1025 Lchaim digital by L'Chaim San Diego Magazine

la jolla art & wine festival

PUBLISHERS

Diane Benaroya & Laurie Miller

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Alanna Maya

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Laurie Miller

CONTRIBUTORS

Barbara Birenbaum, Franklin Felber, Donald H. Harrison, Jacob Kamaras, Stephanie D. Gittleman, Salomon Maya, Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh, Mimi Pollack, Rachel Stern, Eva Trieger, Deborah Vietor, Cheri Weiss

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Diane Benaroya: dianeb@lchaimmagazine.com

SAN DIEGO, LLC (858) 776-0550 P.O. Box 27876, San Diego, CA 92198

EDITORIAL editor@lchaimmagazine.com ADVERTISING dianeb@lchaimmagazine.com

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Published in San Diego, CA • www.lchaimmagazine.com

prayers & passages

V'ZOT HA'BRACHA (THIS IS THE BLESSING)

Out of the thousands of photos I have stored on my phone, there is one of my then-teenage daughter, Emma, that has always been particularly precious to me. It was taken during the evening celebration of Simchat Torah (The Joy of Torah), the holiday which immediately follows Sukkot (Festival of Booths). Simchat Torah is an especially joyful celebration in most congregations, with people dancing in seven hakafot (circular processionals) while singing and taking turns holding the Torah scrolls. In Israel, and in some larger Jewish communities, Simchat Torah celebrations can be so massive that they pour out into the streets.

After the hakafot, it is customary in many congregations for people to spread out into a large circle with each person gently holding the edges of a fully unrolled Torah scroll, sharing in the responsibility for keeping it aloft. The final Torah portion, V’zot Ha’Bracha (This is the Blessing) is then read from the Book of Deuteronomy. In this parsha, Moses gives the Israelites his final blessing, reminding them

that the Torah is their gift from the Divine. It is their inheritance and serves to unite them now and in the future. Then, at age 120, Moses, the greatest leader the Jewish people have ever known, leaves them, passing the mantle of leadership to his successor, Joshua Ben Nun. The exact location of Moses’ death is unknown other than he died on Mt. Nebo in the land of Moab.

Yet on Simchat Torah, we do not end our Torah reading here. Instead, we go immediately back to the very beginning and read from the first chapter in the Book of Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth …” . The Torah-reading cycle begins anew in the first month of our liturgical calendar. With each passing week, once again we will have the opportunity to revisit the shared early historical narrative of our people – the drama, the passion, the highs and the lows – that draws us together as Jews.

Simchat Torah symbolizes the centrality of Torah in our Jewish lives, marked by joy and gratitude. Throughout our life’s journey, we

can turn to our Torah for guidance, wisdom, and insight. It offers an ethical roadmap for us as individuals and as a collective people. We may pose questions, but it is up to each of us to search for the answers within the Torah and in our other scriptures and sacred teachings. I encourage you to take the time to see what gems you can glean from the rich tapestry of our complicated heritage.

In my cherished Simchat Torah photo, Emma is holding the Torah as part of the congregation’s celebration. Her face is lit up with the kind of joyful radiance that I’m sure every parent would wish their child could hold onto forever. I keep that memory in my heart, and I hope she does as well. Wishing you a joyful and inspiring Simchat Torah.

Chag sameach!

RABBI-CANTOR CHERI WEISS IS AN INDEPENDENT LIFE-CYCLES OFFICIANT. LEARN MORE AT WWW.SANDIEGO-RABBI.COM

mazel

& mishagoss

A FESTIVE OCT. 31 WITH A JEWISH TWIST

When my children got tired of hearing they didn’t need Halloween because they had Purim, I knew I had to get more creative. They complained other kids got pillowcases filled with Kit-Kats and Reese’s but when Purim rolled around, they only got Hamantaschen (which I told them was spooky because it looked like chocolate filling but when you bit into it, you discovered it was really prunes in disguise) booooooo! One fateful Oct. 31, I put my son in a bathrobe, sandals, gave him a walking stick and let him answer the door as Moses handing out copies of his Bar Mitzvah speech rolled up and tied with orange and black ribbon. The next year I dressed him up as a “Well-Rounded Résumé." And the following year, as my second cousin “Bernie the Attorney.” Needless to say, our house has been boycotted by trick-or-treaters ever since. That’s how I decided to invent “Challahween” as an option for Jewish people who feel neglected on this particular holiday. Everyone dresses up as famous Jews from more recent history such as Albert Einstein (just mess up your hair) Golda Meir (grasping 10 lb. dumbbells so everyone recognizes you as the Iron Lady of Israel) Barbara Streisand (hold an umbrella so nobody rains on your parade) or alternatively, if you want to be extra terrifying—go as my grandma dressed in her housedress and a pair of sensible orthopedic shoes, while brandishing a wooden soup spoon. Yikes! Instead of carving pumpkins, we’ll etch happy faces in potatoes to display

on our front porch, showcasing the lucky spuds who don’t have to get grated into poor latkes in December. If we knock on doors, we’ll shout, “Torah or Treat!” and watch homeowners’ expressions as we hide behind a burning bush on their front lawn, reenacting the parting of the Red Sea.

