5:30 Havdalah • Menorah Lighting

Food Available!

TICKETS:

$10 Each (2 yrs old and up) • $36 family of 4 TICKETS AT: Nertamidsd.org/shlockrock • or 858-513-8330

Ner Tamid Synagogue

SPONSORS

12348 Casa Avenida, Poway • (858) 513-8330 nertamidsd.org/shlockrock

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 15

online @sdjewishjournal.com

Russia Will Not Recognize Israel’s Sovereignty Over Golan, Foreign Minister Says Russia’s foreign minister said last month that his country will not agree to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights unless it is approved by the international community. Sergey Lavrov was responding to the call by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to accept his nation’s presence on the Golan Heights, which Israel took from Syria in 1967 during the Six-Day War. Read the entire story on our website.

Adam Sandler Sings Traditional Torah Blessing on Howard Stern Show Comedian Adam Sandler and Howard Stern launched into singing the traditional Torah blessing during a recent episode of Stern’s radio show. Both men were bar mitzvahed as kids. Go to our website to hear the recording.

Israeli Army Destroys Mile-Long Hamas Tunnel Used to Target Southern Israel The tunnel, nearly a mile long, originated in the Khan Younis area of the central Gaza Strip and stretched more than 200 yards into Israeli territory. It branched off in several places to connect to the network of Hamas tunnels under Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said, and was equipped with power and telephone lines.

Marilyn Monroe's Jewish Prayer Book up for Auction Marilyn Monroe’s Jewish prayer book is being put up for auction this month. The cream-colored book, which was published in 1922, is being sold at an auction by J. Greenstein & Co. on Nov. 12 in Cedarhurst, Long Island. The starting bid is $4,600. Monroe converted to Judaism in 1956 prior to her marriage to Jewish-American writer Arthur Miller. Though the couple divorced five years later, the actress said she would not abandon her new faith.

Israeli Athlete Wins Gold at Youth Olympic Games Israel started the first day of the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires last month with a gold medal in swimming.

Anastasia Gorbenko, 15, won the women’s 200m individual medley while setting an Israeli record of 2:12.88.

16 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

San Diego Jewish Academy Open Door Program: Half-price tuition for Kindergarten and 9th grade

San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) is excited to announce an ambitious endeavor to make a top Jewish private school education affordable to an increasing number of families in San Diego.

For the 2019-20 school year, all children entering Kindergarten and 9th grade are eligible to receive half SDJA offers the most innovative academic experience for students in a welcoming and inclusive Jewish community. We are excited to extend this

price tuition, which continues for four years as students matriculate into higher grades. This is a need blind

opportunity to open our doors to more families. Be a part of

opportunity.

our vibrant community.

Schedule your tour today

SDJA’s vision in subsequent years is to offer half price

admisssions@sdja.com 858-704-3717 sdja.com

tuition across all grades, removing cost as a barrier for a world-class private school education.

The JFS Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative We’re here for you and your family.

• Care Planning & Coordination with our dementia care experts • Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center Dementia-friendly day programming • Caregiver Support

• Out & About Weekly guided excursions • Music & Memory In-home music therapy • Community Education

Find Care, Expertise, and Support www.jfssd.org/alzheimers | (858) 637-3388

In Partnership with

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 17

our TOWN

BY LINDA BENNETT & EMILY BARTELL

Peter Yarrow at the JCC

What a special evening at the JCC recently with Peter Yarrow giving a spellbinding performance. He kept the audience thoroughly amused for over 2.5 hours with all of his wonderful anecdotes that colorfully added to his musical performance. Among those in the 300+ crowd were Karan & Jeff Silberman, Natalie & Claire Fritz, Linda & Gary Keslik, Sol & Lauren Lizerbram, Judy Amster, Ana & Jose Galicot, July Galper, Barry Cohen and Patty Hall, Spencer & Betzi Lynch, Michael & Lynn Maskin, Simon Zimnowodzki, Amnon & Lee Ben Yehuda, Anne & Joe Stein, Nathan Rifkin (12 yr) and Maya Rifkin (8 yr).

Peter Yarrow signs books at the JCC.

The Joyce Forum 1st International Short Film Festival at JCC

The Joyce Forum 1st International Short Film Festival also did not disappoint! Many short films from around the world were viewed throughout the weekend. With something for everyone, the viewing options were plentiful. Some of those in attendance were Paula Park, Marlene Bellamy, Debbie & Dan Carnick, Danny & Carol Strub, Diane & Gordon Kane, Seth Kroesner, Rose Schindler, Barry Fisch, Barbara Goldman (in from Santa Fe, NM), Sol & Debbie Kampinski, Renee Barnow, Peter & Linda Levine, Joe Fisch, Marcia & Don Wolochow, Ellen Roffman, Joy Heitzman and Jack Cohen, Claudia & Mark Title, Mo & Phyllis Gold, Rhoda Nevins, Myra Kupchin and Ella Cashuk.

Nelly Kats introduces Joyce Axelrod, namesake of the Joyce Forum Short Film Festival.

StandWithUs Leaders of Tomorrow Gala Dinner

On October 14th, StandWithUs held its 7th Annual Leaders of Tomorrow Gala Dinner. Held at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, those in attendance were treated to a truly inspiring program, which included Key Note Speaker, Christian, Egyptian and Zionist Hussein Aboubakr. We were also treated to a lovely performance by Hagit Yaso, winner of the ninth season of Israel Idol. Among the over 400 in attendance were dinner chairs Jaime & Dan Feder, dinner sponsors Jenny & Julian Josephson and Shirley & Harold Pidgeon, Rick & Nanci Vann, Mindy Gold, Congressman Juan Vargas, Bonnie Dumanis, Mark Miller, Mal & Stan Smiedt, Chris Blair, Fran Lobman, Micha Danzig, Herb Weiss, Andrew Viterbi, Dalia Feldman, Esperanza Daniel, Rabbi Avi & Vicki Libman, Bobbi Warren, Jackie & Bertie Woolf, Sharon & George Glickman, Barbara & Sheldon Ostroff, Alan & Caryn Viterbi, Vic & Leah Soffer, Sabrina Soffer, Rabbi Adam Wright, Reina & David Shteremberg, and Marlene & Mickey Recht.

18 SDJewishJournal.com l November 2018

L to R Hagit Yaso, Season 9 Winner of Israel's Kokhav Nolad (similar to Pop Idol); Rachael Golembesky, student leader and youngest StandWithUs table captain; Sara Miller, SWU SD Director; Roz Rothstein, Co-Founder and CEO of StandWithUs, and former Egyptian political prisoner Hussein Aboubakr, keynote speaker at SWU SD's 'Leaders of Tomorrow' Gala Dinner.

Mazel Tov to…

Edith Eva Eger on celebrating her 91st birthday.

Bea Epsten on celebrating her 90th birthday.

Ed and Elfriede Schloss, on their 72nd wedding anniversary.

Carli Wittgrove and Jeffrey Deitel on the announcement of their engagement. Happy parents Perri Wittgrove and Alan Wittgrove are looking forward to the April wedding date.

Rabbi Lenore Bohm and Dr. David Phillips, on their upcoming December wedding at Chodorow Synagogue at Seacrest Village.A

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Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 19

the

BY EILEEN SONDAK, PHOTOS COURTESY SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY, MELISSA JACOBS AND DOUG GATES.

2018 Globe Gala

The Old Globe held its annual gala on the outdoor Copley Plaza recently. The black-tie affair started out with a reception and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a spectacular concert by award-winning Andra Day on the Old Globe stage. The Cabaret-style performance was a highlight of the affair – with the audience rushing to its feet at the conclusion. Fortunately, the celebration didn’t end after the rousing performance. Guests returned to the plaza for a lavish sit-down dinner, sinful desserts, and dancing under the stars to the vibrant music of the Cowling Band.

Karen Cohn, Nina Doede and Sheryl White co-chaired the successful fundraiser, and they received a warm round of applause when their names were announced. Audrey Geisel and Darlene Shiley served as honorary chairs. Among the other major underwriters were Vicki and Carl Zeiger, Sheila and Jeff Lipinsky, Sandra and Arthur Levinson, Lisa and Steve Altman and Ann Davies and Karin Winner. Proceeds from the event were earmarked for the Globe’s artistic and arts engagement programs – and thanks to the generosity of the large crowd, the organization raised about $1 million during the evening.

Artistic director Barry Edelstein was visibly touched by the outpouring of support the theater received from the enthusiastic crowd. “We make theater matter,” he noted. “We’re committed to exploring the whole range of theatrical experience, and you help make it happen.”

San Diego Symphony Gala

The San Diego Symphony held its season-opening gala recently, and it was another huge success. The celebration began with a cocktail hour, where guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks, before going upstairs to the University Club for dinner.

The centerpiece of the evening was a mesmerizing performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto by keyboard superstar Lang Lang. Maestro Edo de Waart was on the podium for the soldout concert, which also featured thrilling renditions of Berlioz’s Overture to Beatrice et Benedict and Respighi’s Fountains of Rome. The pianist even delighted the audience with an encore performance of a work by Chopin.

Craven Warley and Cathy Golden at the Old Globe Gala.

Phyllis and David Snyder, San Diego Symphony board chair-elect.

The partying began again with gusto after the spectacular performance in Symphony Hall, when about 400 guests returned to the University Club for lavish desserts, and dancing. The evening raised $500,000 for the Symphony’s artistic, learning and community engagement programs.

Among the many supporters on hand for the festive evening were Joan and Irwin Jacobs, June and Bob Shillman (event chair), Debra Turner, Silvia and Brian Devine, Dorothea Laub, Karen and Donald Cohn, Karen and Warren Kessler and Phyllis and David Snyder. A

L to R: Steve and Lynne Wheeler, Howard and Barbara Milstein, Ryan and Rachel Goldenharat the Old Globe Gala.

20 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

Ending the Year Strong MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ORGANIZATIONS WITH YOUR STRATEGIC AND MEANINGFUL PHILANTHROPY

Questions to Consider I am receiving a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from an inherited IRA. I don’t need the income, so should I give it to a nonprofit organization and save on taxes?

If you receive a distribution and plan to support your favorite charitable organizations, this may be an ideal opportunity. The IRS has different rules on how the RMD is calculated for an Inherited IRA based on the beneficiary and the age of the account owner at death. Roth IRAs have a series of rules that mandate a five-year waiting period. Ask your IRA administrator to calculate your RMD well before December 31.

How do I avoid my RMD being counted towards my income?

If you are over the age of 70½, IRS rules require you to take annual distributions from your retirement account. You may be able to exclude these distributions from your income as long as they are directed to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. This option is known as the qualified charitable distribution (QCD). However, current law does not permit donor advised funds to accept QCDs. Please note: The Jewish Community Foundation does not provide tax advice. Donors should consult their tax and/or legal advisors for specific guidance.

The Jewish Community Foundation is grateful to the entire community for their ongoing commitment to the future of our local synagogues agencies and day-schools. We are honored to partner in current philanthropy with more than 750 individuals and families, and over 1200 legacy donors.

Every individual has the power to make a difference; together we can change the world.

What is the Create a Jewish Legacy Program?

Lay and professional leaders representing most of the local major Jewish organizations, synagogues and day schools attend educational seminars on planned giving led by experts in the field of philanthropy. These participants also engage in sessions regarding governance and long-term strategic planning through the Governance Leadership Institute. Both are programs at the Jewish Community Foundation.

Individuals and families who (have) contribute(d) to an organization’s endowment or plan to leave legacy gifts to Jewish organizations are honored and recognized, as legacy donors, at annual appreciation events.

BRO U G H T T O YO U BY:

858.279.2740 | info@jcfsandiego.org www.jcfsandiego.org Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 21

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND JUDAISM

THIS WAY TO EDEN

by Rachel Eden rachel.s.eden@gmail.com

Millennials’ Impending Midlife Unravelling

"

ix Things that Millennials Bring Up Most in Therapy;” the HuffPost title caught my attention during a recent online surfing stint. Public revelations that emerge from the private space called therapy compelled me to read through the list. After I skimmed through the professed challenges of decision-making, emotional independence from parents, financial freedom, and general helplessness to the plights of the world, my eyes settled on Number Five. Inexplicably, Number Five drew me in. Apparently millenials feel like frauds in the new dawn of social media.

In an effort to compete with peers for the imagined ‘who has the better life’ award, millennials tend to showcase areas of their lives in photos and humble brags that inflate their actual realities. As a 35-year-old, I am indeed a millennial. While this struggle absolutely resonates with me, I always considered myself rather genuine, sharing vulnerabilities and observations honestly. Using my own social media profile as a case study, I analyzed the authenticity of my shares. I pulled from my most recent 10 posts and discovered two crowdsourcing questions, three produced-by-me Jewish educational videos, and an assortment of photos showcasing a recent night out, community event, my daughter’s birthday party and a successful trip to the gym. Do these shares accurately portray my life? What about the sink full of dirty dishes and mounds of laundry?

What about the late night grocery trips? The swollen bags beneath my eyes? How can I forget the seemingly endless homework, temper tantrums, and meal preparation?

While I haven’t intentionally deceived my thousands of nearest and dearest Facebook friends, I also have made no effort to use the 22 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

online platform as a true tell-all portrayal of my life.

Internet aside, let’s examine how we conduct ourselves in public. Who among us hasn’t thrown off the yoke of societal norms when entering a private domain? Men in torn tighty whities: I’m talking to you. We have all uttered “just wait ‘til we get home” to a family member through gritted teeth.

As my mother-in-law said to my son years ago after catching him with a finger in his nostril, “that’s something you do in private, dear.” Indeed the balance between exposing our individuality in ways that make us insecure and conforming to social expectation is delicate. It’s generally easier and more comfortable to wear a composed exterior in place of messy vulnerability.

I relate to the ‘midlife unravelling’ discussed by Dr. Brene Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston made famous by her TED talk, ‘The Power of Vulnerability’ (a top five viewed TED talk).

Dr. Brown began her own unravelling in her late thirties (I’m precocious!). She describes midlife unravelling in a May 2018 blog post as being “torn between desperately wanting everyone to see our struggle so that we can stop pretending, and desperately doing whatever it takes to make sure no one ever sees anything except what we’ve edited and approved for posting.” The perfect storm is about to hit: Millennials reaching Midlife.

A solution is proposed by Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of blessed memory, who (in typical rabbinic fashion) offers a list of his own questions to address the crisis of midlife unravelling – a term coined after his passing.

In Rabbi Weinberg’s teachings written in a book, “48 Ways to Wisdom,” he discusses a concept called, “Introduce Yourself to Your-

self.” Ask and answer a number of questions the way you would with an intimate friend (I’ve selected four here): What is my goal in life? Why did I choose my career? What really makes me happy? What are my secret dreams and ambition?

Rabbi Weinberg suggests digging deep into past decisions and illustrates with the following imaginary conversation with a college student: Why am I going to college?

