Ariela Alush, Barbara Birenbaum, Franklin Felber, Donald H. Harrison, Jacob Kamaras, Stephanie Lewis, Salomon Maya, Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh, Terra Paley, Mimi Pollack, Rachel Stern, Eva Trieger, Deborah Vietor, Chana Jenny Weisberg, Cheri Weiss
Published in San Diego, CA • www.lchaimmagazine.com
prayers & passages
FACING THE UNKNOWN
There are many accounts in our Torah that detail how our ancestors, at God’s command, embarked on a journey to the unknown. In the opening of Lech L’cha (“Go forth”), God directs Abram (later renamed Abraham) to, “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1) At the age of 75 and probably never having ventured beyond his home in Ur, he complied without question, taking with him his wife Sarai (later renamed Sarah), his nephew Lot, and all those who served in his household.
As a reward for his great faith in the Divine, Abraham would go on to establish the Jewish people. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you;” God promises, “I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)
In the Book of Exodus, Moses appears to be content with his life as a sheepherder when he encounters God in a bush that was aflame but did not burn. “I have marked well the plight of My people in Egypt and have heeded their outcry because of their taskmasters; yes, I am mindful of their sufferings,” God tells him. “Come, therefore, I will send you to Pharaoh,
and you shall free My people, the Israelites, from Egypt.” (Exodus 3:7, 10)
Unlike Abraham, however, Moses is reluctant, finding numerous excuses not to comply. “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah? ” he argues. (v.11) Despite God’s assurances, he continues to resist. What if the Israelite Elders don’t believe me? I’m not good with words! And finally, “Please, my Lord, make someone else your agent!” (v.13) Yet in the end, Moses finally acquiesces and does as God commands.
And the Israelites! They are led out of slavery into the unknown wilderness with nothing more than what they can carry and a belief in the Divine promise of their own homeland, a land flowing with milk and honey. They also experience times of doubting God’s presence or in their mission (the Golden Calf, the incident of the 12 spies, etc.), complaining (“We need water” or “We want meat!”), or even outright rebellion (Korach). But for 40 years in the desert, they keep pushing forward, honoring the covenantal promise made at Mt. Sinai: “We will do and hear everything God has said.” (Exodus 24:7). When God indicates (through
the cloud signifying God’s presence) that it is time to rest, they set up camp; when it is time to move on, they pack up their belongings and walk into the unknown.
No one’s life is without considerable challenges or uncertain times of transition. Along with the blessings that will fill our souls with joy, there will be those moments when difficult decisions will need to be made. It is during those times that we may feel the most alone, unsure of whether we are choosing the right path. Yet it is in those very moments when our faith in the Divine can sustain us, propelling us forward into the unknown. May we all be blessed with faith in a higher power that sustains and reassures us during our uncertain times of transition.
RABBI-CANTOR CHERI WEISS IS THE SPIRITUAL LEADER OF TEMPLE EMANUEL IN HONOLULU, HAWAII.
mazel & mishagoss
BIG NEWS: A SCHMOOZE CRUISE FOR JEWS YOU CAN'T REFUSE!
Check out the brochure…WELCOME
ABOARD THE S.S. L’CHAIM! A Luxury Cruise Powered by Schmaltz, Schmears, and Strong Opinions! (Set Sail With Your People… Whether You Like Them or Not!) Tired of cruises where no one understands your references to kugel, can’t pronounce “chutzpah,” and thinks brisket is “just pot roast? Climb aboard the only floating vessel where the dining is kosher, the arguments are affectionate (sort of), and the bingo breaks for Mincha.
KOSHER CUISINE, 24/6
Endless buffet featuring five types of kugels (including that one your Bubbe says is “too modern”) Cholent fountains! Pickled herring martinis! Matzo ball soup jacuzzi (nonswimming) plus Friday night dinners with 12 kinds of chicken and twice the guilt.
THE KVETCH CABANA™
A scenic area reserved specifically for complaints about: How long the elevators take. Why didn’t we just do a cruise to Israel instead? The “weird” texture of the lox. Grandchildren not paying enough attention to us. Ocean is much too salty.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT
Klezmer After Dark with DJ Moishe Beats. Live taping of “The Real Balabustas of Boca.” Trivia Night: “Who Said It? The Mishnah or Larry David?” In Cabin screenings of Yentl, Fiddler, and The Prince of Egypt!
EXCLUSIVE CLASSES & LECTURES
“Talmudic Arguments for Fun and Profit,” “How to Talk About Your IBS in Any Social
Setting,” “Guilt Management (topic) Do you know how much a full-fledged psychologist charges? I’ll tell you how to live your life for free!”
CRUISE SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO INTERRUPTION BY SUDDEN WEATHER COMPLAINTS)
Day 1: Depart Miami. Everyone complains it’s too humid and entire ship turns around as someone remembers they left their oven on.
Day 2: Group therapy session disguised as Mahjong.
Day 3: Excursion cancelled after 15 passengers refuse to get off unless sunscreen is reapplied.
Day 4: Surprise visit from a medium who channels your grandmother just to ask why you never call her?
Day 5: Emergency lifeboat meeting after someone says they prefer Whole Foods challah.
Day 6: Shabbat at Sea! Competitive Candle lighting.
Day 7: Return home with 10 lbs of cruise weight and 30 hrs of stories about a certain slice of red velvet cake that could part the Red Sea.
PACKING LIST
1. Three sweaters “just in case 2. Tupperware (don’t ask why, just trust us)
3. A framed photo of your mother-in-law so she doesn’t feel left out.
THE PLATINUM BUBBE SUITE™
For the traveler who needs space for herself AND her opinions! Queen-sized bed with orthopedic mattress and an afghan blanket
crocheted by Captain Irving’s great Auntie Esther. Built-in speaker system that gently whispers, “Eat something, you’re too skinny!” every 45 minutes. Complimentary nightly turn-down service with chocolate gelt on pillow and unsolicited life advice!