I also plan to turn our home into a haunted mansion. Instead of jack-o-lanterns lining the walkway there’ll be sesame bagels, scary because seeds get stuck in your teeth. Our mezuzah will have a motion sensor that shouts menacingly, “Close the door…you’re letting out all the heat!” The fog machine will be my chicken soup simmering for 12 hrs next to chopped liver set out invitingly in a bowl for “edible guts.” Once inside, there will be a “Guilt Maze” where neighbors can wander room to room in the dark as Jewish mothers pop out yelling, “That’s what you’re wearing?” and “What are you doing with your life?” and “Do you know how much sodium is in that?” Everyone will emerge trembling!

Here are some other featured activities held in my guest bedrooms:

1. Bobbing for apples…and honey!

2. A kvetching booth! (Complain all the kids trampled your flower beds or you bought the 20-lb bag of Costco candy but only two people knocked and they were rude teenagers!)

3. A candy station where you package raisins, dates, and almonds in mini M&M

bags, staple it shut and then pretend.

4. Ghost stories will be told! (Tale of the woman who bought retail without a coupon. The horror of a nice Jewish boy marrying someone who doesn’t eat lox because it’s slimy! The legend of the Empty Refrigerator on a Friday Night…spine-chilling!)

5. A Parade of Disappointment (“Marching on the left is my son the doctor, nope, the accountant, uh…wrong! It’s just my son, the life-coach. Such a waste of tuition!”)

6. The Ghost of Bar Mitzvah Past (still can’t read the Haftorah portion??) and in a secret walk-in closet will be a cantor warming up his voice for all eternity. Eeeeeeek!

And of course no Challahween could be complete without an Oy Vey Talent Show Night. Therefore we will feature:

1. The Mashugunah Quartet singing about lactose intolerance to the tune of Hava Nagila.

2. A dramatic reading of the side-effects of cholesterol lowering medication.

3. Bubbe’s 22-minute reenactment of the time she got a blouse for half-off at Macy’s! All this fun and admission will be 100% free! But as you exit, naturally I’ll remind you how much it would’ve cost if we charged!

STEPHANIE D. GITTLEMAN WILL INJECT HUMOR INTO ANYTHING YOU HIRE HER TO WRITE. EMAIL HER AT THEQUOTEGAL@YAHOO.COM.

Miss World Influencer 2025 Ayelet Raymond.

1000 WORDS

KOSHER BARBIE: MISS WORLD INFLUENCER 2025 AYELET RAYMOND

Raised in a Hasidic home in Jerusalem, Ayelet Raymond was taught that women’s beauty should be concealed “like a precious diamond kept inside its box.”

Life, she explained, centered on good deeds and prayer, with no exposure to television or fashion. “Pageants were foreign to me—I never imagined stepping on a stage,” she said.

Raymond was recently crowned Miss World Influencer 2025, competing against contestants from 71 countries. She described the pageant as an “incredible experience” spanning five days, with intense photoshoots that formed part of the scoring process and ultimately led to her victory.

“It really projects who you are, and I think it’s a big deal for the Jewish people,” she said, noting that pro-Israel Instagram accounts are often blocked or suspended. “For me to stand out among so many influencers as an Israeli is really a big deal.”

Her self-designed “Jerusalem of Gold” costume—featuring a golden Menorah, a large Star of David and olive leaves—left a lasting impression on the judges.

“I’m proud to show my Jewish identity on a global stage,” she said. “The golden Menorah represents our eternal connection to the Holy Temple, and my faith that one day the Third Temple will be built. The olive leaves honor the timeless Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, where Israelis and rabbis are buried, and the big golden Star of David shines as a symbol of devotion to my faith.”

Growing up in a Hasidic community, Raymond noted, she did not receive a secular education and attended a very different school system than secular Israelis. “We were never allowed to go to university, we couldn’t talk to men or socialize with the outside world. The ultimate goal was to get married, have kids and be a housewife—the highest mission for a woman,” she said.

In her twenties, Raymond moved to New York to study at the New York Film Academy, which marked a turning point.

Prior to her move, Raymond produced children’s films that adhered to rabbinical guidelines, including A Sweet Moment, a film about a

Jewish boy who ate too much candy, was sent to the dentist, and was told he could eat as much candy as he wanted—but only one day a week.

“How it relates to the Torah is that there is a special blessing for eating food on Shabbat. So I connected eating candy with Shabbat, but without forcing religion on children. There is no reason to force religion—do it the way you like, enjoy it. I found a way of showing that religion and ambition can go hand in hand,” she said.

Her creativity and love of performance also led her to produce Hasidic musical shows, composing, writing songs and choreographing productions that featured 50 girls on stage.

