May 2019

May 2019

Nissan / Iyar 5779

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE WALK: Inclusion for Children with Special Needs and their Families

THE PASSION IN COMPASSION: An Interview with Jennifer Levitt JFS Talks Food Insecurity in Our Community

360°

LIVING A MODERN EXPRESSION

OF HOME

IS COMING TO LIFE.

Welcome to Wesley Palms, an award-winning retirement community that overlooks Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Nestled in an idyllic parkland setting on Mt. Soledad, you’ll find an open collaboration between yesterday and today. All-new patio homes are designed with cool, clean contemporary lines in a mid-century modern style.

A charming complement for your new casual lifestyle. Now open!

2404 LORING STREET

SAN DIEGO, CA 92109

8 5 8 . 2 74 . 4 1 1 0

We’re an equal opportunity housing provider.

2 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

wesleypalms.org

CA License# 374600800

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 3

THE IMPORTANCE OF A PROPER JEWISH FUNERAL:

B"H

Why We Bury Our Dead

Doron Kornbluth is the best-selling author of, "Why be Jewish?," "Why Marry Jewish?," "Cremation or Burial; the Jewish Perspective," and "The Jewish Holiday Handbook."

Doron is also an internationally renowned speaker, and speaks in over 50 cities a year!

7:00 PM

Chabad Educational Center 10785 Pomerado Rd, San Diego

Doron Kornbluth

Sunday, May 19th

For more information please contact Rabbi Yisorel Dinerman YDinerman@CHASD.org (858) 542-2770

4 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

& D k in c

oder t h e Star e RUn s featuring

STEVE AUGERI

former lead vocalist of

JOURNEY

«« JCC

Live at ««

HUMPHREYS CONCERTS BY THE BAY JUNE 23, 2019 « Ju ne 2 3 , 2 019 « Rock & Dine to support the programs and services at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS

EV E N T C H A I R S SUSAN & JIM MORRIS | LINDSEY & AARON HURVITZ

To Reserve Tickets Diane Voit: 858.362.1335 | dianev@lfjcc.org | lfjcc.org/patronparty

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 5

6 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 7

Nissan / Iyar 5779

May 2019

CONTENTS

page 33 FEATURE: IsraelFest returns June 2.

IN THIS ISSUE

page 30 FEATURE: The San Diego Museum of Art's exhibition Young Art features artwork from students K-12.

page 44 THEATER: A profile of Israeli actor, Tom Zohar.

8 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

page 36 FEATURE: An interview with musician, teacher and actress Temi Hason.

page 40 FEATURE: JFS talks their nutrition programs.

page 43 FILM: "Ask Dr. Ruth" review by Michael Fox. MONTHLY COLUMNS

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 From the Editor 22 Personal

14 Mailbag 16 What’s Up Online 53 Food 55 Diversions 62 News 64 Advice 65 Synagogue Life

Development and Judaism 24 Israeli Lifestyle 26 Examined Life 28 Religion AROUND TOWN

18 Our Town 20 The Scene 60 What's Goin On

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

34 FEATURE Jennifer Levitt

talks core Jewish values and social justice.

38 FEATURE JCF Peter

Chortek Leadership Award

48 ESSAY Being Half-Jewish 57 FEATURE The Seany Foundation

58 FOOD D.Z Akins reflects on the past and looks to the future.

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 9

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May 2019 • Nissan / Iyar 5779

• Retirement Plans Retirement Plans • Life/Disability Insurance Life/Disability Insurance • Mark Edelstein and Dr. Mark Moss PUBLISHERS • Investment Strategies Investment Strategies

Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® Managing Director- Investments CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 858-532-7904 858-532-7904 Jeffrey.Liber@wfadvisors.com 858-532-7904 858-532-7904 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 1253112531 High Bluff 12531 Dr,High Suite Bluff 400 Dr,400 Suite 400

Jeffrey Jeffrey R R Liber, Liber, CFP® CFP®

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Jacqueline Bull ASSISTANT EDITOR • Alex Wehrung ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • Eileen Sondak CREATIVE DIRECTOR • Derek Berghaus OFFICE MANAGER • Jonathan Ableson

CONTRIBUTING 12531 WRITERS 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 High Bluff 12531 Dr,High Suite Bluff 400 Dr,400 Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 12531 High Bluff 12531 Dr, High Suite Bluff 400 Dr,400 Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 12531 HighDiego, Bluff Dr, Suite 400 San Diego, CA 92130 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 Emily Bartell, Linda Bennett, Leorah San Diego, CA San 92130 Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA San 92130 Diego, 12531 12531 H H igh igh B B luff luff D D rive, rive, S TE S TE 4 4 00 00 12531 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400 San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 12531 12531 H High igh BBluff luff DCA D rive, rive, STE STE 4400 00 92130 12531 12531 HSan High igh BGavidor, Bluff luff DCA D rive, rive, STE STE 44CA 00 00 92130 Diego, 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 SanSan Diego, CA San 92130 Diego, CA San Diego, CA 92130 12531 12531 HSan High igh B B luff luff D D rive, rive, S TE S TE 4 4 00 00 Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 San Diego, 92130 San San D Diego, iego, CCA A 9858-523-7913 2130 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400 San San D Diego, iego, CCA CA A 992130 92130 2130 San San D Diego, iego, CCA Bluff A 992130 2130 12531 High Bluff Drive, 12531 High Drive, 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 Emily Gould, Judith Fein (Senior Travel Correspondent), 858-523-7913 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE San San D Diego, iego, C7CA A 9WMG.com 92130 2130 12531 High Bluff Drive, 400 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 858-523-7913 www.LiberLincoln www.LiberLincoln WMG.com 858-­‐ 55 904 858-523-7913 www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CAWMG.com 92130 858-­‐ 5523-­‐ 23-­‐ 7WMG.com 904 858-­‐ 5523-­‐ 7WMG.com 904 www.LiberLincoln WMG.com 858-­‐ 23-­‐ 7WMG.com 904 San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln www.LiberLincoln WMG.com 858-­‐ 23-­‐ 7 904 858-­‐ 23-­‐ 7 904 www.LiberLincoln WMG.com San Diego, CA 92130 858-­‐ 5 23-­‐ 7 904 www.LiberLincoln www.LiberLincoln WMG.com San Diego, CA 92130 www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln www.LiberLincoln WMG.com WMG.com 858-­‐ 523-­‐ 7904 Paul Ross (Senior Travel Photographer), Patricia Goldblatt, www.LiberLincoln WMG.com

858-523-7904 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400 858-523-7904 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® 12531 High Bluff Drive, STE 400 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® www.liberlincolnwmg.com www.liberlincolnwmg.com Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® Pat Launer, Sharon Rosen Leib, Andrea Simantov, 12531 High Bluff Dr, CIMA® Suite 400 12531 High Bluff Dr, CIMA® Suite 400 www.liberlincolnwmg.com www.liberlincolnwmg.com Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® DonLincoln, Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® R Liber, CFP® Jeffrey Don Lincoln, Don CFP®, Jeffrey Jeffrey RR R Liber, CFP® www.liberlincolnwmg.com Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey R Liber, Jeffrey CFP® CFP® Bluff Dr, Suite 400 Don Don LLincoln, Lincoln, incoln, CHigh C FP®, FP®, CCIMA® CCFP®, IMA® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® CFP tments Managin gLiber, Director-Inves Lincoln, CFP, CIMA CFP, CIMA Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don Don L12531 incoln, Cwww.liberlincolnwmg.com C FP®, FP®, IMA® C IMA® Jeffrey Jeffrey RR L iber, LLiber, iber, CFP® CFP® Don Don Lincoln, LLincoln, incoln, CC FP®, FP®, CIMA® CPresident-Investments IMA® San Diego, CA 92130 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® San Diego, CA 92130 San Diego, CA 92130 Don CFP, CIMA Senior Vice President-Investments Don Don Lincoln, LSenior Cresident-­‐ C FP®, FP®, CVice IMA® C IMA® Managin gMarnie Director-Inves tments Rabbi Jacob President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Managin g Director-Inves tments Managin ggD Director-Inves tments Senior Senior VVincoln, V ice ice PSenior resident-­‐ President-­‐ IICA nvestments IInvestments San Diego, 92130 Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Macauley, Rupp, Saul Senior President-Investments Senior President-Investments Senior Senior V ice ice P PVice resident-­‐ nvestments nvestments Managing Managing D irector-­‐ irector-­‐ nvestments Investments Senior Senior VCA V ice ice President-­‐ PVice resident-­‐ ILic nvestments ILevine, nvestments CA Insurance Lic I#0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Insurance #0821851 Senior Vice President-Investments 858-523-7904 858-523-7904 Managin g Director-Inves Managin Director-Inves tments tments Managing Director-Investments Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments

858-523-7913 858-523-7913 Senior Senior V V ice ice P resident-­‐ P resident-­‐ I nvestments I nvestments CA Insurance Lic #0821851 858-523-7904 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey RLic Liber, CFP® Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Vice President-Investments CA CA IInsurance IInsurance LL858-523-7913 ic Lic #Senior #0821851 Vice President-Investments Senior Vice President-Investments CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Lic #0821851 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Jeffrey R Liber, Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® CA CA Insurance #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance LicLic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance #0821851 CA nsurance Lic ic #0821851 0821851 CA Insurance LLic ic ##0C28496 0C28496 CA Insurance LInsurance ic #0821851 CA nsurance #0821851 CA IInsurance nsurance Lic #CFP® 0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com CA LicInvestments #0821851 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA IInsurance nsurance LInsurance ic #Lic 0821851 Rachael Eden, Sybil Kaplan.

CA Insurance LVice ic #0821851 don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com CA Insurance Lic Insurance #0C28496 Lic#0C28496 #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic CA Insurance Lic CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Senior PresidentManaging DirectorInvestments Senior Vice PresidentInvestments don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Senior Vice PresidentInvestments Managing DirectorInvestments Senior Vice PresidentInvestments don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com www.LiberLincoln WMG.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic #0821851 #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Senior Vice PresidentInvestments jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Senior Vice PresidentInvestments don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Patty Dutra don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic #0821851 CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com

Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don.Lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic CA Insurance Lic#0821851 #0821851 don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don.Lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Zeebah Aleshi don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com

CA Insurance Lic #0C28496

858-532-7904 858-532-7904

Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® Jeffrey.Liber@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 Gina Grimmer

Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Don.Lincoln@wfadvisors.com CAZeebah Insurance Lic #0821851 Aleshi

Senior Vice PresidentInvestments Managing Director- Investments Senior Client Associate don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® Grimmer Gina Gina don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Gina Grimmer Senior Vice PresidentInvestments Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Zeebah Aleshi Grimmer don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Gina Gina G G rimmer rimmer Zeebah Senior Registered Client Associate Zeebah Aleshi Managin gaddell Director-Inves tments Gina Gina G G rimmer rimmer CA Insurance LicAleshi #0821851 CA W Insurance Lic #0C28496 Alissa Alissa W addell Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Gina Gina G G rimmer rimmer CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah Aleshi 858-523-7904 Gina Grimmer Gina Grimmer Senior Vice President-Investments CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #O178195 Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Gina Grimmer Registered Registered C C lient lient A A ssociate ssociate Senior Registered Client Associate Patty Dutra Financial Consultant Senior Registered Client Associate Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah Aleshi Registered Registered CSenior C lient lient AA ssociate ssociate AVP AVP -­‐ R -­‐ R egistered egistered CC lient lient AA ssociate ssociate CA Insurance Lic#0G75099 #0G75099 don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Registered Associate CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Senior Registered ClientClient Associate Patty Dutra Registered Registered CC lient lient A0178195 A ssociate ssociate Lic CA Insurance Lic #O178195 don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance #0821851 CA CA i nsurance i nsurance L ic L ic # 0178195 # zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Client Associate Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Financial Consultant CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #O178195 CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #O178195 CA CA i nsurance i nsurance L ic L ic # 0178195 # 0178195 Yesenia Gil CA i nsurance L ic # 0I18483 CA i nsurance L ic # 0I18483 Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com Gina Grimmer Consultant Senior Client Associate don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Client AssociateFinancial Senior Registered Associate CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance LicClient #0G75099 CA CA insurance insurance Lic LGil ic #Associate 0178195 #0178195 Yesenia Gil Yesenia Gina Grimmer Senior Client zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Yesenia Gil Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com CA alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Client Associate Registered Client Associate zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com CA Lic CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic Insurance #O178195 LicAssociate #O178195 CA Insurance Lic #0178195 858-523-7904 Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate Client Associate zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Registered Client zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 #0G75099 CA Insurance LicInsurance #0G75099

Jeffrey R CFP® Gina Grimmer jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Financial Managing DirectorConsultant jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Gina Grimmer Jeffrey R Liber, Liber, CFP® Investments Gina jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Gina Grimmer Managing DirectorInvestments Financial Consultant Grimmer jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com Gina Gina Managin Alissa Alissa W W addell addell Gina Grimmer Financial Consultant Grimmer ggaddell Director-Inves tments CAGrimmer Insurance Lic #0C28496 Alissa Alissa W W addell Financial Consultant Managin Director-Inves tments CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 Alissa Alissa W W addell addell Gina Grimmer Grimmer CA Insurance Lic CA Insurance Lic #O178195 Financial Consultant Gina Grimmer Financial Consultant AVP AVP -­‐

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Gina AVP AVP -­‐Insurance Grimmer R -­‐ Consultant R egistered egistered CCC lient lient A A ssociate ssociate CA Lic #O178195 jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com ociate Financial CA Insurance Lic #0C28496 Gina Financial Consultant Grimmer eGina Grimmer Lic #O178195 AVP AVP -­‐insurance R -­‐ R egistered egistered C0I18483 C lient lient AA ssociate ssociate jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com CA CA Insurance #0C28496 Financial gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com CA CA i nsurance L ic L ic # # 0I18483 Financial Consultant Consultant CA Insurance Lic #O178195 Insurance Lic #O178195 m Insurance Lic #O178195 CA i nsurance L ic # 0I18483 CA i nsurance L ic # 0I18483 rs.com Gina Grimmer Financial Consultant Gina.Grimmer@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com nt Associate Financial Consultant Financial Consultant CA Insurance Lic #O178195 CA Insurance Lic #O178195 CA i nsurance L ic # 0I18483 CA i nsurance L ic # 0I18483 Gina Grimmer Gina Grimmer Financial Consultant gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com Gina GrimmerClient gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com Registered Associate gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com CA CA Lic Insurance #O178195 Lic #O178195 Insurance Lic #0178195 gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com CA alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com alissa.waddell@wfadvisors.com Registered Client Associate omInsurance gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Registered Client Associate 5099 CA Insurance CA Lic Insurance #O178195 Lic #O178195 CA Insurance Lic #0178195 Yesenia Gil Registered Client CA insurance LicAssociate #O178195 Gina Grimmer Gina Grimmer Yesenia Gil Gina.Grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com CA insurance Lic #O178195 Gina Grimmer CA insurance Lic #O178195 Yesenia Gil Gina Grimmer

sors.com Gina.Grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate CA insurance Lic #O178195 Registered Client Associate eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Yesenia Gil Financial Consultant Client Yesenia GilAssociate Yesenia Gil Client Associate Registered eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com

Don Lincoln, CFP®, CIMA® don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com

Jeffrey R Liber, CFP® jeffrey.liber@wfadvisors.com

Senior Vice PresidentInvestments don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah AleshiClient Senior Registered Associate Zeebah Aleshi ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Gina Gina G G rimmer rimmer CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Senior Vice President-Investments Senior Registered Client Associate Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah Aleshi CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 Senior Registered Client Associate Senior Registered Client Associate Patty Dutra Registered CC lient lient AA ssociate ssociate don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com CA Insurance Lic #0821851 Jonathan Ableson – SeniorRegistered Account Executive CAzeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Insurance Lic #0G75099 Senior Registered Client Associate Senior Registered Associate CA Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance LicClient #0G75099 CA CA insurance insurance Lic LInsurance ic #0178195 #0178195 Yesenia Gil Senior Client don.lincoln@wfadvisors.com Yesenia GilAssociate zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Alan Moss – Palm Springs Eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com CALicInsurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance #0G75099 858-523-7904 Client Associate

858-523-7904 Yesenia Gil Lic #O178195 Client FluentAssociate in Spanish Yesenia Gil CA insurance Gina Grimmer Zeebah Aleshi Gina Grimmer zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Fluentin in Spanish Yesenia Gil Fluent Spanish CA insurance Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com Yesenia Gil Lic #O178195 Zeebah Aleshi Gina.Grimmer@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com

FluentGil inzeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Spanish Yesenia Zeebah zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com Fluent inAleshi Spanish Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com

Fluent in Spanish Client Associate Client Client Associate Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Registered Client Associate eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Patty.Dutra@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Yesenia GilAssociate Yesenia Gil Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate Client Senior Registered Client Associate Financial Consultant Yesenia Yesenia Gil Investment Investment and and Insurance Insurance Products: Products offered !NOT FDIC through Insured affiliates: !NO!NOT BankFluent Guarantee FDIC Insured !MAY !NO Lose Bank Value Guarantee SAN DIEGO JEWISH JOURNAL in Spanish in Spanish yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Fluent in Spanish Fluent in Insurance Spanish CAGil insurance Lic #0178195 CA Associate insurance #0178195 Investment Investment and and Insurance Insurance Products: Products offered !NOT FDIC through Insured affiliates: !NO!NOT BankFluent Guarantee FDIC Insured !MAY !NO Lose Bank Value Guarantee Investment Investment and and Insurance Products: Products offered !NOT FDIC through Insured affiliates: !NO!NOT BankFluent Guarantee FDIC Insured !MAY !NO Lose Bank Value Guarantee Client Associate in Spanish Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #O178195 CA Insurance LicLic #O178195 Fluent in Spanish CA insurance Lic #0178195 !MAY Lose Value Client Associate Client Associate Client Associate Client Associate Investment Investment and and Insurance Insurance Products: Products offered !NOT FDIC through Insured affiliates: !NO!NOT BankCA Guarantee FDIC Insured !MAY !NO Lose Bank Value Guarantee Fluent in Spanish Fluent in Spanish !MAY Lose Value !MAY Lose Value CA Insurance Lic #0G75099 CA Insurance Lic #O178195 yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Client Associate Yesenia Gil Yesenia Gil Yesenia Gil Yesenia Gil eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Zeebah Aleshi Zeebah Aleshi Fluent in Spanish !MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Yesenia Gil Yesenia Gil eugenia.grimmer@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com (858) 638-9818 • fax: 638-9801 gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a(858) separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Michelle Hasten Fluent in Spanish Fluent in Spanish Fluent in Spanish Fluent in Spanish yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com zeebah.aleshi@wfadvisors.com gina.grimmer@wfadvisors.com Company.

