May 2022

MAY 2022 | NISSAN • IYYAR • SIVAN 5782

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Contents

PUBLISHERS

MAY 2022 | NISSAN • IYYAR • SIVAN 5782

Mark Edelstein and Dr. Mark Moss EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jacqueline Bull

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Nathalie Feingold

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Eileen Sondak

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Donna D’Angelo

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34

37

SENIOR CONSULTANT

Ronnie Weisberg

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Features 26 JFEST Headliner Nissim Black Talks Music and Faith 29 Seacrest Foundation Hosts First In-Person Gala

in Two Years

30 On Cultivating the Future Stewards of the Land 33 North Coast Rep’s Spotlight Gala: ‘A Friend-Raising Event’

Emily Bartell, Linda Bennett, Leorah Gavidor, Emily Gould, Judith Fein (Senior Travel Correspondent), Paul Ross (Senior Travel Photographer), Patricia Goldblatt, Pat Launer, Sharon Rosen Leib, Andrea Simantov, Marnie Macauley, Rabbi Jacob Rupp, Saul Levine, Rachael Eden, Sybil Kaplan.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Jonathan Ableson | Senior Account Executive Alan Moss | Palm Springs EDITORIAL

editor@sdjewishjournal.com ADVERTISING

marke@sdjewishjournal.com CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS

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Columns

ART DEPARTMENT

16 From the Editor | Spring Optimism 18 Personal Development and Judaism | The Key to Unlock Your Power 20 Israeli Lifestyle | Gobsmacked and Gleeful 22 Examined Life | Who is a “Mensch”?

24 Religion | Understanding What’s Bothering You 42 Advice | Memories?

Departments 11 Mailbag

37 Food

13 Our Town

39 Diversions

14 The Scene

42 News

34 Local Offerings

art@sdjewishjournal.com LISTINGS & CALENDAR

assistant@sdjewishjournal.com SDJJ is published monthly by San Diego Jewish Journal, LLC. Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Send subscription requests to SDJJ, 7742 Herschel Ave., Suite H, La Jolla, CA 92037. 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. All contents ©2022 by San Diego Jewish Journal. The San Diego Jewish Journal is a member of the American Jewish Press Association and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

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COVER Nissim Black performs for JFEST. See page 26 for cover story.

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LETTERS

Gerda Weissmann Klein, a personal remembrance

by Linda Bennett I first met Gerda Klein when my husband Michael and I were co-chairs of the newly formed Young Leadership of the United Jewish Federation of San Diego.

Gerda was invited to speak to our group. I must admit I was skeptical. This was the early 70s and we all thought we had all heard more than enough about the Holocaust.

Gerda spoke about the experiences in concentration camps and a death march in the closing days of the war. She admits that her experience was not the worst suffered by our people during that time, but it was horrible nevertheless. She spoke calmly and softly and her words brought tears to the eyes. All who were Gerda Weissmann Klein present were moved by her words and dignity.

Gerda was not new to giving her talk. She had been doing it since the 1950s. Her autobiography, “All But My Life” had been in print for quite awhile by then. None of us had read it before hearing her.

I was so moved by her story and her dignity that I became a fan. From then on, whenever she came to San Diego to speak, Michael and I volunteered to pick her (and her husband Kurt of blessed memory) up at the airport and take them wherever they needed to go. We became family friends.

Kurt, by the way, was an escaped German Jew who had landed in America before the war. He served in the U.S. Army and was the soldier who first rescued Gerda and the survivors of her death march. You need to read the book for the whole story.

Gerda not only spoke and wrote about her experiences, she lived a life of generosity. She went to comfort the survivors of the Columbine High School massacre. She also starred in a documentary of her life during the war, “One Survivor Remembers.” It was honored with an Academy Award and an Emmy.

We were honored over the years to attend many of her family functions and are as close as two families can be. When our daughter Marla was murdered by terrorists almost 20 years ago, Gerda was an amazing source of comfort.

This remarkable woman was honored by President Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A photo of her wearing it is in our living room.

She was a dear friend and will be missed by many. She was 97-1/2 years old when she left us last week, Apr. 3, 2022.

Nissan–Iyyar–Sivan 5782

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11

EBRATE CEL EBRATE CEL

Israel: Diversity and Heritage

Balboa Park • House of Israel 2156 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101

Join the Jewish community for a celebration of Israel’s diversity, culture, heritage and people as we observe her 74th birthday. Explore the different threads of the Jewish diaspora through live music, delicious food, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Please visit jewishinsandiego.org/celebrateisrael for more information

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Our Town

by Linda Bennett and Emily Bartell The recent Jewish National Fund-USA Gould Legacy Society Appreciation Luncheon we attended truly held our interest. Co-chaired by Myra Chack Feischer and Robert Ganz, this was a lovely presentation. The featured Speaker Ambassador Dennis Ross is always inspiring with his up to date information and his approach on the relationship between Israel and the U.S. It was great to see so many in attendance after so long. Some of the folks we ran into were Sarita & Sammy Zands, Rosa Adato, Randy Silverstein, Jose & Sarita Blatt, Jacqueline Gmach, Debbi Kornberg, Wayne & Naomi Harris, Paul Segal, Gloria Ross, Rise Edney, Barry Scher, Helena Galper, Mitch Sigler, Bela & Morris Breziner and of course President of the Board of Directors, Sol & Lauren Lizerbram.

We recently attended a private screening of “As They Made Us” a new movie, written & directed by Mayim Bialik. With such intensity throughout the film, emotions ran the gamut from sad, funny and shocking. Headlining the cast were Candace Bergen and Dustin Hoffman. Some of the other folks at this special invitation-only showing were Elana Addleson Schiff, Jeff & Mona Platt, Laurie Ratner, Ernest & Ellen Addleson, Marty & Lois Ehrlich and Walt & Pam Ferris.

Mazel Tov to Emma Lefkowitz on being named “Realtor of the Year” by the San Diego Association of Realtors Circle of Excellence.

Mazel Tov to Jude Fox & Terrence Campbell, on their marriage! They were married on Jan. 13.

Yom Huledets Sameach to...

Bernardo Bicas celebrating his 80th birthday.

CELEBRATING

Wedding Anniversaries

with infinite love & happiness, Mazel Tov to…

Sandie & Dan Kindred, 52 years.

Joyce & Bob Blumberg, 53 years.

Phyllis & Daniel Epstein, 58 years.

Barbara & Irvin Gellman, 60 years.

Bernice & Jack Kleid, 61 years.

Joan & Jeremy Berg, 62 years.

Roz & Marty Freedman, 64 years.

Jean & Theo Bunten, 65 years.

Ina & Irwin Rubinstein, 66 years.

Nissan–Iyyar–Sivan 5782

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13

The Scene

by Jennifer Milton

San Diego Philanthropists Help Secure a Vibrant Jewish Future Over 100 philanthropists in San Diego joined Jewish National Fund-USA at its Legacy Society Luncheon at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on Mar. 15 to hear from world-renowned American diplomat, Ambassador Dennis Ross.

