SAN DIEGO
Jewish Journal November
2020
Cheshvan | Kislev | 5781
Tapestry: One Weekend, One Community
Nov. 7-8
MIDWEST FINANCIAL PARTNERS HAS LAUNCHED OCTAVIA WEALTH ADVISORS
CREATE A BRIGHTER FINANCIAL FUTURE
We help you grow wealth and achieve the results you want by offering: • A fully customized investment portfolio
Please get in touch. Let’s explore how we can work together.
• Advanced financial tools and technologies
619.557.8241 | octaviawa.com
• Fiduciary advice that serves your best interests
7676 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 1550, San Diego, CA 92108
Octavia Wealth Advisors, LLC (“Octavia”) is a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments Inc. (“PKS”), Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207. PKS and Octavia are not affiliated companies.
2 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 3
Chabad by the Numbers...
B"H
DURING THE COVID QUARANTINE CHABAD HAS BEEN BUSY TAKING CARE OF THE COMMUNITY
Community Day of Learning (15,000+ ‘Hits’)
20,000+ Challos & Chicken Soup Distributed
Community DriveThrough Lag B’Omer Circus Celebration (2,000+ Participants)
Chabad Hebrew Academy Award Winning, SAFE, In-Person Jewish Day School
$100,000+
Distributed in Direct More Financial Aid than 10,000 Hours of Virtual Classes Thousands Attended
Our Shofar in the Park Programs
10,000+
Thousands Attended Holiday Do-itOur SAFE, In-Person Yourself Gift High Holiday Ongoing In-Person Packages Services SAFE Services
Hundreds of Baby Namings & Brisses, Weddings, and Funerals
4 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
1000+
Hours of Counseling
Millions & Millions of Smiles!
25 Chabad Centers in San Diego
SAN DIEGO
Jewish Academy
OPEN DOOR
2021-2022
Your Child’s Opportunity for Dynamic Academics & Meaningful Community
Making High-Quality Education More Accessible >> Open Door program provides at least $10K in tuition assistance for all Kindergarten and 9th grade students for 4 years
>> Additional tuition assistance to support all families >> Class sizes and large indoor and outdoor spaces enable socially distanced on campus education
>> Best in class virtual education when needed >> Innovative, cutting-edge education develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
>> Extracurricular activities for personal growth
To learn more and to arrange your virtual tour:
admissions@sdja.com call 858-704-3717 or visit sdja.com
and fulfillment
>> Student support services so all types of learners can thrive
>> Independent school with ability to quickly adapt in all situations
>> Immersive Jewish experiences in a vibrant and close-knit community
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 5
CONTENTS Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 November 2020
26
FEATURE
JCC’s Tapestry: A Weekend-Long Celebration of Jewish Learning
IN THIS ISSUE
6 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
31 34
FEATURE
Coastal Roots Farm Goes Digital with their Virtual School
ONLINE OFFERINGS
MONTHLY COLUMNS
IN EVERY ISSUE
10 From the Editor 18 Personal Development and Judaism 20 Israeli Lifestyle 22 Examined Life 24 Religion 40 Advice
14 What’s Up Online 16 Our Town 33 Food 37 Diversions 38 News
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 30 Tikkun Olam
h
Lorem ipsum
Hanukkah Happening HITS THE HIGHWAY! Community-wide, Socially Distant SCAVENGER HUNT and HANUKKAH CELEBRATION Sunday, December 6, 2020
lfjcc.org Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 7
Larry M. Katz Certified Public Accountant
SAN DIEGO
Jewish Journal
www.sdjewishjournal.com • Income Tax Preparation • IRS and State Audit Representation • Litigation Support Services • Forensic Accounting Services • Business Consulting Services Since 1983
3070 Racetrack View Drive Del Mar, CA 92014 858.461.0115 lkatz@lkatzcpa.com www.lkatzcpa.com
NOVEMBER 2020 • CHESHVAN | KISLEV 5781
PUBLISHERS • Mark Edelstein and Dr. Mark Moss EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Jacqueline Bull ASSISTANT EDITOR • Nathalie Feingold ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • Eileen Sondak CREATIVE DIRECTOR • Derek Berghaus OFFICE MANAGER • Jonathan Ableson SENIOR CONSULTANT • Ronnie Weisberg CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Bartell, Linda Bennett, Leorah Gavidor, Emily Gould, Judith Fein (Senior Travel Correspondent), Paul Ross (Senior Travel Photographer), Patricia Goldblatt, Pat Launer, Sharon Rosen Leib, Andrea Simantov, Marnie Macauley, Rabbi Jacob Rupp, Saul Levine, Rachael Eden, Sybil Kaplan. ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Jonathan Ableson – Senior Account Executive Alan Moss – Palm Springs SAN DIEGO JEWISH JOURNAL (858) 638-9818 • fax: (858) 263-4310 7742 Herschel Avenue, Suite H, La Jolla, CA 92037 EDITORIAL: editor@sdjewishjournal.com ADVERTISING: marke@sdjewishjournal.com CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS: jableson@sdjewishjournal.com ART DEPARTMENT: art@sdjewishjournal.com LISTINGS & CALENDAR: assistant@sdjewishjournal.com
Children ages 9 months to 6 years Proven Montessori Method and Philosophy Bilingual Program: English & Spanish Learning through hands-on experience Integrated secular and Judaic curriculum Skilled teachers, trained in early childhood development
SDJJ is published monthly by San Diego Jewish Journal, LLC. Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Send subscription requests to SDJJ, 7742 Herschel Ave., Suite H, La Jolla, CA 92037. 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. All contents ©2020 by San Diego Jewish Journal. The San Diego Jewish Journal is a member of the American Jewish Press Association and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Secured, state-of-the-art facilities
#SDJewishJournal
SanDiegoJewishJournal
On The Cover : “A study of the letter alef,” stencil print by Hillel Smith. Cover design by Jacqueline Bull. 8 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
1253112531 High Bluff Suite 400 400 High Dr, Bluff Dr, Suite
A lot gone intointo earning your San Diego, CAwealth. 92130 A has lot has gone earning your Sanwealth. Diego, CA 92130 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 We'll make suresure the the same goesgoes intointo helping youyou manage it. it. We'll make same helping manage www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com YouYou areare going to have to make some choices, going to have to make some choices, you don’t have to make them alone. As successful you have to make them alone. As successful asbut youasbut are, understand there's still more you want to do.to Liber Lincoln Wealth youwe are, we don’t understand there's still more you want do. Liber Lincoln Wealth Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Liber, CFP® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® ey R Liber, CFP®
has the to craft a plan help you thosethose goals.goals. Find Find out why many Ma nagement hasexperience thejobs experience to craft a to plan to President-Investments helpreach you reach out so why so many gaging Director-Investments Director-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice M a nagement Changing can difficult but we step of theofway. Changing jobsbecan be difficult butare wewith are you withevery you every step the way. people trust trust us to us help manage their wealth with itcare deserves. people to them help them manage their wealth with the it deserves. nce• Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic the #0821851 nsurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Liccare #0821851 don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Retirement PlansPlans er@wfadvisors.com • Investment Strategies don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Retirement ey.liber@wfadvisors.com • Investment Strategies Life/Disability Insurance Life/Disability Insurance Zeebah AleshiAleshi mmer Zeebah a Grimmer Investment Strategies Investment Strategies Senior Registered ClientClient Associate Consultant Senior Registered Associate ncial Consultant CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 nce Lic #O178195 CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 nsurance Lic #O178195 zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com mer@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com .grimmer@wfadvisors.com
Gil enia Gil ntociate Associate Spanish nt in Spanish il@wfadvisors.com nia.gil@wfadvisors.com
12531 H12531 igh Bluff Drive, TE 400STE 400 High BluffSDrive, San Diego, 92130 San CDA iego, CA 92130
858-‐5858-‐ 23-‐75904 23-‐7904
Jeffrey RJeffrey Liber, RCFP® Liber, CFP® Managing Director-‐Director-‐ Investments Managing Investments CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com
R Liber,
Jeffrey CFP CFP® Jeffrey R Liber, ®
Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® 12531 High Bluff 400STE 400 12531 HighDrive, Bluff STE Drive, Senior Vice President-‐ Investments Senior Vice President-‐ Investments CA 92130 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 San Diego, CA 92130 CA Insurance Lic #0821851San Diego, don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com 858-523-7904 858-523-7904
12531 High 400STE 400 12531Bluff HighDrive, Bluff STE Drive, www.liberlincolnwmg.com www.liberlincolnwmg.com San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 ® ® ® ®
Don Lincoln, CFP , CFP CIMA, CIMA Don Lincoln,
Gina Grimmer Alissa Waddell Gina Grimmer Alissa Waddell 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 Rlient Liber, CFP® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Director-Investments RDirector-Investments Liber, CFP® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Vice President-Investments Managing Senior Vice President-Investments Registered Client Associate AVP -‐ Registered CJeffrey lient Associate Registered Client Associate AVP Managing -‐ Registered CJeffrey Associate Managing DirectorInvestments Senior Vice PresidentInvestments Managing DirectorInvestments Senior Vice PresidentInvestments iGina nsurance Lic #0178195 CA insurance Lic #0I18483 CA insurance Lic #0178195 Gina CA Grimmer CA Lic #0I18483 Alissa WAlissa addell Grimmer CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 Winsurance addell CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Registered C lient A ssociate alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com AVP -‐alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com Registered C lient A ssociate Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Registered C lient A ssociate AVP -‐ Registered Client Jeffrey Associate R Liber, CFP® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey.Liber@wfadvisors.com Don.Lincoln@wfadvisors.com Jeffrey.Liber@wfadvisors.com Don.Lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA insurance Lic #0178195 CA insurance Lic #0I18483 Managing DirectorInvestments Vice PresidentInvestments CA insurance Lic Senior #0178195 CA insurance Ljeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com ic #0I18483 Managing DirectorInvestments Senior Vice PresidentInvestments eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851
Patty Patty DutraDutra Hasten Michelle elle Hasten Mich SeniorSenior Client Client Associate Associate Registered Client Client Associa SeniorSeni te or Registered Associa te Client Associate Registered Client Associate Client Associate 858-523-7904 Registered Client Associate 858-523-7904 CA Insurance #0183194 Inv Wells CA Insurance #0183194 Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member is aLic registered broker-dealer and a separate affiliate Wells Fargo & Company. Inv Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC,SIPC, Member SIPC, is aLic registered broker-dealer and anon-bank separate affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. estment and Insurance Products offered through affiliates: !NOT FDIC Insured !NO of Bank Guarantee estment and Insurance Products offered through affiliates: !NOT FDICnon-bank Insured !NO Bank Guarantee !MAY Lose Value ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. AllCA rights reserved. 88580 –v188580 -0312-2590 (e7460) (e7460) FluentYesenia in Spanish !MAY Lose Value Yesenia Gil ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All reserved. –v1 -0312-2590 CA insurance Licrights #O178195 Gina Grimmer Fluent in Spanish Gil insurance Lic #O178195 Gina Grimmer Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com Michelle.Hasten@wfadvisors.com Michelle.Hasten@wfadvisors.com Client Associate
©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, All rights –v188580 -0312-2590 (e7460) (e7460) ©2009 Wells Fargo LLC. Advisors, LLC. reserved. All rights 88580 reserved. –v1 -0312-2590 jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Investment and Insurance Products offered through affiliates:affiliates: !NOT FDIC Insured !NO Bank Guarantee Investment and Insurance Products offered through !NOT FDIC Insured !NO Bank Guarantee !MAY Lose Value YeseniaYesenia Gil !MAY Lose Value Gina Grimmer Gil Gina Grimmer
yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Registered Client Associate eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Registered Client Associate eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Fluent inFluent Spanish CA insurance Lic #0178195 in Spanish CA insurance Lic #0178195 eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com 1253112531 High Bluff 400 yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com High Dr., BluffSuite Dr., yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 www.LiberLincolnWMG.COM www.LiberLincolnWMG.COM
Wells Fargo Advisors a trade name usedname by Wells Clearing Member a registered broker dealer anddealer non-bank affiliate ofaffiliate Wells Fargo & Company . Wells FargoisAdvisors is a trade usedFargo by Wells FargoServices, ClearingLLC, Services, LLC,SIPC, Member SIPC, a registered broker and non-bank of Wells Fargo & Company .