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

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

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

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

Client Associate Client Associate Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Senior Registered Client Senior Registered Client ©2009 ©2009 Wells Wells Fargo FargoAdvisors, Advisors, LLC. LLC. All All rights rights 88580 88580 –v1 –v1-0312-2590 -0312-2590 (e7460) (e7460) non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is reserved. areserved. registered broker-dealer and a separate Company.

Client Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Member SIPC. ©2009 ©2009 Wells Wells Fargo Fargo Advisors, LLC. LLC.Fargo All All rights rights reserved. reserved.

88580 88580 –v1 –v1 -0312-2590 -0312-2590 (e7460) (e7460) ©2009 ©2009 Wells Wells Fargo FargoAdvisors, Advisors, LLC. LLC.All Allrights rights reserved. reserved.88580 88580 –v1 –v1-0312-2590 -0312-2590 (e7460) Senior Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com 5665 Oberlin Drive, Suite 204 •(e7460) San Diego, CA 92121 tradeAssociate used byAdvisors, Wells Clearing Services, LLC, yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com

©2009 WellsFargo Fargo Advisors, LLC.All Allrights rightsreserved. reserved.

88580–v1 –v1 -0312-2590(e7460) (e7460) ©2009 Wells Advisors, 88580 -0312-2590 yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Fluent inname Spanish Fluent in Fluent in Spanish Fluent inGilSpanish Yesenia GilSpanish Yesenia CA CA Insurance Lic LLC. #0675099 Insurance Lic #0675099

Fluent in Spanish Fluent inGilSpanish Yesenia CA Insurance Lic #0183194 Client Associate Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Investment offered through affiliates:NO NOT FDIC Insured MAY NO Bank Investment and Insurance offered through affiliates:NO NOT FDIC Insured MAY NO Bank Zeebah.Aleshi@wfadvisors.com Zeebah.Aleshi@wfadvisors.com Investment and Insurance InsuranceProducts Products: NOT FDIC Insured Bank Guarantee LoseGuarantee Value Investment InsuranceProducts Products: NOT FDIC Insured Bank Guarantee LoseGuarantee Value Client Associate yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Investment and Insurance Products offered through affiliates:NO NOT FDIC Insured MAY NO Bank Michelle.Hasten@wfadvisors.com Investment Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured Bank Guarantee LoseGuarantee Value MAY Lose Value MAY Lose Value Fluent inand Spanish Fluent inand Spanish Investment Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Investment Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value MAY Lose Value Fluent inand Spanish Investment Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Wells Fargo Advisors is atrade trade nameused used Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC Wells Fargo Advisors is name byby Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com (c) 2016 Wells FargoisClearing Services, LLC All Rights reserved 1016-02995 Wells Fargo Advisors aa trade name by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC Wells Fargo Advisors is tradeServices, nameused used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC (c) 2016 Wells FargoisClearing Clearing Services, LLC All Rights reserved 1016-02995 Wells Fargo Advisors aa trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC (c) 2016 Fargo LLC All Rights reserved 1016-02995 (c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, 1016-02995 (c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services,LLC LLCAll AllRights Rights reserved reserved 1016-02995 (c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC All Rights reserved 1016-02995

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC.

Larry M. Katz Certified Public Accountant

• Income Tax Preparation • IRS and State Audit Representation • Litigation Support Services • Forensic Accounting Services • Business Consulting Services

EDITORIAL: editor@sdjewishjournal.com ADVERTISING: marke@sdjewishjournal.com Wells Fargo Advisors is a& trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC. CIRCULATION SUBSCRIPTIONS: jableson@sdjewishjournal.com ART DEPARTMENT: art@sdjewishjournal.com LISTINGS & CALENDAR: assistant@sdjewishjournal.com

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC yesenia.gil@wfadvisors.com Wells Fargo Advisors is tradename nameused used byAll Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC (c) 2016 Wells FargoisClearing Services, LLC Rights reserved 1016-02995 Wells Fargo Advisors aa trade by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC (c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services,LLC LLCAll AllRights Rights reserved reserved 1016-02995 (c) 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, 1016-02995

SDJJ is published monthly by San Diego Jewish Journal, LLC. Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Send subscription requests to SDJJ, 5665 Oberlin Drive, Suite 204, San Diego, CA 92121. The San Diego Jewish Journal is a free and open forum for the expression of opinions. The opinions expressed herein are solely the opinion of the author and in no way reflect the opinions of the publishers, staff or advertisers. The San Diego Jewish Journal is not responsible for the accuracy of any and all information within advertisements. The San Diego Jewish Journal reserves the right to edit all submitted materials, including press releases, letters to the editor, articles and calendar listings for brevity and clarity. The Journal is not legally responsible for the accuracy of calendar or directory listings, nor is it responsible for possible postponements, cancellations or changes in venue. Manuscripts, letters, documents and photographs sent to the Journal become the physical property of the publication, which is not responsible for the return or loss of such material.

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Luis Strohmeier, CDFA, ChFC®, CLU®

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Lu CE lst Te

I

started my writing career thinking I would be a fiction writer. I imagined I would see my name on the spines of the thick hardcover books on my bedside table.

This was stymied little by the fact that in my short stories nothing ever happened. One fiction professor told me that my assignment was a really nice “character sketch.” That assignment I had been so sure I would be a star pupil, I had signed up for the very first slot to be workshopped.

Earlier, in high school, I was scolded for a fiction piece that was a thinly veiled diatribe of my teenage philosophy.

I learned a lot.

The only two positive notes I would get on my fiction were that my classmates liked the actual writing: the sound of the sentences, the word choice, etc. And that I was always at least distinctive–that you were always aware that it was me who was talking.

(This comment was often a point of ridicule for my parents who made fun of me for saying things like “point of ridicule” before I could drive).

Two events in my life set me on a different path. I had a noncancerous tumor removed from my body and one summer my glamorous internship abroad that I painstakingly saved and planned for was abruptly cancelled and I found myself working at a factory that sold bumble bee colonies. If you’re intrigued by the latter, my nonfiction professor was too and helped me develop the piece which became my first published piece of work.

More and more, the things that I was most interested in writing and reading about were in the real world. Not using my own life and family as inspiration for fictional people and situations, but earnestly trying to tell the truth. I could be able to say what I wanted to say, in my own voice, without all the window dressing.

It’s one of those things where the answer is so obvious, we are blind to it. Because nonfiction was always there. In my very first magazine subscription (Girl’s Life), the afternoons spent poring over glossy pages with my sister, reading the paper with my dad, participating in weaving the family stories and mythology.

If truth is stranger than fiction, then maybe it is often more compelling, too.

So “Hello,” I’m Jacqueline Bull, the new editor in chief. I’m proud to pick up the baton from Brie and editors past and run with it.

I’m here to help other people tell their true stories. I’m here to bring people’s voices into your offices, community centers, places of worship and your homes. I can’t wait to hear what we have to say.

Jacqueline Bull

From The Editor 12 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

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Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 13

Dear Editor,

let us know what’s on your mind.

I just finished reading your column in the March 2019 San Diego Jewish Journal. (I know, I’m a little behind in my reading!) I want to commend you on your answer to Burned Bro from La Jolla. I think you are spot on, but I don’t think you went far enough with your answer. When I read the letter, what I got was a couple who were more interested in how their celebration “looked” than if anyone actually had any fun.

That everything was so carefully timed rather than a free flow of interesting things to do for all, was concerning. Exactly who was this simcha for? The mother–who had to change “theatrical gowns” in the middle of the reception? The mother–who “produced and directed" (really?

Is this Hollywood?) a film about their son’s life (all 13 years–how long do you suppose it was?)

or the parents–who hired the circus to come to town? Oh, and by the way, they had a few things for the son’s friends. This was not a bar mitzvah for their son–it was a show off session for the parents. Nowhere did they ever say a word about how proud they were of their son for this big life event. Nowhere did they mention how much fun the kids had. It was all “Look at me, Look at me!” Unfortunately, this is what Bar and Bat Mitzvahs have become: who can have the biggest, most expensive, most carefully timed celebration. It has little to do with the son or daughter or with Judaism’s rite of passage. I think this is sad and, as you mentioned, misses the whole point of what a Bar Mitzvah is. Thanks for letting me vent.

Beth from San Diego

@SANDIEGOJEWISHJOURNAL

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

Please consider our guidelines for Letters to the Editor prior to submitting your comments: The San Diego Jewish Journal welcomes reader responses to articles. Due to space limitations, responses to articles cannot exceed 200 words and will be edited in coordination with the letter’s author and at the discretion of the editor and publishers.

For readers who wish to submit multiple letters, we require three issue months to pass between published letters so as to make space for more reader responses.

All readers can comment as often as they’d like in the comments section of our website, found at the bottom of every article on sdjewishjournal.com.

Magazine articles are republished on the website at the beginning of each issue month.

14 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

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online @sdjewishjournal.com

Ukraine’s next president is a Jewish comedian Volodymyr Zelensky took a dramatic lead in exit polls in which he received more than 73 percent of the vote.

This prompted a concession of defeat by incumbent Petro Poroshenko before the official results were tallied.

If Zelensky is sworn in as president, his prime minister until the parliamentary elections will be Jewish politician Volodymyr Groysman. This would make Ukraine the first country outside of Israel where both the president and prime minister are Jewish.

To critics of incumbent Poroshenko, the landslide victory by politically inexperienced Zelensky can be contributed to widespread resentment of corruption under the Poroshenko government.

Netanyahu Wins Narrow Victory in Israel’s Election With more than 95 percent of the vote counted, Netanyahu’s Likud party and the opposition Blue and White party are virtually tied with more than 1 million votes apiece. According to Israeli news websites, each party is likely to win 35 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament.

Despite the tie, Netanyahu appears to have won the election overall, as his right-wing allies won a solid majority of votes. Israel is governed by coalitions of parties, so the total number of the right- and left-wing blocs matter more than the size of the biggest party.

In total, right-wing parties won 65 seats, while centrist and left-wing parties took 55 seats. That math gives Netanyahu a clear path to forming another governing coalition. A total of 11 parties will likely enter the Knesset.

16 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

Last year, Israel’s government's annual report on anti-Semitism highlighted Ukraine. The authors of the report said they counted more than 130 reported anti-Semitic incidents in Ukraine in 2017.

Ukraine is home to some 300,000 Jews, in large part whose ancestors suffered under anti-Semitism before, during and after the Holocaust.

Israel offers assistance following bomb attacks in Sri Lanka Netanyahu, in a statement released and tweeted on Sunday in the hours after the Easter attacks which left more than 200 dead, said that “Israel stands ready to assist the authorities in Sri Lanka at this difficult time.”

At least 290 people were killed and hundreds more wounded in a series of bomb attacks that hit hotels and churches across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. There were seven bomb blasts.

One of the best ways to fight terrorism in Israel is to help save its victims.

With Israelis grappling with nearly daily acts of terrorism, you can help ensure that those injured don’t join the list of those killed. Your support of Magen David Adom, Israel’s national EMS service, provides the equipment, supplies, and on-going training to keep MDA the preeminent mass-casualty medical response organization in the world. Your donation saves lives.

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Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 17

eltov

our TOWN

BY LINDA BENNETT & EMILY BARTELL

TOP: Inside Israeli TV with Ronit Weiss-Berkowitz. RIGHT: Book signing with author Jamie Bernstein.

The SD Center for Jewish Culture’s Arts & Ideas Series continues to impress... We recently saw Inside Israeli TV with Ronit Weiss-Berkowitz. Ronit Weiss-Berkowitz is one of the most powerful women in Israeli cinema. She is a visiting professor at SDSU and has written and directed several television series and documentaries. Some of those joining us in the audience were Erez Ben Yosef, Echo Rivetti, Lyndsey McVadon, Danny & Carol Strub, Nancy Martin and Richard Brehn, Holly & David Hazan, Nancy & Marty Goldberg, Richard & Sharon Gabriel, Neil & Joyce Jacobs, Andy Oster, and Rhoda Nevins.

On April 3rd, we attended Jamie Bernstein – Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein. Wow! What a fascinating speaker and intimate account of her father’s life, on the centennial of his birth. Also enjoying the evening were Ellis & Bonnie Diamond, Sheila Nerad, Joyce Axelrod, Barry & Bonnie Graff, Pat Launer, Frances Lobman, Rebecca & Wayne Levin, Justin Brent, Daniel Goodman, Mike & Maryellen Maher, John Fay and Amy Levin, and Phil & Fran Ginsberg.

Jewish Family Service held it’s Heart & Soul Gala on April 6th, at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla. All we can say is that it was absolutely beautiful and delicious! (Editor’s Note: JFS raised $1.5 million at the Gala). Gala Chairs, Jamie Carr, Erin Combs Pearl, and Scott Schindler, with their incredible committee, served up quite an evening for the over 600 people in attendance! This year's Honorees were Ilene Mittman and Aviva Saad for the Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center, and the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, for the San Diego Rapid Response Network. Those on hand for the evening were Mel & Linda Katz, Ellen & Anthony Sacks, Jill & Mark Spitzer, San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and Assemblywoman, Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Gary & Norma Hirsh, Ed & Becki Etess, Caroline & Herb Schaer, Isabelle & Mel Wasser-

18 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

man, Danny Recht, Craig Lambert, Dick Perlman, Marge Katleman, Tammy & Jon Schwartz, Rachel & Armando Flores, Karen Griffiths, Mathew & Jennifer Kostrinsky, Barbara & Howard Milstein, Ed & Pam Carnot, and Congresswoman Susan & Steven Davis.

On Sunday, April 7th, we attended the 14th Annual Lights of Ohr Shalom event honoring Vania Bunton, Joe Hartman, and Morris Lazard for their outstanding contributions to Ohr Shalom’s Ritual and Worship Services. The Ambassadors of JCompany provided excellent entertainment, as we all looked on with joy. Some of those sharing our enjoyment were Sara Artenstein, Eileen Bachrach, Sue & Gary Brown, Louise Chandler, Rita Cohen, Jonathan & Alma Geiger, Elizabeth Green, Eli & Susie Meltzer, Joy Heitzmann and Jack Cohen, Yiftach & Jennifer Levy, Karen Rund, Ray & Marcia Sachs, Sandy & Max Scheller, Eileen Wingard, Samy & Sarita Zands, Jane Zeer, Mark & Anne Pacheco, and of course, Rabbi Scott & Jennifer Meltzer.

Mazel Tov to…

Jeff & Sheila Lipinsky on the birth of their grandson, Adrian Jozef. Adrian is the son of Steven & Carolyne Lipinsky, and big sister is Taeya.

Arlene & Newt Pollock, on their 69th wedding anniversary.

Shirley & Ed Haimsohn, on their 65th wedding anniversary.

Edith & Milt Kodmur, on their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Marty & Roz Freedman, on their 61st wedding anniversary.

Marcia & Robert Malkus, on their 60th wedding anniversary.

Yom Huledet Sameach to…

To a wonderful, wonderful, man, Sheldon Merel, celebrating his 95th birthday. A

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Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 19

the SCENE

STORY/PHOTOS BY JACQUELINE BULL

David Ellenstein, Artistic Director of North Coast Repertory Theatre and Mark Edelstein of our own SDJJ.

Lee and Frank Goldberg, Anne Nagorner.

North Coast Repertory Theatre Spotlight Gala. The Del Mar Country Club made an elegant backdrop for “Another Roll of the Dice.” The gala was co-chaired by Holly Smith Jones and Julie Sarno and honored The Mandell Weiss Foundation with their 2019 San Diego’s Champion for the Arts Award.

20 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

Judith Adler.

