l EVENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT l CHANUKAH: A NIGHT OF LIGHTS
l INSTALLATION SERVICE OF RABBI HIRSCH ACKERMAN l LOOKING AHEAD

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL OF SAN DIEGO l WINTER 2024 / ףרוח 5785




RABBI’S MESSAGE
By Senior Rabbi Jason Nevarez

Dear Friends,
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l EVENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT l CHANUKAH: A NIGHT OF LIGHTS
l INSTALLATION SERVICE OF RABBI HIRSCH ACKERMAN l LOOKING AHEAD

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL OF SAN DIEGO l WINTER 2024 / ףרוח 5785




By Senior Rabbi Jason Nevarez

Dear Friends,
I hope you are enjoying the opportunity that summer offersrecreation, travel and time with those close to you.
As we begin our approach to the High Holy Days, your Beth Israel clergy and staff are deeply immersed in preparations for this sacred season, as we bring intention to welcoming 5785.
The past year has presented the Jewish people with numerous challenges, underscoring the essential role of community in our lives. With everything going on at present and all that has occurred since we last gathered for the High Holy Days, it’s important to name the fragility of the moments in which we are living. It is challenging to even imagine what tomorrow will bring, no less what will be when we welcome a Jewish New Year in a few weeks' time. And yet, imagining a better future has always been central to our faith - both imagining and doing the footwork towards actualizing it. And to achieve those things, even when the world is at its darkest, we have always employed our most powerful tool: hope.
In his masterwork on the topic, “Choosing Hope: The Heritage of Judaism,” David Arnow gives the following definition of hope: “Hope reflects our embrace of the possibility of a particular, deeply desired future, and hope fuels our actions to help bring it about.”
Hope is not the same as optimism, wishful thinking, or blind faith. Rather, finding hope is the ability to imagine a better future, to believe that it is a real possibility (no matter how remote), and to build the path toward that reality, step by step.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l gave powerful insight on hope as well:
“Optimism is the belief that things are going to get better. Hope is the belief that if we work hard enough together, we can make things better. It takes no courage, just a certain naivety to be an optimist. It needs a great deal of courage to have hope.”
For thousands of years, hope has been employed time and again to bring the Jewish people from slavery to freedom, from lowliness to might, from homelessness to home.
This year, we have chosen “From Out of the Depths, Finding Hope” as the theme that will be woven through our prayerful moments and messages this High Holy Day season at Beth Israel; we have entered yet another time in our people’s history that requires us to imagine a better future and, perhaps even more importantly, to have the courage to bring it about.
As we come together in a few weeks time, to reflect on the year that has passed and commit ourselves to a new course for the year to come, the shofar's echoes will resound, awakening our spirits to the foundational messages carried through our ancestors, and entrusted to us.
May we emerge from this sacred season with renewed purpose, carrying the lessons of introspection and atonement with us as we navigate the troubled waters, allowing our souls to soar to new heights of understanding, love, compassion, and community.
I [and we] look forward to seeing all of you over these Days of Awe!
Rabbi Jason Nevarez

By John Lefter

Shalom!
The fall season has brought renewed energy to our congregation. It was wonderful to connect with so many during this year’s High Holiday services, which offered both in-person and virtual participation. A common sentiment shared by long-time members and first-time visitors alike was the joy of being together in community, the warmth of our congregation, and the high quality of the services that uplifted everyone’s spirits. Many thanks to the clergy, staff, musicians, choirs, soloists, and volunteers who made this experience possible.
A special recent highlight was the formal installation of Rabbi Ackerman Hirsch as our newest Rabbi. The event was filled with excitement and celebration, and we are grateful to welcome such a talented spiritual leader and teacher whose commitment to learning, and community service enriches us all. I am continuously amazed by her energy, passion and enthusiasm, which are grounded in her desire to create space for congregant’s experiences, and her love of Torah and learning. Thank you to those who supported the event, both in person and in spirit.
I also would like to express my gratitude to past presidents Mary Ann Scher and Dan Jones, for agreeing to co-chair the upcoming Capital Campaign. Their leadership is pivotal as we continue efforts to raise funds for the campus renovation and mikvah in the coming months. It's important to note that while the vote on the Mikvah construction was a necessary preliminary public step required by our Bylaws, we need to reach certain fundraising milestones to start the permitting and construction phases. We look forward to the community's full engagement and support during the upcoming public phase of the campaign.
Our Shared Sacred Partnership: Beth Israel’s Self-Directed Membership Program
I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress and to seeing you in person soon.
L’Shalom!
Belonging. Community. Partnership.
Make a year-end, tax deductible gift to Beth Israel
Beth Israel is committed to fostering hope and to remaining vital and responsive. It is only with your partnership that we can sustain and enhance our efforts. Your support ensures:
• Our clergy are accessible as they provide inspiration, comfort and counsel.
Make a meaningful commitment to your synagogue family.
• The campus remains a safe place for all ages and stages to explore their Jewish identities and deepen their connections to Judaism.
• Beth Israel continues to be a community leader in both convening and working to educate and combat antisemitism throughout San Diego.
• We maintain excellence in our programs and services.
As 2024 draws to a close, please make a one-time donation by mail or online at cbisd.org/giving, or increase your annual membership commitment to support your Beth Israel family.
Make Your
This High Holy Days season, our Beth Israel community came together to embody this year’s theme: Finding Hope from Out of the Depths. Inspiring sermons from our clergy explored hope and renewal, while music from our choirs and band elevated the season’s emotions.
Highlights included Tashlich and the Rosh Hashanah Second Day Hike, offering moments of reflection in nature, and Food for Thought on Yom Kippur, where meaningful discussions enriched the day’s meaning. Sukkot services brought us together with music, community, and gratitude, while Simchat Torah closed the season marking the sacred cycle of Torah readings.









Our recent Day of Service event brought our Beth Israel community together for a day filled with purpose and connection. Participants engaged in meaningful projects, including painting, sprucing up garden beds, preparing school materials, and dismantling the sukkah. We are grateful for everyone who joined us in strengthening our bonds and enhancing our synagogue. Thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication, which truly made a difference.



We welcomed Debbie Lechtman (@rootsmetals), who spoke about how she has used her Instagram platform to combat the spread of false and antisemitic information. Debbie shared an important message with our community about the importance of knowing one's ancestry and heritage. She expressed that it is important that we do not let others take that history and the desire to learn it away from us.
On Friday, November 8, our Beth Israel community gathered for the Installation Service of Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch. The evening was filled with warmth and excitement as we welcomed her leadership. Rabbi Ackerman Hirsch’s commitment to creating meaningful spaces, her devotion to Torah, and her passion for building community shine through.
Welcome home, Rabbi Ackerman Hirsch!

Thank you to all who joined us for the 44th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and for your generous donations. Together, we strengthen our bonds and work toward a brighter future. Special thanks to Reverend Trudy Robinson for her inspiring message, our clergy for leading the service, and the choirs of Beth Israel and First United Methodist Church for their joyous music. Your contributions will support our Annual Dominican Republic Service Learning Trip, providing essential first aid supplies to those in need. Thank you for being part of this meaningful gathering!

Cooking with Caring Community: Chanukah Edition
Wednesday, December 11 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Hosted by Rabbi Nevarez, Rabbi Bernstein, Cantor Emerita; Rabbi Cantor Gimbel, and Rabbi Ackerman Hirsch delight with Chanukah latke traditions.
Night of Lights Erev Shabbat Chanukah Service
Friday, December 20
6:15 pm Erev Shabbat Chanukah Service and Consecration Ceremony
Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Light Up Your Chanukiah!
Friday, December 27 @ 6:00pm
Price Family Courtyard
Bring your own Chanukiah to light!
Erev Shabbat Chanukah Chai Service
Friday, December 27 @ 6:15 pm
Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary

Join us this winter for a series of transformative Adult Learning opportunities!
As we step into the new year, we invite you to explore meaningful learning experiences designed to foster growth, connection, and reflection. From Nicole Nevarez’s series on turning hardship into healing, to casual lunch sessions with Rabbi Nevarez, and an upcoming opportunity with Rabbi Cantor Gimbel, these offerings are designed to inspire and deepen your spiritual journey. Whether you're seeking personal growth, community connection, or thoughtful discussion, these sessions will provide valuable insights to start your year with intention and hope.

Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, and 28
The theme we explored during the High Holy Days - From out of the Depths, Finding Hope - is a powerful invitation. An invitation to utilize the power of the pain so many of us have experienced this last year and continue to walk through, as a portal to deeper learning and practices to alchemize the “hard” into light and expansion for ourselves and others. Together we will learn frameworks and tools to help us reorient to the difficult feelings and experiences and live in more freedom and hope. Come no matter where you are in this process. The experience will only be enriched by a diversity of experiences and perspectives.
Wednesdays, January 22 and 29
Come join Rabbi Nevarez for a light lunch and learning opportunity.
Wednesdays, February 5, 12, and 19
Need blurb




February 15-22, 2025
Rabbi Nevarez is looking forward to leading our annual Interfaith Dominican Republic Service Learning Trip. He will be joined by clergy from First United Methodist Church, as our congregations join together in our effort to build a home for a family in need. Each year, we collect and bring medical supplies for first aid that can be donated to the community. Our attendees have found this to be a profoundly transformative experience.
Please contact Raphael Stigliano, Program Coordinator at rstig@cbisd.org to learn more.

Beth Israel has been a perfect home for my last eight years as a Jewish Educator. Originally from Phoenix, I moved to San Diego after meeting my husband and found my happy place at Beth Israel.
A highlight of my time as Education Director was planning and being on the first Israel trip for our 11th graders, generously funded by Shearn (z” l) and Linda Platt. I also cherished the Tuesday night high school program including a trip to D.C. and the Family Education program that Rabbis Berk, Bernstein, Satz and Gimbel were so willing to teach while dressed in crazy costumes.
After retiring, I volunteered with the Caring Community which was envisioned and brought to fruition by Rabbi Berk. I am now the Chairperson and find the work so gratifying and purposeful that I really can’t call it work. It’s a labor of love to cook, deliver meals, package gift boxes for college students, support meaningful programs, help at High Holy Days, work with Women of Beth Israel, Religious School projects, and phone our elderly congregants. I do have to admit that I am somewhat cooking challenged. However, I love doing it, even if off screen, Katey sometimes has to fix the things I’ve messed up, like cleaning the spilled food off my feet. It’s our secret.
Also meaningful to me is working at the “Mitzvah Mall,” a program, born from love of shopping and doing mitzvot that I created 20 years ago. Who knew it could turn into such a wonderful teaching project?
Congregation Beth Israel remains the warm, caring, innovative, community I was welcomed into 15 years ago!

I’m a third generation Beth Israel member, married to my wife Ellen for 53 years. Our two daughters, as well as our grandson attended Beth Israel’s Lee & Frank Goldberg Family Religious School. I’ve been honored to have served on the Beth Israel Board of Directors at three different times and currently chair our Real Estate Committee and am a member of the Finance Committee.
One of my first significant experiences at Beth Israel was during my time as Men’s Club president. The Men’s Club signature event used to be a monthly Sunday morning lox and bagel breakfast. One of my mentors impressed upon me that at Beth Israel we strive for excellence in everything we do. For example, we served the highest quality food possible since for some attendees of limited means, this was their only meal of the day. We also strived to create a warm welcoming environment and to treat everyone with grace and dignity, since, as stressed to me, you never knew who may be experiencing challenges in life.
At a young age, this experience taught me to “never judge a book by its cover”, and to treat those we interact with, whether personally or professionally, with respect, kindness and empathy; the way we would want to be treated. It also ingrained in me Beth Israel’s high standard of excellence when executing ANY projects or programs.
I’d like to think my educational and professional background in finance and real estate has contributed to Beth Israel being on a sound financial footing. This of course allows us to hire the most talented staff who provide premier programming and services to our congregants.
One of my most memorable moments with Beth Israel was camping with our Chavurah and celebrating Shabbat services at the base of a boulder we called “Shabbat Rock.”


For a quarter century, from February 2000, until February 2025, when she will leave her Associate position in the Clergy Suite, Susan Hutchison has served our community with devotion and grace, dedicating herself to the needs of hundreds of families and individuals throughout the years.
As a former teacher, with a wry sense of English/Scottish humor (which she comes by naturally), Susan had skill sets far beyond what it takes to organize the Rabbi Cantors, care for B'nei Mitzvah students, help grieving families, families with newborns and herself, celebrate with a full heart holidays and life cycle events that are not part of her tradition. Every High Holy day, Susan insured that music, choirs, and honors were organized and along with her many Associate partners in the clergy suite over

Dedication: Susan Hutchison's Legacy of Love and Service
the years, Susan created a loving, caring atmosphere inside the clergy suite.
Moreover, Susan has lent her artistic and crafting skills to welcoming and saying goodbye to staff members; creating decorations for B’nei Mitzvah celebrations and making the gifts of books we give our new Jews on the day of their conversion an artistic presentation.
When white Torah covers were needed for the preschool “stuffed” Torahs, Susan’s sewing skills created beautiful High Holiday covers, so the children could learn and be an active part of this beautiful tradition.
When our adopted Holocaust Torah came to Beth Israel, Rabbi Nevarez engaged Susan in the creation of an extraordinary Torah Cover. Every stitch was given with love and every
color and artistic piece of cloth was chosen, and created with deep meaning behind it, in her remarkable vision. This cover is an exceptional gift of a righteous friend of the Jewish people.
Her legacy with Beth Israel will always be for us, a blessing.
For twenty-five years, Susan has given us her heart and soul with unsurpassed generosity. We are grateful to Stuart Simmons who hired her, saying, this one is a keeper. And while we would like to keep Susan for much longer, we wish her much joy in all her future endeavors, knowing that as family, we will always be connected with her and her legacy with Beth Israel will always be for us, a blessing.

GRIFFIN FEINMAN
Jan 11, 4pm
Griffin Feinman is the son of Jessica and Michael Feinman and grandson of David and Lesley Cohn and Diane and Robert Feinman (z”l). Griffin attends La Jolla Country Day School. For his Mitzvah project, Griffin has been volunteering throughout the San Diego community in a variety of ways. He has fed the homeless, packed food for the needy and worked at a senior center serving lunch and playing bingo. Griffin enjoys playing lacrosse, golf and tennis as well as watching sports and spending time with his friends and family. He especially loves connecting with his two big brothers, Harris and Carter over facetime, on family trips or when they are home from college.

HARLEY CARPENTER
Jan 18, 10am
Harley Carnot Carpenter is the son of Kimberly Carnot and Traci Carpenter and the grandson of Edward and Pamela Carnot and Juanita and Bob (z”l) Carpenter. Harley attends the San Diego Jewish Academy. For his Mitzvah project, Harley is collecting donations of supplies and fundraising for the San Diego Humane Society. In his free time, Harley enjoys going to escape rooms and amusement parks with his family and friends. He is a competitive tennis player and loves international travel.

MAGGIE PAPPELBAUM
Jan 25, 10am
Maggie Pappelbaum is the daughter of Shawn and Adam Pappelbaum, and the sister of Ben Pappelbaum. She is the granddaughter of Roselyn and Stanley Pappelbaum, and Ira and Karen Meislik. Maggie is a student at Pacific Trails Middle School in Carmel Valley. For her Mitzvah project, she and her brother Ben are raising funds to promote equity in youth sports through a recycling initiative. Maggie enjoys playing softball, baking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jan 25, 10am

Jan 25, 4m
Ben Pappelbaum is the son of Shawn and Adam Pappelbaum and the brother of Maggie Pappelbaum. He is the grandson of Ira and Karen Meislik and Roselyn and Stanley Pappelbaum. A student at Pacific Trails Middle School in Carmel Valley, Ben is partnering with his sister Maggie on their Mitzvah project to raise funds for Sports4Kids (https:www. sports4.org/), a nonprofit dedicated to providing sports opportunities for low-income youth. Outside of his project, Ben has a passion for golf, enjoys taking on engineering challenges, and plays keys in a rock band.
Alex is the son of Valerie and Steve Massey and the grandson of Ellen and Paul Silverman; Gail and Dean Massey. He attends Oak Valley Middle School. Alex could not decide on one Mitzvah project, so he picked them all and is continuing his involvement in many community projects including, park cleanup, fundraising and running 5k races, and feeding the homeless. He enjoys dividing his free time between the computer and being outside playing lacrosse, soccer, skateboarding, biking, and snowboarding.

