San Diego Jewish Journal April 2016 by San Diego Jewish Journal

APRIL 2016 l ADAR II • NISAN 5776

PASSOVER: FROM EXODUS TO EARTH DAY

AND THE STORIES IN BETWEEN

DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK.

Anthony Ervin returns to Olympic training

ONE JEWISH WOMAN'S SEARCH

for Muslim understanding

WEIGHT AND DATING in Scripps Ranch

SOLAR Residential

Ecocentric Solar just installed the largest documented residential rooftop solar system in North America!

We provide homeowners with a custom designed solar system; using only superior components, providing the most affordable pricing and overall value in the industry. Zero out-of-pocket options available. Ecocentric’s approach is Total Transparency = Real Numbers = Real Savings = No Gimmicks. Period.

Commercial

Chai Solar Legacy Program™

We give back to our local Synagogues, Day Schools, other Non-Profits & Businesses in a unique way, which allows organizations and companies to use their money on service, education, public purpose programs, and other operating expenses, rather than putting it in the pockets of the local utility company. SEVERAL local Jewish organizations and businesses have already taken advantage of this opportunity! Don’t wait until the State & Federal incentives disappear! Call Ecocentric to see how we can benefit you!

1-855-MyEcoSolar Jonathan Sherr President & CEO

2 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

www.myecocentric.com

C-10 Lic # 992147

A Storm is Coming.

RAIN A World Premiere Musical

“Eden Espinosa boasts one of the most exciting voices of her generation.” Playbill

Limited engagement through May 1 Rain Book by Sybille Pearson Music and Lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa Based on the short story “Rain” by Somerset Maugham Directed by Barry Edelstein

Generously Sponsored by Mary Beth Adderley, Paula and Brian Powers, Jean and Gary Shekhter, The Ted & Mary Jo Shen Charitable Gift Fund, United, and Vicki and Carl Zeiger

Somerset Maugham’s classic story “Rain” was adapted as a movie three times, and his iconic character Sadie Thompson played by Gloria Swanson, Joan Crawford, and Rita Hayworth. Now Broadway star Eden Espinosa recreates this classic role in a gorgeous and powerful new musical. The year is 1924, the setting a boarding hotel on the island of Western Samoa, where a missionary, a doctor, and their wives are scandalized by Sadie’s arrival, particularly when they learn what she does for a living. But the missionary has secrets of his own, and when he tries to save her soul, things get hotter than the South Pacific sun. Barry Edelstein makes his musical theatre directorial debut with this gorgeous and powerful new work that reveals the explosive nature of repressed desire. Contains strong language and adult content.

(619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623) Eden Espinosa. Photo by Jim Cox.

www.TheOldGlobe.org Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 3

WITH THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES AND 7 CONVENIENT WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE?

The New

KEARNY MESA HYUNDAI | SUBARU

BMW OF EL CAJON

KEARNY MESA INFINITI

KEARNY PEARSON FORD | KIA

4 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

LOCATIONS,

T OYOTA C H U L A V I S TA

SAN DIEGO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM

PA C I F I C H O N DA

DIVORCE-FAMILY LAW Compassionate Yet aggresive FamilY law experts

• Divorce • Child Custody • Mediation Spousal Support • Child “Hire Them Support • Colla Before •Your SpousePartnership Does” tive Practice Domestic •D solution • Divorce • Child Custody • M • Divorce • Child Custody • diation • Mediation Spousal Support • Child Supp • Spousal Support • Child Support • Collaborative Practice • Collaborative Practice • Domestic Partn Domestic Partnership • Dissolution • Dissolution • Divorce • Child Custod Mediation • Spousal Support • Child Su

Senator Marty Block Chair, California Legislative Jewish Caucus

858.720.1496 or 760.729.0941

2755 Jefferson Street, Suite 200 Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.frfamilylaw.com Myra Fleischer

PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

CALLING ALUMNI, PARENTS & FRIENDS:

Save the Date

CELEBRATE RAMAH’S 60 YEAR JOURNEY

Chag Sameach! From our family to yours,

Happy Passover

SUNDAY, MAY 22ND 11:00AM – 4:00PM Camp Ramah in California, Ojai, CA Reunite with old friends and enjoy a day at camp with all of your favorite activities: singing, dancing, arts & crafts, sports, BBQ and more. $36 per adult • $18 per child before May 1st COMMITTEE CHAIRS Ellen Brown • Tzivia Schwartz-Getzug

MAY 20 – MAY 22 TH

Join us for an intimate Shabbat getaway to celebrate Ramah’s 60 years with special guests Rabbi Ed Feinstein, David Passig, Ph.D and Comedian, Mark Schiff. COMMITTEE CHAIRS Rhoda and Dr. Bob Barnhard Lisa and Victor Kohn • Abby and Jonny Mars Lesley and Jeffrey Wolman

Register by May 1 www.ramah.org info@ramah.org • (310) 476-8571 • 17525 Ventura Blvd, #201, Encino, CA 91316 Camp Ramah is an American Camp Association accredited, coed, residential summer camp affiliated with the Conservative Movement and National Ramah Commission and operates under the educational auspices of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University.

Barbara Bry is a high-tech entrepreneur, wife, mother, and grandmother running to represent City Council District 1 (Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, La Jolla, University City). The election is on June 7, 2016.

Barbara has been active in the San Diego Jewish community: • Member of Congregation Beth El • Former Vice Chair of the San Diego Jewish Community Foundation • Chair of the Jewish Women’s Foundation • Endorsed by Dr. Irwin & Joan Jacobs, Alan & Caryn Viterbi, Rod & Gloria Stone, Hon. Lynn Schenk, and many other leaders in our community

Paid For By Barbara Bry for City Council District 1, 2016, 2223 Avenida De La Playa #206, La Jolla, CA 92037 Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 5

The Behavioral Health Committee of Jewish Family Service of San Diego Invites You to Our Annual Luncheon in Support of Behavioral Health Awareness

A Personal Account of Recovery: Facing the truth, gaining strength, and gathering support to survive addiction Featuring William Cope Moyers of Hazelden Betty Ford

Monday, May 23 | 11:30am – 1:30pm Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla 3777 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla 92122 | $50 prior to May 9, $60 thereafter William Cope Moyers, son of veteran broadcaster and White House Press Secretary Bill Moyers, went from a life of privilege with a bright career to one of powerless addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine. Moyers’ best-selling memoir, Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption, is the stunning and inspiring true-life account of his substance use and successful recovery. Now as a Vice President at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Moyers is a national voice, raising awareness of addiction as a powerful illness and recovery as a lifelong pursuit — one that requires the whole family and community to recover together. Generously underwritten by Caryl Lees Witte

6 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Questions? (858) 637-3231

Spring joy & hosting happiness. Passover meals from

As Passover approaches on April 23, we at Gelson’s look forward to bringing families and friends together for an inspiring celebration of freedom. Look to our Service Deli chefs and their fresh, seasonal fare for a delicious and convenient way to please your family and friends. If you are preparing the Seder meal, look for flavorful USDA Choice Beef Briskets from our Meat Department. As always, we are here to help you find anything you need to complete your holiday table with all the symbolic elements. Gelson’s also carries a variety of Passover Meals. Visit Gelsons.com and place your order early! Passover is also a reminder of Spring with longer days and warmer weather. We invite you to depend on us for the best quality and freshest ingredients available. Chag Sameach! Del Mar 2707 Via De La Valle 858-481-9300

**COMING SOON PACIFIC BEACH

La Costa/Carlsbad 7660 El Camino Real 760-632-7511

$10 Off

your entire order of $50 or more.*

Happy Pesach!

*Offer valid at Del Mar and La Costa/Carlsbad locations. Excludes pharmacy, bakery, dairy, tobacco, alcohol, gift cards and postage stamps. Cannot be used with any other offer. Limit one coupon per customer per day. No cash back.

www.gelsons.com

Expires: 5/02/2016

PLU #8858

/ilovegelsons

@gelsonsmarkets

/gelsonsmarkets

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 7

CONTENTS

April 2016 Adar II / Nisan 5776

PASSOVER:

Find information on community Seders, ideas for new ways to talk about the Exodus story, Earth Day connections and an exploration of a new subscription box that's working to "consumerize Jewish" in our Passover section.

SPORTS: Olympic swimmer and Jewish badboy Anthony Ervin is hoping to return to the Olympics for the third time in 16 years.

THEATER: A Jewish actress and a Jewish director walk into a play about Irish-Catholic sisters who struggle with weight, plastic surgery, and love, at Scripps Ranch Theatre.

MUSIC: The Maccabeats headline a stellar fourth annual Shir Energy Festival at Temple Solel in Cardiff.

POLITICS: Meet two candidates in the race for City Council District 1, and read their views on issues facing the city's affluent northern neighborhoods.

8 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Monthly Columns 12 The Starting Line 22 Parenting 24 Israeli Lifestyle 26 Aging 28 Spirituality 76 Advice AROUND TOWN 18 Our Town 20 The Scene 84 Calendar IN EVERY ISSUE 14 Mailbag 16 What’s Up Online 73 What’s Goin’ On 77 Diversions 80 News 92 Shabbat Sheet

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 56 OF NOTE:

Meet two Jewish artists showing at ArtWalk in Little Italy this month.

59 FEATURE:

One Jewish woman’s journey for Muslim understanding.

62 POLITICS:

Israeli-American group creates lobby, adding a new dimension to a diverse though covert subset of American politics.

66 OF NOTE:

Middle school students from East County’s Lemon Grove Academy reflect on trip to Museum of Tolerance.

69 FOOD:

Try Spinach, Feta, and Artichoke Matzo Mina to solve some of the Passover food puzzles.

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 9

You are going to have to make some choices, but you don’t have to make them alone.

www.sdjewishjournal.com April 2016 • Adar II/Nisan 5776

Changing jobs can be difficult but we are with you every step of the way.

• Retirement Plans • Life/Disability Insurance • Investment Strategies

PUBLISHERS • Mark Edelstein and Dr. Mark Moss

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 12531 igh BBluff luff DDrive, rive, SSTE TE 4400 00 12531HHigh 12531 High Drive, STE 400 STE 400 12531 High Bluff Drive, San iego, CCA A B9luff 2130 Tori Avey, Betsy Baranov, Linda Bennett, Abby Walker, David SanDDiego, 92130 858-532-7904 858-532-7904 San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 Ebenbach, Judith Fein (Senior Travel Correspondent), Michael Fox, 858-‐ 523-‐ 7904

858-‐523-‐858-‐ 7904 523-‐7904

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Natalie Jacobs CREATIVE DIRECTOR • Derek Berghaus ASSISTANT EDITOR • Tina B. Eshel ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • Eileen Sondak ADVERTISING & OFFICE MANAGER • Ronnie Weisberg

Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® Managing Director-‐ Investments CA Insurance ic #0C28496 Jeffrey R Jeffrey Liber, CRFP® LLiber, CFP® jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com

Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA®

Amanda Kelly, Brie Stimson, Pat Launer, Sharon Rosen Leib, Andrea Simantov, Jon Schwartz, Marnie McCauley

Senior Vice President-‐ Investments CA IDon nsurance Lic #0821851 Lincoln, CLFP®, CIMA® Don incoln, CFP®, CIMA® don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400

Managing Director-‐ D Investments Managing irector-‐ Investments CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Waddell jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Alissa

Senior ISnvestments 12531 VHice igh PBresident-‐ luff rive, TE 400 Investments Senior VDice President-‐ CA 92130 San Diego, 9San 2130 CA Insurance Lic C#A 0821851 CA Insurance Lic D#iego, 0821851 858-‐523-‐7904 858-‐523-‐7904 Gina Grimmer don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Registered Client Associate

AVP -‐ Registered Client Associate CA insurance Lic #0I18483 Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com Alissa Waddell Alissa WDRaddell Jeffrey Liber, Investments CFP® Managing irector-‐ CA Insurance LD ic irector-‐ #0C28496 AVP -‐ Registered Client Associate AVP -‐ Registered Client Associate Managing Investments jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com CA insurance Lic #0I18483 CA insurance Lic #0I18483

CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 Investment and Insurance Products offered through affiliates: Lose Value alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com !MAY alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com

CA insurance Lic #0178195 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Gina Grimmer Gina rimmer Don GLincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Vice President-‐ Investments CA Registered Insurance LRegistered ic 0821851 C#lient ssociate Client Associate Senior VAice President-‐ Investments don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA insurance Lic #0178195 CA insurance Lic #0178195

CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com

!NOT FDIC Insured !NO Bank Guarantee

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Alan Moss (Palm Springs) SAN DIEGO JEWISH JOURNAL (858) 638-9818 • fax: (858) 638-9801 5665 Oberlin Drive, Suite 204 • San Diego, CA 92121

EDITORIAL: editor@sdjewishjournal.com ADVERTISING: sales@sdjewishjournal.com CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS: publisher@sdjewishjournal.com Registered Client Associate AVP -‐ Registered Client Associate Wells Fargo Wells Advisors, Member SIPC, is a registered and a separate affiliate of Wells Fargo & Fargo Advisors, LLC, SIPC, is abroker-dealer registered broker-dealer andnon-bank aCA separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & insurance Lic #0178195 CA iLLC, nsurance Lic #Member 0I18483 ART DEPARTMENT: art@sdjewishjournal.com Company. Company. Investment alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. AllProducts: rights reserved. 88580 –v1 -0312-2590 (e7460) ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 88580 -0312-2590 (e7460) and Insurance !NOT FDIC Insured !NO–v1 Bank Guarantee !MAY Lose Value LISTINGS & CALENDAR: calendar@sdjewishjournal.com

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate Gina Gnon-bank rimmer affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Alissa Waddell ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 88580 –v1 -0312-2590 (e7460)

Registered Client Associate AVP -‐ Registered Client Associate CA insurance Lic #0178195 CA insurance Lic #0I18483 Gina Grimmer Alissa W addell Investment and Insurance Products: Products: !NOT FDIC Insured Bank!NO Guarantee !MAY Lose ValueLose Value and Insurance !NOT FDIC!NO Insured Bank Guarantee !MAY Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Investment alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com

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

©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 88580 –v1 -0312-2590 (e7460) Investment and Insurance Products: !NOT FDIC Insured !NO Bank Guarantee !MAY Lose Value SDJJ is published monthly by San Diego Jewish Journal, LLC. Subscription rate is $24 for one year

(12 issues). Send subscription requests to SDJJ, 5665 Oberlin Drive, Suite 204, San Diego, CA 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 ©2016 by San Diego Jewish Journal. The San Diego Jewish Journal is a member of the American Jewish Press Association and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. 92121. ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 88580 –v1 -0312-2590 (e7460)

Facebook “f ” Logo

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/sandiegojewishjournal and follow us on Twitter @sdjewishjournal CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

THANK YOU!

Find love now! Personalized Jewish Matchmaking

Judith Gottesman, MSW Soul Mates Unlimited® Read testimonials at SoulMatesUnlimited.com

All ages and backgrounds (510) 418-8813 info@SoulMatesUnlimited.com

10 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

#SDJewishJournal

SanDiegoJewishJournal

1607_RAOCJ

HAPPY

PASSOVER .

Ralphs.com

MAY YOU ENJOY THE TRADITIONS AND TOGETHERNESS OF THIS HOLIDAY Manischewitz Concord Grape C Wine

Kedem Concord Grape Juice

Select Varieties, 750 ml, Plus CRV Se

499 -30%

ea With Card

Silver Springs Horseradish Sauce Select Varieties, 5 oz

Select Varieties, 64 fl oz

ea WHEN YOU BUY ANY 6 WITH CARD

With Card

Kedem S Sparkling Grape Juice

Bartenura

Select Varieties, S 750 ml

25.4 fl oz, Plus CRV

Yehuda Gefilte Fish 24 oz

M i h i Manischewitz Egg Noodles 12 oz

With Card

Gefen Honey Bear 12 oz

999

With Card

Horseradish Root

Gefen or Streit’s Macaroons Select Varieties, 10 oz

With Card

Ariel Cake

Select Varieties, 15.9 oz

With Card

Savion Fruit Slices 6 oz

ea With Card

1284 -30%

349

899

With Card

ea WHEN YOU BUY ANY 6 WITH CARD

With Card

Tabatchnick Soup

Select Varieties, for With Card 15 oz

10$$

Lieber’s Potato Chips

Select Varieties, for 5 oz

With Card

Yehuda Promise Land Candle 3 oz

69¢ With Card

FIND THE THINGS YOU NEED FOR YOUR PASSOVER SEDER TABLE AT RALPHS.

RFRI01

Prices Good Through April 30, 2016. While Supplies Last

Kosher Meat Departments are located at: •17480 Ventura Blvd. - Encino •12921 Magnolia Blvd. - Van Nuys

•14049 Ventura Blvd - Sherman Oaks •8657 Villa La Jolla Drive - La Jolla

•9616 W. Pico Blvd. - Los Angeles •22333 Sherman Way - Canoga Park •260 S. La Brea Ave. - Los Angeles

Not available at all stores, limited to quantities on hand. ©Copyright 2016 by Ralphs Grocery Company. All Rights Reserved, Ralphs CARD prices may remain in effect longer than the time period indicated. We reserve the right to correct all printed errors. All items may not be available at all stores. We reserve the right to limit quantities for retail sales only while supplies last. Prices may vary depending upon local competition, cost factors of geographic location. Manufacturer’s coupons will be redeemed at face value. Applicable sales tax will be charged on Manufacturer’s coupons. We reserve the right to accept, limit or refuse manufacturer’s coupons issued by other Supermarkets. Minimum card savings shown, check store shelf price tag for actual savings. All Buy One Get One Free items are taken from regular shelf retail. Rewards excludes alcohol, tobacco, money orders, postage stamps, gift cards/certificates, lottery, promotional tickets, tax, CRV, fluid milk products, fuel, pharmacy and all other purchases prohibited by law.

703_R_1607_RFRI01_RAOCJ.indd 1

3/18/16 4:59 PM

Adar II Journal • Nisan 57761607_RAOCJ | SDJewishJournal.com Friday 4/01/16 The Orane County Jewish Life & San Diego Jewish

THE STARTING LINE by Natalie Jacobs

EDITOR’S LETTER editor@sdjewishjournal.com

Ah, Politics

t the time of this writing, “Jewish” has entered the mainstream news cycle in a big way. Donald Trump would speak at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee annual policy conference in Washington, D.C. So too would Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, but far less people were so vociferously opposed to any of those appearances. It was the name Donald Trump that incensed people, which is not at all surprising at this point in America’s relationship with the blathering blowhard. As has been the aftermath of pretty much every campaign decision made or word uttered by this election cycle’s most controversial candidate, a supposed “silent majority” stood clapping in a corner while the Internet erupted with think pieces and op-eds. Jewish groups, including the Union for Reform Judaism, issued statements condemning AIPAC’s decision to extend an invitation to Trump. A contingent of rabbis publicly vowed to protest the speech. In a rather shocking turn of events, afterward, AIPAC itself worked to put distance between the group and Trump’s most inciting statements, particularly the one that gained the most applause from the audience of some 18,000 delegates, about Obama’s dealings with Israel.

Bernie Sanders, the only Jewish person in the race, was the only presidential candidate who didn’t speak at the conference. Sanders said he couldn’t make it due to West coast campaign commitments – including a San Diego stop that gathered 10,000 people at the convention center. Perhaps unfortunately for Sanders, sometime between the 2012 elections and now, AIPAC changed its policy to no longer allow presidential candidates to give a remote address to the lobby group’s largest gathering of the year (sitting politicians are not subject to this rule). Although the political power of AIPAC on America’s relations with the Middle East was called into question after the Iran nuclear deal passed despite opposition from the group, AIPAC still positions itself as a policy powerhouse. The roster of politicians on the speaker docket for this year’s conference, beyond just the presidential candidates, support that position. It remains uncontested that the conference’s hand-shaking and hoorah-ing is important to a lot of people. Through the Trump dust-up, AIPAC contended that it is simply its practice to invite presidential candidates to address the conference during election years. And that is its right. It is also understandable that candidates would welcome the opportunity to speak directly with

a hawkish group of Jewish people from around the country, together in one room, in the midst of an intense four days of conferring about the United States’ roles in and responsibilities to Israel. The only question the audiences are left with then is, if all the right things are said about Israel, does it matter who says them? On page 62 of this magazine is a very brief overview of the Israel lobby landscape here in the United States, including AIPAC of course, but also looking at J Street, and the latest addition to this ecosystem – Israeli-American Nexus. Also in the politics section is a far less controversial exploration of the first two candidates in San Diego’s race to replace Sherri Lightner for District 1 on the City Council. Before and after that, though, take a break from the political rhetoric, if only for a few pages. The Passover section explores modern connections to the Exodus story and Earth Day; art imitates life at a small but thriving community theater in Scripps Ranch; and our cover dude aims to make less of a splash at this year’s Olympics. Chag Sameach! A

New Releases

The Butterfly Groove

Why Be Jewish?

Alligator Candy

This new book “The Butterfly Groove,” by local author Jessica Barraco details the journalist's journey through her late mother's past. At the age of 23, Barraco interviewed a long list of people from throughout her mother’s life, in order to determine her “emotional genealogy.”

This is Edgar Bronfman’s sixth and final book, completed just before his death in Dec. 2013 at the age of 84. For his final opus, the prominent businessman and philanthropist aims to “provide a path for secular Jews to find value and life-lessons” from various traditional Jewish teachings.

In “Alligator Candy,” journalist David Kushner reports on his brother’s mysterious death in suburban Florida and his own posttraumatic growth. Kirkus Reviews calls it “a probing, poignant memoir about tragedy, grief, and trying to cope.”

12 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Community Holocaust Commemoration SUNDAY, MAY 1 | 1:30 - 3PM

Lawrence Family JCC JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS DAVID AND DOROTHEA GARFIELD THEATRE This event is free and open to the public

ADL ∙ San Diego Center for Jewish Culture ∙Jewish Community Foundation ∙ Jewish Family Service ∙ New Life Club ∙ Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS ∙ San Diego Rabbinical Association ∙ Jewish Federation of San Diego County

REMEMBRANCE

HOPE

FREEDOM

YOM HAZIKARON ISRAEL'S DAY OF REMEMBRANCE larcy¦twkrum¦ylljl¦}wrkyzh¦swy hbyah¦twlwup¦yugpnw

TUESDAY, MAY 10 | 7PM

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL, 9001 TOWNE CENTRE DR, SAN DIEGO

SUNDAY, MAY 15 2-5PM

SAN DIEGO JEWISH ACADEMY

Yom Ha’atzmaut

ACTIVITIES

Friendship Circle Walk, Henna Tattoos & Crafts, Face Painting, Entertainment & Games, Israeli Music, Israeli Dancing, Kosher Food, Community Booths

Learn more about upcoming events at

jewishinsandiego.org/events Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 13

we’re listening let us know what’s on your mind

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

ON THIS MONTH’S COVER This month's cover photo was provided courtesy of Becca Wyant for Finis, Inc., to use in conjunction with our article on Finis-sponsored swimmer Anthony Ervin. Read the story on page 48.

14 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

NOT SO FUNNY PAGES Dear Editor: I am writing regarding your recent March 2016 issue of the Jewish Journal. In the past, my husband and I have greatly enjoyed reading the journal until this last month’s issue. Your “funny pages” on page 30 included four cartoons, the last of which, repeating common anti-Semitic beliefs about Jews and money, causes serious concern. As a scholar and educator of Holocaust history and genocide studies, I would expect to see that kind of offensive imagery from one of the 892 active hate groups here in the U.S. (as reported by the Southern Poverty Law Center). Such a cartoon perpetuates myths of Jewish control of the financial sector, an elemental component of anti-Semitism since the Middle Ages in Europe. This is not simply a matter of Jewish humor or Jews poking fun at themselves, both of which are an important part of Jewish culture and historically used as a coping mechanism during difficult times. Given the ADL’s recent reports – 912 anti-Semitic incidents here in the United States in 2014 and 1.09 billion people worldwide who harbor anti-Semitic beliefs, we do not need to further fuel anti-Jewish stereotypes and hatred by publishing cartoons that serve the nefarious interests of those who hate the Jewish people. As the premier Jewish magazine in San Diego county, you owe your readers an apology. I also urge you to think critically about what kind of humor you choose to include in future issues. Sara Brown Clark University

@SDJEWISHJOURNAL

Best Wishes for a Happy Passover from our family to yours Miracles happen every day at San Diego Fertility Center...

A Center of Excellence and Global Leader in Fertility Services

In Vitro Fertilization • Egg Donation • Surrogate IVF • Pre-Genetic Screening • Family Balancing

Mission Valley

2020 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 805 San Diego, CA 92108

619.906.4471

Del Mar

11425 El Camino Real San Diego, CA 92130

858.794.6363

Temecula Valley

44274 George Cushman Court Suite 201 San Diego, CA 92592

951.303.0355

For more information visit us online at: www.sdfertility.com | www.eggdonor4u.com Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 15

whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up on sdjewishjournal.com

CAMP MOUNTAIN CHAI WELCOMES NEW CAMP DIRECTOR: San Diego's Jewish summer camp, Camp Mountain Chai, has recently welcomed Dan Baer as Camp Director. Get a glimpse of his bio on the website.

THE ERNA FINCI VITERBI ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FUND ESTABLISHED AT THE OLD GLOBE IN HONOR OF LOCAL LEGEND: In mid-March it was announced that Andrew Viterbi donated $5 million to The Old Globe in honor of his beloved wife Erna Finci Viterbi, z"l, and her deep connection to the arts. Read reactions from the Globe's Barry Edelstein, Board Chair Vicki L. Zeiger, and Dr. Viterbi himself in our web story.

SOILLE'S TEACHER OF THE YEAR: After his students had a strong showing at the Science and Engineering Fair, teacher Matt Bessler was awarded San Diego Science Teacher of the Year. Details online.