THE GUILT-FREE SPA™
Ha! Just kidding. There’s no such thing! But we scrub you with exfoliating matzah. Facials infused with Vicks VapoRub Deep tissue massage followed by a crew member inquiring, “So when are you going to settle down already?” Cucumber eye pads that smell like chopped liver!
REAL (ISH) PASSENGER TESTIMONIAL
“I haven’t relaxed this much since I found out my grandson got into dental school! 5 stars!”— Sophie M., Del Mar, CA
“There was too much food. Which I said every day. And still ate everything. I hate myself. I loved it!”— Morty F., West Palm Beach, FL
“It reminded me of our honeymoon, except this time my husband spoke to me.”— Lillian B., Crown Heights, NY.
Nu? What are you waiting for? Space is limited. Regret is not. Book today! (Before your cousin Miriam does and tells everyone she thought of it first! Oy!)
STEPHANIE D. GITTLEMAN WILL INJECT HUMOR INTO ANYTHING YOU HIRE HER TO WRITE. EMAIL HER AT THEQUOTEGAL@YAHOO.COM.
Gabrielle Hochberg
1000 WORDS
GABRIELLE HOCHBERG: HEALTH ADVOCATE EXTRAORDINAIRE
What does a Health Advocate do?
A health advocate helps individuals navigate the healthcare system, understand their medical options and receive the care they need. Their role can vary depending on the setting, but core responsibilities typically include advocating for the patient by attending medical appointments, with them and asking the right questions, reducing costly hospital and insurance bills, ensuring the patient sees the right doctor, receives the correct diagnosis and is taking the right medications. Negotiating with insurance companies, Medicare and Medi-Cal are additional services which can be provided.
As a Private Health Advocate, Gabrielle Hochberg, President of Health Advocate Experts, a not for profit, self-funded company, holds a master’s degree in health services administration from the George Washington University. Many years of expertise, passion and compassion drive her and her team in assisting her clients while advocating for their healthcare needs.
Having worked in health policy, health consulting, insurance and the HMO fields, Hochburg brings a wealth of experience to support her clients in the unique and often confusing challenges in the medical arena. She has worked with insurance companies to reduce costs, assists clients in repairing their credit, even once collection is involved, accompanies individuals and family members to doctors and hospital appointments and identifies the correct physicians.
A host of additional health advocacy initiatives are offered. These include assisting mental health patients and their families in navigating the system for many of their needs. She provides eldercare services for those who may be facing long and short-term insurance healthcare issues, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Many are unaware of what their policies cover and may go out of pocket which becomes unaffordable.
Asked what inspired her to become a Health Advocate, Hochberg shared her personal health journey: At 18, was exhausted and in constant pain, finding herself sleeping much during her first year of college and not eating. She was initially diagnosed with Ileitis, a significant inflammation of the large colon and ileum. Following serious surgery from her disease, during which she did not have an advocate, she began her quest toward spending a lifetime helping others.
Her passion and goal is to see insurance companies and the healthcare system reward people for being and staying healthy as some do in other countries. Why not cover the cost of healthcare advocates?
As Head of Long-Term Care Insurance Business Line through Independence Blue Cross years ago in Greater Philadelphia, Hochberg developed, implemented and directed a long-term care insurance business line.
She established a sales and marketing department with a sales distribution system of 100 producers in the first year of operation. She achieved a 43% reduction in costs through negotiations of a third-party administrative agreement.
She developed the first Medicare risk management program in Pennsylvania, allowing Medicare recipients to use an HMO for their
Medicare benefits.
A 529 plan is an investment account to save and invest money for a beneficiary’s education expenses. Why is there not a 535 plan? Her vision for a 535 plan would include parents investing as low as $50 to $100 per week to fund their children’s long-term care. A visionary and someone who thinks out of the box, these are the types of ideas and programs Gabrielle is passionate about.
Advocating for children, seniors and the general population, she addresses questions regarding navigating the medical system. When necessary, she even works with the Social Security Administration.
Remaining undaunted, a particularly challenging case involved a client with healthcare needs during Covid-19. Although he initially worked with her, he stubbornly refused help, insisting on a hospital stay, even if unnecessary. Unfortunately, he incurred exceptionally high hospital costs which easily could have been avoided.
Although Hochberg continues to focus on plans including nutrition, exercise and integrative medicine, she works with individuals based on their needs to identify and connect the best medical care with the best costs per client.
Knowing the best doctors, she respects the desires and needs of each client, involving them in the process. Part of her services include a program including an annual nominal fee where the client can ask as many questions as they like on a regular basis.
As a healthcare advocate, attending doctor’s appointments with clients and their families is a vital aspect of the process as many have no idea what to ask when presented with health concerns.
Testimonials from clients include Tracie K., mom of Charlotte, age 17 who hit a roadblock as a much-needed prescribed medication was denied her daughter through insurance. Gabrielle miraculously got the medication approved, one of the many examples including how Gabrielle will fight for the client to resolve their healthcare needs.
Tracie stated, “We are so grateful for Gabrielle Hochberg. We highly recommend her if you need this kind of help.”
Another success story involved Bill, a client with a greatly inflated $29,000 hospital invoice. He offered the hospital $7,000 which they refused. Then Gabrielle stepped in, reducing the charge to $3,500.
Mark met Gabrielle in 2015, weighing over 265 pounds, resulting from poor nutrition and no exercise. Gabrielle was able to assist Mark in developing a healthy lifestyle, resulting in a weight loss of 50 pounds and no more meds! This was a result of her life coaching program which she often integrates into client plans.