Raymond stressed that she still maintains close ties with the Hasidic world. Her decision to step away, she explained, was not due to questioning Torah or losing faith but to pursue higher education and a career. “I love the Torah and the Jewish tradition. That’s what made me who I am, all these values. It gave me double power—knowing the religious world and the secular one. I have both perspectives, especially in the United States, working with different communities. I understand the modern world and the spiritual world,” she said.

Raymond, who goes by the nickname “Kosher Barbie,” explained how the concept first came to her. After moving from Israel to the United States, people often struggled to pronounce her name. “Once, at the New York Film Academy in a ballet class, the teacher looked at me and said I looked like Barbie. The name stuck,” she recalled.

Though she had no background in pageants, Raymond competed in Miss Universe Israel 2024 and holds the title of Miss Netanya 2024. She has since used her platform to advocate for Israel—a mission she says will take on new significance now that she has been crowned Miss World Influencer 2025.

“Miss World Influencer is the most valuable and modernized title in the global pageant industry today,” she said. “It represents more than recognition—it reflects global relevance, impact and the power of influence in the modern world.”

She described the title as a responsibility. “This is a responsibility

"This is a responsibility for me to influence others and inspire them to embrace who they are. It has given me the opportunity to bring attention to issues close to my heart."

for me to influence others and inspire them to embrace who they are. It has given me the opportunity to bring attention to issues close to my heart, such as Jewish identity, women’s empowerment, and supporting those raised with strong Jewish values but also restrictions, who want to fulfill their dreams,” she said.

Raymond said much of her impact comes through meetings with community leaders, including the archbishop of Miami, government officials and federal judges, as well as capturing key moments such as the first meeting of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff with hostage families in Miami.

She also marches weekly in Central Park with hostage families and works to engage others in their cause.

“I walk with the Kosher Barbie dress in New York City, connecting

with people on a personal level,” she said. “Muslim kids run toward me asking for pictures. People look at me almost as if I were a Disney princess. I bring a smile to people’s faces.”

Although she faces backlash on Instagram, where critics have labeled her “genocide Barbie,” Raymond said she chooses love over hate. She avoids arguments, she explained, instead responding with blessings for Israel.

She added that her broader mission is to inspire people of all religions, showing that faith does not have to limit them but can elevate them.

“Believe in yourself and follow your dreams,” she said. “Find one thing you like to do and be the best at it.”

SINGING & SHARING

a variety of traditional Jewish music

We welcome new members!

Email Rita for more info: rheller8@gmail.com

TEST YOUR JEWISH IQTM

1. Which Jew created the Barbie doll, co-founded Mattel, and was portrayed in the 2023 movie, Barbie, as Barbie’s spiritual guide?

a. Marcia Mattel

6. What is the meaning of this insult, “Er iz a shtik fleysh mit tsvey oygn”?

a. A stick figure has more brains.

b. Barbara Klein

c. Ruth Handler

d. Rhea Perlman

2. When Lot’s wife looked backwards at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, what did she become?

a. An iron statue

b. A she-donkey

c. A pillar of salt

d. A burning bush

3. Which of these is not said by the Talmud to be a beneficial effect of eating garlic?

a. It wards off evil spirits

b. It increases a man’s semen and the chance for conception

c. It satiates, warms the body, brightens the face

d. It instills love and eliminates jealousy

4. Known as the “Robin Hood of the Law,” who was the first Jew appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court?

a. Abe Fortas

b. Louis Brandeis

c. Felix Frankfurter

d. Arthur Goldberg

5. The inscription on the Liberty Bell, “Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” is a direct quote from which source?

a. Torah (Five Books of Moses)

b. Proverbs

c. Psalms

d. Talmud

b. He is a piece of meat with two eyes.

c. His shtik is to pretend to be wise.

d. He has much flesh but not much brains.

7. What percentage of Israeli Jews described themselves as either religiously observant or traditional in a 2007 survey?

a. 10%

b. 30%

c. 50%

d. 70%

8. According to the Torah, a Jewish king is prohibited from having an excessive amount of all but which of these?

a. Slaves

b. Horses

c. Wives

d. Silver and gold

9. The Hebrew language is based on a root system of how many consonants?

a. 2

b. 3

c. 4

d. 5

10. How many times as of 2024 has Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U. S. Congress as Prime Minister of Israel?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answers on page 23.

WHEN ART MEETS THE OCEAN BREEZE

LA JOLLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL 2025

Every October, the heart of La Jolla comes alive with color, culture, and community spirit. On Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12, 2025, the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival (LJAWF) returns to downtown La Jolla, transforming the charming coastal village into a world-class celebration of art, fine wine, craft beer, and family fun.

Founded sixteen years ago by Sherry Ahern, the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival has raised and donated more than $1 million to support programming at La Jolla’s five public schools.

This juried festival brings together more than 170 artists from across the United States and Mexico. Their work spans every medium—painting, sculpture, jewelry, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media, and photography—offering something for every taste, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer looking for that perfect piece.

Strolling through the open-air galleries, festivalgoers can chat with artists, learn about their creative process, and take home treasures that tell a story. The ocean breeze, lively music drifting from the main stage, and the hum of happy crowds make for a uniquely La Jolla experience.