Ambassador Ross provided a unique and historical perspective on the war in Ukraine and what motivated Russia’s President to invade the country and adopt policies that are effectively turning Ukrainian cities into rubble. He commented on Israel’s involvement in the earlier attempts at negotiation with Putin.

San Diego Planned Giving Co-Chairs, Myra Chack Fleischer and Robert Ganz, joined Cynthia Hizami, Esq., JNF-USA’s Planned Giving Director, West Coast, to kick off the luncheon with remarks about the organization’s critical projects in Israel’s Negev and Galilee regions that will impact the global Jewish community, as well as the various types of legacy gifts helping to build a nation for present and future generations.

The luncheon also highlighted various opportunities to travel to Israel with JNF-USA, including its upcoming Sunshine Tour for active adults 55+.

ABOVE (L-R) Robert Ganz, Ambassador Dennis Ross,

Myra Chack Fleischer

LEFT (L-R) Leslie Caspi, Shari Schenk, Lauren Lizerbram,

Debbie Kornberg

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Ever since there’s been an IDF protecting Israel, there’s been an MDA ensuring their health.

Magen David Adom has been saving lives since 1930, some 18 years before Israel became a state. We take immense pride in being Israel’s national emergency medical service and in supplying the blood and medical care for the soldiers who have ensured Israel’s existence. Join us in celebrating Israel’s independence on Yom HaAtzma’ut.

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Nissan–Iyyar–Sivan 5782

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15

Springtime Optimism This issue of the “San Diego Jewish Journal” is a celebratory one. We have galas and festivals dotting the pages this month.

And it seems the city is feeling the same way. The Padres are back, the symphony is filling the bay with music from the Rady Shell, tourists and locals are taking in the sights of the park, Gaslamp, the farmers markets and the beaches. The Mayor’s new budget is looking to the future “playing the long game.”

I still hope I will get a text alert from the government that will say “Covid is over!” It is some comfort that the outdoor summer season will help buoy any possible upticks.

When the sun is out, it is easier to live with uncertainty. I have definitely learned more first-hand what living through the height of the Cold War would’ve been like than I would have ever expected.

Our cover story checks in with JFEST and headliner Nissim Black. JFEST is back in-person this year and everyone involved is excited and raring to go. Not covered in the scope of the article is their full lineup which includes two Hershey Felder pieces, a spotlight on artistic Jewish teens at San Diego Jewish Academy, a Jewish new play festival, numerous discussions with creatives and musical performances.

As an editor, it delighted me that the location of Nissim Black’s performance is at Leichtag Commons which is on the same campus as Coastal Roots farm where we talked with them about their camps for kids for the first time. This convergence or overlap speaks to how interconnected our community is and how a big festival like JFEST has a wide reach to many different corners of the community.

I hope you feel inspired to attend an element of the many festive events covered in the pages of this issue. (JFEST has some virtual options as well!) And if you’re not able, I hope this issue fills you with optimism. A

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND JUDAISM

THIS WAY TO EDEN

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

The Key to Unlock Your Power Something crazy happened last week.

I was asked perhaps the best question I have ever been asked. For context, you need to know that I have spent oodles of money to be asked amazing questions. Not for nothing, I make a career out of it for others. It’s my belief that questions are the breeding ground for transformation and this one was a monster.

An entrepreneur reached out to ask me for tips on how I built my business.

I’m always game to support people so we met up on Zoom and I answered his questions clearly and directly. He felt held back and in his own way though.

He was frustrated that his business wasn’t taking off as fast as he wanted.

So, I redirected from sharing tips of the trade to helping him uncover where his resistance lay. By the end of our time, we both nodded, lukewarm, considering that he’d best be served by reconnecting with his old business coach to make a plan.

The session was not a home run — yet.

I asked him if he felt complete with our conversation and he said he had one last question. I stopped him right there. If he just needed more data on business building, our conversation would remain stagnant. He assured me that his question was deeper and internal. He said: “What’s something you’ve wanted to say to me or ask me this whole time but haven’t?”

I paused and took a deep breath. Wow. That was a killer question. I ventured,

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Questions are the bridge between trapped possibility and actualized dreams.

“Permission to be candid?” “Sure,” he said. Now it was on! I said, “John, it seems like you have everything in place. You’re clearly great at your craft and you’ve learned the skills you need to build a successful business. But, my gut tells me that as a kid, you needed a little more softness and ‘TLC’ than you got. This is not an indictment on your parents or schools. There could be lots of reasons that happened. Because of your experience, you created a story about yourself and about your adequacy and ability to be successful. It’s that story that is holding you back. Does that sound right?” Mutual pause this time with a deep breath. “Yup,” he said. “Nailed it.”

The irony was that it was his brilliant question that brought out the magic in me that created the clarity for him! Did you follow that? Now do you see why I can’t stomach small talk? When we are asked penetrative questions and those questions expose unseen truths that lead to miraculous transformations, who has patience to discuss the weather?

There are many life-changing insights you might pick up from this story but

here are two of mine. First, the power of questions is limitless. Questions are the bridge between trapped possibility and actualized dreams. Second, who you perceive yourself to be is the determining factor of who you become.

You can accomplish a ton, hire whoever you want, enroll in any top notch school and hobnob with the best and brightest.

But, as the southerners say, you still can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

The defining ingredient for upgrading yourself is perceiving yourself anew.

Here is one more fascinating case study to merge these two insights. One of my clients called me, struggling. He’s a highly successful leader and recently took a trip to the East Coast. He spent time in New York with his parents and siblings. He found his energy level had inexplicably dropped, called his wife and they ended up fighting. He couldn’t figure out what was wrong. My instincts told me that his environmental change was behind his energy drop and mystery bickering. I explained to him that when we embrace our truest and highest selves, there are still fragmented pieces of us that need to be healed. We just don’t recognize them until they’re triggered.

I asked him to slow his thinking down and find out what he needed to address those pieces.

Profound questions create profound answers. He said that being around the crowds of NYC left him feeling continues on page 21 >>

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19

ISRAELI LIFESTYLE

LIVING ON THE FRONT PAGE

by Andrea Simantov | andreasimantov@gmail.com

Gobsmacked and Gleeful A few months ago, Israel was named the 9th Happiest Country in the World in a publication called “World’s Happiness Report” a highly-touted publication of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Happy Israelis? Almost as chipper as the Finns and Norwegians? Better life-satisfaction than New Zealanders?

Like the joke of a waiter approaching a table of Jewish women and asking, “Is anything alright?” complaining is a national pastime. Everything from politics, weather, religion (or lack thereof ), economy, tourists/no tourists, recalcitrant youth and the ever-present standby called “Who Hates Us Today,” is parsed.

But still.