To get a degree. Why? Because I want to get into a good graduate school. Why? So I’ll get a good job. Why? So I can pay back my college loans! Through the process of questioning, we can unmask some illogical motivations. Our answers must be frank and our constant stream of ‘why’ questions unbending, However, if we do this work and answer honestly, we can begin making wise decisions with confidence – that we stand by in private and public.

Bridging the gap between our private and public personas begins by looking at who we are, what we stand for, and where we want to go. In fact, the “why” of social media is now easily called into question. As long as we’re intentional, does it matter if our profiles online aren’t the address to learn about who we are substantively? Perhaps social media is not the best tool to effect the “desperate way we want people to see authenticity,” but rather through genuine self-expression, actually in person, to people (imagine that!) The process of asking ourselves “why” is painful because we are shedding our many skins in our midlife unravelling. We must choose: suffocation by masking our true selves or a rebirth of our identity and spirit. Millennials’ fears of being imposters will finally be taken to task – as we all ask ourselves: why.A

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ISRAELI LIFESTYLE

LIVING ON THE FRONT PAGE

by Andrea Simantov andreasimantov@gmail.com

Rainbow Nation he winter is looming, even for those of us living in the Middle East. At the time of this writing, gale-force winds and torrential rains furiously pound America’s southern states; the muggy, enveloping warmth of summer seems a distant dream.

We in Israel enjoy/suffer the heat for longer periods than much of America, but Jerusalem winters are nothing to sneeze at. Damp, bone-chilling cold creeps into the ancient walls of older apartment buildings and stone floors and single-pane windows do not make for toasty toes. It is easy to ignore the misery of others when personally struggling to keep the cold at bay.

"Cold" doesn’t always mean temperature. Apathy, loneliness, fear and anger can leave us coolly disconnected from an awareness that we have spiritual obligations to look out for one another.

Miserable weather always reminds me of Noah and his ark; The Torah doesn’t say, “ ... and Noah – a righteous and whole-hearted man – was left.” It simply says, “Noah only was left.” Commentators explain that by doing nothing to persuade his contemporaries to mend their ways, Noah sinned. By keeping apart from others to remain untainted, he ac24 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

tually descended, becoming ‘Noah only.’

Observant Jews are not awed by rainbows.

They serve as Heavenly reminders of what can happen when we neglect each other. The flood (Hebrew School 101) was a product of jealousy and hatred. The resulting rainbow was composed of seven clearly different colors that appear harmonious together. Even though man’s thoughts and characteristics are different, it is possible for human beings to achieve peace and brotherhood. Discrepancy doesn’t need to end in controversy. On the contrary, it is the contrast of the bow’s colors that produce such beauty.

On the heels of Noah, G-d showed Abraham what the ideal reciprocal relationship between men should look like. Like the colors of the rainbow, the stars are also different from one another and yet exist harmoniously.

Life lesson? Like the stars, there should be love, peace and unity between men in an effort to serve a loftier purpose.

Which brings us to the moon. G-d showed Moses the silver crescent and told him, “Look out for this reappearance and consecrate the beginning of your months.” The Maharal explains that Bnei Yisroel (Children of Israel) is likened to the moon insofar as that the

moon renews itself. We are commanded to undergo a similar spiritual and moral rejuvenation monthly. There is no such thing in Jewish thought as “This is who I am. Take it or leave it.”

The rainbow, stars and moon together represent the plan for a cohesive, peaceful and harmonious society. In addition, they provide us with three different Torah dimensions regarding our goals and behavior, both individually and as members of a larger whole. The ‘bow’ expounds the view that it is not individuality that is important but, rather, mankind’s value as a group. The stars address the role of man as an individual; our unique shapes and energy denote that we were respectively created with different bodies, talents and inclinations with goals and/or missions that only we can fulfill as individuals among others. Lastly, the perpetually renewing moon teaches us that man must constantly pursue higher spirituality through learning, self-discipline and refinement of behaviors.

Waking up each wintry morning to either a streaming sun or looming clouds, the life-canvas we are issued requires a brush dripping with color. The color and passion and yearning of the entire human experience.A

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 25

EXAMINED LIFE

OUR EMOTIONAL FOOTPRINT

by Saul Levine, M.D., Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry at UCSD slevine@ucsd.edu

Dislike and Anger: The Slippery Slope to Fascism one of us is genuinely liked by absolutely everyone. Similarly, none of us likes everybody without reservation or exception. We are a complex species, some might even say perplexing.

Each of us is capable of experiencing and expressing inspiring warmth and love, as well as harboring and displaying antagonism and hate.

Even the most benevolent and altruistic among us have faults and frailties, which might rub people the wrong way. We have some personality traits or behavioral habits, which can get on others’ nerves. And some misguided individuals, hopefully very few, might even dislike us intensely.

In contrast, there are people we find annoying from time to time, and others whom we find unappealing most of the time. There may even be a few individuals whom we simply cannot abide by.

Nobody is immune to the discomfort of being targeted by the slings and arrows of others. It is painful to sense negative “vibes,” or perceive nastiness emanating from some individuals towards us.

Even the persona and habits of family members – or teammates, colleagues, or roommates – by virtue of the time in close proximity, can bother us. But we usually (not always) learn to “give a pass to” or tolerate those with whom we share bonds of history, affection or common goals.

But what if you are criticized or disliked by others who don’t even know you? What if they show antipathy towards you based solely on their preconceived notions of where you’re from or what you’re like?

26 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

What if your mere appearance is enough to set some people off? Your ethnic group or skin color might rile them, or your social status or chosen gender, or your religious or political affiliation…That would feel very upsetting, wouldn’t it?

Surely you don’t mistrust or detest others simply because of their differences from you. You don’t secretly hold prejudiced opinions about total strangers. Or do you?

Have you ever been the target of other people’s negative beliefs about the very group you identify with? Have you felt the sting of enmity, or been discriminated against because of your ethnic group or religion?

Have you or your family encountered bias because they were immigrants to these shores? Have you ever felt rejected because you are black, or Jewish, Asian, Muslim, Latino, gay, elderly, or indeed any group which someone, somewhere happens to find objectionable?

I’ve been fortunate to know many wonderful people from widely diverse backgrounds: Worthy souls all, creative and productive, loving family and friends, courteous, generous and seemingly tolerant.

But even these individuals at times let slip derogatory comments, which reveal ingrained negative perceptions and stereotypes about certain “others.”

The cavalier use of the words (and feelings) of “dislike” and “anger” towards others too easily slide down the slippery slope into intolerance and hate and xenophobia towards the stranger, the foreigner, the lesser.

My parents were hated in Europe simply

because they were Jews and lost family in the Holocaust at the hands of Nazis and other anti-Semites. The history of blacks in this country (and others) is replete with examples of racist prejudice and brutality. The treatment of indigenous peoples here and in other countries has been abominable.

Muslims have faced hateful campaigns by Hindus in India and by Buddhist citizens of Myanmar. Followers of Islam in Pakistan and elsewhere have waged violent campaigns against other faiths. Hutus and Tutsis were engaged in bloodbaths in Rwanda and elsewhere. The Japanese were mercilessly brutal against Korean and Chinese citizens less than a century ago. The list goes on and on…

No nation, religion, ethnic group or race has escaped these terrible experiences. People teach their children how their particular group has been wronged and victimized by others, but these “others” portray the former as being cruel perpetrators.

Authoritarian leaders and rabid followers have emerged in many countries, and have encouraged anger and hate-filled rhetoric.

Expressions of dislike and rancor are now commonplace, with heightened conflict, and proclamations of nationalism, chauvinism and nativism: Hallmarks of nascent and even burgeoning Fascism.

Fascism inevitably “breeds” a Negative Emotional Footprint: If we citizens cannot reclaim our civil discourse, our mutual respect and tolerance, and our democratic processes, I shudder at the consequences.

But I know that we can; I know that we must.A

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RELIGION

POST-POLITICAL

by Rabbi Jacub Rupp rabbirupp@gmail.com

Avoiding Brain Washing had an internal dialogue before I left on my first trip to Israel to study Judaism in depth. I was concerned that I would be convinced to follow a lifestyle (Orthodox Judaism) against my better judgment.

“No!” I told myself. I told myself that I had enough self-confidence not to get sucked into anything.

My reasoning was both faulty and ironic. Ironic because I did in very short order “decide” that I wanted to pursue an orthodox lifestyle. My faulty reasoning was that I felt I couldn’t be easily compelled or brainwashed. The truth is we are compelled, brain washed, conditioned (whichever word you’d like) to do things on an hourly basis, and it was silly to assume I was above the fray.

That being said, I not only am glad I embraced the lifestyle I did, but feel compelled to express to others why they too should consider learning more about their Jewish roots in order to fully express their spiritual identity. Does it make me hypocritical that I am compelling others when I didn’t want to be ‘sold’ or ‘brainwashed?’

There is a basic premise to consider; we are all brain washed. As King Solomon says, “There is nothing new under the sun.” All of our ideas and lifestyles are recycled from the past. And while we may be exposed to more information and ideas than our ancestors, the perspective through which we accept and embrace one idea at the expense of another certainly isn’t something we picked.

We view life through the lattice of needs and wants that are superimposed on our conscious mind by our past experiences, present 28 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

There is a basic premise to consider; we are all brain washed. As King Solomon says, “There is nothing new under the sun.” All of our ideas and lifestyles are recycled from the past. needs and wants, or future expectations of what our life should entail.

The first step in learning to think is to accept that you aren’t free to come up with anything really at all that’s truly “yours.”

Imagine how many years of intense therapy we would need to completely be able to free ourselves of the trauma and challenges of our past and present, as well as the anxiety about the future.

The greatest breakthrough comes when you can break down. Expose yourself to new ideas that jar how you see the world— maybe other people are right? How do we know what we believe is true. And more than that, be willing to pull yourself out of the realm of the philosophic, and recognize that our reality is highly dictated by our biology, psychology and current life conditions.

Accepting that our minds are highly fickle, subjective vessels is actually a good thing because it allows us not to take ourselves too seriously to change—no matter our past present or future.

Is change a bad thing? No—because we are not static. Nothing in the world is. And as we become less afraid to change we can relax our minds a bit and start to listen to our hearts; i.e. what really resonates. The duality is inherently human; sure, we can analyze all we want, but deep down we also have a true path or purpose that we are on just like everything else in creation. Too often we are locked in our heads that we can’t hear our hearts.

Knowing where you are can be much more important than knowing where to go or what to do. Are you upset? Lost? Feeling the void? Be OK with it. It’s evidence that you are connecting with the essential “you.”

And when you are in touch with ‘you,’ you have the ultimate freedom to expand your boundaries and shake off monotony.

Brainwashing isn’t an orthodox Jewish problem as I was told many times as I started learning more about my heritage. It’s a human disease that all of us contract. What I found, however, is that the freedom that comes when studying a Divine system of ideology (the Torah) gives us the capacity to extend beyond our natural brainwashing and clue into what is both true on a macro level and what is real within our own hearts.

Granted, its not easy. But most things we value take hard work. Our sense of meaning and worldview should be worth it.A

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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents the 3 rd A nnuAl

A Community Celebration of Jewish Learning SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2018 Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center • JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS 4126 Executive Drive • La Jolla, CA 6:00 p.m. ...........Registration and Latke Bar 7:00 p.m. ...........Community Havdalah 7:35 p.m. ...........Session 1: Select one class to attend 8:35 p.m. ...........Session 2: Select one class to attend 9:30 p.m. ...........Dessert Reception and Celebration Music performed by Cantor Cheri Weiss & San Diego Jewish Community Choir Latke Bar and Dessert catered by Edwin Blumberg Catering

7:35–8:25 p.m. Session 1: Select one class to attend 1A. A Russian Jewish Religious Renaissance • Janice Alper 1B. Kristallnacht on Film: From Reportage to Reenactments, 1938-1948 • Dr. Lawrence Baron 1C. Lilith & the Primordial Hermaphrodite: Artifacts of Biblical Redaction & Rabbinic Assumptions • Rav Shai Cherry, PhD 1D. Key to Meaningful Life Through Jewish Lenses • Dr. Ilana DeLaney 1E. How the Events of Chanukah Lead to the Radical Reinvention of Judaism (Post-Temple Destruction) • Rabbi Devorah Marcus 1F. Angels and Jewish Tradition • Rabbi Leah Herz 1G. Kitchens for Good • Aviva Paley 1H. Death Café • Rabbi Alexis Pearce 1I. Political Flashpoints and the Future of Jewish Life on Campus • Michael Rabkin 1J. Gutman and Rubin: Israeli Art Pioneers for a Pioneer State • Guri Stark

30 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

8:35–9:25 p.m. Session 2: Select one class to attend 2A. A Russian Jewish Religious Renaissance • Janice Alper 2B. Kristallnacht on Film: From Reportage to Reenactments, 1938-1948 • Dr. Lawrence Baron 2C. Judaism & Darwinism • Rav Shai Cherry, PhD 2D. Key to Meaningful Life Through Jewish Lenses • Dr. Ilana DeLaney 2E. How the Events of Chanukah Lead to the Radical Reinvention of Judaism (Post-Temple Destruction) • Rabbi Devorah Marcus 2F. Angels and Jewish Tradition • Rabbi Leah Herz 2G. The Kabbalah of Happiness • Rabbi Mendel Polichenko 2H. Death Café • Rabbi Alexis Pearce 2I. Political Flashpoints and the Future of Jewish Life on Campus • Michael Rabkin 2J. Gutman and Rubin: Israeli Art Pioneers for a Pioneer State • Guri Stark

9:30 p.m. Dessert Reception and Celebration (dietary laws observed) FOR CLASS DESCRIPTIONS, PRICES & REGISTRATION VISIT

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32 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

FEATURE: ADL Gala

ADL Torch of Liberty Gala

BY JACQUELINE BULL

and our security programs, things like that.

He’s wonderful, he is truly wonderful,” said Lindsey.

Also being recognized at this dinner is Leram Silberstein with the Rising Leader Award.

“Leram is just one of those leaders and volunteers that every organization hopes to have. And anything you need, she is there and enthusiastic and puts 100 percent in.

And what we really love about honoring her is that she is sort of we say in the legacy of Lorne, someone who is young, who is already very committed,” said Lindsey.

“He sort of represents the long term vision for any volunteer, and she represents the early stages. Both of them absolutely if we had 10 Lornes and 10 Lerams, we would be beyond blessed,” she added.

The keynote speaker of the event is a man named Christian Picciolini who is a former skinhead leader.

“After having children he sort of realized that he was creating a world he didn’t want his children to inherit. So he has now become a very loud and outspoken activist in the anti-hate community and he helped start an organization called Life After Hate, which basically brings people out of these hate movements and rehabilitates them into society,” said Lindsey.

The dinner is an opportunity to get better acquainted with the work of ADL and their mission and to that Lindsey expresses there

are many misconceptions.

“Especially now I think we are in such a polarized world and country, people tend to see organizations like ADL as partisan, and we are a thousand percent not a political organization. We are a principled organization, which means we are going to speak to the issues that directly relate to Jewish and American Democratic values, but we are not in the business of saying which party is right and which party is wrong,” Lindsey said.