JEWISH IN UKRAINE: Read about Federation's support of JDC efforts in Ukraine amidst a volatile military situation and uncertainty for many older adults.

Hear about all our web exclusives first: Like us on Facebook.com/ sandiegojewishjournal and follow us on Twitter @sdjewishjournal 16 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

HAPPY

Passover!

MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL OFF

15%

Annual JCC Membership plus Registration Fee Waived

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! 858.362.1115 • www.lfjcc.org This offer is good for new members only. Must be age 18 or older. May not be used toward Teen, Public Servant, or Corporate Memberships. Annual membership must be paid in full at time of registration. Discount applies to initial annual membership contract only. Current JCC members call the membership office for special renewal offers. Standard membership rates apply to future renewals.

Offer good through April 29, 2016!

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 17

TOP L-R: Lisa and Gary Levine • Joan and Irwin Jacobs.

our TOWN BY LINDA BENNETT AND BETSY BARANOV, PHOTOS BY BOB ROSS PHOTOGRAPHY

Seacrest Gala

Birthdays...

On Feb. 27 we attended the 38th Annual Women’s Auxiliary Gala called Silver Screen for Seacrest Village Retirement Communities. More than 325 guests helped raise more than $450,000 during the evening, between dining and dancing to the great Jacqueline Foster Band. A live auction raised money for the Resident Assistance Fund and the fund-a-need initiative. Supporters seen were Ellen and Ernest Addleson, Shelle and David Belenzon, Barbara Bloom, Toby and Howard Cohen, Karen and Donald Cohn, Stacy and Jon Halberg, Sonia and Andy Israel, Joan and Irwin Jacobs, Cindy and Larry Bloch, Arlene and Danny Orlansky, Mona and Jeffrey Platt, Francy Starr, Stephanie and Steven Steinberg, Iris and Matthew Strauss, Susan and Richard Ulevitch, Sharon and David Wax, and Bebe and Marvin Zigman.

Happy 80th birthday to Esther Fischer! Mazel tov to Ben and Annie Caspi on the birth of Sabrina Dawn on Feb. 26. Congrats to David and Danielle Melman on the birth of Madison Merle, the first grandchild for Carolyn and Michael Melman.

Mazel tovs... Mazel tov to Julian Stern, son of Amy and Michael on his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Beth Israel. Mazel tov to Parker Aaron Appelbaum on his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El.

Weddings... Brad Blose and Jerome Van Amburg were married March 12 after 21 long years of partnership. Tammy Sacks and SDJJ columnist Jon Schwartz are engaged to be married this September. Sacks is a past recipient of the Marla Bennett Kindness Award from the Jewish Academy.

18 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016 BOTTOM L-R: Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky • Gala Co-Chairs Linda Platt and Esther Fischer.

Jewish National Fund 5th Annual

LOVE OF ISRAEL BRUNCH Sunday, May 1, 2016 9:30 - 11:30 am Del Mar Marriott 11966 El Camino Real • San Diego, CA 92130 Featuring Guest Speaker: Ido Aharoni Israeli Consulate General in New York Ambassador Aharoni served as head of Israel’s Brand Management Team bringing about a paradigm shift in the perception of Israel’s public image. He also held positions in the Israeli government, including Senior Advisor to Israel’s Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister for Media and Public Affairs and policy advisor for five Directors-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Complimentary event • Dietary laws observed • Blue Box drop off will be available RSVP by April 22 at jnf.org/sdloi or contact Stacey Lewis at slewis@jnf.org or 858.824.9178 x964. For more information, contact Amy Hart, San Diego Director, at ahart@jnf.org or 858.824.9178 x988. Check out local upcoming events on JNF San Diego’s page at facebook.com/JNF.SanDiego

jnf.org • 800.JNF.0099

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 19

the SCENE

BY EILEEN SONDAK PHOTOS BY BOB ROSS PHOTOGRAPHY

Rady’s Charity Ball You might not expect to see a Canadian flag flying atop the Hotel Del Coronado, but guests of the 107th anniversary Charity Ball saw just that recently. The event was a celebration of honorees Evelyn and Ernest Rady’s Canadian heritage. Decor included flowers from the four seasons of the Canadian Prairie, and to add to the pageantry, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were in attendance. In fact, “the Mounties” hand-carried the Maple Leaf flag that flew alongside the Stars and Stripes. The gala began in the Carousel Room for a pre-ball reception. Then, guests moved upstairs to the Crown Room for dinner, dancing, desserts, and entertainment by a jazz band and a swing orchestra. Proceeds from the black tie affair will benefit Rady’s Children’s Hospital’s Crisis Stabilization Unit. Among the long list of revelers were Don Breitenberg and Jeanne Jones, Robert Caplan, Carol Damon-Scherer, Jon and Mary Epsten, Michael and Mari Fink, Marc and Nancie Geller, Kenneth Golden, Katie Jacobsen, Mel and Linda Katz, Buzz and Nan Kaufman, Naomi Levine, Kristi Pieper, Ted and Jeanne Roth, Gary and Didi Saks, Joe and Andrea Schmidt, Tom Seidler, and Scott and Cissy Wolfe.

20 SDJewishJournal.com l March April 2016 2016

Clockwise from top right: Dr. Gabriel and Karen Haddad • Jim and Ellen Moxham with Evelyn and Ernest Rady • Phyllis and John Parrish • Samuel Knight and Dr. Gail Knight.

W I S H I N G Y O U A H A P P Y PA S S O V E R

Frederick Schenk

Gayle Blatt

Adam Levine

Dedicated to the Pursuit of Justice since 1947 SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY, MARITIME, AVIATION, PRODUCT LIABILITY, CLASS ACTION, MASS TORTS AND PHARMACEUTICAL LITIGATION

San Diego | North County | 619-238-1811 | Free Initial Consultation | caseygerry.com

Larry M. Katz Certified Public Accountant

• 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

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 CELL: 619.992.2367 760.727.5333 email: rabbiben@email.com MFT Lic #11820

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 21

MUSINGS FROM MAMA

by Sharon Rosen Leib

PARENTING srleib@me.com

To the Ends of the Earth

hat do you do if one of your kids asks you to spontaneously drop everything and trek around Southern Patagonia? If you are anything like me (tending toward indecision/anxiety), you hedge. “I’ll have to see how expensive flights are and whether I can plan this in six weeks,” I said. Would I survive trekking around the Argentinian/Chilean wilderness? What if I couldn’t keep up and got lost in the wild; or tripped and tore a ligament; or got dehydrated and fainted? My dear husband cut through my self-doubt. “Are you crazy? Your 20-year-old daughter wants to spend time with you. You have to go. I’m jealous!” He spoke truth to my neuroses. Our middle daughter, already traveling in South America, wanted to go – but not by herself. Travel guidebooks describe Southern Patagonia as a mystical place of natural wonders – glaciers melting into myriad waterfalls feeding turquoise lakes; ice-carved granite; and stark, windwhipped plains. I wanted to share this sublime experience with her, but my mental parade of horribles interfered. The Hamlet-like hand wringing ended after an old friend and outstanding member of San Diego’s Jewish community, Cindy Singer Polger, died of a rare form of cancer at age 58. She left behind two wonderful kids the same ages as our oldest two – 21 and 20; and husband Lorne, my 1980s law school classmate. I wrote Lorne that Cindy’s untimely passing inspired me to take the Patagonian leap, “If not now, when?” So here’s what happened. I found a great airfare, obsessively searched the Internet for reasonably priced inns, trekking packages and lightweight backpacks and down jackets. Then I made several trips to REI, broke in new hiking boots, borrowed waterproof outerwear from a friend, assembled a comprehensive first-aid kit and started to train by hiking at least an hour every day. We’d be trekking 5-8 hours a day for four days in rugged conditions. I had to be ready. I met Middle Daughter in Buenos Aires. We 22 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

We laughed, stood in awe, kvetched a little, grew impatient then patient again, got rain soaked, sustained minor injuries but ultimately survived the trail. indulged in high tea at the elegant Alvear Palace Hotel before heading south. When the bill came I realized the dollar was stronger than ever. (If you are contemplating a visit to Argentina – now is a REALLY good time.) We flew to chilly El Calafate in Southern Patagonia where we donned crampons and trekked on Perito Moreno Glacier. I was afraid I’d fall into a crevasse, but didn’t. We drank the purest water melted straight off the glacier and watched sheets of ice calve into bluegray Lago Argentino. Then we took an all-day bus ride and crossed the border into Chile to our final trekking destination – Torres del Paine National Park (the equivalent of Yosemite times four). TDP’s unparalleled rock formations, snow-capped peaks and exhilarating but scary gale-force winds (that nearly blew us off the trail) draw visitors from around the globe. We shared rooms at refugios (hostel-like lodgings) along the trail with two to four other people, including a young Brazilian couple who became our trek buddies. We dined cafeteria style and conversed with people from Korea, Australia, Germany and Israel. Most of all, my daughter and I talked and listened to each other. We laughed, stood in awe, kvetched a little, grew impatient then patient again, got rain soaked, sustained minor injuries but ultimately survived the trail. As we rode the bus out of Torres del Paine back to civilization, my daughter pointed at the highway sign – Routa Fin del Mundo (End of the World Highway). Going to the End of the World with one of my beloved daughters – beyond priceless. A

FYI

Feeding America San Diego will host a culinary competition and craft beer tasting to raise money for its food programs throughout the county. “Pairings with a Purpose: Tapped Edition” takes place at the Bobby Riggs Tennis Club and Museum in Encinitas on April 16 from 1-5 p.m. with local breweries Karl Strauss, Bitter Brothers, Monkey Paw and Second Chance, along with chefs from The Lodge at Torrey Pines, J-Six, Stake Chophouse and more. Details at feedingamericasd.org.

THANK YOU

Thank you to the community for your incredible investment in the mission of Jewish Family Service. Your support will bring hope, dignity, and security to thousands of San Diegans in search of better lives. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, more resilient San Diego.

THANK YOU to our

PATRONS and UNDERWRITERS

PRESENTING UNDERWRITER Anonymous TITLE UNDERWRITER Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc.

Celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of the

2016 Mitzvah Honorees

Claire & David Ellman Benjamin Schulman Our Special Partnership with

U.S. Bank

(Steve Stuckey, Senior Vice President, San Diego Market President)

gala chairs

auction chairs

Kira Finkenberg Staci Tiras-Jones

Logan Marcus Danielle Sicklick

past chair advisors April & Mathew Fink Heather Keith

Felicia Mandelbaum Karin & Tony Toranto

View Tribute Videos & Gala Photos www.jfssd.org/gala

PREMIER UNDERWRITER Gerber Goldschmidt Group | Claire & David Ellman Daniel Green Joan & Irwin Jacobs Benjamin Schulman DINNER UNDERWRITER Marie G. Raftery & Dr. Robert A. Rubenstein U.S. Bank HEART OF THE FAMILY Barbara C. Barsky • Pauline Foster • Gary & Lisa Levine | Arthur J. Gallagher Audrey & Steven Levine | Latham & Watkins LLP Sylvia & Jamie Liwerant • Sarah z”l & Nessim Tiano Erna z”l & Andrew Viterbi • Waxie Sanitary Supply HEART OF GOLD Barbara Bloom • Marc Channick | Delphi Private Advisors • Elaine Chortek City National Bank • Mel Cohn • Cooley • Alberta Feurzeig Daniel & Allison Gardenswartz • Grossmont Healthcare District • Marcia Foster Hazan Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego • Leichtag Foundation Sandra & Arthur Levinson • Jennifer & Jay Levitt • Ellen Marks • Marci & Ronnie Morgan Jori Potiker • Conrad Prebys & Debbie Turner • Marci Sinclair & Andy Ratner Hon. Lynn Schenk • Susan Shmalo • Elyse Sollender • Karin & Tony Toranto GALA PATRONS 2-1-1 San Diego • Loretta H. Adams & William Snyder • Marsha Berkson Barbara Bry & Neil Senturia • Deborah Bucksbaum • Pamela & Edward Carnot Laurie & Matthew Coleman • Robin & Leo Eisenberg • Brian Ellman and Charlotte Schuman and family • April & Mathew Fink | Comfort Keepers Rhona & Ray Fink • Kira Finkenberg • Lisa Braun-Glazer & Jeffrey Glazer • Meg & Allan Goldstein Gravity Productions • Alan Haubenstock, Brian Haubenstock & Lori Shearer Karen Helrich & Bertram Edelstein • Hillel of San Diego • Hughes Marino CM Hilary & Selwyn Isakow • Ann & Richard Jaffe • Jennifer & Julian Josephson Susan & David Kabakoff • Kate & John Kassar • Dori & Charles Kaufman Jessica & Michael Lees • The Levin Family Liber-Lincoln Wealth Management Group — Wells Fargo Advisors • Sheila & Jeffrey Lipinsky Barbara & Mathew Loonin • Marcia & Robert Malkus • Danielle & Brian Miller Susan & James Morris • Ohr Ami, The Jewish Hospice Program | Lightbridge Hospice and Palliative Care • Laurayne Ratner • Lois Richmond • Sheryl & William Rowling • Safdie Rabines Architects The San Diego Foundation • San Diego Ice Arena • San Diego Jewish Academy San Diego Private Bank • Thomas Sickinger • Nanci & Ronald Slayen • Marilyn & Stanley Smiedt Social Solutions • Jill & Evan Stone • Caryn & Alan Viterbi • Mary Lynn & Larry Weitzen Jacqueline & Bertram Woolf • Helene & Allan Ziman • Joellyn & Ron Zollman • Anonymous

LIVING ON THE FRONT PAGE by Andrea Simantov

ISRAELI LIFESTYLE andreasimantov@gmail.com

Tea Lights and Time

uring the intermediate days of the holiday Sukkot, my youngest daughter Tehilah and Gavin, her long-time boyfriend, became engaged to marry. They live in Johannesburg as do two out of three married daughters. I happened to be in South Africa at the time, celebrating my 60th birthday; my mother and sister flew in from America for the occasion; as one could well imagine, the rejoicing was wild. This was my fourth daughter to marry and they had been together for so long that I only wanted to get her under the marriage canopy el pronto. (It should be noted that the adorable groom, 17 years her senior, was becoming concerned about his biological clock.) Most poignant, however, was that Gavin’s mother, Ros, is not well. Very not well. To date, this is her only child to marry. After the initial round of mazel tovs and discussions of whether the nuptials would take place in Jerusalem or Jo’burg, we sighed the sighs of Jewish mothers who have done good. Ros gingerly extracted from her purse a pencil drawing of an unmistakably mother-of-thegroom dress and said, “I was thinking of midnight blue. I’ve always looked nice in midnight blue. Is that alright with everyone?” My daughters, mother and I all had poohpoohed the ideas of matching colors but

24 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

miraculously, in near-unison, we loudly replied, “We LOVE midnight blue! Weren’t we just saying that we hoped Ros be a with agreeable to that color?” Fast forward to the end of February: Hair, makeup and nail appointments; flower selections; three separate trips to Ben Gurion to fetch out of town guests; hastily arranged ice-cream outings with children and grandchildren who were staying at the large home of my ex-husband; rented wheelchairs were arranged for my mother and Ros. And in between, the bride and I returned – again and again – to the dressmaker. Tehilah’s dress was a fantasy-come-alive that she’d co-designed with the seamstress. Victorianinfluenced, it was a symphony of tulle, lace and pearls in muted colors of cafe-au-lait, caramel and vanilla. I also designed my dress, much to the dismay of the dressmaker; she was right. It was an expensive monstrosity that I quickly chucked for a lovely borrowed gown that, surprisingly, fit perfectly. The night before the wedding, the groom’s sister shared her fear that her mother wouldn’t be able to remain at the entire celebration. Danielle explained that she had left the synagogue immediately after the groom-to-be was called to the Torah and took to her bed, re-emerging only after the conclusion of the Sabbath. As the

wedding was being held far outside of Jerusalem, I explained to Danielle that leaving was not an option. Together we agreed that I would bring a futon and bedding for Ros so that she could lay down but be near enough to rejoin the simcha should she feel up to it. Ros looked beautiful but frail in her stunning frock. She wore a flattering wig that closely resembled the hairstyle she wore before chemotherapy left her folically compromised; and although the night was warm, a man’s sportsjacket covered her shoulders for the duration of the ceremony. Together we walked around the couple seven times, symbolizing the seven days of creation; the groom stepped on the glass and the crowd cheered. My son-in-law-the-rabbi conducted the chuppah rituals. Surrounded by children, grandchildren, friends and other loved ones, my gratitude to the Almighty was overflowing. The next night I held Ros’s hand while she cried. She didn’t want to return to South Africa to a world of hospital wards and invasive treatments. She wanted to remain in a magicalforever of tea lights, simcha and the promise of grandchildren to lovingly cradle. A week of simcha is, for some, a week. For others, it is the world. A

BackInto Back Into Focus Focus

Best Wishes for a

NEW YEAR, NEW VISION HAPPY PASSOVER When WhenItItComes Comesto to

SanDiego Diego Vision VisionCorrection Correction InInSan We’d We’dLike Liketo toMake MakeOne OneThing Thing

Perfectly PerfectlyClear: Clear:

YOUR wewe think YOURVISION! VISION!AtAtGordonGordonWeiss-Schanzlin -Schanzlin NewVision VisionInstitute, Institute, think vision is priceless. That’ s why we’re constantly investingininthe youryour vision is priceless. That’s why we’re constantly investing the latest and most advancedvision visioncorrection correctiontechnology technology available today. latest and most advanced today. Our Commitment to leading technology is surpassed Our Commitment to leading edgeedge technology is surpassed only by ourby commitment to quality patient care. care. So when it comes to your only our commitment to quality patient So when it comes to eye health, our world-renowned doctors one thing perfectly LASIK andletCataract surgery in San Diego, letmake our world-renowned eye clear surgeons make one thing perfectly clear in your life. cosmetic treatments and advanced vision correction surgery. David Geffen, M.D.

Jack L. Weiss, M.D.

David Schanzlin, M.D.

Michael Gordon, M.D.

Specializing in Advanced Laser Refractive Specializing in LASIK and Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery Cataract Surgery

800 NEW VISION | www.gwsvision.com 8910 University Center Lane, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92122

Sunday,

June 5, 2016

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School 53rd Anniversary Gala “Celebrating Community”

Honoring

Selwyn Isakow Founder, Shabbat San Diego & Partners in Torah San Diego

Honorary Chairs:

Dan & Emily Einhorn Ernest Rady Robyn Lichter

Contact Joyce Arovas, jarovas@hebrewday.org to place a message in the Tribute Journal

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 25

OLDER, WISER, BETTER by Jon Schwartz

AGING jonaschwartz@hotmail.com

The Lifespan Debate

he question I pose for my piece this month is this: are life spans long enough? Should we aspire to live to be 150 or 200 years old? Or should we be content to live our lives to the current limit, 120 years (keep in mind the average life span is 78). I bring up the question as we enter a time of increased scientific breakthroughs; of brilliant minds and deep pockets working on this puzzle. In the debate, there are two groups of people. Some believe we should pursue longer lives; others are very much against it. Here, I will outline some of the pros and cons of this ethically complex debate. Today, in the developed world, nearly 90 percent of all deaths come from noncommunicable diseases. These are noncontagious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, neurodegenerative issues and diabetes. We can think of these diseases as age-related. Nobody wants to get Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or diabetes. No doubt, finding cures to aging will limit these diseases. As we begin to cure aging, society will benefit from healthier populations. Some optimists predict that curing aging and thus these diseases, will allow people to live significantly longer. According to these same people, therapies would pay for themselves. A healthier society would not place strain on the expensive health care system. Healthy older individuals could continue to work, sharing their wisdom with the world. The argument goes further, to assert that aged individuals are more philanthropic, empathetic and less tolerant for war and violence. For these reasons, this cohort believes science should actively pursue an aging cure, to increase both life span quality of life. On the other side of the room, there are experts, philosophers and ethicists trying to discourage the pursuit of longer life span. Their claim: society seems to fetishize youth and this trend only seems to become more

26 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

The argument goes further, to assert that aged individuals are more philanthropic, empathetic and less tolerant of war and violence. prevalent. As people age, they tend to be more conservative and vote more often. Therefore, can you imagine having populations of people who were alive during the Civil War still living and voting today? Would the United States have progressed on civil rights to the extent that it has? Our population only has a limited number of resources. Will our planet be able to handle large groups of people living to 150 and beyond? Will there be enough work for people to do? This group claims that longer lives will lead to more inequalities, and that these inequalities will only continue to grow as perhaps only the very rich or powerful are afforded life-extension opportunities. This group claims life should be like a great movie; there should be a beginning, middle and end. The most likely scenario is that we begin to see a middle ground emerge between these two camps. The pursuit should not be to increase life span, rather, it should be about improving health span. I believe that we will continue to see healthier 80, 90 and 100 year olds than in previous generations. We will continue to see shrinkage in the time that one is sick to the time one dies. This is a wonderful thing! Death helps us organize our life. Death helps us appreciate moments and to be grateful for the time we have. I believe what we want is more of the good in this life. In the same breath, we want meaning and value to come from each day, and perhaps that only occurs when we know our time is finite. A

FYI

The UC San Diego Library’s Holocaust Living History Workshop continues this month on April 13 at 5 p.m. with Chava Rosenfarb. Noted as one of the great Yiddish writers, Rosenfarb will discuss her prize-winning trilogy “The Tree of Life: An Epic About Life in the Lodz Ghetto” with her daughter, Goldie Morgentaler. This event is free and open to the public. Details at libraries. ucsd.edu.

It’s not manna from heaven, but this Passover, provide something just as crucial to the survival of the Israeli people.

In a country where knifings and other terrorist attacks are an all-too-frequent occurrence, your gift to Magen David Adom ensures Israel’s national paramedic organization has the medical supplies and blood it needs to save lives. So this year, while you recount the story of the Jews’ redemption from slavery, your gift will help modern-day Israelis survive the threats they face today. Make a gift today at www.afmda.org/donate. Or call 800.323.2371 to learn about sponsoring a laboratory or other facility at Israel’s soon-to-be constructed Marcus National Blood Services Center. Pesach kasher v’sameach. AFMDA Western Region 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Toll-Free: 800.323.2371 • western@afmda.org www.afmda.org

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 27

THE ARTIST’S TORAH by David Ebenbach

SPIRITUALITY ebenbach@netzero.com

Making and Discovering

his month, Jews move between two different texts: the Torah, which is here with us year-round, and the Haggadah, which we only get once each spring. These two texts are related to each other; the Torah sets up the holiday of Passover, which necessitates the Haggadah, and the Haggadah contains, among other things, verses from the Torah. Yet they’re also quite different. The Torah, on the one hand, is a text that basically does not change. Whether you believe that it contains the literal word of G-d or that it was written by humans deeply engaged with meaning and purpose, the fact is that the words of the Torah have not changed in thousands of years. There’s been lots of commentary (including this column), and there have been translations – wide-ranging translations – but there have been no revisions, no additions or subtractions to the text itself. The Haggadah, on the other hand, has been growing and taking new directions since its introduction (more than 1,000 years ago) as a companion to the Passover Seder. There was never a single authoritative edition of the Haggadah, with different versions bubbling up in different communities and new prayers and readings and emphases developing over time. Today, an Amazon search for “Haggadah” yields 2,761 results, with everything from family and kids’ and interfaith versions to a baseball Haggadah and one that promises a 30-minute Seder – and that doesn’t even include all the homemade, patchwork texts, Xeroxed and stapled together, that you find in many synagogues and Jewish homes across the country. If the Torah is fixed in place, the Haggadah is in motion. As such, these two texts showcase two kinds of creativity that have characterized the Jewish community across the centuries, both of which are available to us as individuals today. The Haggadah is an example of creative expression. Each community and each generation gets to make new text – prayers, songs, images – to further our ages-old engagement with huge ideas. We express what liberation and salvation and responsibility look like to us, right now. It’s a matter of refracting these abstract principles through our lived experience so that we can make them concrete. In doing so, we make something new.

28 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

As former Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky wrote, “The poet’s challenge is to find something in culture that isn’t already defined as poetic and make it poetic.” Visionaries like this uncover worlds inside the world we already inhabit. The Torah offers a different opportunity, one of creative exploration. With the Torah, the text itself is settled, but we are not, and neither is our relationship to its words. We read these portions, year after year, and somehow it’s not the same. We notice something we’ve never noticed before; words that meant one thing to us last year now mean something different. It’s a matter of taking these concrete things, the words and stories of the Torah, and discovering fresh and perhaps ineffable meaning in them. We find something new. The first kind of creativity, making something new, requires chutzpah. “It is our function as artists to make the spectator see the world our way – not his way,” wrote painters Adolph Gottlieb and Mark Rothko. Visionaries like this create worlds. The second kind of creativity, finding something new, requires openness and patience. You have to engage with things as they are to see what discoveries remain there. As former Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky wrote, “The poet’s challenge is to find something in culture that isn’t already defined as poetic and make it poetic.” Visionaries like this uncover worlds inside the world we already inhabit. We need both of these creativities; the universe, which can be endlessly made new and wondrous, thrives on them. And so do we. A

 This

month’s Torah portions April 2: Sh’mini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47) April 9: Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59) April 16: Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33) April 23: Pesach (Exodus 12:21-51)

Expert Tax Attorneys • IRS & CA Audits • Foreign Bank Account Disclosures

Fact:

• Payroll Tax Liability • Trust Fund Penalties

Neuroscientists at BGU developed a diagnostic to predict brain disease in football players early enough to prevent it.

As attorneys and former business owners, we understand your business. Our team of experienced business and legal professionals will help minimize the risk of an audit. If your return is selected for audit, we will defend your legal rights and protect your business assets. Have the confidence you need in business with our exceptional lawyers.