The evening started with a cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres. George Tovar, an established magician at The Magic Castle delighted guests with impressive close-up magic. Dinner followed the presentation and the award giving and then a lively live auction. A performance from jazz singer Jame Torme capped off the event. A

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 21

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND JUDAISM

THIS WAY TO EDEN

by Rachel Eden rachel.s.eden@gmail.com

Jewish Investments and Profits ob Walker, journalist and columnist for the New York Times, set out to discover the value of storytelling with a simple experiment. He bought 200 tchotchkes that cost less than $1 each on eBay. He then called 200 authors and asked if they wanted to be a part of his ‘significant objects’ study. As each author agreed, he sent him/her one of his new items in the mail with a request: Write a story about the trinket. Ultimately, Walker collected 200 stories to accompany his 200 objects. Then he returned to eBay, posted his 200 items for sale alongside their 200 stories and waited. One object was a little horsehead. Its original cost was 99 cents yet it sold with the story for a whopping $62.95. Was this exponential profit an anomaly? As it turned out, no, not at all. Walker bought all of his tchotchkes for the original price of $129 and sold them with their stories for a staggering total of $8000. What increased the value of Walker’s collection? It all came down to one key factor: emotional investment. The stories Walker posted created a connection and relevance between the object and the buyer.

Recently, I asked a group of local college students what they enjoy about their Judaism. Their answers ranged from service to others and charitable values to community living and a growth-driven lifestyle. The students produced dozens of answers but, interestingly, not a single response connected the students’ Judaism to their parents or ancestors. Their collective Jewish identity was motivated by the joys it afforded personal everyday living– not ancestral guilt, not family obligation.

22 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

I challenged the same students to generate strategies in promoting Jewish identity and values. They offered three answers: First, marry Jewish. This answer shocked me since so many of them came from interfaith homes. When I probed further, the students said that if both partners feel committed to Judaism, then their home would have a singular focus: to facilitate each family member’s emotional investment in his or her Jewish identity. The students’ insight was remarkable and aligned with a principle we learn in the Torah from Jacob and Esau.

Jacob and Esau shared the same righteous parents and upbringing until they turned 13, Eleventh century French commentator Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki writes that no one could tell the difference between the two brothers throughout their childhood. But once they turned 13, Jacob continued to learn in a house of study and Esau fled to the field to hunt. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that the education that worked so beautifully for Jacob failed miserably for Esau. Once a parent himself, Jacob learned from his parents’ experience and treated each one of his twelve sons individually, nurturing them in their respective unique paths.

Levi was groomed for Temple service, Judah for kingship, and Zebulun for business acumen. Each one was righteous and tapping into his own strengths. Self-awareness and an awareness of others creates the space for emotional investment. We must live authentically in order to invest in ourselves wholly.

The students’ second answer was to increase practice of concrete Jewish observance. Physical actualization is an outgrowth

of emotional investment. Smokers can only quit if they are first deeply motivated, given the addictive nature of their habit. Philanthropists donate private funds only when they feel passionate about the cause. Sustainable integration of a new behavior is always preceded by emotional investment. We are not just a sum total of our behaviors, but also the thoughts and feelings behind them.

The students’ final suggestion was to increase Jewish education and exposure. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks writes of education, “As Jews, we believe to defend a country, you need an army but to defend a civilization, you need education.” Again, the students’ answers diverged from their upbringing. A minimalist approach to Jewish education is to enroll children into Jewish schools from the earliest possible phase through their teenage years and/or as long as possible.

None of the college students were afforded a Jewish education in their formative years, yet they innately understood its value in building emotional investment during the impressionable stage of childhood.

Rob Walker’s experiment clarifies our agendas in building our own love of Judaism. His monetary profit margins can easily translate into our spiritual growth margins.

Emotional investment is the driving force behind successful living and barely living at all–and Judaism is no exception to this rule. Without it, Judaism is an empty shell filled with unwanted obligations. With it, Judaism is our proud heritage and birthright, enriching and elevating every moment from mundane to significant. The key is: we can only profit when we invest. A

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 23

ISRAELI LIFESTYLE

LIVING ON THE FRONT PAGE

by Andrea Simantov andreasimantov@gmail.com

The Winter of Our ‘Content’ or the religiously observant, prayers for rain are intoned three times each day because, as anyone familiar with Israel’s topography already knows, if the rains don’t fall heavily from October until Passover, we are in big trouble. And even though we are both the People of the Book and world-renowned irrigation specialists, Heavenly assistance is relied upon to ensure that the shuk will overflow with cucumbers and tomatoes for the summer barbecues.

Speaking of overflow, our prayers seemed to have been heard because the skies poured and poured for weeks on end and the Hermon ski slopes were filled with tourists. Incendiary balloons filled with accelerants destined to destroy fields and homes were miraculously doused before serious harm could occur.

The radio and cyber-feeds were filled with news of an almost-full Kinneret and although the weather was not yet warm and it wasn’t the season, people hopped buses 24 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

or piled into vans and drove north, anxious to see the barometer of Israel’s aqua-health in the raw. We, too, booked a shockingly seedy room and, despite the awful food and 1950’s decor, spent a Sabbath in Tiberias, gazing out onto the magnificent water and listened to muted tourist-spiels from captains of the wooden Jesus Boats that peppered the lake. We ate fruit, scanned the papers, read psalms and pondered how Israel felt uncharacteristically calm and satisfying.

What do we do when life feels too normal and hopeful in the Middle East? We vote. An upside of this recent election was that it came and went before any serious protests could cripple our tiny land. As founding Prime Minister David Ben Gurion once stated in a conversation with President Harry Truman, every citizen of Israel is a Prime Minister. On April 9, just under 6.3 million eligible voters cast ballots in 10,700 voting stations. (This included creating mini-stations in shelters

for battered women who could not risk being identified. Very compassionate, very Israeli.)

How many parties fielded candidates for the Knesset? Fifty three. No, joke, fifty three parties attempting to separately upset the reign of Likud’s Benjamin Netanyahu. The significance of the insignificance of these splinter groups is telling because the number of votes that were borne of hubris and egocentricity resulted in abject waste; the outcome of the contest was apparently less critical to opponents than a show of inflexible-principles that could never withstand shows of unity. Despite the impressive near-thrashing he received by Benny Ganz and Yair Lapid’s Blue & White party, the election was handed to Bibi via short-sightedness that is too often typical of my co-citizens. This isn’t to say that I wasn’t personally pleased with the outcome of the ballot count. (I’d have accepted any results because my understanding of Democracy tends to veer in that direction.)

Speaking of co-citizens, the Arab Israelis overwhelmingly boycotted the elections, once again proving Abba Eban’s observation that they never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. At the time of this writing they have gained no new seats in the Knesset and, indeed, may have lost a few. Their parties did run candidates, but instead of uniting under one banner which might have garnered them a minimum of eleven seats, they fought among themselves, split into parties and gained nothing. Twenty percent of Israel’s population typically shot themselves in the proverbial foot and next week Israel will be blamed.

Sigh.

Head scratch.

Fade to black.

This morning I awakened to learn that Beresheet, Israel’s first spaceship, crashed into the moon in a failed landing attempt.

Comparatively inexpensive and privately financed, had the endeavor succeeded, Israeli would have been the fourth nation after the United States, the former Soviet Union and China to land on the moon. Israel is approximately the size of New Jersey, but views herself a worthy contender in the field of space exploration. Clearly the lessons learned include that fast and cheap are not desirable methods for building rockets. Nevertheless, the celebrations were both somber and euphoric. The air was filled with vows to build upon this staggering achievement, get better, try again. And again.

This is Israel. The rains don’t come or they do and we soldier on, building irrigation systems that save us along with a myriad of nations. We vote and fight and ultimately unite under one (not 54) banners because bomb shelters do not discriminate based on political affiliation. We orbit the Heavens along with the big-boys because no one tells us not to and we don’t do well with ‘not to’ anyway. We don’t see that we’re small. We don’t see that we’re anything other than a well-spring of human and spiritual potential that, when unleashed in unity, soar the Heavens, master the seas, and promise every child that when he/she grows up, they can vie for a seat in the Knesset.A

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EXAMINED LIFE

OUR EMOTIONAL FOOTPRINT

by Saul Levine, M.D., Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry at UCSD slevine@ucsd.edu

Self-Evaluation and “The Four B’s” o you feel that you are a truly worthwhile person?

What do you see when you are genuinely trying to evaluate yourself and look in the metaphoric mirror of life? That is, when you are wholly truthful with yourself–no masks, no games, no pretense, defensiveness or guile–do you really like (respect, admire, appreciate) that person you see?

Who are we, really?

We all experience successes and pleasures in our lives, just as we do disappointment and setbacks. Life can be complicated and pressured. In these circumstances we sometimes question our authenticity, and wonder about our personal qualities, or our worthiness as human beings. We might behave differently in diverse circumstances (work, school, family, recreation), and when we’re with different people and settings. There may be times we worry about how we’re being perceived by others, but we ultimately have to answer to ourselves.

I’ve learned through research studies, clinical work and social relations with people of diverse ages and backgrounds that we all want to be “comfortable in our own skin.”

We know that if people have enough to live on and are properly clothed, sheltered and safe (admittedly a big IF), it is not the amount of accumulated material wealth which leads to self-appreciation and ease ‘inside’ their beings. Most people are looking for more substance and meaning in life, and in fact have similar views about what makes them appreciative of their own worthiness.

So, what is it they (we) are all looking for?

The genuine appreciation of our worthiness and our quality depends on whether we

26 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

achieve four core inner senses, which I call “The Four B’s”: They are the personal senses of Being, Belonging, Believing and Benevolence.

BEING (Personal): People who have achieved a sense of Being feel grounded and at ease with themselves. They have the sensation of inner peace and self-acceptance.

They have insight into themselves and they have a realistic self-image, neither boastful or demeaning of themselves. They are grateful for whom they have become, and how they’ve acted with others. They are aware of their strengths and potential, and similarly, they are familiar with their faults and limitations. They appreciate themselves in spite of mistakes they have made and their emotional scars. They have worked at overcoming their frailties and redeeming themselves for transgressions.

They are empathic and caring, kind and generous to family, friends and strangers, and they’re respectful and tolerant of others; they are responsible and trustworthy, and they feel comfortable with who they have become.

BELONGING (Social): People with a sense of Belonging know they are integral members of at least one group or community of people that is very important to them, where they feel comfortable, liked and appreciated, and where they genuinely reciprocate those feelings. Theses groups could compose a family or close friends, a congregation, a club, gang, team, cast, platoon or a wide range of other possible communities.

Members of these communal groups feel an organic affiliation and comfort with others who share their values and traditions.

The members provide support, respect and friendship. These kinds of relationships bestow pleasure and fulfillment. They dimin-

ish anxieties and help prevent depressions associated with loneliness. The warm glow of belonging contributes to their physical and emotional health, and enhances the quality of their lives.

BELIEVING (Ethical/Spiritual): A sense of Believing refers to having guiding values and principles of one’s behavior. Millions of people around the world venerate (their perception of ) a G-d(s) who gives them comfort and hope, and provides moral rules for their ethical conduct. But one need not believe in a Supreme Being to be an ethical individual, and by the same token, religious followers are not inherently more principled or compassionate than agnostics and atheists. We human beings need to believe in a system of moral principles and civil behavior. Ideally, we adhere to these overriding tenets in our daily functioning and relationships and we wish to pass these down to our children.

When we act according to principles based on religion or other humane social philosophies, our lives become more meaningful during times of both joy and pain.

Our lives can be at different times and circumstances rewarding, mundane or challenging: We are concerned about ourselves and perhaps even more about our families, wanting to protect and facilitate their navigation through life’s challenges. We are also at times beset with the pressures of finances, responsibilities, health, obligations, social demands, political issues and other aspects of life’s travails. The details and decisions of life can get to us.

Yet when we wonder about issues beyond everyday practicalities and materialism, we can be awed by just how minuscule we are.

We are microscopic in our own world, but especially infinitesimal when we consider our own infinite universe and countless oth-

er universes. Looking at the photographs taken from the Hubble telescope can be riveting and awe-inspiring. They can transport our thoughts into cosmic or spiritual realms, and help us realize we have but one life to live, and making it fulfilling and meaningful becomes of even more consequence.

BENEVOLENCE (Altruism): A sense of Benevolence refers to the extent to which we have bestowed a caring effect on others.

It encompasses how we have positively affected and contributed to people in our lives. This can be in our everyday lives, when we demonstrate seemingly small but important acts of kindness and generosity. The positive effects we have on others linger on in the ‘social climate.’

Benevolence is in a way a culmination of the other B’s. Our personal legacies are best represented by our acts of decency and respect for each other. Notwithstanding humanity’s history of aggression and violence, we humans are also genetically predisposed to be helpful to others. Studies have shown that we can in fact learn to behave with more tolerance and generosity and with less aggression and animosity. The kindness and goodness we bestow on others throughout our lives is the essence of a sense of benevolence.

Nobody is perfect. I know many wonderful people but have yet to meet a veritable saint or a tzaddik who is the epitome of perfection in all of his/her personal thoughts and behaviors. While a purely noble existence may be beyond us mere mortals, most of us endeavor to be intrinsically worthwhile: Decent, honest and caring... in other words, a “Mensch.”

When we are evaluating the worthiness of our lives, we aspire to the goals of the Four B’s. These are the foundations for our important core legacies, “Our Emotional Footprint.” A

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RELIGION

POST-POLITICAL

by Rabbi Jacob Rupp rabbirupp@gmail.com

Dissecting Nightmares have a reoccurring nightmare.

In my dream, I’m back in college and become aware that I have a final coming up in a class I didn’t attend. It’s not just that I neglected the homework, it’s that I had gone once to the class, and never went back—I didn’t drop the class, I did other classes during that time and I justified to myself (in the dream) that if I didn’t go to that class, the responsibilities would go away. For what seems like eternity (the rest of the dream), I am in this panicking that I will fail and there’s notthing I can do about it.

I wake up from my dream in a cold sweat.

Though the dream felt so real, I realize there’s no test. There’s not even a class. I am a decade plus out of college. And all that stress that seemed so real was just a figment of my imagination.

Upon processing it, my nighttime terrors underline very real anxiety. To what extent do we create impossible challenges for ourselves, and then become paralyzed and hopeless? What if it would be possible to wake up and realize it all isn’t real?

Much more than we connect to the fact that we are made in G-d’s image, we project our image, or our parents’ images onto G-d.

In the Torah there is a deep psychological construct underlying this; when G-d speaks to Moses at the Burning Bush, G-d uses the voice of Amram, Moses’ father. The lesson being for parents that good parenting naturally results in more spiritual kids. When G-d wants to appear to Moses, he uses the loving and nurturing voice of Moses’ father.

But what if your parents didn’t speak nice28 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

ly, had their own problems, or raised you to be something you were not? Then you create in your mind a G-d that hates you, demands more than you can do, doesn’t care about you or just causes terrible things to happen in the world that He could prevent. We oftentimes project our greatest weaknesses and fear into our spiritual relationship, and then

To what extent do we create impossible challenges for ourselves, and then become paralyzed and hopeless? What if it would be possible to wake up and realize it all isn’t real? wonder why we find ourselves wanting to run and hide from spiritual growth.

This problem is even more magnified in the hyper connected world in which we live today. Just like we need people to remind us that the projected images of celebrities or Instagram influencers aren’t reality, and shouldn’t be the standards to which we compare ourselves, so too in our religious communities, do we fall pray to the same kinds

of white washing and double standards.

The ongoing attempts to keep up with the Jones’ who have a better house, nicer clothing, a deeper connection with G-d, better character traits, and a calmer home, when compared to our own upside-down lives, seem to make us feel like useless failures. When we assume that everyone else is perfect, or strong, or without their specific challenges, we remove the proverbial winds from our sails. Sure, we get that on an intellectual level everyone has their challenges, but deep down, we think others are better than us, and this triggers the anxiety of not living up to who we can be, causing us to live lives of mild or acute frustration.

Imagine, on the other hand, a palm tree.

Does the palm tree stress out because it’s 5 feet and not 10 feet? Or does it just grow, one piece at a time. If it was meant to be 10 feet, it will be, if it isn’t, then it won’t. The point it that, as we say in the Passover Seder, “now we are here.” Stop worrying about what will happen or won’t happen, clue into where you are now, and learn to love now.

Feel good now. Don’t worry now.

That’s the idea of waking up from the dream. Sure, I can create a false world where I am a failure, unable to achieve, hiding from my dreams, etc. Or I can wake up, look at reality. I’m good. The world is good. And the only growth I can consider is what is my next step. And when you start from a place of being awake, suddenly most problems disappear like stars in the coming dawn. A

ART | SD Museum of Art

Vibrant Student Work Finds a Spotlight at the San Diego Museum of Art

BY JACQUELINE BULL

T

he San Diego Museum of Art’s (SDMOA) student exhibit Young Art is in its 44th year and runs through May 12. Young Art is a juried exhibition of K-12 students in San Diego Country. The free exhibit is accessed through the side entrance of the museum.

This year’s theme is “Breaking Traditions” where students were asked to consider and respond to the museum’s collection “Art of the 20th Century.” Some pieces take direct inspiration from pieces in the 20th Century and some have taken on the theme of breaking traditions in their own way.

Out of the 300 plus art pieces submitted, 114 works were selected, five of which are video installations.

Nicole Amaya, Museum Educator of Student Programs, agreed to give me a tour of the exhibit and highlight some of the works. A

Danielle Boodman, Grade 6, Ocean Air Elementary, Spaghetti Bath, Ceramic

Nohemi Torres, Grade 7, Reach Out, Generations Center for Youth Advancement

This piece took the words from a Dadaist poem and re-arranged them one word at a time, matching the word with a still.

