NEW MEMBERS! WELCOME

Julie and Sam Shulman

Julie and Sam Shulman, along with their adorable 5-month-old daughter named Norah, are thrilled to become part of the Beth Israel community. Residing in the vibrant UTC area, just a stone's throw away from Beth Israel, they are eager to connect with other families and engage in various community events. Embracing an active lifestyle, the Shulmans relish the outdoors and frequently embark on refreshing walks. When they are not exploring nature, they find solace in the kitchen, indulging in their shared passion for cooking. One intriguing fact about them is that they exchanged their vows at a beautiful castle in 2021, adding a touch of enchantment to their love story. Their initial experiences with Beth Israel have left a lasting impression as they were warmly welcomed by the community. Having attended outdoor services in the past, Julie and Sam were captivated by the sense of belonging they felt. With their proximity to the synagogue and their daughter set to start at the esteemed Bill and Sid Rubin Infant Center, they decided it was the perfect time to formally join Beth Israel. Additionally, they are excited to celebrate Norah's baby naming ceremony within the supportive embrace of the congregation. The Shulmans are grateful for the opportunity to embark on this meaningful journey with Beth Israel and eagerly anticipate the friendships and memories that await them.

Adam, Natalie, Eloise and Aaron Sinkoff

Adam Sinkoff, together with his wife Natalie and their two adorable children, Eloise (2 years old) and Aaron (1 year old), are delighted to embark on their journey as members of the Beth Israel community. Residing in the vibrant University City, the Sinkoff family is eager to actively engage in the offerings of Beth Israel. With a deep passion for travel, Natalie, who is a flight attendant, brings a unique perspective to their family dynamic. An interesting tidbit about them is that Aaron carries the name of his beloved greatgrandfather, honoring their family heritage. One aspect that has already captured their hearts is the Young Family Shabbat, an inclusive and engaging program that resonates with their family values. This enchanting experience led them to choose Beth Israel as their spiritual home. The Sinkoff family is thrilled to have found a warm and welcoming community that will undoubtedly enrich their lives and provide a nurturing environment for their children to grow and thrive.

Nicole, Eric and Asher Blumenfeld

Nicole, Eric, and their adorable son Asher are excited to join the vibrant Beth Israel community. Hailing from Chicago, they have called San Diego home for nearly a decade. Residing in the Clairemont area, the Blumenfelds are eager to connect with other families who have children of similar ages. They are looking forward to participating in various community events, including joyous Shabbat dinners and engaging social programs. As Asher is enrolled in the esteemed infant care program at the Bill and Sid preschool, they hope to explore additional opportunities that align with their growing family. Outside of their involvement at Beth Israel, Eric's passion for music shines through his talent as a piano player, performing as one of the dueling piano players at the Shout House in the Gaslamp. Nicole has discovered a love for plants and enjoys creating beautiful succulent arrangements. Adding a touch of charm to their household, they have two lovable long-haired dachshunds. The warm and welcoming nature of the Beth Israel community has already left a lasting impression on the Blumenfelds. From the friendly people they've met to the immediate sense of belonging, they are grateful for the warm embrace they have experienced. Their decision to become members of Beth Israel stems from a desire to provide Asher with a nurturing community as he grows up while also seeking opportunities to expand their social circles. The Blumenfeld family is eager to become more engaged in the community and is grateful for the opportunity to embark on this new chapter of their lives with Beth Israel.

Linda Abarbanell

Linda Abarbanell, a professor of psychology at SDSU, is excited to join the Beth Israel community to connect with others and deepen her understanding of Judaism. Residing in Banker's Hill, Linda's passions extend beyond academia. She conducts captivating fieldwork along the US-Mexico border and in a Mayan community, speaks multiple languages, and engages in activities like running, playing musical instruments, and creating textile art. She cares deeply about environmental and human rights issues. Linda discovered Beth Israel during the pandemic, attended online High Holiday services, and was drawn in by engaging Torah study sessions. She quickly felt part of a valued community, prompting her to become a member and support its growth.

Heather Ray

Heather Ray, a San Diego native, is thrilled to be part of the vibrant Beth Israel community. As a proud auntie to three adorable nieces and the daughter of Dr. Albert Ray, a long-standing figure at Beth Israel, Heather is deeply rooted in her Jewish heritage. Living in the Marina District, she looks forward to engaging in meaningful experiences within the Beth Israel community, including classes, holiday celebrations, and text study. Heather's passions lie in the arts, with a profound appreciation for creating and experiencing various forms of art. She is a self-proclaimed foodie who frequents the Little Italy Farmers Market and loves exploring hidden culinary gems. Additionally, she enjoys leisurely walks, soaking in the sights of the beautiful city. Heather has a strong connection to Beth Israel, having celebrated her Bat Mitzvah there and sharing fond memories of Rabbi Stein 2.0 during her time at Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York City. One aspect she already loves about Beth Israel is its rich history and esteemed reputation as a respected congregation in San Diego and beyond. Heather's decision to become a member stems from her profound connection to Rabbi Nevarez's leadership and teachings, reminiscent of the bond she formed with Rabbi Strom, a close friend from her past. Grateful for the warm welcome back into this vibrant and dynamic cultural epicenter, Heather is honored to be part of the Beth Israel community once again.