And you can help, too. By establishing an AABGU Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), you are supporting groundbreaking brain research at Ben-Gurion University that could prevent trauma-induced Parkinson’s or epilepsy. Help support this vital research, while receiving high fixed-rate income for life and amazing tax benefits.

Sample Annuity Rates Age

Rate

Tax Free*

72.4%

6.5%

75.2%

7.1%

77.5%

79.7%

9.5%

83.3%

11.3%

85.2%

Expert Tax Attorneys IRS & CA Audits • Foreign Bank Account Disclosures Payroll Tax Liability • Trust Fund Penalties

* In the month you use cash to establish a gift annuity, a final calculation is made determining the portion that will be paid to you tax-free.

Proudly supporting women‫עברית‬ business ‫דוברי‬ owners & entrepreneurs

For more information or to request a CGA rate illustration, visit www.aabgu.org/cga-request, e-mail plannedgiving@aabgu.org or call 310-552-3300. 8910 University Center Lane, Suite 255, San Diego, CA 92122 Tel (858) 450-1040 • www.caltaxadviser.com

8910 University Center Lane, Suite 255, San Diego • Tel Aviv San Diego, CA 92122

1880 CENTURY PARK EAST, SUITE 612 n LOS ANGELES, CA 90067 SOUTHWEST@AABGU.ORG n WWW.AABGU.ORG

SW_CGABrain_SDJJ_3.6x10.indd 1

3/11/16 11:05 AM

Tel (858) 450-1040 • www.milikowskytaxlaw.com San Diego • Tel Aviv Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 29

Chabad wishes you a Happy Passover!

Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;H

We welcome you to join us at over 40 Chabad Seders throughout the County! First Seder: Friday, April 22nd at 7 pm Second Seder: Shabbat, April 23rd at 7 pm

at the Chabad Educational Center

10785 Pomerado Road, S Diego, CA 92131- (858) 547-0076 ext 1213 - www.ChabadDiego.com

Chabad of Scripps Ranch (858) 547-0076

Chabad of Carmel Valley (858) 755-1886

Chabad of Coronado (619) 365-4728

Chabad of Downtown (619) 702-8518

Chabad of East County (619) 387-8770

Chabad at La Costa (760) 943-8891

Chabad of La Jolla (858) 455-5433

Chabad of UCSD (858) 405-6940

Chabad of Oceanside (760) 806-7765

Chabad of Pacific Beach (619) 333-0344

Chabad of Rancho S Fe (858) 756-7571

Chabad of University City (858) 455-1670

Chabad of SDSU

Chabad of S Marcos (760) 481-7503

Chabad of RB

(858) 451-0455

Chabad of Bonita (619) 472-2144

Chabad of Tijuana (619) 663-1696

Chabad of Cabo S Lucas (624) 143-5702

Chabad of La Paz (612) 348-8808

(619) 663-7701

SALE OF CHAMETZ FORM or Sell Online at www.ChabadDiego.com Since it is prohibited to possess chametz on Pesach, we need sell to a non Jew all chametz that will not be eaten or burned before Pesach and all chametz utensils which will not be thoroughly cleaned by then. These are stored away in closets or rooms which are locked or taped shut and are leased to the non Jew at the time of the sale. Since there are many legal

intricacies in this sale, only a competent rabbi should be entrusted with its execution. The rabbi acts as our agent both to sell the chametz to the non Jew on the morning before Pesach and also to buy it back the evening after Pesach. Fill out this form and mail to: Rabbi Yonah Fradkin, 10785 Pomerado Road, S Diego, CA 92131. Deadline: Thursday, April 21st

CERTIFICATE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CHAMETZ I (We) ________________________________________________________ hereby authorize Rabbi Yonah Fradkin to dispose of all chametz that may be in my (our) possession wherever it may be at home, at my (our) place of business, or elsewhere in accordance with the requirements of Jewish law as incorporated in the special contract for the sale of chametz. Residence Address________________________________ City / State / Zip_____________________ Business Address_________________________________ City / State / Zip_____________________ Signature(s)_________________________Date_____________________ For more information and for reservations, please contact us at 858-547-0076 - Rabbi@ChabadScrippsRanch.org - www.ChabadDiego.com

30 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Pesach 2016

31 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

Adar II â&#x20AC;˘ Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 31

Community Seders Listing Passover begins April 22. Many synagogues and organizations will host community Seders on either the first or second night, and in some cases, both. If you do not see your synagogue listed here, it is either not hosting a Seder or we were unable to reach them in advance of our print deadline. Contact your synagogue for the most up-to-date info and to make reservations. COMPILED BY TINA B. ESHEL

CHABAD CONGREGATIONS Chabad Jewish Center of Oceanside 1930 Sunset Drive Vista, CA 92081 jewishoceanside.com (760) 806-7765 Friday, April 22, 6:45 p.m.

Cost: $40/adult, $25/child, R.S.V.P. by April 15.

Chabad of Carmel Valley 12341 Del Mar Oaks San Diego, CA 92130 chabadcv.com (858) 333-4613 Friday, April 22, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 8 p.m. Cost: $40/adults, $20/child, R.S.V.P. by April 15.

Chabad of Coronado 956 Orange Ave Coronado, CA chabadcoronado.com (619) 365-4728 Friday, April 22, 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $36/adult, $18/child. R.S.V.P. A.S.A.P.

Chabad of Downtown 308 G. Street San Diego, CA 92101 chabaddowntown.com (619) 289-8770 Friday, April 22, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 8 p.m.

Cost: $40/adult, $20/child, reservations can be made online.

32 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Chabad of East County 166 West Park Ave El Cajon, CA 92020 jewishec.com (619) 387-8770 Friday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.

Chabad of Poway 16934 Chabad Way Poway, CA 92064 chabadpoway.com (858) 451-0455 Friday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.

Chabad of La Costa 1980 La Costa Ave Carlsbad, CA 92009 chabadatlacosta.com (760) 943-8891 Friday, April 22, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23, private

Chabad Jewish Center of Rancho Santa Fe Passover Seder at Morgan Run Club & Resort 5690 Cancha De Golf Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091 jewishrsf.com (858) 756-7571 Friday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Suggested donation $25/ adult, $18/child; family discounts available. Contact synagogue for service location in San Carlos area.

Seder available, call for information Cost: $36/adult, $18/child.

Chabad of La Jolla 909 Prospect St., Suite 210 La Jolla, CA 92037 chabadoflajolla.com (858) 455-5433

Chabad of La Jolla is hosting “both community Seders.” Call for details and costs.

Chabad of Pacific Beach 4150 Mission Blvd., Suite 216 San Diego, CA 92109 chabadpb.org (619) 333-0344 Friday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. Call synagogue for cost and to R.S.V.P.

Cost: Suggested donation $45/adult, $18/child.

Cost: $60/adult, $40/child.

Chabad of San Marcos and CSUSM 649 Sandy Lane San Marcos, CA 92078 alefcenter.com (760) 481-7503 Friday, April 22, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 8 p.m.

Cost: $36/adult, $10/child, $180/ sponsor. R.S.V.P. by April 8.

Chabad of San Diego Scripps Ranch 10785 Pomerado Rd San Diego, CA 92131 chabaddiego.com (858) 547-0076 Friday, April 22, 7 p.m.

Cost: $36/adult, $20/child under 13. Reservation requested A.S.A.P.

Chabad of University City 3813 Governor Drive San Diego, CA 92122 chabaduc.org (858) 455-1670 Friday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. Cost: no charge, donations are welcome. Seder will be led by Rabbis Moise Leider and Yudell Reiz. R.S.V.P. required.

ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONS Congregation Adat Yeshurun 8625 La Jolla Scenic Drive North La Jolla, CA 92037 adatyeshurun.org (858) 535-1196, option 2

If you would like assistance finding a host home for one or both of the Seder’s, please contact Adat Yeshurun at info@adatyeshurun.org.

Orot HaCarmel The Moadon at The San Diego Jewish Academy 11860 Carmel Creek Road San Diego, CA 92130 orothacarmel.org (858) 633-0181 Saturday, April 23, 8 p.m. Cost: $18 per adult/child with cap at $50 per family. R.S.V.P. requested by April 11.

The

Book of Life program

symbolizes the true concept of L’Dor V’Dor, passing on traditions from one generation to the next. The inscriptions in the Book of Life detail the personal thoughts, life experiences and the philanthropic vision that inspired the donor to create a legacy plan. Individuals or families sign the Book of Life when they promise a legacy gift or establish an endowment of any amount for one or more Jewish organizations, synagogues, or day schools.

In addition, legacy donors are invited to record their story as part of our Book of Life video collection. These gifts help ensure the future of our Jewish community locally, nationally, in Israel and worldwide. The statements, along with photos of the donor or family, are kept on permanent display and online at the Jewish Community Foundation.

Thank you to our

recent Book of Life video participants!

Edgar and Julie Berner (top left) Linda and Shearn Platt (bottom left) Robert Rubenstein and Marie Raftery (right)

To be included in our Book of Life project, please contact: (858) 279-2740 • info@jcfsandiego.org View our Book of Life video collection at: www.jcfsandiego.org/video

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 33

Kehillas Torah (858) 829-9648 Friday, April 22, 6 p.m.

Call synagogue for location, cost and to R.S.V.P.

CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONS Congregation Beth Am 5050 Del Mar Heights Road San Diego, CA 92130 betham.com (858) 481-8454 Saturday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.

Congregation B’nai Chaim 29500 Via Princesa Murrieta, CA 92563

Temple Adat Shalom 15905 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064

(951) 677-7350 Saturday, April 23

(858) 451-1200 April 23, 6 p.m.

bnaichaim.com

Call synagogue for time, cost and to R.S.V.P.

Ohr Shalom Synagogue 2512 Third Ave. San Diego, CA 92103 ohrshalom.org (619) 231-1456 Saturday, April 23, 5:30 p.m.

Every year, Beth Am and Beth El take turns hosting a community Seder. This year, it is at Beth Am. Cost: Members, $45/adult; $36/ child ages 4-10; children under 3, free. Nonmembers, $55/adult; $45/ child ages 4-10; children under 3, free. R.S.V.P. by April 15.

Call for costs.

Chai @ Beth El

cbisd.org

8660 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92037

cbe.org/event/chaiseder

(858) 452-1734 Saturday, April 23, 6:30 p.m. Second night Seder for adults in their 20s and 30s. Cost: $37/ members; $47/nonmembers. R.S.V.P. by April 19.

Temple Beth Shalom 208 Madrona St. Chula Vista, CA 91910

bethshalomtemple.com

(619) 420-6040 Saturday, April 23, 6 p.m.

REFORM CONGREGATIONS Congregation Beth Israel 9001 Towne Centre Drive San Diego, CA 92122 (858) 535-1111 Friday, April 22: 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $40/adult members and guests; $18/child ages 6-12; $5/ child under five. Nonmembers, $45. Call to R.S.V.P by April 15.

Congregation Etz Chaim 16911 Gunn Stage Road Ramona, CA 92065

adatshalom.com

Cost: $42/members, $52/ nonmembers; $27/member child (ages 5-12), $30/nonmember child, $5 per child under 5. R.S.V.P. by April 15, reservation, up to the first 250 people.

Temple Emanu-El 6299 Capri Drive San Diego, CA 92120 teesd.org

(619) 286-2555 April 23, 6 p.m.

Cost: $50/adult member, $35/ child ages 6-12; $10/child 5 and under. $60/nonmember adult; $45/ nonmember child ages 6-12; $12/ nonmember child 5 and under. R.S.V.P. required.

Temple Solel 3575 Manchester Ave. Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007 templesolel.net

(760) 436-0654

Saturday, April 23, 5:30 p.m. Call for costs, and to R.S.V.P.

etzchaimramona.org

(760) 789-2781 Saturday, April 23, 4 p.m.

Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for children, payable in advance or at the door.

Cost: $30/adult, $15/child.

KFP Grape Juice on Shelves Now Manischewitz has partnered with Welch’s to create Kosher for Passover 100 Percent Grape Juice, as well as a Sparking Grape variety. Also new from Manischewitz this year is a run of gluten free products including matzo meal, mazo, and chocolate chip cookies.

34 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

RECONSTRUCTIONIST CONGREGATION Congregation Dor Hadash 5440 Kearny Mesa Road San Diego, CA 92111 dorhadash.org

(858) 268-3674 Saturday, April 23: 5:30 p.m.

Cost for members: $15/adults; $10/ young adults ages 13-18; free/ child under 13. Nonmembers: $20/ adults; $12/young adults; free/13 and under.

HUMANISTIC CONGREGATION Kahal Am: The Humanistic Jewish Community of San Diego P.O. Box 927751 San Diego, CA 92192 kahalam.org

(858) 549-3088 Saturday, April 23, 3 p.m.

Milton’s Deli & Restaurant 2660 Via de la Valle Del Mar, CA 92014 Cost: $35/member adult; $45/ nonmember adult; $15/child ages 6-9; free/child 5 and under. Paid reservation by April 16.

Chag Sameach from SEACREST VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

seacrestvillage.org seacrestathome.org

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 35

POST-DENOMINATIONAL CONGREGATIONS Jewish Collaborative of San Diego 5927 Balfour Ct. #203 Carlsbad, CA 92008 jcosd.com

(760) 707-7111 Saturday, April 23,

Check the website for updates or contact Rabbi/Cantor Gabi at cantorgabiarad@gmail.com

Congregation B’nai Tikvah Passover Seder at Carlsbad Senior Center 799 Pine Ave Carlsbad, CA 92008 bnaitikvahsd.com

(760) 650-2262 Friday, April 22, 6 p.m.

COMMUNITY GROUPS Annual Women’s Seder Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego 9001 Towne Centre Drive San Diego, CA 92122 cbisd.org

Cost: $25/member adult; $30/ nonmember adult. Children half-off. Tickets can be purchased on the website.

(858) 535-1111 Monday, April 4, 5:45 p.m.

Cost: $45/adult; $18/youth up to 18. All women in the community are invited to attend this multigenerational Seder led by Rabbi/ Cantor Arlene Bernstein. Space is limited to 250 participants.

AT WEALTH PRESERVATION, LLC While we offer a full spectrum of financial services & products, we consider Life Insurance as an important Asset Class, here is why: › To make certain we always Provide Security for our Spouse/Partner › To Provide a Financial Future for our children/grandchildren › To Retire Debts and Other unexpected Obligations › To Provide Peace of Mind

Most Importantly, Life insurance is “the gift of love”. Please call us for a quote at 1-800-313-PLAN (7526) ask for Big Stu Wealth Preservation, LLC 12625 High Bluff Dr., Suite #103 San Diego, CA 92130 800-313-PLAN (7526) www.wealthpreservationllc.com

36 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

CA LIC # 0505247

This year, Shalom San Diego, Women's Philanthropy of Jewish Federation, and Shabbat San Diego are matching Seder guests with Seder hosts. Looking to make lastminute plans? Hurry and check the details at jewishinsandiego.org

FINDING THE PASSOVER STORY in Modern, Global Issues One interpretation of Exodus13:8 could address the world’s greatest challenges BY RABBI MICHAEL LEO SAMUEL, TEMPLE BETH SHALOM

he Passover night banquet we call the Seder, meaning order, is built around the telling of the story of the Jewish people’s bondage in Egypt and liberation 34 centuries ago. That “telling” is in fulfillment of the command: “On that day you shall tell your child: ‘This commemorates what G-d did for me when I came out of Egypt’” (Exodus 13:8). But the Passover Seder is not supposed to be merely a celebration of something that happened to someone else a long time ago. Neither is the “telling” supposed to be a mere recounting of what happened to that someone else, and the Haggadah is not intended to be a final, sacrosanct text. The Passover narrative is intended to be a recounting of our own enslavement and the re-enactment and celebration of our own emancipation as a people and as individuals. As we approach the culmination of the first part of the recounting, the Haggadah tells us: “In every generation, each person is to see himself as having personally come out of Egypt.” This would seem an impossible task for people without a titanic capacity to project themselves into an experience that did not happen to them. Of course, many living Jews today have personally experienced some similarly cataclysmic horrors and wondrous joys in modern times – the Holocaust and the birth of Israel come to mind. Without straining our imagination, we could read these as a contemporary experiencing of our Egyptian bondage, Exodus, crossing of the

sea, sojourn in the wilderness with its frights and wonders, and our entry into the Promised Land as a people. But that would still be an imaginative projection. How are we to celebrate Passover each year as though this were our first Passover upon liberation? The answer lies in the second Biblical passage that Maimonides cites: “And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt,” and the contexts in which it appears. It appears five times in the Torah, and the Hebrew “you” is always in the singular. Passover beckons us to imagine what it is like to live as an oppressed slave. My father worked as a slave in Auschwitz and in many other camps as a tailor, and I think that when he celebrated Passover, the holiday had real special meaning for him. For most of us who have never known slavery, we must look inwardly at our souls. Passover invites us to free our spiritual potential which has been lying dormant. Although slavery is illegal in the United States, and many other countries, it still exists beneath the surface in myriad unsettling ways. In the Muslim world, for example, there are said to be 18 million slaves – many of African origin. In Western countries, sex trafficking exists as slavery and expands beyond race or country of origin. If we want Passover to be meaningful, we must take the practical steps to help liberate our world from forces like this that seek to dehumanize it. Pharaoh is more than just a storybook character who lives only in the pages of the Bible.

Whether his name is Pharaoh, Hitler, Stalin, Sadaam, Nassralla, and Abu Bakr al-Bagdadi, the ruthlessness is always the same. Such leaders will not go away quietly; they never do. Sadly, many people on this planet live under the shadow of totalitarian dictators, whose only way of staying in power depends upon keeping their people oppressed. Evil is a daunting reality in this world, not a mere philosophical abstraction. Yet, our hands in the West are not completely clean. It is tragic that the civilized cultures of the world export more arms and weapons of mass destruction than they do food or ideas. It is vital that we as a country begin to recognize that the greatest asset we have to export to Third World nations is our love for freedom and our disdain for dictatorships. This approach can provide an important key to solving some of the greatest problems that threaten the continuation of our species’ spiritual evolution. This Passover, consider our story as not just one for Jews, but a story about all oppressed peoples. If we want Passover to be meaningful, we must take the practical steps to help liberate our world from the forces that seek to dehumanize it. A Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel is the author of many books, including his series Torah from Alexandria: Philo as a Biblical Commentator, one of the Books of the Year by Amazon.com in 2015.

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 37

SugarFree

White & Pike

Less Sugar

Salmon

A Treasured Passover tradition. ATURAL % N e of 0 0 od Sourc

a3 g e m O Go

A&B 100% Natural Premium Fish has always been the gold standard for the finest Gefilte. No Fillers. No Jelly. No Jar. Simple to Prepare. Easy to love. Look for our bright new packages wherever Gefilte is sold.

GefilteToday: a delicious surprise

& ®

P PARVE

A&B Famous Gefilte Fish Inc. Paterson, NJ 07504 www.gefiltefish.com

OFF

& Passover ₵ Year-Round A&B Frozen Gefilte Fish

EXPIRES 10/30/2015 04/30/2016

Retailer: A&B Famous Inc. will reimburse for face value plus 8¢ handling if submitted in comp. with its redemption policy. A&B Famous reserves the right to request information substantiation purchases covering redeemed coupons. Mail to: A&B Famous Inc. CMS Dept. 32973, Fawcett Drive, Del Rio, TX 78840

38 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

OFF

& Passover ₵ Year-Round A&B Frozen Gefilte Fish

EXPIRES 10/30/2015 04/30/2016

Mindful Storytelling

evening of April 22, which is also Earth Day. While such a may at first sound un-Jewish, there are many refrTelling , the Torah, that are very earth centered. One only Tips to an engaging and earth-friendly Exodus re-enactment for parents and kids BY TINA B. ESHEL

s rich as the symbolism is on the Seder plate and during the traditional meal, there are practical impediments to keeping the youngest (and let’s be honest, not so young) guests engaged during the protracted traditions of the Exodus holiday. In early March, I touched based with local education experts Jennifer Meltzer and Dr. Ilana De Laney for their ideas to add new dimensions to the traditions and stories of the Passover season so the Seder can be both memorable and meaningful. This year, since Passover starts on Earth Day – April 22 – there’s also a rare opportunity to pair earthy insights with tales of inviting in strangers and crossing the Egyptian desert. To provide a road map for talking about those connections, which are actually present in most Jewish holidays, several organizations, including the Leichtag Ranch in Encinitas, have suggestions. But first, whose story is it anyway? “What is important to teach children about Passover is that we were once slaves in Egypt and now we are free,” says Jennifer Meltzer, preschool program coordinator for Nierman Preschool at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center.

“Sadly,” she continues, “we know that slavery still exists in our world today. Telling the story and using it to connect our children to present time helps our children understand where they come from, makes them more compassionate and understanding of others, and connects them to the world around us. “But for some, the Seder is long and not interactive enough,” she admits. “If the parents are bored, how can we expect our children to be excited and involved?” Meltzer, in addition to her preschool programming, this year leads the Foundations of Jewish Family Living class, a new parenting course offered by the Center for Jewish Culture (CJC), which discussed ways to talk about the Passover story with kids. Meltzer is also a Master of Social Work and mother of four. “I think not only telling the story but really trying to engage your children in the telling is what will make your Seder – and their experience – most successful. And there are a number of ways to make it fun.” Meltzer suggests using music to sing your way through the Seder and says that, “the Magid

section of the Seder has the most potential for interactive fun as it includes the four questions [and] the 10 plagues.” She goes on to suggest adding role play, dramatic reenactment, building pyramids from sugar cubes, and offering a variety of charoset flavors to spice up the Seder. The Yemenite Jews in Israel have been proponents of this interactive Seder for years, according to Ilana De Laney, who grew up in Israel. She says they don’t just read about the story; everyone has a part to play in the retelling of the Exodus. De Laney heads the CJC’s adult Jewish education program and developed the curriculum for the eight-session parenting course that Meltzer leads at Temple Solel until May 1. Like Meltzer, De Laney is a proponent of making the Seder stories of freedom and responsibility both fun and teachable moments. She says this is also a good time for parents to strengthen their own understanding of Jewish history. “The number one message [for Passover] comes from Mishnah,” she says. “In every generation, a person has to see him or herself as if she or he Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 39

PHOTOS BY DEVON LANTRY

EatOB, a sidewalk garden, has opened in Ocean Beach outside of a communications firm called Mixte. One Jewish couple maintains the crop for community consumption. In this photo, an associate of the firm and its founder admire the progress. came out of Egypt. The other message comes from Leviticus, you should not wrong the other, or a stranger, because you were a slave in Egypt, because we remember ... what it meant to be a slave. “Every year we have an opportunity to take it a step further,” she adds. “The importance isn’t to tell the story; it’s to be the story.” For this year anyway, one way to be the story is to tie it to current issues. Consider the Dayenu. The song speaks to sustainability and eco-spirituality. Another way to think of it: mindful consumption and the fact that everything we consume comes from the earth. Take, use, and manage wisely. By talking about this before beginning the song at the Seder table, children will have a new interpretation to consider, one that might have more connection to their daily life. Locally, the Leichtag Foundation hosts ecocentric seminars, workshops and family activity days that connect Jewish storytelling with the

New for the Kids Local author April Halprin Wayland and illustrator Katie Kath are out with a new children’s book for the spring holiday. “More Than Enough” starts with an interpretation of Dayenu and ends with an adorable kitten. Out now from Penguin Random House. Also new in Passover books this year is “The Passover Surprise” in which author Janet Heller tackles topics of fairness, sexism and diversity in an illustrated chapter book for middle-schoolers. In the digital world, Planet Matzah Ball has re-released its Chanukah and Passover twodisc collection whereby puppets, animation and music illustrate the Exodus.