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 9
Crafting Joy in a Crisis
I
’m feeling a weird combination of completely powerless of the goings-on of the world at large and able to have nearly absolute authority of the day-to-day of my life in my little bubble. Working from home, having an out-of-town family and robust offerings of safe social interaction with friends virtually has meant my entire existence (work, socialization, down-time, family time, hobbies, home upkeep) has been managed from the inside of my apartment and significantly inside the world of my phone and computer. I wonder if this experience is being felt by us all at this point. Something I saw floating around online was a twitter thread by Dr. Aisha Ahmad about the phenomenon of the “six-month wall.” Essentially in modes of crisis, six months often marks an adaptation phase. We’ve largely come out of high-stress, thinking-on-your-feet panic and made significant adjustments to keep moving and even to cope. And now it feels as if this crisis will last forever and the malaise and even despair can set in. Her advice is not to try to plow through the wall, but to acknowledge the inertia and ride it out until it dissipates. As crafters of our own time, we may decide to stay up late to do some work that didn’t get done during regular business hours, make a big breakfast in the morning while checking emails in between steps, or folding laundry during a meeting. Perhaps
we’ve even learned a little about our natural you are doing necessary? Is it bringing you rhythms. joy? Is what you are watching exactly what There is very little opportunity for chance you want to be watching or was it just put encounters so all socializing is intentional. in your eyeline? Again, I think we should be And with entertainment being largely on de- gentle with ourselves and our expectations. I mand–all this adds up to be that we can be- merely have a hunch that the way to get over come very exact in crafting the environment the six-month wall, or whenever the next that we want (within the constraints of our period of adaptation presents itself to you, context). If you want to immerse yourself in is to give care and compassion to ourselves a new hobby of painting, for example, you and others. If zoning out is a compassionate could fill your time with painting videos, act in that moment, proceed. If in the servirtual classes and seek out your friends with vice of zoning out we are postponing meals, this hobby to curate this total environment. hygiene, or sleep, we are actually falling prey Internet algorithms (calculations on what to our inertia and not being compassionate content is filtered to show to you in your to ourselves. feeds, ads, recommendations, etc.) are also Some Saturday mornings, the natural in the business of finding out your exact light in my bedroom is vibrant and I wake niche of the moment and keeping your at- up having slept really well and I sit on my tention. porch and watch the hummingbirds at my And as crafters of our time, I hope we can feeder and feel the sun on my legs. Then I feel this intentionality. Are we using this clean my kitchen slowly and properly and time to serve our own interests? Disengag- then make myself a big breakfast while lising and zoning in and out of trance states tening to music. If after that, the thing I here and there are a way to mentally cope, most want to do is rewatch “The Crown,” but these are survival tactics, not ones that in one go, I will, but in those days when I give much opportunity for joy or growth. get it right, I’m making my selections with You may find yourself on your third Face- intention. A book scroll of the day, on the fifth episode of a show or the second hour of the news and feel a brief alarm in your mind that maybe you don’t need to go in for another helping. Give yourself a fighting chance to listen to that alarm, get up and get a glass of water and then decide if that is indeed exactly what you wish to be doing. Is what Jacqueline Bull
From The Editor 10 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
Providing Vital Services to the Community During These Challenging Times During this unprecedented time, JFS is providing critical assistance through home-delivered meals, daily food distributions, financial assistance, and more to our neighbors struggling during this pandemic. From Response to Recovery, together we will make it through this. JFS COVID-19 Response (March 16-October 18, 2020)
Delivered more than 850,000 meals to isolated older adults
Distributed more than 310,000 meals through a daily no-touch, drive-thru service
Responded to a 250% increase in calls for assistance compared to pre-COVID-19
Provided a safe place to sleep for 214 people on average each night
If you or someone you know needs assistance please call (858) 637‑3210
Your Support Makes Our Response Possible Make a gift to the JFS COVID-19 RELIEF FUND www.jfssd.org/emergencyresponse Your gift will be matched by the generous support of Evelyn & Ernest Rady through November 30, 2020. Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 11
THE POWER OF CAMP By Dan Baer and Rachel Shyloski, MSW Registration has begun for Jewish overnight camp. For most of us, we think of sending our children for a multitude of reasons; being with friends, experiencing daily life through a Jewish lens, playing sports, connecting without the use of screens and so much more. But one aspect of camp, which we see every summer, exemplifies the real power of camp. This is the story of Alex. Harness on. Helmet on. Shoes tied. Alex’s cabin is at the high ropes course and her cabin is doing “Leap of Faith”, an element soaring over 30 feet above the ground. Alex has now watched a couple of friends do it, seeing the exhilaration on their faces when they leap off the platform, reaching out to hit the bell before they are slowly lowered to the ground. It’s her turn. After going through final checks with the Ropes Specialist, Alex hears, “Climb on” before taking the first step up the pole toward the platform. Alex has been here before but hasn’t made it more than three rungs off the ground. This time feels a little different. She is having her best summer at camp. She loves her counselors and has made some new friends. With encouragement from her new friends, Alex begins her climb. You can see her nervous energy as she approaches the fourth rung, but she’s determined to up get there. With her friends’ support getting louder and louder, a couple of other campers from a nearby group have joined to encourage her. Alex’s time at the ropes course exemplifies the goal of the camp experience, to send campers home a better version of themselves. This falls in line with the work done by Abraham Maslow, whose Theory of Human Motivation best explains why camp works. He believed people have an inborn desire to be “self-actualized,” or to be all they can be. Often displayed in a pyramid, he also posited that in order to achieve our highest potential, our basic needs (e.g. food, water) and psychological needs (e.g. friendships, feeling
of accomplishment) must be met. Our goal is to exactly that. To do this, we measure success differently at camp. Like school, we grade on a curve, but the curve is based on a scale of just Alex, instead of Alex on a scale of her class. For Alex, getting to the third rung is an average performance. Anything beyond that is worthy of calling her performance above average and a success. A study done by Princeton psychologists revealed that all it takes is a tenth of a second to form an impression of a stranger from their face. A smiling counselor, a poster with the camper’s name on it, and a clean cabin are just a few things that can be noticed within a tenth of a second. We train our staff for this, allowing us to create an instance sense of safety and security for the camper when they arrive at camp. If we nail the first impression, we can quickly move on to building relationships. Before campers ever arrive, our staff learn names, faces, and at least one thing unique about the camper. Some may consider these steps extra, but these are really what allow for our campers to climb Maslow’s pyramid and to the top of the ropes course. Coincidentally, Alex only needed one tenth of one second of courage to take her fourth step. With the weight lifted off her shoulders, she swiftly got to the top. Based on our earlier definition of success, she aced it, but in reality, that was only a small snippet of the success that just happened. Flip the camera around away from Alex and you’ll see her counselors and cabinmates jumping up and down, cheering, and high-fiving. You’ll see a couple of her friends putting harnesses on because Alex’s success is motivating them to try it. You might even see the director sending a quick note to Alex’s parents sharing her story and letting them know that Alex is ready to try new things at home too. Alex’s story is special, but not unique. Campers like Alex can push their limits and take risks because they inherently believe they are safe, allowing for amazing real and rapid individual growth in just a matter of days. Our community missed camp this year. Camp will be back because our future depends on it.
Camp Mountain Chai is San Diego’s Premier Jewish Overnight Camp. Learn more at campmountainchai.com.
12 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
A V I R T U A L C E L E B R AT I O N O F
90 YEARS OF S AV I N G L I V E S IN ISRAEL FEATURING
Jason Alexander
Miri Ben-Ari
David Broza
Dudu Fisher
Howie Mandel
Idan Raichel
Lior Suchard
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. ET Join us for a night of magical performances, inspiring stories, and extraordinary health heroes to celebrate nearly a century of Magen David Adom saving lives. Save lives in Israel and register now at afmda.org/90th
afmda.org Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 13
what’s up
online
@sdjewishjournal.com
The Man Behind the Faces of COVID Twitter Account Wants to Help America Face its Grief When Alex Goldstein first set out to memorialize Americans who died of COVID-19, he was overwhelmed by the vastness of the task ahead.
Tens of Thousands of Israelis Renew Protests Against Netanyahu Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in hundreds of sites across Israel on Saturday night, renewing a movement that had been halted by a sharp second wave of the coronavirus. The country’s second COVID-19 lockdown has kept Israelis from going far from their homes, so many smaller protests erupted in different locales. For instance, fewer than 100 people gathered in Jerusalem’s Paris Square, the site of large past protests. But as they did regularly for months earlier in the year, the protesters decried Netanyahu’s botched coronavirus pandemic response, his handling of the economy and his alleged involvement in multiple corruption scandals. Hundreds were able to gather in Tel Aviv, including many in Rabin Square and Habima Square. Police claimed that there were several injuries due to protester violence. Israel is in the midst of a strict second nationwide lockdown instituted to stop the rapid spread of the coronavirus. On Saturday, a report claimed that the health ministry believes the lockdown will last for months.
That was in March, when fewer than 8,000 Americans had died in the pandemic. Now, more than 200,000 deaths later, Goldstein is still tackling the Sisyphean task of documenting the human toll of the pandemic, on his seven-month-old Twitter account, “Faces of COVID.” Every night before he lies down, and then every morning when he gets up, Goldstein spends several hours scouring the internet for new stories to share. In 240-character narratives, he shares poignant snapshots of the lives lost along with stories from local newspapers, obituaries and photographs sent by family members. “Judaism is intentional about creating space for mourning and about not hiding from the pain but facing it directly,” Goldstein said. “I feel that in this project. I feel that every day.” Goldstein crossed the 3,000-story threshold this month, just as he also passed 80,000 followers–many fueled, he said, by a desire to transcend the increasing politicization of the virus. As the project has matured, Goldstein has branched out: He recently raised funds to produce videos showcasing first responders and educators who have died, and in honor of Indigenous People’s Day, he spent a day highlighting Native Americans who died of the virus. We spoke to Goldstein about what has surprised him about Faces of COVID, the stories that have stuck with him and how he manages to have hope. Continue reading at sdjewishjournal.com.
Registration, Lawyers and Patience: How Jewish Groups are Protecting Voting Access in 2020 If you’re in Arizona or Florida and a 585 area code pops up on your phone, you might want to answer: It could be a Jewish volunteer in Rochester, New York, whose mission it is to help you vote. The Greater Rochester Jewish Federation is one of a number of local and national Jewish organizations endeavoring to make sure eligible voters– Jewish and not–get to the polls. “The goal is really to register disenfranchised voters, specifically minority communities where access to proper information on voting access, to voter education, all the stuff that you need to be informed, and really to vote in general is really at an all-time low,” said Sarah Walters, the federation’s community relations director. Continue reading at sdjewishjournal.com.
14 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
COULD YOU HAVE GAUCHER DISEASE AND NOT KNOW IT? Bone Pain.
Nose Bleeds.
Easy Bruising.
Fatigue.
Did you know there are treatments? Common symptoms of Gaucher disease include bone pain, nose bleeds, easy bruising and fatigue. You may experience one or none of these symptoms, but could still have Gaucher disease. The condition can be effectively managed, however many are misdiagnosed or assume they were tested. Treatment options are available including oral therapies. It’s just a simple blood test. Get tested.