Overall, Lindsey expressed excitement and an invitation for people to come out and see what ADL and the community have done together, “I think it is going to be a beautiful event and I’m hopeful that the community recognizes the value of ADL especially at this moment in time, comes out to support Lorne and celebrate his work, to celebrate our community and the efforts we’ve made together to fight hate.” A PHOTO BY DENNIS SEVILLA

T

he Anti-Defamation League in San Diego (ADL) is holding their Torch of Liberty Award dinner for the first time in six years to recognize long time volunteer Lorne Polger. The dinner will be held on Nov. 27, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine at 6:30 p.m.

The Torch of Liberty Award will be presented to Lorne Polger for his three decade commitment to ADL. “He’s been with the ADL since he was a law student up at UCLA in the 80’s. He’s been involved for many, many years. He has served in San Diego as board chair, as chair of the civil rights committee, he is a national commissioner currently. And he is just one of the most deserving people – very committed to his community, very committed to ADL,” said Lindsey Zipkin, Associate Director of Development for ADL in San Diego.

“From my own personal interaction, he is just so passionate about this work. He has his own story to tell about what guided him to get involved initially that is very powerful ... He raised his family here in San Diego and has always been a huge champion of ours. He’s involved in other issues, but I think ADL has always been something that is very special to him. He is very involved in this. He is excited for it to be a success, not in an ego type of way, but he wants to see ADL shine and be able to help us raise a lot of money for our education programs

Honoree Lorne Polger.

Keynote Speaker Christian Picciolini.

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 33

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34 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

CAMPS: Camp Tawonga

A Bond Thicker Than Fire A Conversation with Camp Tawonga

BY BRIE STIMSON

N

estled in the Stanislaus National Forest just west of Yosemite, Camp Tawonga is a refreshing escape from city life and a chance to reconnect with nature and Judaism. The 160-acre Jewish camp was founded in 1925. “We’ve been around for over 90 years and our mission has remained unchanged during that whole time,” says Casey Cohen, operations and communications director for Camp Tawonga. “It is focused on fostering positive self-esteem in children, a connection to cooperative community to appreciation for nature and to an appreciation for Judaism and a sense of spirituality.”

Tawonga runs classic summer camp sessions, but they also have a robust set of year-round programs, including family camps in the summer and fall, a two-year bar and bat mitzvah program and programs for alumni and people in their 20s and 30s who may not have children yet.

“They wanted to have more Tawonga in their lives,” Casey said of the community’s response to the bar and bat mitzvah program. “They wanted to have their children

traverse this right of passage with Camp Tawonga and to have that sort of Tawonga brand of Judaism, which is a particular kind of Judaism.” She says it’s focused on an appreciation for nature and it’s not affiliated with a particular movement. “At Tawonga, we describe Judaism as sort of a buffet; you can choose what you like and so oftentimes the way that kids experience Judaism, they’re taking part in it themselves, so they’re hoping to create the experience so that it feels really meaningful.”

Campers lead Shabbat on Friday nights and in the bar and bat mitzvah program, they have family potlucks, hikes and students volunteer with nonprofits near the end of the program that hopefully inspire their mitzvah projects. They also have Jewish holiday programs, family volunteer days, toddler programming and local sports teams.

The Fire But all of that closeness was put to the test last summer when the Ferguson Fire forced Tawonga to close their last session near the end of the summer. Three hundred campers and 200 staff mem-

bers had been at the camp for just two days when smoke from firefighters’ back burning tactics forced them to evacuate.

The fire was eight miles away from the camp, but the smoke posed a health risk for the campers. “Safety is our highest priority and that’s just never going to change,” Casey says. “The decision to evacuate was a really clear one and we’re so glad that we did.” Still, she says closing the camp was disappointing for all the children who had waited all year for the experience.

“For them to have to turn around and go home was just heartbreaking,” Casey says.

“I think at the same time the experience of our community going through this showed the strength of the Tawonga bond.” There was a period of several days where they waited around to see if they would be able to resume the session. “During that time was when the resiliency really came through in our community, where families were hosting out of town campers,” Casey begins. There were 40 families who had sent their kids from LA, “So instead of coming to the Bay and picking up those campers, Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 35

many of them were hosted by local families. And so it was sort of having these mini camp experiences in the Bay Area while we waited to see. And that really helped to sustain the spirit of Tawonga. And in addition, we were able to convene several gatherings for the session four campers. So there were several Shabbat gatherings, one was in Mill Valley, one was on the Peninsula.

We also put together a camper Havdalah talent show in San Francisco that was pretty well attended, very fun to just sort of keep the magic going for the kids.”

Casey says another aspect to the experience that was uplifting was the response by alumni. “It was all hands on deck,” she says. “So many alumni community members offered to help, and they came in and they made phone calls so that every single family whose child had to evacuate, they were called directly.”

The potential for fire danger is something Camp Tawonga is always aware of, and they pride themselves on their close relationship with fire officials. “Cal Fire has [Executive Director] Jamie’s [Simon] number on speed dial,” Casey says.

The Ferguson Fire burned 96,901 acres of the Sierras, Stanislaus and Yosemite before it was finally 100 percent contained on Aug. 19. Two firefighters were killed in the blaze.

“We actually convene officials in the county every year, and we have them over for a barbecue at our camp, and it helps to really keep these relationships strong and connected so that when we do have to be in touch when there’s an incident, that relationship’s already there,” she says. “We’re just ever grateful for their bravery, for their courage for keeping the entire region safe, and for those who were lost in the fire, our hearts go out to their families. We’re just extremely grateful to them.”

Casey says the camp keeps in constant contact with fire officials. “Certainly the fires and the smoke and the potential to evacuate – it’s always something we are aware of and looking out for.” And while they know they will likely have to stay vigilant for years to come, “We’re committed to still providing wilderness experiences with children as long as it’s safe.”

“And though we weren’t able to resume the session, we’re just so excited to bring the kids back next summer,” she says. They were also able to run all of their fall family camps. “Fortunately, it was really just a blip,” she says. “We just hope we can bring all of the session four campers back so that they can have that Tawonga experience that they deserve.”

Casey adds that in the last few years, attendance has grown among campers from Southern California. “There is a certain rugged wilderness quality to Tawonga.” A Open registration for the 2019 summer sessions will start on Dec. 12. For more information or to enroll go to tawonga.org.

36 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

Jewish Camp Summer 2018.

FEATURE: Jewish Teen Initiative

Helping All Boats Rise Together

BY JACQUELINE BULL

O

ur overall goal is just to connect Jewish teens to more Jewish things,” Rebecka Handler, the new director for The Jewish Teen Initiative said. (The Jewish Teen Initiative also houses Motiv, which SDJJ did interviews with teen participants back in November 2017).

“When the initiative was launched in 2015, there had been a study that had shown that there were approximately 7,000 Jewish teens in San diego … We’re able to identify approximately 3,700 of that 7,000,” she said.

That number fluctuates slightly as each graduating class may be slightly bigger or smaller than the previous. And identifying Jewish teens to then be able to engage them is a principal part of the work at the Initiative.

“Last year, we had 13 fellows and this year we have 20 first year fellows and seven returning fellows. We are hoping to see the number of unknown Jewish teens that are being identified doubled from our work last year and we’re also hoping to see that teens are becoming more engaged in the wonderful opportunities that the community has to offer,” she said.

Rebecka has been the director of the initiative since January of this year. She explained that she has three main goals for the organization: 1. to grow the peer leaders fellowship, 2. fill the gap between b’nai mitzvah and high school, 3. exploring long term

Good Deeds Day 2018. Teens collecting trash at Fiesta Island with Girls Give Back.

financial sustainability for the Initiative.

Rebecka explains that they are not competing for teen involvement, but helping them find opportunities within the community for all parties to benefit. (“We are here to help all boats rise together”). In fact, much of what the initiative does is to directly benefit Jewish organizations. They provide grants for organizations wanting to improve or expand their teen programming and also offer training, professional development and staff support to those organizations.

The grants that they offer can “elevate the programming that is already happening in this community or to take the financial barrier off of an organization or institution to be innovative and to create something relevant for the teens.”

Of all the different populations to focus on connecting to Jewish life, why teens?

“I think it all comes from when I had the most Jewish transformative experiences in my own life. I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where you would think immediately ‘There is Jewish people there?’ So being Jewish, small in numbers, but a very mighty community. It instilled this sense of pride in me and I was so moved and impacted when I was a teen, that I really see potential in this population,” she said.

This population (Gen Z) and their predecessors, millenials, who are now in their 30’s, seem to mystify older generations.

And while all generations mark change, the

confusion (or outright disdain as all generations continue to illustrate our anxieties of the future) for “kids these days,” is one true constant. In engaging with the youth in a meaningful way, Rebecka has some insights.

“It is not just your typical teen anymore, you can’t even use the word typical,” Rebecka said.

“We have learned that social media is very powerful, but it is changing all the time. Facebook is not the answer anymore, but it is the answer to reach parents. Instagram is the way to reach your teens, but not by putting an emoji on a caption,” she said.

And in helping people reach teens, the Initiative is a resource, and also the people of that age group that are already involved.

“Talk to your teens. Whether they are your teen leaders or your teen participants, they are your best source of information to stay relevant for their peers. Through all the experimentation that we’ve done in the past three years of the initiative… we’ve found peer to peer engagement to be the most successful model for growth,” she said.

“In terms of teen engagement, they want face to face. The best things to do are to provide them an opportunity that they cannot provide themself,” she said.

“They are looking for mentors, they are looking for something to associate with, teens really want to be influencers. I know that if you can express a message that is relatable to the teenage population, you will truly see a difference,” she said. A Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 37

FEATURE: The Samuel Project

Made in San Diego

San Diego International Film Festival Presents “The Samuel Project”

BY BRIE STIMSON

C

ommunication between the generations is often difficult, especially when a family member has been through a traumatic experience. That’s the message behind “The Samuel Project,” a coming-of-age story about a teenager who gets to know his grandfather through a school art project.

“It was more about Samuel in the beginning when we first started and after we were going through the script with Hal [Linden, who plays Samuel,] we were discovering it’s more the kid’s story, Eli’s story, Ryan Ochoa,” the film’s producer, Steve Weinberger, tells me. “We were realizing the story should be told from his perspective.

The story harnesses an old theme: that we often don’t know what our loved ones have been through and if we don’t open the lines of communication, we may never know.

The movie centers on Eli, an introverted high schooler who struggles to connect to his father. He isn’t interested in other subjects and wants to go to art school, a career that his father thinks is unrealistic. But the opportunity of a school art project comes up. “He does his whole project on his grandfather’s past, even though his grandfather hadn’t talked about his past for about 70 years. So he ends up working for his grandfa38 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

Ryan Ochoa plays Eli.

ther at the drycleaners for free just to get his stories. Getting his story wasn’t easy,” Steve tells me.

“It’s kind of the disconnect of the three generations and the non-communication really affects everything. The fact that they can’t really have a conversation with each other in the movie until the end because of Samuel’s story, that’s really the core of what brings them together – the kids’ art,” Steve explains. “His art project literally brings the family together. It wouldn’t have happened without that project. Samuel would have never told his story, the kid never would have had the confidence to do what he did ... It’s really the non-communication between the three generations.”

The Old Globe Connection The film was entirely shot in San Diego and many of the actors were pulled from a production of Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” that was playing at the Old Globe at the time. “They had just an insane cast,” Steve says. He thought Hal Linden, who was playing Gaston in the play, would be perfect for Samuel. “I knew that he was going to be here,” Steve says, “so, long story short, we went through about four or five people, his agent, who got him the script, we met for

lunch, that’s kind of how it started.” He says once Hal was onboard everybody wanted to work with him. “He was already in San Diego, had an apartment here,” Steve says.

“Me and Marc [Fusco, the director,] would go meet him at this bar across the street from the Old Globe like every night of the week where the cast and everybody were hanging out and Hal would have his glass of wine, and he would sit with the script for two hours at the bar until it closed; and then we’d do it again the next day after the play.”

Steve met Mark Fusco about 10 years ago at Comic-Con and they became writing partners. The story is inspired by Steve’s cousin, Leslie Schwartz, who was a Holocaust survivor from Hungary, and although Samuel’s story is fictional, it is loosely based on Schwartz’s experiences. When Schwartz was in the camps he was saved by a “woman in Germany that actually would feed him bread through a fence ... on her way to work,” Steve tells me. “Leslie never talked about what happened to him just like Samuel. [You] weren’t supposed to talk about it. He says it was an entire generation that didn’t talk about their experiences. “Eli says to his dad, ‘Didn’t you know Grandpa’s story, what’s the deal? How did you not know?’ He says, ‘Well, I tried and he stopped talking, and I stopped asking,’ and in one line, we kind of sum up the whole story.”

The story was by Steve and Marc and the script was written by Marc and Chris Neighbors. “Kind of me, him and Hal really worked on the script a lot, but as far as the actual writing of the script it was Mark and Chris, and of course, Hal was a big force as far as the story goes: what we should keep, what we shouldn’t keep,” Steve says. “It became like a different story. It became more of the kid’s story than Hal’s and not Samuel’s.”

There were several other actors from the play who were also in the movie, including Liza Lapira and Philippe Bowgen. Ochoa, of Disney Channel fame, is also a San Diego native. “We actually had Donald Faison attached to the film, but then he got a pilot and had to leave the film. But then we ended up getting another guy that was in the play.

We actually went to Justin Long first, but he couldn’t do it so then we went to Donald. It’s interesting, cause you’re sitting in a bar with the third guy you chose and the other two

guys are right behind him that had to pass, it was a really interesting thing.”

Steve says with Hal Linden already in San Diego, shooting the film here made the most sense. Filming took about a month and Linden stayed in San Diego for an extra two weeks – there were even a few days when he was shooting during the day and doing the play at night. “Which really messed him up cause ... it was just hard for him to remember all the lines from his play and he was doing rehearsal during the day ... He’s literally like playing Samuel then at night playing ... a French dirty old man dude in a bar ... It was funny cause he’d forget what was going on,” Steve laughs.

Steve is a native San Diegan himself. He moved here when he was 11 and grew up in Tierra Santa. After graduating from San Diego State University, he taught special education and didn’t become a writer until he was 40 and was taking a turn as the stay-athome parent.

Ochoa in Balboa Park.

The San Diego Jewish Academy Connection The film shows a lot of San Diego, including the downtown skyline and Balboa Park. “We did shoot the movie at the San Diego Jewish Academy ... they were great to us, they were amazing,” Steve tells me. In the film, SDJA masquerades as the public high school Eli attends. “They let us shoot the movie there and interrupt their school day.” The exterior of Eli’s house is in Clairemont and the interior is in La Jolla. For Samuel’s business, “we used a dry cleaner in Shelter Island,” Steve tells me. “We literally kept the drycleaner open, so people would bring their clothes in during a scene and we freaked people out because Hal Linden would be like the guy behind the counter and people would be like ‘oh my g-d, what? ... We’d have to say cut and then someone would literally come in with their four or five items, drop them on the counter and then the lady who worked there who was ducking in the corner so she wasn’t in any of the shots would have to run up.”