“This is one of my favorite pieces, “Spaghetti Bath.” This student was selected to come do the student tours...a lot of the staff have questions for this student, so they could ask them a few questions about that piece,” Nicole Amaya said.

Ander Rivadeneyra, Grade 2, Christ Church Day School, Rainbow Face, Drawing “As soon as I saw this, I thought of Pablo Picasso immediately. You can really see the student’s feeling and emotion in the colors that they chose, the shapes.

I think it is incredibly composed for a second grader...So you can tell their attention to detail and they really thought out the process. To me this is one of the pieces that really encompassed the theme of breaking tradition.”

30 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

Nicole said that she liked how they described the process and how that changed the view of the piece if you’d watched it without reading the artist’s statement first.

Camila Bidart, Joshua Dana, and Jackson Geary, Grade 11, Color, Coronado High School

This video piece with narration and impressive cinematography, goes through different colors and their associations or effects with people. The piece culminates in a collage of the different scenes.

“I was very blown away by this submission. I’m happy that the jury selected them to be in the show,” Nicole said.

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Being too young herself to feel discriminated against, Mila’s parents were living with the reality that they would never be fully accepted by the people of their own country. Mila’s parents made the bold decision to leave the Ukraine to move to the United States for a brighter future for themselves, their children and future generations of their family.

One of Mila’s first jobs after arriving in the U.S. was as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant in a retirement community. That opportunity would pave the way for what would become a lifetime of working with seniors.

Mila currently works at Chateau La Jolla, A 55 plus independent community, as the Front Desk & Transportation Manager. She has held this role for nearly 23 years. She believes her career path has taught her patience and unwavering appreciation for those she serves, including her parents. She has come to think of her peers and the Chateau residents as part of her extended family. She feels her work has given her life purpose.

Living in California has afforded her the freedom to celebrate her Jewish faith, culture and traditions with her family.

Mila’s daughter has embraced her mother’s heritage and has studied Judaism in college and continues to travel to Israel to expand her knowledge of her family’s faith and culture.

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FEATURE | IsraelFest

IsraelFest Expands to Keep Up With Attendance

BY ALEX WEHRUNG

T

he Jewish Federation of San Diego will be holding its annual Israel Fest on June 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at Liberty Station, in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut—Israeli Independence Day. The event promises to give participants a taste of Israel, featuring Israeli food, music and dance. The Federation Israel and Overseas Direcro, Miri Ketayi described the event as experiencing “Israel through the senses.”

Other festival activities will include face painting, Henna tattoos, bounce-houses, artisan booths, a beer garden and more. The Federation hopes to incentivize its community partners to create more activities for the event by marking down the price of activity booths by 40 percent, in order to account for an upswing in attendance over the past few years.

“Building up since last year, when the number of participants attending doubled from 1400 to 3200, we hope to grow even more this year,” Miri said. “We’re expecting a lot more people, mainly families. The activities will be targeted towards families, and all age groups, actually—from little children to adults.”

To account for the increased festival attendance, the Federation will be doubling the num-

ber of food and drink vendors. They are also making efforts to simplify entrance into the festival. Attendees will still be scanned with security wands and have their bags checked upon entering the festival.

2018 marked the first year when the Jewish Federation of San Diego partnered with the Israeli American Council, in order to help fulfill a vision of linking San Diego with Israel. “The Federation believes in the importance of building strong bridges with Israel, along with fostering meaningful and enduring connections between the San Diego community and our homeland,” Miri said. “This year’s festival will also be focused on strengthening internal bridges, joining with other local organizations to celebrate Israel, and to create a sense of global commitment to Israel and the Jewish peoplehood.”

This year, Israel Fest will be adding a dose of spectacle to its program. Dance teacher Lillian Elbaz will coordinate a flash mob, which will allow children in the community to come together and dance.

“We [also] have two emissaries here from Israel to spend a year in San Diego to do community service,” Miri said, referring to

Shinshinim Amit Katz and Michal Sharon.

“They’ll be featured in the flash mob dance, working with the students. They’re two Israeli high school graduates who, before joining the Israeli army, they have a gap year to do service in the San Diego community. So these two lovely, wonderful girls are going to be featured at the festival as well, and will be actively supporting the dance and other stations at the event.”

Israel Fest also plans to feature several musical acts, such as the CaliBear Band, an Israeli rock group local to San Diego, amongst others. The Federation is still planning the various musical acts for the festival.

When asked if there were any plans to expand IsraelFest, Miri said, “Always.”

“We always want to make it bigger and stronger, feature as much as we can about Israel and bring as many people as possible.

We really wanted to have this true celebration and show the community our support of Israel and the strong relationship and connection we have with Israel.”

“It is going to be a wonderful event and these people really want to see what Israel is about, how it feels, to be in Israel. There’ll be some really great Israeli food and activities, [that will] help us build bridges with Israel and the Israeli community. This is the place to be.” A

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 33

FEATURE | Planned Parenthood

Connecting the Dots And Following Passion with Jennifer Levitt

BY JACQUELINE BULL

P

lanned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest recently celebrated its 56th Anniversary. The dinner attracted big names in the community and even had award-winning actress and advocate Laverne Cox as their key speaker. The event was chaired by Jennifer Levitt, past president of the Board of Directors of Jewish Family Services and past chair of the Jewish Women’s Foundation. She is also a former doctoral candidate in the Department of Sociology at UC San Diego where her started on her path to advocacy and community involvement.

“I developed a passion around social justice more broadly in the course of academic work, but I didn’t really see myself involved in community work until I got involved in Jewish Women’s Foundation,” Jennifer Levitt said.

“When I became involved in Jewish Women’s Foundation, they had just undergone an extensive community survey to pinpoint some of the most pressing needs facing women and girls in the Jewish community and the issue that they landed on… was Jewish single parents and the challenges they faced. That work or that project at the Jewish Women’s Foundation really dovetails with my interest with gender and family and motherhood and how they relate to social justice issues more broadly. That is where I got hooked into community work and learned from some really amazing role mod34 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

els in the Jewish community–women leaders that thought that it was really important that women play a leading role in philanthropy, so that our perspective informed the kind of issues that came to the forefront. So that was a really informative experience for me being involved in Jewish Women’s Foundation.

Eventually I went on to chair that organization which was a true honor and then continued to fight for what I believe in, in the context of the Jewish community, and that kind of springboarded me into the secular community.”

Eventually that initiative resulted in the program that is “thriving at the Jewish Family service right now” called Supporting Jewish Single Parents.

The broad array of services that JFS offers spoke to the issues that Jennifer is passionate about.

“Certainly as a board member, it was very gratifying to support the programming surrounding single Jewish mothers and single Jewish parents. Really more broadly so much of the programming at JFS is geared toward women who are single parents and trying to make their lives work and trying to do what’s best for their kids in challenging circumstances,” Jennifer said.

“Even beyond that, these kind of core issues that JFS is organized around–eliminating food insecurity, assisting vulnerable refugees, all the work that they do around economic self sufficiency for the communi-

ty–all of those issues speak to my heart very directly, so JFS was a good fit for me in that way.”

Listening to Jennifer talk about her passion for helping people and committing to being an active part of the Jewish community, it seems as if she had been doing it her whole life, when actually she found Judaism later in life.

“I, in my past, had been exposed to organized religion and kind of had come to the conclusion that it wasn’t for me, but then I became engaged with reform Judaism through my husband who grew up Jewish.

And I came to realize that so many of the values that are important to me are also fundamental values of the Jewish community; it relates to some of the issues we already discussed like justice, equity and compassion, but also this notion that as members of the Jewish community, we are really obligated, we are really responsible for trying to make the world a better place. We are using our privileges–whatever they may be–to enhance the position of the folks who aren’t as fortunate. So when I was exposed to those components of Judaism, you know, I really embraced them and that is why working in the Jewish community has been so rewarding for me: it is a way to put into action those values and ideals. And I’ll also say that I think that premise in Judaism that you know as members of the Jewish community we are really responsible, we are obligated, it is not like

an optional thing [laughs]. It’s a mandatory thing. I think that has stirred my passion and my commitment during this particular time when you know certain rights seem to be under attack [which is] particularly important for me, as a Jewish woman, to step up in this moment,” Jennifer said.

“So much of what has motivated me to be active in the Jewish community are these core values of justice, equality, compassion and so those fundamental values that motivated me to become more involved in Planned Parenthood and it became increasingly clear to me and the connections between some of these issues that I had been engaged within the community around economic justice, around gender and racial equality, around compassionate policies towards the immigrant population, I came to understand how all of those things are really intimately related to access to reproductive care.”

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or the past 56 years, Planned Parenthood has held a celebratory dinner to come together and the event has grown significantly over the years.

“This year we are expecting about 1500 people which is super exciting,” Jennifer said.

“We have a couple of featured guest speakers. One is Laverne Cox who a lot of people know her work on television, but she has also been a really powerful activist for the rights of transgender folks and educating communities about the importance of transgender people getting access to the kind of healthcare that they need.”

“I think it is absolutely critical that every person no matter who they are, their ability to pay, where they come from, how they identify, who they love, whoever they are, they deserve access to high quality, judgement-free reproductive and sexual health care.

We know from study after study that when people gain access to reproductive and sexual health care, they actually are then free or more likely to get a livable wage job, or gain access to education, or engage more actively in their community. That is where I see this intersection between being able to exercise control over your own destiny through reproductive care and then ultimately living a better life providing more opportunities for your children and really making your communities stronger,” Jennifer said.

This event also coincides with Planned Parenthood expanding their health care services to transgender people.

“Through some research that Planned Parenthood has done in the community, it became abundantly clear how underserved the transgender population is in a variety of ways, but particularly as it relates to healthcare. Of course, we have the capacity to offer for instance gender affirming hormone therapy which for many folks in the trans community is truly a lifesaving,” she said.

(Laverne Cox has echoed that statement in the past by saying, “Health care for trans women is a necessity. It is not elective. It is not cosmetic. It is lifesaving.”)

When I asked Jennifer what she was most looking forward to about the event, she answered brightly, “Oh, I just think, you know, being in the room with 1500 Planned Parenthood supporters and so many leaders in the community who make up this coalition of progressive thinkers and activists around, again economic justice, racial and gender equality, rights for the LGBTQ community, to have all those folks in one room is incredibly powerful and inspirational.” A

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FEATURE | Temi Hason

How Temi Hason Creates a Community

BY ALEX WEHRUNG

A

m I gonna have fun doing this? Am I gonna like this if I did it? Will I fit at this moment? Will I jump at this moment?’ I look at it that way,” Temi Hason said regarding her approach to teaching the children in her music program. “If I’m having fun and loving it, like 99.9% [of the time], they do too.”

Temi Hason is a musician, teacher and actress who recently moved to San Diego from New York. A cellist with over a decade of experience, she founded A Musical Home after an inspirational day playing with her nephew, when she realized she could use her background in musical theater to teach young children.

Her students are primarily children aged five months to five years, so her teaching approach is notably hands-on—she allows the children to play with provided instruments and toys. “I don’t want to just people to hear the music, because it doesn’t make sense.

They have to see it, they have to feel it and find a way to really touch it, because that’s how kids are learning much more.”

A Musical Home introduces its students to musical concepts, instruments, activities, story and music-inspired movements. This benefits the children’s development of coordination, listening skills, social understanding, physical expression and personal discovery.

“I like coming in with many candies in my pocket and then we see which one I’m gonna pull out,” Temi said. “So I specifically try to 36 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

make it very hands-on, changing every minute to two minutes, whatever they’re using.

They also have to hold the instruments, they have to feel the instruments and have their own experiences with it.”

The most rewarding part of being a teacher, she said, is having the opportunity to watch her students change. She noted that she had just come from a class where the student had started talking for the first time during his lessons. “I like to see a lot of firsts with kids, where all of a sudden, they start saying ‘cello!’ and ‘clarinet!’ Things that other kids don’t say if they’re not in our music class. It’s pretty amazing. I like seeing the impact and their growth and of course, their happiness.”

Not just children find enrichment in A Musical Home; in the “Shabbat in the Park” program, where toddlers and their parents sing and dance to the tune of Jewish songs, “[Adults] have more fun. One woman was saying, ‘My husband has been singing the songs for over a week!’”

The musical experience Temi draws upon in her teachings goes all the way back to her school years. Her career began when, as a high-school athlete in Turkey, she was pushed into auditioning with her school’s theater club. (“They realized that I have a very good musical ear, that I’m very musical and talented or whatever.”) Afterwards, she ended up touring throughout Turkey with a musical conservatory.

She moved to San Diego in January 2018

in order to perform her dream role of Reza in “Once” (a musical based on the John Carney film of the same name) at Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. “That was my dream role, my dream thing… I had an amazing cast, they were all really awesome. I mean, every night, every performance, every matinee was a different fun with them.”

“In the meantime, I got married here, and things are changing a little bit.”

Participating in musical theater nowadays, Temi noted, is no easy feat. “You not only have to sing, act and dance, you have to play an instrument.” Besides performing for the stage, she is also a film actress. She has performed in several independent films, such as “Departures,” “Ovum,” “Red Card” and “Tango of the Heart.”

After moving here from New York, she noted a substantial difference in the Jewish social scene, calling Jewish life in San Diego lighter in comparison. She attributed this to Jewish organizations being spread-out within the San Diego area and difficult to reach. It’s similar, she said, to Jewish life in Turkey. “...We could show people the difference, how it could be like the New York Jewish experience, and it could be fun and it’s for everybody and it’s amazing to have a community and it’s great to build and create together.

That’s what I would like people to know.” A

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Senior Living in the Jewish tradition Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 37

FEATURE | JCF PETER CHORTEK LEADERSHIP AWARD

Peter Chortek Leadership Award 2019 Recipients Announced

BY THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

T

he Peter Chortek Leadership Award (PCLA), facilitated annually by the Jewish Community Foundation, was recently presented to four San Diego high school students. The 2019 awards went to Aurora de Tagyos, Ilan and Max Matkovski, and Talia Schauder for demonstrating teen excellence in community service and leadership.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award was established in 2011 by the Chortek Family to honor the late Peter Chortek z”l. Peter was not religious, but was fiercely proud of being Jewish, and believed quality Jewish education would help insure a vibrant Jewish future.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award is supported by the Peter Chortek Youth Philanthropy Leadership Fund held at the Jewish Community Foundation, established by Peter z”l and Elaine Chortek.

The Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego (JCF) is honored to facilitate this award, encouraging Jewish communal involvement by rewarding Jewish teens who are practicing tikkun olam, repairing the world.

PCLA recipients receive a $5,400 stipend, 38 SDJewishJournal.com | April 2019

Talia Schauder, Ilan and Max Matkovski and Aurora de Tagyos

$540 to establish a Donor Advised Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, and a professional video made about their project.

Past videos can be viewed at jcfsandiego.org/ pcla. These awards are presented annually at a special dinner for families, friends, mentors, and community leaders. All recipients have made a difference in our community through their innovative leadership and passion, inspiring their peers to get involved in service projects or social justice programs.

Aurora de Tagyos, a Senior attending La Jolla High School, created Backyard Bounty, a program that redirects surplus home-grown produce to feed the food insecure. Backyard Bounty has donated over 500 pounds of produce to the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry.

Aurora’s mission is to educate the community about the challenges food insecurity and food waste pose to society and has recruited donors and involved volunteers in the process.

Ilan and Max Matkovski are Seniors at West Hills High School and are the Co-Founders and Co-Presidents of the West Hills High School Homeless and Hunger

Awareness Club. These eager twins created this club as Freshmen and today it has over 40 active members. They hold weekly meetings to educate themselves and others about San Diego’s poverty epidemic and plan supply drives for those in need.

Talia Schauder, a Junior at Poway High School, created Talia’s Tolerance Tour as a way to share her grandfather’s Holocaust survival story. Talia realized that there was a need to educate teenagers in middle and high schools about the Holocaust–teen to teen. Her project started as a presentation to a school that was having issues with anti-Semitism and has grown to diverse audiences of teens and adults county-wide.

Applications for the 2020 Peter Chortek Leadership Award will be available in September 2019 and will be due in January 2020. Now is the time for students to start thinking about how they can meet the application criteria, which can be found at jcfsandiego.org. We invite everyone to participate in this remarkable opportunity. A

FEATURE | Friendship Circle

Elisheva Green Talks Friendship Circle in Anticipation of Annual Fundraiser Walk

BY ALEX WEHRUNG

T

he Friendship Circle organization will be having its annual Friendship Walk on June 2. The walk’s purpose is “to create awareness, solidarity, and support for children with special needs and their families.”

The Friendship Walk started in 2005 as an event held at San Diego State University.

A few years later, Friendship Circle connected with the Jewish Federation, which made the Walk the kickoff event for IsraelFest.

Friendship Circle has done nine walks with IsraelFest since. The organization hopes to raise $100,000 for the Walk this year.

Friendship Circle was founded to give Jewish children with developmental disabilities an opportunity to socialize with and befriend other children.

Elisheva Green wanted children like her son, Danny, and others to feel included. “One year [Dan] was getting ready for Hanukkah, and his school program had…they called it a holiday party, but it was a Christmas party.

Dan said, ‘I want to have my friends at a Hanukkah party.’”