40 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

earth in surprising ways. Simcha Schwartz, Leichtag Foundation’s associate program director, says, “Passover is both the commemoration of the Exodus from slavery and the spring harvest festival. It is the time that we harvest barley ... a grain that, in ancient times, kept people working and alive. “The entire Jewish calendar is set based on the law to have Passover be in the spring time,” Schwartz continues. Daron Joffe, director of agricultural innovation and development at Leichtag, explains that while the connection to Passover and the spring harvest is somewhat obvious, there is another layer related to worker rights to connect the ancient story to present-day issues. “There’s a deep history of slavery and farm workers that is still a big issue today regarding living wages and fair labor practices,” he writes in an email. Leichtag’s coordination with the national Jewish

food movement Hazon, with outreach efforts on the East coast, Israel and San Diego, connects local efforts to a broader movement as well. Hazon seeks to inspire Jews to create healthier and more sustainable communities in the Jewish world and beyond. They do this through workshops, classes, retreats, scholarships, seed money granted to local programs and experiential events that highlight clearer paths between Jewish spirituality and environmentalism. It’s eco-spirituality for Jews on the entire religious spectrum. Hazon is international, and not alone in their outreach to bring social action to Jewish experiences. The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit that aims to “deepen and broaden the Jewish community’s commitment to stewardship and protection of the Earth through outreach, activism and Jewish learning,” per their website. Founded in 1992 at the invitation of Al Gore

On the following page, find a map of community gardens around San Diego County that either specifically observe ancient Jewish farming laws, or just offer great ways to get involved in sustainable living efforts for Passover, Earth Day and all year round.

photo: Aaron Rumley

and Carl Sagan, COEJL partners with many prominent organizations to address some of the most pressing environmental threats to the quality of human life and the planet. At its inception, “the leadership of the major organizations in American Jewish life, eminent rabbis, denominational presidents, and Jewish U.S. senators gathered … to discuss the creation of a Jewish response to the mounting environmental crisis ... [and] agreed that the Jewish community had a responsibility to address the crisis,” they explain. Regarding Earth Day and Passover, COEJL writes that, “Judaism provides us with a lot of traditional holidays in which to appreciate our connection as Adam (humankind) to Adamah (Earth). Earth Day is also a time to consider Jewish environmental values by celebrating the human connection to the natural world and placing a powerful emphasis on protecting and preserving it.” As their name implies, Jewish Veg (formally Jewish Vegetarians of North America) encourages Jews to eat a plant-based diet as part of the Jewish values of compassion, health and care for the planet. This nonprofit group has been around for more than 40 years, under different names, and has partnerships with Hazon and Hillel, among other groups. Former president of the group and Orthodox-observant Jew, professor Richard H. Schwartz, wrote “Judaism and Vegetarianism” in 1982, with expanded editions published in 1988 and 2001. And in 2007, Jewish Veg produced a documentary available for free on YouTube called, “A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World.” For more concrete ways to include Earth Day sentiments into Passover observances, consider the four questions asked at the Seder table. Jewish Veg offers additional questions to ask this year, and perhaps every year: “Why is this period different than all other periods?” “Why is there so much silence in the Jewish community about current environmental threats?” “Why aren’t Jewish values applied toward the alleviation of environmental problems?” These may be big questions for little kids, but it’s never too early to open the conversation. Leichtag’s Joffe also mentions a specific Haggadah to use for facilitating these conversations. The Santa Cruz Haggadah, he says, has “a lot of interesting content about how to think about Passover, the Passover story, how it relates a little more spiritually and environmentally than a traditional Seder.” This Haggadah can lead to a interactive Seder as well. Passover, like most Jewish holidays, connects to cycles of life, the Earth and the seasons. This is a time to appreciate the gifts and bounty of the planet, themes present in Earth Day observances too. However you celebrate and whatever foods pour forth on your table, the confluence of Passover with Earth Day this year invites an additional element into celebrations; commemorate historical journeys and triumphs; look forward to protection for the planet; and encourage liberation for all inhabitants. A

“...Simply a great tale...” — Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser

APRIL 13 – MAY 8, 2016

Directed by David Ellenstein A flood of Biblical proportions on the mighty Mississippi provides the dramatic backdrop to this gripping, edge-of-your seat adventure. WAY DOWNRIVER reveals an unlikely pair of souls who are bound together by the forces of nature. You won’t want to miss this exciting West Coast premiere. (858) 481-1055 NorthCoastRep.org Group Sales: (858) 481-2155, ext. 202 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 41

COMMUNITY GARDENS for Pesach, Peah and Empowerment

Illustration by: Mashell Ewing

This list was compiled with help from the website sdcgn.org. Check there for more gardens throughout the County, as well as info on costs/services.

Coastal Roots Farm on the Leichtag Ranch 441 Saxony Rd. Encinitas, CA 92024 *practices peah

College Area

Access via asphalt alley directly west of street address 6246 Montezuma Road San Diego, CA 92115

Roger's Community Garden 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037

Golden Hill

2440 Russ Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 between A St. and Golden Hill Park

EatOB

Located at the bus stop at Nimitz and W. Point Loma in Ocean Beach, CA 92107

Smarts Farm Garden

*practices peah

1505 F St. San Diego, CA 92101

Juniper Front

2260 Front St. San Diego, CA 92101 42 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

CONTEMPORARY OCEAN VIEW HOME

GET YOUR KID INTO COLLEGE!

5980 La Jolla Mesa Rd, 92037 $ 4,250,000

Prep4CollegeNow works with high school and community college students to: • Generate a list of “BEST FIT” colleges • Oversee the application process • Edit essays • Insure timeline adherence 5835 Saratoga • Conduct scholarshipCorte and grant searches $1,950,000 3Br/3.5Ba 3064 sqft Saratoga Corte

5835 5835 Saratoga standards and quality. Magnificent patios with covered loggia PremierCorte location, premier complex! Totally redone to the highest

Premier location, premier complex! $1,950,000 3Br/3.5Ba 3064 sqft Totally redone to the highest

standards andfeaturing quality. Magnificent covered loggia heating,patios BBQ.with Lovely stone floors and beautiful sunny $1,950,000 3Br/3.5Ba 3064 sqft featuring heating, BBQ. Lovely stone floors and beautiful sunny quiet outlook over the greenbelt a low maintenance wonderful Premier location, premier complex!quiet Totally redone to the outlook over thehighest greenbelt a low maintenance wonderful andhome quality. Magnificent patios covered loggia place to entertain! NEWnew baths, new floors, new sophisticated Magnificent single level standards 4BR/4.5BA with gated entry located in the place towith entertain! NEW baths, new floors, sophisticated featuring heating, BBQ. Lovely stone floors and beautiful sunny water filtration newnew hard doors, new AC newly water filtration systems, new hardsystems, interior doors, AC interior newly Muirlands area, this breathtaking home almost completely rebuilt. quiet outlook overhas thebeen greenbelt a low maintenance wonderful refinished walls and designrefinished walls and designplace to entertain! NEW cabinetry baths, newwith floors, sophisticated It features the highest end finishes, appliances, 14 new ft. ceilings er paint, silk drapes, great er paint, silk drapes, great water filtration systems, new hard interior doors, new AC newly room with high ceilings, and light filled spaces throughout. Situated on an extra-largerefinished lot, which offers walls and designwith high ceilings, spacious floor-plan, walk room to er paint, silk drapes, great spectacular ocean, bay and city views. The home has impeccable landscaping, stores, spa, restaurants spacious floor-plan, walk to room with high ceilings, Andrea (Andi) K. Frimmer, M. Ed. restaurants indoor-outdoor living, spacious patios, outdoor kitchen, firespacious pit, much privacy stores, spa, floor-plan, walk to the “Get Your Kid into College” Lady stores, spa, restaurants and a sparkling pool.

ne Sacks

Arlene Sacks arlsacks@willisallen.com

Arlene Sacks

andi@Prep4CollegeNow.com 858-922-3900

CalBRE# 00603821

CalBRE# 01204280 760.877.7200

arlsacks@willisallen.com 858-922-3900 www.Prep4CollegeNow.com arlsacks@willisallen.com 858-922-3900 CalBRE# 00603821

CalBRE# 00603821CalBRE# 01204280

CalBRE# 01204280

THIS PASSOVER INVEST IN ISRAEL BONDS Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds 1950 Sawtelle Blvd, Suite 370 Los Angeles, CA 90025 losangeles@israelbonds.com ∙ 800.922.6637

INVEST IN ISRAEL BONDS ∙ ISRAELBONDS.COM This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Israel bonds. Member FINRA. Photo: maglara/Adobe Stock

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 43

The Consumerization of Jewish

BY NATALIE JACOBS

fter three days of Internet fundraising through Kickstarter, Hello Mazel became the most-funded Jewish project on the seven-year-old crowdfunding platform, with $70,000 raised. It should be noted that how many other “Jewish projects” have ever resided on the site is unclear, but Hello Mazel’s original goal was $18,000 so Kickstarter record or no, the speed with which they gained donations is remarkable. By the end of their 30-day campaign, the “box of Jewish” had raised $152,021 from 1,395 donors. For products, Kickstarter has become the go-to place to solicit pre-orders for soon-to-bereleased items. The site introduces people to the product and starts the buzz. If they reach their goal, or exceed it exponentially like Hello Mazel, the company starts off in the black. Despite the fundraising success, Yoav Schlesinger points out that compared to the Jewish population in each city, support for Hello Mazel is very low. “There’s, I don’t know, 70,000 Jews in San Francisco,” he says when we speak 11 days before the Kickstarter campaign closes. “We have 144 [people] who support Hello Mazel [from San Francisco].” He goes on to note that at the time of our chat there are 83 backers from New York, 73 from L.A. and 14 from Chicago. His point is, Hello Mazel sees room for growth. “We’re just barely breaking the iceberg on how many people might actually want this thing.” So what is the thing that so far 1,395 people want? It is, quite simply, a quarterly box of Jewish. Schlesinger won’t tell me what’s in the box, because, he says, the idea is to “delight and surprise.” The first one was shipped out to those who pre-ordered early this month, in time for Passover. Schlesinger will say that subscribers 44 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

New subscription box breaks Kickstarter records and arrives in Jewish households in time for Pesach

shouldn’t expect anything obvious. “If you want to celebrate Passover,” he says, “you know you can go to the store and buy a jar of horseradish and a box of matzah. So if we were just putting that in a box it would be pretty boring and it wouldn’t really serve any purpose.” Schlesinger will say that they’ve commissioned an artist for a piece in the first box. And looking ahead to the third box, they’re working on a “super limited edition piece with a major U.S. retailer.” Hello Mazel started from two separate but intertwined initiatives. The Kitchen, the “independent Jewish community of San Francisco” where Schlesinger is Executive Director, operates under the assumption that “there’s a way to do Jewish that doesn’t require participation in the communal experiences that have become the key entry points for most people.” To create new experiences beyond Shabbat dinner and Saturday morning services, The Kitchen hired a global “brand and innovation consultancy” to brainstorm. “One of the prototype ideas that emerged from that was a tool kit or a box of sorts,” Schlesinger recalls. “It wasn’t fully formed at the time as a subscription service.” Enter: a group of Wexler Heritage Fellows on a bus in Israel, talking about why there isn’t “better Jewish merch[andise] and why can’t we create a covetable, hot Jewish brand?” Schlesinger paraphrases. The people on the bus in Israel were also involved with The Kitchen so eventually they all got to talking. Subscription boxes have gained popularity in recent years. Dollar Shave Club quietly revolutionized the men’s grooming industry beginning in 2011, and monthly boxes full of healthy snacks, organic dinners, female beauty

“I think that, frankly, brand and consumerism and developing those kinds of avenues for people is unexplored frontier in the Jewish world.” products, and clothing for men and women, have been gaining subscribers ever since. “I think that, frankly, brand and consumerism and developing those kinds of avenues for people is unexplored frontier in the Jewish world, really,” Schlesinger says. “We’ve had synagogue Judaica stores forever, but where do we really meet people? Consumer brands are a place where the Jewish community just hasn’t really done that very well. So [it’s] time to build what’s the next Manischewitz.” Ultimately, Schlesinger, The Kitchen and Hello Mazel are hoping to “elevate the conversation” around Jewish design and quality through a “product that powers people’s Jewish lives … that will inspire people to do something Jewish.” A Find details and sign-up info at hellomazel.com.

CELEBRATING

5 lbs.

10 oz. Selected varieties

Limit 2 Total

Limit 3

Club Price

Manischewitz or Gefen Macaroons

399 ea

Manischewitz Matzo Meal 16 oz.

for

Club Price

Tabatchnick Soup

Savion Fruit Slices 6 oz.

299

24 oz. Original or sweet

64 oz.

399

Limit 2 Total

Yehuda Gefilte Fish

Kedem Grape Juice

15 oz., Frozen Selected varieties

2$ for

Club Price

399

Limit 4 Total

Club Price

Manischewitz Matzo Ball or Matzo Ball & Soup Mix

399 ea

Club Price

Lay’s Potato Chips

4.5-5 oz.

6 oz., Kosher

199

2$ for

Club Price

Yehuda Memorial Candle Each

79¢ Club Price

Kosher Whole Turkey

12-22 lbs. avg. weight Frozen

Abundant Savings

Manischewitz or Yehuda Matzos

assover

499 lb

Club Price

Prices Effective through April 26, 2016. No Rain Checks. Items not available in all stores. AVAILABILITY: Each of these advertised items is readily available for sale at or below the advertised price at most Vons/Pavilions stores while supplies last. Some items may not be available at all stores. We reserve the right to limit quantities. No Sales to Dealers. Savings may vary. Check price tag for details. Prices for limited hour or limited day sales are effective in-store only and are not available for online shopping.

Temple Beth Shalom of Chula Vista Invites you and your family to our

Passover Seder (Second Night)

Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 6:00 pm Music by Fiddler Zvi & The Klezmaniacs Adults-$30 Children-$15

208 Madrona St. Chula Vista, CA 91910 RSVP – 619-420-6040-Office Diane-619-271-8292 | Arlene-858-344-5632

Our wine is wet, our matzah is round When you join us on Passover, the perfect Seder you’ve found. It is meaningful, upbeat, and offers happy. a variety Chabad atjoyous, La Costa Bring your sons, daughters, of educational and and social programs the moms and the pappies. for all your Jewish needs: If you feel this good, just reading our ad, Hebrew School • Adult Education You know, for Training sure, Bar/Bat Mitzvah a good time will be had. Teen Groups So as you Holiday make yourServices plans, Prayer and for Passover night, Be sure to visit our informative website. www.chabadatlacosta.com

CHABAD at LA COSTA

1980 La Costa Avenue • Carlsbad 760-943-8891 Info@ChabadatLaCosta.com

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 45

’Tis the Season to Marvel A Passover story of love and time BY MARNIE MACAULEY

esach is upon us, and as much as I adore dreidel spinning and designing a sukkah from my leftover Kosher Kung Pow containers, Passover is my favorite Jewish holiday. True, I eat enough brisket to turn me into a gedempte dirigible, but I love adding a little quirk to the Seder, along with the lifelong memories. One year, I invited many of my actor friends. Trust me darlings, the Haggadah takes on a new meaning after hearing at least three Englishmen and one Irishman, trained at the Royal Shakespeare Company, recite the lines: “… it would have sufficed us!” Other guests leaned under the table. After all, who but Hashem could follow that? Pesach to me is joyous, but also a “marking” – a time to reflect and to wonder about this miracle we call “humanity.” So, instead of my usual column this month, I’ll tell you a true story of another miracle, inspired by hope; and courage in 46 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

the face of a different kind of bondage. We start...with time. I’ve always thought of time like the view from the window of a moving train. When you look out directly, everything speeds by. Peer at what you’ve passed, and the world seems to slow. That’s how I remember Abby and Aaron, frozen in time at age 20 in Toronto, Canada, their home. They fell in love at 13. Aaron was gangly with a rapid fire mouth, endless energy and always a “scheme,” (like the scuba diving business he tested in the East River on one visit to New York). And Abby, this tiny, feisty, adorable bundle with flashing blue eyes, a gazillion freckles, crowned with a glorious flame red mane, carried up the rear like a zany and proud partner. They studied, they worked, they married. They had fun. Aaron graduated from law school. They had a daughter, then a son, and all the while,

Abby ran Aaron’s office. Over the years, their home became Family Central for a myriad of in-laws, cousins (like me) and friends. No matter how busy they became, two nights a week were “their” nights. After 20 years, they had two more children. Their life cycle was again renewed. Some years ago, Aaron called. Abby needed a heart bypass operation. This vibrant woman needed heart surgery? Unthinkable. After Aaron was assured all went well, he heard the alarm. Abby’s heart had stopped. The surgeon re-opened her chest and massaged her heart back to life. It finally started beating again. But she’d suffered several strokes. Her condition forced them to induce a coma to lessen the pressure to her heart. Aaron never once left her side. He had a bed moved into her room.

The unthinkable happened again. The medication had so reduced her blood flow, her leg became gangrenous. Aaron had to make the decision to amputate. Two weeks later, the other leg, too, was amputated while Abby remained in a coma. As the weeks passed, Aaron left updates on his answering device. The news grew ever gruesome. Her heart was weak; massive infection; strokes. His message always ended with, “Your calls mean so much. Please...pray for Avigayil.” As she clung to life, Aaron massaged her, talked of every year they’d shared. His life was now centered on saving hers. Every night we’d brace to hear the message. It was the second night of Pesach. There was Aaron’s voice, quiet, barely audible on the machine. “No update today. There’s somebody here who will do it for me.” Then we heard it. Seven words. In a low rasp. With a tiny, feisty, flashing blue eyed, freckled flame red twinkle. “... Hi guys ... It’s me, Abby ... I’m back." The moment I saw her, in a wheelchair, laughing, planning a mile a minute with Aaron by her side, I felt she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Aaron and Abby, Abby and Aaron. We’d always used those words as if they were one. They are. She said that while in the coma, she felt Aaron’s touch. When she awoke, they vowed they wouldn’t let a moment go by wasted. And in that instant, they became heroes.

Her heart was weak; massive infection; strokes. His message always ended with, “Your calls mean so much. Please ... pray for Avigayil.” Today, Abby walks a mile a day, has “the most fashionable legs known to plastic,” is at the helm of Aaron’s practice, tends to her children, and has thrown major family celebrations. The only remnant of the strokes is a giggle. “But Aaron thinks it’s sexxxy!” she chirps. That’s not to say she doesn’t have moments of mourning for the physical whole of her, for some independence compromised. Time...like a passenger on a moving train. When I look at AaronAndAbby, I don’t see what’s been lost. I see that feisty, 20 year old with the flashing blue eyes, and the gangly boy who fell in love at 13. I also see a radiance that only time can bestow. I see what can be borne from faith, love, and connection to ourselves, each other and the world around us. I see...hope. Even today, no doctor can explain any of it. In 1983, the famed Rebbe M. Schneerson wrote of Pesach: “The ‘Season of Our Liberation’ pertains more to the inner self than to outside factors which are often beyond one’s control. … It is only a matter of setting one’s goals high enough to meet the challenges and opportunities of these times. Given the will and determination, the opportunities are limitless.” And that’s what I wish for you. The hope that dares us to dream the improbable; to face each day, without fear, joyous and satisfied in the trying so that ultimately we can face our last, knowing we’ll never say “I should have...” Peace and love to you this Pesach, from my world, to yours. I’m so glad we touch. A Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 47

The Madden

ALLURE OF OLYMP A

t the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, 19-year-old Anthony Ervin won a gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle along with his American teammate Gary Hall, Jr. when the two hit the wall in a tie at 21.98 seconds. It was Ervin’s first Olympic medal, Hall’s fifth. What happened next for the young star was a prolonged period of growing up the hard way. The book about Ervin’s life from childhood to the year 2012 when he returned to the Olympics for the second time in his frantic career was released this month. Co-written by Ervin and his friend Constantine Markides, “Chasing Water, Elegy of an Olympian” intentionally shucks athlete biography conventions in exchange for a seesaw of first-person memories written like diary entries (plus some of Ervin’s actual diary entries) and third-person exposition interspersed with quotes from key characters. The result is a raw look at a talented but lost boy whose only intentions for a solid 10 years were to shed the layers of everything that defined him. But as deep as the book goes into the details of that struggle – through Tourette’s, depression and a suicide attempt, to psychedelic drug exploration, promiscuity, and alcohol and cigarette addictions – Ervin says there was a lot left out. “A lot of parts, out of concern for other people,” he explains, “were either somehow stripped [or] context and implications were probably more thoroughly [placed] on my shoulders, out of concern for them.” And as real as it gets, “I see it as a caricature of me already,” he adds. “It’s only 300 pages of 30 years of life, so it’s already its own object.” The things he trips over in the book, and in public for those who were paying attention during his time in the spotlight, are the same identity struggles that most 20-somethings work through – it’s just that his were amplified by innate athletic ability and media attention.

48 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

Ervin’s father is African American and his mother is white, of European Jewish descent. With his spot on the 2000 Olympic swim team, Ervin was crowned the first African American to swim for the U.S.A. At one point in the book, Ervin recalls when the NBC sportscaster Jim Gray, in his post-race interview, asks Ervin if his excessive eye-blinking before the 50 freestyle race was a result of his Tourette’s. When Ervin doesn’t immediately respond, Gray moves on to his next question: “how does it feel to be the first swimmer of African American heritage to win the gold medal?” While both the Tourette’s and his African American father were facts of his life, Markides throughout the book notes that Ervin hadn’t considered them note-worthy. “I think as a sport,” Ervin says to me over the phone, “especially with the administrators and the people who organize the sport, I think it was a deep embarrassment that no one had yet broken that color barrier and they really wanted that to happen. They wanted that to go away, when every other sport had broken the color barrier. … Ultimately it was white people that anointed me, or tried to.” Ervin’s Jewish side was never asked about, probably because there had been many Jewish Olympic swimmers before him, including Jason Lezak who swam with Ervin on the men’s 400-meter freestyle relay team in 2000. In the 12 years between Olympic performances, Ervin would compete in world championships and NCAA meets for Cal Berkeley and coach kids in Japan and New York City, but in 2004, he officially quit competitive swimming. Mostly during that time, according to “Chasing Water,” he crashed on friend’s couches, tried on different identities like rock star, cross-dresser and motorcycle rider, explored new religions, played lots of video games and got tattoos. “I know I can’t run from it,” Ervin says of swimming now, “I don’t really get anywhere. I’d get myself further behind

PHOTOS BY BECCA WYANT/FINIS, INC.

Swimmer Anthony

ning Yet Inescapable

PIC COMPETITION Ervin trains for the third time in 16 years. BY NATALIE JACOBS

the lowest person out there because I’d be trying to forsake something that I have. [That] puts me in the negative right there. Nobody wants to sit there, I’ve tried it, it’s hard. It’s really hard.” It was hard to reach that point, where there’s a healthy balance between swimming and life, when swimming is life. It wasn’t until he went back to Berkeley and finished his bachelor’s degree and later went for his master’s that Ervin realized the difficulty he faced as a young male athlete with distinguishing between the assertiveness, confidence and “hypermasculinity” required of a world-class athlete and establishing positive social relationships outside the pool. “That term came up when I … [started] taking an overhead look at the sport and the larger life, just being born a male, or an American, and the way that shapes and gives a certain momentum to the way I am and the way I behave. … “What should have been the physical [aspect] of it as it specifically applied to sports and overriding the limits of my own body to accomplish a goal,” he continues, “became like a cancer that leaks into all the other realms, overcoming all the other aspects of my life.” It’s the singular focus that’s required to achieve Olympic levels of greatness that became confusing. “You start to believe that all of it has to be poured into this one thing if you actually want to achieve what seems unachievable, to become the best in the world at something. “But I’ve already done that,” he says with a laugh, “so I’m liberated from having to go to the extent of that toxicity.” Now, at 34 as he trains for this summer’s Olympics, Ervin has found balance by finally embracing that he is a swimmer, not just because it puts “bread on the table,” but because he is good at it, and because he loves it. “I can’t go a couple days without [swimming], I’ll get cranky. I love swimming, I always have. But sometimes you

“...like a cancer that leaks into all the other realms, overcoming all the other aspects of my life.” love something so much you gotta let it go. I had that phase with it too.” Ultimately, though, he’s vague about why he’s giving the Olympics another shot. “Once I made it to London I felt like I was just going to feel out the next four years and try to enjoy the journey so much more. There was a deliberate reason why the book cuts off after the London Olympics.” If Ervin makes it this year, he won’t be the oldest swimmer to earn a spot on a U.S. team – that honor is still held by Dana Torres, who competed in the 2008 Olympics at the age of 41 – but it will be a personal landmark for Ervin, marking a conscious shift in his life in and outside the pool. “For both the 2000 and 2012 Olympics there was no expectation of going to the Olympics, they were both kind of pipe dreams. They weren’t planned and executed by me, they were almost mystic in their way in terms of coming about and fulfilling themselves. But now, it’s like there is a lot of expectation on me to do something. Whether that means making the Olympic team or not, it’s besides the point, it’s how I chose to live these last four years that I want to be representative of how my career continues.” A Olympic swim trials take place in Omaha, Neb., in July. The Olympics begin Aug. 5 in Rio de Janeiro. The book “Chasing Water, Elegy of An Olympian” is out now from Akashic Books.