Now in Theaters The film won the Best Audience Film award at the LA Jewish Film Festival. It opened nationwide in New York at the end of September and made its San Diego premiere at

Hal Linden and Steve Weinberger.

Hal Linden and Ochoa by the bay.

the San Diego International Film Festival before opening in theaters here last month.

The filmmakers attended the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis in September and opened in LA and 25 plus cities at the beginning of October. “We got in AMCs and Regals, which is like impossible for a tiny movie like ours, like that never happens,” he adds.

He says the story is important to them as filmmakers, and at festivals across the country they have gotten standing ovations and people thank them when they leave the theater.

“You can call it a Jewish movie,” he says, “but it really isn’t. It really affects everybody.” A

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 39

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PHOTOS BY ED MEISAROSH

THEATER: Jana Meisarosh

A Lifelong Obsession with Yiddish And She Didn’t Even Know She Had Jewish Ancestry!

BY PAT LAUNER A scene from Jana Meisarosh's play ”Wooden Wars, or, Anybody Can be Jewish These Days.”

“Yiddish redt-zich.”

So says Joanna (Jana) Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh, citing an ‘Old Country’ saying, ‘Yiddish Speaks Itself ’ meaning that “other languages have to be learned or studied, but Yiddish just pours out of your mouth.”

It pretty much did for Jana.

“My neshama [soul] speaks Yiddish,” she asserts.

Jana (pronounced Yana) was born in in Kielce (in Yiddish, Keltz, a name derived from the migrating Celts, who once stopped there during their journey across the European continent). It’s a small town (current population 196,000) situated between Warsaw and Krakow which, she notes, was “in the pupik” [belly-button] of Poland.

“It was famous for being the site of the last pogrom in history,” Jana says of the 1946 assault on a gathering of Holocaust survivors that was the deadliest attack against Polish Jews since the end of the second world war.

Jana’s father was a musician who taught violin and performed with the Kielce Orchestra. Her mother taught English, though

she never taught it to Jana, who learned it much later; she acquired a number of other languages first: Polish, Czech, German, a bit of Hebrew, then Yiddish, and finally, English.

“My father was the quintessential man from the shtetl,” says Jana, though she only knows that in retrospect. “But my mother was from big city people, from Warsaw. As atheists and aristocrats, both vilified in Poland, her family was as doomed as his was.

Her mother had Yiddish-speaking friends, with whom she shared intellectual conversations, and a sense of having lost everything.

Most of them left in 1968, when the Jews were kicked out of Poland.”

Her parents “got together through Communism,” Jana says. “But they were so different. There were lots of crises and drama. I was an only child, caught in the middle. But they’re still married after 35 years. And still in Poland.”

It wasn’t until she was 20 years old that Jana found out she had Jewish roots. Her family had been visiting her paternal grandparents. Having left something behind,

Jana went back to the house and found her grandmother lighting what turned out to be Shabbat candles.

They refused to give her any explanation.

“They were not eager to share their Jewishness or their Yiddish with me,” Jana says.

“It wasn’t the fashion of the time. They were not feeling secure in Poland, and they wanted to belong. So they never told me anything.”

She went on to verify her heritage on her own, by means of family history (from neighbors more than relatives) and with genetic testing.

“That just reinforced my Yiddish interests,” she says. “I had started learning Yiddish before I knew I had Jewish roots.

Even without Jewish roots, I would have continued what I was doing. I studied Jewish studies and Yiddish because I felt they were a significant part of Polish culture, and they resonated with me. I wanted Yiddish to be a living language. I wanted to spread it around, or I feared it would die.

“My first Yiddish class was a summer class at the University of Vilna, Lithuania,” she Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 41

recalls. “No university in Poland taught Yiddish at the time. Later, Poland had a few good years – in the 2000s, when my friend worked at a Yiddish radio station in Warsaw, and I did Yiddish theater. But that’s all gone now.”

Bitten by the Theater Bug When she was young, Jana recollects, “Somebody took me to church. And I thought, ‘Oh my G-d, I want to be a priest – up there onstage! When I was 11 or 12, my mother took me to theater, and I knew that was really what I wanted. There was only one theater in Kielce, but my parents took me all the time. It had 200 seats; it used to be a brothel. At first, I wanted to be an actor, but I soon realized you have more agency as a director.”

At 14, she went to Krakow to continue her high school education, studying theater for three years under “a Polish national figure who was brilliant, but cuckoo. But he inspired me a lot.”

The teacher was part of the avant garde Polish theater movement. Jana describes the approach as “very metaphorical. Theater made with one chair and two good actors. It was very powerful. It really moved me.”

She went on to graduate from the University of Wroclaw, Poland, with a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in Polish Philology, which was, she explains, “rhetoric, all related around theater. It was literally Jewish Studies.”

During her third year of university, Poland entered the European Union, and she realized that she could study anywhere. So she spent time learning about Jewish culture and theater in other places: Leipzig, Prague, Vienna and Bucharest. She took classes or summer workshops in Yiddish and Yiddish culture in Paris, Brussels, London, Strasbourg, New York and Tel Aviv.

“It was such a good opportunity,” she says. “I was born under Communism, when all the borders were closed. That officially ended in 1989, but it was still in the air in the ‘90s. Only in the 2000s was it finally over and I could travel.”

“But these days,” she says, "most of the Yiddishists are based in the U.S.” Still, when she wanted to create Yiddish theater, she went back to Warsaw, to reunite with her family and to write a book.

The result, “Death or Resurrection: Contemporary Yiddish Theater in Europe and its Historical Background,” was published in Polish in 2015.

She plans to translate it into English.

A few years after graduation from the University of Wrocklaw, Poland, in 2010, she received funding to become a Ph.D. candidate in Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Michigan. Thus far, she has obtained graduate certificates in Jewish Studies and World Performance Studies.

In 2011, at a Yiddish dance party in Philadelphia, she met Ed, who would become her husband later that year. He has an interesting history, too. He was born in Ukraine, so Russian is his first language. When he was three, his family moved to Israel, with the goal of settling in the U.S. By age 10, he was living in Brooklyn. His mother and grandmother spoke Yiddish, but not to him. (Jana has since been remedying that).

At the University of Michigan, her advisor was “the Slavic Department Yiddish guru.” She also took courses in playwriting, directing and screenwriting. She wrote a trilingual play (in Polish, English and Yiddish), "Wooden Wars, or, Anybody Can be Jewish These Days.”

All this time, she and Ed stayed in touch, and visited when they could (he was still in Philadelphia).

“But I was such a workaholic,” she confesses. For three years, she had little time for anything but her studies. Then, she became ill and had to take a leave of absence from school.

“I was always very sick as a child,” she says. “I have an auto-immune condition, just like my mother.”

Jana recently took another leave, returning to Poland to take care of her mother. By that time, she had already moved to San Diego, where Ed was working as a lawyer at Qualcomm.

42 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

PHOTOS BY ED MEISAROSH

Jana and Ed at their second "theatrical" wedding.

A Double Wedding When they finally tied the knot, she and Ed had two weddings. One was a basic event at San Diego City Hall, and the other, on Cinco de Mayo 2017, was “a theatrical production, re-creating a Yiddish wedding.” Not long after, Ester Lilith, now 18 months old, was born.

Also in 2017, another seminal event: Jana founded YAAANA, the Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America, with a mission to promote Yiddish language and culture through academic and artistic events and through Yiddish food. (Yale Strom and Elizabeth Schwartz are among her board members).

“The goal,” she says, “is to make Yiddish culture hip, modern and interesting.”

In the United States, she feels, “Yiddish has been trapped within two discrete, hermetic spheres: the ultra-Orthodox sphere, which engages the religious aspects of Yiddishkeit, and the academic sphere, which tends to study secular Yiddishkeit of the past. As a result, Yiddish language and culture … is often viewed as a relic of the past, and fails to find resonance in daily life and modern culture.”

Jana had her calling. She began teaching Yiddish language/culture classes at the JCC and at Temple Adat Shalom in Poway. Under the umbrella of her organization, she gave Yiddish theater lectures; screened the video of her play, “Wooden Wars;” attended a Yiddish Theatre conference in Romania and presented at others around the U.S.; was invited to sit on a playwriting panel; and recently hosted a Yiddish Rosh Hashanah party at her home.

All her events, either low-cost or free, are filled with Yiddishkeit, laughter and what she calls “good Yiddish food.”

“One of my missions for the organization,” she explains, “is multi-generational events. It’s very important to me to get young people interested in Yiddish; that’s crucial to its survival.”

She also hopes to start a Yiddish dinner theater (with subtitles, so everyone can follow; she’s searching for an appropriate venue).

Over the years, in both Europe and the U.S., Jana has taught, directed plays, written theater reviews and journalistic articles, and made many conference presentations. She’s currently working on a Polish translation of “Vagabond Stars: A World History of Yiddish Theater,” by Nahma Sandrow.

This month, she’s teaching a class at the JCC, “Learn Yiddish Through Song” (every Wednesday evening in November), which promises to explore Yiddish songs “from the satirical to the sublime.”

On Sunday, Nov. 18, she’s giving a talk at Temple Adat Shalom, entitled “Yiddish Theater: From Broder Zinger to Soviet Spies.”

The Broderzinger, or Broder singers, from Brody in Ukraine, were Jewish itinerant performers in early 19th century Austrian Galicia, Romania and Russia. They were among the first to publicly perform Yiddish-language songs outside of Purim plays and wedding parties, and were an important precursor to Yiddish theater.

As for the spies, Jana is referring to Yiddish theater in Warsaw under Communism (her dissertation topic).

“The Yiddish theater was sponsored by the government,” she says. “Thus, many actors were spying on each other, helping the government control what was going on in the theater.”

Here’s what her presentation flyer says: “How old is Yiddish theater? Is it just plays that get translated into Yiddish? Wait! Isn’t Yiddish dead? Don’t be a nudnik! [a pest, a bore]. Come learn the answers for yourself!”

Consider that your wide-ranging invitation to all Jana’s ambitious, high-spirited programs and projects. A For information about Jana’s and YAAANA’s activities, go to yaaana.org.

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 43

FEATURE: Women of the Wall

Women of the Wall at Tifereth Israel Synagogue

BY TIFERETH ISRAEL

C

heryl Temkin, an Executive Member of the Speakers Bureau for Jerusalem-based Women of the Wall (WOW) will be the featured guest speaker at Tifereth Israel Synagogue on Friday evening, Nov. 16. Ms. Temkin will share some history of Women of the Wall as well as the current challenges.

Women of the Wall, (Neshot HaKotel) is a group of Jewish women from Israel, and around the world, who strive to achieve the right to wear prayer shawls, pray and read from the Torah collectively and out loud at the Western Wall (Kotel), Judaism’s most sacred holy site and the principal symbol of Jewish peoplehood and sovereignty. Women of the Wall work to make it a holy site where women can pray freely. Women of the Wall is comprised of women from all denominations of Judaism – Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Masorti, Renewal and Reconstructionist.

The group not only seeks empowerment at our most sacred site, but also strives for recognition of women’s prayer service by the legal and religious Israeli authorities.

Members span the political spectrum and embody a message of tolerance and pluralism. The group works to further their mission through social advocacy, education and empowerment.

In 1967, the authority of the Western Wall was handed to Orthodox religious governmental authorities, a partition was placed at the site to segregate men and women and new rules began to be implemented regarding women’s prayer. Also in 1967, the Pro44 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

tection of Holy Places Law was voted in.

Since then, women’s prayer has been decided by the “local custom” of the Western Wall, as defined by the Authority of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, appointed by the president and prime minister. As the rabbi appointed to this position is an ultra-Orthodox rabbi and also the head of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, he commands that women pray in complete silence, with no group prayer, no tallitot and no Torah scrolls.

Women of the Wall began to pray together monthly at the Kotel in 1988. Women of the Wall spent over 10 years in the first Supreme Court struggle for women’s equal rights at the Western Wall. In the final decision, the Supreme Court instructed the government to build a prayer space in the Robinson’s Arch area on the southern end of the Western Wall. Courts later concluded that this was not done in accordance to specifications.

The Plan for a Pluralist Section at the Kotel In keeping its responsibility to pursue all significant opportunities to realize WOW’s mission, the board decided to enter into negotiations with the Prime Minister – through Avichai Mendelblit, Cabinet Secretary – for a third, pluralistic and equal section of the Western Wall. Unlike the current men’s and women’s sections, this section would not be administered by Rabbi Rabinowitz, Administrator of the Western Wall and Holy Places. The pluralistic section would be fully

integrated, equipped as a prayer space and would allow for both egalitarian and women’s prayer.

In January 2016, after two and a half years of negotiations, the Israeli government approved a plan for a pluralistic prayer section of the Western Wall. Unfortunately, immediately after the plan was voted upon and passed by the Knesset, the ultra-Orthodox parties demonstrated against it and demanded that the agreement be rescinded.

Until the construction and implementation of this pluralistic section, Women of the Wall continue to pray in the women’s section.

While men have been allowed to pray freely at the Western Wall since its liberation in 1967, women have been forbidden from many of the same rights. For more than 29 years, Women of the Wall has struggled to achieve gender equality at the Western Wall. What will it take to ensure that the freedom of religious expression will become a social norm in Israel? How can egalitarianism, pluralism and respect become the “new” status quo at the Western Wall and throughout Israel?A Ms. Temkin will speak after the congregation’s 6:15 p.m. Shir Chadash Shabbat Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Shabbat Dinner. Paid reservations for Shabbat Dinner must be received by November 9th and may be made online at tiferethisrael.com/events/ wow/ or by phoning 619 697-6001. Tifereth Israel Synagogue is located at 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd., San Diego, 92119.

FEATURE: JCC

My Name Would be Chocolate Betzy Lynch on her first year as CEO of Lawrence Family JCC

BY LEORAH GAVIDOR Betzy and the J team.

A

s a people, Jews are known for adherence to tradition. But Betzy Lynch seems perfectly comfortable with change, as she proved by moving her family 2,000 miles from Birmingham to San Diego so she could assume duties as the new CEO of Lawrence Family JCC, Jacobs Family Campus, in 2017. She took the reins from Michael Cohen, who had been with the organization for 45 years.

In her first year, Betzy took on something else that was new: the inaugural “Arts & Ideas” season. The concept launched this year: a reconfiguration and expansion of the J’s offerings.

The J’s board chair Phil Ginsburg described it as a “more inclusive umbrella of cultural arts. It provides a platform to increase the quantity and diversity of the offerings.”

“In every community the role of the J is slightly different. This JCC is the first I’ve worked at with such a strong commitment to bringing arts and culture to the community, with such a robust offering,” Lynch reflected.

Underwriting events for Arts & Ideas

kicked off September 27 with a visit from comedian Phil Rosenthal, creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” His new series, “Somebody Feed Phil,” premiered on Netflix in January. The evening at the J included a screening of the Tel Aviv episode and a conversation with Rosenthal and another visitor, a photographer for Israel Eats. A member of the Israeli consulate general in L.A. and the founders of restaurant Puesto, who attended classes at the JCC as teens, brought their perspectives as well.