“At the same time, Rabbi Goldstein was walking home one day with a young boy who has a disability who said, ‘I just wish I had one friend who would come over and play with me.’ So there were several of us who had children with challenges or were close to children with challenges and we felt like there was no place in the Jewish community for us and for our children.”

Friendship Circle empowers children, teenagers and young adults with several programs curated to help them develop friendships and practical skills. One program employs some of Friendship Circle’s members at Dan’s Place, a kosher restaurant that opens once a month. The restaurant is named after Elisheva’s son, Danny Green, who passed away last May while spending Passover with his family.

In the wake of his passing, Dan’s friends vowed to honor his memory and started the restaurant. “The adults in the Friendship Circle are learning how to cook, how to serve and we’ve been there every month. Next year we hope to do it twice a month and add catering and take-out,” Elisheva said.

“It’s been so empowering for these adults, some of whom just sit home all day with nothing to do, even though they have a lot of abilities and [would] do a lot if they were able to get a job. One young man who works as a waiter in the restaurant, his sister said to me, ‘It’s the first time I’ve seen him smile in months.’”

Other programs include Camp Get Loose, a weeklong children’s summer camp and Shooting Stars, a performing arts club.

Friendship Circle’s teen volunteers founded both programs.

“It’s so exciting when our teens take responsibility; they’re the leaders of the next generation. We have such great teens in San Diego who care and are competent and passionate and enthusiastic,” Elisheva said.

She hopes that one day, Friendship Circle will no longer be needed. “Communities should just accept people with disabilities and we should go out of business. But in the meantime, that’s not a short-term goal. We want to continue the programs that we’re doing now.”

Elisheva wants to expand Friendship Circle’s programs, despite the organization’s resources being somewhat limited; Friendship Circle has had to turn away applicants as a result. She hopes to raise funds in order to expand these programs.

She noted that some modern organizations will make efforts to include people of different ethnicities and sexual orientations, but will leave out people challenged by developmental issues or mental illness.

“There’s still a long way to go towards accepting people with physical disabilities, but when it comes to someone who has autism or mental illness or any kind of cognitive disability, there’s much less acceptance there.”

“We welcome everybody,” Green emphasized in her interview, expressing a desire for more teenage volunteers with any skills. “We can use photographers, musicians, artists, anyone who’s good with a computer. If any of SDJJ’s readers know a family with a child or a teen or a young adult with special needs, if they could put them in touch with the Friendship Circle, let them know that we’d love to include them in our programs.” A

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 39

FEATURE | JFS

Jewish Family Service Receives $100K Grant for Food Pantry and Mobile Food Service

BY EMILY GOULD ood insecurity plagues millions of families all over the United States, and the city of San Diego is no exception.

About 15% (or 1 in 7) of San Diegans identify as being food insecure, meaning that they do not have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of nutritious and affordable food. 486,000 people (163,000 children) is too large of a number to be ignored; that’s why the Jewish Family Service of San Diego has made their Hand Up Food Pantry. a priority. Rooted in Jewish values, the Pantry provides food to all those who ask for it.

Recently, the JFS was bestowed a generous grant of $100,000 from the S. Mark Taper Foundation in order to continue providing their much needed services to the community.

“The premise of the Food Pantry is to provide a ‘hand up,’ not a ‘hand out’” says director Sasha Escue.​The project teaches its clients to make educated, health-conscious decisions for themselves. Because Hand Up clientele do not have access to an amount of food necessary for an active and healthy lifestyle, the JFS has created a holistic food pantry experience with wrap-around services that distributes over 100,000 pounds of fresh produce and nutritious non-perishables annually.

“Not every can of food is created equal,” Sasha ​explains, so while the majority of food pantries provide mostly canned food (due to its

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40 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

convenience and shelf-life), Hand Up is in the business of ensuring plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are available. Hand Up also makes it a priority to create educated and responsible clients. This is achieved through the Food Pantry’s flagship service: the on-site market. It’s set up like any regular grocery store, but the currency is based on a point system (the number of points any customer receives is contingent on household size). The point system allows customers unlimited produce (fresh fruits and vegetables) and a limited amount of pre-packaged food. The purpose of the points is to assist in practical fiscal responsibility, while underlining nutritional education–especially if customers experience any dietary restrictions or chronic health conditions–as less healthy options (pre-packaged food) cost more points.

Therefore, customers make their own decisions on where to spend their points. For extra help, the market has JFS staff on-site as well as volunteers and interns (studying topics like Nutrition or Public Health) from local universities. These interns–from affiliated community health advocates Vastyr and UCSD–provide recipe ideas and assist with purchasing for dietary restrictions and specific living conditions (i.e. a lack of a kitchen).

They have local partnerships with Starbucks, Whole Foods, Target, Vons, and Ralph’s. JFS staff participate in a nightly “fresh rescue;” go-

ing to said r​ etailers and sorting through “ugly” produce or packaged food that is past its “best by” date.These items have a shelf-life well past their printed date and are safe for Food Pantry use, but would be ineligible for sale and otherwise would be destined for the landfill. This recovery program prevents food waste while giving Hand Up clients a cost effective way to access nutritious products.

In conjunction with the Hand Up Food Pantry, the JFS provides a mobile food service to homebound and food insecure individuals in the San Diego area as well. As a member of Meals on Wheels America, the JFS FoodMobile visits clients at home and delivers supplemental groceries, as well as hot and frozen kosher meals. Recipients of this program are homebound adults over 60, and younger disabled adults. Because FoodMobile clients often have limited means of cooking, they are provided with ingredients that are very easy to cook, fresh produce, bread, and pastries in order to maintain self-sufficiency while accommodating different lifestyles.

Also part of Hand Up’s mobile assistance programs are the twice-monthly food deliveries to military families within San Diego.

Many people are unaware of the high number of military families that are in need of food assistance in our community. In order to ease the burden, JFS makes bi-weekly food distribu-

tions at Murphy Canyon Military Housing Complex–where the highest condensed number of military members in the nation live. Meeting active military members, veterans, and their families at home and providing them with groceries not only helps ease the stress of finding affordable and nutritious items, but also aids in educating them about overall health and nutrition.

Besides their food-related programs, Hand Up also offers a Diaper Bank to its clients. Made possible via partnership with the San Diego Food Bank, the Diaper Bank Program is a recent initiative that provides families in-need with diapers. At up to $80 for a month-long supply for just one child, diapers are a seemingly small item of necessity that can have a huge impact on a struggling family. This initiative is just another way that Hand Up provides low-income families with the tools they need for success.

The JFS recently celebrated its 100th year anniversary and is proud to continue its legacy in San Diego county. With over 360,000 meals and 2,500 clients served in the last fiscal year, it’s clear that the reach of Hand Up is a key factor in aiding underserved populations in the area. Sasha maintains that “without our partners and donors, we wouldn’t be able to make such an impact.” The JFS would like to thank all of their volunteers and affiliates (especially the S. Mark Taper Foundation) for all the time, money, and effort put into creating such high-quality services for food-insecure San Diego families.

If you would like to donate to or volunteer with the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry or any of their other programs, please visit jfssd. org/volunteer/.

If you or someone you know is in need of services, please call 858637-3210 or visit: jfssd.org/our-services/. A

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Dr. Ruth Documentary Salutes a Jewish Heroine and Force of Nature

FILM REVIEW | Ask Dr. Ruth

BY MICHAEL FOX

B

efore she rocketed to 1980s TV fame as sex advisor Dr. Ruth, she was simply Ruth Westheimer. And long before she was Ruth Westheimer, she was Karola Ruth Siegel of Weisenfeld, Germany.

It is those formative early years that provide the most resonant and affecting passages in Ryan White’s solid documentary, “Ask Dr. Ruth,” opening May 3 in theaters around the country before heading to Hulu. I’ll go even further: They provide the film with its raison d’etre.

Sure, lots of people were helped in ways big and small by Dr. Ruth’s high-profile acceptance of (almost) every form of sexual behavior, and by her uninhibited, direct language about intimate acts and love relationships. But what lifts “Ask Dr. Ruth” above a “where are they now” profile of an old-media, pop-culture celebrity is Karola Siegel’s experiences before, during and immediately after World War II. Most audiences, non-Jewish viewers, will come to “Ask Dr. Ruth” for the sex. The mitzvah of the film, as it were, is that they will get the Holocaust.

To be clear, Dr. Ruth doesn’t see herself as a Holocaust survivor. She is “an orphan of the Holocaust,” which is the most poignant and wrenching phrase you’ll encounter all week.

Born in 1928, Karola Ruth was the sole child of observant Jewish parents. She was too young to fully understand when the Nazis sent her father to a labor camp in the ‘30s.

And as bright as she was, she couldn’t fully grasp the long-term implications when her parents put her on a train to Switzerland with a group of Jewish children.

Placed in an orphanage, Karola Ruth and the other Jewish kids were handed housekeeping duties and some responsibilities for caring for the Swiss kids. They received food and shelter, but zero love and little compassion. A natural ringleader—on the train, she’d organized a singalong to distract the homesick youngsters—Karola Ruth figured out ways to educate and entertain herself.

She discovered boys, of course, and the film accompanies her abroad to a warm reunion with her first boyfriend, Walter Nothmann. It’s pretty chaste stuff, presented by Westheimer with nostalgia and charm, that conveys universal attitudes of adolescence.

At the same time, though, Karola Ruth is devouring and savoring every letter and poem she receives from her mother and father—until weeks, and then months, pass without any communication. (She preserved and protected these treasures throughout her travels, and keeps them in plastic sleeves in a notebook.)

The animation style used by filmmaker Ryan White to illustrate Karola Ruth’s Swiss period is annoyingly juvenile, unless one presumes that children are one of the intended audiences of “Ask Dr. Ruth.” Admittedly, those experiences are as accessible and relevant to today’s children as Anne Frank’s, if not more so—Karola Ruth didn’t have the comfort of being surrounded by family, unlike Anne—but parents and guardians would need to know that the focus of a documentary about a sex therapist isn’t, uh, sex.

At some point after the war, Westheimer inevitably accepted that her parents had been killed by the Nazis. But she never sought out the details. All these years later, while visiting

Israel during the filming of “Ask Dr. Ruth,” she goes to Yad Vashem and learns that her father died in 1942 in Auschwitz. The notation for her mother is “disappeared/murdered.”

“Ask Dr. Ruth” skillfully weaves three threads and three distinct time frames: its subject’s biography from the 1930s to the ‘60s, her high-profile heyday in the 1980s and ‘90s, and her peripatetic schedule of speaking engagements and family contacts climaxing with her 90th birthday last June.

The trek to Israel, fascinatingly, includes a visit with a friend from Kibbutz Ramat David, where Ruth Siegel—persuaded that Karola was too German, she dropped it—landed in Palestine at age 17. This remarkable chapter of her life includes being trained as a Hagana sniper and, on her 20th birthday during the War of Independence, being injured so badly in a bombing that there was a question whether she’d be able to use her feet again.

The next 70 years of Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s life, spanning Paris, New York, three husbands, two children, a doctorate at age 42, a radio show, household name recognition and four grandchildren, are acutely interesting.

But the imprint of coming of age during the war, without her parents but with determination, resourcefulness, intelligence and humor, defined Karola Ruth Siegel and infuses “Ask Dr. Ruth” with timeless importance.

“From my background,” Westheimer declares, “all of the things I’ve survived, I have an obligation to live large and make a dent in this world.” A

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 43

THEATER | Diversionary Theater

Israeli actor is go - to New York Jew Tom Zohar in ”SIGNIFICANT OTHER” at Diversionary Theatre

BY PAT LAUNER

E

ver feel like your friends were abandoning you?

Maybe to get married, or have children, or change cities or jobs?

Most of Jordan’s besties are women. He’s a well-employed Upper West Side Jewish millennial, a little whiney, gay and the perfect pal to his best buds. But then, they start meeting men and falling in love. He dutifully (but increasingly uncomfortably) attends bachelorette parties, wedding showers, alternative ceremonies and “unironic” receptions, all the while wondering where he fits into the world and whether he’ll ever find someone who really loves him.

Tom Zohar can relate to the character he’s portraying at Diversionary Theatre in “Significant Other.” He already knows the style of the playwright, Joshua Harmon, who also wrote “Bad Jews.”

44 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

“He has a great way of delivering a message in dialogue,” says Zohar, “even if his characters aren’t always very likable.”

In that play, presented in 2017 at Cygnet Theatre, Tom’s wimpy character barely spoke–until he offered up the plot-twisting, risk-taking final zinger of the comic drama.

In this new piece, which premiered on Broadway in 2017, it’s the opposite.

“He talks constantly,” says Tom of Jordan Berman. “I’ve never done this much talking!

It’s almost like a 2-act, 1-person show.”

Jordan is not the funny, sarcastic gay sidekick; he’s the centerpiece of the play, torn between his marrying friends, his wise, if sometimes confused, aging grandma and the various men he encounters, without success.

“This is a very different play from ‘Bad Jews,’” says, Tom, “which was a visceral, very in-your-face kind of message play, and much more about the Jewish experience.”

It was also one of the most produced

plays nationwide in 2014-2015.

“This play is much softer. It’s about love.

There’s not really any intense conflicts between the characters; it’s all internal.

Jordan is trying to figure out who he is and what he wants. The play is very much based on the playwright’s own experience as a gay man.

“I can’t relate to the marriage issues, since I got married in my late 20s.” (His husband, Anthony Methvin, is directing him in this play). “But I can certainly relate to a man experiencing anxiety.

“Jordan doesn’t seem to be able to find a place for himself–even in his own [gay] community. He’s obsessed about his appearance and his weight. Though I’m thin now, I was a fat kid, from about age 12-15–before I started starving myself!

“A lot of Jordan overtly has to do with his own self-perception–whether or not that’s accurate to who he is. At no time does he put a name to his mental/emotional state,

PHOTO BY STUDIO B PHOTO PRODUCTIONS

Tom Zohar in “Tarrytown” at Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company.

but it’s some form of depression/anxiety. I can definitely relate to that. I’ve had spirals and breakdowns.

“But Jordan doesn’t know how to be his own person without his girlfriends.

He’s not mentally equipped to deal with their marriages, and his own dating life is a mess. He approaches dating from a very unhealthy standpoint. He has an awkward, stupid date and sends a ridiculous email afterward, which he knows he shouldn’t send. There’s definitely some emotional instability there. He goes to his grandma on a regular basis. His parents are never mentioned, and he worries that his grandmother could be yet another person who leaves him.”

When Jordan tells his grandma that he doesn’t know how he’ll get through one more wedding, she says, “It’s a long book.”

“To me,” says Tom, “that’s kind of the message of the play. Saying ‘Life is short’ is popular, but really, life is long. And that

message could apply to so many aspects of it.

“I also was very close to my maternal grandmother. I’d stay over, and like Jordan, we’d tell stories. When she died, I felt that part of my childhood was gone. It was a panic time.”

In this play, playwright Harmon addresses Judaism, but it’s not a central theme. “‘Bad Jews’ was all about being Jewish,” says Tom. “Here, it’s more about lineage, the way Judaism colors your life. To me, Jordan’s suffering is very Jewish. He’ll get his identity, but he’s not there yet. Gay men sometimes blossom really late. In high school, we have to hide ourselves. We don’t start figuring out who we are until age 28 or 29. That’s where I was when I lived in New York ten years ago.”

Back to the Roots Tom was born in Rehovot, a small suburb of Tel Aviv, where his parents owned a

jewelry store, though his dad later became a financial planner. His mother was born in Israel, while his father arrived there as a child, from Romania.

Tom is his given name, a common one in Israel, he asserts. It means ‘innocence.’ Only Hebrew was spoken at home. It was a secular household, but they observed all the holidays.

“My perception of American Judaism is that it’s a lot more Eastern European in flavor.

Israel is more Middle Eastern. I think Israeli Jews are more similar to Arabs than to Eastern European or American Jews.”

He also finds a difference between the countries for gay people.

Israel, he feels, is “more forward-thinking.

Being gay is not an issue. There are gays in the military, with no difficulties. I always knew I was gay, but I didn’t have my first boyfriend until I was 17. That’s when I told my dad.”

Tom’s mastery of English, perfectly unaccented and very colloquial, was not acquired in school.

“The lessons were lacking,” he says. “My English is self-taught. I watched a lot of movies in English–mostly Disney.

“My sister and I wanted to go to school in the U.S. I was getting bullied in high school, so I went to an art school. I was always artistic.” (And he plays a mean piano.)

His family moved to San Diego when he was 16; his older sister, a family therapist, remains in Israel. He hasn’t been back since.

Five years after the move, he became an American citizen. During that period, his parents divorced; both have since remarried.

“My Dad is in on everything I do,” says Tom. “And he’s very involved in the local Jewish community.”

From age 16-18, Tom took classes at Palomar College, first art, then music, then theater. And from that time on, he’s been working, in tech support by day (“my Big Boy job”), and frequently, theater by night.

At age 19, he was cast as one of the leading young Hasidic boys in Chaim Potok’s “The Chosen,” at North Coast Repertory Theatre.

“I was a nervous, nervous kid. But that was a life-changing experience–to work with all those really great professionals.”