Tom and Dorcey Rose

Tom and Dorcey Rose, an adventurous couple driven by their love for their Jewish heritage, recently relocated to La Jolla Village in January 2023. Formerly residing in Annapolis, they have a strong connection to their daughter Hannah, son-in-law Stephen, and grandchildren Irene and Isaiah, who still live near their previous hometown. Meanwhile, their son Aaron and his girlfriend Neung have made their home in Bangkok, where Aaron teaches English. In their new coastal setting, Dorcey finds joy in swimming at the nearby Coggan Pool, while Tom indulges in his passion for rowing at the San Diego Rowing Club. Together, they embrace the beauty of their surroundings, taking leisurely walks along the Ocean Walk and exploring the city on electric bikes. As retired professionals, Tom brings his expertise as a sociology professor, while Dorcey draws from her experience as a former psychotherapist in private practice. Both share a keen interest in Jewish Genealogy. Their love for Beth Israel began with engaging Torah Study sessions, which seamlessly transitioned to online platforms. Presently, they eagerly participate in Friday night services, captivated by the soul-stirring melodies that resonate within their hearts. Tom and Dorcey Rose have discovered a renewed sense of belonging within the warm embrace of Beth Israel as they embark on this new chapter in La Jolla Village.

Dr. Alfredo Jalowayski and Irene Jalowayski

Dr. Alfredo Jalowayski and Irene Jalowayski have joyfully returned to Beth Israel. Dr. Jalowayski, a retired pulmonary physiologist, and Irene, a former speech pathologist, are delighted to be back in San Diego, residing at Pacific Regent condominiums. They have already engaged in the Saturday morning minyan and are eager to participate in activities such as the adult choir and caring committee. Irene's passion for glass artistry continues, and Al's photography documents their travels and family history. With two children and five grandchildren, they cherish their connections. Dr. Alfredo Jalowayski and Irene Jalowayski are grateful members of Beth Israel.

Matthew, Heather and Finnley Eisenberg

Matthew and Heather Eisenberg, along with their son Finnley and adorable mini Goldendoodle Ollie, are thrilled to be part of the Beth Israel community. Residing in UTC/La Jolla, they are eager to engage in activities geared towards young families and attend Tot Shabbat. Their passions include sailing, beach outings, hiking, playground adventures, and culinary delights. An interesting fact about their family is that Matthew jokingly predicted that their first child would have to be a boy to carry on the Eisenberg name, and Finnley fulfilled that prophecy. One thing they already love about Beth Israel is the strong sense of community, as when dropping Finnley off, it feels like leaving him with an extended family. They became members in order to join and explore the Jewish faith and are excited to make new connections and forge lasting friendships.

Daniel, Veronica, Natalia and Mikel Poplawsky

Daniel Poplawsky, along with his wife Veronica and their children Natalia and Mikel, are excited to join the Beth Israel community. Daniel specializes in product development and manufacturing in China and also works as a consultant for sustainable socio-environmental projects. Veronica is a specialized economic consultant with expertise in the energy sector. Their family has diverse interests including martial arts, sports, painting, and music. They love the musical aspect of the Shabbat service and the sense of community at Beth Israel. As new residents of San Diego, they are eager to be part of the Jewish community, share Jewish values, and expand their social circle.

Lisa Rothstein Goldberg, Rachel, Molly and Matt Goldberg

Lisa Rothstein Goldberg and Matt Goldberg, along with their daughters Rachel and Molly, recently moved from Louisville, KY, to Tierrasanta in San Diego. They are thrilled to be part of the Beth Israel community, seeking an active Jewish community with excellent learning and social opportunities for all ages. Their girls love religious school, reflecting the positive experiences they've had so far. Lisa is a rabbinical student interning at Hillel of San Diego, while Matt works for Jewish Federation. They are passionate about building a welcoming Jewish community, enjoy watching shows like Succession and Ted Lasso, and share a love for Jeopardy. The warm and friendly atmosphere, reminiscent of the synagogue Lisa grew up with, made them feel at home at Beth Israel. They look forward to becoming more involved in various activities and organizations within the congregation.

Other new or returning members:

Linda Abarbanell

Sarah Austin & Zack Austin

Rebecca Baird

Liat Beer & Daniel Beer

Nicole Blumenfeld & Eric Blumenfeld

Nesabel Dumon-Carreno & Mark Carreno

Becky Cohen & David Cohen

Jayme Copans & Michael Copans

Sandra Degulis

Heather Eisenberg & Matthew Eisenberg

Tamara Fisher & Bradley Fisher

Linda Frabl & Mark Frabl

Julie Gordon

Irene Jalowayski & Alfredo Jalowayski

Janet Murray & William Murray

Roxanne Neems & Peter Neems

Irina Poliak & Gil Poliak

Veronica Irastorza Poplawsky & Daniel Poplawsky

Heather Ray

Roberta Rivera & Joe Rivera

Dorcey Rose & Tom Rose

Ilyssa Rosenbaum & Joshua Rosenbaum

Maya Ruttenberg & Steve Ruttenberg

Amy Shaffer

Julie Shulman & Sam Shulman

Natalie Sinkoff & Adam Sinkoff

Diana Stern & Ethan Stern

Shir Nyul & Lior Yarkoni

Amanda Young-Greenwald & Bill Young-Greenwald