“It was amazing,” Lynch told me the morning after the event. “A conversation about Israel without the politics. Instead the discussion was about how the food of Israel combines the beauty and flavors of a blend of cultures, showing how people in Israel are coexisting in a way the news doesn’t tell us.”

The idea behind the Arts & Ideas concept is to appeal to more varied attendees with events throughout the year, literary and otherwise. Previously called “Bookfest” and happening just one week a year, now programming will run year-round and hopefully reach more people.

“One of our new underwriters told me she

was so excited that our book talks were running all year-round,” said Betzy. “Because she hadn’t been able to attend the Book Fair/ Bookfest for years and was finally going to be able to make it to an author event.”

Highlights of upcoming literary events include an evening with “The Simpsons” writer Mike Reiss, a visit from cookbook author Dorie Greenspan (inventor of Lemon Goop), and a conversation with the head writer/director of the first Israeli Netflix series, “Fauda.”

Among many other guests, November brings musician José James with a tribute to Bill Withers and archivist Mark Cantor with rare film clips from his jazz and blues performance collection.

“It’s been very successful,” said CJC board chair Todd Allen of the first Arts & Ideas season. “We’ve seen events selling out, and we’re seeing new faces, as well as continuing to reach our existing patrons.”

Betzy’s main focus is to make the J “as welcoming as possible.” This applies to both the physical location on Executive Drive and the J’s presence throughout the community. She envisions an expansion of offerings Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 45

Betzy and Spencer Lynch with annual Gala patron party chairs Susan and Jim Morris, Humphrey's 2018.

that transcend bricks-and-mortar to engage more folks who are not able to make the trip to La Jolla.

“We are just one dot in the middle of the whole county,” Betzy points out. “The vastness is a challenge.”

One of Lynch’s strategic initiatives is to take advantage of “well-baked” partnerships to identify remote communities and individuals, and then develop programs to engage them. For example, partnership with the Jewish Federation of San Diego, PJ Library and Shalom Baby has helped identify Jewish families who want to be more involved.

“We’ve hired three women/mothers to begin the engagement of young families in the Jewish community,” said Lynch. And she wants to see more of that. But the idea is not to build more physical JCC spaces.

“We have to be nimble,” Lynch emphasized. She envisions the J responding to the needs of these communities using existing public spaces to host programs and events.

“We’ve seen significant progress in outreach,” said Allen. “Betzy is dedicated to moving the community forward together.”

As for more people walking through the doors at the Jacob’s Family Campus on Executive Drive, Lynch said she’s not sure of actual numbers. But she did share a story 46 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

with me about visitation for this year’s high holidays that illustrates an anecdotal increase.

“During the high holidays, our staff sets out apples and honey for everyone who comes in. We ordered 4,000 honey sticks, thinking, from past years’ experience, that it would be enough and we would even have extras. But by Yom Kippur all 4,000 were gone.”

1.5 million people visit JCCs nationally each week, Lynch quoted for perspective.

Her hope is that those who attend events put on by the Lawrence Family JCC and the Center for Jewish Culture will experience Jewish life in a way that speaks to each of them as an individual.

“She introduced more Jewish-ness,” Phil Ginsburg described, “from an educational standpoint.”

Ginsburg said Lynch’s first year “exceeded all expectations.” He was quick to say Betzy is “extremely hardworking, intelligent, experienced and engaging.”

He even coined a term to describe the manner in which she gets things done: “Lynch speed.”

For example, when the director of the Center for Jewish Culture left, Betzy saw an opportunity. She wanted to better understand the CJC, which is part of the JCC

but operates as its own entity. After consideration and consultation she decided to step in as its new director. Thus, with support from Brian Garrick, Director of Cultural Arts Programs & Festivals, “Arts & Ideas” was born.

“Overarchingly, the embrace has been incredible,” Lynch said of the welcome she has received from the community. “It’s been a gift to myself and my family.”

Lynch is grateful for inheriting the legacy of Michael Cohen, and for the warm and generous group of lay-leaders she has found at the J. She is inspired by the unwavering commitment of the staff.

After 15 years working in Jewish community centers in the South, Betzy has firsthand experience of the varied roles JCCs can play in different communities. In Birmingham the Jewish population is around 6,000, and in Memphis around 12,000. She seems to be adjusting to San Diego’s much larger Jewish community just fine.

“I’ve only heard positive things,” said Ginsburg.

To be thorough, I asked Betzy about any negative feedback.

“If I could make everyone happy, my name wouldn’t be Betzy, my name would be chocolate.”A

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BOOK REVIEW: The Weight of Ink

“The Weight of Ink” I

BY PATRICIA GOLDBLATT

think we often look for Jewish connections and enquire of friends and family about “Jewish geography”: points from which to unravel our identity as people belonging to a particular religion with shared knowledge, ideologies, beliefs, customs and traditions.

A friend of mine remarked that a certain reviewer she knew was always looking for books with Jewish themes. Not surprisingly, that reviewer lectures mainly to book groups at synagogues, so why wouldn’t her topic revolve around authors whose interests relate to Jews? And yes, I agree it’s important to empathize and stretch, expanding our perspectives beyond one’s own realm, but oftentimes when we peer deeper into ourselves, we begin to understand others better.

“The Weight of Ink” by Rachel Kadish has been making the rounds – especially as a Jewish book award winner – it has attracted attention. The story contains two entwined stories, one in 1660, the other in 2000. Documents secreted in a hidden cubbyhole of a house are the rallying point for a story that showcases the lives of two independent women, the main protagonist, orphaned penniless Ester Velasquez from Amsterdam and Helen Watt, a historian from London. Unlike Ester, Helen is not Jewish, but has had a meaningful relationship with Dror, a Holocaust survivor in Israel. As well, Helen has lived on a kibitz around the time of the War of Independence.

Life in Israel stimulates an interest and an enduring remembrance of a Jewish love. She has a sketch of Masada on her walls and is drawn to research that recalls her passion for the country.

Similar to A. S. Byatt’s construction of a historian’s unearthing important documents in the book “Possession,” Helen is the taciturn seeker who initiates the search into Ester, the young Sephardic woman, an anomaly 48 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

for her times. There are many parallels between the women: their questing, intelligent minds, their unfulfilled love lives, their strong sense of self and disregard for authority, especially male imposition. Complimenting the story are other Jewish women, not side figures who are poorly written, but memorable women with their own personal ambitions, histories, desires and limitations due to the times into which they were born. For example, stoic Rivka, a survivor of Polish pogroms; flirtatious, wealthy Mary, a confused teenager abandoned by her father, whose adventures lead her to danger, Ester’s Portuguese mother whose discussions regarding love are perplexing confidences to the developing Ester. All women have deep connections to Judaism: of what is written, allowed and forbidden.

The Inquisition has damned Jews in Europe and, depending on the particular King who sits on the throne in England, Jewish lives are accepted, ruined or made miserable. In all cases, anti-Semitism is promoted.

In one shocking scene in the novel, in order to save their lives, the “ Jewesses” Ester, Rivka and Mary, must turn over Mary’s family house and its contents to the Church, rather than be put to death by a mob pelting windows with excrement and stones.

Even the Jewish men in the story are multidimensional – from Aaron Levy, an American doctoral candidate who works with Helen in the rare manuscripts department to blinded Rabbi HaCoen Mendes who encourages Ester as his scribe and confesses that she is one of the two brightest pupils he has ever taught: the other being the excommunicated Spinoza. HaCoen Mendes regrets the role he has played in Ester’s life, accepting guilt on his deathbed that he encouraged her studies, allowing her to be his scribe when her brother could not – particularly in a time when wom-

en’s learning was not tolerated. Ester, distressed by betraying Mendes’s trust through her dalliance in correspondences, tells herself she would not have changed a thing.

To confound the notion of love and loyalty, is Alvaro HaLevy, whose father signs him up for the life of a sailor, and Mary’s lover, Thomas Farrow, ribald actor and disgraced son who refuses responsibility in regards to his deeds. Laced throughout are troubling writings considered heretical, some by the banned Spinoza who equates G-d and nature. For Jews in 1660, to even consider such thoughts, but even worse to put pen to paper to share these speculations, was reason for excommunication, treason and death.

But the protagonist, Ester, is fascinated and troubled, pondering ideologies and ontologies while her female contemporaries plan marriages and provocative dresses. So too, Helen is a serious scholar whose discovery of Ester as author is a breakthrough advance for feminist history.

In her 1988 book “A Poetics of Postmodernism,” Linda Hutcheon refers to books like this as “historiographic metafiction.” Such novels display a special awareness of the relationship between history and literature. They combine real events and lives from the past, unconcerned with accuracy. Kadish uses the Plague and the Great Fire of London along with real documented facts and attitudes held by the English towards Jews, even situating Ester and Mary at a play that resembles Sir George Etherege’s “The Comical Revenge: or, Love in the Tub” (1664). Her protagonist Ester is a creation, her relationships fictional, yet Ester is the readers’ gateway that brings insight and awareness into lives lived by Jews at the time, but especially of Jewish women.A

FEATURE: GI FILM FESTIVAL

When the Smoke Clears

BY JACQUELINE BULL

A

t the GI Film Festival in San Diego this past September, a film titled “When The Smoke Clears,” won best documentary feature. “When the Smoke Clears” directed

by Rebecca Shore, tells the true stories of Israeli soldiers helping each other to return to society and rebuild their lives with serious injuries.

This is the director’s second film, but she had been involved in film production as partial director, producer, or writer roles for numerous films.

“I did really want to have the opportunity and challenge to do the full directing job, which isn’t just being on the shoots, but it is also being responsible for you know so much other things like the look and feel of the film and the whole animation and the music, so you know it was a real chance to step and go for a whole other opportunity in terms of creativity and input and stuff. And it was big.

It was a lot of work. I really had a new appreciation for the directors I worked with after directing this film,” Rebecca said.

Rebecca and her husband work together at Imagination Productions and are often approached with films or pitches to produce.

One of these films included a story about a brotherhood of wounded soldiers that help support each other and the individual experiences of two soldiers.

“Gil’s story and Ofer’s story were so compelling, that my husband was like ‘Well if you guys are interested, we would be willing to take this and basically remake it,’” she said.

“It was amazing to meet these guys. They are just incredible people. And being in their presence is really such an honor. They’ve had many people ask to make films about them and they agreed to let us do it, so it was just really an opportunity, kind of ‘How can you say no when they’re giving us a chance?’” she said.

One of the most striking parts of the film is the animated sequences of the veterans' recounting the missions that led to their traumas. These black and white animations put the audience into the middle of the action and along with the narration from the soldiers, the scenes are immensely evocative and immersive. It is so well executed that it is a surprise to know that the choice to do animations initially was because the film didn’t have the budget to do a live action remake.

“We had to get real creative, basically [laughs]. I think it stretches you as a director when you have limitations. Which I think comes up more in documentaries because you are dealing with live peo-

ple,” she said.

Limitations like how much access and time an interviewee can grant and getting people to explain painful stories that make it difficult to want to sit and tell in front of a camera.

Rebecca explained they were not able to do the stories service with a live action remake, but animations done tastefully without blood and gore would be better for the film.

While this is not the only film to try and shed light on PTSD, Rebecca explained she connected with the aspect of hope and how their community is helping people move forward in life after their trauma.

“The idea of vulnerability, the idea of resilience – it’s not just what they went through, it is the ability to get up and rebuild your life. There is such a universal message in that for people that we felt strongly that is something we really want to share,” she said.

Winning best documentary feature at the GI Film Festival showed that they resonated with people close to the story. And in showing a film about Israeli soldiers to an American audience, this illustrated both the differences in the cultures surrounding the military and the universality of being a combat soldier, (“War is war and trauma is trauma. There is a common language that all these soldiers have.”)

In Israel, the mandatory draft and the experience of being at war for so many years creates a unique sensibility.

“Everybody here knows someone in the army. And we all as a country experienced multiple wars. I think the Israeli experience, when it comes to veterans, when it comes to the army, it is culturally different… Part of the film was to explain that culture,” she said.

While there is significant support for soldiers in and out of combat in Israel, Rebecca explains there is a tradition of sorts of not wanting to undermine morale by sharing the realities of their experiences. “The need to be strong permeates society here,” she adds.

But just as the brotherhood of wounded soldiers is hopeful, so is Rebecca, “Films are powerful. They can really open people’s hearts and minds and give them a different perspective. It is kind of addicting [laughs].”

The film is still making the rounds of film festivals both in the U.S. and abroad and is slated to be released on Amazon video this winter. You can also request a community screening on their website at imaginationproductions.com.A

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 49

FEATURE: United Jewish Federation

Seeing the Light

Michael Jeser on His New Role as President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County

BY LEORAH GAVIDOR

W

hen Michael Jeser was forming his career ambitions as a younger man, he thought he would be a Jewish camp director. Instead his path has led to a position as the new president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County.

Jeser took the helm right before the 2018 high holidays, after 20 years working in various capacities in the Jewish nonprofit community. He ran the Hillel program at USC, worked in JCCs, and served in the Jewish Federations of Los Angeles and Portland.

Michael was born in Lewiston, Maine, where his father was the executive director of the Jewish Federation. His mother was a Jewish music educator. The family soon moved to Orlando and later to Northern New Jersey, where he attended both Conservative and Orthodox day schools and spent more than a dozen years as camper, counselor and administrator of a Jewish summer camp in New Hampshire.

Exposure to the major branches of Judaism, as well as his parents’ involvement in the community, illustrated to Michael the commitment of Jews to pluralism.

“But summer camp really cemented my sense of belonging,” he said.

College brought Michael to Arizona, where he “saw the light” of the beauty of the American Southwest. For a year after graduation he lived and volunteered in Israel, mostly in the Negev city of Sderot. Sderot is a desert community known for receiving immigrants to Israel. The experience showed him a different aspect of Israeli society than

50 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

Michael Jeser (R), the new president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County.

most North American Jews are typically exposed to when they visit.

“The country of Israel is a great experiment – absorbing people from a breadth of different cultures and generations,” Michael reflected. “I got to see the social issues immigrants struggle with on the periphery of Israeli society—high unemployment, substance abuse, poverty.”

“It gave me a chance to witness and observe how Israel cares for those who are disenfranchised.”

His time in the Negev concluded in 2000—right before the second Intifada— and his experiences helped form a foundation for the work he will do with the Jewish Federation to raise awareness of what’s happening in contemporary Israel.

“Part of our job is to develop lifelong connections—Israelis want to understand how their society is viewed, and Jews want to understand Israeli society.”

One of the challenges of Michael’s new job, he acknowledged, is communicating the multi-faceted mission of the Jewish Federation. His main priority as a leader is to make sure people know that if they have a certain interest or passion and want to get involved in the Jewish community, all it takes is a conversation with him or his staff to get started.

He summed up the work of the Federation succinctly, emphasizing that he did not want to put limits on the definition of the organization. He describes the Federation as a collection of passionate leaders, volunteers and donors working together to enhance Jewish life here, in Israel and throughout the

diaspora.