My husband and I have been recipients of cutting-edge healthcare that, anywhere else, would have sent us to the poorhouse. In addition to new hips and knees, regular scans and other treatments, Israelis are the first in the world to be inoculated against a myriad of diseases. Both Jewish, Arab and other residents have choices among worldclass medical institutions. How much does our health care cost? Mostly free and, if one chooses to pay privately, it’s heavily subsidized by one of the respective four or five national health services. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for free routine dental care, low cost orthodontics and inexpensive higher education. Why? Because children in

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Israel are precious and represent the future. For Jews to have a future, we must celebrate children.

Abundant sunshine is predictable in our corner of the world.

Even our daily prayers contain an eternal weather report, pretty much guaranteeing adequate rainfall from the end of Sukkot until the beginning of Passover. Israel’s weather allows months of al fresco dining, beach parties and balmy days for camping and hiking. Locally grown produce spills over the bins in open air stalls and even the most slothful Israeli ingests more fiber than his Western counterpart. Modest tables groan under the weight of fresh falafel, humus, chopped salads sprinkled with mints and other herbs, thick yogurts and sweating goat cheeses — just another repast in laid-back, sun-drenched Israel.

How expensive is it to live here?

Hoo-boy. Even Tevye the Milkman said to G-d, “I realize it is no shame to be poor, but it’s no great honor either.”

Still, struggling financially is part of the rhythm here and everyone manages.

Obscenely expensive cities are only short

drives from developing and affordable periphery towns that pepper the landscape. As a nation that continues to absorb huge numbers of immigrants each year, affordable communities develop constantly according to shared values, ethnicity, adherence to one or another manner of religious observance.

No one starves in Israel and you don’t have to take my word for it. We look out for one another, volunteer, donate and obsess over the success of our neighbors in ways that reflect both Torah values and kibbutz mentality. That pioneering spirit of early Zionism is still strong.

There are no parades on Memorial Day. We don’t need pomp. Cemetery paths fill with mommies and daddies continues on next page >>

Israeli Lifestyle

continued

who festoon marble gravestones of their children who died so that Jews never again march into ovens at the behest of those who loathe us.

As the sun sets on another agonizing Yom HaZikaron, the night sky erupts with fireworks and peals of revelry in gratitude to the aforementioned heroes who died ensuring continued existence of the only Jewish nation on earth. We dress in blue and white and stream flags from our balconies and car antennas. We are united, celebrating a “miracle in the desert” called Israel.

Even though we have few natural resources, this tiny country has emerged as a world leader in the fields of medicine, veganism, finance, academia, technology, literature and more. Not too shabby for a country that is only 73 years old and the size of New Jersey.

Happy Birthday, Israel. And watch out, Scandinavia; we’re catching up. A

Personal Development

continued

disempowered. There were so many people pursuing the same industry and interests, what made him special?

He also acknowledged that the quirks and idiosyncrasies of his family left him feeling inadequate. Why would his wife want to deal with such a package?

Keep in mind he wasn’t aware of these thoughts until we slowed him down and asked him the question. Remember: Questions are the bridge between trapped possibility and actualized dreams.

Now for the second insight. My client’s perception of himself reversed as a result of these thoughts. From his truest and highest core, he experienced himself as a calm, confident man who was highly successful in business and adept in his relationships. But in New York with his family, he felt rather ordinary, replaceable and, well, unattractively weird. With this new,

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weak self-perception, he called his wife urgently, subconsciously grasping for reassurance and validation. His wife probably barely recognized his new persona and misunderstood his intentions — because he didn’t understand himself. How we perceive ourselves shapes our behaviors which defines our reality. These aren’t small potatoes people.

Read this article again and again until you have ingrained the key to unlock your power. You can have what you want in yourself, relationships and career.

You can calmly create massive change in your life and intentionally program yourself. What you require is consistent, profound, customized questions and the focus to answer them well and the perception of yourself that creates the change. Stay closely connected to your confidence, self-certainty and trust and you will remain limitless. A

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21

EXAMINED LIFE

OUR EMOTIONAL FOOTPRINT

by Saul Levine, M.D., Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry at UCSD

| slevine@ucsd.edu

Who is a “Mensch”?

Are you a mensch?

You no doubt know that a mensch refers to a person of intrinsic worth, or an utterly decent individual. It is most often invoked when someone is being referred to in complimentary terms, as in, “They’re a real mensch.” (Although it can also be used derogatorily in a sardonic Yiddish idiom as in, “A mensch, he’s not!”).

The word was derived from the original German and Yiddish where it at first simply meant, “a male person.” As the years went on, however, it has come to describe any person who manifests decidedly impressive positive traits.

The admirable traits included under the rubric mensch read like the image of what Nobel Laureates, philanthropists, religious leaders or personages like the Dalai Lama may represent to their fervent admirers such as decency, kindness, honesty, trustworthiness, benevolence, compassion and altruism.

Clearly, someone who merits that singular appellation is perceived as a truly evolved human being.

In actuality, however, these personality traits are not rare, as they appear autonomously in most human beings in different situations. We humans can “rise to the occasion” when dictated by circumstances and can show many of these positive character traits.

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But seldom do they appear predictably and unfailingly in a single individual.

You are likely acquainted with or know of people who manifest a few of these very virtues much of the time.

Indeed, you yourself might be this kind of person. Most of us, in fact, aspire to be a person who is seen to embody these virtues. After all, who doesn’t wish to be considered by others as honest or generous or decent?

As one would expect, not being a mensch implies the absence of these laudable traits. Or worse, it may imply the presence of human characteristics which are unsavory and unsalutary.

(Yiddish words for an “anti-mensch” are plentiful, like schlechter, grober, shmendrik, bulvan, schlemiel, schlemazel, yold, etc) If the “unmensch” happens to be particularly dislikeable, they could evince traits like dishonesty, arrogance, bigotry, anger, selfishness, egotism, rudeness or the like. (Sound like anybody familiar?) That person might well be avoided and disdained by some, they would certainly be disqualified from “menschlichkeit.” That is, they would never merit the appellation of being a mensch.

You and I know that nobody is “perfect,” and certainly not all the time! Even saints or religious leaders,

philanthropists or the Dalai Lama himself have shown flaws and foibles at times. We humans are all heterogeneous mixtures of strengths and frailties, virtues and faults.

We live in a world where incivility and rudeness have increasingly become a part of everyday discourse (“de rigeur”). These unseemly behaviors are now prevalent in political campaigns, discussions on television, in various forms of show business, around dinner tables and especially on social media.

There are increasing public displays of disrespect, selfishness or aggression.

It is especially in these times of uncertainty and stress that we should appreciate what it means to be a mensch. Someone who evinces the laudable (“menschlich”) traits, who displays benevolence and eschews nastiness is to be especially appreciated and respected. This kind of individual is “Takeh (really) a mensch.” They leave a Positive Emotional Footprint on all whom they “touch” in their relationships, communities and world.

This is what we should be instilling in our children.

There are few paths for us to follow personally or to teach our next generations which are as important for humanity as being a mensch. A

Experiment Discover Connect Thrive

Open Door Tuition Reduction program for K and 9TH To learn more and arrange your virtual tour: admissions@sdja.com, 858-704-3717 or visit sdja.com Nissan–Iyyar–Sivan 5782

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RELIGION

POST-POLITICAL

by Rabbi Jacob Rupp | rabbirupp@gmail.com

Understanding What’s Bothering You This article is a continuation of last month’s.