AVERY PERILMAN
Feb 1, 4pm
Avery Perilman is the daughter of Brad and Jessica Perilman, granddaughter of Richard and Sara London and Bryan and Caren Perilman. Avery attends Pacific Trails Middle School. In her free time, she plays flag football and softball, enjoys spending time with her friends, and loves her summers in Pennsylvania at sleepaway camp. Avery gives back to her community in many ways by participating in the FAV (female athlete volunteers) organization. For her Mitzvah project, she is leading a food drive and will be donating non-perishables to families in need.
Asher Gopen January 11, 10:00 am
Griffin Feinman January 11, 4:00 pm
Harley Carpenter January 18, 10:00 am
Maggie Pappelbaum January 25, 10:00 am
Alexander Massey January 25, 4:00 pm
Ben Pappelbaum January 25, 10:00 am
Avery Perilman February 1, 4:00 pm
Shiloh Butler February 22, 10:00 am
INGREDIENTS (MAKES 10):
1 packet yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
3 cups flour
1 egg
3 tbsp sugar
1 cup warm water
1 1/2 tbsp oil (+ more for frying)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp brandy or cognac
Zest of 1 lemon
2 cups jelly



PREPARATION:
Add all ingredients (except jelly) to a gallon bag. Seal, then squeeze and knead until mixed. Kids can be great helpers here!
Place the bag in warm water to rest for 1 hour.
Remove dough from the bag onto a floured surface. Make sure both sides of the dough are floured to prevent sticking.
Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch circles. Let rest for 30 minutes.
Fry circles in 350°F oil for 1 minute per side, then cool.
Fill with your favorite jelly.
Enjoy this easy, fun way to make sufganiyot for Chanukah!
Recipe adapted from Jewlish, creators of delicious and easy-to-follow recipes.






Jeri Hafter
Jeri, a native San Diegan from Mt. Helix now living in Hillcrest, has deep roots at Beth Israel through her grandfather, Judge Jacob Weinberger, who arrived in San Diego in 1912. A retired San Diego Unified teacher, Jeri enjoys traveling, with a highlight being her trip to Israel with the Jewish Federation of San Diego. She is passionate about volunteering, supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Old Globe Theater, and Beth Israel's Hunger Project. A lover of theater and music, Jeri is excited to reconnect with Beth Israel and engage with the Social Action Network and Women of Beth Israel.
Zoë & Jake Lieberman
Zoë and Jake Lieberman live in Encinitas, having moved from New York about four years ago, much like Rabbi Nevarez. They quickly felt a sense of community and belonging at Beth Israel. After Rabbi Nevarez officiated their wedding in November 2023, they were moved by the beautiful ceremony he led. Getting to know him leading up to their wedding inspired them to join Beth Israel and become a part of this warm community.
Sarah & Morris Lifschutz
Sarah and Morris Lifschutz live in Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley with their three children, Noah (10), Elliot (8), and Madison (6). Their family is always on the move, enjoying karaoke, dancing, swimming, music, flag football, and martial arts. They already feel at home with the wonderful staff and support from the Madrichim at Beth Israel. While exploring several synagogues, they found that Beth Israel best aligned with their goals for Jewish education and future B'nei Mitzvah experiences for their children.
Lyndsi & Nathan Okh
Lyndsi and Nathan Okh live in Birdland, near the Serra Mesa area. Married two years ago after meeting on Jdate, they’re excited to start their journey as a Jewish family by joining a synagogue. Nathan is a talented photographer, aerial drone pilot, and chef who works in tech. Lyndsi enjoys concerts, music festivals, reading, working out, spending time with friends, and has a soft spot for reality TV Together, they love traveling and exploring life through food Their 1-year-old Havanese puppy, Ori, brings them endless joy with his happy personality and love for everyone he meets—true to his name, "our light." The Okhs were drawn to Beth Israel after experiencing the beautiful High Holy Day services a few years ago and knew it had to be their home. They loved this year’s High Holy Day services, the delicious break fast, and the insightful conversation with Instagram activist "Roots Metals." They also appreciate the synagogue’s stunning architecture and commitment to security.


Amanda and Vanessa Silver
Amanda, Vanessa, and Ari Silver recently moved from University Heights to La Jolla Colony. Vanessa works as a Doctor of Physical Therapy at UCSD Jacob’s Medical Center, and Amanda is pursuing her PhD in Organizational Behavior at the Rady School of Management at UCSD. They enjoy staying active outdoors with local hikes, neighborhood park strolls, and trips to the beach. This past summer, they welcomed their first child, Ariel Evan Silver, who is now 3 months old and has quickly become the center of their world.
The Silvers love how welcoming and caring the Beth Israel congregation has been. They were drawn to Beth Israel for its inclusiveness and progressive spirit, especially after attending Pride Shabbat over the summer. They’re excited to begin the Intro to Judaism course and are looking forward to Ariel starting preschool at Beth Israel in the coming months.

Jill Harris & Ed Vul
Jill and Ed Vul, along with their children Jeremy (7), Molly (5), and Zack (3), live in Scripps Ranch. Both scientists, Jill and Ed love spending time outdoors with their children, whether on weekend hikes or camping trips. They joined Beth Israel to provide their children with a place to learn about Judaism and build their Jewish identities. Jeremy and Molly have started religious school and are loving it! They were also encouraged to join by Jill’s parents, Jeff and Joan Harris, who are active Beth Israel members, with Joan organizing Sunday dinners for Rachel’s Women’s Center and Jeff serving as president of the Men’s Club. Having multiple generations in the congregation helps them feel right at home.
Other new or returning members
A warm welcome to all our new members! Thank you for sharing your wonderful bios and photos. While we couldn’t fit everyone in this issue, you’ll shine in the Spring BIQ—stay tuned!
Adi Azran Abraham & Ady Abraham
Aileen & Mark Tiras
Alec Brooks & Alexa Lomberg
Anna & Max Mueller
Barry Potter
Bibianne Fell & James Geller
Burton & Francine Krieger
Carolina Kahn
Carrie & Daniel Aisen
Charles Zellerbach
Dafna Abend & Yoav Ben-Tal
Dalya Dallal & Sheldon Kleiman
Debra Hirsch
Diane & Harold Schneeweiss
Dorene & Omri Paran
Einat Brenner & Justin Semonsen
Elisa Langsam & Chris Williams
Erica Bureau
Eva Freeman and Randolph Franklin
Harel & Lital Bachenheimer
Iris Bernard Halpern & Stephen Halpern
Isobel & Marc Leverant
Jacqueline Reiss-Kravitz & Alan Kravitz
Jamie Altman & Alex Buggy
Janice & Michael Sedloff
Janice Giles
Jaymie Noelle & Aaron Gilfand
Jen & Andy Jordan
Jenna & David Bavli
Jennifer Gabriel
Jerrilyn Goldberg & Daniel Albrecht
Jessica & Andrew Bleier
Judy & Joshua Turnbull
Juliet Mohnkern & Brett Schwartz
Karen & Corbin Prychun
Kay & Leland Greenwald
Lanny Cornell
Larry Lachman
Laura & Brad Hurvitz
Laura Haberman
Lauren & David Hiller
Laurie Sanford
Linda Brucker Dreyfuss
Lisa & Jeffrey Barry
Lori Good & Martin Thurston
Lynette & Jeffrey Schwartz
Marcy Erb & Emily Grossman
Marlo & Michael Willows
Martin Ferron
Michael Winikoff
Monica & Ashley Flavel
Nicole & Jonathan Cohen
Nina & Howard Levy
Noa Raz & Shneur Shapiro
Norma & Richard Erth
Rachel & Adam Stone
Rachel Bader & Katherine Rodriguez
Rebecca & Brian Freiwald
Renee Kohn
Samantha Friend & Christopher Ford
Sara Beth & Samuel Hatfield
Sharon Appelbaum & Evan Walvoord
Shira Azulai & Yohai Magen
Sonya & Leo Roos
Susan Freed
Suzy Sostrin & Hunter Rainer
Tamar Wolinsky & Alexander Ettinger
Taylor Simon & Steven Blumberg
Tracy & Charles Rogers
Vanessa Rutman & Ryan Smith