“If we boil it down, it comes to three things: helping Jews in need in San Diego, North America, and around the world; building community; and fostering a sense of pride in Jewish peoplehood.”

Jeser sees a major part of his job as fostering relationships with other Jewish organizations. He is excited by existing partnerships and sees new conversations and ideas circulating about how to collaborate with community organizations on increasing accessibility to participation in Jewish life.

“We have a great deal of power when we work together.”

During his first 90 days at his new post, Jeser plans to meet as many people as he can.

Before he took the job, he heard that San Diego had a warm and welcoming Jewish community, and he has found that to be true. He is grateful to learn how many people are invested in and supportive of the Federation’s success. He’s also glad that leaders have been open with him about the challenges they face.

As he becomes more familiar with San Diego’s Jewish community, Michael plans to bring his knowledge and experience to crafting a vision for the Federation under his leadership.

Michael lives in Carmel Valley with his wife Laura and their two-year-old, Eleanor.

He invites people to say hello at the upcoming Men’s Event on Nov. 29 at the La Jolla Torrey Pines Hilton. Guest speaker Ethan Zohn will share his experiences as the winner of Survivor Africa and a cancer survivor.A

FEATURE: Jewish Thanksgiving

J

Where We Fit In Thanksgiving and Judaism

BY RABBI JACOB RUPP

ews love their holidays—Jewish holidays, American holidays, you name it. Yet whereas other ‘American’ holidays like Halloween, Xmas and New Year’s may raise eyebrows with their pagan origins and its appropriateness for Jews to celebrate, Thanksgiving seems to be the all-American holiday that the Jewish community can celebrate with good conscience.

Yes, you read that right. Despite Halloween being a fun opportunity to dress up, Xmas a time for Chinese food and blue and white lights and New Years a time for champagne and streamers, these holidays are all pagan ceremonies, which were often marked throughout our history with pogroms and anti-Semetic events.

Thanksgiving, however, seems like a wonderful concept for the Jewish community to embrace. In 1861, when Lincoln made the day a national holiday, he wrote, “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things (our preservation of a nation or our great resources). They are the gracious gifts of the Most High G-d, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”

Sounds pretty Jewish!

Fast forward to 2018. If you ask the average person on the street what Thanksgiving is about, hakarat hatov to the Ribbono Shel Olam (Hebrew for recognizing the good done for us by G-d) is probably the last thing on the list. Today, Thanksgiving is about its turkey (or vegan turkey) meal, a day off from work/school, football (three games instead of one), family (perhaps) and most importantly, the day before Black Friday.

It is against this background that a Jewish person might happily say, “I love to shop and eat, so let’s celebrate Thanksgiving.

After all it’s not a religious holiday!” From 30,000 feet, however the irony and tragedy couldn’t be greater. First of all, the concept of appreciation to G-d isn’t something as Jews we need or do once a year. It is or should be the foundation of every moment in our lives!

Tony Robbins didn’t create the concept

that successful people start their day with gratitude, or that by focusing on the good in your life you’ll live happily. We did! Our earliest writings, legal texts, and spiritual guides are chock-full of this concept. The very first idea presented in the legal text that lays out all of Jewish observance and daily practice is “I always am focusing on G-d.” We don’t need, or shouldn’t need, a once a year opportunity to thank G-d for the bounty in our lives. As Jews, we should be doing it weekly (on Shabbat), daily (in the morning blessings), or CONSTANTLY by how we live our life.

According to Jewish law, the first thing we say in the morning is (rough translation) “Thank You G-d for another day!” and the last thing we say in the evening is “I forgive anyone who wronged me and thank you G-d for the day!”

Let’s be honest. The modern Thanksgiving has morphed into something that is the opposite of thanking G-d for His bounty despite our sins. It is about feeding ourselves, entertaining ourselves, and acquiring for ourselves. Sure, there’s family, but family is starting to seem like a liability or oversight. Cue every movie made about Thanksgiving where drama and comedy ensue when a person has to return for a family gathering.

In the secular and opulent background of America, the religious undertones of the day are devoured by the need to focus on ourselves. From a spiritual perspective, focusing on the ego and desire lock us from spirituality.

Not to sound like a revolutionary, but perhaps it’s time to bring back Thanksgiving. Better yet, it’s time to recognize that even if we are following Lincoln’s word to the T, for Jews who are, as scripture says “Children of the Living G-d” once a year just isn’t enough to reflect on the bounty of our lives and see everything as extensions and expressions of Divine love. By changing our focus on the day itself, and bringing more appreciation to G-d into our lives, we should not only expand our consciousness but also experience a Divine flow of more blessing and happiness.

Enjoy your turkey! A Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 51

FEATURE: Sandalim

For All Those Who Came on Summer or Year Course Programs to Israel

BY SYBIL KAPLAN

W

hen I came to Israel in the late ‘50s on the Young Judaea Leaders course, and a few years later, leading the college-age Student Zionist Organization trip, the first day orientation included changing money and a walk on Jerusalem’s triangle—King George for falafel; Jaffa where we got off the bus from Bet Hakerem; Zion Square where the movie house was located; and Ben Yehudah for gift shopping.

Along the way, we all bought sandals. I preferred a sturdy, brown style but not the classic “sabra sandal” and a pair of white sandals for Shabbat and special occasions.

The Eretz Israel Museum in Ramat Aviv, a suburb of Tel Aviv proper, recently exhibited, “The Sandal—Anthropology of a Local Style.”

Our guide, Michal, was a personable, knowledgeable young woman who had been a guide for seven years. She told us

52 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

this museum is the third largest in Israel, founded in the 1950s and has 10 pavilions.

After passing the first archaeological site in Israel and learning the reason the museum was built at this site as a museum of ethnography and history, we passed the various pavilions dedicated to different kinds of materials like glass, ceramics, coins, post and stamp communications, folklore and man and his work.

The Migdal is for temporary exhibits like this one.

As we enter, we see it looks like a shoe store. Here the story can be seen through styles and functional objects.

In the Judea desert caves, sandals from the Bar Kochba era 132 to 135 CE were found. Next is the Nimrod vintage collection including the “sabra sandal,” created by the Rosenblatt family who came from Galicia in the 1930s and settled in Tel Aviv.

The father was a shoemaker. His son was a shoemaker in Holland then immigrated to Palestine in 1933 and to Tel Aviv in 1935.

In 1937, he and his sons produced and repaired shoes. Later, in 1944, they registered their shoe company as Nimrod, and he was responsible for the design of the biblical Israeli sandal. The two-strap sabra sandal was actually Roman, developed for the 1st-2nd BCE Roman legion.

The Nimrod manufacturers had a factory in the 1970s in Hebron, then by the 1990s, the manufacturing was moved to China,

although the Hebron factory continued to manufacture sandals for Jaffa, East Jerusalem and Acre under the brand name Camel.

Today, Nimrod has a store at 185 Diengoff.

The company still maintains its principles for the local consumer as simplicity, minimalism and comfort.

In 1989, the Shoresh Sandal Company was established offering rubber and cloth sandals instead of leather, a symbol of people connected to the land.

Next in the exhibit were the sandals made in Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar, resembling the Birkenstock designs, of leather as a built-up slip on. It later became known as Teva Naot.

The last part of the exhibit was a mock shoemaker workshop from Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar. This kibbutz began making sandals for its members in the 1930s and continued until the 1990s. In 2005, it reopened its workshop to make sandals.

The exhibit was created by curator Tamar El Or, professor of anthropology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She is author of “Sandals—An Ethnography of Israeli Style,” published in Hebrew; in English, her paper “The Soul of Biblical Sandal: On Anthropology and Style” was published in “American Anthropologist.”

This was truly a memorable exhibit, especially if you’ve ever bought and worn Israeli sandals! A

FEATURE: Hanukkah

Hanukkah’s Happening at JCC

BY BRIE STIMSON

G

et ready for two different but equally fun events at the beginning of December, as both Hanukkah and a special CJC event called Tapestry will be a little earlier this year.

Tapestry, which was in January last year, will precede Hanukkah on the first day of the month and is a good way to get into the Jewish mindset before the holiday begins.

Hanukkah Happening The next morning, on Sunday Dec. 2, the JCC will hold their annual Hanukkah Happening, which attracts well over 1,000 people from across the county each year. The event is in its 34th year. “It’s a community wide holiday extravaganza for really everybody, all ages,” says JCC preschool Director Fran Forman. She says everyone is welcome. “Many families come from across San Diego, and we set up in our gym and outdoors, and we have games and crafts and prizes. There is kosher and dairy food that’s offered, we have entertainment.”

The event also serves as a fundraiser for youth scholarships so children can participate in their summer camps and preschool. Each of the 15 preschool classes donates items for a themed gift basket that is then auctioned during the event and the money goes toward the scholarships. The themes for the baskets might be anything from princesses to Paw Patrol to Judaica. “We put these baskets together and families bid on them and many times – last year it was pretty amazing – one family bought two baskets and decided to donate all of them to families in need,” Fran says. “One mom brought two baskets and brought everything as gifts for children in Rady Children’s Hospital. She brought her children with her from the preschool so the children learn about the joy of helping others and sharing ... So it’s also a giving back opportunity for us,” Fran says.

They start planning for next year’s event as soon as it ends and each year they make im-

provements. “What we did last year to make it a little bit different, is we focused the activities of the children on the older children a little more,” she says. “We have the preschool part dialed in and we definitely have many, many, many activities ... for preschoolers, but what we were looking to do last year is to attract the older brothers and sisters of these children.”

Fran works with her partner, Sandy Siperstein-Rafner, who is the camp/youth director and many volunteers. “We have a great committee of volunteers of parents who take direct leadership roles,” Fran says. “We work in partnership with them to facilitate the Hanukkah Happening. A lot of parents of young children who are busy – they’re busy people – and they really help make this happen. We couldn’t do it without them. We have a big committee of parents who help with this.”

“We really want people to know that there is a place to go to completely celebrate Hanukkah,” Frans says of the happening. “We love our neighbors and we participate in this world, so there’s plenty of Christmas for us to participate in, but this event is exclusively Hanukkah and that’s what makes it so exciting. It’s a countywide event that we can bring children of all the ages to be during the month of December to be exclusively participating in Hanukkah activities.”

Tapestry The evening before the Hanukkah Happening is Tapestry. “It’s an evening dedicated to Jewish learning and community building,” says Rabbi Lenore Bohn, director of Jlearn, which focuses on adult Jewish education.

“We invite teachers from all over San Diego to each present one to two hours of a presentation on a topic they love teaching.”

Attendees register for Tapestry at 6 p.m. and there’s an array of lectures they can attend.

Some of this year’s topics include food justice, Lilith the precursor to Eve in the Torah, the divisiveness of Israel on college campuses,

among others. “We hope that people in the community, whether or not they’re affiliated with a synagogue, will want to come and be in this learning environment in order to build community,” the rabbi says. The evening will start with a Havdalah service. “And this year because the event is happening in December, which is erev erev Hanukkah, we’re also having a latke bar with a few different kinds of latkes for people to enjoy before they begin their study.” Attendees can choose which lectures they want to attend and they will be able to listen to two, the first from 7:30 to 8:20 p.m. and the second from 8:30 to 9:20 p.m. “They can learn hopefully from a teacher they haven’t been exposed to before,” Rabbi Lenore adds. “We work very hard to invite presenters both from academic Jewish life and from the local rabbinate and cantorate and we hope that people will take classes, will sign up for sessions with people that they’ve heard about but haven’t been exposed to yet as a source of learning.” At the end of the evening there will be a dessert service where attendees can discuss and compare notes on the classes they took.

There will also be entertainment this year with Cantor Cheri Weiss and the San Diego Jewish Choir. The choir will perform during registration, at the break and during the dessert reception.

The program is “popular with people who appreciate the opportunity on a Saturday night to be exposed to big ideas and new ideas and challenging ideas,” Lenore adds.

“So although we encourage the speakers to be entertaining and interactive, we want to attract people who welcome an additional opportunity in their week or month or year to be exposed to Jewish wisdom.”

In the last two years, more than 400 people have attended Tapestry each time. The program is now in its third year. A For more information on either event go to lfjcc.org.

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 53

DIVERSIONS: Simpsons

Gal Gadot Visits Jewish Heaven in ‘Simpsons’ Episode

BY GABE FRIEDMAN | JTA NEWS

G

al Gadot helped kick off the 30th season of “The Simpsons” with a slight Jewish bang.

The Israeli actress played herself in the season debut in late September, which also included a short trip to “Jewish heaven.”

In the episode, Bart nearly dies and claims to have seen Jesus. Christian producers attempt to make a movie out of his experience, and Gadot is brought in to audition for the role of Bart’s sister Lisa.

At the movie’s premiere, Gadot hands out hot dogs, a reference to her stunt with Jimmy Kimmel at the last Academy Awards.

Later in the episode, Bart finds himself in “Jewish Heaven” (the Simpson family is not Jewish) with the likes of Joan Rivers, King David, Golda Meir, Albert Einstein and Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky, the late father of the character Krusty the Clown. Gadot is there, too, and says “They like me so much I get to visit,” according to Haaretz.

“Jewish Heaven” was previously featured in an episode in season 26, back in 2014. After Krusty’s father dies, Krusty gets taken on a tour by Rodney Dangerfield.

“There’s no Jewish heaven,” Krusty’s father tells him, Haaretz notes. “Our faith teaches us that once you’re dead, that’s it. Kaput. It’s dark. It’s cold. It’s like that apartment we lived in before I started doing weddings.” A

54 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

FOOD: Lianne Goldsmith

KITCHEN PERI PERI

with Lianne Goldsmith www.kitchenperiperi.com

Recipe from talented Sephardic Chef Stella Cohen The rich flavors of Sephardic food remind me of weekends spent at my friends’ homes.

Many of their parents and grandparents traveled to Zimbabwe from Rhodes via the Congo and I loved listening to them speaking in a flurry of French and Ladino, (JudeoSpanish) while they prepared an array of perfect savory pastries as well as aromatic braised stews served with flavorful vegetarian dishes and Spanish fried rice. Over the years, I have loved delighting my family and friends at Shabbats and celebrations with a number of those memorable dishes.

Thanksgiving gives us all an opportunity to share our best foods for the family feast, – traditional turkey as well as an assortment of delicious exotic flavors. I have decided to add a few vegetable dishes from Stella Cohen, a fellow Zimbabwean who continues to master the art of entertaining with her sumptuous traditional Sephardic feasts.

Fusulya is a simple vegetarian dish made with green beans. The dish is braised slowly, allowing the beans to become sweet and tender. It is often served with Spanish fried rice and is delicious as a meal on its own or as a complement to a meal.

I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving.

GREEN BEANS BRAISED WITH CARROTS AND POTATOES Heat the oil in a large shallow heavy based pan over medium-high heat.

Add onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened and then add sliced garlic for a further minute.

Add all of the remaining ingredients and bring to boil. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the beans are very tender and the sauce is reduced. Stir occasionally to ensure that the beans are well immersed in the sauce. If necessary add more hot water.