The power to change one’s life stems from the ability to ask good questions.

Profound questions, the kind that are awkward to ask others, are even more difficult to ask yourself. You are certainly capable of asking these questions, but it’s so difficult that you’d rather pay (and perhaps rightly so) a professional to ask the questions than to level with yourself. A lot of time we are too afraid of the answers that we don’t think of the questions. Why am I 50 lbs overweight? Why can’t I attract the right talent into my organization? Why don’t I feel happy even though I have so much?

Why is my marriage so dull?

Before what to ask, you need to know how to ask. Know that questions are THE most powerful way a person can communicate. Questions allow you the opportunity to listen and listening allows you to collect information and create a relationship. The more you talk, the less you communicate. There will be plenty of time later to find information, but before you find the information, you have to create the space which then allows you to figure out what information you need and where you should get it.

Questions are meant to open you up; thus, oftentimes the answers are clear.

You simply need the courage to ask, and be non judgmental with what comes out.

If you are trying to make a relationship with another person, the last thing you want to do is judge them or accuse them when they open up to you; allow them

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to feel heard and really listen. What they say is reality, so it’s better to work with it than to hope or judge or punish.

It’s okay to be real with yourself. So often you push your feelings and your deep needs away because it will make you “weak,” “wrong,” “out of control,” or “unproductive.” In fact, it’s likely that the very same worries, concerns, or questions that you would try to get rid of in the people you love is what is sitting inside you. For example, you want your child to believe in himself. You want him to challenge himself when he’s uncomfortable and you give him long talks about why he should hold his head high and be proud of who he is. But can we give the same talk to ourselves before we are quickly shut down by our negative voices of limitations?

This fact, the reality of our negative voices, is what further leads to the dichotomy that drives us crazy by creating a large gap between where we are and where we think we should be.

So ask open-ended questions of yourself, and be non judgemental with the answers or the lack thereof.

Journaling Exercise #2 What to ask: • How do I feel?

• Why do I feel this way?

• What about my life doesn’t feel _______ (good, completed, productive, fulfilled)?

• What do I want to change?

• How would I feel if I changed?

• When do I feel bad?

• What causes or triggers me to feel unhappy?

• How often am I unhappy and when during the day/week do I feel it most?

• Big picture, do I know where I am headed?

• Am I at peace with who I am?

• How can I become a better version of myself?

• What skill sets do I have?

• Where can my skill sets be put to use?

• Where do I feel most happy?

• When do I feel free and the time just passes?

• What would I do if money and time weren’t an issue?

• Am I healthy?

• Am I happy?

• If I died today, would I be happy with my life?

• When I die, what kinds of things do I want to have accomplished?

• Who am I looking to impress?

• Do I think my parents would be proud of me if they saw me where I am now?

Would they tell me? What about my spouse and children?

The outcome of these questions can be challenging because they imply you should change something about your life, your company, or your relationships.

And it is really difficult to admit you need to change because the old way worked at one point. The only problem with the old way is that it isn’t working anymore. A

JFEST Headliner

Nissim Black Talks Music and Faith

by Jacqueline Bull JFEST (The Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival) is on, in-person for 2022 (May 23 – July 12) and is boasting many of the things fans have come to love and expect like klezmer music, contemporary Jewish plays and the Annual Women of Valor.

Borrowing from recent festivals, this year will also have a few online discussions between Artistic Director Todd Salovey and notable creatives.

“Last year when all our events were virtual I hosted a streamed discussion with Joel Grey and the cast of the offbroadway “Yiddish Fiddler.” It was one of my favorite programs ever. I learned so much hearing acclaimed artists talking about how they brought new life in an old language to a beloved classic musical.

I also loved that we could present Tony winner Ben Platt and multi-award winner Tovah Feldshuh. Doing streamed programs gave us access to acclaimed Jewish artists from around the world and made our programs more accessible all over the world. So I loved it. And while much of the Festival is in-person this year, I wanted to keep a streaming component,” Todd said.

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For in-person headliners, Todd talked with frequent JFEST partner Rabbi Carlebach from Chabad of Downtown. Rabbi Carlebach suggested Nissim Black. Todd shared Nissim’s music videos with the REP team and they were all blown away.

“Here is a super spiritual Jewish seeker with an amazing and dramatic journey to his Jewish identity — and an absolutely top-notch rap artist.

I couldn’t believe it. Nissim also has multi-millions of views on YouTube.

I reached out to the Leichtag HIVE and several synagogues about co-sponsoring and everyone wanted in. Nissim seems [like] a great artist to bring San Diego together to celebrate Jewish identity in contemporary art!”

Nissim Black is sometimes referred to as an Orthodox Rapper, a Jewish hip-hop artist or rap artist and when I asked him how he labels himself, he struggles with it as well.

“I am probably best described as Alternative Rap. I don’t know. I’m too pop to be called hip-hop sometimes, and at other times I’m too hip-hop to be called pop,” Nissim said.

On streaming services, he is labeled as “World.”

Nissim did not grow up as a Hasidic Jew; he grew up in Seattle and he and his wife converted in adulthood and moved to Israel. His journey in between what he considers the worlds of Rap/ hip-hop culture and Jewish culture and his journey to his faith are present in the lyrics and the sound of the music.

“My sound has evolved and developed quite a bit over the years.

I think it is primarily because of my faith journey. My spirituality has given me a certain boldness to go places creatively that I’ve always wanted to go, but would have been too worried about what others thought. When you narrow down the ones you want to please to G-d Himself, you care less about what others have to say,” he said.

The evolution of his sound is resonating with big audiences, garnering millions of views on some of his singles on Youtube and the comments are full of people expressing either that they never imagined themselves listening to Jewish hip-hop because they only listen to mainstream hip-hop or because they

FEATURE

“Hava nagila I’m breathing, hava nagila we even Got a Mazel Tov for the game, but I really do the thang Dance homey, G-d’s only, G-d’s man how they know me” — Nissim Black “The Hava Song”

are Jewish and never listened to any kind of hip-hop.

Nissim has remarked that since moving to Israel, his sound has become more universal and he is casting a wider net. To reach this bigger audience, he is using less Hebrew words and trying to write from his individual point of view.

“I think I’ve realized my audience is mostly people who share my same values.

I mean my core audience at least. I just really wanted to expand that and I’ve been writing a lot more from my pain and struggles, which will by default resonate with more people because we all fight these battles,” he said.

This personal touch is also evident in his podcast where he talks to guests about faith, family, creativity, fame and building community. He created it to have important conversations with interesting people. He comes off as warm, inclusive and even paternal.

Nissim himself has six children and his interests in family and community are evident.

“I’m very excited to be playing this festival. It’s more than communityfocused, it’s more family-focused. It’s

a vibe when we all get together for any happy occasion,” Nissim said.