For testing information call 1-833-GoGaucher
©2020 Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved. MAT-US-2018551-v1.0-8/2020 Sanofi and Genzyme are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 15
our TOWN BY LINDA BENNETT & EMILY BARTELL
Although live community events have been limited, the joy we receive from our life-cycle events continues…
Mazel Tov to…
Avi Micah Lefkowitz on becoming a Bar Mitzvah on Aug. 29 at Temple Beth Am. Happy parents are Emma & Eric Lefkowitz. Grandparents Janice & Andrew Barron and Sheila & Mike Lefkowitz (of Irvine), along with siblings, Maytal and Orly looked on with pride. Justin Ari Jacobs, on becoming a Bar Mitzvah on September 12th. Proud parents are Karol & Eric Jacobs. Sibling, Alyssa, along with Grandparents Elena Shekhter and Sam Shekhter and Arnold & Roberta Jacobs looked on with pride. Kate & Ollie Benn on the birth of their son, Eli Victor, born on Aug. 6. Happy grandparents are Masha Mirkin and Vladmir Kirzon-Zolin. Naima Solomon & Jason Bercovitch on the birth of their first child, Raizel, born on March 8th. Happy grandparents are Bruce & Sue Solomon. Overjoyed great grandparents are Herb Solomon and Elaine Galinson. Jena Hirschbein & Michael Mellon on the birth of their daughter Nomi Jude Mellon. Older sister is Ruby. Also, Mazel Tov goes out to Maia Hirschbein & Justin Carter, on their daughter’s first birthday on Aug. 23. Happy grandparents are Kathy Beitscher & Isaac Hirschbein.
Ben & Annie Caspi on their daughter Sedona’s first birthday. Older sibling is Sabrina (4 yrs). Happy grandparents are Shlomo & Leslie Caspi. Daniel & Lucia Nissomov on the birth of their son, Ellis, in New York. Happy third time great grandparent is Ilene Silvers! Sharon Boner on the birth of her son, Jonah Lev Benor, born on June 5. Grandparents, Janice & Steve Boner are overjoyed to welcome the newest addition to their family. Blake & Nick Eggemeyer on the birth of their son, Hunter Brown, born on Oct. 4 in Denver. Happy first-time grandfather is Adam Leeds. Great grandparents are Nita Keith, Gary Leedsf and Julie Lessem.
Yom Huledets Sameach to…
Susan Kaplan celebrating his 81st birthday. Zane Feldman celebrating his 90th birthday. Edith Eva Eger celebrating her 93rd birthday. Celebrating wedding anniversaries with infinite love & happiness, Mazel Tov to… Bonnie & Barry Graff, 52 years. Marjorie & Michael Rubin, 52 years. Marsha & Alvin Korobkin, 55 years. Marilyn & Thomas Lieb-Schutz, 60 years. Irma & Gilbert Greenspan, 68 years. A
ROTISSERIE AFFAIR CATERING Todd S. Frank, CLU Todd S.Jolla Frank, CLU 4660 La Village Drive
4660 Jolla Village Drive SuiteLa300 Suite San 300 Diego, CA 92122 San Diego, CA 92122 (858) 202-2366 Direct (858) 202-2366 Direct (858) 922-1415 Cell (858) 922-1415 Cell tfrank@financialguide.com tfrank@financialguide.com
WE CATER ANY EVENT!
Celebrating 30 years
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parties • Weddings • Graduation Parties • Corporate Events • 30-5,000 People • Kosher Platters • Barucha Luncheons
Life Insurance. Disability Income Life Insurance. Disability Income Insurance. Long Term Care Insurance. Insurance. Long Term Care Insurance.
858-578-8891
7313 Carroll Road • 92121 www.rotisserieaffair.com
16 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020 Insurance Representative of Massachusetts Mutual Life Life Insurance Company Insurance Representative of Massachusetts Mutual Insurance Company (MassMutual), Springfield, MAMA 01111-0001, andand its affiliated US insurance (MassMutual), Springfield, 01111-0001, its affiliated US insurance
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 • Vegan and vegetarian options available
February 21, 2021 | 5:30 PM We invite our entire community to join us for this complimentary online event! Please help us as we honor our Seacrest Heroes, who are ensuring the safety and well-being of the Seacrest Village residents with love and compassion during these challenging times. Every one of our Seacrest Heroes has a Heart of Gold; we hope you will join us in celebrating them! GALA CO-CHAIRS Cindy Bloch Jean Gaylis
“Seacrest is one of the great miracles God gave me in this life!” —Joe, Resident
FUNDRAISING CHAIR Anne Nagorner SPONSORSHIP & UNDERWRITING CO-CHAIRS Jessica Chodorow Esther Fischer WOMEN’S AUXILIARY PRESIDENT Mary Epsten
“It’s been a scary few months, but I have my angels with me, the Seacrest staff.” —Trudi, Resident
SEACREST FOUNDATION presents the WOMEN’S AUXILIARY
VIRTUAL GALA PRESERVING HOPE DURING THE PANDEMIC
Start planning your watch party now! For information, philanthropic opportunities, and to RSVP please visit seacrestfoundation.org or call 760.516.2015.
MEDIA SPONSOR
All proceeds from this virtual event benefit the residents of Seacrest Village. Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 17
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND JUDAISM
THIS WAY TO EDEN by Rachel Eden rachel.s.eden@gmail.com
Everything Coming Up Daisy
T
he night is still young. I have plenty of time. We have all day. These are statements you will NOT likely hear from me. My thoughts are generally around what I can accomplish in the little time I have or how I can “buy” more time. The truth is time doesn’t work that way. We all have the same 168 hours in a week. I know plenty of high achievers that are keeping busy but feel that there is an abundance of time. They expend and invest large quantities of time in themselves and in others. Time is simply another resource that runs through them. The same principle applies to money. Money can feel tight no matter how many dollars are in the bank. The Sages teach that we should offer charity in the same generous spirit that we spend money on ourselves. Money, like time, is meant to flow through us. We gratefully receive our paycheck or bonus and we graciously spend on necessities, kindnesses and conveniences. As a matter of fact, all resources function this way. The quality and quantity of our energy, patience, love–internal and external reserves–depend on our thoughts about them. Abundance of all kinds, as it turns out, is within our reach as long as we’re ready. The logical questions that follow are: How can I acquire these blessings? If G-d is ready and waiting to shower us, then the only variable is us. How do we go about wiring our minds to become vessels of abundance? At around 9:00 p.m. on Oct. 8, 1871, a barn fire ignited in a neighborhood southwest of Chicago’s center. Irish immigrant, 18 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
Mrs. O’Leary owned a now-infamous cow, Daisy, who knocked over a lantern in the barn. The hot, dry and windy weather rapidly spread the flames. Roughly three square miles of Chicago burnt to the ground over the next 24 hours, killing around 300 people. The extensive damages were estimated at $222 million (today it would be worth approximately $4.6 billion). Despite donations from around the country and abroad, nearly one third of Chicago residents were left homeless. However, amidst the rubble and ashes came remarkable voices of optimism and determination. One such voice was John Stephen Wright, publisher and historian, who was asked by an associate, “Well, Wright, what do you think now of the future of Chicago?” Wright’s reply was, “Chicago will have more men, more money, more business within five years than she would have had without the fire.” His colleague left the conversation mumbling that Wright had gone mad. By 1873, offices, stores and hotels had been rebuilt, including the redesigned Palmer House now branded: “The World’s Only Fireproof Hotel.” By the decade’s end, a British novelist and journalist, Lady Duffus Hardy, wrote: “We expected to find traces of ugliness and deformity everywhere, crippled buildings and lame, limping streets running along in a forlorn, crooked condition, waiting for time to restore their vigor and build up their beauty anew. But Phoenixlike the city has risen out of its own ashes, grander and statelier than ever.” What did Chicago’s residents need
above all to rebuild? Simply put: a desire. Interestingly enough, we see this pattern again and again in Jewish history books. A group of people (or an individual) suffer great affliction and with superior determination and sheer will they rebuild with renewed creativity and zest. Once we have a desire or will, we can pour our attention toward generating what we want. Attention follows will, but (here’s the kicker) the reverse is true as well. Where our attention goes, our desire follows. If I instruct: Don’t think about the red dress. Don’t think about the Harley Davidson. My guess is that you’re either imagining a woman in a red dress next to a motorcycle or you’re picturing the woman riding it. Regardless of the directive being affirmative or prohibitive, we want what we hear, speak or see. What’s the lesson? Dwell on your ample resources and more will come. What we focus on, we find. Years after Mrs. O’Leary died, the original reporter who published the news that Daisy started the notorious fire retracted his story. Michael Ahern confirmed he and his colleagues concocted the whole thing. Despite the retraction, Mrs. O’Leary and her cow took the blame in the public mind and that’s all it took for a metropolis to go up in flames The legend of Daisy lives on and so does her legacy. Our powerful minds can generate or dispose of our most precious resources and everything can come up Daisy, er, roses. A
JOIN US
in Keeping it Together All Over the World
VIRTUALLY
106 countries
1,685 cities
NOVEMBER 5 – 8, 2020 Challah Bakes | Shabbat Services | Shabbat Meals Havdalah Unity Celebration | Day of Learning
shabbatsandiego.org Powered by
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 19
ISRAELI LIFESTYLE
LIVING ON THE FRONT PAGE by Andrea Simantov andreasimantov@gmail.com
Housebound with Hobbies
D
uring the first lockdown, the husband and I filled our days. He studied Torah while I cleaned closets, organized 40 years of correspondence, took naps (lots of naps) and cooked. I felt proud that we refrained from turning on the television until after dinner because I have a highly addictive personality; if Netflix calls the shots, I’m a goner. We slept late in those early lockdown-days because without work, income or scheduled appointments, there was a queer body-snatcher feel to the seemingly endless days. And we grew fat–not sloppy, flab falling over the waistband fat, but everything was pinching. I had been careful not to purchase processed foods, we had eaten at scheduled hours and I barely used sugar and polyunsaturated fats. However, we hadn’t moved. We were tired from immobility. When lockdown ended, I returned to the gym in the early mornings, began a restricted eating program and, having grown used to not driving, became less reliant on my car. I walked or took the bus on those rare excursions outside of the neighborhood and, masked and distanced, reentered the land of the cautiously-living. My husband, considered high-risk, froze his gym membership. He borrowed a spinning-bicycle from his personal trainer, ordered a not-so-foldable bench 20 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
press online and took over the guest room. Where I had once ironed, folded laundry and rested on the Sabbath when the other spaces were occupied, I now maneuvered between yoga-mats, kettle-balls, barbells and elastic tension bands. He mounted a wall-sized TV screen; my formerly quiet home became cacophonous with blaring YouTube instruction videos. Clearly my husband is a prophet because his survivalist-sports venue remained viable for “Israel Lockdown: The Sequel.” Why a second season? Because not all of us were playing by the rules. Because while I was shunning crowds and sweating under face coverings and alco-gelling until my skin turned raw, others were dancing and protesting and beaching as though the coronavirus was a pesky-gnat on the hide of a Bison. Our medical system was teetering on the brink of total collapse and victims of super-spreading events were filling beds and utilizing ventilators at an unimaginable rate. I don’t want to live inside forever. I want to dine out. I want to visit my grandchildren and picnic and sit in waiting rooms while making small talk and put on makeup for events other than Zoom conferencing. I want Shabbos guests and sleepovers. I want to go back to the gym. Most important, I want my middle room back.