Taste and add seasoning as necessary.

Serve warm sprinkled with dill and drizzled with olive oil.

Ingredients: • 3 Tbsp. olive oil • 1 large onion, roughly chopped

• 2 cups peeled, seeded and finely chopped ripe tomatoes or canned chopped toma toes • 1 tender celery stalk with leaves, cut into chunks sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 tsp. sugar • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice • 500 g stringless green beans, trimmed and cut into 3 pieces • 2 medium carrots, cut into chunks • 1 medium potato, quartered • 1 cup hot vegetable stock or water • 2 Tbsp. roughly chopped fresh dill For the garnish: • 1 Tbsp. roughly chopped fresh dill • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Lianne can also be found at:

www.facebook.com/KitchenPeriPeri

| www.instagram.com/kitchenperiperi.

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 55

what’s goin’on? | BY EILEEN SONDAK | The Old Globe is unpacking its kid-friendly holiday favorite, “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” for a welcome return to the Main Stage. The whimsical Christmas classic will entertain the small-fry set Nov. 3 through Dec. 29, with its charming story set in Whoville, original music by Mel Marvin, delightful dancing and eye-popping costumes. Another take on Christmas is coming to the White Theater on Nov. 11.

The world premiere of “Looking for Christmas, the new Clint Black Christmas Musical,” is settling in for a run through Dec. 16, with songs by Clint Black (who co-wrote the book as well) and a heartwarming tale based on a military man’s return from battle in Afghanistan to search for healing with his family.

The Globe’s “Globe for All” production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” continues to feature students from the USD Shiley Graduate Theater Program weaving its magic spell through Nov. 18.

The San Diego Symphony will launch its new Rush Hour 2.0 series of short concerts with “Tao Plays Tchaikovsky” on Nov. 1 (featuring a special world premiere performance of Javier Alvarez’s new work, along with Tchaikovsky’s Concerto No. 1). That performance will be followed on Nov. 2 & 4 by “Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev,” with guest pianist Conrad Tao. Alvarez’s newly commissioned work will open this varied program. “Bernstein and His World” – which includes the U.S. premiere of Noam Sheriff’s “Lenny” – is slated for Nov. 16 and 17. Ori Shaham will perform the keyboard duties for Bernstein’s Symphony Nov. 2 (The Age of Anxiety).

In “An Evening with Matthew Morrison and Kelli O’Hara, two of Broadway’s brightest stars will join up for an unforgettable performance on Nov. 27. “Mozart and Dvorak” will be paired on Nov. 30, with Johannes Debus on the podium and violinist Jeff Thayer performing Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 (Turkish).

Broadway-San Diego will bring “Waitress” to San Diego audiences Nov. 27 through Dec. 2 at the Civic Theater. This uplifting musical (inspired by the beloved film) tells the story of a waitress and expert pie maker who seizes an opportunity to change her unfulfilling life. Meanwhile, fans of “Wicked” will have a chance to see the hit musical – with its fascinating version of the land of Oz – at the Civic until Nov. 25.

City Ballet is kicking off its 26th season with “Tchaikovsky Spectacular,” a tribute to ballet’s greatest composer. The program, ensconced at the Spreckels Theater Nov. 2 – 4, will feature live accompaniment by the City Ballet Orchestra. The program includes “Swan Lake Act II” (the iconic “White Act”) and two other pieces.

TOP: City Ballet BOTTOM: L-R J. Todd Adams, Christopher M. Williams & Richard Baird in “Holmes & Watson.”

North Coast Repertory Theatre is giving Sherlock Holmes fans a thrill with “Holmes & Watson,” a mystery full of surprising plot twists and turns. The West Coast premiere of this whodun-it will occupy NCR’s Solana Beach home through Nov. 11. David Ellenstein directs. NCR’s Variety Nights continues on Nov. 5 – 6 with “Elijah Rock Celebrates the Classic Crooners,” followed on Nov. 12 – 13 by “The Year of Magical Thinking,” starring Linda Purl.

San Diego Repertory Theatre will wind down its production of “Actually” on Nov. 4. This funny, heartfelt, and provocative play, penned by Anna Ziegler, is a well-crafted new work that is as intricate and psychologically complex as a jigsaw puzzle – and it leaves it to the audience to unravel the truth

56 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

about what happened. On Nov. 21, the Rep will present a “sequel” to Ibsen’s masterpiece, “A Doll’s House.” Dubbed “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” this witty new work (which garnered eight Tony nominations) begins 15 years later, when Nora is back with a personal history of freedom and independence that is both modern and familiar. Sounds fascinating. You can see for yourself until Dec. 16.

Coronado Playhouse is ready to unleash the charm and musical dynamite of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” on audiences at the playhouse on Nov. 16.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical classic about the trials and tribulations of Israel’s favorite son will light up the stage through Dec. 16.

La Jolla Music Society continues its 50th anniversary season with two performances of “Shadow Land” at the Spreckels Theater on Nov. 10.

Moxie’s staging of “Fade,” a co-production with TuYo Theater, will continue through Nov. 11. The show focuses on writing for TV, something the playwright knows all about from her own experience.

Cygnet Theatre will get a jump on the holidays with the timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” coming to the troupe’s Old Town Theater home on Nov. 28. Sean Murray is directing the popular seasonal offering, which runs until Dec. 30.

The Lamb’s Players continues its Southern California premiere of the new musical, “Persuasion” through Nov. 18.

“Persuasion” is based on Jane Austen’s masterwork and features lavish period costumes. The show was directed by Robert Smyth.

JCompany’s 26th season features “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” a new musical based on the Hugo masterpiece.

The show has songs from the Disney film, and was directed by Joey Landwehr. You can catch it at the La Jolla JCC before it closes on Nov. 4.

The Welk Theatre is back in business and getting set to deliver a jaunty musical comedy – the live version of the popular film, “Mama Mia.” The show will be performed on weekends through Feb. 24. A sit-down dinner is available prior to the performance.

The Museum of Art is showcasing “Tim Shaw’s Beyond Reason,” an exhibition dealing with themes of global terrorism, free speech, abuse of power and artificial intelligence. Shaw’s work will be ensconced through Feb. 24.

Also on view is work by Mexican sculptor Javier Marin. The museum has opened its vaults for “Visible Vaults,” a collection of 300 pieces, including works by Andy Warhol, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec and other great artists. This fascinating exhibition is set to close Nov. 12.

The Timken Museum is highlighting “Rococo Rivals & Revivals,” an exhibition that explores the style that flourished in the 18th century. The show, ensconced through Dec. 30, includes important works borrowed from around the country.

Among the standouts are paintings by Jean-Antoine Watteau, Francois Boucher, and Jean-Honore Fragonard – and three contemporary porcelains by Chris Antemann.

The San Diego Automotive Museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a retrospective exhibit running through Jan. 27. It will feature vehicles that have been on display since its opening in 1988.

Birch Aquarium is featuring “Hall of Fishes,” which also serves as a working laboratory. Birch has an installation on light by scientist Michael Latz and another exhibition that helps you understand Scripps’ expeditions to discover and protect the planet. “Expedition at Sea” includes a 33-foot long projected triptych and hands-on learning opportunities.

The newest exhibition at the Birch is “Research in Action: 100 Island Challenge,” an exhibit that explores the way reefs are adapting to our rapidly changing planet. Also on display is “Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collection,” a comic book-inspired exhibit that highlights amazing adaptations of ocean species.

The Reuben Fleet Science Center will be showing three films: “Great Barrier Reef,” Pandas,” and “Aircraft Carriers: Guardians of the Seas.” Also at the Fleet is the “Renegade Science Project,” which takes visitors through the park for a 90-minute exploration. The Fleet is offering “Dream, Design, Build” – an exhibition that explores the Fleet’s collection of interactive engineering activities (and will remain on permanent display) and “Myth Busters: The Explosive Exhibit” – a hands-on, family-friendly experience that combines popular scientific facts with innovative displays. “Myth Busters” has been extended through Jan. 6. “Taping Shape 2.0,” which uses hundreds of rolls of packing tape to create a world of translucent spaces and tunnels, is also on view.

The museum has several other permanent exhibitions, including “Don’t Try This at Home,” “Tinkering Studio” (which has evolved into “Studio X”), “Block Busters” and “Origins in Space.”

The San Diego History Center is featuring the first exhibition in Balboa Park exploring San Diego’s LBGTQ+ community. The History Museum’s permanent exhibition, “Placed Promises,” chronicles the history of the San Diego region – and the America’s Cup Exhibition – highlights the sailing race held in San Diego three times since 1988.

The Natural History Museum recently added “Escape the Nat” – an escape room experience that dares you to solve puzzles and save the world. “The Backyard” – a new gallery for the 5-and-under set – and “Backyard Wilderness” (a 3-D film) are also on tap. The NAT is featuring “Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary people: A History of Citizen Science.” Among the items on view in this exhibition are rare books, art and historical documents.

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 57

the news JNF Names New San Diego Board of Directors President

Shari Friedman Schenk, the director of business development at San Diego plaintiff’s law firm CaseyGerry, has been named president of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) San Diego Board of Directors for a two-year term.

New Project to Study the Career Development of Educators in Jewish Institutions of Teaching and Learning CASJE (The Consortium for Applied Studies in Jewish Education) recently announced the launch of a major project supported by the William Davidson Foundation and the Jim Joseph Foundation for comprehensive research on the pipeline and “career arc” of educators working in Jewish education. The two-year project is supported by generous grants totaling $1.5 million from both foundations, and will yield findings to be shared broadly with the field of Jewish education and engagement.

“We are embarking on a timely project that promises to yield new key findings and data on critical issues that affect the work of educators in Jewish institutions and the needs of the field,” says Michael Feuer, CASJE co-chair and Dean

“Sandemonium” is coming to the LFJCC Temple Beth Shalom’s 60th Was a Success

Nearly 100 people came out last month to celebrate Temple Beth Shalom’s (TBS) 60th anniversary. Speaker Dr. Joellyn Zollman spoke of the Jewish families who settled in the Southbay area of San Diego County and noted that at its inauguration, rabbis from San Diego as well as Christian leaders were in attendance. The audience went on a tour of TBS through the lens of Alex Hurtado Photography and plaques were given to supporters of TBS. The plaques had side by side photos of TBS in 1958 and a current photo, along with a personal inscription. Louis Vener, whose father Samuel Vener was a founder of TBS was in attendance. Dr. Robert Towne, who served as a Cantor for 13 years, and his wife also attended. The Chula Vista Art Guild displayed paintings and Andrew K. Roth Pottery was sold out. Lastly, Yale Strom and Hot P’Stromi treated everyone to a medley of Yiddish songs.

58 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

Sandra Bernhard from Broadway’s “I’m Still Here… Damn It!” is performing a one-woman show of comedy and music. Bernhard is the host of the SiriusXM radio show “Sandyland” and is considered a pioneer of the one-woman show with a blend of commentary, cabaret, and edgy political commentary.The show will be on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre. Visit lfjcc.org for more information.

of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at The George Washington University, home of CASJE. Rabbi Mitchel Malkus, CASJE cochair and Head of the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, adds that “The support of the William Davidson Foundation and Jim Joseph Foundation enables CASJE to conduct this project on a national scale and to gather and analyze data about educators, where they work and the professional preparation they receive.

This data will be of significant value to the places at which these educators work. Moreover, we hope to help the field understand the needs of educators to recruit and retain the most talented people.”

Meetings and Events for Jewish Seniors

SDJA to Offer Half-Price Tuition to Kindergartners and 9th Graders San Diego Jewish Academy’s new Open Door program will offer half-price tuition for children in kindergarten and 9th grade starting in the 2019/2020 school year. SDJA hopes to offer half-price tuition to all grades in subsequent years.

“Open Door can be an absolute game changer for San Diego Jewish Academy to welcome families in the area who felt our school was beyond their reach,” says Chaim Heller, Head of School at San Diego Jewish Academy. “Now,

Jewish War Veterans of San Diego, Post-185 Contact Jerome Klein at (858) 521-8694 Nov. 11, 10 a.m.

more students can benefit from the worldclass SDJA educational experience. Critically, we also will have more resources to continue to hire the best teachers and to offer more tuition assistance for all students at any grade. Everyone wins with this model as more families experience our welcoming, strong and vibrant community.”

Special Screening of “The Last Survivors – Echoes from the Holocaust” at Jewish Collaborative

The Survivor Mitzvah Project and Jewish Collaborative of San Diego are presenting a special screening of the documentary feature “The Last Survivors – Echoes from the Holocaust” in commemoration of Kristallnacht at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9th at the Jewish Collaborative of San Diego in Carlsbad. The screening will be followed by a discussion with filmmaker Zane Buzby.

SDJA named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School

Veterans Association of North County, Post-385 Contact Marsha Schjolberg (760) 492-7443 Jewish War Veterans meetings Nov. 11, 11 a.m.

On the Go Excursions Contact Jo Kessler (858) 637-7320 Nov. 11, 1 p.m. Take a day trip to Solana Beach with a performance of “Holmes & Watson” with the North Coast Rep theatre. Registration is required and cost is $55.

North County Jewish Seniors Club at theOceanside Senior Center Contact Josephine at (760) 295-2564 Nov. 18 12:30 p.m.

JFS Balboa Ave. Older Adult Center Contact Aviva Saad (858) 550-5998 Nov. 21. The JFS of Balboa Ave is having a Thanksgiving celebration.

Lawrence Family JCC Contact Melanie Rubin (858) 362-1141 Nov. 30, 10:30 a.m. A middle east update with Dan Schwimmer. Price is $4-$6, register by Nov. 20.

The San Diego Jewish Academy’s lower school (Golda Meir Lower School) has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. They are being honored with the award of an Exemplary High Performing School. Very few Jewish private schools have received this award and SDJA is the only Jewish school receiving the award this year.

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, San Diego Chapter, Hold Annual Gala Nov. 10

The San Diego chapter of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) will hold their eighth annual gala on Nov. 10 at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront on Park Boluevard. FIDF is a nonprofit that offers educational, cultural, recreational and social services programs and facilities that provide hope and support to soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. Esther and Carlos Michan will chair the gala. For more information contact sandiego@fidf.org.

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 59

ADVICE

ASK MARNIE

by Marnie Macauley asksadie@aol.com

Fear of Camp halom, San Diegans: For this issue, my fabulous editor said the theme is “camps.” I hoped I had misread it and she meant “lamps” or maybe even “vamps.”

I stand before you humbly and admit: “I was a campaphobe.” At age 11, my nickname was “chubbist,” and my mother wrote notes that started with “Dear Gym Teacher, Marnie can’t participate in your class until her chronic infection clears up … ” Then it happened. Our next-door neighbor told my parents about a Jewish camp her children “loved.” The camp people visited us with film accompaniment. “Oh! Look at the lake!” my mother geschreid. And the bunks that smelled like moldy pine. (I could tell).

And crafts? There were ashtrays and lanyards and macramé thingies. “We’re Jewishy so we light Shabbos candles. And … we get them up at 6:30 a.m.” said the peppy hefty camp owner, “to get them ready for Color War!” I was doomed!