Eden brings light, enthusiasm, and a deep connection to Israel to our preschool, Religious School, and Beth Israel community. As our ShinShinit, Eden is spending the year living, teaching, and sharing her love of Israel with our youngest learners in San Diego.
In the Bill & Sid Rubin Preschool, she helps in classrooms, braids challah with the kids on Fridays, and introduced chocolate milk bags—a favorite childhood treat in Israel. She also brought the 'Afifoniyada' kite festival, a tradition from the Kfar Gaza community, symbolizing hope, love, and peace as students create and display kites around the school.
In the Lee and Frank Goldberg Family Religious School, Eden shares modern Israeli culture through music, crafts, and treats like chocolate balls, while teaching about life in Israel and helping students connect with the country’s traditions.
We are grateful for the joyful programming Eden brings and the love of Israel she inspires in our community.



We offer diverse access for many programs and will continue to offer streaming/Zoom for those unable to join us in-person
Friday, December 6, 2024
5:00 p.m. Young Families Shabbat, Foster Family Chapel
6:15 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Torah Portion: Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10−32:3)
Haftarah: Hosea 12:13-14:10
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Marty Lawson, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:00 a.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
4:00 p.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Friday, December 13, 2024
6:15 p.m. Erev Shabbat Family Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
8:30 p.m. Shira Chadasha Service, Foster Family Chapel
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Torah Portion: Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4−36:43)
Haftarah: Hosea 11:7-12:12 [historic: Ovadiah 1:1-21]
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Jason Nevarez, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:00 a.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
4:00 p.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Friday, December 20, 2024
6:15 p.m. Erev Shabbat Chanukah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Torah Portion: Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1-40:23)
Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:00 a.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
4:00 p.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Friday, December 27, 2024
6:15 p.m. Erev Shabbat Chanukah Chai Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Torah Portion: Mikeitz (Genesis 41:144:17)
Haftarah: Zechariah 4:1-7 {Historic;Zechariah 2:14-4:7]
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Richard Agler, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
Friday, January 3, 2025
5:00 p.m. Young Family Shabbat Service, Foster Family Chapel
6:15 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Torah Portion: Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27)
Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Richard Graubart, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
Friday, January 10, 2025
6:15 p.m. Family Shabbat Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
8:30 p.m. Shira Chadasha, GlickmanGalinson Sanctuary
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Torah Portion: Va-y’chi Genesis 47:2850:26
Haftarah: I Kings 2:1-12
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:00 a.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
4:00 p.m. The congregation celebrates B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Friday, January 17, 2025
6:15 p.m. MLK Shabbat and Rabbi Cantor Jeremy Gimbel Installation
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Torah Portion: Sh’mot Exodus 1:1-6:1
Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Richard Agler, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:00 a.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
Friday, January 24, 2025
6:15 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Torah Portion: Va-eira Exodus 6:29:35
Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25-29:21
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:00 a.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
4:00 p.m. The congregation celebrates B’nei Mitzvah Service,Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Friday, January 31, 2025
6:15 p.m. Chai Shabbat Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Torah Portion: Bo Exodus 10:1-13:16
Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Cantor Gimbel, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
4:00 p.m. The congregation celebrates B’nei Mitzvah Service,Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Friday, February 7, 2025
5:00 P.M. Young Families Shabbat, Foster Family Chapel
6:15 p.m. Learner’s Shabbat, Shira Shabbat, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Torah Portion: B’shalach Exodus
13:17−17:16
Haftarah: Judges 4:4-5:31
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Jason Nevarez, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
Friday, February 14, 2025
6:15 p.m. Family Shabbat Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
8:30 p.m. Shira Chadasha, Foster Family Chapel
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Torah Portion: Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:23
Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
Friday, February 21, 2025
6:15 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Torah Portion: Mishpatim Exodus
21:1−24:18
Haftarah: Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:00 a.m. The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
Friday, February 28, 2025
6:15 p.m. Chai Shabbat Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Torah Portion: T'rumah Exodus 25:1−27:19
Haftarah: II Kings 12:5-16 [historic: II Kings 12:1-17]
9:00 a.m. Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Philip Graubart, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access)
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel
CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING AND PROGRAMMING
ADULT EDUCATION
Visit us at cbisd.org/lifelonglearning/adult-education
Daytimers Book Club
Tuesdays, December 3, January 7, February 4 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Images of a People: Jews in Art Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
From Out of the Depths: Lessons in Hope & Resilience with Scholar-InResidence Rabbi Yael Vurgan Sunday, December 8 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Roots and Resilience: The Jewish Story of Romania and Moldova Sunday, December 15 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Adult Evening Book Club
Thursdays, December 19, January 16, February 20 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
From Tzar to Rechem with Nicole Nevarez
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Jason Nevarez
Wednesdays, January 22, 29 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Learning Opportunity with Rabbi Cantor Jeremy Gimbel Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Morning Mindfulness with Julie Potiker