Todd Salovey echoed this, “It’s so moving to me in our 29th year how many people look forward to JFEST programs.

I love that we bring audiences across cultures together to celebrate Jewish art.

From “Women of Valor” to the “Klezmer Summit,” it’s a labor of love.”

As a parting question, I asked Nissim what audiences can expect from his performance at the Leichtag Commons, “High energy and emotion. I always try to make myself an offering on stage. [I’m] building a fire in my heart and in the heart of the audience.

I hope it will be an experience that people leave with.” A

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We’re Spreading the News!

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Join us on campus for a fun morning complete with a bagel and schmears breakfast, informational session with resources for making a successful move, tours of the community, and a chance to win some exciting raffle prizes!

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FEATURE

Seacrest Foundation Hosts First In-Person Gala in Two Years

by Nathalie Feingold On June 12 Seacrest Foundation will host its first in-person gala since February 2020. The event, aptly dubbed the ‘Reunion Gala’, promises to be a “joyful regathering to celebrate the strength and commitment of the Seacrest family.”

The setting for the gala will be fully outdoors at a private residence in Rancho Santa Fe, whereas prior galas were hosted in the ballroom of the Hyatt in La Jolla.

“Larry and I are proud to host the 2022 reunion gala at our home. The work of the Seacrest Foundation provided critical funds to Seacrest Village during the pandemic. The efforts on the part of the foundation were truly impressive and I’m proud to serve as its president,” Seacrest Foundation Board of Directors President Cindy Bloch said.

Furthermore, she expressed gratitude for the part the staff played at Seacrest Village during the pandemic.

“Seacrest Village provided amazing care to the residents and also recognized those who helped care for our residents and kept the community running smoothly under unprecedented circumstances. It was truly a ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ attitude which will forever serve as a shining example of how to care for those who came before

us. I hope everyone will enjoy being reunited; it’s been a long two years and we have many reasons to be filled with gratitude,” Cindy said.

The event will feature a live performance from classical guitarist Fred Benedetti. A three-course meal and wine will be served for dinner, where guests sit together overlooking a rolling vineyard. There will also be an engraver on site for guests to customize their own wine glasses.

There will be a live and online auction, with the funds benefitting the residents of Seacrest Village.

“We recognize that Seacrest has been through a lot in the past two years and yet nothing stopped the staff from taking care of one another and the residents.

It is an honor for Seacrest Foundation to put on this event to recognize our incredible organization and share a laugh or two,” Seacrest Foundation CFO Robin Israel said.

Robin and the five co-chairs, Cindy Bloch, Mary Epsten, Jean Gaylis, Jane Ottenstein and Shari Schenk are all looking forward to gathering in person to support Seacrest, especially after the taxing past two years.

“At the gala, we will be surrounded by many of the members of our community

whose generosity and kindness made it possible to have the critical resources required to take care of everything that was needed to get through the worst of the pandemic.” Robin said, “There are no words to convey the enormous gratitude we have.”

Women’s Auxiliary President of Seacrest Foundation Mary Epsten is also thrilled to gather with the community.

“I’m most looking forward to a beautiful reunion of our Seacrest family, friends and staff, gathering to show how much they care about taking care of seniors in our community. We have all been apart for so long that it will be wonderful to be together again,” Mary said.

Robin emphasized that, although support has been abundant and critical, the need is still there. The more funds that Seacrest Foundation raises, the more people they can care for. She concluded by sharing some parting words for Seacrest supporters.

“Thank you. We appreciate you. We needed you and you were there.”

Seating is limited. For more information or to register for the gala, visit seacrestfoundation.org/gala. A

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FEATURE

On Cultivating the Future Stewards of the Land

by Nathalie Feingold Coastal Roots Farm Camp was dreamed up by Education Manager Sharone Oren three years ago. What started as a threeweek summer camp with 20 kids has now propagated into an 8-week program with 60 kids joining each week. Sharone first started the program to teach young kids how to be responsible caretakers of the Earth.

“This idea of having kids be the future stewards of the land — how do we get them to spend hours on the farm and really fall in love and understand it and then go home and talk about it,” Sharone explained, “There was already so much beautiful, rich love for each other and the Earth here on the farm, so creating the camp just seemed like the right next step.”

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The farm gives back to its community in a myriad of ways. One is through their distribution program where they donate over half of everything they grow to different organizations and another is through their pay-whatyou-can farm stand. Sharone explained that the Coastal Roots Farm education department functions in a similar vein.

“We offer lots of community programs — farm camp being one of them, where it’s either a suggested donation model or a scholarship. With everything that we do, we want to give people access to our farm so they can learn about sustainable agriculture and the importance of food justice and how we use Jewish values to operate on a day-to-day basis,” Sharone

explained, “Using those values that are really universal to say we care about people, land and community and let’s learn all about that in this fun camp environment.”

The camp is for kids aged pre-K to 5th grade; campers have the opportunity to learn, farm, play and sing songs together.

Each week revolves around a different theme: farm exploration, critters, soil and plants/plant parts. The curriculum integrates science, art and farm chores while teaching kids about the week’s theme. They also get to harvest and prepare their own farm-fresh snacks every day straight from the garden — something that Sharone says the kids particularly enjoy.

Our number one goal is that kids are in awe of nature and they take what they’ve learned here and apply it at home.

“Our number one goal is that kids are in awe of nature and they take what they’ve learned here and apply it at home,” Sharone said, “We always say that if kids plant kale, then kids will eat kale.”

Sharone teaches kids that they should treat their land the same way they treat their loved ones.

“We give these kids a potted plant for them to grow things at home and we’ll get pictures of kids harvesting zucchini or cucumbers and the parents tell me, ‘I couldn’t believe my child wanted to be outdoors and help me take care of the plant. And then they wanted to eat it.”

Sharone said that Coastal Roots’ Jewish values guide everything that they do on the farm. They base their activities, songs and books around ancient Jewish concepts. For example, the campers know that part of Tikkun Olam, repairing the Earth, means sorting their trash.

“We teach them these values, we’ll teach them the word Kehilla, meaning community, we say everything starts with your Kehilla. We’re together for the whole week and we’re united and we come up with some amazing ways to take care of the earth,” Sharone continued. “Taking care of the Earth is a Jewish value, but it’s also a universal value.”

Sharone shared a heartwarming story of a birthday party that the little kids throw for a resident tree every year on Tu Bishvat. The tree’s birthday, naturally, falls on Tu Bishvat, so the kids make mud cakes for the tree and gather around its trunk and sing happy birthday. Afterward, they pour their mud cake consisting of rich, finished compost into the soil and rub it in with care and affection.

Sharone said that a favorite activity for campers is feeding and observing the chickens.

“We will harvest some bad strawberries or leaves and we’ll take them over to the chickens and we’ll throw them in their area. Sometimes we give the kids booties so they can go inside, sit down and watch them closely,” Sharone explained.

Sharone believes that farm learning is critical in strengthening the connection kids have with their food.