Back then, in post-war America, when Jews who weren’t orthodox were assimilating some of these “Jewishy” camps put on a Jewishy face, but it was the same old, same old.

I became a problem camper before 12step programs. When teams were chosen, I was the weapon each team wanted to foist upon the other. So how, then, could I possibly write a piece on “camps?”

I get emails constantly from young campaphobes who dread the thought.

“Dear Marnie: My parents say Jewish camp will be good for me. But I can’t swim, don’t care, and want to be the next Sarah Silverman.”

60 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

“Marnie: I go to Day School, Shul and we keep a kosher home. Now I’m signed up for Jewish camp. Is there such a thing as being too Jewish?” (“P.S. Don’t tell my parents I wrote that.”)

“Marnie. I’m a nerd. I just want to stay home and work on my idea for hi-fi wi-fi.

But everyone says I need to be well-rounded!

I like being a square peg! I’m now going to a Jewish camp for nerd-“re-assignment.”

GETTING IT: YOUR PERSONAL JEWISH CAMP STRATEGY Well, I thought, my experience was generations ago, maybe things have changed? I learned, thank G-d, they have. Back then, as many Jews were assimilating, unless the camp was religious, many “Jewishy” camps had more to do with who went than what was offered. A Shabbat prayer was often the extent of “Jewish.” That, and 200 mamalas jumping into a freezing lake, playing softball, and singing” “With a gu-un, with a gun! Ya’ cain’t get a man with a gun” for parents’ visiting day.

No more!

JEWISHNESSES: Today camps have managed a creative intermingling of Jewish values, the Jewish experience, and Jewish culture in activities. No simple candle lighting lip service. Many of the finest camps have set both in a new context: one of adventure, fun, passion and options.

TIP: Watch the film! (OK, the YouTube).

Look for the ways the camp imbues Judaism with a sense of fun, community, comradery

and new traditions. At one Jewish camp, plays may be performed in Hebrew or Yiddish. At others, Havdalah services are held on the waterfront. Coming up with new “camp songs,” uniforms, humor, raids, can be both meaningful and hysterical. Toasting bagels and blintzes over an open fire? Sign me up. See how the Camp makes Judaism come alive in a new way in a new environment.

“I HATE HIKING:” OPTIONS: As with secular camps, there are Jewish camps that specialize, whether it’s science, sports, acting, surfing, sailing, cooking, you’ll find a camp that, instead of making your child cringe, will throw him or her new curves on the journey.

TIP: For those who say, “Wait … David needs more science? What about walking?

Exercising? Hiking!?” Don’t worry. When your David meets a freckled-face Rachael or a new bff, Jeremy who’s into geology, they’ll talk … as they race by the lake. They’ll climb to test rocks … in the mountains. They’ll be surrounded by the majesty of science, nature and wonder, ask and debate the big questions in the context of a belief system. Far better to allow your David to discover new ops than by forcing him into track shoes.

“WAIT! YOU’RE … JEWISH?” First there was “bageling,” then Jewish geography, now we’ve got “Japetizing” (no relation to the odious term). It ain’t just lox.

For some it’s hummus or kosher chili wings (ya’ll). Picture it. Your Benjy has grown up in a “lite” Jewish home in San Diego. At

SYNAGOGUE LIFE

EVENTS Thanksgiving Food Drive with Beth El

shul, at school, on the block he’s met Benjys and Beccas. They look, talk, act like affluent San Diegans. At camp he’s meeting Jews from Jerusalem to Genoa, Jewish kids with widely different backgrounds, cultures and passions that give him an authentic experience of the larger community that shares – a singular community. One you can’t get on Facebook or Instagram.

TIP: Let’s be honest here. Without lecturing from you, your Benjy now knows there’s a world of difference from his new campy bffs, many he’s kept up with. Trust me. When he’s 22 you won’t hear: “I’m just not attracted to Jewish girls.”

And while we’re on the subject …

COMMUNITY & UNITY: In today’s political and social climate, yet again the world and we Jews are in a perilous place. In this world values and morals are being re-written, “convos” consist of staring at our palms or reducing words and feelings to under three code words. In this world, a million “hits” or anonymous “friends” mask and distance, and unity is too often over destroying rathIN 24isolation HOURS. er than building. Today’s Jewish camps foster the Jewish values of community and positive unity face to face and without gimmickry.

FINAL TIP: Jewish parents for thousands of years, regardless of how we practice, want to raise children with empathy, the confidence to embrace this journey full-out, with independence grounded in real values. In a word … a good Jewish camp can create “mensches” – for a lifetime.A

THROWING A SIMCHA? WE CATER ANY EVENT! • BAR/BAT MITZVAH PARTIES • WEDDINGS • GRADUATION PARTIES • CORPORATE EVENTS • 30-5,000 PEOPLE • KOSHER PLATTERS • BARUCHA LUNCHEONS

ALWAYS COOKED FRESH ON-SITE! • Rotisserie Free Range Chicken • Kosher Slow-Cooked Brisket • Whole Rotisserie Lamb • Grilled Salmon & Mahi Mahi • Choice cut Roast Beef • Rotisserie Marinated Turkey • Shabbat Luncheons

Nov. 1-13, 8660 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92037 Beth El is collaborating with Western Service Workers Association to collect and distribute food to families in San Diego. They are collecting typical Thanksgiving items (cranberry sauce, turkey, cooking pans, etc.) as well as money donations. Visit cbe.org for more information.

Kol Tefillah Musical Service with Tifereth Israel

Nov. 9, 6 p.m., Helix Brewing Co., 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd., San Diego, CA 92119 Welcome Shabbat with music and joy and communal prayer. A potluck dinner follows. Visit tiferethisrael.com for more information.

Screening of The Last Survivors with JCo

Nov. 9, 7 p.m., 7805 Centella St., Carlsbad, CA 92009 For the 80th anniversary of Krystalnacht, JCo is hosting a special screening of “The Last Survivors: Echoes from the Holocaust.” Tickets are free, but RSVP is required to reserve seats, visit jcosd.com.

Soul Food Shabbat with Beth Israel

Nov. 9, 8:30 p.m., Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Centre Dr., San Diego, CA, 92122 Feed the soul with prayer and contemporary music for an informal service and Oneg. Visit cbisd.org for more information.

Men’s Club Luncheon with Beth Israel

Nov. 11, 12 p.m., Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Centre Dr., San Diego, CA, 92122 David Ward, Ph.D, will be the guest speaker at the Sunday luncheon to discuss hearing loss and hearing devices. Cost is $12, visit cbisd.org to register and for more information.

Pre-Chanukah Arts & Crafts Fair with Ohr Shalom Synagogue

Nov. 18, 10 a.m., 2512 Third Ave., San Diego, CA, 92103 Enjoy latkes and donuts while browsing the fair for your Chanukah shopping. Visit ohrshalom.org or call 619231-1456 for more information.

858-578-8891

Minimum 50 people. Food only Exp. 03/31/2016 Exp.11/30/2018

7313 Carroll Road • 92121 www.rotisserieaffair.com

*Interested in having your event featured?

Contact assistant@sdjewishjournal.com. Submissions are due by 15th of the month for the next issue.

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 61

Todd S. Frank, CLU

4275 Executive Square Suite 400 La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 202-2366 Direct (858) 922-1415 Cell tfrank@financialguide.com Life Insurance. Disability Income Insurance. Long Term Care Insurance.

Insurance Representative of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Springfield, MA 01111-0001, and its affiliated US insurance companies.

Registered Representative of and securities offered through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC and MassMutual subsidiary. 4275 Executive Square, Suite 400 La Jolla, CA, 858-558-7000. CA#0515950.

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62 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

TAKE BACK YOUR LIFE AM ISRAEL MORTUARY We Are San Diego’s ONLY All-Jewish Mortuary Serving the community for over 38 years.

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Proudly Serving Jewish Families For Over 38 Years.

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Family Owned and Operated for Three Generations.

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Serving all Jewish Families, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform.

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We can assist with At-need or Pre-need funeral planning. Purchasing cemetery plots or burial arrangements anywhere.

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We are here to help, call or email with any questions.

(619) 583-8850

6316 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego

Michael S. Duffy, D.O.Medical Director 858-263-9700 At Pacific Bay Recovery, we specialize in compassionate treatment and personalized rehabilitation for individuals struggling from substance abuse disorders and/or chronic pain. With our assistance, you can take back your life!

For a list of currents services and additional info:

www.amisraelmortuary.com Members of the JFDA- Jewish funeral directors of America, KAVOD - (Independent/Family owned Jewish funeral directors) Consumer Affairs Funeral and Cemetery division CA, Lic. #FD-1320

Morton Libin - Encintas Robert Carter - Vista Lewis Klein - San Diego Eve Leoff - San Diego Lila Mehrlust - San Diego Michael Penn - San Diego Sara Rosenthal - San Diego Emma Frischer - National City Jonathan Moss - San Diego Jon Eichler - San Diego Stanley Middleman - San Diego Dorith Amos - Chula Vista Ilya Beylin - San Diego Charlotte Friedenberg - Murrieta

www.pacificbayrecovery.com Serving Southern California

1501 Fifth Ave., Ste. 201, San Diego, Ca. 92101

May their memory be a blessing.

Alicia Duek, Askenazi - San Diego Pacific Bay Recovery_0417_.25.indd Diane Kaufman - San Marcos Jill Schlafman - San Diego Alen Wasserman - Imperial Beach Lillian Hoffman - San Diego Herbert Plastik - Chula Vista Geri Sappington - El Cajon Peter Lee - Carlsbad Barry Friedman- Sherman Oaks Robert Sunstein - La Jolla Erin Simmons- San Marcos Barbara Levy - Santee Bert Epstein - San Diego Shlomo Konfino - San Diego

On behalf of AM Israel Mortuary, We extend our condolences to the families of all those who have recently passed. The families of those listed above would like to inform the community of their passing.

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1

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AM ISRAEL MORTUARY We Are San Diego’s ONLY All-Jewish Mortuary Serving the community for over 40 years.

(619) 583-8850

Members of the JFDA- Jewish funeral directors of America, KAVOD - (Independent/Family owned Jewish funeral directors) Consumer Affairs Funeral and Cemetery division

6316 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego For a list of currents services and additional info:

www.amisraelmortuary.com CA, Lic. #FD-1320

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 63

EVENTS

Cantor Deborah Davis

Design Decor Production

Custom Wedding Ceremonies

Let us work together to create a wedding ceremony that reflects the joy of your special day.

Mitzvah Event Productions

As Humanistic Jewish clergy I focus on each couple’s uniqueness and their love for each other. I welcome Jewish, interfaith and same-sex couples. I also perform all life-cycle ceremonies.

LYDIA KRASNER 619.548.3485 www.MitzvahEvent.com

member of

lydia@mitzvahevent.com

The Joyous Music of Tradition and Transition.

Let the award-winning

Second Avenue Klezmer Ensemble

provide your wedding or Bar/Bat Mitzvah with lively, authentic music. Tradition has never been so much fun!

For further information please contact

Deborah Davis • 619.275.1539 www.deborahjdavis.com

JEWISH COMMUNITY Welcoming babies and families to San Diego’s Jewish Community ARE YOU EXPECTING A BABY OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS? Shalom Baby is an innovative program designed for San Diego families to celebrate the arrival of their Jewish newborns to affiliated, non-affiliated and inter-married families as a welcome to the San Diego Jewish Community.

For information call Deborah Davis: 619-275-1539

To hear samples, visit our website: secondavenueklezmer.com

To receive your Shalom BaBy BaSkeT and for informaTion conTacT: San Diego .............. Judy Nemzer • 858.362.1352 • shalombaby@lfjcc.org North County......... Vivien Dean • 858.357.7863 • shalombabyncounty@lfjcc.org www.lfjcc.org/shalombaby • www.facebook.com/shalombabypjlibrarysandiego Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS, Mandell Weiss Eastgate City Park, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-1348

JUDY NEMZER Shalom Baby/PJ Library Coordinator l

Fabrics for Fashion and Home

Visit our Giant Store & Warehouse 907 Plaza Blvd. • National City

619- 477- 3749

9 locations in SD County Family Owned and Operated since 1953

HEALTH

64 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

Direct Line: (858) 362-1352 E-mail: littlemensches@gmail.com www.lfjcc.org/shalombaby/littlemensches l

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS 4126 Executive Drive • La Jolla, CA 92037-1348

RESTAURANTS | CATERING

FINANCE

KORNFELD AND LEVY Certified Public Accountants 2067 First Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 Bankers Hill

Serving Cuban-American Food Est. 1976

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Gary Kornfeld Certified Public Accountant

1596 N. Palm Canyon Drive • Palm Springs, CA 92262

REAL ESTATE

Coldwell Banker Royal Realty

Raul Ontiveros REALTOR Bre: 01498610

861 Anchorage Place Chula Vista, CA 91914

619 981 4704

raulontiveros68@gmail.com www.coldwellbankerroyalrealty.com

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It’s MORE than just a magazine.

IT’S A LIFESTYLE CALL Mark Edelstein 858.638.9818

marke@sdjewishjournal.com • www.sdjewishjournal.com

Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 65

JANE AUSTEN

A MAGICAL NEW MUSICAL THRU NOVEMBER 18

d the n a , r a t i u g , l Gospe

godmoth

-roll. er of rock-n

Book by Harold Taw / Music and Lyrics by Chris Jeffries directed by Robert Smyth musical director Patrick Marion / choreographer Javier Velasco

A Navy Captain returning from war a hero discovers that the woman who had hastily broken off their engagement years before remains unmarried. But he remains wounded from her snub, and she has a wealthy suitor in the wings...

Funny, heartwarming & wise, PERSUASION is a gorgeous musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s brilliant final novel with its unforgettable heroine Anne Elliot.

West Coast Premiere

Marie and Rosetta

“A DELIGHT! IF YOU’RE AN AUSTEN FAN YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS IT. IF YOU’RE NOT THIS MIGHT PERSUADE YOU OTHERWISE!” Arts Stage Seattle

“A NONSTOP ROMP!”

Seattle Post-Intelligence

“THE SCORE & BOOK ARE TIGHTLY INTEGRATED INTO THE IN STORYTELLING, AND AUSTEN’S HUMOR IS PERFECTLY INTACT!”

Seattle Times

By George Brant

Directed by Rob Lutfy

Jan. 16 – Feb. 16, 2019 Tickets: 619.337.1525 www.cygnettheatre.org 66 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2018

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December 4 – 30

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Lindsey Ferrentino

Directed By

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Every New Year’s Eve a family gathers in their Florida backyard to ring in the coming year. In between dips in the pool, politically incorrect banter and a highly-anticipated onion dip, their relationships grow and fracture in moments that become family legend. Unfolding backwards in time, The Year to Come is a hilarious and touching world premiere that shows how the promise of our future is shaped by the lens of our past.

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Jane Kaczmarek ( TV’S MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE ) Sponsored by

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LaJollaPlayhouse.org Cheshvan • Kislev 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 67