“Gabrielle has been a huge influence in my life and I’m very grateful to her for the knowledge, advice and influence she has imparted to me over the past few years. I recommend Gabrielle to anyone who wants to improve their health and live a better life,” stated Mark.
For more information visit www.healthadvocateexperts.com
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. What happened to the ark containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments at the end of Spielberg’s movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark?
a. It was lost, irretrievably
b. It was buried thousands of feet below the Temple Mount
what did Lot do to attempt to protect his guests?
a. Fetched the city elders to disperse the mob
b. Threatened to kill the first man who crossed his threshold
c. Killed those who were closest to the door
c. It was put on display at Jerusalem’s Shrine of the Book
d. It was stored in an enormous U.S. government warehouse
2. On what day of the year did Moses descend from Mt. Sinai with the second set of tablets?
a. 6th of Sivan (Shavuot)
b. 17th of Tammuz
c. 1st of Elul
d. 10th of Tishrei (Yom Kippur)
3. Which of these Jewish gangsters had his primary criminal activities centered in Los Angeles?
a. Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel
b. Meyer Lansky
c. Mickey Cohen
d. Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal
4. Which of these events did not occur on the ninth of the month of Av, which is a day of fasting and mourning for Jews?
a. First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians
b. Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans
c. First Crusade was launched
d. Krystallnacht unleashed pogroms in Nazi Germany
5. Which nation’s government that routinely calls for “death to Israel” and “death to America” has been considered the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism for decades?
a. Iran
b. Iraq
c. Saudi Arabia
d. Syria
6. When the men of Sodom were clamoring to break down Lot’s door and assault Lot’s two guests,
d. Offered to give his two virgin daughters to the mob if they would leave his guests alone
7. What is a balagan?
a. A political dispute or rivalry
b. Chaos or a chaotic situation
c. A mournful or funereal dirge
d. A quiet and studious environment, like a library
8. For which quality was Moses chosen to be the one to lead millions of Jews from slavery in Egypt to freedom?
a. Humility
b. Diplomatic skills
c. Psychological insights
d. Oratorical skills
9. In Kabbalistic mysticism, what is a gilgul?
a. An animated human-like creature made from clay
b. A soul reincarnated in a different body
c. The evil inclination harbored by every person
d. A temptation impossible to resist
10. What is the answer to this riddle posed by the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon?
“A woman said to her son, ‘Your father is my father, your grandfather is my husband, you are my son, and I am your sister. Who am I?’”
A Bold New Era Begins for the House of Israel in Balboa Park
Alex Edelman.
In the heart of San Diego’s Balboa Park, you will find The House of Israel—a small cottage with a mighty mission—and it’s undergoing a vibrant revival. Once a quiet space to learn about Israeli culture, it is now buzzing with purpose, vision, and renewed energy. Under dynamic new leadership, this historic gem is reimagining what grassroots Israel advocacy can be—and it’s inviting you to be part of it.
Since 1948, just months after the founding of the State of Israel, the House of Israel (HOI) has stood as a symbol of connection and cultural exchange and holds the distinct honor of being the first public establishment in the USA to fly the Israeli flag. This historic House is more than a museum or a visitor center—it’s a frontline outpost for truth, dialogue, and inspiration. With over 70,000 visitors each year, many of whom are discovering Israel for the very first time, the HOI is redefining the way Israel’s story is told.
“We’re not just a cottage—we’re Israel’s voice in the heart of San Diego,” says Stephanie Nisan, the dynamic new President leading the House of Israel’s bold transformation. “Every weekend, we’re igniting conversations, challenging misconceptions, and connecting with people on a deeply human level. We’re rewriting how the world sees Israel, one conversation at a time.”
In today’s hyper-polarized world, where disinformation spreads faster than truth, the House of Israel stands as a rare and essential voice. While many advocacy organizations speak to the already-convinced, HOI reaches beyond the echo chamber. It’s where tourists often meet Israel for the very first time—not through headlines, but through human connection.
“Let’s face it—Israel has always been terrible at PR,” says Nisan. “That’s what makes the work we do here so important. We’re not PR professionals—we’re real people, making real connections. That’s how you reshape narratives. That’s how you build bridges.”
CLEARING THE MISCONCEPTIONS: WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
One of the most common misconceptions about the House of Israel is that it receives regular funding. It doesn’t.
HOI operates without government grants or major institutional support. Its main source of income? The humble donation jar— the dollars people drop in exchange for tasty bourekas.
“There’s this idea that we’re funded or backed by some big
“We’re not just a cottage—we’re Israel’s voice in the heart of San Diego. Every weekend, we’re igniting conversations, challenging misconceptions, and connecting with people on a deeply human level. We’re rewriting how the world sees Israel, one conversation at a time.”
donors—but we’re not,” says Stephanie Nisan, HOI President. “The truth is, we rely entirely on the generosity of our community. Without that support, we simply can’t do what we do.”
Another misconception is that Stephanie herself is paid for her leadership. She’s not.
She donates her time, energy, and professional expertise all purely out of love for Israel and belief in the HOI’s mission. “I see this as my IDF service,” Stephanie shares. “I didn’t serve in the army, but this is how I serve my people. This is my front line. And I give it everything I’ve got.”
Before her involvement, the HOI had no structured fundraising strategy in place. Today, a long-overdue infrastructure is being
built to support the cottage’s future—from outreach and education to development and security.
And that security has never been more essential.
HOI is the only International Cottage in Balboa Park requiring armed guards due to repeated vandalism and its high visibility. Without security, HOI cannot safely open.
That’s where StandWithUs comes in. Quietly and generously, they fully fund weekend security. Their support—which often goes unrecognized—is what keeps the doors open. HOI literally could not operate without them.
