APRIL 2021 | NISSAN • IYAR 5781
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Contents
PUBLISHERS
Mark Edelstein and Dr. Mark Moss
APRIL 2021 | NISSAN • IYAR 5781
EDITOR-IN- CHIEF
Jacqueline Bull ASSISTANT EDITOR
Nathalie Feingold ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Eileen Sondak
FE AT U R ES
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
24
Jonathan Ableson
Donna D’Angelo
Jewish Federation’s Brand New Celebrate Israelfest
SENIOR CONSULTANT
28 JFS Simplifies Vaccination Process for Older Adults 30 Coastal Roots Partners with Iipay Nation to Address
Food Insecurity 31 Griling for Yom Ha’atzmaut
OFFICE MANAGER
Ronnie Weisberg
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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
C O L U M NS
EDITORIAL
9 From the Editor | 14 Israeli
Lifestyle |
16 Religion |
Springtime and Covid-19
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS
20 Years and 429 More Horsepower Later
20 Examined Life
| The Nudge
| Pandemic Woes, Yet Wonderment
What Jewish History Forgot: Three Celebrity Holocaust Heroes
42 Advice |
I N E V ERY I S S U E 10 What’s Up Online 12 Our Town 22 The Scene 33 Food 35 Spotlight 36 Online Offerings 39 Diversions 40 News
ADVERTISING
marke@sdjewishjournal.com
Israel: A Love Story
18 Personal Development and Judaism
editor@sdjewishjournal.com
jableson@sdjewishjournal.com ART DEPARTMENT
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 ©2021 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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SUNDAY, APRIL 18 Join Jewish Federation of San Diego County for a seventies themed drive-in concert extravaganza in celebration of Israel’s 73rd birthday.
shalom
Visit us online at jewishinsandiego.org/israelfest to explore the program, register, and learn more.
Presented by
Jewish Federation of San Diego County in collaboration with Mainly Mozart
From the Editor JACQUELINE BULL
Springtime and Covid-19 It was springtime the first time I ever visited San Diego and it was just after a big rain ending a long drought. Every piece of flora, from the palm trees to the ice plants to the birds of paradise, was green and blooming. The air was so clean and fresh the moment I smelled it coming out of the plane; this memory is so potent for me because, like love at first sight, this one moment to breathe in the air is when I knew this is where I wanted to be. You’ll have to forgive me for my sentimentality, but seeing the cherry blossoms light up pink and knowing the jacarandas will be purple any moment brings me back to that and has me feeling like one of the transcendentalists. Growing up in Michigan, spring was something that we pined for with a giddy anticipation. Spring (if you would dare call it that) in the midwest is really just the brief time where the snow is melting (most days) before the summer starts. But this brief glimmer of life will have people out mowing their frostbitten lawns in shorts and toques and buying tulip bulbs. The rebirth of spring has also coincided with the hotly anticipated move into the Red Tier for the county. We’re taking small steps to step out of the winter, step out of our hibernation and cautiously begin thinking about re-acclimating. Here in San Diego, there is more of an opportunity to savor the springtime because you get less false starts like a snowstorm in March. But because there isn’t such a dramatic shift, it doesn’t feel as if spring starts at the same time for everyone.
If excitement for spring can also be interpreted as a sort of antsiness, then our columnists this month and I are on the same page. As again I’m conflicted by not wanting to over‑hope to prevent a major disappointment. And while this tension between hope and the fear twitch from being whalloped over and over again lives on for me, Saul Levine in his column asserts that he takes heart in the successes and triumphs that we have collectively achieved as humans. Rachel Eden and Rabbi Jacob Rupp both reference a pull towards boldness and following intuition, both leaning towards an action-centric philosophy. I’m envious of the scene in Israel right now as Andrea Simantov explores in her column this month as huge numbers of their population have been vaccinated. For now, I’m still nose pressed on the glass waiting for my turn in the vaccine line. I’m watching wistfully from afar as family members back in the midwest are close to their second dose and will be able to mingle with each other soon. No pithy adages about patience will convince my body that ‘time to frolic’ is still a ways away. This time last year I had been training to fast walk a half marathon and my feet itch to make that 13-mile journey again. So I wait. I delight in the blooming around me and wait for my turn. A
Nissan – Iyar 5781
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WHAT’S UP
ONLINE First Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 60 years, Israeli archaeologists announce Digging for ancient relics, Israeli archaeologists uncovered a fragment of a scroll with a message: “Speak the truth to one another...And do not contrive evil against one another.”
photo: Highlight Films
The dig, which has been underway since 2017, has turned up a trove of artifacts, including the biblical fragments—the first Dead Sea Scrolls unearthed in 60 years—and an intact basket produced more than 10,000 years ago. Archaeologists have been exploring the Judean Desert’s caves since 1947, when a shepherd famously happened upon a set of second-century biblical fragments that became known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. That discovery and others over the subsequent 15 years gave scholars a new understanding of how Jewish life and texts evolved over time.
This Jewish female artist from the comic book golden age was overlooked for decades Like the comic superheroes they invented, the Jewish creators of the characters often had secret identities — at least different names. Superman creators Joe Shuster and Jerome Siegel used the pseudonyms Joe Carter and Jerry Ess. Bob Kane, born Robert Kahn, created Batman. Jack Kirby, the pen name of Jacob Kurtzenberg, concocted Captain America. Although lesser known, the comic book heroine Señorita Rio was Hollywood starlet Rita Farrar by day and Nazi-fighting secret agent by night. The artist who drew Rio’s action-packed panels in the 1940s, and signed as L. Renee, lived a sort of double life, too.