When I reviewed that 2004 production, I called Tom a “dynamic newcomer.” Highlights of his recent theater work include the aforementioned “Bad Jews” at Cygnet Theatre; “Tarrytown” with Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company; and “Gutenberg,” a 2-man show he performed with his husband, Anthony, at Diversionary Theatre, where Anthony is a producing associate.

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 45

Scott PHOTO BY Daren

Tom Zohar (L) and Anthony Methvin in “Gutenberg” at Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company.

In November, he’ll appear in “The Dazzle,” by Richard Greenberg, at Backyard Renaissance Theatre, and he’ll play the piano throughout as one of the real-life Collyer brothers, who were smart, bizarre, compulsive hoarders.

But right now, he’s laser-focused on “Significant Other.”

A Partnership On and Offstage Tom met Anthony in 2010, one week after moving to New York. Anthony was originally from Tallahassee. He’d been in New York for nine years when they met.

They married in 2011, and the next year, moved to San Diego.

“I was a type here: a neurotic Jewish guy. In New York, there are 200 of them.

New York taught me a lot about myself.

I realized that my acting was less about aspiration and ascension, and more about having fun.”

Now, collaborating on “Significant Other,” they’re both looking forward to the hard work–and the fun.

“Tom was the very first person that Matt Morrow, the Executive Artistic Director of Diversionary Theatre, and I discussed for Jordan, a character that could have been written just for him,” says Anthony.

"It’s a massive challenge. The character 46 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

doesn’t leave the stage for a minute. He’s right there, warts and all, the entire time.

In Tom’s hands, a character like that is immediately likable. You root for him, no matter how frustrating his character’s actions may be. It’s essential to make the character’s neuroses feel understandable, and both his pain and joy feel dimensional.

“This play,” Anthony continues, “speaks to the time in your life when the people around you begin pairing up. The prospect of living your life without a partner starts to cast a shadow that looms so large, you start to forget what sunlight looks like even on the brightest days. You look back on those times in the rearview mirror, and they feel like such a small slice of your life. But when you’re living through them, they feel like they’ll never end; the emotions feel massive. “'Significant Other’ approaches this with great humanity and humor,” says Anthony.

“The comfort of recognition allows us to laugh at the absurdity and profundity of life and love. The characters feel so much like people you know. The experiences are intensely relatable. The dialogue rings out with truth. And it centers around a gay man, the kind of character that is usually sidelined as the protagonist takes center stage. In this play, the gay best friend is the

leading man, and his sexuality is not the totality of his story. It’s part of the tapestry of emotions, neuroses, hopes, fears, and factors that identify who he is.

“Most of the characters in this play are standing on the precipice of a major change in their lives,” adds Anthony. “Everybody’s felt the rush of fear and excitement that comes with that.”

As for what he hopes audiences take away from “Significant Others,” he says, “I would love for people to see pieces of themselves on the stage, and to walk away feeling seen, heard, and understood. Whether they’re still single or lucky enough to have found their own significant other, as Tom and I have, I hope they take comfort in seeing the shared experience of navigating the sometimes murky waters of single life and relationships, not to mention the sometimes even more treacherous waters of finding yourself portrayed on stage in such a funny and human way.” A “SIGNIFICANT OTHER” runs at Diversionary Theatre in University Heights, 4545 Park Blvd., from May 23-June 23.

Tickets and information: 619-220-0097; diversionary.org.

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Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 47

PERSONAL ESSAY | Being Half Jewish

On Being Half Jewish

BY EMILY GOULD

M

y father is Jewish, my mother is not. I grew up with many Jewish customs and traditions, celebrated major holidays, and considered myself Jewish growing up. I also grew up celebrating Christmas and Easter and accompanying my mother to church every so often. Coming from two different religious backgrounds, my parents did not want to choose one for me. Rather they raised me with influences from both Judaism and Catholicism–this way I might make my own informed decision later in life.

While I feel that this religious freedom benefitted me overall, as a child, I never quite felt like I fit in anywhere. I couldn’t relate to the Gentiles as my father was Jewish; nor did I belong with the Jews, as my mother was Catholic. I remember in elementary school telling the other kids that I was “half-Jewish, half-Catholic” and they responded, “How can you be half of a religion?” I thought, “They’re right, what am I?” When I was nearing my thirteenth birthday I realized that I did not agree with the teachings of my mother’s church and would no longer consider myself half of anything–I was now fully Jewish. Respecting this decision, my mother made adopting more Jewish customs a priority in our household. We began attending Shabbat services, eating Shabbat dinner as a family, my brother and I started going to youth group at temple, and my mother began taking classes at the synagogue as well.

Still though, I didn’t quite feel like I belonged. All the other kids in my group were having their bar/bat mitzvahs, but I couldn’t share in this rite of passage as I hadn’t been taking Hebrew classes or studying the Torah.

My friends told me that I still had the option to go to Hebrew school and learn my Torah portion, but I was scared of sticking out again; being the only older one in classes with kids so much younger than me just felt like another reminder of how out of place I was.

Though I elected not to take my Torah 48 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

classes, I did continue to consider myself Jewish. And with Birthright I was like any other young American Jew visiting Israel for the first time and the feeling intensified.

Later, on a night out in San Francisco with my friend (also a “half-Jew”) we met two Israelis.

They asked us if we had been to Israel and we said “Yes.” They asked if we were Jewish and we said “Yes.” Then they asked if our mothers were Jewish. We responded “No.” They retorted, “Well then you’re not really Jewish.” “My grandmother’s a Holocaust survivor, does that count?” I snapped. The young men stammered and finally admitted that they supposed it did qualify me.

The whole encounter did not sit well with me. Who were these other (self-admittedly secular) Jews to tell us that we weren’t Jewish?

And our experience was not unique. Another friend of mine told me about her own identity struggle on her Birthright trip. She was talking to a shop owner in Jerusalem, a woman who had fled anti-Semitism in France.

The two were having a very pleasant conversation until the woman asked my friend if her mother was Jewish. My friend responded that she was not. Then the woman began belittling my friend and telling her that she could not possibly be Jewish if her mother was a Gentile. A strangely hypocritical thing for someone fleeing religious persecution to say.

Despite these negative experiences, I still felt tied to Israel and my Jewish ancestry. I spent the year after graduating college teaching English in Bat Yam on a Masa program.

While on this trip, I made many friends who could also relate to my “half-Jewish” dilemma. Tired of the Gentile sides of our families trying to convert us at family gatherings, and having “real Jews” constantly “joking” that we were “not really Jewish,” myself and three others decided that we wanted to solidify our Jewish identities by having a b’nai mitzvah at the ripe old age of 24. We went well out of our way to perform this ceremony to prove to ourselves that we were, in fact, Jewish.

I know that a lot of people will not agree with my Jewish identity. Personally, I do not understand that it is Talmudic law that states that Judaism is passed down matrilineally. I understand that no Rabbi any time soon is going to advocate for rewriting this rule just to accommodate the feelings of a few kids who feel like they don’t fit it, and I’m not asking for that.

It has been argued that changing the Talmudic law to include patrilineal Judaism would be an injustice to all mothers because that would be ripping away their identity.

To answer the question, “Why is Jewishness Matrilineal?” Tzvi Freeman and Yehuda Shurpin opine that “to tell a person that he is Jewish when he is not is a crime against both mother and child. It is robbery in the worst sense to steal away a person’s identity and the fundamental meaning of their life.” This statement feels a bit one-sided. What is there to gain by excluding people who are justifiably a part of the culture they claim? I’m not talking about a Rachel Dolezal situation, you can’t just choose another race or ethnicity at random and decide that is who you are now.

But if it’s in someone’s blood, in someone’s ancestry, and they celebrate and appreciate the culture, there should be no denying that part of their identity.

It’s human nature to categorize everything: we want to put people into neat and tidy boxes so that we may have a clear understanding of who people are and how to label them.

However, society is changing and labels are being peeled off. Historically, Judaism has been a rather progressive and adaptable religion–I guess that’s how you survive for over 5,000 years. With Jews making up just 0.2% of the entire world population, I’m not sure that we can afford to discriminate against our own kind. It might be time to expand the definition of what it means to be Jewish to include all those who have Semitic blood in their veins. A

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FEATURE | What Jewish History Forgot

WHAT JEWISH HISTORY FORGOT Jewish Inventions To Make Life A Little Better MARNIE MACAULEY

M

ost MOTS know we Jews are an inventive, innovative group that can lay claim to life-saving, world-changing achievements in the arts, technology, medicine, space, literature, film and language, of course. What other tiny group can kvell our “nobility” when it comes to winning the Nobel Prize alone? (Despite comprising only 0.25% of the world pop.

23% of all winners since 1901, or about 180 Jews have been so honored.)

We’ve all heard of names such as Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk, Sigmund Freud, Paul Ehrlich, Levi Strauss, Rosalyn Sussman Yalow who made history, were honored, and whose contributions are taught in history classes.

Many of us know, Jews are also the brain-kinder behind: the Cardiac Pacemaker, The Polio Vaccine, Chemotherapy, the Kidney Dialysis machine, cellular technology, the Microchip, Laser, and yes, even Google among many other vital inventions.

But have you heard of Akiba Horowitz, Sylvan Goldman, and Maurice Levy, among hundreds of others? Who are they you ask?

Shul presidents? Spies for the IDF? Three Jews who walked the entire Negev? No. They were Jewish brilliant inventors who fooled around with everyday stuff that we can’t imagine surviving today without. Are there statues to them? Buildings named for

them? But while some were patented, honored, and made massive gelt by creating household gems, today, they aren’t household names. Time to correct that. Here are five who made daily living a joy. (OK, maybe a little better.)

FROM OUT OF THE DARK. THE FLASHLIGHT: CONRAD HUBERT (1855-1928) The son of Russian-Jewish wine distillers (born Akiba Horowitz, 1855–1928) arrived in New York in 1891. As a youngster he attended Hebrew school, then became a partner in his dad’s business, showing remarkable business acumen. He tried his hand at several enterprises. In the 1890s, one major interest was the development of what we know today as the flashlight (patent No. 617,592). He turned his American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company into the Ever Ready Company famous for its batteries. The Russian immigrant who came with nothing, became a multi-millionaire after seeing the light.

“THE LITTLE GENIUS.” THE FLEXISTRAW, THE IMPROVED FOUNTAIN PEN: JOSEPH B. FRIEDMAN (1900-1982) The young genius would do well on “Gefilte” Tank! First generation American, the

Ohioan, a son of Jacob David Friedman and Antoinette Grauer Friedman was already on the job by age 14. A patent king, his first, a better fountain pen, was issued in 1922 which he then sold to the Sheaffer Pen Company in the mid-1930s. Seeing his young daughter Judith straw-struggle, he inserted a screw, and with dental floss, wrapped the straight straw in the screw threads. Voila, it bent! (Of course this was after he removed the screw.) His initial patent for “The Drinking Tube” was issued in 1937. He got additional patents for construction and formation. As he couldn’t find an investor, he started producing his product himself, forming The Flexible Straw Corporation in 1939 in California. WWII halted his efforts until his brother-in-law and a family friend backed him. With his sister Betty’s business experience, the first flexible straw machine entered the market in the late 1940s. In 1950 the newly named Flex-Straw Co., took off! Now this is what I call turning spilt milk into major gelt.

ENOUGH SHLEPPING! THE SHOPPING CART: SYLVAN NATHAN GOLDMAN (1898-1984) Leave it to a Jew to notice people in his store shlepping goods and thinking: “This is meshugge, but more, they’ll buy more if they had something to shlep things in.” The

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 51

genius who invented the shopping cart was “Syl” Goldman, born to parents Hortense and Michael Goldman, owner of a dry goods store, in what was then Ardmore, Chickasaw Nation (now, Oklahoma). After the First World War, he and brother Alfred partnered in wholesale food in Texas. Fascinated by a new concept–a supermarket–with different goods under one roof, they returned to Oklahoma and opened up shop in Tulsa. It was a hit, and they expanded to 21 markets. They sold their company and in 1934, Syl bought the Humpty-Dumpty grocery chain, a company where Humpty not only fell off a wall, he laid an egg. Goldman, using savvy advertising, then developed and patented the shopping cart in 1936. From the basket he made major gelt, adding the grocery sacker, the folding inter-office carrier, and the milk bottle rack. So next time you find yourself: A) getting heeled by a cart, or B) chasing after it as it’s heading toward a Police Car; remember, it could be worse. Thanks to Sylvan Nathan Goldman, at least you don’t need 20 trips or a back brace to shlep a carton of seltzer.

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245TROL: Regents Road #M408 - La Jolla ROBERT ADLER (1913-2007) We Jews old enough to remember Molly Goldberg on TV also re-

member having to actually get uphigh to change a channel or approx. “adjust” • Rare Penthouse Unit, ceilings, 1370 something! Imagine lying there, comfy, with a glass of tea then, oy! q. ft.,something 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Optional terrible happened.

We had to and go vertical and walk to fixRoom ( a the vertical stripe on the screen, or worse make it louder for bubrd Bedroom.)

Extra 4thinvent floor security be! While Adler didn’t actually the first remote, thefob genius founded the technology to make it work for those of us for whom • New Carpet and Paint, Remodeled Kitchen with lying down is an Olympic event. The Vienna-born inventor was the son of Max Adler, a social theorist and Jenny, aappliances doctor. Dripping ranite counter-tops & stainless with yichus, he received his Ph.D. in physics in 1937. After Hitler moved Resort-like into Austria, Adler traveled to various European • Gated, community withlocations, 2 pools, then came to the United States where, starting in 1941, he worked Penthouse abanas, hot-tubs, theater, community with Zenith on and off gym, for nearly24-seat 60 years. The Space Command ultrasonic remote control, which used high-frequency sound, was oom,introduced yoga by room, &1956. sports room.

Zenith in The sound wave was generated by hitting a spring-loaded button that produced a clicking sound when • 2 side-by-side parking spots next to elevator. pushed. He modified the model in the 1960s using ultrasonic signals. By the time he retired in 1982, he held the title of VP Beaches. and Di• Great location close to UCSD, UTC, rector of Research, earning numerous awards, including the Emmy for his invention.

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True this heavenly confection has been around forever, but nothing compares to The New York oh-so-good cheesecake. Rich, heavy, wafting vanilla just waiting for a little fruit topping, this dish is the quintessential dessert. More addictive even than chicken soup, The 9245 Regents Road #M408 - La Jolla New York Cheesecake is an experience. How many deals were made • Rare Penthouse Unit, high ceilings, approx. 1370 over a slice or three? And what about the friends We Jews make sq. ft., 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, and Optional Room ( a who talk tsouris and triumph after just a sliver? From “The Golden 3rd Bedroom.) Extra 4th floor security fob Girls” to “Friends,” what other confection gets a major mention in • New Carpet and Paint, Remodeled Kitchen with prime time? In “Jewish Cooking in America,” cooking goddess Joan granite counter-tops & stainless appliances Nathan puts forth Lindy’s, the Jewish showbiz hang-out on Broad• Gated, Resort-like community with 2 pools, way, as the bakers. But how can you keep such a delight to yourself? cabanas, hot-tubs, gym, 24-seat theater, community room, yoga room, & sports room. (858)243-3317 Later, Kraft (also a Jewish company) included the recipe to promote 2 side-by-side parking spots nextLisa@LisaOrlansky.com to elevator. their Philadelphia cream cheese. Of course, the Jewish Charles •Luwww.LisaOrlansky.com • Great location close to UCSD, UTC, Beaches. bin, owner of Sara Lee, dominated the cheesecake world for years.

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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. CaDRE#01333258.

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The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county recordsOffered and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the at: information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 52 and SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019 CalRE#00616212

$759,000

FROM MY KOSHER JERUSALEM KITCHEN

by Sybil Kaplan Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, author, compiler/editor of 9 kosher cookbooks and food writer for North American Jewish publications, who lives in Jerusalem where she leads weekly walks of the Jewish food market, Machaneh Yehudah, in English.

Discovering many years ago that my father’s family may have had Sephardic/Middle Eastern roots led me to learn about and try foods of these areas.

Sephardic Chicken Entrees

Chicken Tagine 8 servings Tagine is an Arabic word named after the earthenware pot in which the food is cooked. It is also identified by its coned lid. Tagines are cooked in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

Writings about it date back to the 9th century.

1 cup matza meal 8 pieces of chicken Oil 4 cups chicken soup 1½ -3 cups prunes, apricots or other dried fruit 2 t. cinnamon 1 t. ginger ¼ cup lemon juice 2 t. lemon peel 1 cup slivered almonds

it as a symbol of religious freedom. It is popular among Jews from Egypt, Turkey and the island of Rhodes.

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken ½ cup chopped scallions ½ cup chopped Italian parsley ¼ cup chopped mint ¼ cup chopped dill 2 eggs 6 matzot Chicken soup Olive oil 3 eggs ½ cup tomato sauce ¼ t. nutmeg 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a rectangular or oval baking dish.

1. Place matza meal in a shallow dish.

Dip chicken pieces in the meal.

2. In a bowl, combine chicken, scallions, parsley, mint and dill. Add 2 eggs and blend.

2. Heat oil in a soup pot. Add chicken and brown. Add onions, chicken soup and dried fruit. Simmer until chicken is cooked.