TOAST TO THE GOOD LIFE

Of course, no visit to the LJAWF is complete without a stop at the Wine & Beer Garden. Featuring more than 35 international wineries, local craft breweries, and artisan distilleries, the garden is a destination in itself. Guests can sip bold reds, crisp whites, hoppy IPAs, and handcrafted spirits while enjoying live entertainment and coastal sunshine. It’s a celebration of flavor as much as of art.

MORE THAN JUST AN ART FESTIVAL

The LJAWF is designed for everyone, with activities that go well beyond the art booths. Families will find kid-friendly fun, pet lovers can visit the adoption stations, and bargain-hunters can explore the two-day silent auction featuring luxury items, travel packages, and local treasures. Live music and entertainment from an all-star lineup ensure that the weekend has a lively soundtrack from start to finish.

ART WITH A MISSION

Behind the beauty and excitement lies a powerful purpose. The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to bring art to the community,

promote La Jolla and its merchants, and most importantly, raise vital funds for local public schools.

Since its inception, the festival has donated more than $1.2 million to underfunded programs in art, music, science, physical education, technology, and on-site medical care, directly benefiting over 4,000 children across La Jolla’s public schools. Every sip, every bid, and every piece of art purchased helps strengthen the educational foundation of the community’s next generation.

FEATURED ARTIST

The 2025 Featured Artist is Gregg Visintainer, or “Viz,” known for his intricate pen-and-ink creations. His art transforms bold images into hidden stories when viewed up close. Learn more at www.vizartink.com. In the interview below, we asked him about his process.

L’CHAIM Magazine: Your pieces contain over 100 hidden details—can you share a few favorite hidden messages or symbols you’ve included and why they’re meaningful to you?

Gregg Visintainer: For “Coastal California” I took a picture of the lifeguard in Carlsbad near Tamarack for my reference photo. I hide all the coastal cities up and down the coast of California, animals, beach balls, the outline of California and upside down going across the whole piece is the California State flag. I wanted to create a piece that would remember San Diego and the beautiful coast. This piece from afar seems very simple but when you look closer you really get to see all hidden details and lines that creates the main image.

L’CHAIM: How do you decide when a piece is “done,” especially with such intricate detail work?

GV: For me with pen ink and it is easy to know when the piece is “done” because I have no more paper space. Once the paper is filled the piece is done.

L’CHAIM: Have you ever revisited an older piece and added new elements or messages later on?

GV: No, I’ve never revisited an older piece or added new details. Once the artwork is complete, I move onto the next.

L’CHAIM: With each piece taking over 100 hours, how do you stay motivated and focused throughout the process?

GV: It is extremely hard to stay motivated and focused now especially as I get older. It is getting harder and harder to find time to draw as I travel most of the year doing shows. When I

get home I try to spend as much time as I can with my kids before I have to restock, reprint and get back on the road. I typically draw around 10pm-2am where I won’t get distracted. My kids are my biggest motivation to keep me moving forward.

L’CHAIM: You’ve worked with brands like Disney and the US Military—how do you balance your personal style with the vision of a corporate partner?

GV: Honestly, custom artwork is easier for me because the customer will typically give me a logo or image to use as the main image and the list I need to hide. For me, I just have to draw it all out and make sure it looks like the image provided with all the hidden details. I only create about 4-5 pieces a year with custom artwork being 2-3 of those pieces. I have to mix it up with custom art and my personal artwork to keep it exciting.

L’CHAIM: Is there a dream collaboration or project you haven’t

done yet but would love to pursue?

GV: I have always wanted to do a piece for the NFL or a professional sports team where I hide either player signatures or the story about the organization. A Super Bowl program or marketing would be really exciting. Another collaboration I hope to see what day ins a full wrap on an airplane or jet. Would love to see a commercial airliner with artwork all over it or an F-18!

WHETHER YOU COME FOR THE ART, THE WINE, THE MUSIC, OR THE MISSION, THE LA JOLLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL 2025 PROMISES A WEEKEND FULL OF DISCOVERY, INDULGENCE, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT. THE FESTIVAL RUNS OCT. 11-12, 2025, IN DOWNTOWN LA JOLLA. ADMISSION IS FREE (THE WINE AND BEER GARDEN REQUIRES A TICKET PURCHASE). LEARN MORE AT WWW.LJAWF.COM.

Art by Greg Vigintainer

CHICKPEA (OR EGG) SHAKSHUKA

BY RACHEL BELLET, MS, RDN, CEO BELLER NUTRITIONAL INSTITUTE

Looking for a breakfast that also doubles as a quick, budgetfriendly dinner—packed with fiber, protein, and major nutritional upgrades?

Shakshuka is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s also protective to your health—and it’s earned a spot in breakfast rotations across the U.S. for good reason. This version gives you the flexibility to go plantpowered with protein-rich chickpeas simmered in a boldly spiced tomato sauce, or if you wish, you can stick with the classic version using organic eggs.