Which is why, in anticipation of the end of the pandemic, I hung curtains. I made a bedspread for the high-riser and cleaned off the computer desk and bookshelves. Surreptitiously, I inched the not-so-foldable bench press toward the outer wall and adjusted the alignment of the spinning bike so it no longer lorded over the valuable floor area. Little by little, my guest room looked almost-ready for guests. We sipped our morning coffee while looking out over the valley. “Ronney,” I ventured, “When this is all over, were you planning on leaving the middle room a home gym? I don’t think we can afford the space. It’s not that I’m not using the equipment. I just don’t want it to be a forever-thing.” “Of course not! But it really has been a God-send, no? Look at us, so fit and strong and ready to take on the world! Nah, we need that room and it will only be a fun memory.” His comforting reply was peppered with a few additional ha ha’s and yuk yuk’s. The day after we took down the sukkah, a large delivery van pulled up to the building. Still in the midst of lockdown, a sign of life from the outside world felt exciting. Especially when the driver came directly to my door with a large, unwieldy box. A belated birthday gift? Or the dish drainer I was told had been lost in transit? Surprisingly, it was
METRO FLOORING Q u a L I T y y Ou ca N s Ta Nd O N
Unaffiliated in yoUr time of need i'm yoUr rabbi
WHEN YOU NEED A RABBI
Congregation B'nai Tikvah, Carlsbad
CALL RABBI BEN LEINOW
Ben Leinow Rabbi, PhD
“A RABBI WHO CARES”
Counseling & Ceremonies for:
Weddings (for all couples) Baby's Naming and Funerals Metro Flooring has over fifty years of successful experience in the flooring industry! We offer the most complete selection of carpet, natural stone, tile, wood, vinyl, and window coverings in San Diego. Together the family at Metro Flooring understands one thing better than anyone else, and that is SerViCe. We believe that customer service is the key to our operation, and we will do anything to please our customers.
858.549.2900 7340 Miramar Road, suite 100 • san diego, ca 92126
CELL: 619.992.2367 760.727.5333 email: mYrabbiben@gmail.com MFT Lic #11820
During these historic days we practice gratitude. Tasked to be thankful for the storms as well as the smooth sailing. Make each day a holiday of thankfulness. SOHO is grateful for your support.
www.metroflooring.com addressed to my husband. He came bounding out of the bedroom. “It’s here! I didn’t want to tell you about it because I wanted it to be a surprise. You’ll love it! Another activity we can share! Let me put it together and I’ll call you when it’s ready.” Stymied, I fried onions in preparation for dinner. Mysterious. No hammering. Was it an electronic film viewer or something of the sort? I’d always wanted a Kindle, but that wasn’t a ‘together’ item. “Ta da!!! Close your eyes and put out your hands.” Doing as I was told, my hands and lower arms became encased in weighted, pillowy leather. Instructed to open my eyes, I looked at my outstretched extremities. I saw black and red boxing gloves. “Come! Look! Do you believe it?” And standing in the center of the newly uncluttered guest room stood a professional-level Boxing Speed Ball Punching Bag. My silence was interpreted as glee. I had turned 65 during this last mandated quarantine but, clearly, my husband didn’t receive the memo. “Finally, you’ll add anaerobic exercise to your workout! Boxing stresses the muscles at a high intensity for short periods of time. And arm toning? Ha! Don’t thank me. Just start slow. And remember not to flail. It is important to master the snap in your punch.” Until such time as life returns to ‘normal’, you can find me in the still uninhabitable guest room each morning. I’ll be cycling some, lifting a bit and afterwards, most likely listening to the soundtrack of “Rocky” while punching away frustrations. Hopefully, each sweaty session will conclude with laughter and a dose of holy optimism. Uh, hopefully. A Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 21
EXAMINED LIFE
OUR EMOTIONAL FOOTPRINT by Saul Levine, M.D., Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry at UCSD slevine@ucsd.edu
The Appeal of Authoritarians to Malcontents and Militants
D
uring times of intense social confusion, dissatisfaction and unrest–not unlike the world we now inhabit– many people are drawn to passionate authoritarian leaders who promise security and stability, relief from worries and fears and punitive actions against dangerous “others.” Some of their supporters are respectable citizens and armchair acolytes, politically conservative voters, politicians and pundits. But there are also those who see the vitriol as an opportunity to express rage and hate, or a mandate for militancy and even taking up arms. In times of uncertainty and fear, autocratic and demagogic leaders are better able to gain the reins of power either through elections or via coups. In the last century, such strongmen (Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Hirohito, Franco, Batista, Amin, Chavez, Mugabe, Sukarno, Samosa, Pinochet) attracted zealous followers, exerted remarkable influence and often imposed brutality and bloodshed. Already in this century, other totalitarian rulers are wielding autocratic powers (Putin, Modi, Bolsonaro, Xi Jinping, Orban, Erdogan, Lukashenko, Maduro and others). The United States has been spared demagogic Presidents but there have certainly been American historical figures with outspoken authoritarian leanings: Huey Long, Joe McCarthy, J. Edgar Hoover, Jimmy Hoffa, George Wallace, Charles Coughlin and others left deep imprints. (I will not comment on the current President, leaving that judgement to your wisdom.) Authoritarian political movements are often cult-like in nature, in that they are 22 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
spearheaded by charismatic leaders, attract fervent followers (“True Believers”) and generate intense emotions and anger at some reviled “others.” I use the word “cult” advisedly because years ago I studied hundreds of members of religious cults, novel ‘intense belief systems’ in different countries. These groups had self-styled messianic leaders whose fervent devotees worshipped them as quasi-deities. Prior to joining, however, those most attracted to these groups had been dissatisfied with their personal lives and with society. They were drifting, unhappy with themselves, wondering if they would ever feel content and confident. They felt alienation from family and society (discomfort in social situations, perfunctory participation, not fitting in); demoralization (melancholy, frustration, pessimism, resentment); and low self-esteem (dissatisfaction with themselves, their directions and future). When they were exposed to true-believing groups and charismatic leaders, they were captivated by the excitement. Many joined and in their first few months of membership they felt as if they had been “rescued” from their unfulfilled lives. They felt transformed by discovering energy and meaning which had been lacking in their lives and many became zealous. (These feelings would inevitably dissipate.) They had achieved “The Four B’s” we (all) strive for: Senses of Being (feeling grounded, authentic, optimistic); Belonging (integral part of an accepting, like-minded group); Believing (commitment to values and ideology); and Benevolence (feeling of helping others).
But even in those avowedly peace-loving religious groups, there were some members (and leaders) who were particularly angry and aggressive and who wanted to ‘push the envelope’ into confrontation and conflict and sometimes violence. Fast-forward to the present when we are living in a tumultuous surreal period with simultaneous threats: pandemic; racism and other hateful “isms;” intense political polarization; gaping economic disparities; devastating effects of global warming; civilians with guns and automatic weapons. This “perfect storm” of roiling social unrest affects all ages and races, nationalities, religions and ethnicities. Some have it much worse than others, but nobody is unscathed. People are uncertain and fearful about their health, families, schooling, jobs, income and survival. They feel insecure about their personal odysseys and their future. Existential questions abound: Why are we in this situation? Where are we headed? Who is leading us? What will become of all of us? Many dissatisfied and fearful people seek solace from these stressors and some get reassured by authoritarian leaders who excite their imaginations, galvanize their energies and promise relief from unrelenting pressures. They inspire followers with their intensity and focus their rage at sinister forces. In this heated atmosphere, zealotry, hateful “isms” and conspiracy theories abound and can easily become breeding grounds for militancy. Malcontents and militants are captivated by fiery speeches which promise to rid the country of subversive elements and provide solutions to their miseries. They believe the
leader’s rhetoric and are moved by his forcefulness and their own passions are kindled and inflamed. They feel empowered, confident they will finally get overdue political or other actions on their behalf. The leaders are often seen as veritable ‘saviors’ who will render their enemies harmless and they can return to hallowed traditions and values. The aroused members thrive on their vehement hostility. They are energized, their personal unhappiness is reduced, having been channeled into plans for corrective actions. In that state of mind, the zealots actualize the Four B’s: They feel better about their moods and their personal worlds (Being). Their alienation and demoralization dissipate, especially in the company of similarly aroused like-minded people (Belonging). Their biases and strengthened convictions are vital to them, feeding their fervency (Believing). They are convinced that what they are doing will make the world a better place (Benevolence). We have too often witnessed on television and social media this familiar scenario: During a peaceful demonstration against a legitimate grievance (racism, brutality, shootings), there appear men (usually), often from outside that metropolitan area, sometimes dressed in military combat gear and heavily armed, often repeating racist slogans and threats, bullying and provoking frays, using physical violence and even on occasion firing weapons. Their pattern is to intimidate, instigate and inflame and many of them seem to take perverse pleasure in violent confrontations. Whatever their motivations, the most dangerous are primarily “spoiling for a fight,” irrespective of politics or grievances. But others in society see these militants as frightening malefactors, bullies and louts, especially when confrontations occur after civic leaders have pleaded for peaceful demonstrations. Police (national guard, Federal emissaries) may respond in large numbers, sometimes effectively, at other times with dire consequences. But they are often at a loss for staving off violence and peacefully handling these self-styled ‘militias.’ They know that they are themselves under public scrutiny and criticism and they don’t wish to get into a shoot-out with armed militants. The First Amendment enshrines the hallowed right to Free Speech, which we rightfully cherish. Frustrated citizens have always exercised that inalienable right by conveying their deeply-held concerns, openly demonstrating, marching and expressing themselves vocally and vociferously. Zealous true believers are difficult to reason with and yet dialogue and cooperation has been accomplished on many occasions. But violent malefactors, paramilitary militants and military wannabe’s in self-styled ‘militias’– whether spurred by their own impassioned goals, personal malevolence, psychological disturbance or fueled by drugs or alcohol–cannot, must not, be tolerated in a democratic society. Surely their control are the responsibilities of the elected civic leaders and the police. Societies torn by intense citizen frustration and polarized political conflict are often confronted by threats of demagogic individuals who mobilize unhappy malcontents and belligerent militants. We are thus left with a major challenge and conundrum: How do we mitigate or prevent the vitriol spewed by demagogic strongmen who incite feelings of hate and violent actions in susceptible young men? A Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 23
RELIGION
POST-POLITICAL by Rabbi Jacob Rupp myrabbiben@gmail.com
Stop Solving, Start Asking
L
ife changed for me when I stopped trying to solve people’s problems. Now you might ask how I justify my salary and fees as I work as a rabbi and a coach. Clearly much of the work I do is around solving people’s problems. However, I choose not to see it that way. The great Royce Gracie, world champion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master, was asked on a recent podcast, “How do you get out of a choke?” Now, for the uninitiated, choking and getting out of chokes are core competencies for any practitioner of the martial art. His response was “don’t get choked.” The brilliance of the response is that high performers practice the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Avoiding difficult situations is always better than seamlessly traversing them. And so, because it is really hard to solve problems, both our own and other peoples, I try to avoid doing that. The world is awash in information. Everyone’s got an opinion. Yet all the information doesn’t mean that there are any less problems, or that people are more effective at solving them. Rather, it seems that the more information that’s out there, the less people are able to solve problems. As I teach my aspiring coaches, “coaching is helping powerful people remember how powerful they are.” Our job as coaches isn’t to solve problems, it’s to create space and ask questions so that people can get their challenges out clearly and then see the proper course to resolution. As intuitive as this may or may not sound, it’s a lot harder than it looks. First of all, we like to have the answers. We like to share the answers. We don’t like