3. In another bowl, combine 3 eggs, tomato sauce and nutmeg.

3. Add cinnamon, ginger, lemon juice, lemon peel and almonds. Simmer another 20 minutes.

Chicken Mina 6-8 servings This traditional Spanish layered meat pie has been served since the Middle Ages and when laws against kosher meat were initiated during the Inquisition, Jews served

4. Place matzot in bottom of deep dish. Pour enough chicken soup on top to soften for about 3 minutes.

5. Place 2 matzot in greased baking dish. Brush with olive oil. Spread half the chicken filling on top. Add 2 more matzot, brush with oil and spread rest of chicken filling on top. Top with remaining 2 matzot.

6. Pour tomato sauce on top. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Cut into squares to serve. A Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 53

JEWISH COMMUNITY DAY at SUNDAY, JULY 28 vs GIANTS | 1:10PM

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Jewish Community Day Hat giveaway for first 750 fans to purchase Jewish Community Day ticket package.

DIVERSIONS | Euphoria

Y

et another Israel-originated television series lands on American shores this summer, and it stars some big celebrity names.

“Euphoria,” which begins an eight-episode run on HBO June 16, is based on the Israeli show of the same name. It follows a group of high school students navigating a world of drugs, sex, identity and social media.

The HBO version features actress and singer Zendaya as the lead of a large ensemble cast, which includes Maude Apatow–Judd Apatow’s 21-year-old daughter. Jewish actor Austin Abrams has a role as well.

It’s written by Sam Levinson, son of Barry (“Rain Man,” “Diner,” etc.). Sam previously co-wrote HBO’s “The Wizard of Lies,” the Bernie Madoff movie starring Robert De Niro

(Barry Levinson directed). It will be co-produced by Daphna Levin and Ron Leshem, who created the Israeli version.

Leshem is also known for developing some of Israel’s other most successful shows, such as “Homeland,” and adapting his novel “Beaufort” into an Academy Award-nominated film.

The biggest name involved in the project, though, might be the Jewish rapper Drake, who’s listed as a producer.

Longtime Drake fans will remember he started his career acting on the Canadian drama “Degrassi,” which also focuses on a group of teenagers.

“Euphoria” was first broadcast on Israeli cable network Hot 3 and was based on a true story of a teenager murdered outside a club. It followed the lives of teens from the club a year after the incident.A

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 55

B " H

GARDEN OF EDEN CONSECRATION N E W

T R A D I T I O N A L

J E W I S H

C E M E T E R Y

It is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to experience the dedication of a Jewish cemetery. It is considered a great Mitzvah to participate.

Please join communal leaders and member of the community at

El Camino Memorial Park 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego

Sunday, May 26th 2019 10:30 AM

For more information please contact Rabbi Yisorel Dinerman YDinerman@CHASD.org (858) 542-2770 Unaffiliated in yoUr time of need i'm yoUr rabbi

PLEASE JOIN US AT

Congregation B'nai Tikvah, Carlsbad

Berk’s DINER

AND COMEDY CLUB

CALL RABBI BEN LEINOW

EST.

2007

RABBI MICHAEL BERK’S RETIREMENT

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California

56 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

92122

Rabbi, PhD

YOUM HASHOAH COMMERATION SHABBAT SERVICES Holocaust letter never before published to be read for the first time at Congregation B’nai Tikvah 2510 Gateway Rd, Carlsbad, 92009. Friday evening May 3, 7 PM; Saturday morning, May 4, 10 AM. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT At Friday evening services, May 3, starting 7 PM, and then again Saturday morning services starting 10 A M. Rabbi Ben Leinow will read an original, never before read or published beautiful letter written by a Holocaust survivor. This will take place during Shabbat services at Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 2510 Gateway Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009.

HOURS

June 1, 6:00pm – 2019 11:00pm

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FEATURE | The Seany Foundation

The Seany Foundation

A Tribute to Life for Kids with Cancer LEORAH GAVIDOR

A

Kimi Schroder

s a teenager with Ewing sarcoma, Sean Robins decided he wanted to start a foundation for other teenagers going through cancer treatments.

“There wasn’t really anything for teenagers to do while they stayed in the hospital.

Teens in treatment will do what they do at home—isolate themselves, stay in bed, retreat inward. Sean wanted to help kids his age,” Sean’s mom, Amy, explained.

“Almost every kid who has cancer in San Diego goes to Rady’s Children’s Hospital.

It’s a community.”

Though Sean passed away in 2006, when Rady’s opened a new upgraded oncology

unit in 2010, the Robins family donated the Seany Teen Lounge. Gaming consoles, big screen t.v.’s, comfy furniture— “Something tangible that we could do for others,” Amy said. At that point the foundation had already been donating money to research for several years, as well as endowing a pediatric oncology fellow at UC San Diego and funding a clinical research associate at Rady to sign kids up for clinical trials.

Then another opportunity came along.

When the American Cancer Society cut all funding for the free camp programs, The Seany Foundation decided to take over local operations in 2013. The foundation now provides free camp programs for kids with cancer and their siblings, ages 4-17.

They additionally provide family camp for families with a parent with cancer and also a family bereavement camp for those who have lost a loved one to cancer. They host a total of six sessions throughout the year, including day camp near Balboa Park and retreat-style getaways in the woods of Julian.

Camp participants can take part in a zipline, a challenge course, a rock-climbing wall, archery, hiking trails, a game room, a tree house and slide, basketball, tennis, meadow games, playgrounds, tetherball, horseshoes, arts and crafts, campfires and swimming.

Camp gives kids with cancer a chance to just be kids for a little while, focusing on other things besides their illness. For siblings and families, camp addresses the realities of living with a brother or sister, mom or dad who has cancer.

“Siblings experience so much guilt, and they also experience a lack of attention because parents are focused on the illness.

They might not have a chance to focus on their interests or their future—like college.

We work to address the psychological aspects.”

“With yoga and massage at Family Camp too—we want to make sure there’s some time for feeling good,” Amy added. “And medical staff are on site so patients can relax and know that care is nearby if needed,” especially at ROC (resident oncology camp).

“So many campers return to become counselors year after year, it’s a whole family,” Amy said.

That’s how the idea came about for The Seany Foundation to host “Tribute to Life” events for members of the foundation family. Camper Kimi was the first, in January 2019. She passed away earlier in the month from neuroblastoma; she was almost a teenager.

“Everyone who knew Kimi loved her.

She was a special little girl, diagnosed at age three. But she never questioned anything.

She just went through her chemo and treatments but was always happy. She was even on t.v.—on ‘Say Yes to the Dress.’ She did karaoke with the hospital and camp staff,” Amy laughed. “We decided we wanted to have a celebration of her life.”

The Robins family is Jewish, The Seany Foundation is non-denominational. Sean’s dad thought the Jewish tradition of shiva, where relatives and friends come together to laugh and cry and tell stories about the recently passed, would be a fitting memorial for Kimi.

A local brewery donated space, and the Seany Foundation invited everyone who knew Kimi to come remember her. The noisy, interactive sing-a-long which made everyone in the crowd smile was a fitting tribute.

“It’s something we would like to do for our campers, if their families would like, in addition to anything the family chooses to do,” said Amy. “We will provide a safe space for families, campers, camp counselors, TSF staff, and any volunteers who would like to join us in honoring the individuals’ memory through shared stories, tears, and laughter.” A

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 57

FOOD | D.Z. Akins

D.Z. Akins Continues to Be a San Diego Tradition

BY ZOEY ANNE ROOSEVELT

W

hen Debi Akins, co-founder of D. Z. Akins, told her two oldest sons that she and their father, Zvika, were considering selling D. Z. Akins, Elan, one of their sons, left his successful HGTV television producer position to manage the family business.

His older brother, Neil Akins, had explored working in this business several years prior to Elan’s decision, but had decided to go into real estate instead.

D.Z. Akins, the “most popular Jewish Deli in San Diego” was created by an Israeli immigrant butcher and a UCLA student who loved to cook traditional Jewish food.

While attending UCLA in the 1970’s, Debi met Zvika at G&L Kosher Meats. Their relationship, and ultimately D.Z. Akins, began during Debi’s G&L Kosher Meats visit. During that visit, Debi suggested that if there was more liver in the chicken, she would be able to prepare a dish from one of her favorite recipes.

Under the condition that Debi would bring Zvika samples, he added more chicken livers to Debi’s order.

Days later, Debi brought Zvika chopped liver with fried onions. Seven years later, Debi and Zvika married. And shortly thereafter, Zvika sold his butcher business.

Together, they had a plan.

With Debi’s cooking talents and Zvika’s knowledge of meat, in 1980, they persuaded their family to invest in opening D.Z. Akins.

Initially, this was just a take-out deli. As more customers asked to dine in, D.Z. Akins expanded their deli. In the first expansion, they went from 48 to 100 seats. According to Debi, “This would not have been possible, had Zvika’s father in Israel not left Zvika money.”

Admittedly, Debi and Zvika recognized that they were good at cooking, but didn’t know much about restaurant management, let alone the difference between managing a traditional restaurant and a deli. Together they worked through a plan to make their dream a reality.

Debi recalls, “Throughout the early years, we were warned, many times over, about restaurants going under, but we had a vision. We worked at D.Z. Akins every day with the idea that persistence and consistency is what matters.”

To the Akins’ family, this meant upholding Jewish dining options, such as a bowl of matzo ball soup, chopped liver appetizer with fresh rye bread, Reuben Sandwich, potato latkes and shakshuka. These days, there are over 100 options on the D.Z. Akins menu.

And though the founders are giving their children an opportunity to have a more involved role in the family business, General Manager Elan Akins describes this family deli environment as “There are customers

58 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

Elan Akins stands behind the bakery counter.

who come here twice a day. And several of our employees have been here for 20 plus years.”

Since becoming the General Manager, Elan strives to uphold D.Z. Akins’ traditions and make some additions to the menu. Some of the minor menu changes include six new salads (Sante Fe chopped chicken, Mandarin chicken, Thai steak and noodles, Mediterranean and Tuna), veggie and turkey burgers.

Structurally, D.Z. Akins went from a take-out deli to a dine-in.

After a few dine-in expansions, it grew with their bakery and gift shop. During the most recent recession, the Akins family bought the entire strip mall, and have leased to businesses who do not have a high traffic needs. They also refurbished the outside of their building. But, because their focus was to keep cost down for their customers, they haven’t refurbished the interior of the deli.

Elan attributes their employee and customer loyalty to the fact that “We like it here, because we know we make great food.”

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San Diego Opera presents “One Amazing Night” with tenor Stephen Costello and baritone Stephen Powell on May 15, 2019.

The San Diego Opera’s Detour Series will bring “One Amazing Night” to the Balboa Theater May 15. Two operatic powerhouses–tenor Stephen Costello and baritone Stephen Powell–will share the stage for this season-ending recital.

The Old Globe is offering a world premiere, titled “They Promised Her the Moon,” on its White Theater stage. The show tells the story of an unknown aviator and record-holding pilot and the forces that kept her from joining the famed “Mercury Seven.” The play will close on May 5.

The Globe will take on the comic antics of Ken Ludwig’s “The Gods of Comedy” on May 11. This Main Stage production makes merry with the complexities of college co-eds, campus capers, and conspicuous consumption. You can get in on the laughs until June 16. The White Theater will unwrap “What You Are,” a Globe-commissioned world premiere about life in a changing America. The play–ensconced in the theaterin-the-round setting May 30 through June 30–is a compelling exploration of the personal struggles surrounding sweeping social change. Be prepared for some strong language.

Broadway-San Diego has another treat in store for the young at heart. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will arrive at the Civic Theater May 14, where it will delight local kids through May 19. The musical stars Noah Weisberg as the Candy Man, and is recommended for the six and older crowd. Following on May 28 is a re-imagined production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” a masterpiece designed to be enjoyed by a new generation of theater-goers. Don’t miss it. The show will only remain at the Civic through June 2.

Malashock Dance and Elan will team up for their third collaborative concert, dubbed “High Strung,” May 31-June 1 at the Lyceum Theater. The three-piece program will feature music by the Kontras Quartet.

PHOTO BY TOM MILLER.

| By Eileen Sondak PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARTIST.

what’s goin’on?

Brad Oscar as Dionysus and Jessie Cannizzaro as Thalia in Ken Ludwig’s “The Gods of Comedy” at The Old Globe.

The season finale with Cristian Macelaru on the podium is scheduled for May 24-26. Pianist Simon Trpceski will be guest artist when the orchestra plays a smorgasbord of popular composers, including Bernstein and Rachmaninoff.

Seth Meyers, writer/comedian extraordinaire, will entertain his large fan base on May 3 at the Balboa Theater.

City Ballet will perform at the Spreckels Theater May 10-12.

The program features “Mozart’s Requiem, plus four PAIR” and will highlight the Pacific Coast Chorale as well as the dancers.

The program includes a world premiere by Geoff Gonzalez as well as Elizabeth Wistrich’s reflection of Mozart’s final composition.

North Coast Repertory Theater’s witty and intelligent satire, “All in the Timing,” comes to us after a huge success off Broadway.

Penned by David Ives, the play is actually a sextet of one-act comedies that examines various attempts at relationships. The playwright uses word play and clever language to tease your brain as it tickles your funny bone. David Ellenstein directed this delightful offering, which winds down on May 5.

Lee Blessing’s “A Walk in the Woods” is next on the roster for North Coast Rep. It will fascinate audiences May 29 through June 23, with its shrewd insights into arms negotiations during the Cold War. The troupe’s Variety Nights offering on May 6-7 features a John Denver Tribute, starring Jim and Anne Curry.

San Diego Repertory Theater’s production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Sweat,” continues through May 12. The play is set in the dirt-poor steel town of Reading, Pennsylvania, and deals with the unsettling changes in America. “Sweat” exudes humor and heart as it examines a group of close friends on a night out in their neighborhood bar.

Cygnet Theater is ready to unwrap a playful new adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” directed by Rob Lutfy. This Southern California premiere will be ensconced at the Old Town Theater May 15 through June 16. Fans of the novel will delight in this effervescent and highly theatrical new work.

The San Diego Symphony plays on May 3-5, when the program features “Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony.” Maestro Jahja Ling will conduct the three-piece program, with organist Chelsea Chen performing. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 is slated for The Lamb’s Players will introduce the West Coast premiere of May 18-19. Also on the program is violinist Michael Barenbo- “Babette’s Feast” on May 3. This adaptation of Isak Dinesen’s beloved story (made famous by the Academy Award-winning im performing Glazunov’s Violin Concerto. film) is about a French cook given refuge in rural Denmark.

60 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

PHOTO BY DAREN SCOTT.

“Pride and Prejudice” stars Steven Lone (Mr. Darcy) and Jacque Wilke (Lizzy).

The show will stay put through June 9 at the Lamb’s Coronado home.

Welk Resort Theater is presenting “Menopause the Musical” through May 29. Every Wednesday (until May 29) the Welk will show off “The Long Run.” San Diego Musical Theater is highlighting its production of “Sister Act” through May 26. The musical is playing at the troupe’s Horton Grand Theater.

JCompany will continue its 26th season on May 11 with an all-female cast performing “1776 the Musical.” The show will remain at the JCC weekends through May 19.

Moxie Theater will stage “Yoga Play” May 5 through June 2.

This comedy deals with a Yoga apparel giant and the frantic attempt to rebuild the company after an awful scandal threatens to destroy it.

La Jolla Music Society has a full slate this month at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall. The music starts on May 3 with Garrick Ohlsson: Brahms Exploration, followed on the 4th with Storm Large & Le Bonheur. The Triplets of Belleville (a film screening set to music) is slated for May 9, and David Finckel & Wu Han perform on May 10. Storm Large’s Crazy Enough are on tap for May 11-12, The Anat Cohen Quartet is set for May 16, and Richard Lin rounds out the month on May 19.

The Grammy Award-winning Chanticleer will perform for the St. James Music Series on May 19.

The Museum of Art is highlighting works by Mexican sculptor Javier Marin. His fascinating pieces feature human body parts, heads, and powerful naked forms to explore the meaning of humanity. Also on exhibit is a new photographic exhibition, “Alfred Eisenstaedt: Life & Legacy,” a collection by one of the greats in photography.

Birch Aquarium is highlighting “Hall of Fishes,” which also serves as a working laboratory. Birch has an installation on light by scientist Michael Latz, and another exhibition that helps you understand Scripps’ expeditions to discover and protect the planet. “Expedition at Sea” includes a 33-foot long

“What You Are.” playing at The Old Globe. projected triptych and hands-on learning opportunities.

Another interesting exhibition at the Birch is “Research in Action: 100 Island Challenge,” an exhibit that explores the way reefs are adapting to our rapidly changing planet. Also on display is “Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collection,” a comic book-inspired exhibit that highlights amazing adaptations of ocean species. The Birch’s Green Flash Summer Concert Series kicks off on May 22 with Tommy Castro and The Painkillers.

The Reuben Fleet Science Center will be showing a new film, “Superpower Dogs,” (which showcases the bravery and prowess of some of the world’s most remarkable dogs) in addition to “Great Barrier Reef” and “Volcanoes” (which examines the contribution of volcanoes to the wildlife ecosystem and their impact on humans). Also at the Fleet is the “Renegade Science Project,” which escorts visitors through the park for a 90-minute exploration. Its newest exhibition, “Pause/Play,” is an immersive experience for mind and body that uses science in a completely new way.