The real flavor upgrade comes from the Beller Nutrition Everything Savory Spice Blend (mild) or Savory Sizzle Blend (a touch of heat)—a carefully crafted power mix of organic sweet paprika, garlic, turmeric, cumin and black pepper. It’s a simple way to add warmth, depth, and a powerful boost of antioxidants that may help reduce cancer risk, body inflammation and metabolism.

Fresh parsley adds a bright, zesty finish, making this dish as energizing as it is comforting. You can enjoy shakshuka any time of the day, for lunch or dinner, serve it alongside a salad or roasted vegetables.

CHICKPEA OR EGG SHAKSHUKA

Serves 4

Vegan Option, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and chopped

7 ripe tomatoes, diced (about 6 cups) or one (28-ounce) container

diced tomatoes

3/4 cup store-bought tomato sauce, no sugar added

1 teaspoon Everything Savory Spice Blend by Beller Nutrition *

2 cups cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 4 large organic eggs

Sea salt to taste

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

2. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion and cook for 2-3

minutes until the onion begins to soften.

3. Add the power spice blend or choice, and continue cooking for 30 seconds.

4. When the spices are fragrant, add the garlic and bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes more.

5. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato sauce, cover, and reduce heat to edium-low.

6. Cook for about 5 minutes more until the tomatoes and all ingredients are well combined and tomato sauce has started to reduce.

7. Stir in the chickpeas or, if using eggs, make 4 indentations in the tomato mixture and crack an egg into each indentation.

8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet again and continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes.

9. Season with salt and top with parsley, divide among plates and serve.

JOIN THE SHARSHERET SUMMIT (HTTPS://SUMMIT.SHARSHERET. ORG/) ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 AT 1PM PST AND HEAR FROM RACHEL BELLER, MS, RDN—CEO OF THE BELLER NUTRITIONAL INSTITUTE AND A LEADING CANCER NUTRITION AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT EXPERT FOR A SCIENCE-BACKED WEBINAR, PROTEIN PRIORITIES: HERE’S WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW TO REDUCE CANCER RISK. CUT THROUGH THE CONFUSION AROUND PROTEIN AND CANCER RISK, AND DISCOVER HOW THE TYPE AND AMOUNT OF PROTEIN IN YOUR DIET CAN IMPACT LONG-TERM HEALTH AND PRACTICAL ACTIONABLE STEPS YOU CAN START USING TODAY. REGISTER HERE: SHARSHERET-ORG. GIVECLOUD.CO/PRODUCT/SUMMITRACHELBELLER/PROTEINPRIORITIES-HERES-WHAT-YOU-REALLY-NEED-TO-KNOW-TOREDUCE-CANCER-RISK. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BELLER NUTRITIONAL INSTITUTE, VISIT BELLERNUTRITION.COM.

This recipe was submitted by the non-profit organization, Sharsheret, The Jewish Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Community. If you or someone you love has been impacted by breast or ovarian cancer or has elevated genetic risk, contact Sharsheret for free support and resources. For more information, visit sharsheret.org or call (866) 474-2774.

Sharsheret is a Jewish non-profit organization that supports everyone, regardless of background, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or religion.

San Diego Jewish Academy

Excitement

for a New School Year

With joy, anticipation, and a true sense of community, San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) launched the 2025-2026 school year with an opening ceremony that brought together all students and their families. Under the bright San Diego sun, parents and children gathered to celebrate a fresh beginning and a school that has shaped generations.

“Welcome, it is great to be back here with all of YOU, and a special welcome to those joining us for the first time—bruchim haba’im,” Head of School Zvi Weiss said, offering a warm greeting that underscored the day’s spirit of belonging. “At SDJA, students don’t just learn facts- they learn how to think deeply, speak thoughtfully, and live with meaning.”

Building on a Tradition of Excellence

For more than 45 years, SDJA has been a leader in education, inspiring and supporting students with personalized, innovative learning guided by Jewish values. This year, SDJA introduced several innovative programs that are already underway, reflecting the school’s mission of empowering students to “learn for life, guided by Jewish values and rooted in the strength of community.”

Weiss emphasized the balance between academics and values.

“Now more than ever, our children need the character, strength, and clarity to be leaders and to navigate the complexities of today’s world, he said. “And thanks to our incredible faculty and staff, we do this better than anyone else.”

NEW PROGRAMS DRIVING STUDENT SUCCESS

Several new programs for the 2025 school year are driving student success at SDJA. They are:

Academic Coaching: Personalized Student-Teacher Ratios

The Academic Coaching model has dramatically reduced class sizes in select Middle and Upper School courses during specific lessons being taught With as few as four students per teacher, and a maximum of 12:1 in many classes, the program creates space for individual attention, tailored feedback, and deeper learning. This ratio is unparalleled in the region, giving students the benefits of a private tutor within the community of a classroom.

Upper School Scholars Program: Advanced Learning and Internships

Students now have the opportunity to earn diploma designations as Scholars in Humanities, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Medical Science, Sports Medicine, or Jewish Studies. These distinctions honor rigorous academic achievement and give students access to mentorships and internships. For motivated students, it’s a chance to stretch their learning beyond the classroom and into the real world.