24 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
to see people in pain. That being said, answers that don’t come from within have very little staying power, mostly because we assume that these answers aren’t entirely factual or perfectly address our circumstances. In addition, we as people crave (mistakenly) the certainty of a solution versus creating the vulnerable space of curiosity. This concept is perfectly encapsulated in Judaism during the Seder when we encourage our kids (and ourselves) to ask the four questions. Why start the Seder with the four questions? Because without creating space for a question, the answers are irrelevant. Even in our own lives, it is so much easier to diagnose or solve our problems instead of living with them and trying to learn from them. Our current era, across so many disciplines, tries to present the solution. When I was first getting into Orthodox Judaism, this was something that greatly appealed to me. Finally! Somewhere where there were absolute answers! However, as I grew in my learning and understanding, I realized that here–as with every area in life–there are differences of approaches and we are on a journey of self-discovery to find our truth and experience. G-d’s existence and the Divine truth of the Torah are fixed fundamentals, but then the rest of Judaism is about learning about ourselves and growing. R’ Avraham Kook writes that any search for G-d that doesn’t begin with a search and understanding of oneself isn’t a true search. Outside of Judaism, look to politics, health, fitness, diet, sports and see nothing but certainty–something that “works 100% of the time.” We as people take great comfort in this. However, as much as we nail
down certainty, the more we recognize that there are great numbers of people completely certain that the exact opposite is true. One practice I am working on consistently comes from a beautiful book called “Ego Free Leadership” by Brandon Black. In the book, the author discusses the “pinch” which is the emotional twinge we feel when doing something difficult. Once you start to realize that it’s just a “pinch” you can breathe into most any difficult emotion or feeling instead of just avoiding it. As you get more comfortable with the pinch, your bandwidth to be open and vulnerable grows. In that vulnerable and open space, real growth can happen. We don’t rush to judge or to find answers but we can really examine ourselves. As a coach, that’s the experience I try to give my clients. In the open and unexplored space, we can craft a clear vision of what clients want unencumbered by their current situation or mindset. But even more important is what it all means for us. Stop trying to solve your own problems. Stop trying to avoid feeling negative emotions. Don’t push things down. Feel them. Get curious. Why am I feeling this way? What is it about this person or what this person said that brings up these feelings of jealousy? Anxiety? What is it? By labeling and feeling our stuff, we get clarity on our truth and then can start to create a path towards the life and experiences we want to have. We become creators instead of reactors. Living in a world where you are building out your life, instead of taking the crumbs left for you, is a surefire way to become who you are meant to become. A
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 25
| FEATURE |
JCC’s Tapestry: A Weekend-long Celebration of Jewish Learning BY NATHALIE FEINGOLD
J
CC’s adult Jewish education department, JLearn, is hosting its annual Tapestry event on Nov. 7-8. Similar to previous years, Tapestry is conceptualized as a community-wide celebration of Jewish learning. “Tapestry is our biggest event of the year and it’s one that so beautifully encapsulates what JLearn is all about because it features so many different learning opportunities, all in one place,” Lauren Luedtke, the program coordinator for JLearn, said. According to Lauren, the main goal of Tapestry has always been welcoming different community leaders, educators and speakers under one roof. “The whole concept behind the name ‘Tapestry’ is a coming together and collaboration. The day itself is a tapestry of all these different educational threads,” Lauren said, “It’s one of the most involved projects that I’ve ever been a part of because we’re all working from such different places and yet we’re all coming together for the same purpose.” However, diverging from previous years, 2020 will mark the first year that Tapestry’s programming goes digital. “This year, we’re fortunate to be able to welcome speakers under one screen, if you will,” Lauren said. Thanks to JLearn’s new virtual capabilities, this year’s Tapestry will be on a broader scale than ever before, making it their most accessible event to date. 26 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
“I think the silver lining to an otherwise unfortunate situation this year is that, for the first time in Tapestry’s history, we are able to welcome speakers, educators and community leaders from truly around the globe. We have people joining us from Israel, from Russia, from the East coast, from different parts of California, even from South Africa,” Lauren said. There was no question of whether or not JLearn would have the event this year– even given the extenuating circumstances. Lauren and the committee knew that this event was still needed. The only question was how to turn a difficult situation into an opportunity. “How can we transform this program into something global as opposed to just local so that we can bring in different speakers and perspectives that we’ve never been able to welcome to our JCC community in person before,” Lauren explained. Aptly, the planning that went into the event was an act of collaboration by the committee. “All of our committee members stepped up in such a beautiful way and made those connections and reached out to all these different speakers and so many speakers didn’t even think about it, they just said ‘absolutely, I would love to be a part of this,’’ Lauren said, “I think that’s really a testament to the kind of connections that our community has built with people around the United States and around the
globe.” The weekend-long event kicks off after Shabbat on Saturday evening, Nov. 7, with a speech from the keynote speaker. It picks up again the following day with a welcome speech before launching into three different sessions with several classes that attendees can choose from, lasting until the early afternoon. JLearn is partnered with Shabbat San Diego and will be featuring speakers from organizations such as Jewish Veg, JNF and ADL. This year’s keynote speaker, David Meltzer, is the Co-Founder of a successful marketing agency known as Sports 1 Marketing. Throughout his career, he received recognition as one of Marshall Goldsmith’s Top 100 Business Coaches in the World and was named Variety Magazine’s Sports Humanitarian of the Year. He also has three best-selling novels under his belt. Attendees will have the opportunity to pick one class to attend in each of the three sessions. The class options range from interactive cultural experiences to informational classes covering relevant current events. “We have so many different, wonderful sessions this year that are both a reprieve from what we’re all collectively going through right now, but at the same time, there are a lot of sessions that are touching on the important topics of today,” Lauren said. Some of the class options include: a
meditative drumming session with a licensed therapist, several sessions focused on social justice and Judaism–including one on the intersection between racism and Anti-Semitism–an explorative virtual tour of the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg and even a session on pandemic preparedness. Jeffrey Spitz Cohan’s class titled, “Working Together to Prevent Another Pandemic,” couldn’t be more timely. Attendees of the class will examine the root causes of the coronavirus pandemic and reflect upon what they can do, both individually and collectively, to come up with a solution and “move towards a Pandemic-Free World.” The class also distinctively goes into how the solution aligns with Jewish values. “We have some really interesting sessions that discuss the current climate that we find ourselves in ... so it’s in no way ignoring what is happening, but finding a way to bring education at the same time as an escape,” Lauren said.
T
apestry first started five years ago as a way to create and spread as many educational opportunities as possible. “The concept at first was to create an opportunity for a large group of people to come together with so many different perspectives and so many different opportunities in one space at one time. That was the really big impetus behind creating this opportunity for the community,” Lauren said.
“Doing something like this entirely virtual event is nothing we would have ever considered before if we were not under these circumstances,” Lauren explained, “But now that we’re not given a choice on whether or not to gather in large groups, it’s just opened the floodgates in a way.” Lauren believes that this year’s event is likely to change the course of all future Tapestry events with its ability to welcome people virtually, making this year’s event more inclusive and accessible than ever before. “We’ve figured out how we can expand in a really meaningful way and invite community members who haven’t had the opportunity or the ability to join us, we’re making that possible now and then can see to it that we’re making it possible for all of our future Tapestries,” Lauren said. Lauren emphasized the fact that, with classes being fully virtual, JLearn now has the chance to record classes and save them for future educational purposes. “The beauty of being able to record things is that we’re creating a lot of great resources at this time that will exist and keep educating for years to come,” Lauren said. Once it’s safe to gather again, Lauren says they’ll look into creating a hybrid event with virtual and in-person opportunities. Lauren believes that connecting with others in an educational setting during a time when our community cannot physi-
cally gather in person is crucial this year. “I can’t think of a better time where we need to be connected to one another in an educational space. So much of the way that we look at certain things comes from the education that we’ve received,” Lauren said, “The fact that we have sessions that are speaking to the time that we find ourselves in is necessary because if we’re not educating ourselves on what’s happening within and outside our community then there’s not going to be any progress.” Lauren hopes that this year’s Tapestry event inspires attendees to further seek out educational opportunities. “I hope what people walk away with is that education is one of the most important things that we can grow right now and we may not all have the time or capacity to engage with these educational opportunities, but they’re out there,” Lauren said. A ticket for Tapestry costs $18 for the weekend, a price that Lauren says speaks to the overall accessibility and inclusivity of the event. “We don’t want cost to be a barrier and if that’s still not feasible at this time hopefully we can work with people on an individual basis to make sure that they can still attend,” Lauren said. Interested participants and curious minds can find more information about class options and registration at lfjcc.org/ tapestry. A
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 27
Please Join us Virtually for 5th Annual
T
A Community Celebration of Jewish Learning
APESTRY BRINGS TOGETHER HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE from diverse
ages, backgrounds and interests for a weekend of learning and inspiration. This year Tapestry will be entirely virtual, bringing you an incredible host of speakers, community leaders, and educators from around the world.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
7:30 p.m. .......................KEYNOTE SPEAKER: David Meltzer
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 9:30 a.m. ........................Tapestry 2020 SESSIONS WELCOME 10:00–10:50 a.m. .........SESSION 1: Select one class to attend 11:00–11:50 a.m. .........SESSION 2: Select one class to attend 12:00–12:50 p.m. .........SESSION 3: Select one class to attend
PRICE: $18 REGISTRATION & CLASS DESCRIPTIONS: lfjcc.org/tapestry | 858.362.1348 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 | 7:30 p.m. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: David Meltzer
Global public speaker and three-time international best-selling author who has been honored by Variety as “Sports Humanitarian of the Year”.
Stabilize Your Mindset, Stay Grounded, Focus On Your Core Values – Through a Jewish Lens
KEYNOTE SPEAKER David Meltzer 28 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
We are all living in very unprecedented times and experiencing rapid change and acceleration. To address these circumstances many of us will be in need of stabilization, but our first goal should be to stabilize our own emotions, spirituality, and mindset. In times of great stress, we need to dig deep to rediscover our core tenets. Doing this will ensure that every decision we make is aligned with the Jewish values that we hold dear. Be grateful, forgiving, accountable, and work to connect with what inspires you to pursue your best self.