Wednesdays @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
CARING COMMUNITY
Visit us at cbisd.org/get-involved/ caring-community
Cooking with Caring Community
Wednesdays, December 11; Monday, January 27; February 24 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
SOCIAL ACTION NETWORK
Visit us at cbisd.org/get-involved/ social-action-network
Providing Dinner to the Residents of Rachel’s Women’s Center & Night Shelter
Sunday, December 8 @ 4:15 pm
MEN'S CLUB
Visit us at cbisd.org/get-involved/ mensclub
Men’s Club Discussion Group
Mondays, December 9, 23; January 13, 27; February 10, 24 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Shabbat Men’s Club Led Service
Saturday, December 14 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Men’s Club Dinner Forum
Wednesdays, December 18, January 15, February 19 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Men’s Club at Father Joe’s Sunday, December 22 @ 8:30 am - 11:30 am
MEMBERSHIP & ENGAGEMENT
Visit us at cbisd.org/get-involved/ member-meet-ups
Member Meet Up: Knitting and Crocheting for Caring Community Sundays, December 8, January 12, February 9 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Member Meet Up: Tuesday Afternoon Mahjong Tuesdays @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
SPECIAL EVENTS
Visit us at cbisd.org/programs/ category/special/
From Out of the Depths: Lessons in Hope & Resilience with Scholar-InResidence Rabbi Yael Vurgan
Sunday, December 8 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 am
TRIBE
Visit us at cbisd.org/get-involved/ tribe
Tribe Oneg
Fridays, December 20, January 24, February 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
HUNGER PROJECT
Visit us at cbisd.org/get-involved/ hunger-project
2nd through 5th Sunday of every month, @ 8:30-11:30 am
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Young Families Shabbat
Fridays, December 6, January 3, February 7
Justice League Cooking Event (6th8th)
Sunday, December 8 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
J² Event (3rd-5th)
Sunday, December 15
@ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Justice League Father Joe's Event (7th and 8th)
Sunday, January 12 @ 8:00 am-11:30 am
J² Event (3rd-5th)
Sunday, January 26 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Justice League Cooking Event (6th-8th)
Sunday, February 2 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
J² Event (3rd-5th)
Sunday, February 23 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION BILL & SID RUBIN PRESCHOOL
Visit us at cbisd.org/lifelonglearning/early-childhood-center
Young Families Shabbat
Fridays, December 6, January 3, February 7
WOMEN OF BETH ISRAEL
Visit us at cbisd.org/programs/ category/wbi/
Latkes & Vodka
Thursday, December 5 @ 6:00 pm
Thrive In 2025
Thursday, January 16 @ 7:00 pm
For all other events, visit www.cbisd.org
RABBI NEVAREZ'S FUND
Contribution by:
Julie and George Bronstein
Linda and Edward Janon
Robin and Joth Layton
Arthur Rosen
In appreciation of:
Rabbi Nevarez by Janice Alper
Rabbi Nevarez’s patience and thoughtfulness by Janice Alper
Rabbi Nevarez for beautiful High Holy Day services by Shirley Deckelboim
Rabbi Nevarez for the wonderful B'nei Mitzvah service for Charlie and Oliver Kassar by Carol Fox
Rabbi Nevarez being a part of Charlie and Oliver’s B'nei Mitzvah journey by Kate and John Kassar
The beautiful wedding ceremony for David Perlman and Lauren Lutren by Janet and John Perlman
Rabbi Nevarez’s amazing presence, resilience, and kindness by Richard Weinroth
In honor of:
Colton Earp’s B'nei Mitzvah by Avalee and Howard Cohen
Elliot Goldstein by Nina Goldstein
The Bris of Elliot Rosenfeld by Stuart Rubenstein
In memory of:
Irwin Berton by Robert Berton
Alvin Dundee by Shirley and Willie Burger
Isidor Gelbutch by Howard and Vicki Gelbutch
Gloria Sheinbein by Fred and Judy Sheinbein
Sidel Lionel Weinstein by David Weinstein
RABBI BERNSTEIN CANTOR
EMERITA'S FUND
Contribution by:
Jennifer Zapp
In appreciation of:
Rabbi Bernstein officiating Tamara and JP Amor’s wedding ceremony by the Nenette Adelson- Rodriguez, Walter Rodriguez and family
Rabbi Bernstein officiating their wedding and making it so meaningful by Tamara and JP Amor
Rabbi Cantor Bernstein for the beautiful b’nei mitzvot for her grandsons Charlie and Oliver Kassar by Carol Fox
Rabbi Berstein being a part of Charlie and Oliver’s b’nei mitzvah journey by Kate and John Kassar
Rabbi Bernstein officiating at Mike and Lucia’s ceremony by Jori Potiker
In honor of:
The 5th Aliyah blessing after the Torah reading at the Yom Kippur morning service by Betsy and Richard Haubrich
Charlie and Ollie’s becoming B'nei Mitzvah by Sarah and Thomas Karp, Jessie, Jonathan, Gavi, and Talia Karp-Wiley
High Holy Day honors by Diane and Buddy Voit
In memory of:
Lloyd Campbell by Ian Campbell
May Campbell by Ian Campbell
Allison Campbell Fomon by Robbi Campbell
Max Glaser by Joni and Rich Miller, and Lauren Sweeney Miller
Irving Gold by Russ and Andrea Gold
Timothy Grantman by Terri Levenson
Ruth Harris by Nancy Harris
Ronald Hecker by Bev and Len Bernstein, Alissa Hecker
Sheila Zena Goldstein Haubrich by Betsy and Richard Haubrich
Marcia Krasny by Jerrold, Lauren and Allyson Krasny
Lee Landau-Harrison by Michael Landau
Mary Gorges Marshall by Mary Marshall
Sanford Miller by Joni and Rich Miller, and Lauren Sweeney Miller
Janet Scharaga by Hermeen Scharaga
Sam Scharaga by Hermeen Scharaga
Leah Temkin by Nancy and Marty Goldberg
RABBI CANTOR GIMBEL’S FUND
In appreciation of:
Rabbi Cantor Gimbel for his talent, warmth and inspiration by Janice Alper
The beautiful music by Julia KotlyarHughes and Joseph Hughes
Rabbi Gimbel for Parker Rosenberg’s B'nei Mitzvah by Audra and Jonathan Rosenberg
In honor of:
Colton Earp’s B'nei Mitzvah by Avalee and Howard Cohen
The baby naming ceremony for Jordana by Tami, Michael, and Harrison Engelke
Rabbi Gimbel being a part of Charlie and Oliver’s B'nei Mitzvah journey by Kate and John Kassar
Rabbi Cantor Gimbel for the beautiful B'nei Mitzvah service for her grandsons, Charlie and Oliver Kassar by Carol Fox
In memory of:
Shirley Ginsberg by Robert and Jamison Ginsberg
Rachel Ann North by Sheri and Fred Johnson
Brad K. Robbins by Shira Robbins and Peter Durdaller
Robert S. Robbins by Shira Robbins and Peter Durdaller
Sophie Spector by Gerald and Dale Spector
Manny Stein by Ilene Benkle
Gary Sugarman by Ilene Benkle
I. Harry Tennebaum by Michael Heinzman
Daniel E. Zides by Gail Zides and Family
RABBI ACKERMAN HIRSCH FUND
Contribution by:
Judi and Norman Solomon
Martin Stern
In appreciation of:
Rabbi Ackerman Hirsch’s inspiring sermon on Erev Rosh Hashana by Janice Alper
Rabbi Ackerman Hirsch’s generosity, kindness, wisdom and gentle spirit during her husband Michael’s passing by Michelle Saul
The baby naming service for Austin Asher Singer by Annie Berenson
In memory of:
Marcia Krasny by Jerrold, Lauren and Allyson Krasny
We acknowledge these contributions, processed through October 30, with appreciation. To make a contribution email giving@cbisd.org, or call Deneille Pritchard at 858 900-2500
BETH ISRAEL
Contribution by:
Susan and Howard Berlin