“When you have a connection to food, you have a different relationship with it. You appreciate it more because you watched it grow. You appreciate all of the work that it takes to grow the food — it’s a matter of appreciation for the grocery store worker and for the farmer who grew the food and all the people in between,” Sharone said.

Sharone wants kids to understand that, while they may be fortunate enough to have an abundance of food and resources, many people in San Diego are struggling.

“We should be looking out for them and helping them, giving them of our abundance, sharing with them what we can and supporting organizations that do these things,” Sharone emphasized.

She also believes that teaching kids about food justice is integral in guiding them to become stewards of the land.

“We believe that everyone should have access to our food, so we take the kids to the farm stand and show them how we sell the food. We talk about how we’re a big farm and this is what we do, but what can you do? And they come up with some amazing answers,” Sharone said.

Some of her fifth-grade campers came up with the idea of having a vegetable stand, similar to a lemonade stand, except everything is free for those who need it.

Sharone concluded by saying that their summer camp is currently full; however, she is seeking counselors and counselors-in-training to help out on the farm. They hire kids as young as 14 to be counselors, offering them the opportunity to learn leadership skills and Jewish values.

For more information or to register as a counselor, visit coastalrootsfarm.org/ farm-camp. A

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FEATURE

North Coast Rep’s Spotlight Gala: ‘A Friend-Raising Event’

by Nathalie Feingold North Coast Repertory Theatre (NCRT) is hosting its annual Spotlight gala on June 5. The timing of this year’s gala is synchronous with their 40th Anniversary Season, giving patrons and the North County community much to celebrate.

“This year we are celebrating our 40th Anniversary Season, which is a remarkable milestone. North Coast Rep. started as a dream of our founders, Olive and Tom Blakistone and has evolved into an award-winning cultural gem in our community of North County San Diego,” Honorary Chair Jamie Carr said.

The event is set to take place at the Fairmont Grand Hotel and feature music from several of NCRT’s past productions, a silent and live auction, as well as plenty of food and beverages for guests to enjoy.

The hotel’s grounds will also double as the stage for a special sneak peek of their world premiere musical “The Remarkable Mister Holmes.”

“With each Spotlight Gala we strive to improve upon the last. Obviously, we want to raise money, but it’s also a ‘friend-raising’ event. We want to expand upon our community,” Jamie explained.

The Spotlight Gala is NCRT’s biggest fundraiser of the year, with the funds going towards supporting various activities and productions at the theatre, including educational and outreach programs. There are also opportunities for guests to sponsor specific things, like a certain actor or a theater school scholarship.

“When I moved to San Diego about 30 years ago, I sought out good, local theater and found it closer than I expected.

I’ve always been impressed with North Coast Rep’s productions and creativity throughout the years,” Jamie said, “I do what I can to help support their productions and events.”

Jamie has an extensive history of coordinating fundraisers for a plethora of organizations. She’s raised funds for the first Black Cultural Center at the University of Oregon, initiated an Emergency Student Crisis Fund in response to the pandemic, she’s chaired the Helen Woodward Animal Center Gala three times running and she co-chaired a highly successful JFS Gala in 2018.

She offers her fundraising and leadership skills to NCRT as Honorary

Chair. She said she feels proud to be involved with NCRT and especially the positive impact that the theater has on the North County students in their theater school.

“The highlight of my experiences has been knowing that my hard work and efforts have paid off and the organizations have benefited. Digging in and having a purposeful agenda that reaps benefits back to the organization is very fulfilling,” Jamie explained.

As someone who has effectively coordinated countless fundraisers for a wide variety of organizations and charities, Jamie says the key to a successful gala is making a memorable evening with a unique approach.

Her ethos for galas is similar to the ethos of theater in general.

“The arts are integral to the fabric of our community and theater is, by its very nature, a communitarian art. North Coast Rep. brings people of disparate backgrounds together for a shared experience while continually striving for artistic excellence upon our stage. We need more things that bring us together in today’s world,” Jamie said. A

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Local Offerings The Old Globe All content is available at theoldglobe.org MAY 7–JUNE 12: Mala Melinda Lopez’s solo play imbues humor into big human questions like what do we do when we try to be good, but don’t always succeed? Select dates will be performed in Spanish. ▲

“Mala” playwright Melinda Lopez.

▲ “Million Dollar Quartet” at Lamb’s Players.

Cygnet Theatre

Lamb’s Players Theatre

All content is available at cygnettheatre.com

All content is available at lambsplayers.org

MAY 18–JUNE 19: Mud Row This is a portrait of a family legacy of two generations of sisters in Pennsylvania’s “Mud Row.”

THRU JUNE 2: Million Dollar Quartet Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis make up a star-studded quartet.

North Coast Repertory Theatre

Coronado Playhouse

All content is available at northcoastrep.org.

All content is available at coronadoplayhouse.org

THRU MAY 15: Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits A comical production that celebrates Broadway’s greatest hits through parodies. This show includes tributes to “Chicago,” “Phantom,” “Fiddler” and others.

MAY 20–JUNE 19: Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show This is a swing revue of the music of Fats Waller.

San Diego Symphony All content is available at sandiegosymphony.org

▲

▲

Cast of “Forbidden Broadway” at North Coast Rep.

MAY 6, 7: Grieg’s Piano Concerto and Scheherazade This concerto is inspired

by Arabian Nights and the voyages of Sinbad the Sailor.

PHOTO: AARON RUMLEY

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Gabriela Martinez, pianist at the San Diego Symphony.

MAY 27, 28: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony This special performance features husband and wife duo Rafael Payare conducting and Alisa Weilerstein on the cello.

San Diego Natural History Museum All content is available at sdnhm.org MAY 7, 9 A.M: Nature Hike This hike goes through the chaparral of Oak Oasis preserve. Enjoy the wild lilacs and the San Vicente Reservoir.

PHOTO: MARCELA TABOADA

SATURDAYS IN MAY: Nature Studio: Bumble Bees This pop-up maker space is for artists of all ages.

▲ Lila Downs at LJMS.

La Jolla Music Society All content is available at ljms.org

San Diego Museum of Art All content is available at sdmart.org MAY 3, 10 A.M.: Art And The Environment: An Artist Panel Discussion | Online Artists from a variety of mediums discuss how their work in construction and aesthetic speak to issues of land and the environment.

MAY 17, 7 P.M.: Art Of Elan: For The Earth This musical performance marries a string quartet and the exhibition “Terra.”

MAY 4, 7 P.M.: Lila Downs Lila Downs is a Grammy award-winning musician that plays in Latin American folk and jazz fusion style.

MAY 13, 6 P.M.: Pas de Deux with The Joffrey Ballet This gala supports LJMS’s dance programs.

San Diego Opera All content is available on sdopera.org MAY 13, 7:30 P.M.: MAY 14, 2 P.M., 7:30 P.M.: Aging Magician | The Balboa Theatre This immersive performance is a unique hybrid of opera and theatre with singing, choral work, puppetry and performance art throughout.