ADVANCED ACADEMIC PATHWAYS: ACCELERATED LEARNING

FROM 2ND–12TH GRADE

Starting as early as 2nd grade, Advanced Academic Pathways give students who are curious and motivated the ability to accelerate

their studies. In the Lower School, learners are grouped for advanced math and language arts. In the Upper School, the program includes an expanded slate of 31 AP and Honors courses, with a new 8thgrade honors humanities option. This pathway ensures that students are not only challenged academically but also prepared for selective colleges and future careers.

NEW COURSES AND SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

SDJA also added AP Macroeconomics, AP Pre-Calculus, Jewish Studies Honors-Moot Beit Din, and English 10 Honors, Summer school opportunities in Geometry and Chemistry are open to SDJA and non-SDJA students, extending the Academy’s reach into the broader community.

VOICES OF LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT

At the first day opening ceremony, Associate Head of School and Upper School Head Mike Quigley reflected on his two decades at SDJA.

“This year is full of opportunities for your children to learn, grow, and thrive—both in and out of the classroom,” Quigley said. “I look forward to an incredible year ahead together. Go Lions!”

Lower School Head Shani Abed spoke from the heart: “As I got up this morning for my 28th opening day, I was just as excited as I was in my first year. I love this place and all of you.”

And from the youngest learners, Early Childhood Center Director Shereen Ben-Moshe shared her daily inspiration: “I look forward to each morning seeing parents and children walk in, excited to start the day,” Ben-Moshe said. “In our ECC, we are committed to building curiosity and learning through play, creativity, and rich social interactions.”

THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

For all the excitement about new programs, the heart of SDJA remains its students. Andrew Abeles, a recent alum in the Maimonides Upper School, described what he treasures most.

“My favorite part of the community here is the fact that everyone is supporting you no matter what you’re doing,” he said. “Everyone’s always cheering for you, and it’s great; we are very lucky to have that. As a senior, I will most definitely miss the strong sense of community and the relationships that I’ve created.”

Andrew’s words echoed the day’s theme of l’dor v’dor—from generation to generation. On opening day, this was symbolized as seniors escorted kindergartners through a chuppah, marking the beginning of their SDJA journey.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH CONFIDENCE

With these innovative programs underway and the school year already off to a vibrant start, SDJA is preparing students for success in both academics and life. The school’s approach, which blends academic rigor with Jewish values, community strength, and a child-centred approach, ensures that students leave not only with knowledge, but also with the character to use it wisely. As Weiss said: ”We envision a vibrant community where students, from toddlers to teens, are inspired to achieve their fullest potential intellectually, ethically and spiritually.”

This year’s launch was more than just the start of another academic cycle, it was a celebration of what makes SDJA unique: a community where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand, and where every student is given the opportunity to thrive.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.SDJA.COM

CELEBRATION

LEGACY AND COMMUNITY AT THE 2025 BOOK OF LIFE SIGNING CEREMONY

On Sunday, August 17, more than 100 members of the San Diego Jewish community gathered for a moving Book of Life Signing Ceremony at the historic First Synagogue of San Diego in Heritage Park. With a nod to our local Jewish community’s past, the event recognized those who have dedicated commitments to the Jewish future of San Diego.

Thirty-six heartfelt legacy statements were signed, each representing a family or individual’s promise to support Jewish communal life through planned giving.

These statements are now preserved in our community archive, becoming lasting testaments to the values and generosity that shape our collective story.

We shared gratitude for the generations who came before us while standing shoulder to shoulder, accountable to one another and to the generations yet to come. We were reminded that this work to uplift our community is not done alone.

As legacy donors shared what inspired their giving, many reflected on cherished memories, mentors who modeled tzedakah, and lifelong ties to Jewish organizations that shaped their identities. We held each other through these personal moments, affirming that giving is not just about resources, but about relationships and responsibility.

“Special thanks to Rabbi Yael Ridberg for guiding the proceedings and the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir, whose uplifting voices added cheer and resonance,” the Jewish Community Foundation said in a statement. “On behalf of our partner organizations, thank you for your enduring commitments. If you’re inspired to leave your mark

on Jewish San Diego, please reach out to us to join the over 1,400 members of our Create a Jewish Legacy Society. Your story, too, belongs in the Book of Life.”

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ANSWERS TO TEST YOUR JEWISH IQ

1. c. Ruth Handler introduced her Barbie doll, named after her daughter Barbara, to the world in 1959. In the 2023 movie Barbie, Rhea Perlman played the role of Ruth Handler. Perlman’s character appears as a spiritual guide and “ghost” of Ruth Handler, who offers wisdom and guidance to Barbie as she grapples with the transition from a doll to a human.

2. c. The angels helping Lot, his wife, and his two daughters to flee the destruction warned them not to look behind them. When Lot’s wife ignored the warning and looked behind her, she became a pillar of salt (Gen., 19:26).