Nesabel Dumon-Carreno and Mark Carreno
Linda Epstein
Rita Hertzberg
Jacey Kinnaird
Ruth Letvinchik
Eng Hoe Ng
Karen and Stephen Oettinger
Jesse and Chan Salen
Laurel and Stanley Schwartz
Celia Tingley
John Urey
Jamie and Joe Vanderwal
In appreciation of:
Heidi Gantwerk and Andy Mayer by Taro Meyer
Yvonne Lazar by Geri Shaevel
The Mayer and Gantwerk family’s contributions to our community by Lisa and Jonathan Pearl
High Holy Day services by Estelle Altork, Kristine and Scott Freeman
Family Foundation, Berta and Mikhail Godkin, Jackie and Sid Greenbaum, Rosalee Kitaen, Mark Kramer, Ira Schwartz, Leon Silverstrom, Michelle Wolff, Elizabeth Wolfson
High Holy Day streaming services by Back Boldly Institute, Ruby Farber, Susanne, Mark, and Andrew Schlissel, Barbara Schwartz, Julia and Joe Senate, Davita Solter,
Placing the memorial plaque for Peter Korn by Sharon Korn
Tribe programming by Teresa Konopka
In honor of:
Aliyah blessings by Rebecca Luers, Beverly Silldorf
High Holy Day Music Program by Zoya Noodelman
In memory of:
Seymour Aberle by Alfred Aberle
Celia Baker by Steven Wagner
Rachel Chasin by Jean and Henry Hoffman
Beulah Danciger by Roanne Gotthelf
Herbert Danciger by Roanne Gotthelf
Al, Irving, Nechama, Perry, Phyllis by Perri Keehn
Saul Deitel by Paula Park and Richard Kitson
Esther Feier by Robert Feier
Zane Feldman by Bernard and Susan Feldman
Samuel Flaster by Stephen and Madeline Flaster
Marcia Fram by Leonard Fram
Irv Goldfarb by Maria Stanley
Robert Gruder by Susan Fields
Estelle Hartman by Anne and Ronald Simon
Kay Kadden by Jean Feinstein
Bernard Kaplan by Robert Kaplan and Marina Baroff
Maxine Kaplan by Robert Kaplan and Marina Baroff
Peter Korn by Sharon Korn
Abram, Dvoira, Izhak, Pinkhus, Semyon, Yenta-Rivka by Maya Kruglyak
Jamie Liwerant by Sylvia Liwerant
Lillian Lubick by Marilyn and Mark Treger
Bernard Luther By Robert Ilko
Joe Mullen by Janet and Robert Ilko
Larry Newman by Valli Benesch and Bob Tandler, Lesley and David Cohn, Rebecca Newman by Bev and Len Bernstein, Lesley and David Cohn, Rachel and Ryan Goldenhar, Lynda and Richard Gordon, Elissa Grossman, Caren and Thomas Newman, Jeremy Pearl, Allison and Robert Price, Molly and Andy Snyder, Gloria and Rod Stone, Mary and Jeffrey Topf, Barbara and Richard Toranto, Kay and Gary Weiss
Judy O’Bea by Jessica and Michael Middleton
Mildren Johnson Parker by Barbara Parker and Geoff Wahl
Stephen I. Pollack by Marc and Suzanne Pollack
Suzanne Pollack by Marc and Suzanne Pollack
Samuel Rubenfeld by Bill and Cookie Rubenfeld
David Russo by Mary Ann and George Scher
Deborah Shapiro by Rodney and Anne Shapiro
Adam Simon by Ronald and Anne Simon
Rose Stein by Susan and Michael Herman
Janet Marcus Steinberg by Deborah and A. Marcus Gerber
Cynthia Stiller by Myra and Arthur Perlis
Matt Strauss by Karen and Don Cohn, Michael Levinson, Sandra Levinson, Andrew Viterbi
Leah Temkin by Margaret Katleman and Richard Perlman, Norman and Barbara Rozansky, Steven and Lise Strauss
May Wagner by Steven Wagner
George Zimmerman by Robert and Janet Ilko
BILL AND GEORGE BURNETT MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND
In memory of:
Stanley Wishnick by Roberta Burnett
BILL AND SID RUBIN PRESCHOOL
Contribution by:
Adi Azran Abraham and Andy Abraham
Reut Lachman Ben-David and Daviel Ben-David
Nicole and Eric Blumenfeld
Alexandra Bortnick and Joel Flood
Einat Brenner and Justin Semonsen
Judy Nowak by Irina Shamilova
Vanessa Oseroff and Stacy Meronoff
Marsha Reuther and Brett Heward
Annette and Jay Rodriguez
Michelle Rubin-Onur and Tarik Onur
Ann Spira and Ted Rosenberg
Tiffany Tassano and Joseph Shumate
In memory of:
Rebecca Newman by Helene and Allan Ziman
Judy Nowak by Irina Shamilova
Lenn Raskin by Helene and Allan Ziman
Beck Rubin by Neal Rubin
Jeanette Rubin by Helene and Allan Ziman
Nathan Rubin by Neal Rubin
Toby Rubin by Neal Rubin
William Rubin by Neal Rubin
Matt Strauss by Helene and Allan Ziman
Marilyn Tishkoff by Gail Wurtz
LEE AND FRANK GOLDBERG FAMILY RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
In memory of:
Myer Kurnow by Michael and Ava Kurnow
Rebecca Newman by Suzi and Berni Feldman, Lee Goldberg, Rita and David Priver
ADOPT-A-SOLDIER FUND
Contribution by:
Svetlana Lambrozo
Michelle McGrath
In appreciation of:
High Holy Day streaming services by Donna Michaelson
ADULT EDUCATION
Contribution by:
Marcia Choy Lane
In memory of:
Milt Kodmur by Joan and Arnold Gass
CAMPERSHIP FUND
In memory of:
Betty Samit by Robin Samit
Cynthia Stiller by Myra and Arthur Perlis
CARING COMMUNITY
Contribution by:
Edward and Linda Janon
Ava and Michael Kurnow
Karen and Brad Shuman
In appreciation of:
Caring Community and mish bags by Barbara Goldman and Howard Katz
Diana Hahn’s 100th birthday by Deborah Horowitz and Paul Nierman
High Holy Day services by Katharine Archer
Katey Lindley and all that she does for the Caring Community by Joani and Steve Gross
Julie Potiker’s dedication and generosity as their capable, soothing, and sometimes fun and wacky weekly CBI Mindfulness guide by Roni Breite and Maurice Pessot
Julie Potiker’s wonderful meditation leadership by Shari Ressel
Rabbi Jonathan Stein by Jerry Gold and Ken Knara
In memory of:
Robert “Bobby” Gruder by Jackie Cohen, Terry and Mel Drucker, Lois Jacobs, Vivian Rich
Arnie Fine by Ronni and Eric Udoff
Nadine Finkel by Margaret Katleman
Rebecca Newman by Suzanne and Paul Schulman, Robin Weiner
Abram Price by Janet Price Silverstein
Sadie Stern by Martin Stern
HUNGER PROJECT
Contribution by:
Nancy and Dean Abelon, Nancy and David Amiel, Anonymous, Linda and David Bachrach, Renee Barnow, Alma and Jan Bejar, Deborah and Isaac Bejar, Lawrence & Judith Belinsky Family Fund, Julie and Paul Benjamin, Ellen Benkle, Vicky Bergman, Bev and Len Bernstein, Jane and TJ Best, Cassi and Dean Birnbaum Family Fund, Sylvia and Bruce Blechman, Joyce and Bob Blumberg, Diane and Norm Blumenthal, Shirley and Willie Burger, Deborah and Daniel Carnick, Jacqui and Jim Carr, Cecilia Carrick and Stanley Nadel, Ann and Alan Chaitin, Joan and Lou Chesner, Barbara and Rick Cohen, Elizabeth Cohen and Mike Iasparro, Philip Cohen, Debbie and Bob Davis, Nancy and Steve Deutsch, Shelley Druskin, Julie and Mitchell Dubick, Ellen and Larry Edwards, Lois and Martin Ehrlich, Margo Engelstein, Amy and Steven Epner, Phyllis and Daniel Epstein & family, Norma and Richard Erth, David Eskow, Gregory Feldman, Susie and Bernie Feldman, Carly and Brett Feuerstein, Diane and Elliot Feuerstein Fund, Jessica and Robert Fink, Madeline and Steve Flaster, Rebecca and Brian Freiwald, Jan and Edward Friedman, Melissa Garfield Bartell and Michael Bartell, Kathryn and Andrew Garman, Gwen and Corey Gass, Barbara