But one organization can’t carry this burden forever. Sustainable, community-driven funding is crucial to ensure HOI remains open, safe, and strong.
Beyond safety, the vision for HOI’s next chapter is bold: modernizing outdated exhibits, introducing vibrant multimedia displays, launching internships, creating youth programming, producing educational materials, and hosting renowned speakers to engage and inspire. These efforts require real investment. And yes—even bourekas need funding.
YOUR TIME AND TALENT CAN SHAPE THE FUTURE
What makes the House of Israel even more remarkable is that it is entirely powered by volunteers. They are passionate storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and everyday changemakers.
“Each one of our volunteers helps change the conversation around Israel—one person, one visitor at a time,” says Stephanie Nisan. “They meet people where they are, they listen, they connect, and they make a lasting impression.”
But without volunteers to take regular shifts, the House of Israel cannot open its doors. Every weekend missed is a conversation not
had, a mind not opened, a misconception not challenged. “We can’t afford to let those chances slip away,” Nisan emphasizes. “If we’re not telling our story, someone else is—and more often than not, it’s the wrong one.”
That’s why recruiting volunteers is mission-critical—and why one of Nisan’s greatest passions is bringing in more non-Jewish volunteers. “It’s incredibly powerful when visitors meet non-Jewish individuals dedicating their time to support Israel,” she explains. “It reflects Israel’s global significance and diversity in a way no brochure ever could. That kind of impact is unforgettable.”
Now is the time to step in. The House of Israel is a place where everyone—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—can come together to learn, celebrate, and engage. “The HOI is a community treasure,” Nisan says. “It’s for the community, supported by the community, and it’s up to the community to ensure its future.”
This sense of collective ownership underscores the urgency of the HOI’s current membership and donation drive. Whether you volunteer, become a member, or donate, your involvement directly fuels this transformative mission. No experience is needed—just a love for Israel and a willingness to share it.
Whether you’re staffing the cottage on a weekend, sharing a social media post, or simply spreading the word, your energy helps shape HOI’s future. This isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement. A space where advocacy meets warmth, and where one heartfelt conversation can plant the seeds of lifelong understanding.
“This is our moment,” says Nisan. “We are writing the next chapter of the HOI together. Help us make it bold, impactful, and unforgettable for generations to come.”
Jerri-Ann & Gary Jacobs, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs
Retiring CEO Michael Hopkins, Board Chair Deborah Bucksbaum Maio and Incoming CEO Dana Toppel
Honorees Jeff & Karen Silberman; Gala Chairs Dr. Robert Rubenstein & Marie Raftery; Honorees Susanna & Michael Flaster
CHILLED ZUCCHINI AND BASIL SOUP
BY TAMAR ROTHENBERG, MS, RDN; AUTHOR, CANCER DIET
DIAGNOSED
Enjoy this velvety Chilled Zucchini and Basil Soup! It’s light enough to be a starter or snack but satisfying enough to serve as a meal with a side of protein or whole grains. This recipe is smooth, refreshing, and perfect for a hot summer day.
Chilled Zucchini and Basil Soup is a simple soup full of flavor from sweet onions, bright basil, and a creamy swirl of Greek yogurt—all blended into a chilled, nourishing bowl of goodness.
You’ll make this your go-to summer recipe because it’s hydrating and light with fresh herbs for flavor. Yogurt provides protein while keeping it silky. It’s also elegant yet easy, making it perfect for casual lunches or summer gatherings. Store in the fridge for a quick, readyto-eat meal.
Chilled Zucchini and Basil Soup Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
3 medium zucchini, chopped
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1./3 cup plain Greek yogurt (2%) Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Prep:
1. Chop zucchini, onion, and basil leaves.
2. Mince garlic and zest lemon.
Cook:
1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft.
FOR THE NEWLY
2. Add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
3. Add zucchini and broth. Add water as needed to fully cover zucchini.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until zucchini is soft.
5. Let soup cool to room temperature.
6. In batches, blend soup with basil and yogurt until smooth.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. If soup thickens too much, stir in water to reach desired consistency.
9. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with extra basil if desired.
Optional add-ins: Any leafy green can be added to this puréed soup to amp up the nutrient density. Spinach works particularly well here. Just add a cup or two with the basil when puréeing.
TAMAR ROTHENBERG, MS, RDN, IS A REGISTERED DIETITIAN WHO SPECIALIZES IN BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER IN HER PRIVATE PRACTICE IN LOS ANGELES. SHE HAS A CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING IN VEGETARIAN NUTRITION AND HERBAL FORMULATIONS IN CANCER CARE; AND CO-LED THE CLINICAL STUDY, COPING WITH CANCER IN THE KITCHEN, PUBLISHED IN NUTRIENTS. TAMAR LENDS HER EXPERTISE TO SHARSHERET THRIVERS THROUGH NUTRITION COACHING. CHECK OUT TAMAR’S OTHER RECIPES IN HER BOOK, CANCER DIET FOR THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED: AN INTEGRATIVE GUIDE AND COOKBOOK FOR TREATMENT AND RECOVERY. VISIT TAMAR’S WEBSITE AT HTTPS://WWW.TAMARROTHENBERGRD.COM/ FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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.
BEIT MELACHAH
JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO CHAMPIONS HEALING AND CREATIVITY
After the devastating attacks of October 7, 2023, the communities of Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister region on the Gaza border, were left facing unimaginable trauma. Homes were destroyed, 80 lives were lost, 23 taken hostage, and nearly 10,000 people were displaced. Amid this heartbreak, Jewish Federation of San Diego is helping lead a powerful response rooted in healing, creativity, and resilience: the revitalization of Beit Melachah.