▲ A piece from the exhibition “Terra” by Fernando Casasempere at SDMA.

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Food

by Micah Siva

noshwithmicah.com

Easy Tahini Caesar Salad Lighten up your side dishes with a simple, vegan and pareve caesar salad! This recipe is based on creamy tahini which gives you a rich and savory dressing — with a ton of umami flavor! Use this as a slaw dressing for an unexpected twist on a barbeque classic!

MAKES ⅔ CUP DRESSING

PREPARATION

• ¼ cup tahini

1.

Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, shaking to combine.

2.

Combine lettuce, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, nutritional yeast and croutons in a bowl.

3.

Toss with dressing before serving.

4.

Enjoy!

• 1 clove garlic, minced • Juice of 1 lemon • 1 tbsp. caper brine • 1 tsp. dijon mustard • 1 tbsp. nutritional yeast • ¼ cup water SALAD • 2 heads romaine, roughly chopped • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds • 2 tbsp. hemp seeds • 2 tbsp. nutritional yeast • ½ cup croutons, optional

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We are here to help, call or email with any questions.

JWV POST 385 — NORTH COUNTY

“Boldest Post in the West”

Fight anti-semitism Support our military overseas • Comradeship Support Naval Hospital San Diego & Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton • and much more...

•

•

•

CDR Marc Poland, USN Ret 858-232-1645

(619) 583-8850

6316 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego For a list of currents services and additional info:

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

Meet 2nd Sunday of the month 11:00 AM Veterans Association North County (VANC) 1617 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058 JWV is the oldest congresssionally commissioned veterans organization in America

CA, Lic. #FD-1320

Stanley Lynn - Oceanside Lillian Wasserman - Encinitas Ronald Fox - La Jolla Lila Brill - San Diego Marian Maisel - San Diego Mark Schwartz - Chula Vista Moshe Chomoshe - Chula Vista Jerome Turchin - El Cajon Russell Heyman - Poway Justine Weiner - San Diego Caroline Hoffman - Escondido Marjorie Grossman - Encinitas Adelle Bernstein - Encinitas Helen Khorshidi - San Diego Victoria Royter - San Diego Zina Sinay - La Mesa

Lili Guefen - San Diego Morris Casuto - San Diego Patricia Spira - San Diego Edna Newberg - Solana Beach Isidoro Lombrozo - La Jolla Abraham Leiderman - San Diego Lorraine Solomon - La Mesa Howard Bosworth - San Diego Andrew Weissman - San Diego Harriet Rosenberg - San Diego Devree Gold - San Diego Myrna Lane - San Diego Alan Schneider - San Diego Ronald Suckle - Temcula Joel Ettinger - San Diego Larry Cohn - San Diego

May their memory be a blessing.

AM ISRAEL MORTUARY We Are San Diego’s ONLY All-Jewish Mortuary

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

Serving the community for over 40 years.

(619) 583-8850

6316 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego For a list of currents services and additional info:

www.amisraelmortuary.com CA, Lic. #FD-1320

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| SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM May 2022

DIVERSIONS

Season 2 of ‘Russian Doll’ promises to be even more Jewish

by Evelyn Frick, JTA News

The excruciating, pandemic-prolonged wait is over: Season two of “Russian Doll” finally dropped on Netflix.

According to some new and exciting teasers, it seems that the wait will have been well worth it for Jewish fans.

In a recent profile of Natasha Lyonne for the New Yorker, reporter Rachel Syme explains that some of the new “Russian Doll” will include time travel, writing: “Through seven episodes, parts of which were filmed on location in Budapest, Nadia keeps barrelling into the past, connecting the dots between her own sense of dislocation, her mother’s mentalhealth problems, and her Hungarian grandmother’s experience of the Holocaust.”

That’s right — not only will the new season of “Russian Doll” continue to explore Nadia’s Jewishness, but there’s the very distinct possibility we will meet her character’s Hungarian, Holocaust-surviving grandmother whom is based, in part, on Natasha’s real-life maternal grandmother, Ella. A

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Mayor Todd Gloria Announces New Fiscal Year Budget San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria released his 2023 proposed budget. The budget, referred to as “Ready to Rebuild” by the mayor’s office, primarily focuses on repairing infrastructure, improving city services and reducing homelessness.

UC San Diego Health Opens Clinic at UTC Mall UC San Diego Health officially opened up a clinic for patients with gastrointestinal and digestive conditions at the Westfield UTC mall, making it the first clinic of its kind in the county.

Some of the key infrastructure investments include bringing stormwater into compliance with more strict state water-quality laws and repairing failing or damaged storm drains pumps to better prevent flooding and water pollution.

“We’re playing the long game with this budget — thinking about how this year’s spending decisions affect San Diego’s financial position five years from now and making sure our city stays on a course toward true stability in every respect,” Gloria said.

“We are excited about the opening of this new clinic. It is in a highly visible location in our community, meeting patients where they need us. Our health system continues to expand services and locations throughout San Diego County, so our patients have convenient access to our extraordinary medical and surgical teams for all of their health care needs,” said Dr. Christopher Kane, CEO of UCSD Health Physician Group.

NCTD Releases COASTER Schedule for 2022 Padres Season

The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers care from specialists for a range of digestive issues and conditions.

The COASTER provides fans with a cost-efficient way to get to and from PETCO park. A COASTER Regional Pass is $15 for Adults and $7.50 for Youth, Senior and Disabled and Medicare (SDM) customers.

The North County Transit District (NCTD) announced the COASTER service schedule for the 2022 San Diego Padres Season. The schedule includes 50 trips throughout the season, including trips for both weekday and weekend games.

Oceanside Theatre Company Appoints New Leadership Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) recently announced the appointment of Alex Goodman as their Managing Director. This is the first time that the company has hired a full-time leadership role; it had previously relied on a volunteer management team for the past 11 years of operations.

This announcement is concurrent with OTC’s plans for a large expansion of the organization and a major renovation of the historic Brooks Theater.

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“The Board is excited to have Alex join the OTC team as Managing Director. Alex has been involved in live theatre since childhood and that lifetime passion, combined with years of theatre management experience in Detroit, Chicago and, most importantly, San Diego, will provide OTC with a solid leadership platform for successfully moving the organization forward,” says Board President John McCoy. In his new role, Goodman will be responsible for fiscal management, operations and marketing oversight and the development of an extensive fundraising strategy to support the operating needs of the organization.

SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS

By Ali Viterbi Directed by Todd Salovey and Emily Moler

One family celebrates Passover over several millennia—1416 BCE, 1954, 2019 and 2050 to be exact. Why is this night different from all others? Don’t miss this award-winning, enthralling family saga.

MAY 26 - JUN 19 | TIX FROM $25

ON SALE NOW | SDREP.ORG Financial support provided in part by

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ADVICE

ASK MARNIE

by Marnie Macauley, M.S.

| marniemacauley@gmail.com

Memories?

CORRECT THINKING when we’re labeled “Boomers.” Enjoy!