3. a. Garlic is widely thought in folklore and some religious beliefs to ward off evil spirits and malevolent forces. But the Talmud (Bava Kamma, 82a) attributes to eating garlic only the beneficial effects in b, c, and d.

4. b. Brandeis, Associate Justice from 1916 to 1939, was one of the most influential justices ever to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned the nickname “Robin Hood of the Law” because he championed the rights of the “little guy” and consistently fought against large corporate interests, monopolies, and what he saw as the unchecked power of big business and banks.

5. a. In this verse, Lev. 25:10, the Torah declares that every 50th year shall be a holy Jubilee Year, with no sowing or harvesting, and with everyone restored to his ancestral heritage. The Jubilee Year is only to be observed when all twelve tribes are living in Israel, and was certainly no longer observed after the destruction of the Second Temple.

6. b. He is a piece of meat with two eyes.

7. d. Thirty percent of Israeli Jews described themselves as religiously observant, and 40 percent as traditional. Secular Jews are the minority and only a very small percentage are anti-religious (Ken Spiro, “Crash Course in Jewish History,” p. 374).

8. a. No limit on slaves. “Only he shall not have too many horses … And he shall not have too many wives … and he shall not greatly increase silver and gold for himself (Deu. 17:16-17).”

9. b. The vast majority of words in the Hebrew language are based on a three-consonant root (shoresh in Hebrew) that contains the essence of the word’s meaning.

10. d. On July 24, 2024, Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress for the fourth time, more than any other foreign dignitary. Winston Churchill is the only other foreign leader to have addressed a joint session three times.

0 – 2 Talmid/Talmida (Student)

3 – 5 Melamed/Melamedet (Teacher)

6 – 8 Talmid Chacham/Talmidat Chacham (Scholar)

9 – 10 Gaon/Gaona (Genius)

GROWING GOODNESS

JESSICA FINK AND THE RISE OF LITTLE MENSCHES

BY JONATHAN CANE

Ten years ago, law professor Jessica Fink went out for a run through her Carmel Valley neighborhood and found herself thinking about her son. “Leo was about five,” she recalls, “and I remember thinking, he has no idea how good he has it. How do I teach him to give back at this age?”

That question sparked something bigger than she ever imagined: Little Mensches, a hands-on community service program for children ages 4 to 8. Co-founded by Fink, along with Judy Nemzer and Vivien Dean who also lead the Shalom Baby program at the Lawrence Family JCC in La Jolla, Little Mensches invites young children and their parents into a life of empathy, responsibility, and action. Jessica vividly remembers the moment it all began. “I called Judy because I knew she knew of every child-related opportunity in town. I asked if she knew of any volunteer programs for young kids, and she said, ‘I don’t, but why don’t you come in and we’ll talk.’” That conversation, shared with Judy and Vivien at the JCC, became the seed that grew into a movement. “We didn’t even have a budget,” Jessica says. “We just started calling friends for donations. We thought 25 people might come. Instead, 150 children and their parents showed up. We knew then there was a need for this program.”

In its first decade, Little Mensches has reached hundreds of families across San Diego. The events are as varied as they are meaningful: packing school supplies for underserved children, creating activity kits for patients at Rady Children’s Hospital, writing letters to U.S. troops and I.D.F. soldiers, assembling necessity kits for people experiencing

homelessness, and cookie-decorating for local first responders.

Every event starts the same way: with a circle of children discussing what it means to be a mensch, a person of integrity and kindness. “We always ask them, ‘Can a kid be a mensch?’” Fink says. “They shout back, ‘Yes!’ And they’re right. You don’t need to be a grown-up to do good.”

THE SPARK THAT STARTED IT ALL

Before there was Little Mensches, there was Shalom Baby. And before that, there was Jean Gaylis, a young mother and new arrival to the United States who knew exactly what it felt like to be isolated and alone.

“I had nobody,” Jean once said. “No family, no friends, and a husband working seven days a week.” Her experience as a young immigrant mother in Minneapolis stayed with her. Years later, settled in San Diego and active in the Jewish community, she posed a simple but transformative question: What if no Jewish parent ever had to feel that way again?

The answer became Shalom Baby, a now-beloved program of the Lawrence Family JCC that turns 25 this year. It begins with a thoughtful gift bag filled with books, toys, and Jewish-themed resources for new parents. But the true gift is the connection that follows.

“Shalom Baby helped me find my people,” Jessica Fink says. “When I walked into my first meetup with a colicky baby and felt like a mess,

Over the past 25 years,

Shalom Baby has welcomed thousands of families with warmth, intention, and Jewish spirit.

I looked around and saw that everyone else was going through it too. It made me feel less alone.”

Over the past 25 years, Shalom Baby has welcomed thousands of families with warmth, intention, and Jewish spirit. It offers playgroups, music and movement classes, holiday events, and a gateway into Jewish community life. For many, it is the first step in a journey of belonging. For others, like Fink, it is the beginning of something even more lasting.