The Fleet is offering “Dream, Design, Build”–an exhibition that explores the museum’s collection of interactive engineering activities (and will remain on permanent display), and “Taping Shape 2.0,” which uses hundreds of rolls of packing tape to create a world of translucent spaces and tunnels. The Fleet has several other permanent exhibitions, including “Don’t Try This at Home,” “Studio X”, “Block Busters,” and “Origins in Space.” The newest is “It’s Electric,” an interactive show that explores the fundamentals of electricity.

The Natural History Museum added “Escape the Nat”–an escape room experience that dares you to solve puzzles and save the world. “The Backyard”– a gallery for the 5-and-under set–and “Backyard Wilderness” (a 3-D film) are also on view. “Hidden Gems” is also on display, along with “National Geographic: 50 Greatest Landscapes,” the newest photographic exhibition at the NAT.

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 61

the news

Adopt a Family Foundation Auctions Paintings in Gala The Adopt a Family Foundation held its gala on March 31st at Building 177, Liberty Station. The gala was co-chaired by Orly Perez and Shira Schaffer; over 200 guests attended. Keynote speaker Almog Boker gave a presentation to Foundation supporters.

The program included a live auction, silent auction, and musical entertainment by Shanee Zamir, “The Voice of Peace.” The silent auction sold contemporary paintings which incorporated the theme of the night, “Celebrating Bravery, Honoring Resilience.” These paintings were donated by seven local artists in the community and supporters of the foundation. Adopt a Family Foundation is a local organization that supports victims of terror financially and emotionally in Israel.

Lawrence Family JCC Aquatic Complex Becomes Olympic Training Hub The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla announced that David Marsh, Technical Director for the Israeli Olympic Swimming Federation, has made the JCC’s world-class aquatic complex as the central training hub and home base for his Team Elite Aquatics program. Previously based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, Team Elite is the premier high-performance swim training group in the United States for prospective Olympians and has trained multiple Olympic gold medalists. The JCC is one of only eight facilities in San Diego County with an Olympic-sized pool, which allows for both short and long course training.

Californian Yashar Initiative Grant Winners Announced 16 Jewish day and overnight camps have received grants through the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) in the first phase of the $12 million Yashar Initiative. Funded by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, this innovative grant enables Jewish day and overnight camps to make important capital improvements to increase accessibility for campers and staff with disabilities. This first cohort has been granted a combined $2.5 million to implement exciting upgrades—such as physical renovations to facilities, building sensory rooms and ADA compliant playgrounds—as well as critical funding for professional development, staff training, research, and evaluation.

62 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

Meetings and Events for Jewish Seniors JFS Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center Contact Aviva Saad (858) 550-5998 to RSVP May 9, 10 a.m.

Mother’s Day Celebration and Programs.

May 23, 12 p.m.

Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the BAOAC. Jewish War Veterans of San Diego, Post-185 Contact Jerome Klein at (858) 521-8694 May 12, 10 a.m.

Veterans Association of North County, Post-385 Contact Marsha Schjolberg (760) 492-7443 Jewish War Veterans meetings May 12, 11 a.m.

Tel Aviv University Scientists Print First 3D Heart In a major medical breakthrough, Tel Aviv University researchers have “printed” the world’s first 3D vascularised engineered heart using a patient’s own cells and biological materials. The university scientists published their findings on this development in regenerative medicine in Advanced Science. “This is the first time anyone anywhere has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers,” explained Professor Tal Dvir. Heart transplantation is the only way to treat people afflicted with end-stage heart failure, and a short supply of donors requires alternative methods of regenerating the heart.

San Diego REP Announces JFEST Lineup The San Diego Repertory Theatre announced its lineup for the 26th Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival (JFEST), which will take place May 26 - July 11, 2019. The festival features a slate of 13 performances across multiple San Diego and North County venues celebrating San Diego’s diverse performing arts community. The venues include San Diego REP/Lyceum Theatres, Encinitas Library, Leichtag Commons, New Village Arts Theatre, and The Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad. “The Festival is 26 and still growing! The music of this year’s festival will delight across cultures,” said Festival Artistic Director Todd Salovey. “I think audiences will love our many original programs of theatre, dance and music exploring the Jewish experience in art.”

JFS College Avenue Center at Temple Emanu-El Contact Elissa Landsman (858) 637-3273 May 13, 1 p.m. Come see “Mary Poppins” starring Julie Andrews in this charming Disney classic. Cost is free for College Avenue Center members and $2 for non-members.

On the Go Excursions Contact Jo Kessler (858) 637-7320 May 19, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Menopause the Musical” is a hilarious musical parody featuring tunes from the 60s to the 80s. Cost is $65; payment due May 3.

North County Jewish Seniors Club at the Oceanside Senior Center Contact Josephine at (760) 295-2564 May 19, 12:30 p.m.

Sponsored Event: Senior Savers TV show, episode 2.

Eve and George Heyman have lived in their two story home for nearly 30 years, but with mounting medical issues they are faced with life-changing decisions. Join them on their journey as they learn their options, and see what surprises are in store for them.

Two special advanced screenings: Monday, May 13th at 4:00pm at the new Gary and Mary West PACE Center in San Marcos Tuesday, May 21st at 4:00pm at San Diego Oasis in Grossmont Center To RSVP, call (866) 236-0810. Watch the trailer for this episode and learn more about Senior Savers at www.SeniorSavers.tv.

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 63

ADVICE

ASK MARNIE

by Marnie Macauley asksadie@aol.com

The Zionist Bigshot t a banquet for a rich Zionist, 40 people, including the Mayor, celebrities and other machers (bigshots) gave huge testimonials about the guest of honor.

They all gushed over his generosity, his humanity, his contributions to Israel. Mama Greenbaum’s son, Morris, a kidney specialist, brought her along. After the 30th speech extolling the man’s greatness, she turned to her son.

“Morris,” she whispered. “So, tell me, why does such a bigshot need so many character witnesses?”

Shalom my dear San Diegans: One of my favorite Jewish “laws” involves tzedakah.

There is no precise word in Hebrew for “charity” as giving to those in need is expected in Judaism. This expectation is known as tzedakah. Better, Maimonides defined eight levels of tzedakah, each higher than the preceding one.

On an ascending level, they are as follows: 8. When donations are given grudgingly.

7. When one gives less than he should, but does so cheerfully. 6. When one gives directly to the poor upon being asked. 5. When one gives directly to the poor without being asked. 4. Donations when the recipient is aware of the donor’s identity, but the donor still doesn’t know the specific identity of the recipient. 3. Donations when the donor is aware to whom the charity is being given, but the recipient is unaware of the source.

2. Giving assistance in such a way that the giver and recipient are unknown to each other. Communal funds administered by responsible people are also in this category.

1. The highest form of charity is to help a 64 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

person before they become impoverished that will enable him to become self-sufficient.

The above not only recognizes the “mensch” in us, but rates “menschism” by motive and method. How logical. How noble. And face it, we’ve all done all eight, especially with family and friends. In today’s column, let’s look at “giving.”

WILL-ING AND ABLE DEAR MARNIE: I’m a widower who’s recently revised my will and this has caused a lot of upset. I have two grown daughters. The older has been married for years and wants for nothing. The younger left her job in P.R. to pursue her “dream” of being a comedienne. She supports herself with odd jobs and a few gifts from me. In re-doing my will, I left her a larger portion of my estate (about 60-40. The total is well over a million). My older daughter was furious, even though I explained that I felt her sister will need it more.

Now the two are fighting. I’m furious at both of them. I ask you, Marnie, is my decision so wrong? — SamT in SD MARNIE SAYS: Sorry Sammy. I only deal in “wrong” when discussing the completely indefensible, like why a carrot has two calories and a sliver of carrot cake has 1005. You could leave your fortune to a melon and I would think you’re a seed short, but defend your right to leave your bounty to that cantaloupe. But if you’re asking whether in your case you’ve made a wise decision? No. Getting It: Your Personal Strategy: There are more beliefs and myths about money than Golden Arches. They affect how we deal with the world and our dearest. Examine yours. Next to each, add your feelings.

Watch: My belief: “My kids have no right interfering with my will! I don’t owe them anything, including explanations.” My feeling: Angry and Controlled.

Do a similar list for your kids, e.g. your older daughter. Her belief: “I think dad’s will should be fairly divided.” Feeling: Angry and hurt that he doesn’t love me as much. (No, it’s not true, but she thinks so. Gelt emotions have a way of getting all tangled up.)

Picture it. Pesach, 2040. You’re on a cloud.

Look down. What would you like to see? My hunch is your girls and their kinder would be together around the table passing the Haggadah–and loving anecdotes about “grandpa.”

That said, ask yourself, do I want to be “right” or wise? Here’s the wisdom: -Wills often represent more than money.

Your last gift signals love (true or not).

-You have enough. If you were dividing a recliner, I’d say leave the seat to Funny Girl so she can put it on Jewish Craig’s List and pay her rent. But you, Sammy, can RIP knowing you’ve provided soup into the next millennium for the younger and a time-share in Tel Aviv for the older.

Please, don’t punish your first daughter for being wise, cautious, boring, or lucky. You’re in the enviable position of being able to be both prudent and fair.

So ... be.

LOANER A GROANER MARNIE: I have a good friend I’ll call Mel, who recently lost his job when his company went out of business. He’s 62, and a financial writer, so his job-hunting is not going well as he worked for a hard news publication. He’s been talking about getting up to speed with online writing, an area he knows little about,

except there are good opportunities online for a guy with his background. A particular mega-site is training writers they would then hire if they make the grade. The cost to attend this two-week conference is $1200. Right now, he and his wife are in debt and can’t afford it. Fortunately, my wife and I are in stable financial shape, but are about to retire. While the money won’t make that much difference to us, my wife is ambivalent about interfering as she feels as they got into this so why should we bail them out? On the other hand, we’ve been friends with them for over 10 years. They’re good people who we value very much, as they’re intelligent and loyal, but unlike us, “Mel” and his wife didn’t really plan for the future. I’ve been thinking about loaning them the money with no interest, payable within six months.

What are your thoughts? — Friend in Need of Advice MARNIE SAYS: Sit down. Is your wife around? Prepare by putting her near a sofa in case of plotzing. First, you planned and unlike the Jewish aphorism, God didn’t laugh. You worked hard. And, in this chaotic digital world that’s changing in an eyeblink, you survived with your IRAs intact. Mazel Tov! And yes, it took foresight and mazel.

Now, onto the friends you value …

Getting It: Your Personal Strategy: You could “not interfere” except for maybe sending over some leftover kugel they can use as they’re not learning “linking” and “content sourcing.”

You could loan them the $1,200, dot the “I’s,” cross the “t’s” and wait the six months after which they will be: A. Happily ensconced on a viral Internet money site, having paid their back mortgage, had their utilities turned on again, and settled their Costco bill for the mega-Maalox they ingested.

B. Still downing the Maalox from a paper cup, which they also use as a “tip jar” outside of Costco.

If it’s B, then what?

You could extend the loan for another six months as the valuable friendship wears away from the strain of hiding your concern/irritation, almost as well as they’re hiding their embarrassment, OR …

You could insist on gifting them with this op, while hoisting a glass filled with optimism for these valuable friends who are at least worth their weight in conference fees. A

SYNAGOGUE LIFE EVENTS Temple Emanu-El Annual Spring Gala/Galaxy Celebration

May 4, 5-10 p.m., Temple Emanu-El, 6299 Capri Drive, San Diego, CA 92120 Join Temple Emanu-El for a silent auction, live auction, opportunity drawing plus dinner, drinks and fun! Visit teesd.org for more information.

Lunafest with Temple Etz Rimon

May 7, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Carlsbad Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011 Visit the traveling film festival that displays the talent of women filmmakers. Cost is $20 at the door. Visit templeetizrimon.org for more information.

Congregational Retreat with Temple Solel

May 10-12, Camp Mt. Chai, 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123 Create lasting memories and strengthen your connections to Judaism and other families with this special Mother’s Day event. Visit templesolel.net for more information

Men’s Club Man of the Year Roast at Temple Adat Shalom

May 11, 2019, 6-9 p.m., TAS Social Hall, 15905 Pomerado Road, Poway CA 92064 Join Temple Adat Shalom’s Men’s Club as they honor Steve Reitman. Visit adatshalom.com for more information

Cabaret Night with Temple Beth Shalom

May 11, 8 p.m., Temple Beth Shalom, 208 Madrona Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Join Beth Shalom for an open-mic style cabaret night filled with music and theatre. Visit bethshalomtemple.com for more information.

2nd Annual Walk Against Hate with Congregation Beth Israel May 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station, 2751 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA 92106 Show that diversity and love are greater than hatred by walking with the Social Action Committee in Ingram Plaza.

Visit cbisd.org for more information.

*Interested in having your event featured?

Contact assistant@sdjewishjournal.com. Submissions are due by 15th of the month for the next issue.

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 65

Todd S. Frank, CLU

4275 Executive Square Suite 400 La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 202-2366 Direct (858) 922-1415 Cell tfrank@financialguide.com Life Insurance. Disability Income Insurance. Long Term Care Insurance.

Barry Seymour Kassar, MD, Ophthalmologistt Barry Seymour Kassar, a retired San Diego ophthalmologist and an active member in the Jewish community died here on Wednesday, April 3. He was 76.

Dr. Kassar moved to La Jolla in 1981 and opened his ophthalmic practice at Scripps Memorial hospital two years later. He saw patients and performed surgeries there until retiring in 2002. During his tenure, he served as head of the Mericos Eye Institute. He was loved by his patients, hospital and office staff— and respected for his integrity.

Kassar graduated from the University of Cape Town Medical School in 1965. He completed his internship at Tel Hashomer Hospital in Israel, where he cared for patients during and after the Six Day War. The family returned to Cape Town where he specialized in ophthalmology, opening a private practice.

In 1977, with three boys in tow, they emigrated to the United States. Kassar worked for two years as an Associate Professor at the Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center. In 1979 the family moved again as he was recruited by the Louisiana State University Eye Center in New Orleans. During this time he prepared for and completed his licensing requirements to practice medicine in the US. Kassar became actively involved in the local Jewish community. He served on the board of the San Diego Jewish Academy, chaired and sang in the San Diego Jewish Men's Choir, was the Ritual Chairman at Congregation Beth El and in later years joined Congregation Adat Yeshurun. At Adat Yeshurun he arranged for, recruited, and fundraised for a leading Israeli liturgical choir to visit and sing during the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. The tradition still continues to this day.

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Kassar was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008. In the last 11 years, his will to live became deeply apparent to those around him. He addressed his cancer with tenacity. He built a team of physicians who cared for him formally and informally. He was aggressive, scientific and non-stop as he countered his disease. He underwent 23 surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and three immunotherapy trials, traveling weekly to UCLA for treatment.

Finally, he returned home to Scripps Memorial Hospital. He continued to gather detailed information and make careful decisions about his own care surrounded by his family and a team he trusted and knew both professionally and as friends for decades. Finally, he made the decision to go in peace. And he did, surrounded by his wife and his three children.

Barry Kassar fought for 11 years to be here with his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Avra Kassar, his three sons, Barak and his wife Kristin, Arel and Dorian of San Francisco, Ami and his wife Bethany, Samuel and Charlotte of Philadelphia, Yoni and his wife Lori, Mila and Judah of Los Angeles, and his brother Julius of Cincinnati and sister Ziona of London. May his memory be a blessing.

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AM ISRAEL MORTUARY We Are San Diego’s ONLY All-Jewish Mortuary Serving the community for over 38 years.

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On behalf of AM Israel Mortuary, We extend our condolences to the families of all those who have recently passed. The families of those listed above would like to inform the community of their passing.

Members of the JFDA- Jewish funeral directors of America, KAVOD - (Independent/Family owned Jewish funeral directors) Consumer Affairs Funeral and Cemetery division

May their memory be a blessing.

AM ISRAEL MORTUARY We Are San Diego’s ONLY All-Jewish Mortuary Serving the community for over 40 years.

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Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 67

EVENTS

Cantor Deborah Davis

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

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Welcoming babies and families to San Diego’s Jewish Community ARE YOU EXPECTING A BABY OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS? Shalom Baby is an innovative program designed for San Diego families to celebrate the arrival of their Jewish newborns to affiliated, non-affiliated and inter-married families as a welcome to the San Diego Jewish Community.

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

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For information call Deborah Davis: 619-275-1539

To hear samples, visit our website: secondavenueklezmer.com

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68 SDJewishJournal.com | May 2019

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| print | digital | social media |

Nissan / Iyar 5779 SDJewishJournal.com 69

EXTENDED THRU MAY 19

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“FUNNY AND WHIMSICAL, BUT STILL CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF AUSTEN’S CAPTIVATING NOVEL”

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MAY 29 – JUNE 23, 2019 Southern Californi

By Lee Blessing Directed by Richard Baird Featuring David Ellenstein & J. Todd Adams

a Premiere

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

By Kate Hamill

Directed by Rob Lutfy

May 15 – June 16, 2019 Tickets: 619.337.1525 www.cygnettheatre.org

With world tensions escalating, Lee Blessing’s play, A WALK IN THE WOODS, is especially relevant today. Set in the midst of the Cold War, a U.S. and Soviet arms negotiators agree to meet informally.

Their revealing and absorbing conversations, laced with humor, evolve through debate and discord, exploring unexpected and uncharted territory. For those yearning for a more enlightened world, this play gives us much to think about. Nominated for a Pulitzer and Tony Award.

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