Gellman, Gail Geller and Gary Topple, Marla and Gordon Gerson, Marcia and Matt Gettinger, Joanne and Ken Gimbel, Andrea Ginsberg, Amiram Givon, Andrea and Russ Gold, Linda and Jerry Goldberg, Judy Goldman, Lisa and Matt Goldberg, Lee Goldberg and family, Zelanna Goldberg, Rachel and Ryan Goldenhar, Lori Good and Martin Thurston, Robin and Daniel Gordon, Judy and Hal Grant, Jackie and Sid Greenbaum, Jean and Martin Greenberg, Ilene Gruder, Ellen and Herbert Hafter, Judith Hahn, John Haimsohn, Julie and Howard Haimsohn, Merril and Robert Haimsohn, Shirley Haimsohn, Stacy and Jonathan Halberg, Dara Haldane-Lindley, Pamela and Walter Hanig, Joan and Jeffrey Harris, Karen Hartz and Jan Adler, Betsy and Richard Haubrich, Herb and Joanne Hein, Michael Heinzman, Lisa and Charles Helsel, Roxanne Hersh, Stanley and Pamela Herskovitz, Susan and Howard Hian, Tracy and Gary Hirschfeld, Nancy Hurwitz and Ken Rose, Sharon Hyman, Irene and Alfredo Jalowayski, Ellen and Adam Kahn, Sharon Kalkoske, Julia Karagodin, Margaret Katleman and Richard Perlman, Alyse and David Kirschen, Ruth Klampert, Joy Koda and Jonathan Rosen, Cynthia and Michael Kohn, Jill and Marty Koller, Leonard Kornreich, Lawrence Krause, Judith and Henry Krumholz, Ava and, Michael Kurnow, Joan Kutner, Renee Lande-O'Malley and Richard O'Malley, Beth Lander, Robin and Joth Layton, Yvonne Lazar, Steven and Heidi Levin, Audrey and Steven Levine, Sandra Levinson, Sandie and Dan Linn, Hollis and Alan Litrownik, Elissa Livingstone, Meg and Jess Mandel, Linda Mandel-Kent and Richard Kent, Jackie and Charles Mann, Marlene Marco, Mary Marshall, Lynn and Michael Maskin, Leslie Mark and Kenneth Gross, Dina Massry and Ken Grudko, Sarah Mesnick, Jessica and Michael Middleton, Estelle Milch, Rhonda Mitchell-Mann and Bennett Mann, Rachel Morris, Nancy and Alan Nevin, Haydee Ojeda-Fournier and Andy Lowy, Linda and Larry Okmin, Jeanette and David Osias, Stacy and Greg Ostrow, Barbara Parker and Geoff Wahl, Janet and John Perlman, Mona and Jeffrey Platt, Adrienne and Richard Prager, Alison and Steven Prager, Allison and Robert Price, Adele Rabin, Evelyn and Ernest Rady Foundation, Vivian Reznik and Andrew Ries, Vivian Rich, Maya and Armin Ridinger, Howard and Carole Robin, Lila Rockstein, Rowan and Robert Rose, Arlene Rosen, Arthur Rosen, Marilynn and Richard Rowen, Cookie and Bill Rubenfeld ,Marjorie and Michael Rubin, Stephanie and Robert Rubin, Robin Rubin, Marla Saltzman-Weiner and David Weiner, Rae Samiljan, Robin Samit, Barbara and Joe Scaglione, Adriana and Paul Schaffer, Miriam Schechter and David Weissman, Mary Ann and George Scher, Lauri and Randy Scherer, Susy Schick, Alec Schiller, Helene and David Schlafman, Susanne and Mark Schlissel, Linda and Allen Schwartz, Janice and Michael Sedloff, Michaele and Sanford Shapiro, Liz Sharp, Lauren and Michael Sherman, Harriet and Alan Shumacher, Sid’s Carpet Barn/Helene and Allan Ziman and family, Elizabeth and Mitchell Siegler, Simone and Todd Sigell, Alexander Silberman, Judith and Howard Silberman, Karen Foster Silberman and Jeff Silberman, Beverly and Howard Silldorf, Karla and Nathan Silver, Beth and Jerry Silverman, Anne and Ronald Simon, Mandie and Michael Sklansky, Nanci and Ron Slayen, Leslie Smith, Jacqueline and Geoffrey Snoyman, Ellen and David Solomon, Sheri and Steven Spector, Carol Spielman-Ewan and Joel Ewan, Susan Spitzer, Susan and Jonathan Stein, Charlene Steinhauer, Karen and Richard Stern, Sabine and Neil Stern, Debra and Heidi Stern-Ellis, Ione and Anthony Stiegler, Leora Suprun, Barbara Thompson, Ronni and Eric Udoff, Kimberly and William Umansky, Jamie and Jeff Vanderwal, Tammy and Louie Vener, Elana Kroll Weinberger and Harold Weinberger, Emily and Maurice Weinger, Richard Weinroth, Cindy and Geoffrey Weinstein, Diane and David Weinstein, Audrey Weiss Wells, Tamara and Thomas Wendoll, Olivia and Martin Winkler, Hedy Witham, Marcia and Donald Wolochow, Gail Wurtz, Roberta and Alex York, Daniel and Stephanie Zelac, Gail Zides, Barbara and Robert Ziering, Joellyn and Ron Zollman
In appreciation of:
Katey Lindley by Amy Weiner
Everyone who made the High Holy Day services so meaningful, musical and special by Roni Breite and Maurice Pessot, Janet Cook, Lillian and Steven Greenhut, Melissa Wall, Amy Weiner, Allyson and Earl Williams
High Holy Day streaming services by Susan, Mark, and Andrew Schlissel
The clergy, staff, choirs, and Tizmoret for a wonderful High Holy Days services by Allyson and Earl Williams
High Holy Day Haftorah honors by Seekey Cacciatore and Cory Briggs
In honor of:
Ricki Block’s 80th birthday by Lynn and Dick Gordon
Bill Connors by Maureen and Leonard Krouner
Barbara Goldman by Bonnie and Barry Graff
Jacob Haberman’s hard work and dedication to Hunger Project by Laura Haberman
Joe Linn’s milestone birthday celebration by Sandie and Dan Linn
The birth of their grandson Isaac Benas Linn by Sandie and Dan Linn
Ethan Nevarez’s marvelous talk on the Hunger Project by Martin Stern
Rabbi Jason Nevarez and family by Rachel Wolf
Julie Potiker by Valerie Leman and Ross Cohen
Sanjai Rao’s big 5-0 by Deborah and Mike Ditter & family
Mary Ann Scher’s special birthday by Lynn and Dick Gordon
Elene Solomon by Esther and Steven Solomon
Her beautiful grandchildren Kate, Lyla, Leo and Max by Lisa Arian-Pollack
In memory of:
Rose Axelrod by Andrew Ries and Vivian Reznik
Allen Banes by Heather Shortreed
Mildred Berson by Joan and Peter Winokur
Irving Berson by Joan and Peter Winokur
David Borack by Jules Borak
Donna Cook by Janet Cook
Bert Epsten by Ellen Epsten Benkle
Nadine Finkel by Sharon Thomas
Irving Goldfarb by Emily and Chris Jennewein, Larry and Marty O’Shell
Jacob Goldstein by Jules Borak
Elizabeth Grab by Michelle Stegmann
Frederick Grab by Michelle Stegmann
Leo Herman by Ronald and David Newell & Elise O’Neil
Ruth Horowitz by Irene Cooper
Max Howard by Heather Shortreed
Irene Jacobs by Heather Shortreed
Jerry Krasne by Martha Krasne
Leon Kutner by Joan and Arnold Gass, Judith and Henry Krumholz, Ronald and David Newell & Elise O’Neil, Martin Stern
Sidney Moskowitz by Rita and Barry Moskowitz
Ruth Moskowitz by Rita and Barry Moskowitz
Martha Newell by Ron Newell
Marlene Newell by Ron Newell, the Newell and O’Neil families
Becky Newman by Hollis and Alan Litrownik
Clara “Babe” Overbach by Seekey Cacciatore and Cory Briggs
Eugene Pechet by Lynn Pechet-Bruser and Michael Bruser
Edward Schulefand by Beth Schulefand
Esther Silver Rakofsky by Sybil and Charles Grossman
Sharon Rogers by Gwen and Corey Gass
Bruce Smith by Leslie Smith
LaVerne Stern by Martin Stern
Hannah Sternfeld by Hedy Witham
Charles Anderson Stokes by Jeff Stokes and Bonnie Spector
Stephanie Sussman by Ron Newell
Idelle Weissenberg by Barbara and Paul Insel
Jessie S. Winokur by Peter and Joan Winokur
Alex Wurtz by David Golokow and Sara Maltzman, Gail Wurtz and family
Danny Zides by Gwen and Corey Gass
ISRAEL ENGAGEMENT NETWORK
In honor of:
High Holy Days by Stacie and Leonard Jablon
In memory of:
Al Alexander by Norma Alexander
Esther Alexander by Norma Alexander
Sid Alexander by Normal Alexander
Irv Goldfard by Denise and Chuck Noparstak
Irving L. Miller by Jorrie Miller and Jay Berkowitz
Jade Lee Minkin by David Minkin
Alfred Salzman by Marcia Weinberg
Irene Salzman by Marcia Weinberg
Jay Weinberg by Marcia Weinberg
ONEG SHABBAT/KIDDUSH
Contribution by:
Anonymous
Sydney Serwin
In honor of:
Joe Rivera by Doreen and Marvin Estrin
SOCIAL ACTION
In memory of:
Nadine Finkel by Deborah Horowitz and Paul Nierman, Ruth Romanoff
Rebecca Newman by Nancy and Don Sandweiss
Star Slipock by Nancy and Don Sandweiss
TORAH STUDY AND MINYAN
In honor of:
Leonard Kornreich’s special birthday by Eydie and Richard Kornberg