Beit Melachah, or “House of Making,” was originally founded by Livnat Kutz z”l, a beloved artist and educator who believed deeply in the restorative power of art. Livnat and her family were tragically murdered in the attacks, and her legacy has inspired the vision for a renewed and expanded Beit Melachah: a permanent center for arts and therapy at the heart of Sha’ar HaNegev.
Jewish Federation of San Diego, in collaboration with the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, is bringing this vision to life. The expanded Beit Melachah will be a sanctuary where individuals and families can process grief, rediscover connections, and rebuild through creativity and community. It will provide a safe and
welcoming space on the educational campus where healing is not just possible but encouraged and nurtured. It will serve thousands of students per year.
The center will feature therapeutic and creative spaces that meet the emotional and developmental needs of people of all ages. These include creative learning spaces, a therapeutic kitchen, ceramic and carpentry workshops, and a science and innovation center. Safe rooms are integrated throughout, offering both physical protection and a sense of security essential for recovery.
This project reflects a deep commitment to honoring Livnat’s legacy and addressing the long-term needs of a community that is returning home after immense loss. Since the attacks, temporary versions of Beit Melachah have helped displaced residents engage in creative therapy while living in evacuation centers. The new, permanent center will offer a sustainable model for healing that will serve Sha’ar HaNegev for generations to come.
Jewish Federation of San Diego is proud to be at the forefront of this effort. Our close connection to Sha’ar HaNegev—a longstanding
Shiran Zakay sits in the Art Lab & Creative Workshop at Beit Melachah. PHOTO BY SIGAL BLAYER-GAT
The expanded Beit Melachah will be a sanctuary where individuals and families can process grief, rediscover
connections,
and rebuild through creativity and community. It will provide a safe and welcoming space on the educational campus where healing is not just possible but encouraged and nurtured.
ANSWERS TO TEST YOUR JEWISH IQ
1. d. The warehouse was revealed in a later Indiana Jones movie to be Hangar 51, a storage facility for artifacts of supernatural or extraterrestrial importance.
2. d. The Jewish people got the second set of tablets on Yom Kippur, signifying forgiveness for the golden calf. Forty days after the revelation at Mt. Sinai on Shavuot, Moses descended with the first set, which he shattered on the 17th of Tammuz. Forty days later on the 1st of Elul, he ascended Mt. Sinai again to receive the second set, with which he descended forty days later on Yom Kippur.
3. c or a. Mickey Cohen, based in L.A., was boss of the Cohen crime family. But also give yourself a point for a. Bugsy Siegel, who recruited Mickey Cohen.
4. d. On November 9-10, 1938, Nazi leaders unleashed Krystallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. On the ninth of Av, which usually occurs in August, the First Temple was destroyed in 1312 B.C.E., the Second Temple was destroyed in 70 C.E., and the First Crusade was launched in 1096 C.E.
5. a. Iran, ever since the Islamic republic toppled the monarchy in 1979.
6. d. Offering his two daughters to the mob demonstrated that, although Lot was Abraham’s nephew, he clearly did not share Abraham’s Jewish values.
7. b. Balagan means chaos. In modern usage, yalla balagan is a highspirited call to a fun time, like “Let’s go party!”
8. a. “Now the man Moses was exceedingly humble, more than any person on the face of the Earth (Num. 12:3).” Moses, a shepherd for his father-inlaw, and with a speech impediment, seemed otherwise unlikely to be the redeemer of a nation of millions of Jewish slaves.
9. b. In Hebrew, the word gilgul means cycle or wheel. In Kabbalistic mysticism, souls cycle through incarnations in different bodies over time. Some sources say that the wicked prophet Balaam in Moses’s time was the gilgul of Jacob’s wicked father-in-law, Laban.
partnership forged over years of collaboration—makes this project especially personal. We are working hand in hand with Israeli leaders and organizations to ensure Beit Melachah reflects the true needs of the community and provides a place for dignity, expression, and growth.
Beit Melachah stands as a symbol of what it means to rebuild with compassion. It shows that out of darkness, creativity can still flourish; that through art, people can reclaim a sense of agency and wholeness; and that the power of community, both locally and globally, can light the path forward.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BEIT MELACHAH, VISIT WWW.JEWISHINSANDIEGO.ORG/SUPPORTSHAARHANEGEV OR REACH OUT TO JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO.
10. c. The two daughters of Lot hoped to repopulate the world that they thought had been depopulated after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. They got Lot drunk and bore sons to him, Moab (“from father”) and Ben-Ami (“son of my people”). Solomon answered the riddle promptly, greatly impressing the Queen of Sheba.
HOW TO FIGHT THE ANTI-ISRAEL NARRATIVE IN K-12 SCHOOLS
EXPERTS IN JERUSALEM SPEAK OUT ON THE PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES BY
JOSH HASTEN | JNS.ORG
Anti-Israel and Anti-Jewish sentiments have been on public display in university classrooms and campuses around the world, especially since Israel responded militarily to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre. According to the CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis) watchdog group, that hatred has also seeped into the classrooms of children from kindergarten to 12th grade.
In June, CAMERA, in partnership with the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, held a panel discussion in Jerusalem titled “Educating Hate: Antisemitism in School Curricula.” Participants discussed how anti-Israel narratives are being embedded in elementary and high schools, in the US, Europe and under the Palestinian Authority, and how they should be combated.
“Those who are aligned with the terrorists and have latched on to Marxist and socialist ideology as a vehicle to bring anti-Zionism to the schools under the guise of social justice,” Ricki Hollander, senior media analyst, CAMERA, explained, focusing on this phenomenon in K-12 US classrooms.
She cited the Brown University-funded Choices Program, a history, geography and current affairs curriculum used in 8,000 high schools across the US with a biased anti-Israel agenda, saying it “paved the way for extreme antisemitism, especially since October 7.”