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 49

||| THEATER |||

Art Imitates Life at Scripps Ranch Theatre Jewish actress, Jewish director and a play about Irish-Catholic sisters BY PAT LAUNER

wo middle-aged New York sisters, both hyper-concerned with their appearance. One eats compulsively; the other obsessively pursues plastic surgery. Their conversations are fastpaced, snappy and funny. They could so be Jewish. But in Jon Lonoff’s “Skin Deep,” they come from a large Irish-Catholic family. The plus-sized sister, Maureen, who has a well-used altar in her small, disheveled apartment, is played, at Scripps Ranch Theatre, by Brenda Adelman. “I definitely know this character,” says the Jewish actress who moved to San Diego in 2013. “I grew up in Brooklyn; they’re in Forest Hills, Queens. This character is so much like me. Art parallels life. I’ve had weight issues my whole life. As a teenager, I dealt with major emotional eating. Food was my addiction of choice. If I was angry, instead of turning my anger against its source, I’d eat. Then I’d beat myself up for doing that. “Maureen is not as conscious about her 50 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

Now, I’ve just broken up from a relationship again, and like Maureen, I’m willing to take a chance. behaviors. But she’s had a lot of trouble with men, and she’s single – and eating whole pizzas – when her sister and brother-in-law fix her up with a guy. She’s had her heart broken, but she’s willing to open her heart again. “That kind of thing always happens to me,”

Adelman continues. “I had just gotten a divorce when I moved here and auditioned for ‘Sunset Park’ at Scripps Ranch. The character in that show had just been left by her husband. Now, I’ve just broken up from a relationship again, and like Maureen, I’m willing to take a chance again.” As director Eric Poppick puts it, “Brenda is Maureen.” He also directed the actress in Scripps’ performance of “Sunset Park” last year. “Yes, these sisters could be Jewish,” Poppick admits. Having grown up in a Conservative Jewish family in New Jersey, he’s well aware that “many sub-cultures have similar issues. The play is about real people, real relationships and what many of us have gone through, or will go through, in terms of love. “Maureen has difficulty finding a man because of her weight,” Poppick continues. “And she has to deal with a gorgeous sister, married to a guy she herself had a crush on years ago. Joe Spinelli, the blind date, is a sweet man. There are a lot of

men like him who, for one reason or another, hasn’t found anyone he quite fits. Though the Mulligan family has more education – and the sister and brother-in-law live on the Upper East Side and have money to burn – he’s the most stable and sensible of the bunch.” Although the play deals with issues of body image and compulsive behavior, not to mention religious, educational and economic disparities in potential mates, it’s unequivocally a rom-com of the early tv variety. “When I first read it,” Poppick says, “I laughed out loud. And I don’t do that very often. Lonoff is a funny writer. And I’m a romantic at heart.” Poppick’s romantic side helps explain his marriage two years ago, to the woman he’s been with for 25 years. “We thought it was time,” he says, without irony. “Her mother was 99 years old [she’s about to turn 101], and we thought it would be nice for her to see us married. My wife is an attorney, but her mother was in show business. She was a singer and her husband was a musician. They knew all the big entertainers of the ’40s and ’50s. She went to the homes of Groucho Marx and Jack Benny.” When Poppick moved to San Diego in 2006, he was “surprised at how many theaters there were here.” One of those was Scripps Ranch Theatre, a 38-year-old organization founded in 1978, when there was no community theater between Escondido and downtown San Diego. After

PHOTOS COURTESY SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE

In pink, actress Brenda Adelman embodies a character who’s life mysteriously mirrors her own. Eric Poppick, plaid, directs, and Daniel Gurion plays male lead Joe Spinelli.

years of theatrical homelessness, the theater has settled into the Legler Benbough Theatre, on the campus of Alliant International University (formerly USIU) off Pomerado Road. Since 2002, Jill Drexler has been the artistic director. “We now have about 900 subscribers,” actor/ director Drexler says. “We’ve operated in the black every year we’ve been in business. We started out as a community theater, but several years ago, we started paying our artists. We’ve moved from a four-play season to six offerings a year, and stretched to include more challenging work [like William Inge’s “Dark at the Top of the Stairs,” this past winter]. We’ve brought on development and marketing consultants to guide our plans for the future.” Two notable Scripps Ranch programs, founded and helmed by actor/director/producer Robert May, are geared toward “creating an artistic home for emerging and established playwrights,” as May describes them. There’s the five-year-old “Out on a Limb: New Plays from America’s Finest City,” which focuses on stories

about San Diego and its people. And New Works Studio, a nine-month collaborative program for local playwrights, launched this past February. Scripps Ranch has a loyal audience following, and a range of acting and directing “regulars,” too, including Eric Poppick, who has served the theater in both capacities. Over the past 10 years, he reports, he has performed in 15 shows countywide, at theaters including Cygnet, North Coast Rep, New Village Arts, Intrepid, and ion, and he’s directed two world premieres in addition to four productions at Scripps Ranch. “I’m fortunate I don’t have to do it for the money. You can’t make a living in theater here,” he laments. He was able to earn a tidy living when he was in Los Angeles, where he appeared in movie and tv shows such as “Basic Instinct,” “Hero” (with Dustin Hoffman), “Seinfeld,” “Columbo,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “NYPD Blue,” “L.A. Law” and several daytime soap operas, in which he played a raft of doctors, judges and businessmen. He obtained his BFA in acting Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 51

“Unlike Maureen, I’ve always been lucky to be with men who love my body more than I do.”

(Boston University), but his MA was in directing (State University of New York at Albany). Now he’s one of the local “go-to Jews” for consultation on Yiddishisms and other Jewish issues and customs, for Scripps Ranch and other theaters. Though he confesses to knowing only “a bissel” of Yiddish, he can still read Hebrew from his Bar Mitzvah days. Poppick serves on the Reading Committee for Scripps Ranch Theatre. Each year, artistic director Drexler chooses approximately 15 plays, and the committee reads them all and chooses a balanced season. Of the six annual productions, typically two or three are comedies. Next season, there will be a bit of a departure, with a small but beloved musical, “The Fantasticks.” Right now, Poppick’s focus is on “Skin Deep,” which includes one busy local actor/ director (Charles Peters), two relative newcomers (Daniel Gurian and Cindy Chavez), and Brenda Adelman. “I’m really excited to be in a play like this, about a woman who’s unfolding, ready to love herself,” says Adelman. “Unlike Maureen, I’ve always been lucky to be with men who love my body more than I do. Maureen uses humor as a shield. She’s super funny and witty. I absolutely love her. Fortunately, I’ve worked with the two male actors before. I did an audition with Daniel, who’s playing Joe, so we already have some chemistry. And Charles was my brother in ‘Sunset Park.’ “I haven’t worked with Cindy before. But these sisters are so familiar to me. My high school had lots of Jews, Italians and Irish. In my 52 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

neighborhood, your culture defined you more than your religion. “I’m not a religious Jew,” Adelman continues, “but I’m absolutely culturally Jewish and extremely spiritual. I can certainly resonate with Maureen’s prayers, and trying to connect with something bigger than yourself. There are so many ways into this character for me.” After her graduation from Hunter College in New York, Adelman studied the Meisner Technique (named for Sanford Meisner, 19051997), which encourages actors to develop their characters externally, as opposed to method acting, which develops from an internal source such as emotional recall or sense of memory. Adelman studied at several theater companies, and was part of an improv group in Arizona for two years. In addition to plays, she’s performed in short and industrial films and her own solo show. She has a lot of other irons in the fire, but she’s “passionate” about this play. “A play like this comes along rarely,” she says. “The actor who’d played my mom in ‘Sunset Park,’ Carm Greco, told me I had to audition for it. ‘It has you written all over it,’ she said. And she was right. The character fits me like a glove. For me, the best kind of acting is when you can really tap into something personal about it. Some things in life just feel divinely inspired. “And Eric [Poppick] is wonderful. He’s all about the connection and making it real. He gives actors a lot of leeway, to bring their ideas and themselves to the work. I know how Maureen feels. She’s getting older, probably wants to have kids. She has such low self-esteem. That was me.

I had an image of myself as overweight even after I lost weight. I get to heal this on another level now. I get to dive deep. “I believe being a good actor is being completely honest in the character,” she continues. “You have to play it for keeps, like you’re a real person. In my real life, I don’t go for laughs. But my biggest laughs onstage have always come when I don’t try for laughs. There are layers of what’s going on underneath Maureen, and I intend to play it honestly. It’s all about trusting the writer, the director, and yourself… and letting the magic happen.” For her director, “there clearly are some serious issues in the play. Do we have friends or family with food or plastic surgery issues? How do we relate to that? Do we accept it? Try to stop it? Some of that is in the play, too. “Maureen and Joe don’t seem like an ideal match,” Poppick continues. “You see couples and say, ‘How did these two get together?’ I think ‘My Lord, what goes on when the door’s closed?’ I hope people are touched by the play, and hope that Maureen and Joe are going to work out. These characters are bound to remind us of someone in our own family. We all have our own craziness.” A The Scripps Ranch Theatre production of “Skin Deep” runs April 1-May 1 in the Legler Benbough Theatre on the campus of Alliant University, 9783 Avenue of Nations, Scripps Ranch. Tickets ($28$31) and information are at (858) 578-7728; scrippsranchtheatre.org.

Passover...a time for sharing. The closeness of family and friends gathered together in thankful celebration. A special feeling. A special warmth. A time for sharing, when age-old traditions proudly grace the seder table. Wondrously alive and vital.

Best wishes from all of us at Passover. Sandy Roseman, Richard Prager and Families, and the Law Offices of Charles S. Roseman and Associates

• Product Liability • Medical Malpractice • ADA/Injury Law • Insurance/Injury Law • Civil Rights/Injury Law • Discrimination Law

Providing quality legal representation throughout California for over 44 years

• Elder Abuse/Injury Law

1761 Hotel Circle S., Ste. 250 · San Diego, CA 92108

(619) 544-1500

• Personal Injury

• Mediation/Arbitration Services

csroseman@rosemanlaw.com

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 53

||| MUSIC |||

The Beat Goes On The Maccabeats make their way back to San Diego for Shir Energy Festival

hat started out as a very warm and friendly community of world- I started our show [in upstate New York] with, group of yeshiva friends class a cappella producers and musicians.” ‘San Diego, how are we doing?!’” performing from of New The Maccabeats’ 11 members are all in their He continues: “We’ve been kicked off planes, York in 2007 has become 20s and 30s, and the majority have been involved [we’ve] begged to be allowed off of a plane to a premier a cappella since the band’s inception. When the group isn’t make a show on time, [have been] detained at the group of our time. In nine short years, the performing or practicing, they are working full Canadian border, been confused for astronauts, Maccabeats have performed around the world time, studying and/or raising families. and have probably bought black ties in each of at concerts, on television, for Jewish events and Horowitz emphasizes that their “music the 50 states.” even in the White House both in 2011 and contains a strong Jewish message. However, The Maccabeats will ask the real San Diego 2015. This month, they’re coming to San Diego. possibly just as potent are other positive ideas, how it’s doing on April 17 at the Shir Energy “We’ve been fortunate to hone our craft Music Festival, hosted for the fourth year in “There’s no set formula for in front of hundreds of live audiences a row by Temple Solel. and millions of fans online, to really see The a cappella masters will be joined creativity, however, we always what works and resonates,” says Julian in Cardiff by Casey Abrams, a singer, keep in mind our dual goals of Horowitz, singer and group director, via songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and email. “A major lesson that we’ve learned American Idol finalist; Billy Jonas, a singer entertaining and conveying a is that there’s always room to improve and and performer who uses a blend of recycled, expand. profound sense of Jewish pride.” homemade instruments (no relation to the “There’s no set formula for creativity, famous brothers with the same last name); however, we always keep in mind our dual goals like being proud of your heritage and identity,” to Taylor Willamson, Del Mar-born comedian of entertaining and conveying a profound sense explain the groups crossover appeal to more than who took second place on America’s Got Talent; of Jewish pride. just Jewish audiences. Their growing popularity and Jerron Paxton, a young musician who sings “We have a creative committee and we actually has translated to invitations to perform in far and plays banjo, guitar, piano, fiddle, Cajun do a lot of collaborative work. Most of the songs off places like New Zealand, Hong Kong and accordion and percussion. are covers and we work together to write the South Africa. Of the White House performances, Other performers on the bill include the lyrics that are not [covers]. We vote on a lot of Horowitz says it was a “surreal experience.” Hausman Quartet with local favorite Yale the final decisions if there is a creative difference For as talented and busy as the crew is – Strom, Jewhooz, Shabbat Unplugged, Hilly of opinion.” balancing their singing with medical school, rabbi Rubin, Craig Parks, Kavahhah, Bimah Beats and Horowitz believes that a cappella is coming duties, fatherhood and lawyer responsibilities, Shorashim. A into its own as an art form. sometimes it’s hard to keep straight where in the Tickets start at $36. Temple Solel member and teen “We started singing a cappella almost by world they are. discounts available. Details at shirenergymusicfest.net. accident, around our Shabbat tables and in our “[Once],” Horowitz recals, “after a particularly synagogues. And we are happy to be part of a grueling travel schedule and a red eye to Buffalo, 54 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

PHOTO COURTESY MACCABEATS

BY TINA B. ESHEL

hadassah.org/southerncalifornia 858-268-3200 562-430-5055

Adar II â&#x20AC;˘ Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 55

ArtWalk

METRO FLOORING Qua L IT y y Ou ca N s Ta Nd ON

ArtWalk returns to Little Italy this month, April 30 and May 1 with 17 blocks and more than 350 local, national and international exhibitors. Here, meet two Jewish artists and San Diego locals on the list: Stephen Fishwick and Justin Coopersmith. 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 www.metroflooring.com

Happy Passover Celebrate Passover at Elijah’s Restaurant Friday, April 22nd and Saturday, April 23rd

Dinner Special Choice of Traditional Appetizer Matzo Ball Soup Beef Brisket or Roasted Chicken Entree $22.95 per person • $11.95 per child under 12. For reservations or to order traditional favorites for take out call:

858.455.1461

Visit us at our new location at 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111. Full Passover menu is available online at:

www.ElijahsRestaurant.com

56 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHEN FISHWICK

7340 Miramar Road, suite 100 • san diego, ca 92126

Exhibiting Artist Stephen Fishwick SDJJ: How long have you been a professional artist in San Diego? SF: 25 Years

SDJJ: What is your favorite medium to work in? Why?

SF: Acrylic Paint, because I get to touch it and throw it.

SDJJ: Do you have any rituals you employ before

getting going on a new piece? SF: I do a lot of research into my subjects. When painting ICONS I watch documentaries, study videos and work from several photographs. If it is a musician I will create the piece while listening to their music. If I can hear their voice while viewing the finished piece, I know I have succeeded.

PHOTO COURTESY JUSTIN COOPERSMITH

2016

Exhibiting Artist Justin Coopersmith

949 975 0833 ext. 328

SDJJ: How long have you been a professional artist

in San Diego? JC: Since 1972 when I graduated San Diego State as a graphic design major. I have created and exhibited art in Hawaii and New York City in the last 13 years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from Carlsbad California.

SDJJ: Do you often sell at art fairs? Do you like that

level of direct interaction with customers? JC: Although I do exhibit in some major galleries around the country, I tremendously enjoy meeting my collectors and new buyers at my art shows and especially installing my mixed media art in their beautiful homes or corporate settings. This is very satisfying when I see my one-of-a-kind visual creations in that special environment, whether it be over a fireplace or at a hotel or hospital setting.

SDJJ: If you travel for art shows, do you notice a

difference in the San Diego art collectors compared to other cities? JC: The San Diego art market is a bit challenging, as my customers like to see vibrant and colorful originals but with that Southern California light and oceanthemed designs.

Adar II â&#x20AC;˘ Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 57

The Language of Philanthropy – Part 2, Planning Your Charitable Legacy Brought to you by

Creating your legacy through planned giving enables you to have a lasting impact on the organizations about which you care so much. Below are some of the ways to achieve your charitable legacy goals. Charitable Gift Annuity: A simple contract between you and the Foundation in which you make an irrevocable gift of cash or securities in exchange for guaranteed payments for life. Part of the payments are tax-free. After your lifetime, your chosen organization(s) receives the remainder of the funds. Charitable Lead Trust: A trust established with your attorney. Receive an income tax deduction upon creation, provide your favorite organization income for a fixed term and the remaining assets return to you or other named family members. Charitable Remainder Trust: A trust established with your attorney that provides you with lifetime income and an income tax deduction upon creation. The remainder of the trust is distributed to your favorite organization(s). Useful for complex assets, such as real estate. Endowment Fund: A permanent fund that supports your favorite organization(s) in perpetuity. Distributes a fixed percentage of the fund to your chosen organization(s) each year. Life Insurance: Name your favorite organization(s) or the Foundation as partial or sole beneficiary of your policy. Leverage your giving by naming a new policy or transferring an existing policy to the Foundation to be designated to your favorite organization(s). You may receive an immediate and future income tax deduction for the premiums paid or value of the transferred policy. Retirement Plan/IRA Assets: Most types of retirement plans are heavily taxed at death so they are advantageous assets for giving. Name your favorite organization(s) or the Foundation as beneficiary while avoiding income and estate tax for your heirs. The Jewish Community Foundation offers Legacy Planning services free of charge, with the utmost confidentiality.

Jewish Community Foundation San Diego • 858.279.2740 • www.jcfsandiego.org

Looking For Success?

OHR SHALOM SYNAGOGUE

You don’t have to depend on willpower alone.

Let hypnosis help unlock your power within to create the positive change you desire.

ONE FREE SESSION

with another at regular price. One coupon per person. New clients only. Expires 04/30/2016

Hanna Fox, C.Ht., Certified Hypnotherapist (619) 988-7783 • CalHypnoTherapyCenter.com

58 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

SECOND SEDER Saturday, April 23 at 5:30pm

Join Ohr Shalom Synagogue for a traditional Second Seder led by Rabbi Scott Meltzer. For more information please contact the office at (619) 231-1456.

May your cup overflow with goodness and happiness.

Happy Passover!

Scott Meltzer, Rabbi Ray Sachs, President

2512 Third Avenue at Laurel | San Diego, CA 92103 619.231.1456 | www.ohrshalom.org | office@ohrshalom.org

PHOTOS COURTESY NATALIE ABRAHAM

Bequest: Through a will or trust. This is the most popular planned giving method and the simplest.

Interfaith Community Affair Hopes to Spread Beyond New Mexico Muslim Women Speak – a Jewish Perspective BY JUDITH FEIN, PHOTOS BY PAUL ROSS

awoke one morning and sat bolt upright in bed. “I have to do something about it,” I thought. The “it” I had to do something about was the hate-filled discourse swirling around Muslims, seeping and oozing into the media and the mouths of people running for public office. “Today it’s Muslims. Yesterday, and tomorrow, it was and could be Jews,” I said to myself. As a travel journalist and a travel addict, I have been to Jordan, Syria, Iran, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Lebanon. I have lived in Morocco and Tunisia, where I personally experienced open-hearted hospitality, friendliness, and curiosity, often being

invited to dinner by strangers in the street. I have felt the deep pull of Semitic bonding. Nowhere around the world have I encountered people who were menacing, threatening, or consumed by hatred. Why were the people I have met lumped in with murderous terrorists? My husband Paul and I came up with a plan. We invited our friends to an international Thanksgiving at our house where we asked everyone – foreign and American – to make dishes from other countries. We had guests from Colombia, Iran, Egypt and Libya. There was a traffic jam in the kitchen as people came back for seconds and thirds of dishes like fasenjan (from Iran), couscous (Egypt), and albondigas (Mexico).

After dinner, we all sat in the living room and I told them I wanted to make a community event to support and honor our Muslim neighbors; I needed their help in conceptualizing it. For several hours we brainstormed. Rabbis and Imams Speak? Leaders from Different Religions Speak? A potluck to honor Muslims and invite them to speak? Finally, the man from Libya piped up: What about Muslim Women Speak? I almost leapt out of my chair. Yes, yes, yes. And so the event was born – or at least the idea of the event. As quickly as it was conceived and word began to spread, objections started pouring into my inbox: No one will come. Why just women? It could attract violence. Can Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 59

At the Collected Works Bookstore, the author briefs some new members of the panel in Santa Fe, N.M.

you provide security? Where will you find the women? How will you do publicity? I am nothing if not stubborn and determined. I saw opportunity, not obstacles. I kept imagining that it was Jews being targeted instead of Muslims. Wouldn’t we want people to do the same for us? I contacted my female Muslim friends, and asked them to give me names of women who would be willing to speak in public. I visualized 10 women: some converts, some born into Islam; some from America and others foreign-born; at least a few women who wore hijab; one or two religious women along with others who are secular or not very observant. Islamic women, I remember from living in Muslim countries, are taught to be modest – in dress, behavior, and speech. Some women I contacted didn’t want any cameras present, and others didn’t want to appear in public at all. A few were afraid they would be targeted, and one insisted that if she sat on a stage, she needed a table with a cloth draping to the floor, so her legs wouldn’t be visible. I smiled inwardly; these requirements are so similar in so many ways to those of Ultra Orthodox Jews. It was not easy to round up the 10 women. But finally, thanks to two women, Rehana and Muminah, who volunteered to help organize the event, eight more agreed to participate. Everyone was excited to challenge stereotypes and educate the public about their religion and their lives. Since there was no money involved, we needed 60 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

an auditorium or theater we didn’t have to pay for. Rehana I kept imagining that it was Jews being landed the Forum at the College of Art and Design targeted instead of Muslims. Wouldn’t in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which holds l86 people. We we want people to do the same for us? wondered if there would be enough people to fill a few we could monitor for hate-filled or unproductive rows. Then came media. I wrote to the editors of comments. The goal was for these women to the local papers and prominent people at the share their own stories of their lives and religion. radio and tv stations. The response was almost I reminded the audience that the panelists were immediate and very positive: Muslim Women not Islamic scholars, rather real women with real Speak sounded timely and important. The main experiences in these complicated times. I couldn’t help but wonder about the Jewish newspaper in town, The New Mexican, featured an advance article about the event on the front response to Muslim Women Speak. To my delight, two Santa Fe rabbis wrote to offer moral page. Many more showed up to cover it live. Security? I contacted the Sikh community in support. I got calls from Jewish women asking Espanola because they own and operate a security if they could help in any way. On the flip side, firm. The mayor of Santa Fe volunteered to some Jewish congregations and groups expressed no interest. provide police security as well. When the doors to the Forum opened on I confess that from Thanksgiving until the first event in mid-January, I had to stop working, Jan. 10, men, women, and teenagers flooded because Muslim Women Speak became a full- in; they included Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, time job. The women needed information and Buddhists, and Christians. Soon all the seats were reassurance. The media wanted interviews and taken, and attendees began to sit on the floor. I photos. Hundreds of details begged for attention counted close to 400 in the Forum when we had from tables to a sound system and graphic design to begin turning people away to comply with fire codes. for fliers. How does Islam treat women? Why do It was a collaborative effort at every step of the way. We agreed there would be no speeches, women cover their heads? How can Muslims no dialogue. Instead, the audience would be stop the radicalization of the young? What do invited to submit questions via index cards so you like best about Islam? Each woman’s answer

emphasized the peaceful nature of her religion, the freedoms afforded to women, and the beauty they find in the Koran. One question was more pointed – why do Palestinian textbooks teach hatred of Jews and Israel? It was answered by a Palestinian woman, who started to talk heatedly about the occupation. Several audience members applauded. The Palestinian woman pulled back, and said this was not the proper forum for a discussion of Israel and Palestine. I went on to the next question. After the program, many audience members lined up to meet the panelists, ask more questions, hug them. The post-event coverage was again front-page news in The New Mexican. It was also featured on the evening news, and offers started pouring in from local venues and other cities to reprise the Muslim Women Speak event. The following week, we held a similar event in Albuquerque. Again, about 400 people were in attendance. With requests from several groups, many of the women involved in these first two panels have agree to lead spin-off events for other organizations and in other cities. During our work together to organize the events, the Muslim women often mentioned Jewish holidays to me, or referred to the Torah, or spoke about kosher food they enjoyed, since it is similar to their halal way of eating. There was an unspoken bond between people of two religions, and I believe that both religions benefitted from the exchange, contact, and mutual support. After the events, I got dozens of emails, many

from Jews. Jade Gordon, an art curator and political activist sent these words: “Although I was brought up in the somewhat narrower world of Orthodox Judaism, the example and teaching of Abraham, of welcoming the stranger, resonated for me as I became interested in and learned about other religions, cultures, ethnicities ... I welcomed Muslim Women Speak as an opportunity to listen and ask questions of Muslim women and to enable them to express their concerns and feelings about living in a country where they often experience hostility and prejudice.” Laurie Vandervelde, a retired business owner and active volunteer, had this to say: “I went as a liberal Reform Jew and an American to better understand the ‘other.’ These women were beautiful, incredible, articulate, assertive, empowered. They were passionate and reasonable when talking about their faith. They were women I would want to get to know, who care about their families, their businesses, their careers. They are women who live in the same world I do with the same hopes and dreams but with quite a few more hassles than I have had to deal with in my life. And yet they go on, living their lives and adhering to their faith.” Nancy King, an author, weaver, and educator, wrote: “As a Jew and a woman, I was particularly pleased that a Jewish woman organized Muslim Women Speak. I was an usher at the event, and after I managed to find a seat for a 90-year-old Muslim woman in the overly filled theater, she

“These women were beautiful, incredible, articulate, assertive, empowered. They were passionate and reasonable when talking about their faith.” blessed me. I told her I felt happy that Jews and Muslims were talking to each other. She asked if I was a Jew and I said, ‘Yes.’ She gave me a hug and said, ‘I bless you twice.’” It is my hope to continue Muslim Women Speak events throughout the country. As long as racist, prejudicial dialogue prevails, I feel that I have to do something, we all have to do something, so we are not part of the problem. As one of the Muslim women told the audience, “by coming to this event, you are doing something.” A Santa Fe-based Judith Fein is an award-winning author, travel journalist and speaker who sometimes takes people with her on exotic trips. Her website is globaladventure.us. Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 61

POLITICS

Lobbying for ISRAEL A very brief exploration of the lobby landscape in this election year BY NATALIE JACOBS

his story was going to be about lobbying groups established in the United States to support Israel, including what legislation and which legislators in this election year, if any, these various groups are supporting and in what capacities. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is the name everyone knows, but the group’s specific efforts are a bit harder to identify. After local AIPAC people told me they weren’t allowed to talk on the record, a press person from the national office declined my request for an interview, instead directing me to a website outlining their legislative agenda. On that list: “Stop Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons;” “Demand an End to Palestinian Incitement;” “Fight Boycott of Israel;” and “Support Security Assistance for Israel.” Each subsection contains

The differences between AIPAC and J Street go beyond whether or not they give money directly to candidates but have been reduced to distinctions between the political right and left since J Street was founded in 2008. Both groups write on their websites that they support political initiatives across the spectrum in order to enhance or advance the U.S. and Israel’s conjoined interests. J Street’s web outline of its 2016 policy agenda is as follows: “Setting forth a vision for ending the conflict;” “Meaningfully discouraging settlement expansion;” and “Enhancing human security and related programs on the ground.” There is also the Christian contingent of Israel lobbying in the United States, plus smaller Jewish special interest groups. Now, Israelis themselves are getting specifically involved, with the launch of Israeli-American Nexus in Los Angeles in

state assembly, and the federal Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. AIPAC, according to its website, too has eyes on that anti-BDS legislation noting that it “combats the rising tide of international boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel.” J Street makes no mention of specific legislation on its lobbying agenda but does outline its positions on a variety of issues. As far as the Trade Act goes, J Street published a blog post on Feb. 25 applauding “President Obama for reasserting his determination to fight boycotts, divestment and sanctions aimed against Israel while at the same time upholding the legal distinction between Israel and territories it captured in 1967 and has been occupying ever since.” During IA-Nexus’s first letter-writing campaign to show support for that bill, just a couple weeks

Now, Israelis themselves are getting specifically involved, with the launch of Israeli-American Nexus in Los Angeles this February. a “take action” link except for the Iran one. Although the letters P.A.C. reside in their name, AIPAC is not a political action committee, which means none of the $83.2 million in contributions reported from fiscal year 2014 could be given directly to candidates or elected officials. J Street, once the new kid on the Israel lobbying block, on the other hand, does have a political action committee that gives money directly to candidates. In 2014, J Street’s reported total contributions were $2.4 million. While they did not reply to interview requests, their J Street PAC email recently implored readers to “chip in $10 today to help elect a woman who will champion American diplomacy in the Middle East.” The woman is Catherine Cortez Masto, a U.S. Senate candidate in Nevada whom J Street says is coming under attack from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. 62 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

February. Shawn Evanhaim started the lobbying group after co-creating and working with the Israeli-American Council, an advocacy group that organizes people but does not work directly with public policy, for eight years. “The Israeli-American Council can continue doing all the great work that it’s doing,” Evanhaim said in a phone call, “but the Israeli American Nexus will be able to focus and concentrate on lobbying at the local and state level mainly, but at the federal level too.” Their mission sounds like that of AIPAC, J Street and the others: to strengthen the relationship between elected officials and the state of Israel. How that plays out in the halls of Congress or the state legislature is less obvious. I-A Nexus is starting with support of both California’s so-called anti-BDS legislation, AB-1552, currently making its way around the

into the group’s existence, Evanhaim says “we got 2,500 people to send letters to elected officials at the federal level.” He estimates there are 600,000 to 1 million American Israelis living throughout the United States. Evanhaim says he envisions his group will “advocate on a range of issues like public safety, emergency preparedness, improving the campus climate for Jewish students.” AIPAC’s policy conference was held on March 20-22 in Washington D.C. Details and video are available at aipac.org. J Street has not published a date for a 6th annual national conference. Its 5th annual conference was held in March of 2015. Find more information about that group at jstreet.org. The Israeli American Nexus can be found online at ianexus.org. A

Distinctive Residential Settings Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Premier Health and Wellness Programs Award-Winning Assisted Living & Memory Care Therapy and Rehabilitation Services

The Community Built for Life.® belmontvillage.com CARDIFF BY THE SEA | 760-436-8900 SABRE SPRINGS | 858-486-5020 Winner of the George Mason University Healthcare Award for the Circle of Friends© memory program for Mild Cognitive Impairment.