Lawrence Family
San Diego Center for Jewish Culture
Jewish Community Center JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS
NOVEMBER 7-8, 2020 See a complete description of classes and
REGISTER TODAY! lfjcc.org/tapestry SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | TAPESTRY 2020 SESSIONS 10:00-10:50 a.m. | SESSION 1: Select one class to attend • Acting and Prayer | Todd Salovey • Divine Limitation and Human Responsibility | Dr. Raymond Fink • Drumming Up Joy During Covid | Galit Gigi Shezifi • Instruments of the Bible, Precursors of the Symphony Orchestra | Eileen Wingard • Social Justice and the Jews | Rabbi Philip Graubart • Was Shakespeare’s Shylock Really an Italian Jew? | Katherine Aron-Beller • Where do we go from here? A vision for the Jewish World in the Covid-19 Era | Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein
11:00-11:50 a.m. | SESSION 2: Select one class to attend • Every Poem Paints a Different Picture: A New Look at Israel | Haim Aronovitz • Jerusalem: Feeling Groovy | Cantor Hanan Leberman • Reading to Understand Racism | Nancy Kraus • Socioeconomic and Environmental Challenges Facing Israel Today & Practical Solutions for a Prosperous Future | Monica Edelman • What Can We Learn From This Turbulent Time? | Rabbi Ilana Grinblat • What Is a Miracle, and What Is Not? | Rabbi Morey Schwartz, EdD • Book Groups With Purpose: The Daughters of Abraham | Rona Fischman
12:00-12:50 p.m. | SESSION 3: Select one class to attend • Art of Jewish Interest in the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg | Evgenia Kempinski • Bias and Oppression: What’s the Difference? | Kelsey Greenberg Young • Jews of Color and Anti-Semitism | Soraya Nadia McDonald • Kabbalah and the Tree of Life | Gahl Eden Sasson • Omnicide as Theodicy and Theology | Shai Cherry • Working Together to Prevent Another Pandemic | Jeffrey Spitz Cohan All classes will be filled on a first-come basis. Tapestry staff reserves the right to close or cancel a class depending on attendance. Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 29
| OP-ED |
Tikkun Olam — On Repairing the World Part 8: What Will Your Legacy Be? BY BETH SIRULL
I
n the eight months since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, three interesting trends have emerged. First, charitable giving is up dramatically. A growing number of San Diego Jews require assistance to meet their basic needs. And our community has met the challenge. Many people have given more than in previous years and are tapped out, at least for now. But they see the needs and would like to give more to the causes they care about. Second, with many schools closed and parents working from home, families are bonding in new and unexpected ways. We are all spending much more time together than ever before. For many, adult children have moved home either from abandoned dorm rooms or cramped apartments in another city. Family togetherness is hip. And third, people have time on their hands. Many are taking this opportunity to dust off old documents such as trusts, wills, health care directives and the like. Now is a good time to review and revise these documents to make sure they still meet your needs and desires. If you do not yet have a trust or will, now is the time to create one. It’s time to weave these three trends together. While you have the time and are home with your loved ones, engage your family in a conversation about giving back– today and after your lifetime. If you give regularly to certain organizations, when you die, those nonprofits must expend resources to replace your annual gift. You can honor your lifetime of giving and ensure that the causes you care about continue to be supported by including charitable bequests in your will or trust. Planning your estate is a perfect time to include your family both in discussions as
30 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
you decide what you want to do. Not long ago, we had a donor at JCF arrange for a donor-advised fund for her grandchildren, funded from her estate. She has since passed away, and her five grandchildren, ranging in age from teenagers to thirty-somethings, now live on two continents and three time zones. But, with JCF’s facilitation, they are getting together by Zoom regularly to build consensus around the charities they support. Recently, they were having so much fun that they decided to take a screenshot of all of them on Zoom and send it to their parents, honoring their grandmother’s wish that they stay connected! They are also talking about growing the fund and establishing an endowment that they and their (future) children could use to support charities for years to come! Establishing a charitable legacy can be easy. Working with the Foundation to customize your plan, you may use an IRA, 401(k) or other retirement assets, by simply designating a charity or charities as the beneficiary. Designating retirement assets for charity often has tax benefits for your heirs and–because these assets live outside of a trust–can be done without an attorney. Additionally, if you are creating a will or trust, JCF will work with you and your estate-planning attorney to designate a set amount or a percentage of your estate for charity. Whether you use retirement assets or create a trust with the help of an attorney, the JCF team will work with you–free of charge–to develop a comprehensive legacy plan, to articulate your wishes and ensure that they are fulfilled. To what extent do you want to support Jewish or secular charities? Which ones and how much to each? Here in
San Diego, around the country, or around the world? Would you like to make direct distributions, or would you rather put your funds in an endowment to support your favorite causes in perpetuity? Do you want to leave charitable assets for your children or grandchildren to oversee? Once you have a legacy plan in place at the JCF, you are free to revise it at any time. After your lifetime, Jewish Community Foundation will handle all the distributions on your behalf based on your legacy instructions. Over the past fifteen years, JCF has worked with nearly 1500 families that together have bequeathed over $200 million to nonprofits serving the Jewish community. Approximately $75 million has already been realized. And that does not include the funds that have been designated to secular organizations. JCF can provide complimentary consulting services to honor your lifetime of giving. Our mission is to help to build philanthropy in our region, to work with people like you to empower your philanthropy, to work with local nonprofits to enhance their capacity and governance, to engage the next generation in Jewish philanthropy and to build the culture of (and infrastructure for) giving in our community. This work is partly supported by generous donors who have included JCF in their legacy plans. What will your legacy be? A
| FEATURE |
Coastal Roots Farm Goes Digital with their Virtual School BY NATHALIE FEINGOLD
P
icture rows and rows of diverse, vibrant vegetables; some, like the beets, are shrouded with row covers for their protection, while others, like the corn, reach longingly into the open, azure sky, drinking up the sun. Still, there are others–like the radishes and snap peas–that are snuggled up together in the same planter in what is lovingly referred to as a “companion planting.” In front of each row are signs labeling the various plants in English, Spanish and Hebrew next to a pretty watercolor rendering. You’re picturing the Coastal Roots Farm educational area–a space dedicated to learning, where they film the majority of their virtual classes. “Usually, this space is utilized for school programming, so I can come out here and harvest whatever. If I want to show the students a root structure or root system I can pull out a plant and show it to them. We just consider it a learning experience,” Megan Freeman, the Coastal Roots Farm education coordinator, said, “That is what is so amazing about this space–it’s in the heart of our farm and is able to be utilized for learning.” Coastal Roots Farm is offering six virtual learning programs where children in grades kindergarten through sixth from all over San Diego County have the opportunity to experience and learn from the farm virtually. “We took our most popular programs and adjusted them to virtual learning. Those programs include pollination, soil, plant parts, chickens and just a general overview of the farm. We decided to focus more on elementary school-age because that was our sweet spot anyways,” Megan explained. There is also a class for 3rd-6th graders that focuses on food inequality and pursu-
ing justice. Of course, there are certain things about Coastal Roots Farm’s experiential learning programs that are lost with the switch to virtual programming; however, it also comes with an unexpected silver lining. With online classes, they can reach and connect with a wider audience than ever before. For example, their first virtual field trip was with a class of special education students. Afterward, the teacher commented that the program provided her students with a safe, comfortable way to experience the farm for the first time.
Jewish Agricultural Values
Coastal Roots Farm is a Jewish farm that integrates age-old Jewish values into the way that they care for their land and connect with the community. Megan explained that Jewish agricultural values prioritize land, community, giving and justice in a way that resonates with her, even though she is not Jewish. “Our value is to donate over half of the food that we produce to food-insecure communities, that comes from a Jewish value and the way that we integrate compost and take care of the soil has to do with the Jewish value of not wasting. The way that we take care of our chickens, we have happy, pasteurized chickens, part of that is a Jewish value because we believe that we need to respect all living things,” Megan said. A farm experience comes with educational, therapeutic and reflective benefits and Megan asserts that being on the farm, even
virtually, provides nourishment–both literally and spiritually. “Outdoor education is physically nourishing because we expose students to different types of foods that nourish their bodies. We also find that being in nature is spiritually nourishing. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life, listening to the birds, getting your hands in the soil and using all your senses is proven to lower anxiety and to help make people feel whole,” Megan said. The farm can also teach valuable life lessons. For example, Megan recently attempted and ultimately failed to grow carrots over the past six months. Her failure taught her that nature, like many things in life–especially right now–is impossible to control. “During these times, there’s been a lot of uncertainty, there’s been a loss of control that manifests itself in a lot of valid, intense mental health struggles for many people. I think there’s something beautiful to reflect on the fact that we are trying to interact with something that we can’t control; it’s an important reminder to let go and adapt,” Megan said. Coastal Roots Farm makes sure to touch on the guiding principles of compassion, responsibility and initiative through their online classes. Students learn compassion, not just for Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 31
each other, but for the tiniest of insects, like worms, bees or spiders, that children often overlook or fear. “A lot of kids are scared of bees but when you present the whole picture of how they’re so helpful and how we need to take care of them because our livelihood depends on them, you can develop compassion there,” Megan explained, “We have the students observe the bees and see how hard they’re working to create this connection and that’s a way of creating empathy for a living being.” The students also learn responsibility through caring for plants. Right now, Coastal Roots Farm offers a kit of supplies for students to plant and take care of their plants at home. And finally, they learn initiative and environmental responsibility. “If all of us were to say, ‘this is not my problem,’’ what would happen? Oftentimes, we present issues and challenges within the food system, but we also present ways in which they can take action to help out the food system and environment,” Megan said.
Early Environmental Education
Megan believes that educating children on the environment and teaching them these life lessons at such a young age is critically important. “I think by addressing it at a young age it allows for a foundation and it gets incorporated in their baseline knowledge and baseline values as they are developing self-awareness and as they are developing ideas about the world around them,” Megan said. Megan also emphasized the impact that early education has on the environment. “We have a huge issue of commodifying and exploiting nature and our resources, and we need to teach people about the fact that this isn’t something that we can just take, take, take from, that we need to give back to it, too. We need to protect it. We need to care about it,” Megan explained.A
CALL TODAY! 619-260-0220
BEEMERANDBENZ.COM 32 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
5354 Banks St. Ste A & B San Diego, CA., 92110
Shawarma Spiced Sheet Pan Salmon BY MICAH SIVA nutritionxkitchen.com
Enjoy the taste of shawarma at home with this recipe for Shawarma Spiced Sheet Pan Salmon. While shawarma is traditionally made with lamb, chicken or beef which slowly turns and roasts for hours. We’ve put a simpler spin on a classic street food dish using flavorful spices like cumin, cardamom, cinnamon and paprika, served atop roasted cauliflower and fresh vegetables and tahini. Serve this one-pan meal with a side of pickled vegetables, hummus and pita for a street food inspired supper. Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: Sheet Pan Salmon ¼ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. cardamom ½ tsp. turmeric ½ tsp. ginger, ground ½ tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. coriander 1 tbsp. paprika 2 tbsp. cumin Pinch cayenne pepper Sea salt and pepper, to taste 1 ½ tbsp. olive oil 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets 1 red onion, sliced 1lb (454g) salmon
TO SERVE: ¼ cup pomegranate seeds ¼ English cucumber, with peel, chopped 1 medium tomato, chopped 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp. tahini 1 lemon, cut into wedges PREPARATION: Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a baking tray with foil. In a small bowl, combine the spices and olive oil into a paste. Divide in two halves. Toss half of the spice paste cauliflower florets and red onion. Transfer to the baking tray and roast for 20 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven. Push the vegetables to one side and add the salmon. Spread the remaining spice paste over the salmon. Bake for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily. Top the salmon, cauliflower and red onion with pomegranate, chopped cucumber, tomato and parsley, a drizzle of tahini and lemon wedges. Enjoy! A
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 33
| FEATURE |
Online Offerings BY JACQUELINE BULL
All content is available on lajollaplayhouse.org Ongoing: “Walks of Life” “Walks of Life” is a series of original commissioned work of auditory theatre of short scenes by playwrights and composers. Participants are asked to walk through their own neighborhoods while listening to the 30-minute parts to be introduced to characters and stories that they can imagine in the homes of their own neighborhood. Ongoing: “Listen with the Lights Off” Adapted from the the horror anthologies “Black Candies,” this three installment series features fictional short radio plays.
San Diego Symphony
All content is available on sandiegosymphony.org. Tuesdays: Lunch & Listen Q&As with CEO Martha Gilmer and San Diego Symphony musicians. Wednesday Evenings: LISTEN // HEAR Music Director Rafael Payare and colleagues discuss all things symphony on YouTube and Facebook live streams and are later archived.
San Diego Repertory Theatre All content is available on sdrep.org.
Nov. 2 at 9 p.m.: “The Displaced” In celebration of Dia de los Muertos, this play follows Marísa and Lev as they’ve moved into their new apartment and find a mysterious coconut. Oct. 16-Nov. 5. “JQA” This show goes through a series of imagined conversations between historic political figures like George Washington, Fredrick Douglas, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln and others. The piece is available on-demand.
Cygnet Theatre
All content is available on cygnettheatre.com. Nov. 10 and Nov. 12: Script Club Described as like a book club, but for scripts, this club brings people together to share a love of theatre. This month’s session reads “Things I Know to Be True” by Andew Bovell which won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Photo by Aaron Rumley.
Ongoing: Symphony Stream Listen to past audio broadcasts, podcasts discussing classical works and videos with interviews and performances.
Ongoing: Theatre Conversations Watch conversations with artists and friends of North Coast Rep discuss many of the behind-the-scenes stories of working in live theater.
Photo by Brigitte Sire, 2016.
La Jolla Playhouse
Katie MacNichol and Bruce Turk in “Same Time, Next Year.”