A study by the CAMERA Education Institute, a branch of the organization focused on fighting antisemitism and anti-Israel bias
in education, revealed possible Qatari influence and funding for the Choices Program.
Hollander said the “toxic and anti-Israel ideology” emanates from the university’s Center for Middle East Studies, whose curriculum was analyzed by CAMERA and found to contain anti-Zionist and pro-BDS narratives.
On a positive note, Hollander shared that Brown University recently announced it was ending its sponsorship of the Choices Program, citing “financial considerations.” However, she believes it was activism by CAMERA and others that led to the breakup.
“This shows how important it is to expose the toxic lies promoted in schools and push back against them,” Hollander said. “We must go to those responsible—superintendents of schools, heads of social science departments, librarians, government officials focused on antisemitism in schools, etc., and work with them to make sure this propaganda stays out of schools.”
EUROPE
Emmanuel Navon, lecturer at Tel Aviv University and a senior fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS), focused his remarks on the situation in K-12 classrooms in Europe, particularly in France and the U.K.
In those countries, he said, the problem isn’t antisemitic content in the state school curriculum, “but you have more antisemitism
Aviva Rosenschein, director of external affairs for CAMERA, speaks at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem, June 8, 2025.
PHOTO BY JOSH HASTEN.
“We must go to those responsible— superintendents of schools, heads of social science departments, librarians, government officials focused on antisemitism in schools, etc., and work with them to make sure this propaganda stays out of schools.”
civilization. We have to talk to them directly and realize we do have a lot of allies in Europe,” Navon said.
PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY TEXTBOOKS
Dan Kosky, director of global strategy for IMPACT-se (Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education), which has studied Palestinian Authority textbooks for the past 25 years, focused his presentation on the anti-Israel/antisemitic curriculum within the P.A.’s K-12 classrooms.
Young children within the P.A. are taught that “dying is preferable to living,” as suicide bombers and terrorists are glorified as heroes, he said.
Kosky said, “The P.A. curriculum shows absolutely no sign of changing. Sadly, it’s one that encourages antisemitism, encourages violence against Israel, and encourages children to become martyrs. Until that changes, we’re going to struggle to see any real shift in Palestinian society.”
Hamas has not developed its own curriculum since it seized control of Gaza in 2007, just continued to use P.A. textbooks, he pointed out. “This shows you how dangerous the curriculum is,” he added.
“UNWRA adds its own material to the P.A. curriculum, which is just as problematic,” Kosky said.
The onus for change is on the international community, especially the governments that bankroll the P.A, he said. “The clear message is, if you’re going to give money to the P.A. then it has to be conditional upon genuine and deep reform in the P.A. curriculum.”
Kosky said, however, that he is seeing positive trends in the curricula used in schools within other Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Egypt.
coming from Muslim students who harass Jewish teachers and Jewish students and refuse to hear about the Holocaust.”
He detailed several frightening cases where teachers in France were in fact murdered or threatened with violence for promoting Holocaust education.
Navon described the radicalization of youth in Belgium and Sweden as well, where the children and grandchildren of Muslim migrants from the Middle East are spreading anti-Jewish indoctrination and hatred.
“There is a lot of Muslim antisemitism which is very often overlooked,” he said.
“European society is at a cross-point: They can submit to Islam or they can fight back and impose full cultural integration on migrants,” Navon said.
Navon said while he doesn’t think the Muslim mentality in Europe can be changed, he believes there is a quiet majority in Europe, one aware that Muslim migrants, through their demographics and culture, are trying to replace European identity, and who want to fight against the phenomenon.
“These individuals want to preserve their Judeo-Christian civilization. They support Israel and understand that Israel is not only at the forefront of the struggle but one of the pillars of Western
“They have shifted from curricula that were once intolerant, encouraged violence and had a negative portrayal of Jews, to curricula accepting of Jews and encouraging peace with Israel. That’s a huge and important shift,” Kosky said.
10-YEAR-OLDS IN THE US
Aviva Rosenschein, director of external affairs for CAMERA, who moderated the event, said “what begins in the classroom can ripple in society for generations.”
“Ten-year-olds in the US could be coming home asking their parents why their country is supporting Israel—a colonialist, genocidal regime. This is coming from their teachers,” she said.
The anti-Israel narrative must be exposed to parents and the community, and a different curriculum must be provided in public schools, she said.
“Together, we can shine a light on how antisemitism is being taught and what we can do to stop it,” Rosenschein said.
ISRAELI WOMEN'S SOCCER
THE NATIONAL TEAM IS ON THE UPWARD TRAJECTORY
BY DAVID WISEMAN | JNS.ORG
The last FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 changed women’s football (soccer) forever.
The best-attended and most-watched competition so far, it demonstrated to the world that women’s sport deserves to be on a level playing field.
Only tiny aftershocks of the seismic impact of that World Cup were felt in Israel. Nevertheless, the Israeli women’s national football team is on an upward trajectory, having recently won promotion from League C to League B, the second division of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
The team was promoted after beating Estonia 3-1 on May 30, with goals by Noa Slimhojits, Smadar Cohen and Maayan Ben Yisrael.
TEAM MANAGER NISSO AVITAN
Team manager and former footballer Nisso Avitan is pleased about the promotion, but appreciates the challenge League B presents.
“It’s wonderful to be promoted to League B, but there is a gap between League C and League B—and it will be a big challenge in League B,” Avitan says. “We will work hard so that we can maintain our place there and not drop down.”
Still, there are off-field obstacles with which the team has to deal.
Among other things, most foreign teams won’t fly to Israel because of the war, forcing the national team to play abroad, even in so-called “friendly games.” The lack of quality match practice doesn’t give the team the preparation it requires ahead of qualifying for a major tournament.