SDJewishJournal_2016_socialhalf.indd 1

3/9/16 9:27 PM

Join the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America for the Concluding Conversation of the San Diego Communal iEngage Project

Maintaining Our Moral Compass in a Time of Crisis and Conflict Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman

President, Shalom Hartman Institute

Monday, May 23, 2016 | 7:00 PM Congregation Beth El, Jacobs Family Community Hall Register at: shalomhartman.org/sandiego This program has been generously funded by: Elaine Chortek • Laura Galinson and Jodi Diamond • David and Claire Ellman • Elena Romanowsky Ray and Rhona Fink • Selwyn and Hilary Isakow • Richard and Ann Jaffe • Julian and Jenny Josephson • Steve and Denise Shoemaker • Stan and Mal Smiedt • Alan and Caryn Viterbi

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 63

The Race for District 1

When I began planning this story, only two candidates were vying for 51 percent of the vote in June’s primary to represent District 1 – which includes La Jolla, University City, Carmel Valley, and parts of Del Mar – on the City Council. Once the March 10 filing deadline rolled by, three additional candidates had entered the race. Now, voters will narrow down the playing field in June and make their final decisions in November. Given the Journal’s production schedule, we present a Q&A with Barbara Bry and Ray Ellis here, and efforts are in progress to set up interviews with additional candidates for future issues. Each interview was conducted individually, and responses have been edited for space. INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED BY NATALIE JACOBS

Why are you running for City Council? Barbara Bry: I never expected to run for public office. About two years ago, a group of people I respect asked me to consider running for District 1 primarily because of my high tech background and District 1 being the center of the innovation economy. ... It’s where I spent 30 years of my life, in the innovation economy. So I really stepped up because I decided after doing a lot of research, attending community planning meetings all over the district, that I would be the best candidate to keep our community safe, clean and prosperous. Ray Ellis: I want to take my successful business experience, coupled with my over two decades of volunteering in San Diego to help address the issues in District 1 and facing our city. I’m an independent problem solver and I think I can help us address some of these issues that continue to be of major concern to the voters.

What are the most important issues that you see facing District 1? Ray Ellis: From a wider perspective, certainly making sure we have a locally controlled, drought tolerant, sustainable and affordable water supply. It’s a very important quality of life issue, it also impacts our innovation economy especially with life sciences. We also need to make sure that we are addressing our roads, sidewalks and infrastructure. This requires prudent fiscal management at the city, which I can bring. And we also need to make sure that we are creating the best economic environment to create good paying jobs and increase wage growth. And there are a whole host of neighborhood issues. Barbara Bry: It varies by community. Starting in the south with La Jolla, I would say short term vacation rentals, keeping the beaches clean, repairing our aging infrastructure, and traffic. Actually traffic is an issue everywhere. University City, where our office is headquartered, was really cheated out of fire stations. The community really needs three new fire stations, two are now in process ... The district is interesting. There are people who have a Del Mar zip code but they actually live in the city of San Diego and they are in District 1. They have issues with Penasquitos Canyon, making sure that stays pristine. They’re very concerned also, about emergency response. In Carmel Valley, the major issue again, traffic and an appropriately sized One Paseo project.

What are some challenges that inhibit business growth in San Diego and how will you address those on City Council? Barbara Bry: From a macro view, one of the issues confronting all businesses is access to capital to grow. For high tech and biotech companies, the money comes from all over the world now. We as a city need to to a better job of branding ourself as an innovation center. ... What the city can do is when companies want to expand, they can make it easier. Illumina is the largest company employer [in District 1]. They wanted to expand a few years ago and had challenges getting through the permitting process. It was all solved eventually but it could have been handled better. They were given tax breaks to expand here and I think it was totally appropriate because they’re creating really good jobs. The second thing that’s important to all these companies is having a reliable supply of water, biotech in particular. ... The third thing is, if you’re a little business, City Hall looks daunting and overwhelming ... There should be a customer-service friendly environment where the person behind the counter is trying to help you. Ray Ellis: One of the ones that just jumps at us ... the cost of housing. This filters in and is a direct link to some of the poverty issues that we’re experiencing – 47 percent of the cost to build a single family or multi-family home in San Diego goes to fees, which we need to collect and put back into the community, but also the regulatory process. It is super expensive to get anything done and that artificially increases the cost of housing. ... We are in a crisis situation here in San Diego and we need to make sure that our regulations are appropriate and we don’t over-regulate. We also need to make sure that we streamline the system. Just by lowering that 47 percent to 44 percent, we’re creating good paying jobs, we’re making housing more affordable, and we’re able to fulfill a huge need in our community and our region. 64 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

PHOTO COURTESY RAY ELLIS

PHOTO COURTESY BARBARA BRY

You support the city’s ambitious Climate Action Plan – what infrastructure changes will be needed in District 1 to help the city meet those goals? Ray Ellis: Certainly we’re very excited about getting a mid-coast trolley into the District. ... That will enable us to hopefully cut down on some of the traffic. I think one of the great opportunities we have if we properly manage our fiscal affairs, we have the syncronized light technology that can be used in District 1. ... it’s already being used on Lusk in Mira Mesa area and my understanding is, the traffic has improved between 17 and 24 percent depending on the time of day. We’ve got to get that implemented in District 1 ... Certainly when it relates to water, a significant amount does get lost in our delivery system because of our failing infrastructure so that’s another area that will help us in that sustainability model. We need to make sure that in new developments we are adding electric charging stations for electric vehicles, I’m a big proponent of that. ... We need to make sure those charging stations are appropriately and strategically placed throughout the city so that people can use them. Barbara Bry: There are overarching goals – the Climate Action Plan focuses on how to get people to use public transit, or walk or bike to work, focusing on people who live within a half mile of public transit so I think that’s going to be most important to people in the University City area which is a regional transportation hub, particularly with the trolley coming. ... One of the things that frustrates Carmel Valley is there’s no public transit and none is planned for a long time, like 20 or 30 years. That’s SANDAG’s current planning and I would like to speed that up particularly with the trolley and looking at how can we then connect Carmel Valley better to UTC. With One Paseo going in, the community is saying could we have tram service? Could we connect to the Solana Beach train station? ... A second part of the Climate Action Plan will be looking at new construction and what should the building standards be. The City will be setting rules, and we’ll also be looking at how to encourage people to retrofit older buildings. I think the city can be proactive with providing incentives ...

If marijuana is legalized via proposition on the November ballot, would you support dispensaries in District 1? Barbara Bry: There is a dispensary opening in District 1. It’s sort of at the edge of Sorrento Valley, where the train station is in Sorrento Valley, to the end of that road if you’re going toward Del Mar. I support the current City regulations on where the dispensaries can be located. It could come up for discussion. If it does, I’m very concerned that a dispensary only be opened in the appropriate area and that the marijuana not be accessible to anyone under the age of 21. Ray Ellis: We have ordinance and codes around that now. I know that one dispensary has been approved down in the Sorrento Valley area of District 1 so I think that’s going to be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Is there anything more that City Council can do to incentivize water conservation? Ray Ellis: Absolutely. I think we can first of all continue to communicate and educate. Sixty percent of the water that’s used at a residential or multi-family level is used for irrigation and there’s some great technologies that we should be encouraging residents to use. Now, keep in mind, San Diego’s done a great job. We still have some more opportunities but San Diego as a City has done a very good job and that’s why we need to have a locally controlled water supply. ... We’re also being penalized because we’ve taken drinking water and put it back in the reservoirs, we’re conserving. That’s why I’m such a big supporter of being more independent. Certainly the pure water program, I commend the Mayor for accelerating that and we will continue to use developing technologies. Barbara Bry: A few months ago, I met with Qualcomm’s local government affairs person. One of the things she’s most frustrated about, Qualcomm has built these beautiful buildings, LEED certified, and they put in the purple pipes to use recycled water but the purple pipe system doesn’t yet reach where most of their buildings are in Sorrento Valley. ... That’s something that City Council can get involved in, in terms of allocating the funding to make that happen. My five point water plan, I’ve called it the Five Rs, started out with making sure we have affordable rates for basic usage, particularly for seniors and then to increase recycling. We could do a better job of recapturing water ... Of course conservation, we’ve actually been great in San Diego in terms of meeting our targets. And then my last thing is creating a water reinvention zone. We have a lot of companies here including Qualcomm that are working on sensors and other methods to help us track how much we use and save water. A Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 65

VOTE

JUDGE KERI KATZ COUNTY–WIDE ELECTION-JUNE 7TH

– Nearly a decade of judicial experience

– More than 29 years of civil and criminal law experience

Lemon Grove Academy Reflects on Museum of Tolerance Trip

– Former criminal prosecutor and civil litigator – Achieved the highest peer rating for legal ability and ethical standards – Life long San Diego County resident and active member of the community www.ELECTJUDGEKATZ.com

n last April’s issue, we mentioned that the Lemon Grove Academy was hosting a fundraiser to take a group of eighth graders to the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. After two fundraisers, the school was able to take approximately 325 students on their first visit to the Museum, in two groups, on December 8 and 9, 2015. The East County middle school is working to make this an annual event to support its English Language Arts curriculum which includes reading “The Diary of Ann Frank,” “Milkweed,” and “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.” After the excursion, the students were asked what was the most powerful experience of the trip. Here is what some students said:

Judge Keri Katz Is Endorsed By:

– Sheriff Bill Gore – District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis – Public Defender Henry C. Coker – City Attorney Jan Goldsmith – San Diegans Against Crime

– Crime Victims United – PORAC, representing 66,000 law enforcement officers throughout California. – Over 140 Judges throughout the State

Partial List

“The most powerful experience for me was when we went through the big room with the figures reenacting scenes, like the outdoor café scene. It told me a lot of what they did to the Jews and how it all started. Also because it gave me more information and knowledge about the Holocaust and how the Jews lived their life after what happened to them.” - Michael De La Cruz

Paid for by Elect Judge Katz 2016 110 West “C” Street, Ste. 1300, San Diego CA 92101 FPPC ID # 1382820

Real Estate & Move Managment

Are you planning to move? Let us take on the WORRY and do all of the WORK saving you TIME, STRESS & MONEY

SERVICES INCLUDE: • Home Decorating/Staging/Floor Planning • Packing/Unpacking/Sorting/De-cluttering • Estate Sales and Donation Coordination We partner with Reliable Man Movers and can get you packed and moved in as little as one day!

Jami Shapiro - Realtor and Owner P. (858) 522-9518

P. (619) 276-1942 www.ReliableManMovers.com

BRE #01954825

SilverLiningsTransitions.com

66 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

“The most powerful part of the museum was the part that had two tunnels and when you went through them they led you to the gas chambers. It felt so real and I could only imagine how scary it would be. It made me realize how horrible it would have been, and how sad it would be, and how scary it would be for the kids. It was so wrong to make people go into a chamber and kill them with a gas. That seems sad and horrible.” -Sierra Cutshall

“The most powerful experience I had at the Museum of Tolerance was when we went through a remake of Auschwitz because I didn’t feel comfortable going through a place that had so many deaths and murders. It was powerful to me because Auschwitz was a cemetery for Jews, a lot of people were killed or got sick and died, so it takes guts walking through a place as horrifying as Auschwitz. It wasn’t the best feeling when we walked through there but at least I got to experience what it felt like to go through the gates of Auschwitz.” - Alice Gutierrez

“I think the most powerful experience at the Museum of Tolerance was how most of the world has child labor. Even here, some of the products we get like cocoa is brought by child labor. Even some of our clothes and shoes were made with child labor. It was a powerful experience.” - Christopher Estrada

GR AND OPENING C E L E B R AT I O N

“The most powerful experience for me at the Museum of Tolerance was walking into the gas chamber replica because we were in a room that looks like what they were in. Also, the video that was playing of the mother and daughter was sad because you realize how families were separated there.” - Alyssa Yubac

W e d n e s d a y, M a y 4 • 4 : 0 0 t o 7 : 0 0 p m

“The most powerful experience for me at the Museum of Tolerance was being in the gas chamber exhibit. I was able to kind of imagine what the people were feeling when they were there, and it was really frightening. That’s what moved me the most in the museum.” - Jonathan Flores

Next month in the San Diego Jewish Journal, we will honor Yom Hashoah with personal stories of the Holocaust, from members of the San Diego community.

Join us to celebrate the completion of community updates at The Patrician! See our updated apartments and community common spaces. Mix and mingle with residents and neighbors while enjoying food prepared by our culinary team, wine and tours of our newly renovated community. S pa ce i s li m i te d . R S V P by M ay 1 to (8 5 8) 4 5 5 -9 1 8 8 o r m a rke ti n g . pa t ric ia n @m e rri l l g a rd e n s .co m

patr cıan A MERRILL GARDENS COMMUNITY

T H E PAT R I C I A N L A J O L L A . CO M 1. 85 8 . 217.55 4 8 4 025 Pulit zer Place, San Diego, CA 9212 2 PHOTO COURTESY BRENDA SCHNEEBERGER

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 67

031416e_Patrician_SD_Jewish_Journal_Grand_Opening_A.indd 1

3/16/16 3:51 PM

Ready to Eat! Add to your favorite dishes!

The Superfood Protein of the

Future! honeysmokedfish.com available at 68 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

|||

FOOD |||

in the kitchen WITH

TORI AVEY

SPINACH, FETA AND ARTICHOKE MATZO MINA

Tori Avey is an awardwinning food writer, recipe developer, and the creator of the popular cooking website toriavey.com. She writes about food history for PBS Food and Parade. com. Follow Tori on Facebook by searching for “Tori Avey” and on Twitter: @toriavey.

to wait for their bread to rise. Instead they ate matzo, or unleavened bread. During Passover, matzo is consumed as a symbolic part of the Passover Seder meal. It also provides a sort of bread replacement for the week-long holiday. Throughout the centuries Jewish cooks have gotten creative with matzo, using it in a variety of ways. One of my favorite matzo-based holiday dishes is the matzo mina – a Sephardic Jewish layered pie, somewhat like a lasagna, in which matzos are substituted for noodles. This Spinach, Feta and Artichoke Matzo Mina is one of my very favorite vegetarian Passover entrées. It was inspired by my friend Deena Prichep, who writes for NPR. Deena and I met at a conference in Portland a few years ago. She wrote a wonderful article on minas back in 2011, and I

PHOTOS BY TORI AVEY

IKWTA

love a good challenge, and Passover provides plenty of restrictions to make life in the kitchen interesting. It’s sort of like those cooking shows that ask contestants to create a delicious meal using a basket of unlikely ingredients. Jews around the world have addressed these difficult restrictions in various ways, creating tasty dishes without grains, leavening, and other restricted items (which can vary by culture). Traditional Ashkenazi Passover fare includes brisket, chicken soup, gefilte fish, and of course matzo – lots and lots of matzo! Meat usually takes center stage at the Passover Seder, and tasty vegetarian options often seem few and far between. Jewish tradition states that in their haste to escape from Egypt, the Ancient Israelites did not have enough time

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 69

just happened to come across it recently. I’ve made many variations on the matzo mina over the years, but one of Deena’s recipes intrigued me. The spinach, feta and dill filling reminded me of spanakopita, which contains some of my favorite Mediterranean flavors. This matzo mina is undeniably Greek-inspired. Using Deena’s recipe as a base, I added sautéed artichokes and lemon zest to the filling. I also threw in some crushed red pepper flakes (I love my spice). In the past I’ve had trouble making matzo minas look pretty. The top layer of matzos often shrinks in the oven, making the resulting pie look somewhat unattractive. I’ve solved this by cutting the softened matzo into smaller pieces and laying it like shingles on top of the pie. This matzo mina is very pretty and off-the-charts delicious (it’s also easier to slice!). I think you’ll agree, this would make a smashing vegetarian entree or dairy side at the Passover Seder meal. It would also make a terrific meal for Meatless Monday during the week of Passover (or anytime of the year, really – it’s that good). Chag Sameach! SPINACH, FETA & ARTICHOKE MATZO MINA Ingredients 2 cups frozen or canned artichoke hearts (plain, unmarinated) 1 tbsp olive oil 2 cups lowfat cottage cheese ½ lb crumbled feta cheese (goat or sheep milk feta is best) 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped 2 scallions, chopped ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped 1 tsp lemon zest ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes ½ tsp salt 3 eggs, divided 6 sheets matzo You will also need: large skillet, mixing bowls, pastry brush, 8 or 9 inch square baking dish Yield: 6 entrée servings, or 8-9 side servings Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Kosher Key: Dairy, Kosher for Passover Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x9 square baking dish. If the artichoke hearts are whole, halve them. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Sauté the artichokes hearts until browned, then remove from heat and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, feta cheese, spinach, scallions, dill, lemon zest, crushed red pepper and salt. Beat two of the eggs and add those in as well. Mix until well combined. Soften your matzo by placing each sheet in a dish of water until it just begins to soften, but does not become mushy. Place the softened matzo on a dish towel for 5 minutes, then check to make sure that it is slightly bendable. If not, you may need to soak it a little longer. Place a sheet of matzo into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Fill in any gaps around the edges with smaller pieces of matzo. You can break the smaller pieces of matzo, or use a knife to slice them more evenly. Top the matzo with half of the cheese filling and half of the sautéed artichoke hearts. Repeat with another layer of matzo, the remaining cheese filling and the remaining artichoke hearts. For the top layer, to make a prettier presentation I cut the matzo into smaller squares and overlap them slightly in a shingle pattern. You can always go the simpler route by using a single sheet of matzo and filling in the gaps with smaller pieces, but keep in mind that it does shrink up a bit while baking and you may be left with a few small gaps that aren’t covered by matzo after baking. Brush the top of the matzo with remaining beaten egg. Be sure that it doesn’t pool heavily in any areas. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top layer is golden brown. Serve warm. A

70 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2016

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2016 5:30 PM PARADISE POINT RESORT

Honoring Ed and Rae Samiljan

1404 Vacation Road San Diego, California 92109

For Tickets and More Information Visit: www.campmountainchai.com/gala

2 TO LEARN ABOUT

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

Join us for our

CAMP MOUNTAIN CHAI

Open House

INFO NIGHT

Sunday, April 17, 2016 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Monday, April 18, 2016 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Come grab a taste of some CMC Magic including...

For all prospective camp families.

Camp Tours Barbeque Lunch Ropes Course Archery Range Arts and Crafts Meet the Staff & Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

Come learn about the wonders of CMC. 4950 Murphy Canyon Road San Diego, CA 92123

To RSVP For Either Event Please Email info@campmountainchai.com Or Call Us At (858) 499-1330

www.campmountainchai.com

International

Are you bothered by your thinning hair? Passover Items List & Dinner Special 2016

Brisket of Beef Whole Chicken Chopped Liver Carrot Tzimmes Charoset Potato Kugel Kishke Matzo Ball Soup / Kreplach Soup Matzo Balls Kreplach Potato Latkes - Hot w/ Sour Cream & Apple Sauce Potato Latkes - a la carte ½ size Potato Latkes - a la carte Gefilte Fish Cabbage Rolls (Hot) Horseradish JANIE Lamb Shank (for Seder actual Plate)client Roasted Egg (for Seder Plate)

It’s17.99/lb a new, revolutionary 8.95 +taxto restoring approach 9.99/lb a woman’s thinning hair. 6.99/lb ™ ITHL 6.99/lb(Integrated Thread 8.99/tin Hair Line) builds “bridges” 29.95/half sheet hair between thinning 59.95 /full sheet as 7.99/lb a way to add in more 11.95 +tax (quart) hair. Bridges are semi7.95 +tax (pint) permanent. The 100% 2.75 +tax/ea human hair matches your 2.75 +tax/ea own hair The 11.95 for amazingly. 3 new additional hair gives 3.25/ea + tax (Hot) you a natural 3.25/ea (Cold)fresh and younger From 1.95/ea look. + tax (Hot) 1.95/ea (Cold) sleep, now on, brush, 1.95/ea wash and do all your 7.99+tax (a la carte) daily activities freely. 4.99/lb 1.95/ea 1.95/ea

NONINVASIVE NO CHEMICALS NO GLUES Matzo Crackers 4.99/box Chocolate Matzos 2.25/ea Chocolate Almond Matzos 2.95/ea CALL 7.99/ea TODAY FOR A FREE Honey Cake Marble Cake 7.99/ea EVALUATION & CONSULATION Sponge Cake 6.99/ea Passover Tortes 17.95 (single layer) International 29.95 (double layer) Hair Solutions since 1982 Almond Strips 9.99/lb Macaroons 10.99/lb 5850 Oberlin Dr., Ste 230

HIN 24 HOURS.

858.404.0044

www.razhair.com

6930 CA Alvarado 92120 San Diego, 92121 Road, San Diego CA Rated A+ by the BBB www.dzakinsdeli.com - 619.265.0218

THROWING A SIMCHA?

REV 3/9/16

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

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

Traditional Passover Dinner* Chopped Liver • Gefilte Fish Matzo • Matzo Ball Soup Choice of Stuffed Cabbage Roll, Brisket of Beef or Roasted Half of Chicken Potato Kugel Carrot & Sweet Potato Tzimmes Macaroons *No Seder

Available Friday April 22 & Saturday April 23, 2016 Reservations Preferred

RSVP 619.265.0218

$19.95 per Person $12.95 Child’s Portion (Under 10)

6930 Alvarado Road (I-8 at 70th St) San Diego (619) 265-0218

858-578-8891

Minimum 50 people. Food only Exp. 03/31/2016 Exp. 04/30/2016

7313 Carroll Road • 92121 www.rotisserieaffair.com

72 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Sunday-Thursday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

www.dzakinsdeli.com

? GOIN '?ON ?? WHAT 'S BY EILEEN SONDAK

San Diego History Center

The San Diego History Center continues with “Invisible People, Invisible Structures,” Neil Shigley’s exploration of San Diego’s homeless population. Large-scale graphic, block prints and graphite drawings line the walls until April 10. The Center also just opened “The Lore Behind the Roar” celebrating 100 years of the San Diego Zoo. This family-friendly exhibit will be on display through Jan. 2017.

PHOTO COURTESY SDMA

Mingei International Museum

Mingei International Museum is featuring Asafo Flags from Ghana, through July 10. The museum is also showcasing “Treasures New and Old” from the collection. Judy Chance's floral interpretation of Thomas Doughty's "Shipwreck 1834" from a previous Art Alive.

San Diego Museum of Art

Art Alive will return for its 35th year on April 29. The celebration of flora and fauna will feature more than 100 designers interpreting works of art in exquisite floral displays throughout the galleries. As usual, “Bloom Bash” will kick off the event on Friday night. Art Alive will remain on view through May 1. “Brush and Ink” – a collection of Asian art – will be ensconced at the museum through Sep. 4. “Brueghel to Canaletto” opens April 2 with still life and landscapes by Dutch, Flemish, Spanish and German artists of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Museum of Contemporary Art

PHOTO COURTESY TIMKEN MUSEUM

The Museum of Contemporary Art has exciting exhibitions in both venues. The La Jolla location features “Ed Ruscha: Then & Now” and “Alvaro Blancarte” through April 24.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

The Fleet is highlighting a new IMAX film, “National Parks Adventure,” narrated by Robert Redford, along with “Jerusalem.” Benedict Cumberbatch narrates this excellent piece about one of the most beloved and mysterious cities in the world – it is unforgettable and will remain at the Fleet for an open-ended run. Don’t forget to catch their three new exhibitions, up through early May.

Natural History Museum

PHOTO COURTESY SDHC

The Natural History Museum is showcasing “Whales: Giants of the Deep.” This exciting show, offering an up-close look into the world of the whales, will continue through Sept. 5.