North Coast Repertory Theatre
All content is available on northcoastrep.org. Oct. 21-Nov. 15: Bernard Slade’s “Same Time, Next Year” This comedy explores a love affair over the course of 25 years. The video is available on-demand with a virtual ticket. 34 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
Njideka Akunyili Crosby.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
All content is on mcasd.org Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.: Russell Lecture: Featuring Njideka Akunyili Crosby
The annual Russell Lecture program brings internationally acclaimed artists to San Diego. This year’s lecture features renowned Nigerian-born, LA-based artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby. She is known for her mixed media paintings that feature photo transfers and textiles.
Ongoing: Virtual Classes The Fleet is offering live lessons, science clubs and camps for toddlers, kids and teens.
Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.: Charla > David Avalos Exhibition curator Alana Hernandez is in conversation with David Avalos, a key figure in San Diego’s Chicano Art movement.
Nov. 4, 7 p.m.: The Sky Tonight* Brush up on your comet and meteor shower knowledge before the Leonid meteor shower.
San Diego Museum of Art
Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m. Suds & Science* This edition of “spirited” discussion is all about deep sea marine biology.
All content is available on sdmart.org Nov. 2 at 10:30 am.: A Conversation with Rob Sidner, Mingei International Museum Rob Sidner will highlight the process of the renovation of the Mingei museum with renderings and insight into the plans. RSVP is required for the Zoom meeting information. Nov. 7 at 10:15 a.m.: Art of Reading Book Club This virtual book club features “Feast Your Eyes” which tells the life story of photographer Lillian Preston. The book discussion is followed by a docent-led virtual tour of the works of art in the Museum that relate to the book.
Nov. 2, 7 p.m.: Sharp Minds* This talk’s topic is about bones and forensic anthropology.
San Diego Natural History Museum All content is on sdnhm.org.
Ongoing: At-Home Activities Check out diy crafts, nature bingo, scavenger hunts, storytimes and printable coloring pages for family-friendly activities.
Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.: Art of Elan: Reflections This is the online premiere of the Art of Elan’s 14th season of concerts at SDMA. The title of the concert-length cinematic program is “Reflections” and the piece explores twins and multiples with music and dancers.
Jorge Tellaeche with his mural “El Sueño Mexicano.”
Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m.: Artist Talk: Jorge Tellaeche, “El Sueño Mexicano” Prominent Mexican artist Jorge Tellaeche gives an in-depth presentation and discussion of his work “El Sueño Mexicano” (The Mexican Dream), a mural installed on the San Diego/Tijuana border.
The Reuben Fleet Science Center
All content is on rhfleet.org. Events marked with a (*) require registration. Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 35
AM ISRAEL MORTUARY We Are San Diego’s ONLY All-Jewish Mortuary Serving the community for over 38 years.
✡
Proudly Serving Jewish Families For Over 38 Years.
✡
Family Owned and Operated for Three Generations.
✡
Serving all Jewish Families, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform.
✡
Affiliated or Unaffiliated with a Synagogue.
✡
We can assist with At-need or Pre-need funeral planning. Purchasing cemetery plots or burial arrangements anywhere.
✡
Lt/Col. Allen Miliefsky. USAF Ret. Past State Cmdr. (619) 737-6910
We are here to help, call or email with any questions.
(619) 583-8850
6316 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 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
Valerie Elkon - La Jolla Harold Segal - San Diego Racquel Breslow - San Diego Jacob Engel - San Diego Brent Garren - La Mesa Jack Kopol - Encinitas JoAnn Baum - San Diego Livia Krancberg - Encinitas
Susan Elihu - San Diego Bruce Slesnick - La Jolla Sylvia Waxman - San Diego Isaak Brodskiy - La Mesa Einav Miliefsky - San Diego Jacob Kobernick - San Diego Daniel Green - Rancho Santa Fe Fruma Mogilevskiy - San Diego
May their memory be a blessing. AM ISRAEL MORTUARY
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. Members of the JFDA- Jewish funeral directors of America, KAVOD - (Independent/Family owned Jewish funeral directors) Consumer Affairs Funeral and Cemetery division
We Are San Diego’s ONLY All-Jewish Mortuary Serving the community for over 40 years.
(619) 583-8850
6316 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego For a list of currents services and additional info:
www.amisraelmortuary.com CA, Lic. #FD-1320
36 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
| DIVERSIONS |
Rachel Bloom is helping produce a series called ‘I’m In Love With The Dancer From My Bat Mitzvah’ BY JTA NEWS
T
he “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” team is back with a show that sounds even more Jewish: “I’m In Love With The Dancer From My Bat Mitzvah.”
obsessed with a dancer from her bat mitzvah and eventually involves her friends in a criminal conspiracy. It’s inspired by true events, Deadline reports.
The series, which has been put in development by the CW Network, is described as a romantic mystery comedy about a young woman just shy of graduating from college who is romantically rejected. She then becomes
The show’s creator is Ilana Wolpert, who was an assistant on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” Rachel Bloom, the creator and star of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” will help write and executive produce but not act in the show.A Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 37
the news Local Rabbi Attacked in Series of Escalating Hate Crimes in University City
ArtWalk @ Liberty Station Returns as San Diego’s First Art Show Since March
Rabbi Yonatan Halevy was assaulted by a teenager near his congregation in University City on Oct. 10. This attack is not an isolated incident; the Rabbi says it is merely the latest in a series of increasingly violent incidents by the group of teenagers over the months.
ArtWalk @ Liberty Station is officially returning the weekend of Nov. 7 for San Diego’s first in-person art show since March, making it the first approved fine art exhibition in an outdoor space.
“Every day they come by here, taunt us, throwing bottles at us, sitting on our roof blasting music and then breaking a window to my van,” Halevy said to ABC 10News San Diego, “Last but not least, what happened on Saturday.” On early Saturday evening, Rabbi Halevy of the Shiviti Congregation was walking with his elderly father to his congregation unit for a holiday meeting. The suspect, believed to be between the ages of 13 and 17, biked up to them and punched Rabbi Halevy on the head, knocking him down and calling him racial slurs before returning to his group of friends, laughing. Halevy immediately called 911 and took shelter in his unit while the assailant continued to circle the area, taunting them for almost 30 minutes, allowing for the Rabbi to snap photos. Although the police dispatcher labeled it a high priority call, officers didn’t arrive at the scene for another 45 minutes, by then the alleged assailant and his group had left. When the police officers finally arrived at the scene, they didn’t want a copy of the suspect’s photograph. To Rabbi Halevy’s dismay, they told him that there was nothing they could do aside from file the report.
The exhibition, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, will be featuring over 150 local, national and international artists of all mediums. This event will mark the 15th anniversary of San Diego’s ArtWalk and attendees will have the chance to explore and purchase art, such as glasswork, jewelry, sculptures, oil painting, photography, metalwork, woodwork and more. “As we ring in our 15th year, ArtWalk @ Liberty Station serves as a beacon of light for the art community and will showcase our most diverse range of artists from across all mediums of art, traveling from the US, Mexico and beyond,” said Sandi Cottrell, Director of ArtWalk San Diego. The event is set to take place at Liberty Station’s North Promenade and will follow numerous health precautions per CDC guidelines; including the requirement of face masks, temperature checks for all participants, hand-sanitizing stations and artists’ booths spaced a minimum of 8-feet apart. This year will also feature an art guitar auction for the benefit of ArtReach San Diego, a local nonprofit organization. Admission to the exhibition costs $5 for adults and tickets are available at artwalklibertystation.org.
“I have never felt so disregarded by police–whom I proudly support and stand beside–in my life. The overall attitude was dismissive,” Halevy said in a personal post on NextDoor. According to the Rabbi’s post, the assailant had continued to return to the congregation’s unit and harass its members. Nearly a week later, a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of the crime and was subsequently booked into Juvenile Hall on battery and hate crime charges. The police acknowledged that their initial response “could have been better” after speaking to the Rabbi personally. “Going forward, we will be having discussions and possibly training with officers to help them better understand and better to respond to incidents like these,” said Capt. Matt Novak of the Northern Division, as reported by the LA Times.
Seacrest Village Completes Renovations After almost two years of delays and setbacks, Seacrest Village completed the construction of its long-awaited state-of-the-art, kosher kitchen. “By reconfiguring the kitchen layout and adding the updated equipment that we did, the culinary team is able to provide an even greater variety to the almost 600 meals prepared there daily,” said Chief Operating 38 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
Officer Carl Measer. Since it is a kosher kitchen, there are two of almost everything; from sinks to refrigerators to prep stations. Measer says that this will enhance efficiency, quality control and variety for Seacrest residents. The kitchen renovation is one of a few construction projects recently completed in the retirement community, including an expanded and modernized dining room with a brand new welcoming lounge located just outside of it.
Holocaust Living History Workshop is Back with an Examination of Kristallnacht UCSD’s Holocaust Living History Workshop (HLHW) will be exploring Kristallnacht on Nov. 5. Led by SDSU Professor Lawrence Baron, the virtual event starting at 5 p.m., examines the visual evidence of the tragic night in Nov. 1938.
Meetings and Events for Jewish Seniors JFS Balboa Ave Contact Aviva Saad avivas@jfssd.org for Zoom access link.
Baron, whose prolific work on the Holocaust was profiled in “Fifty Key Thinkers on the Holocaust and Genocide,” will be discussing and reconstructing this chapter of history through the medium of film.
Nov. 24, 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Zoom Celebration.
Kristallnacht is one of seven lectures that will take place over a year with HLHW’s return this fall. The collection of lectures all underscore the theme: “Witnessing the Past: Holocaust Histories.”
On the Go
This year’s workshop challenges participants to think about what it means to witness rather than study the past as they take a closer look at how film and music have been used to understand the Holocaust. The Nov. 5 event and all subsequent lectures will take place over Zoom. Events are free and open to the public, however, registration is required. Email Ellysa Lim at e7lim@ucsd.edu with any further questions.
Neighborhood Cleanup Program for Families LFJCC Cares, Little Mensches and I Love a Clean San Diego are hosting a neighborhood cleanup program titled a “Solution to Pollution” on Nov. 8 starting at 2 p.m. The program, geared towards families with children over 5 years old, starts with a virtual presentation that seeks to educate participants about the issues of storm drain pollution and the negative impact that litter has on waterways, oceans and, ultimately, on us as humans. The program pairs awareness with action as it concludes with a proposition to clean up the trash in participants’ own neighborhoods. The cleanup includes interactive games and challenges participants to post the most unusual item found on their cleanup for their “Photo Find Fest.”
Mondays, 1 p.m., International Sing Along
Contact Mia Elenes miae@jfssd.org Nov. 9, 10 a.m. John’s 104 Birthday Celebration JFS is aiming to get 104 people to join them via Zoom to sing Happy Birthday to John! There will also be bingo and prizes. For more information or to send your regards email: swcenters@jfssd.org Lawrence Family JCC with Osher Marin JCC Contact Melanie Rubin (858) 362-1141, melanier@lfjcc.org Mondays, Nov. 2-23, 11 a.m. Still Traveling: Astonishing Amsterdam (4-part virtual series with a live tour guide over Zoom.) Individual Tickets: $15-20.
Interested participants are encouraged to register on Zoom, with JCC Cares giving out free t-shirts to the first 100 registrants. Email Mindy at mindys@ lfjcc.org for more information on the program.
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 39
ADVICE
ASK MARNIE by Marnie Macauley asksadie@aol.com
Between Parent And Child
S
halom my dear San Diegans: In this issue we discuss that sensitive, often exasperating topic: parents and children. These days that particular issue is front and center in view of the chaos we’re facing daily by the coronavirus, “candidates” and a culture gone wild. Never before in recent times, as a nation, as a world, as families, have we had to face this level of functional and emotional stress. The toll is there with anxiety exploding. Of course our children are affected by the huge changes they’re facing. Letter One zeroes in on what’s going on. Letter Two is just fun. Let’s look.