“You can’t understand the impact of us not being able to host other teams here in Israel and play a true home game,” Avitan says. “This would make a huge difference not just to the players but to the fans as well.”
WORLD RANKINGS
In the world rankings, Israel currently stands at 70, between India and the Ivory Coast. The top five teams in the rankings are the United States, Spain, Germany, England and Japan. While tremendous progress has been made in Israeli women’s football in recent years, it’s been hovering around the 70 mark for a while.
Former national women’s team manager Gabi Burstein knows all too well about the obstacles the Israeli team faces. “Organized football started in Israel in the 1920s, so male football had a 70-year headstart over the women’s league. The women’s league started here in the late 1990s and while there has been tremendous progress, there
Shiran Zakay sits in the
Israeli women hold their own. Of the 20 Olympic medals Israel has won, eight have come in women’s and one mixed. Israel’s first Olympic medal was won in Barcelona in 1992 by Judoka Yael Arad, currently the president of the Israel Olympic Committee.
is still a long way to go,” he says.
“We have to establish the culture and tradition of women’s football in the country,” he argues. “Without the money, the players can’t be full-time and so can only train twice a week and only have so many hours they can spend in the gym.”
Burstein adds, “We need the resources to develop and invest in the youth and make football a more attractive proposition for young girls.”
Much of the world’s top female football talent will be in Switzerland for the upcoming 2025 Women’s European Championships (July 2 to 27). The lowest-ranked of the 16 teams participating is Wales, with a world ranking of 30. From its 70th place, Israel needs to overcome quite a gap to qualify for a tournament of this stature.
If you cast an eye over the qualified teams, you may notice that Iceland has not only qualified but is playing in its fifth straight tournament. The team, known as “Stelpurnar okkar” (Our girls), is ranked 14th in the world. If Iceland can do it, why can’t Israel?
KARIN SENDEL REFLECTS ON THE PAST
Someone familiar with the success of Icelandic football is Israeli women’s team record caps holder Karin Sendel, who had two stints playing soccer there. Making her debut for Israel in 2005, Sendel has participated in and witnessed the evolution of women’s football in Israel.
“Things were very different in the early days. We’ve come a long way since then,” Sendel says.
Women’s football in the Jewish state had an inauspicious start, in what is now referred to as an “upside-down pyramid.” Although women’s football started in 1970, the Israeli women’s national football team was formed only in 1997 and two years after that, the first women’s football league was launched.
“When putting together a pyramid with a firm foundation, normally you would create the youth league, then the women’s league
and finally the national team, but it was done backwards here,” Sendel says.
“For a teenager, when I started, there was nowhere to compete. Thankfully, things are significantly better now and there are three leagues for women and new youth teams springing up all the time,” she says. “Back then, we also had to deal with some thinking that it wasn’t acceptable for a girl to play football and with no organized women’s football, the only option was to play with boys.”
She adds, “The last World Cup smashed perceptions that people aren’t interested in women’s football. Those who embrace this will excel while those who neglect it will be well and truly left behind.”
ISRAELI WOMEN IN SPORTS
Israeli women hold their own. Of the 20 Olympic medals Israel has won, 11 have come in men’s events, eight in women’s and one mixed. Israel’s first Olympic medal was won in Barcelona in 1992 by judoka Yael Arad, currently the president of the Israel Olympic Committee.
Sendel is as passionate about Israeli women’s football as when she took to the pitch for her 70 caps. “We need to do things right and develop a 5-10 year long-term plan to grow women’s football in Israel. With the right conditions, with investing in the players, we have the talent to really grow the game here,” she says. “Players like Noa Selimhodzic and Talia Sommer are the next generation of this team.”
Both players are only 21 years old and have demonstrated great potential. Sommer, who also plays for the Butler University team, was instrumental in the national team gaining promotion to League B, scoring three goals in its four matches. The team has other extremely talented players, including Itaf Alkisi, Eden Avital, Smadar Cohen and Michaelo Worko.
“We have a fun team and I’m looking forward to seeing how we do in League B,” Sommer says. “We have a good mix of the younger generation and then the older players to guide us with their experience”
As a 14-year-old, Sommer played for ASA Tel Aviv, helping it to win the league and the cup. “For the first six years of my career, I played for Maccabi Tel Aviv and I was the only girl in the league and the only girl on the team,” she says.
This problem is something Burstein is keen to address. “My goal is to provide the very young girls with someone they can look up to and think, ‘I want to be like her.’ And to get to that point, we need to produce some good results and get projects going,” Burstein says. “The more girls I can win over to football, the greater the chances of having a better national team.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The next major assignment for the national team is the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, which start early next year. In the meantime, the team wants to do all it can to avoid being relegated back to League C, so it needs to finish third or better in the four-team group after everyone has played each other twice.
The last time Israel was in Group B to qualify for the 2025 Women’s
Euros, it was in a group with Scotland, Serbia and Slovakia and won only one point out of 18. Even though these matches were just a year ago, there is a firm belief that the team has significantly improved since then.
If the Israeli women’s football team realizes its potential, taking a cue from the Women’s World Cup, it could change not only the face of women’s football in Israel, but also all women’s sports in the country.
together we rise
Standing up for Our Children and Our Future
If you’re a parent, have you taken the time to ask your children about the atmosphere at their school? Are they hearing biased or hostile messages about Israel in the classroom? Are teachers presenting one-sided narratives that foster division or resentment? Have your kids encountered antisemitic remarks from their peers?
Recently, a disturbing situation unfolded at La Jolla High School. Twelfth-grade students enrolled in a Mesa College political science course were assigned to read an article filled with blatant misinformation and anti-Israel propaganda, once again blaming the Jewish state for the world’s ills. But our community didn’t stay silent. A group of parents stood up.