BIG IMPACT ON A SMALL BUDGET

Remarkably, Little Mensches operates on a tiny budget each year. “People are shocked when they hear that,” Fink says. “We make it work through grit, creativity, a lot of volunteer hours, and donations. What we could do with some real underwriting could change the world though.”

The need is growing. “We dream of expanding,” Fink says. “Of hiring a part-time staff person to handle logistics. Of reaching more families. Of bringing this model to other communities. There’s so much potential, but we need partners who believe in this vision.”

MORE THAN A MITZVAH

For many families, Little Mensches plants the seeds of lifelong generosity. Fink tells the story of one family whose child, after attending a homeless kit event, insisted on making more kits at home. Another parent reached out to say their child’s Bat Mitzvah project was inspired by a past Little Mensches activity.

Fink’s own sons are shining examples. Her older son Leo volunteers regularly at the San Diego Rescue Mission and donated part of his Bar Mitzvah gifts to support their work. After one Little Mensches event, when he was perhaps 6 years old, he turned to his mom and said, “I just feel like there’s so much more to do.” For Fink, it was a moment of deep clarity and pride. “That’s when I knew it was working,” she says. “That this wasn’t just something we did. It was something he felt.”

To Fink, that’s the heart of tikkun olam, repairing the world. “I can’t fix everything,” she says. “But I can make sure that 200 kids start the school year with dignity. I can help a child feel proud of doing something good. And I can teach the next generation to carry that forward.”

A CALL TO BUILD THE FUTURE

For Fink and the Little Mensches team, the ultimate goal is simple but profound: to normalize community service so completely that it becomes “just something kids do, like soccer practice or piano lessons.”

To get there, they need support from donors who believe in early childhood as a critical window for shaping values and from philanthropists who understand that big change often starts with small hands.

“We always say: the grownups drove you here, but you did the work,” Fink smiles. “And it’s true. These kids are building a better world. One mitzvah at a time.”

SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF GIVERS. TO DONATE OR LEARN MORE ABOUT LITTLE MENSCHES AND SHALOM BABY, VISIT WWW.ECURE.GIVELIVELY.ORG/DONATE/LAWRENCE-FAMILYJEWISH-COMMUNITY-CENTERS-OF-SAN-DIEGO-COUNTY/ SHALOM-BABY-PJ-LIBRARY-LITTLE-MENSCHES-2025-2026.

guest column

A CHATBOT AND JEWISH ISSUES

It’s been two years since I asked a chatbot to help me write about a Jewish issue. I worked with the Gemini chatbot to anticipate the White House plan to counter antisemitism. Since then, I’ve been writing about AI in education and art.

There are many pros and cons in using AI. But it is here to stay. The question is how we use this tool.

I decided to test Gemini on Jewish topics. I wondered if the chatbot would have insight into Jewish concerns: What would be three uplifting Jewish topics and three dispiriting ones?

I was rewarded with a list that made eminent Jewish sense. Uplifting topics: The Power of Tzedakah, A New Generation of Jewish Leaders and The Flourishing of Jewish Arts and Culture. Dispiriting topics: Rising Antisemitism, The Challenge of Assimilation and Internal Divides and Political Polarization.

Such lists are a superficial reading of the data on which AI is trained. The challenge, and value of a conversation with a chatbot, is to drill down into contested areas of knowledge. I decided to juxtapose how a

new generation of Jewish leaders would confront the problem of rising antisemitism. The chatbot considered the last three years. It recognized that Jewish aspirations for alliances with other marginalized groups was undermined by intersectional ideology and the Israel-Palestine litmus test.

Gemini analyzed the ideological clash that confronted Jews: “The intersectional framework, as it is often applied, can sometimes position Jews as a ‘privileged’ or ‘white’ group, overlooking the long history of persecution and the diversity of the Jewish people, including Jews of color.”

I pressed the inquiry further. I brought up the impact of October 7th. The chatbot acknowledged the impact of that tragic event but only after I brought it to its attention. Maybe a Jewish chatbot would have anticipated my concern earlier. But rather than blaming the chatbot for its oversight, I wondered how it would evaluate the response of the new generation of Jewish leaders compared to the older generation on October 7th.

What did the chatbot “think”?

For a long time, the older generation often

focused on institutional antisemitism, like fighting for Holocaust education or against neo-Nazi groups. While important, this can sometimes feel abstract. For the younger generation, October 7th made antisemitism terrifyingly real and visceral. It demonstrated that even in a highly secure place, Jews could be targeted and murdered en masse for simply being Jewish. This event and its aftermath directly informed their strategies, pushing them toward a more urgent and grassroots approach to fighting a hate that they now saw as an immediate threat to their physical safety, not just their identity.

In short, the ‘new generation of Jewish leaders’ would have brought up the tragic event sooner and framed it as a central pillar of their analysis because it directly validated their pre-existing concerns about antisemitism in a way that resonated deeply with their personal experiences and digital-native approach to activism.

Now it’s our turn. What do we think?

JOE NALVEN IS A FORMER ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR REGIONAL STUDIES