Mingei International Museum

Mingei International Museum is featuring Asafo Flags from Ghana, through July 10. The museum is also showcasing “Treasures New and Old” from the collection. Archive photos from the Zoo's early days on display at the History Center.

Detail of Artemis from Block 6, 2012

Timken Museum

The Timken Museum opens its spring exhbition “An Archaeologist’s Eye: The Parthenon Drawings of Katherin A. Schwab,” exploring the world of the ancient Greeks. Though the actual sculptures have sustained considerable damage over the years, Schwab, in her artistic and historically accurate drawings, restores these magnificent works to their original states, if only on the page instead of in three dimensions. The exhibition will run April 1 through June 5. On April 6, the museum hosts Katherine Schwab for a talk titled, “Revealing the Invisible Parthenon: The Hidden Classical Sculpture.” While museum entrance is free, this event requires a ticket. On April 11, there will be a free lecture by art historian Marina Belozerskaya on “The Parthenon Through My Eyes.”

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 73

The Old Globe Theatre

Lamb’s Players

La Jolla Playhouse

San Diego Symphony

The Old Globe’s Main Stage production is “Rain,” a brand new musical based on the short story by Somerset Maugham. Barry Edelstein staged this world premiere (set in the tropical South Pacific), marking his first time directing a musical. The sweeping musical drama continues through May 1. The Globe will bring the parallel universes of “Constellations” to its White Theatre stage April 9, where it will remain through May 8. The Broadway hit will entice audiences to navigate the infinite possibilities of being in love.

La Jolla Playhouse will unwrap a new Page-to-Stage production – “John Leguizamo: Latin History for Dummies” – at the Mandell Weiss Theatre April 5-17.

San Diego Repertory Theatre

San Diego Rep is winding down its run of D.W. Jacob’s one-man show – “R. Buckminster Fuller: The History (and Mystery) of the Universe.” If the title and subject of this tour-de-force sound fascinating, see it at the Lyceum by April 3. Ron Campbell will perform in this unique piece. On April 21, get ready for “Rapture, Blister, Burn,” a funny and fast-paced examination of feminism. The comedy will stay put at the Lyceum Space through May 15.

The Lamb’s is reviving “The Miracle Worker,” an American classic. This story of Helen Keller and the teacher who brought her out of darkness is ensconced at the Lamb’s Coronado home through April 10. It will be followed by the world premiere of “Dinner with Marlene,” which revolves around an actual dinner party with the legendary Marlene Dietrich. This exciting new work will reside in Coronado April 22 through May 29.

The San Diego Symphony will begin the month with Midori playing Tchaikovsky April 1-3. Guest conductor Rory Macdonald will lead the orchestra. Midori performs again on April 4 at the Auditorium at TSRI. Jason Alexander brings the songs of musical theater – along with some laughs – to Symphony Hall April 8-9, with Matthew Garbutt on the podium. “Flesh and the Devil,” a film circa 1926, is next, followed by “Much Ado About Music: Shakespeare and the Symphony,” headed our way April 17. This family festival performance is perfect for the younger set. Jahja Ling conducts Mahler April 29-30, in a concert that features Mahler’s Sixth Symphony.

San Diego Opera

San Diego Opera will bring “Madama Butterfly” to the Civic Theatre April 16-24. The Puccini masterpiece is one of the most beloved in the repertoire, thanks to its haunting music and emotion-charged story of love and betrayal. Artists from the company will perform a free lunchtime concert on the Concourse at noon on April 21.

Cygnet Theatre

Cygnet is taking on “The Rocky Horror Show” again until May 1. Leave the youngsters at home, and see Sean Murray’s brash staging of this cult favorite about a pair of naïve lovers seeking shelter from a storm in an old castle. Cygnet supporters will gather at Coasterra Restaurant (the newest Cohn restaurant) for its annual fundraiser on April 17.

Welk Theatre

Welk Theatre is reviving the ever-popular musical classic, “Fiddler on the Roof.” You have until April 24 to take the family to see this masterwork. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, this magnificent dance-rich musical is a treat for all ages. Right on its heels, be prepared to chuckle at the farcical, back-stage antics of “Noises Off,” which follows “Fiddler…” at the Welk April 29-May 15. The Welk also offers “Britain’s Finest: The Complete Beatles Experience” April 6, 13 and 20.

North Coast Repertory Theatre

North Coast Rep will unveil the West Coast premiere of “Way Downriver: William Faulkner’s Old Man,” April 13-May 8. This adaptation of a short story by Faulkner, is a dramatic adventure tale about surviving a harrowing experience. David Ellenstein directs the show.

74 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

La Jolla Music Society

La Jolla Music Society will hold its Spring Gala at Coasterra on April 2, with Storm Large and Kirill Gerstein performing. “Tango, Song and Dance” is coming to Sherwood Auditorium on April 15, followed on April 17 by cellist Istvan Vardal at the Auditorium at TSRI. Murray Perahia tickles the keyboard at Sherwood on the 24th, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago rounds out the month with a concert at the Spreckels.

Mainly Mozart

Mainly Mozart has a busy month, with performances on April 2 in La Jolla, and April 3 in Rancho Santa Fe and Carlsbad. A chamber music concert is also slated for April 30 in Rancho Santa Fe.

Passover SAVINGS FOR

Manischewitz or Yehuda Matzos 5 lbs.

399 ea

Savion Fruit Slices 6 oz.

299

399

Limit 2 Total

Limit 3

Manischewitz Matzo Meal

10 oz. Selected varieties

24 oz. Original or sweet

64 oz.

Manischewitz or Gefen Macaroons

99 ea

Yehuda Gefilte Fish

Kedem Grape Juice

16 oz.

Limit 4 Total

$ 2 for

Manischewitz Matzo Ball or Matzo Ball & Soup Mix

99 ea

Yehuda Memorial Candle

Tabatchnick Soup

15 oz., Frozen Selected varieties

$ 2 for

4.5-5 oz.

Each

399

79¢

Limit 4 Total

Lay’s Potato Chips 6 oz., Kosher

$ 2 for

Kosher Whole Turkey

12-22 lbs. Average weight Frozen

349 lb

Prices Effective through April 26, 2016. No Rain Checks. Items not available in all stores. AVAILABILITY: Each of these advertised items is readily available for sale at or below the advertised price at most Albertsons stores while supplies last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. No Sales to Dealers. Savings may vary. Check price tag for details. Prices for limited hour or limited day sales are effective in-store only and are not available for online shopping.

Del Sur Dream Home

BRIDGEWALK BEAUTY!

(858)243-3317

Lisa@LisaOrlansky.com www.LisaOrlansky.com

Fabulous location across from Haaland Glen Park with Swimming Pool, Playground and Picnic Area. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Approx. 1961 square feet. Chef’s Kitchen includes Stainless Steel Appliances and Slab Granite Countertops. Gorgeous Hardwood Flooring, Plantation Shutters, High Ceilings, A/C, Fireplace and Designer Touches. Charming Front Porch Patio with Park Views. Excellent Schools in the Poway Unified School District! Offered at $719,000. See more details at www.LisaOrlansky.com! 2012© Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned & Operated By NRT LLC. DRE Lic#01333258

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 75

Tony/Nov 2011 ✴

✴

✴ ✴

✴

DIRECTED BY

JOEY LANDWEHR ✴

Learning Through experience

Now Accepting Applications

Jewish Montessori Preschool in La Jolla Children ages 9 months to 6 years Proven Montessori Method and Philosophy Learning through hands on experience Integrated secular and Judaic curriculum Skilled teachers, trained in early childhood development

May 13-22, 2016 JCC BOX OFFICE: (858) 362-1348

• www.jcompanysd.org Thank You to our Season Sponsors: MELISSA GARFIELD BARTELL & MICHAEL BARTELL MONICA HANDLER PENNER & AMNON GIRES AND FAMILY

David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre • Potiker Family Arts & Culture Complex Viterbi Family Galleria • Foster-Ratner Performing Arts Education Center Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center • JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-1348

Secured, state-of-the-art facilities Classes are filling up quickly. For more information, contact us at (858) 452-3030 or info@bethmontessori.com Beth Montessori adheres to the principles of Association Montessori International (AMI).

8660 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel (858) 452-3030 Fax (858) 777-9199 www.bethmontessori.com

Seder First Night Community Passover Seder

FRIDAY APRIL 22 6PM

Join us for the B’nai Tikvah Family Seder! Leave the Cooking to US!

45 Minute Seder followed by food and fun! Great Price for a Great Meal $25 Members - $30 Future Members Children Half Off Website: www.bnaitikvahsd.com SELECT PASSOVER

Consider us for all of your Life Cycle events! • Bar/Bat Mitzvah • ShaBBat Dinner • KiDDuSh • BriS • BaBy naMing • WeDDing

Our cOMBineD lOve Of fOOD anD unDerStanDing Of JeWiSh cuStOMS, traDitiOnS anD the laWS Of KaShrut allOW uS tO help yOu create the perfect event.

960 Turquoise Street • San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 488-1725 • www.frenchgourmet.com 76 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Any Questions? Call us at (760) 650-2262

799 Pine Ave. Carlsbad, CA 90008

DIVERSIONS By Natalie Jacobs

“Mr. Gaga”

Making its way through the film festival circuit is “Mr. Gaga,” an intimate look at Ohad Naharin, renowned choreographer and artistic director of Tel Aviv’s Batsheva Dance Company. Noted by The New York Times as “one of the most important choreographers in the world,” Naharin is said to have redefined the language of modern dance with a relentless aim for artistic precision. The film, by Tomer Heymann, traces Naharin’s origins in a kibbutz to his rather late entry into the world of dance (he did not start dancing until age 22), to the devastating loss of his wife, fellow dancer Mari Kajiwara to cancer at the age of 50. Through it all, Naharin developed a signature style of “stunningly flexible limbs and spines, deeply grounded movement, explosive bursts and a vitality that grabs a viewer by the collar,” also according to the New York Times. The film’s title references the movement he started, which now characterizes Israeli contemporary dance. The film showed with positive reviews at this year’s South by Southwest Film Festival and this month goes on to the Hot Docs Film Fest in Canada. Screenings have been running in Israel for months, but we’ll keep our eyes open for more U.S. dates.

“Love”

Judd Apatow is back in episodic series production (he is executive producer on HBO’s Girls) with the Netflix original series “Love.” Apatow has shown staunch support for hard-to-love female characters, especially but perhaps coincidentally Jewish ones, from Lena Dunham to Amy Schumer and now Gillian Jacobs. Jacobs’ “Love” character Mickey is the latest to take on the raunchy female lead, as a woman who’s unabashedly effed up. Mickey is a childless, pot-smoking smart-mouth in her early 30s who believes relationships only exist for partners to demoralize each other. By episode four, the situations she places herself in are downright uncomfortable, but it’s refreshing all the same – to see a young career woman so raw and, at times, tragic. Her male counterpart, Paul Rust (the show’s co-creator with Apatow), is equally as lost in his life as Mickey, but as the meek nerd, his shortfalls don’t end up costing others so much distress. Apatow has become known for supporting these true-tolife narratives (“This is 40,” “Knocked Up”) and the Netflix forum seems to allow him and his protéges new opportunities to push that envelope. All 10 episodes are streaming on Netflix now. Season two, already greenlighted, will feature 12 episodes premiering in 2017.

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 77

You deserve a factual look at . . .

Why Does Israel Matter?

Shared ideological and spiritual values make the U.S. and Israel ideal allies, but Israel also gives us priceless military, political and technological benefits. Critics of Israel question the value of the United States’ $3 billion in annual aid to the Jewish state. Yet Israel’s contribution to the U.S. on the world stage, in the Middle East and here at home is invaluable. Indeed, many analysts believe our investment in Israel is a bargain, yielding huge returns in vital strategic areas, and should be increased.

What are the facts?

security. Global Political Support. Few countries share such a Israel and the Jewish people have always held a cherished place congruence of national interests as do the United States and in American hearts. American founders Thomas Jefferson and Israel. Both nations wish to: Benjamin Franklin so admired the children of Israel, they ● Prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons wanted to put Moses leading the exodus on our Great Seal. ● Fight global Islamist terrorism Abraham Lincoln supported the “noble dream” of a reborn ● Promote the development of Middle East democracies Jewish state, and Woodrow Wilson aspired to “help restore the ● Resist the spread of Iran’s influence Holy Land to its people.” Today, common religious foundations, ● Achieve a peace with the a commitment to democracy and civil liberties, and equally vibrant “The U.S. intelligence and military Palestinians What’s more, Israel consistently economies continue to bind Israel and the United States in an partnership with Israel is ‘absolutely sides with the United States on global political issues. At the United extraordinary relationship. critical’ to U.S. national security.” Nations, our votes have been virtually Yet the relationship of the United identical, as have our policies on States to Israel delivers tangible human rights and global conflicts. Israel has unqualifiedly strategic rewards far greater than shared values. Israel makes supported U.S. military actions globally for the last half century. invaluable contributions to U.S. intelligence and military While Israel split unusually with the Obama administration on security, to America’s political influence globally, and to our the Iran nuclear deal, this disagreement was shared by a majority quality of life. of the American people and the U.S. Congress. Above all, the U.S. Intelligence and Military Support. Israel and U.S. intelligence can count on Israel’s unwavering support and stability as the services enjoy extraordinarily deep levels of cooperation on only liberal democracy in the greater Middle East. counterterrorism and threats from hostile Middle East states, Contributions to American Quality of Life. As a world including Iran and Syria. Our nations share expertise in technology powerhouse, Israel’s innovations positively influence defending ports and airports from terror threats, as well as American medicine, communications and the environment. foiling global cyberattacks. In fact, Maj. Gen. George J. Keegan Israeli companies provide critical technology for most American Jr., former head of U.S. Air Force intelligence, asserted that computers and cell phones, and they pioneered the USB drive, American military defense “owes more to Israeli intelligence ingestible microcamera, and major advances in drip irrigation input than it does to any other single source of intelligence”— and desalination for drought-affected regions like California. the value of which, he assessed, exceeds “five CIAs.” The United Dozens of U.S. high-tech companies, like IBM, Intel, Google and States also benefits from Israel’s position as the strongest Microsoft, have flocked to Israel to take advantage of its military power in the Middle East, which America can innovative spirit. Israel also outsources jobs to the U.S.: Israeli unhesitatingly count on. In addition, the U.S. stores armaments pharmaceutical firm Teva, the world’s largest producer of in Israel in case of an emergency, and the U.S. and Israel generic drugs, employs tens of thousands of Americans. Though regularly hold joint military exercises in the region. The unique tiny Israel’s population is only 7.7 million people, it is America’s technological capabilities of Israel’s defense industry have also 20th largest customer in the world—larger than Russia or Spain. contributed to U.S. superiority in drone warfare, armored vehicle More Israeli companies are listed on the NASDAQ exchange than protection, robotics and missile defense. No wonder that in from any other countries except the U.S. and China. Even the $3 testimony before Congress, then Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman billion of U.S. aid to Israel creates American jobs, since $2.25 Adm. Mike Mullen called the U.S. intelligence and military billion of it is spent with U.S. companies. partnership with Israel “absolutely critical” to U.S. national

Not only does Israel share core values with the U.S., but no other country in the Middle East—and few in the world—have national interests so closely aligned to those of the United States. While the U.S. contributes $3 billion a year to Israel, America receives outsized military, political, economic and quality-of-life returns. In fact, given this extraordinary ROI, the U.S. would do well to consider increasing the financial investment it makes in the Jewish state. This message has been published and paid for by

Facts and Logic About the Middle East P.O. Box 590359 ■ San Francisco, CA 94159 Gerardo Joffe, President ■ James Sinkinson, EVP

FLAME is a tax-exempt, non-profit educational 501 (c)(3) organization. Its purpose is the research and publication of the facts regarding developments in the Middle East and exposing false propaganda that might harm the interests of the United States and its allies in that area of the world. Your tax-deductible contributions are welcome. They enable us to pursue these goals and to publish these messages in national newspapers and magazines. We have virtually no overhead. Almost all of our revenue pays for our educational work, for these clarifying messages, and for related direct mail. 155

To receive free FLAME updates, visit our website: www.factsandlogic.org 78 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Ohr Ami The Jewish Hospice Program and LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care

wish you and your loved ones

Happy Passover

ence amp experi c r e m m su tes A Jewish athle g n u o y re e wh for life are trained

mmer 2 016 Opening Su

orts f intensive sp to 16 o s n io ss se ys age 9 • 2 -week girls and bo training for n from top al instructio n io ss l coaches fe ro P • college leve d n a l o o h s high sc e-art facilitie in state-of-th vailable tive grants a n e c in 0 0 0 1, • Up to $ pers for new cam

t 6 Points Spor

(858) 458-3602 6155 Cornerstone Court East, Suite 220 San Diego, CA 92121

s.org

5 310 - 912 - 733

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 79

Trying to Conceive? Maximizing Your Natural Fertility Dr. Brooke Friedman Dr. Brooke April 21, 2016Friedman @ 6:00 pm

April 21,2016 pm Please join Dr. Brooke6:00 Friedman for an informative 11425 El Camino Real, SD to 92130 evening as she clears the path a better understanding of fertility challenges and presents Please join to Dr.maximize Brooke Friedman for an fertility. informative options your natural evening as she clears the path to a better understanding • All attendees receive a FREE consultation certificate, of fertilitywill challenges and presents options to which includes an ultrasound $500) maximize your (valued naturalat fertility. • Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & beverages All attendees will receive in a FREE consultation certificate, ••Parking is complimentary front of the which SDFC includes an ultrasound (valued at $500) Complimentary d’oeuvres beverages will be served • •Dr. Friedman willhors remain after for& any •1-on-1 Parking is complimentary in front of the SDFC Center questions • Dr. Friedman will remain after for any 1-on-1 questions

news Rabbi Sherre Hirsch Returns to CJC The Center for Jewish Culture brings Rabbi Sherre Hirsch back to San Diego this time on April 25, at 7 p.m. to facilitate a discussion on mourning and loss. The program, titled “How Not to Comfort the Ones We Love,” will focus on Jewish teachings around suffering. As is her style, the program will also likley draw from Rabbi Hirsch’s own personal experiences. This class is part of the CJC’s Adult Education programming and its Distinguished Speaker Series. Register at tickets.lfjcc.org.

R.S.V.P Requires Seating is limited

PHOTO COURTESY CAMPUS SUPERSTAR

Julie@ 858.720.3128 R.S.V.P. Juliec@ sdfertility.com Seating is limited, RSVP Required Visit Julie us at@www.sdfertility.com 858.720.3128 Main juliec@sdfertility.com Office: 858.794.6363 11425 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit us at www.sdfertility.com Main Office: 858.794.6363

11425 El Camino Real San Diego, CA 92130

BRANCHING OUT OF THE BOX • Check out local upcoming events on JNF San Diego’s Facebook page at facebook.com/JNF.SanDiego • Mark your calendars to hear Knesset Member, Merav Michaeli on April 18 at 7pm at San Diego Jewish Academy. • Register now for the complimentary 5th Annual Love of Israel Brunch on May 1 with Consul General Ido Aharoni at jnf.org/sdloi • For more information, to drop off a blue box, or to get involved, contact Amy Hart at ahart@jnf.org or 858.824.9178 x988.

Campus SuperStar Expands to Larger Venue Campus SuperStar, the second annual American Idol-like competition hosted by Hillel of San Diego, returns on April 10 at 7 p.m. This year, the competition moves to a larger venue, the Irwin M Jacobs Qualcomm Hall in Sorrento Valley, to accommodate demand. All college students in San Diego County were invited to audition back in February and the 10 finalists come from San Diego State University, University of San Diego, UC San Diego, and Mira Costa College. “The best way to describe it is ‘American Idol meets Broadway’,” commented Hillel of San Diego executive director, Michael Rabkin in a press release. “We take a lot of pride in being an integral part of the vibrancy of San Diego’s college campuses. Campus SuperStar showcases the dynamism and diversity of San Diego’s next generation and celebrates this incredible atmosphere.” The April 10 finale features 10 individuals singing, dancing and performing with a live band. Those who place in the top three receive a cash prize. First place is $5,000, and 2nd and 3rd place will receive $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.

jnf.org • 800.JNF.0099 80 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

The event’s musical director is Cris O’Bryon, coach, music director, and performer with many credits locally at the La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, Moonlight Theatre and more. Event information and ticket purchases can be found at campussuperstarsd.org.

PHOTO COURTESY BEUTLER GRANT

O L D

H O L L Y W O O D

ga gala T E M P L E

Beutler Grants Awarded to Israeli Experts Rambam Heath Care Campus officials have awarded two $500,000 Beutler grants to Dr. Ido Amit and Prof. Yair Reisner of the Weizmann Institute, for their work on mechanisms of blood development and lung regeneration, respectively. The symposium and grants program was established in 2013 to honor the San Diego family of Dr. Ernest Beutler z”l, Bonnie Beutler, and son, Nobel Laureate Dr. Bruce Beutler who serves as longtime contributor to the hematology community and Rambam Health Care Center. The Beutler program offers two annual grants of $100,000 annually for five years to support the awardee’s research.

E M A N U - E L

A Tribute to

Dr. Bob Rubenstein A Lifetime of Philanthropy

Saturday, May 14, 2016 • 5:30 PM Marriott Mission Valley

PHOTO COURTESY HANDS OF PEACE

Cocktail Hour • Silent Auction • Dinner Dr. Bob Rubenstein Tribute Celebration Jonathan Valverde Concert • Live Auction

Hands of Peace to Host Benefit at World Beat Center The Hands of Peace Teen Summer Leadership Program will host its third annual benefit on Sunday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the World Beat Center in Balboa Park. Called “Under the Middle Eastern Sky,” organizers say the event will “transport guests to a Middle Eastern festival” with live music by The Luminaries and Todo Mundo, gourmet Middle Eastern food, local craft been, wine, and a hookah lounge. Iranian Peace activist Fary Moini will be presented with the organization’s Light of Peace Award for her work in the education of immigrants and residents of Middle Eastern countries. Hands of Peace will offer its third year of programming for San Diego and Middle Eastern high school students this summer. For benefit tickets and details, visit handsofpeace.org.

TRIBUTE BOOK, SPONSORSHIPS AND UNDERWRITING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Details and RSVP Information at

WWW.TEESD.ORG 6299 Capri Drive • San Diego, CA 92120 • (619) 286-2555 temple@teesd.org • www.teesd.org • www.facebook.com/teesd Devorah Marcus, Rabbi • Martin S. Lawson, Rabbi Emeritus Shiri Haines, Executive Director • Jim Lewis & Ron Marx, Co-Presidents Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 81

PHOTO COURTESY JCF

news

COMPLIMEN TARY

JCF Awards ELI Participants with

30 MINUTE $3,600 Grant PHONE CON SULTATION

WHEN YOU FEEL HURT, DISAPPOINTED, SCARED, ANGRY OR STUCK... YOU WILL CHOOSE TO DO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING; 1. Stay stuck with your negative feelings and let it define you 2. Let it emotionally destroy you or shut you down from joyful 'living' 3. Learn to have it strengthen you to reach a more desired life while practicing Daily Self Coaching Skills Lisa Lapides Sawicki, CPPC, CLC, LPCC, Certified Life Relationship/Dating Coach and Founder of Self Coach Now encourages YOU to learn the most mandatory techniques and skills of daily self coaching to create the life you want.

contact Lisa at: 619.722.5056 or lisa@selfcoachnow.com

www.selfcoachnow.com

sales@sdjewishjournal.com www.sdjewishjournal.com

82 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

It’s MORE than just a magazine. It’s a LIfEstyLE CaLL Ronnie Weisberg 858.638.9818

The Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego (JCF) has awarded Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School and Tifereth Israel Synagogue with their annual Sheila Potiker Endowment Leadership Award for each organization’s achievements in the Endowment Leadership Institute (ELI). “We are deeply honored to receive this award … and our congregation is fortunate to have so many members who have already committed to ensuring Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s financial future,” said Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal of Tifereth Israel in a statement. Both organizations receive this year’s award – which includes a $3,600 grant for professional development and legacy donor recognition programs – for their outstanding commitment to their legacy programs, according to JCF. The award was established by the Potiker family more than 10 years ago and honors the memory of Sheila Potiker z”l, chair of the Foundation when the ELI program was developed. Established in 2004, the Foundation’s ELI program convenes leaders of Jewish organizations, day schools and synagogues to learn about building endowments. To date, more than 1,100 families have created legacies with hundreds of millions of dollars in estimated planned gifts. More than $43 million has already been received by organizations through both bequests and current endowment gifts.

Art Contest and Scholarships Available in Oceanside

San Diegans are invited to submit videos to the Oceanside International Film Festival as part of the free “Oceanside Spotlight” contest. Short films can be up to five minutes and must have something directly to do with Oceanside. Deadline is June 13. Contest winnings and details can be found at osidefilm.org. Also in Oceanside, a scholarship for performing and visual arts is available to high school seniors. Offered from the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation, applications are due by April 29. For more information and to apply, visit ocaf.info.

Adopt a Family to Host Annual Fundraiser Adopt a Family Foundation will hold its annual fundraiser Sunday, April 17, 6 p.m. at The Brick in Liberty Station. The group, created to support Israeli victims of terror, will honor Israeli artist Shosh Segev, who lives in San Diego’s sister city Sha’ar Hanegev. Yuval Ron Ensemble will perform and Dan Cohen of CBS, KFMB-TV will serve as Master of Ceremony. The keynote speakers, Sharon Evans and her daughter Monique Goldwasser Buzhish, will share their story, which served as the original inspiration for Adopt A Family when it was originally founded in 2003. Find more information and register at adoptafamilyfoundation.org.

April 30 @ 7:30pm May 1 @ 2pm Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD

Rodrigo Ruiz guest conductor

Pre-concert lecture by the conductor one hour prior to concert times.