They contacted the Mesa College professor, college administrators, and the leadership at La Jolla High. They brought the matter to the attention of the San Diego UnionTribune, which covered the incident. They even reported the college to the Department of Justice. This is what a strong community looks like: one that refuses to let hatred go unchallenged.
But while we rally to protect our values and our rights, I can’t help but ask: What are our Jewish children feeling in these classrooms? When they’re confronted with lies, bias, and hostility from educators and classmates, how
do they make sense of it? Do they feel safe? Do they feel seen? Do they still feel proud to be Jewish?
We cannot take their resilience for granted. The cumulative effect of these experiences can be deeply damaging. If we fail to act decisively, we risk losing our young people, not just from classrooms, but from their connection to Judaism and Jewish identity. Our children deserve better.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Join the StandWithUs Antisemitism Task Force as we work to bring the IHRA definition of antisemitism to San Diego, build bridges beyond the Jewish community, and combat rising Jew-hatred locally. To get involved, email me at Liatcr@standwithus. com.
Invest in the next generation. Send your teens to programs in Israel that will strengthen their Zionism and deepen their connection to the Jewish homeland, like the Jewish National Fund’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel, JNF’s programs in Israel for college students, and Birthright Israel. Send your kids to Israel, and send them often.
If you’re not Jewish and want to stand with your Jewish friends and neighbors, consider joining The Christian and Jewish Alliance
at www.christianandjewishalliance.com.
Participate in interfaith events that build understanding, solidarity, and shared values. Finally, when you attend events hosted by our many incredible Jewish organizations, bring your children. Let them hear directly from Holocaust survivors, Nova Festival survivors, IDF soldiers, and others whose stories must be remembered and honored.
To our non-Jewish brothers and sisters, please speak up too. Write college administrators whenever an antisemitic issue occurs on campus, thank our elected officials who support Israel, and join our many events in solidarity. Most importantly, teach your children to love their Jewish neighbors and to stand up for Israel.
Every antisemitic incident leaves a mark, but it also fuels our strength, unity, and unwavering Jewish pride. Your courage shapes the future. Keep leading. Keep showing the next generation what resilience looks like.
I am in awe of this community. I stand firm that San Diego stands as the strongest Jewish community in America. Together, we rise.
LIAT COHEN-REISS IS DIRECTOR OF THE ANTISEMITISM TASK FORCE WITH STANDWITHUS.
NEWS TO KNOW NOW WHAT
THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT
L-R: Danielle Kroo, Director of Operations, AJC Center for Education Advocacy; Rob Leikind, Regional Director, AJC New England; Seth Brysk, Regional Director, AJC Northern California; Sara E. Brown, PhD, Regional Director, AJC San Diego.
SAN DIEGO TO NYC FOR AJC GLOBAL FORUM 2025
This April, American Jewish Committee (AJC) hosted AJC Global Forum 2025, the premier global Jewish advocacy conference. At this critical moment, AJC and over 2,000 advocates from across the globe came together to tackle the most pressing issues facing the Jewish people, Israel, America, and the world.
We heard from the Presidents of Paraguay, Zambia, and Israel; legislators from the United States and Brazil; and Jewish community leaders from France, Australia, and Mexico, among others. They addressed key political, strategic, and social issues affecting Israel and the global Jewish community. Around the world, AJC is leveraging the strength of American Jewry to support smaller Jewish communities and to advocate for Israel’s rightful place on the global stage.
Program highlights included an address by rescued hostage Noa Argamani and the parents of Israeli-American hostages still held in captivity in Gaza, each of whom thanked AJC for its extraordinary efforts to amplify their voices. A conversation with leading urban warfare expert John Spencer highlighting the remarkable measures taken by the IDF to protect civilians in Gaza, and meetings with dozens of ambassadors through AJC-led delegations, raising and discussing critical issues related to Israel and antisemitism.
And for the first time, AJC hosted a panel of Regional Directors who are experts on an urgent challenge impacting San Diego,
California and schools across the country—Liberated Ethnic Studies. San Diego’s Director, Sara E. Brown, PhD, joined colleagues from Northern California and Boston to discuss antisemitism and antiIsrael bias within this radical ideology.
Learn more at AJC.org/GlobalForumNews2025 to watch videos and other highlights from AJC Global Forum 2025, and register for AJC Global Forum 2026, taking place May 31-June 2 in Washington, D.C.!
JFS HOSTS HEART AND SOUL GALA
On April 26, Jewish Family Service of San Diego hosted its annual 2025 Heart and Soul Gala at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Funds raised at this year’s event dubbed “Together for Tomorrow” benefit the nonprofit’s programs and services designed to strengthen the San Diego community by helping people of all faiths and, backgrounds and ages move forward in all areas of their lives. Guests, community leaders and JFS partners in attendance, the event celebrated the contributions of the 2025 honorees Karen and Jeff Silberman and Susanna and Michael Flaster and commemorated JFS CEO Michael Hopkins’ 13 years of leadership, ahead of his retirement this summer.
Guests at JFS Heart and Soul Gala.
SDJA STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR FAMILY HISTORY PROJECT
Two San Diego Jewish Academy students, Mario Modiano and Ava Woolf, have been selected as finalists in the 2025 Shorashim–My Family Story project.
This meaningful international initiative, led by ANU–Museum of the Jewish People, encourages students to explore and creatively present their unique family histories. Mario and Ava’s thoughtful projects stood out among hundreds of entries from across North America, earning them a spot as finalists in this year’s competition.
“We are so proud of their achievement and the heart, research, and creativity they put into their work,” said Shani Abed, Head of Lower School at SDJA. “Mazal Tov to Mario and Ava—and to their families and teachers who supported them along the way.”