Daughter Driving Mom Crazy
Dear Marnie: I am a single mom with a 12-year-old daughter. She studies virtually and does have to show up at school at certain times with heavy safety standards. She’s generally a very good student. The other day from school she texted me that she got a 75% in a math test and kept apologizing for the rotten grade. Later, I found out the children were given a second math test as I guess the first met with terrible results. My daughter got an “A” which she told me later. I was thrilled but she was down. Her only interest was her friends. One issue was I wouldn’t let her have an overnight with a friend, as I had never met the parents, thanks to the coronavirus. I couldn’t believe how she could care less about the “A” and more about her friends! I should say I am very protective and ask many questions about her life, her friends, etc. and she diverts with “I don’t know.” I think she’s lying to me as well and send her to her room when I get this answer. Who do you think is right here? –Ticked off in California. MARNIE SAYS: “Right” vs.. “Wrong” is not 40 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
the issue mommy. Your relationship is! You’ve got a problem but my hunch is it’s not about “grades” or “lying.” It’s about how the two of you as a team are (not) dealing correctly with this crisis. This isn’t about “proving” or “winning.” It’s about surviving together with empathy and strategies that work for you both.
Getting It! Your Crisis Strategy:
*Know that we are all experiencing craziness. Much of what we knew as “normal” has been “masked” by this pandemic. It’s tough enough for us. For children, normal play, school, social events have drastically changed. At an age where social relationships are “it” these kids are in a scared “New World.” More, with less life experience than we have, they are not prepared. They need to be. *Of course your daughter is more worried about her friendships and connecting beyond the digital world than about her grades. They haven’t changed. Grades are grades. Tests are tests. Homework is full-time work, true, but the major hit is lack of face to face socializing. Know it. Empathize. *Mom quit the inquisition! Where is it written a) something is terribly wrong; b) she’s lying; c) punishment is based on your assumption? My hunch is your hyper-protectiveness is pushing her away. Instead of you being her “safety,” you’ve become a prosecutor. Instead of reassuring her, her fear of you is increasing. Instead of de-catastrophizing and adapting together, you’ve become “enemies.” The crisis will calm. Please, get professional help before the damage to the two of you outlasts it.
The Name Game:
Dear Marnie: I’m expecting a baby in six months and my husband and I have been arguing about names almost since we found out I was pregnant. Fortunately, no one has recently passed away in our families so we are not locked into the custom of naming for a deceased relative. I have always loved unusual names and wzdon’t feel in 2020 we should necessarily be bound by the old boys vs girl names rules. I’ve made lists of names I find interesting, like Noble, Wiley, Jazz and Penn, among others. My husband wants to keep it simple and says we would be hurting our child by naming him something odd. What do you think? By the way, our last name is Wallace. — NoName W MARNIE SAYS: How nice of you to ask a “Marnie.” I’ve always adored my somewhat rare name, except when I got mail for Marty–with draft registration notices. (I’m old.) Unusual names are fun. They’re kicky. Weird, however, is another matter entirely–despite the celeb trend of naming their children after fruit and cartoon characters. Most recently Elon Musk and Grimes’ baby boy was named X Æ A-Xii. (It’s pronounced “X-Ash.”) I am readying my sofa for the poor child. The name you mentioned, “Penn Wallace,” sounds like a company I’d be in good hands with, in case of natural disaster. Winky Wallace would also not make my short list. Here’s why. Names matter. Kids can be hurt by them–mainly boys. Stick him with Bozo and see how far he gets in his bid for the Senate (on second thought ...). On the female front, a name like “Jazzy” might spirit your little angel into red light piano bars before she learns the words to “I’m A Little Teapot.”
HUMANISTIC JEWISH CLERGY
Meaningful Ceremonies for Cultural Jews
Baby-namings, Weddings/Commitment, Memorial/Funeral, and Personalized Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Education Madrikha Beverly Zarnow
858-549-3088
madrikhabeverly@kahalam.org
SYNAGOGUE LIFE VIRTUAL EVENTS: Virtual Game Night with Temple Adat Shalom
Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. on Zoom Join Temple Adat Shalom for Havdalah, led by Cantor Lori Frank, followed by online board games. Visit adatshalom.com for more information and registration.
Knit ‘n’ Nosh with Congregation Beth El
Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. on Zoom Learn knitting and crocheting skills while creating Tikkun projects like caps for premature babies, scarves for women with breast cancer and hats for Israeli soldiers. For more information contact Joy at wassermanjoy3@ gmail.com or visit cbe.org.
Adult Evening Book Club with Congregation Beth Israel Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. on Zoom Discussing “Peony” by Pearl S. Buck, facilitated by Eleanor Lazarow. Visit cbisd.org for more information.
Getting It! Your Personal Strategy:
*Marnie’s Naming DON’T Strategies Don’t choose names of character flaws, dance crazes, qualities of mercy, diagnoses or political beliefs. If in doubt go to the park and yell:“FREE LIPSHITZ” and see what happens. Don’t choose first names that, when combined with your last, mutate into inanimate objects. I knew a family named Leer who dubbed their daughters, Chanda, Cava, and Lava. Not cute. Don’t be conned into flavors of the month. Think of all those Krystles and Thornes who’ll be scooting around Shady Rest homes in a few years hunting for their teeth. Gruesome. *Marnie’s Naming DO Strategies: Choose a name that when put together form initials that can pass FCC rulings. Adam Stewart Smith may please uncle Stew, but will send your son into one, as soon as his second grade learns to spell. Be aware of nicknames. I was personally fond of the name Sebastian, but the potential for diminutive disaster in the hands of pubescent bullies was staggering. Select a name that can distinguish and grow with your child that is harmonious, pronounceable and spellable without resorting to the Cyrillic alphabet. If you stick to these simple principles, you can create an imposing, symphonic moniker that will take your child to the top of the merry-go-round! Then again, you could do what one radio comic did and name your son Albert Einstein. He figured if his child survived, chances are he wouldn’t sell shoes. He doesn’t. That child became actor, writer and filmmaker Albert Brooks! A
USY Erev Thanksgiving Bowling with Tifereth Israel
Nov. 25 at 5:45 p.m. at Parkway Bowl, 1280 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon, CA 92020 Youth event, contact Michelle Barbour at tsdirector@ tiferethisrael.com or visit tiferethisrael.com for more information.
Find love now!
Personalized Jewish Matchmaking Judith Gottesman, MSW
Soul Mates Unlimited ®
All ages and backgrounds
(510) 418-8813
Read testimonials at SoulMatesUnlimited.com
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 41
THE SAN DIEGO FAVORITE RETURNS
“OUTSTANDING!” “A TREAT” - KPBS, San Diego
- San Diego Reader
IT’S A
WONDERFUL LIFE: BY A LIVE RADIO PLAY ADAPTED JOE LANDRY
STREAMING ONLINE DEC 14-27
TICKETS: 619.337.1525 WWW.CYGNETTHEATRE.ORG
DON’T MISS ALL OUR DIGITAL PROGRAMING THIS FALL! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
GET YOUR KID INTO COLLEGE!
RON SIEGER • CERTIFIED SOFER STAM SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS
Prep4CollegeNow works with high school and community college students to: • Generate a list of “BEST FIT” colleges • Oversee the application process • Edit essays • Ensure timeline adherence • Conduct scholarship and grant searches • Advise Student Athletes
Andrea (Andi) K. Frimmer, M. Ed. the “Get Your Kid into College” Lady andi@Prep4CollegeNow.com 760.877.7200 www.Prep4CollegeNow.com 42 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
100 Custo % Satisfa mer Guara ction nteed
TORAHS • Complete Repairs and Restoration • Sales of New and Fully Restored Torahs • We BUY Used Torahs • Certified Appraisals for Insurance • 100% Guarantee on all Sold and Repaired Torahs • Honor a Loved One by Purchasing a Torah in their Memory
TEFILLIN AND MEZUZOS
• We Import Directly from ERETZ ISRAEL and Personally Inspect and Assemble Everything We Sell • Tefillin and Mezuzos Need to be Checked Every 3.5 Years • Watch the Sofer Assemble your Tefillin! Experience the Mitzvah! • SAME DAY SERVICE for Tefillin and Mezuzah Examinations* • Will Come to Your Home for Mezuzah Inspection**
• Sales, Examination, Repairs • Guaranteed Certified Kosher • HIGHEST QUALITY / Lowest Prices
• Beautiful Megillahs for sale
MEGILLAHS
PLEASE VISIT US AT WWW.SOFERSIEGER.COM
Email us at ronniesieger@gmail.com
*Most Cases **Nominal Fee
310-930-4462
Two Filmed Plays Online from North Coast Rep TWO GREAT LEADERS IN A TIME OF CRISIS
NECESSARY SACRIFICES BY RICHARD HELLESON
WEST COAST PREMIERE Directed by PETER ELLENSTEIN Featuring RAY CHAMBERS and HAWTHORNE JAMES
EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND
san diego’s oldest & finest since 1955 10801 sorrento valley road • 92121 619-276-3361 • info@svpc.biz www.svpc.biz
Directed by DAVID ELLENSTEIN Featuring BRUCE TURK and KATIE MACNICHOL
STREAMING OCT 21-NOV 15
Coming in December:
TWO VERY DIFFERENT CLASSICS A CHRISTMAS CAROL: As told by one man to whom it matters from the story by Charles Dickens by Zander Michaelson AN ILIAD by Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare based on Homer's The Iliad, translated by Robert Fagles
Tickets & More Info: NorthCoastRep.org Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 43
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
LYDIA KRASNER 619.548.3485 www.MitzvahEvent.com
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. 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.
To receive your Shalom BaBy BaSkeT and for informaTion conTacT:
For information call Deborah Davis: 619-275-1539
To hear samples, visit our website: secondavenueklezmer.com
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
JESSICA FINK JUDY NEMZER VIVIEN DEAN l
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
SAN DIEGO
Jewish Journal It’s MORE than just a magazine. IT’S A LIFESTYLE CALL Mark Edelstein 858.638.9818
marke@sdjewishjournal.com • www.sdjewishjournal.com 44 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
FINANCE
Phil Bresnick, CWS® Financial Advisor Senior Vice President Financial Planning Specialist Family Wealth Advisor
619-668-4334
Fabrics for Fashion and Home
Philip.Bresnick@morganstanley.com The Bresnick Group at Morgan Stanley 5464 Grossmont Center Drive, Suite 200 l La Mesa, CA 91942 Direct 619 668.4334 l Toll-Free 800 729.2900 l eFax 800 216.4679 CA Insurance License #0A05261 / NMLS #1401662
©2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Member SIPC.
CRC2119372
Visit our Giant Store & Warehouse 907 Plaza Blvd. • National City
619- 477- 3749
92 locations in SD County Family Owned and Operated since 1953
KORNFELD AND LEVY Certified Public Accountants 2067 First Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 Bankers Hill
Serving Cuban-American Food
p: 619.563.8000 f: 619.704.0206
NOWNOW SERVING BREAKFAST, AND DINNER SERVING LUNCH LUNCH AND DINNER
gkornfeld@kornfeldandlevy.com
Gary Kornfeld Certified Public Accountant
Est. 1976
OpenDaily: Daily: 11am 8 am–10 pm Open - 10pm PALM SPRINGS (760) 325-2127
1596 N. Palm Canyon Drive • Palm Springs, CA 92262
D derek berghaus graphics | advertising
REAL ESTATE
C 858-598-7304 w www.dbdesign.com @ derek.berghaus@yahoo.com
| print | digital | social media | Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 45
46 SDJewishJournal.com | November 2020
ENROLL TODAY
Cheshvan | Kislev 5781 | SDJewishJournal.com 47