The wonderful kehilla of Torah Study and Minyan by Roni Breite and Maurice Pessot
In memory of:
Chuck Kantor by Janice Alper
Charlotte Horowitz by Gordon Glenn
Sheila Lieberman by Janice Alper
Gert Pearlstein by Janice Alper
Lali Ray by Janice Alper
Harry Tennebaum by Michael Heinzman
AUXILIARIES
MEN’S CLUB
Contribution by:
Nancy and Dean Abelon, Robert Blumberg, Steffi and Allan Bokser, Barbara and Richard Cohen, Irene Cooper, Risa and Richard Cosand, Mardelle and Jeffrey Davis, Debbie and Steve Dresner, Norma and Richard Erth, Stanley Fader, Jean Feinstein, Madeline and Stephen Flaster, Judy Friedman, Louis Galper, Gail Geller and Gary Topple, Francine and Phillip Ginsburg, Lee Goldberg, Jeff Gross, Michael Heinzman, Ellen and Herbert Hafter, Joan and Jeff Harris, Tracy and Gary Hirschfeld, Steven Horowitz, Brian Ilfeld, Linda and Edward Janon, Jan and Irv Kass, Larry Krause, Ava and Michael Kurnow, Joan and Leon Kutner, Steve Laufer, Robin and Joth Layton, Audrey and Steven Levine, Marsha and Herbert Lubick, Lynn and Michael Maskin, Judy Metz, Jorrie Miller and Kay Berkowitz, Linda and Larry Okmin, Barbara Parker and Geoff Wahl, Charles Perrin, Evelyn and Ernest Rady, Lynn Sampson, Marjorie and Sandford Schane, Helene and David Schlafman, Janice and Jay Shuffman, Karen and Brad Shuman, Elizabeth and Mitchell Siegler, Beverly and Howard Silldorf, Anne and Ronald Simon, Penny Franks Spector, Kayleigh and Tyler Slavin, Susan and Jonathan Stein, Karen and Richard Stern, Martin Stern, Ronni and Eric Udoff, John Urey, Cathy Babin Weil and Jamie Babin, Richard Weinroth, Michael Woods, Min Zheng
In honor of:
The birth of their grandson Archer by Ellen and Larry Edwards
In memory of:
Ernie Abbit by Louis Galper
Carol Cowan by Karen Coleman
Charles Scharnikow by Bennett Weinbaum
Sydney L. Spector by Penny Franks Spector
MEN’S CLUB YOM HASHOAH
Contribution by:
Brian Ilfeld
In memory of:
Robert Ragsdale by Michael Heinzman
Contribution by:
Candace Berkman, Kaylee and Daniel Brogadir, Stacey Coleman and Michael Chasin, Debbie and Steve Dresner, Norma and Richard Erth, Sue and Jackie Geller, Joanne and Kenneth Gimbel, Caron Golden, Nina Goldstein, Nancy and Joe Gordon, Bonnie and Barry Graff, Joan and Steven Gross, Judith Hahn, Betsy and Richard Haubrich, Joanne and Herb Hein, Emily and Chris Jennewein, Alyse and David Kirschen, Heidi and Stuart Krantz, Su-Yen and David Kuhn, Kathy and Michael Leavenworth, Heidi and Steven Levin, Elissa Livingstone, Leslye and Scott Lyons, Meg and Jess Mandel, Ann Mound, Linda and Larry Okmin, Janet and John Perlman, Vivian Rich, Lynn Sampson, Janice and Jay Schuffman, Giselle and Michael Sloan, Susan and Jonathan Stein, Diane and Buddy Voit, Tamara and Thomas Wendoll, Dorit Yates and Scott Herman, Nurit Yehushua
In honor of:
The marriage of David and Britt by Joan and Steven Gross
The birth of Ellen and Larry Edward’s grandson Archer by Joan and Steven Gross
In memory of:
Margie Chapin by Ronni and Eric Udoff
Carol Cowan by Karen Coleman
Esther Hayman by Joani and Steve Gross
Michael Hayman by Joani and Steve Gross
GENERAL AND NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDS
BETH ISRAEL ENDOWMENT FUND
In honor of:
Jan Kass by Susan and Jonathan Stein
In memory of:
Penny Kassar by Elizabeth and Mitch Siegler
Rebecca Newman by Elizabeth and Mitch Siegler, Susan and Jonathan Stein
Matt Strauss by Elizabeth and Mitch Siegler
CHARLOTTE HAIMSOHN CAMPERSHIP FUND
In memory of:
John Suhrke by Merrill and Robert Haimsohn
LIVINGSTONE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of:
Saul Livingstone by Richard Perlman
Patricia Perlman by Richard Perlman
Rubin Perlman by Richard Perlman
Jacob Tishkoff by Gail Wurtz and family
SHEARN & LINDA PLATT YOUTH TO ISRAEL FUND
In memory of:
Becky Newman by Linda Platt
Anne Platt by Linda Platt
Delmer Platt by Linda Platt
Ann Shultz by Linda Platt
Herbert Shultz by Linda Platt
Matt Strauss by Linda Platt
DONA SHENKMAN CAMPERSHIP FUND
In memory of:
Hayiim Moshe by Genine Orah Rainbeau-Heart
Henry M Shenkman by Genine Orah Rainbeau-Heart
HERBERT J. SOLOMON RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of:
Elene Solomon by Esther and Steve Solomon
Ethel Solomon by Herbert Solomon
LOUIS & LEE TEMKIN HUNGER PROJECT MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Leah Temkin by Bev and Len Bernstein, Rita and Rabbi Hillel Cohn
MEMORIAL AND NAMED SPECIAL FUNDS
RABBI BERNSTEIN CANTOR EMERITA’S ISRAEL TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Contribution by:
Mayla Wingard and Louis Rosen
In appreciation of:
Rabbi Bernstein’s blessing of Courtney and Evan’s marriage by Merle and Mitchell Brodie
In memory of:
Mary Catherine Grant by Netanya and Karl Cranford
DIANA FISCHER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Carol Fischer Zale Goodman by Susan Zale
BONNIE GRAFF SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE FUND
In memory of:
Edith Friedman Horwitz by Deborah Horwitz and Paul Nierman
Rebecca Newman by Bonnie and Barry Graff
HAUBENSTOCK-NEVAREZ FUND TO COMBAT ANTISEMITISM
Contribution by:
Linda and Edward Janon
Myla Wingard and Louis Rosen
KENTON-KLEINBERG FUND FOR THE NEEDY
In memory of:
Louis Schwartz by Linda and Allen Schwartz and family
MONTE KOBEY PRESCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Monte Kobey by Charlotte Kobey, Kimberly Pretto
Charles J. Pretto by Kimberly Pretto
JACOB NOVAK MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Norman Rubin by Alan and Harriet Shumacher
LILLIAN NOVAK MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Sarah Silverman by Harriet and Alan Shumacher
CINDY POLGER’S COLLEGE CREW FUND
In memory of:
Becky Newman by Leslye and Scott Lyons
HELENE SCHLAFMAN MADRICHIM FUND
In honor of:
Max Kretzer’s B'nei Mitzvah by Helene and David Schlafman
In memory of:
Nadine Finkel by Helene and David Schlafman
Becky Newman by Helene and David Schlafman
Sarah Shur by Helene and David Schlafman
STACEY WOLF HUNGER PROJECT MEMORIAL FUND
Contribution by:
Stacey Wolf z”l
In memory of:
Stacey Wolf by John Blanchard, Paula Blesh, Susan Briggeman, Marissa and Michael Fuss, Elisa and Larry Gerston, Marci and Joel Gerston, Bev and Steve Levin, Cloe and David Levin, Rita Nissman, Brenda and Joel Shear, Myla Wingard and Louis Rosen, Melanie and Jason Rothman
MEMBERSHIP ENHANCEMENT
Contribution by:
Anne and Herb Arnold, Eileen Glasser-Wesley and Mark Wesley, Cecile Jordan, Bella Veitzman, Susan and Paul Zlotnik










The Beth Israel Quarterly is published Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer by Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego
9001 Towne Centre Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
Voice: 858 535-1111
Fax: 858 900-2501
Bill & Sid Rubin Preschool 858 900-2530
Lee & Frank Goldberg Family Religious School 858 900-2550 www.cbisd.org / cbi@cbisd.org
Senior Rabbi Jason Nevarez
Rabbi Arlene Bernstein, Cantor Emerita
Rabbi Cantor Jeremy Gimbel
Assistant Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch
Executive Director Lesley Mills
President John Lefter


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Friday, March 14, 2025 @ 6:15 pm Erev Shabbat Services & Purim Spiel Sunday, March 16, 2025 @ 10:30 am - 1:00 pm Purim Carnival THE