Shalom my dear San Diegans: I am a Boomer. Actually, I “Boomed” a long time ago. In fact, a small Eastern country disappeared by the sound alone! Is it just me or do we all hate “Booming” — especially when all our savings have gone — somewhere — and we spend our days talking to a bank, Amazon, social media, utility companies or people who want to sell us mobile parking lots — with or without faux lawns.

Back then, we also remembered stuff.

Like “how come I wasn’t invited to Marsha’s party when the whole freshman class is going?” Ah, to be in the 60s (OK, 50s) once more. Then our goal was to remember things. Now our goal is to forget them. Let’s look. The following are all normal and CORRECT. Getting It: CORRECT Boomer Thinking We can remember things that happened around 1959, no problem, for example, the “Howdy Doody” lunch box, all the words to “Venus,” the entire cast list of “Where the Boys Are” and Arnold Stang clucking, “What a chunk of chocolate...!”

Then it happened. My late husband and I “turned” Boomer-ish and our brains turned into soft-boiled eggs.

A few years ago, we were watching a Seinfeld rerun. We proceeded to have the following conversation about a particular episode.

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HIM: “Look! Isn’t that ... you know ... the one on Superman?”

ME: “Lois Lane? What’s she doing on a Seinfeld re-run?”

The STRATEGY? “SIMPLIFY!” ME: “Oh look “Sleepless in Seattle” is on Red tooth huloo tonight. Isn’t that the one with — ?”

HIM: “I don’t think she’s ‘Lois’ here. So... what’s her name...?”

HIM: “No. That’s the other one.”

ME: “Noel Neill...She played opposite George Reeves...1954 to ‘57.”

HIM: “Right. So...?”

HIM: (Irritated) “Not the movie. On TV!” ME: “Oh right! Wasn’t she on that show ‘Desperate’-somethings?”

HIM: Do I know?! So...what’s her name...?

ME: “...beats me.”

Desperate, I taped it, then showed it to our son who was reluctantly visiting us oldsters. We both pointed. (Boomers are excellent pointers.) He gave us the “glue factory” look, mumbled “Teri Hatcher,” then disappeared, shaking his head, no doubt computing the relative cost of putting us in “the home” with or without indoor plumbing.

Whoever said we lose a trillion brain cells a second should add we lose them all the day we “Boom.” Face it. When you’re donning an umbrella and acting out “Singing in the Rain” because you can’t remember the word for “salt,” you either need a CAT Scan...or you’re getting older.

As for the women, fortunately, we solved the problem.

ME: “The one married to one of the – ” ME: “The Blonde One.” HIM: “Thanks hon.”

We simply reduced all the Megs, Sharon’s, Paris’s, Ashley’s, Chelsea’s and Heather’s to “the blonde one.”

I believe there’s a method to this biologically induced amnesia-madness.

It has something to do with shared memories of labor rooms, diaper pails, ER’s, spit-up, SAT’s, failing “Internet 1,” death wishes — and yes, even loyalty and hopefully love. But there’s more.

Who else are we going to get to finish our sentences for us? Do you have any idea how much work it would be to break in someone new?

After my husband died, I am still faced with the problem. Only worse.

Every single day I get a letter — hard-mail of course —offering me a way to go after my death that won’t spoil my children’s day. Last week was my personal favorite. A crematorium invited me to a luncheon to discuss my continues on next page >>

Advice

continued

ashes. (I am not kidding here.) The lunch was being held at a local BBQ. The idea of dessert scared me. When we were younger we competed for the centerpiece, now we ARE the centerpiece, revolving on a spit.

Aging is not all bad. (If you’re clever.)

1. Loose Mouth: We can say whatever we want to —“it’s an arterial flow problem.” Read: “Mendel, keep off the toupee today. They’re predicting wind. You don’t want to flap.”

2. Discountability: We can shamelessly ask for or demand discounts due to living a “near death” experience. “Senior discounts are on Wednesday?! Can I remember at my age?

Listen darling, you’ll hold the pantyhose for me — until Wednesday. I already hid it behind that once-size-fits-no-one belt.”

3. Peripheral Vision: You have none. In the supermarket say: “Did I run over your foot — twice — with my cart” Or, oy I think I ran over YOU with my car.”

Also, my “pointing” gesture is becoming livelier. Who has the energy to remember?

A few weeks ago I asked my friend if her one-and-a-halfyear-old grandchild was talking yet and she said no. “But he points.” That’s me, I thought. Either I’m going backward, or at least I finally found a human I can converse with! A

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Shalom Baby WELCOMING BABIES & FAMILIES TO SAN DIEGO’S JEWISH COMMUNITY To receive a FREE

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Let us work together to create a wedding ceremony that reflects the joy of your special day.

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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Celebrating 30 years

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speci al pr i ci n g fo r r i si n g lea d e r s/ unde r 40!

Our Gala Co-Chairs

Cindy Bloch

Mary Epsten

Jean Gaylis

Jane Ottenstein

Shari Schenk

Proudly request your presence at the Seacrest Foundation 44th Annual Women’s Auxiliary

Sunday, June 12, 2022 | 4:00 pm OUTDOOR EVENT AT private residence & vineyard in Rancho Santa Fe

Champagne & Cocktail Reception | Wine-paired Dinner Entertainment | Live Auction | Fund-a-Need For tickets and philanthropic opportunities please visit seacrestfoundation.org/gala or contact Karen Moy, Special Events Manager at (760) 516-2015. Space is limited!

All proceeds from this event benefit the residents of Seacrest Village

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CALL TODAY! 619-260-0220

BEEMERANDBENZ.COM

5354 Banks St. Ste A & B San Diego, CA., 92110

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SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS THE 29 ANNUAL LIPINSKY FAMILY JEWISH ARTS FESTIVAL TH

Hershey Felder

Nissim Black

Niki Jacobs

Yehuda Hyman

Angelina Reaux

Celebrate Jewish Heritage, culture, art and ideas this summer.

Joel Grey

Highlights include: Experience the renowned Hershey Felder at two unmissable events. See inimitable hip hop artist Nissim Black in concert overlooking the ocean. Songstress Niki Jacobs performs the world’s most gorgeous Yiddish music. The 21st Klezmer Summit is a celebration of hope, and a tribute to Ukraine. Fall in love with Angelina Reaux and the music of Kurt Weill.

Broadway icon Joel Grey shares his favorite plays. The world premiere of In Every Generation explores Passover for one family across several millennia. Women of Valor immortalizes six extraordinary San Diegan women in new short theatre pieces. Yehuda Hyman reflects on the road that led him to the ecstasy of Hasidic dance. Be the first to experience new works at The Whole Megillah, a mini-festival of Jewish plays.

EXPLORE THE FULL LINE-UP AT SDREP.ORG/JFEST EVENTS FROM MAY - JULY | TICKETS ON SALE NOW THE JEFFREY & SHEILA LIPINSKY FAMILY FOUNDATION

DYLAN JACOBS & MIKAYLA WILSON