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH

PHOTO COURTESY ADOPT A FAMILY

Symphony No. 9 P.I. TCHAIKOVSKY

Symphony No. 4 BÉLA BARTÓK

Local Orgs Make Top Innovators List Moishe House and Tarbuton were both named as two of North America’s top 50 most innovative Jewish organizations in the 11th annual Slingshot Guide, released in March. Tarbuton was created in San Diego by Jennie Star, while Moishe House has locations across the country, including one in San Diego. The groups were recognized for their new ideas, the measurable impact of their work, and their future-focused agenda. The Slingshot Guide was created to “help Jews find, fund and connect to meaningful experiences in Jewish life,” according to Slingshot Executive Director Stefanie Rhodes in a press release. Details and free Slingshot Guides can be found at slingshotfund.org. Learn more about Moishe House or Tarbuton here: moishehouse.org; tarbuton.wordpress.com.

Viola Concerto with guest artist:

Andrea Fortier

viola

(2014 Young Artists Winner)

Tickets $15 - $29!

858 -534 -4637 www.lajollasymphony.com Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 83

HAPPENINGS by tina b. eshel

ockey fans, here’s your chance to skate with the San Diego Gulls at the Jewish Community Day on April 3. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation and the JCC, this event is for all ages and your admission includes entrance to the game, a Gulls hat and a chance to skate with the Gull’s players. Reserve at sandiegogulls.com/ jewishcommunity. If you are new to town or know someone who is, check out NextGen’s Newcomers Brunch on April 3 at 10 a.m. This free event includes brunch, mimosas and a chance to connect to other Jewish young adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Address given when you register at nextgensandiego.org. Later in the month, young adults are invited to join JDC Entwine, JFS and Jewish Federation for “Seeking Refuge: Young Voices, Stories of Resilience.” Held at Moniker Warehouse on April 13 at 6:30 p.m., this event will bring first-person narratives of recent refugees from Africa and the Middle East. The partner organizations will also explain how they work to help these refugees in San Diego and throughout the country in various capacities. Tickets start at $7 with hors-d’oeuvres and wine included. Learn more about the local JDC Entwine chapter, and find links to their events and organized travel opportunities at jdcentwine.org, or contact Shawna Dolinka at shawna.dolinka@jdc.org. Also on the topic of refugees, JFS, JCC and others will host another screening of “Refugee Kids: One Small School Takes on the World,” with director Peter Miller. This free event takes place on Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Leichtag Ranch in Encinitas. Details and registration at jfssd.org/refugeekidsnc. Connect to nature on Sunday, April 17 at EarthFair in Balboa Park, the largest free green fair in the world. This year, 60,000 attendees are expected to converge on the Park on from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to explore the 300 and more exhibitors, activites for kids, a children’s Earth parade, food pavilions and five stages of live entertainment. Learn more at earthdayweb.org. Finally, save the date for the 2016 Community Holocaust Commemoration: Remembrance, Hope, Freedom on May 1 from 1:30-3 p.m. at the JCC. Join your community to remember the victims, honor survivors and teach future generations. This event is free and open to all. More at jewishinsandiego.org. A

84 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

NEXTGEN NEWCOMER’S BRUNCH Sunday, April 3, 10 a.m. Private residence in La Jolla nextgensandiego.org

SEEKING REFUGE, YOUNG VOICES: STORIES OF RESILIENCE Wednesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m. Moniker Warehouse 705 16th St. San Diego CA 92101 jdcentwine.org

EARTH FAIR IN BALBOA PARK Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. Balboa Park, San Diego earthdayweb.org

2016 COMMUNITY HOLOCAUST COMMEMORATION

May 1, 1:30 p.m. JCC David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla CA 92037 jewishinsandiego.org

ocused on building state-of-the-art baseball and softball fields throughout the country while also supporting and teaching baseball and softball to sraeli youth through little leagues, summer Another JNF Homerun in Israel camps, and clinics. Project Baseball gives the It was not until 1979 that the first real baseball field in Israel was children of Israel an opportunity to learn life It was not until 1979 that the firstThere realare baseball built. Today, baseball in Israel a growing pastime. essons while building lastingis friendships. nearly 1,200 in 16was centers and Today, on 80 teams, and while field players in Israel built. baseball in Israel is these figures are increasing a growing For generations, baseball in North America has steadily every year, adequate and provided children pastime. There strengthened communities numbers andnearly fields are stilllearning opportunities. are 1,200 with important, and fun, in shortplayers This is where in 16 Whether it'ssupply. in a backyard, park, or the major Jewishcenters National Fund's (JNF) and on eagues, baseball builds sportsmanship, fosters Project Baseball comes in. and eamwork, 80 andteams, cultivates confidence. The Project Baseball is focused on while these popularity of this sport, and the positive effects it building state-of-the-art baseball and softball fields throughout the figures areour increasing every has, extends beyond borderssteadily and across theyear, country while also supporting and teaching baseball and softball adequate numbers fields are still in short globe,tofast becoming a belovedand sport in Israel. Israeli youth through little leagues, summer camps, and clinics. supply. This is where Jewish National Fund's (JNF) Project Baseball gives the children of Israel an opportunity to learn Project Baseball also gives children who have Baseball is Project Baseball comes in. Project life lessons while building lasting friendships. made Aliyah a taste of home and provides a toolbaseball and focused on building state-of-the-art For generations, baseball in North that will help them bondwhile also softball fields throughout the country America has strengthened communities their new Israeli supporting andwith teaching baseball and softball to and provided children with important, peers. Children making Israeli youth through little leagues, summer and fun, learning opportunities. Whether Aliyah with their parents camps, and clinics. it's in aProject backyard,Baseball park, or thegives major the have opportunity to life children of Israel anthe opportunity to learn leagues, baseball builds sportsmanship, sign for Project lessons while building lasting friendships. fostersup teamwork, and cultivates Baseball before they arrive in Israel, giving them confidence. The popularity of this sport, For generations, baseball in North America has something to look forward to and and thefamiliar positive effects it has, extends beyond our borders and communities andgap children commonality bridge the cultural of across strengthened thethat globe,will fast becoming a beloved sport inprovided Israel. important, fun, learning moving Project to awith new place. Baseball also givesand children who have madeopportunities. Aliyah a Whether it's in a backyard, park, or thewith major taste of home and provides a tool that will help them bond To learn more about what JNF is doing for Project leagues, baseball fosters their new Israeli peers. Childrenbuilds makingsportsmanship, Aliyah with their parents Baseball in Israel, please visit jnf.org/baseball . teamwork, have the opportunity toand signcultivates up for Projectconfidence. Baseball before The they For more information about JNF events in San popularity this sport, familiar and the positive it arrive in Israel, givingof them something to look forwardeffects to Diego and andcommonality how to get involved, please contact has, extends borders and across that willbeyond bridge theour cultural gap of moving to a the Amy Hart atglobe, ahart@jnf.org or 858.824.9178 x988. new place. fast becoming a beloved sport in Israel.

Another JNF Homerun in Israel

To learn more about what JNF is doing for Project Baseball in Project also. gives children who have Israel, please visitBaseball jnf.org/baseball For more information about made Aliyah taste ofget home andplease provides JNF events in San Diegoaand how to involved, contact a tool that will help them bond Amy Hart at ahart@jnf.org or 858.824.9178 x988.

with their new Israeli peers. Children making Aliyah with their parents have the opportunity to sign up for Project Baseball before they arrive in Israel, giving them something familiar to look forward to and commonality that will bridge the cultural gap of moving to a new place. To learn more about what JNF is doing for Project

Adar II â&#x20AC;˘ Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 85

SENIOR CENTERS Lawrence Family JCC 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla Contact Melanie Rubin for details or to R.S.V.P. (858) 362-1141. Senior Model Seder Friday, April 15, noon Cost: $15 nonmembers, $11 for members. Bus to Madama Butterfly at the San Diego Opera Tuesday, April 19, 4:45 p.m. Purchase your theater tickets through at sdopera.com Cost (for bus only): $20, JCC member $15. Limited to first 20 who reserve with payment. JFS University City Older Adult Center 9001 Towne Centre Drive, La Jolla Contact Aviva Saad for details or to R.S.V.P. (858) 550-5998 Lunch available at noon with reservations. Daily fee, $27. Passover Celebration Thursday April 21, 11 a.m. Cost: $15.00, reservations required. Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 65th Birthday Tuesday April 16, 10 a.m. On the Go Excursions A program of Jewish Family Service, On the Go provides transportation to events throughout the county for homebound seniors. For information, please call Jo Kessler at (858) 637-7320.

Bus to Madama Butterfly at the San Diego Opera Lawrence Family JCC 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla

RSVP at (858) 362-1141. Tuesday, April 19, 4:45 p.m. Limited to first 20 who reserve with payment JFS Coastal Club at Temple Solel 3575 Manchester Ave., Cardiff by the Sea Contact (858) 674-1123 for details. R.S.V.P. for lunch by Monday at 12:30 p.m. All activities are free and lunch is $7. Fascinating Facts about Our Presidents with Wordsmith, Richard Lederer Tuesday April 19, call for time JFS College Avenue Center 6299 Capri Drive, San Diego, CA 92120 Contact Sara Diaz (858) 637-3270 for details on any events or to R.S.V.P. Core Concepts of the Sage-ing Program with Gail Braverman, M.A., Marriage and Family Therapist Mondays, April 4, 18 and May 2, 16, 1 p.m. Passover and Model Seder Friday, April 22, noon Led by Rabbi Aliza Berk. Reservations not required.

Yale Strom, College Avenue Center Friday, April 15, departs 11 a.m. Kosher lunch included. Cost: $20

Special Presentation by the San Diego Symphony: Music of the Yiddish Theatre Monday, April 25, 1 p.m.

Gator by the Bay, Spanish Landing Park East Sunday, May 8, bus departs 10:45 a.m. Cost: $56 by April 29.

Jewish War Veterans of San Diego, Post-185 Contact Jerome Klein at (858) 521-8694

JFS No. County Inland Center at Adat Shalom 15905 Pomerado Road, Poway Contact (858) 674-1123 for details. Most Activities are free to members, and lunch is $7 with reservations. Eileen Wingard Violin and Cello Duo Monday, April 18, call for time San Diego Safari Park’s Zoo Express Monday April 25, call for time Animals Ambassadors from the San Diego Safari Park’s traveling program stop by for a visit.

April 10, 10 a.m. Second Sunday of the month. Lox and bagels served. North County Jewish Seniors Club at the Oceanside Senior Center 455 Country Club Lane, Oceanside Contact Josephine at (760) 295-2564 April 21, 12:30 p.m. Third Thursday of the month. Refreshments served. Veterans Association of North County, Post-385 1617 Mission Avenue, Oceanside CA 92058 Contact Marc Poland (858) 232-1645 Jewish War Veterans meetings April 10, noon Second Sunday of the month.

86 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 87

SYNAGOGUE LIFE SPECIAL EVENTS

Tifereth Israel TICO Concert Tuesday, April 5, 7 a.m. 6660 Cowles Mountain Boulevard, San Diego; (619) 697-6001 tiferethisrael.com Hike Blue Sky Ecological Reserve with Congregation Beth El Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m. 8660 Gilman Drive, La Jolla; (858) 452-1734 cbe.org Spring Camp for Children, K-8th grade with Chabad of Poway April 11-15, 8:30-3:30 16934 Chabad Way, Poway; (858) 451-0455, ext. 15 myjewishdaycamp.com Get the early bird discount of $36 a day by registering before April 5. Art, Wine & Dine with Sam the Cooking Guy at Beth Israel Saturday, April 16, 6 p.m. 9001 Towne Centre Drive; (858) 900-2501 cbisd.org Cost: $25 plus painting fees.

88 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

PHOTO COURTESY OHR SHALOM

Espania Mi Kerida Choir Concert w/ Congregations Beth Am, Orh Shalom and Kol Sephardic Sunday, April 3, 3:30 p.m. 5050 Del Mar Heights Rd; (858) 481-8454; betham.com Cost: $18 adults, $10 seniors and students

Kid Seder Experience! With Ner Tamid Sunday, April 17, 10:15 p.m. 15318 Pomderado Rd, Poway; (858) 513-8330 nertamidsd.org The Love of Israel with Temple Adat Shalom Sunday, April 17, 2 p.m. 15905 Pomerado Rd, Poway; (858) 451-1200 adatshalom.com

GALAS 11th Annual Lights of Ohr Shalom Sunday, April 10, 5 p.m. 2512 Third Ave, San Diego, CA; (619) 231-1456 ohrshalom.org Cocktails and dinner. R.S.V.P. at office@ohrshalom.org. *Interested in having your event featured? Contact tinamarieb@sdjewishjournal.com. Submissions are due by 15th of the month for the next issue.

NEW V I LLAGE AR T S T H EA T R E P R ESE NTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE LIPINSKY FAMILY SAN DIEGO JEWISH ARTS FESTIVAL

GOLDA’S BALCONY featuring ROSINA REYNOLDS

written by WILLIAM GIBSON

directed by TODD SALOVEY

J U N E 4 -26 PR EVIEWS MAY 27 TH R OUGH J UNE 3

building your financial future We take a detailed look at your total financial picture, and start by assessing your current assets and both your short- and long-term financial goals. We take the time to truly understand your objectives, risk tolerance, time horizons, challenges and personal schedule to help you build a practical and sustainable financial strategy to address:

• Tactical Asset Allocation • College Funding

• Long-Term Care Insurance • Retirement Planning

• Cash Management • Estate Planning Strategies

• Life Insurance

Michael Ingram, CFP® Financial Consultant, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional Michael.Ingram@axa-advisors.com Tel: (619) 557-8241 / Cell: (619) 957-6588 www.Michael-Ingram.com CA Insurance License #0E54363 AXA Advisors, LLC 701 B Street Suite 1500 San Diego, CA 92101

Securities offered through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-554-1234), member FINRA, SIPC. Annuity and insurance products offered through AXA Network, LLC, which does business in CA as AXA Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC, in UT as AXA Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC, in TX as AXA Network Insurance Agency of Texas, Inc., and in PR as AXA Network of Puerto Rico, Inc. AXA Advisors and AXA Network do not provide tax or legal advice. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S.

GE–96561 (8/14)(Exp 8/16) G30445

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 89

THE MARKETPLACE

Cantor Deborah Davis

EVENTS

Custom Wedding Ceremonies

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

Design Decor Production

Mitzvah Event Productions

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

Deborah Davis • 619.275.1539

LYDIA KRASNER 619.548.3485 www.MitzvahEvent.com

www.deborahjdavis.com

member of

lydia@mitzvahevent.com

The Joyous Music of Tradition and Transition.

Capture the Moments

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! 4805 Mercury St. • Suite L • San Diego, CA 92111

Trusted in the Jewish Community since 1983 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs | Weddings | Photography | Videography | Photo Montage

For information call Deborah Davis: 619-275-1539

To hear samples, visit our website: secondavenueklezmer.com

HEALTH

Medical Volunteers for Israel To Register for a training Session go to www.evp.org.il

Roneet Lev, MD EVP San Diego Medical Coordinator roneet@cox.net

derek berghaus advertising C 858-598-7304 w www.dbdesign.com @ derek.berghaus@yahoo.com

SINGLE PLOT FOR SALE El Camino Memorial Park San Diego

Location: Mt. Sinai Upright, Row 1027, Space 6 Asking Price: $7000 Please contact: Lynn Reid at 619-806-6284

90 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

FINANCE

Phil Bresnick, Phil Bresnick,CWS® CWS®

SeniorVice VicePresident President Senior WealthAdvisor Advisor Wealth 5464 Grossmont Center Drive Morgan Stanley Wealth Management La Mesa, CA 91942 5464 Grossmont Center Drive, Suite 200 619-668-4334 or 800-729-2900 La Mesa, CA 91942 619-668-4334 • 800-729-2900 philip.bresnick@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyfa.com/ philip.bresnick@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyfa.com/bresnickbresnick/ bresnickbresnick © 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC897541 06/14

KOSHER CATERING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Serving Cuban-American Food Est. 1976

Fabrics for Fashion and Home

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

619- 477- 3749

9 locations in SD County Family Owned and Operated since 1953

NOW SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER Open Daily: 11am - 10pm

PALM SPRINGS (760) 325-2127 1596 N. Palm Canyon Drive • Palm Springs, CA 92262

UNPARALLELED BEAUTY EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

JEWISH COMMUNITY

Call for a tour of our newly renovated Sholom Mausoluem

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

JUDY NEMZER Shalom Baby/PJ Library Coordinator l

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

GreenwoodMemorial.com

858.633.8657

FD #843

CARING FOR LOCAL FAMILIES SINCE 1907 REAL ESTATE

Coldwell Banker Royal Realty

Raul Ontiveros REALTOR Bre: 01498610

861 Anchorage Place Chula Vista, CA 91914

619 981 4704

raulontiveros68@gmail.com www.coldwellbankerroyalrealty.com

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 91

passover Fun 5776 On the first day of Passover, we read the following from Parshat Bo: Moshe commanded the people to prepare for the Passover offering by taking one of the flock and putting blood on the lintel and on the doorposts. The Jews were also commanded not to leave their houses until the morning as HaShem will see the blood on the doorposts and pass over each house. Moshe also told the people to tell their children that the Passover offering is to remember that HaShem saved them. At midnight, HaShem brought the last plague upon every firstborn in Egypt. Pharoah arose and told the Jews to leave, even with their sheep and cattle. The Jews left with their matzah, vessels and garments from the Egyptians. They went from Ramses to Sukkot with about 600,000 men. Passover was established as a night HaShem protects the Jewish people.

spot the difference Which one is different? (Hint: Blessings made at the seder)

WINE KIDDUSH

BIRKAT HAMAZON

MATZAH

SHEHECHEYANU

AFIKOMEN

CROSSWORD Complete the crossword by translating each Hebrew

word into English. Use the reference from Parsha Bo for help. 2 1 3

7 4

ACROSS 2. ‫( חצי‬12:29) 3. ‫( דם‬12:22) 4. ‫( עבד‬12:30) 6. ‫( קרא‬12:21) DOWN 1. ‫( צאן‬12:21) 3. ‫( ברך‬12:32) 5. ‫( לילה‬12:42) 7. ‫( משפחה‬12:21)

WORD FIND

Can you discover the Secret Message? Find and circle the bold, italicized words from the Torah summary in the Word Find. Write the unused Word Find letters in the spaces below to spell the Secret Message. Good luck!

R E A D

D E

S A E G Y

O Z

V A S T

D E

A H K N U E N E

M T O H A O P G T L

U H W M

L O C K U K V

S O M L

F O W M P

T O

A A A

A S H A

A L

S U O H E O N P A

O V

E R

H G

SECRET MESSAGE

__ __ _ _______ __ ___ ______ __ ________

gematria

‫ פסח‬and ‫ סכת‬have this...

‫ק‬ ‫כ‬ ‫מ‬ ‫מד‬ ‫ג‬ – ‫ל‬ x ‫ב‬ – ‫לה‬ + ‫ג‬ ÷ ‫יא‬ ‫ע‬

‫כז‬ +‫ג‬

‫ד ס‬ ÷ ‫ י‬x ‫ּב‬ ‫ח‬

‫א ב ג ד ה ו ז ח ט י כ ל מ נ ס ע פ צ ק ר ש ת‬ 400 300 200 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

WORD CMRLESAB

(scramble)

ZAAMTH

DRSEE

NGPISR

TGEPY

SINNSA

EIWN

(Hint: Passover)

CANDLELIGHTING IN JERUSALEM 6:33 P.M. weekly chinuch podcast - OVER 100 posted! parsha + chinuch < 5 minutes www.thefamousabba.com/podcasts

92 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

Brought to you by:

www.thefamousabba.com

Check your answers at: www.thefamousabba.com/passover

AM ISRAEL MORTUARY We Are San Diego’s ONLY All-Jewish Mortuary Serving the community for over 25 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.

✡

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

UNPARALLELED BEAUTY EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE Gracious tree-lined roadways, manicured gardens and an ocean view have made Greenwood Memorial Park the first choice for many local families – but it’s the caring and attentive service that keeps families coming back generation after generation.

Call for a tour of our newly renovated Sholom Mausoluem

(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

4300 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113 GreenwoodMemorial.com | 858.633.8657

FD #843

Call 858.633.8657 for a free Preplanning Guide.

SAN DIEGO JEWISH COMMUNITY OBITUARIES Arrangements by Am Israel Mortuary

Phillip Lanzbom - San Diego Paul Whitten Sr. - San Diego 2/16/1990-1/1/2016 2/17/1937 - 1/9/2016 Survivors: mother, Arlene Lanzbom Survivors: wife, Teresa Whitten; daughters, Linda Ortiz and Laura Sara Buchbinder - Encinitas Whitten; and sons, Paul, James, 3/1/1924 - 1/1/2016 Mathew and David Whitten Survivors: son, William Buchbinder Alan Marshall - San Diego Ides Khasina - San Diego 12/16/1918 - 1/9/2016 9/21/1935 - 1/4/2016 Survivors: wife, Shirley Marshall; Survivors: husband, Gersh Khasin daughter, Barbara Tomicich; son, Barry E. Marshall; five grandchildren Amy Hagler - San Diego and two great-grandchildren 12/16/1976 - 1/4/2016 Survivors: husband, Eitan Hagler Shoshana Leiser - San Diego 5/14/1957 - 1/6/2016 Survivors: sister, Illana Leiser Leonard Lieberman - La Jolla 5/14/1915- 1/8/2016 Survivors: daughters, Deborah Presser and Kathryn Levin; son, Elliot Gerard; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren Jack Polak - San Diego 5/10/1919 - 1/8/2016 Survivors: brother, Joe Polak

Raisa Zaslavskaya - Encinitas 9/7/1921 - 1/10/2016 Survivors: daughter, Diana Medvinsky; and one grandchild Cynthia Polger - La Jolla 6/11/1957 - 1/12/2016 Survivors: husband, Lorne Polger; daughter, Olivia Polger; and son, Myles Polger Sarah Monastyrski - San Diego 11/8/1929 - 1/12/2016 Survivors: daughters; Rima Shusterman and Dina Gorelik; and one grandchild

ALL SERVICES ALREADY HELD

Leonard Yenofsky - San Diego 9/7/1918 - 1/14/2016 Survivors: wife, Adele Yenofsky; and sons, Paul and Richard Yenofsky Paula Yoffe - La Mesa 10/23/1929 - 1/16/2016 Survivors: son, Val Kargman Marshall Zucker - San Diego 3/2/1921 - 1/16/2016 Survivors: wife, Betty Zucker; sons, Wayne and Robert Zucker; and three grandchildren Lori Einhorn - La Jolla 7/7/1926 - 1/16/2016 Survivors: sons, Daniel and Richard Einhorn Sylvan Recht - San Diego 2/25/1920 - 1/16/2016 Survivors: daughters, Lynda and Elizabeth Recht and Donna Bendett; son, David Recht and two grandchildren

Stanley Weinstein - St. Louis 2/8/1928 - 1/16/2016 Survivors: son, Bradley Weinstein Eleanor Levin – Encinitas 12/4/1927 - 1/18/2016 Survivors: sons, Howard and Philip Levin; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild lan Breslauer - San Diego 7/11/1927 - 1/19/2016 Survivors: wife, Frances Breslauer; daughters, Jan and Cheryl Breslauer Arnold Greenberg - Coronado 2/16/1932 - 1/22/2016 Survivors: wife, Harriet Greenberg and sons; Doug and Michael Greenberg Mae Koppman - Oakland 6/22/1922 - 1/22/2016 Survivors: daughter, Debbie Koppman; son, Steven Koppman; and two grandchildren

Adar II • Nisan 5776 | SDJewishJournal.com 93

Please join us May 22nd

Spring Gala Featur ing En tertain er & Per for mer , Debr a Wanger an d Emcee Dan Cohen from Chan n el 8 New s 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Silent Auction Chai Life Nightclub featuring Debra Croquet, Badminton and a Putting Green Wanger and other special surprises Speakeasy-inspired cocktails, wine, 8:15 p.m. and craft beer tasting Dessert Reception Delicious dinner of sumptuous cuisines Dressy Casual Attire • Cocktails, Dinner & Dessert al Fresco • Open to all For further information contact Heather Taylor-Williams: heathertw@cbisd.org or 858-535-1111, ext. 2510 or www.cbisd.org

94 SDJewishJournal.com l April 2016

“Intensely smart and immensely funny”

San Diego’s Beloved Performer Returns For A Strictly Limited Pre-New York Engagement

-THE NEW YORK TIMES

“ ... You will walk out of the theater realizing you’ve barely breathed for the duration of this astonishing musical and theatrical transmigration of souls.” -The Chicago Sun Times

APRIL 21 - MAY 15

what do women really want? In this Pulitzer Prize nominated hit comedy from “House of Cards” writer Gina Gionfriddo, three generations of women reach for the secret of love, sex, success and happiness

Featuring music from West Side Story, Candide, Beethoven, Mahler, Copeland, Bach and more!

TWO WEEKS ONLY!

NOW ON SALE! JULY 6-17

619.544.1000 | SDREP.ORG | Lyceum Theatre | Horton Plaza s40_rapture_maestro_jewishjournal_page.indd 1

3/18/16 11:52 AM

MADAMA BUTTERFLY by GIACOMO PUCCINI The haunting tale of a young geisha and an American Naval Officerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; their love and separation, his betrayal and her sacrifice. Traditional Japanese sets and costumes transport us to the island city of Nagasaki, amid the iconic cherry blossoms. One of the most-performed and best-loved operas of all time.

APRIL 16, 19, 22, 24(m) SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE

Tickets start at $45

SDOPERA.ORG 619-533-7000 Tickets also available at

2015-2016 Season Sponsor: Gloria A. Rasmussen Photo: Kingmond Young