“Everybody assumed I was a man,” artist Lily Renee Phillips has said of the fan mail she received at the time, which was always addressed to “Mr. Renee.” Fans knew neither Renee’s gender nor her incredible origin story, which rivaled the plotline of Señorita Rio. In the New York offices of Fiction House, the comic book publishing firm where Renee worked, she was a scrappy immigrant who worked her way up from erasing pencil marks to drafting her own heroines. Outside work she was a Vienna-born Holocaust survivor who fled Austria after the 1938 Anschluss, the Nazi annexation of Austria. She escaped to England on a Kindertransport and reunited with her parents in New York in 1940.
Fight Comics #47 (Dec. 1946), featuring Señorita Rio. Cover art by Lily Renée. Digital Comic Museum, Public Domain
Continue reading these articles at sdjewishjournal.com
10 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
This Passover, help us make it possible to celebrate another kind of freedom. Freedom from a pandemic. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage around the world, there’s reason for hope. And no country has offered more hope for what life might be like again than Israel, which has led the world in immunizing its people. Magen David Adom, Israel’s paramedic and Red Cross service, has played a major role in this success. MDA has treated tens of thousands of stricken Israelis, administered Covid tests to more than 4 million, and vaccinated Israel’s most vulnerable populations, including all its nursing home residents. When you support Magen David Adom, your gift has an immediate impact in helping Israelis — today and every day. Make a gift today. Pesach kasher v’sameach. afmda.org/passover
Nissan – Iyar 5781
SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM |
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Our Town BY LINDA BENNETT AND EMILY BARTELL
With limits placed on live events in our community, we are grateful for the joy we continue to receive from our life-cycle events:
Mazel Tov! Mazel Tov to Marilyn & Larry Ponseggi, on the engagement of their daughter, Heather, to David Miller. Mazel Tov to Lynn & Jerry Sampson (z”l), on the birth of their first grandchild Milo. Born in San Jose on Oct. 4, Milo’s parents are Rachel Sampson– Hanson & Matt Hanson. Mazel Tov to Zachary Coughlin on becoming a Bar Mitzvah on Feb. 13 at Tifereth Israel, officiated by Rabbi Josh Dorsch. Happy parents are Robyn & Israel Coughlin. Grandparents Phyllis & Sam Spital looked on with pride.
CELEBRATING
Wedding Anniversaries with infinite love & happiness, Mazel Tov to… Nancy & Dean Abelon, 50 years. Nancy & Don Harrison, 53 years. Joan & Peter Winotur, 56 years. Phyllis & Daniel Epstein, 57 years. Helene & David Schlafman, 57 years. Don & Marsha Stein Hicks, 58 years. Barbara & Irvin Gellman, 59 years. Joan & Jeremy Berg, 61 years. Jean & Theodore Bunten, 64 years. Ina & Irwin Rubinstein, 65 years. Ruth & James Harris, 73 years.
Yom Huledets Sameach to... Roz Freedman celebrating her 85th birthday.
Mazel Tov to Eric Wittgrove on having his poem published in the Union Tribune. Eric, a law student
Don Goldman celebrating his 88th birthday.
is the son of Perri Wittgrove.
Edy Lange celebrating her 98th birthday.
12 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
Werner Dreifuss celebrating his 90th birthday.
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Nissan – Iyar 5781
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ISRAELI LIFESTYLE
LIVING ON THE FRONT PAGE by Andrea Simantov | andreasimantov@gmail.com
Israel: A Love Story Shut away and able to just look beyond the walls of the balcony to the wadi and Tel Aviv/Jerusalem highway on the horizon, I didn’t comprehend how tepid, gray, stale as dishwater our lives had grown. We slept until we awakened, prayed without quorums, stared blankly at Netflix and began — and began again — novels and memoirs that had been placed haphazardly on the shelves of the used-book kiosk on the corner of our street. For weeks at a time I could not locate my wallet, alarm clock or brassiere, but none of it mattered. They weren’t necessary. A lot of the keeping-busy time was spent dreaming out loud. As a life coach, I often assign clients to free-associate and create a mind map that ignites the imagination. I’ve mind-mapped again and again a desire for a cabin in the woods, an earthy safe-zone where I can write, sing, socialize (or not socialize) and live authentically. While I had always harbored this secret, the year of lockdown unleashed her from her chamber. My husband liked my dream. And suddenly it was over. Well, not exactly done with but now, doubly vaccinated and still masked, we were told it was almost safe to crawl out, hit the gym, munch a salad al fresco and join friends for a beer in the shuk. Friends Judy and Don went to the avant garde cinematheque to watch something autre and noir, rows and seats separated 14 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
with security tape. My daughter and I purchased Mason jars and floor mats in IKEA, surprised when we no longer were required to sanitize our hands with alcogel or have temperatures recorded at the entrance. I half-expected Rod Serling to appear in the distance, offering an overview. Sometime during a mad moment of quarantine, the husband purchased a used caravan. For when-it’s-over. For someday. For won’t-it-be-a-groovy-adventure. Suddenly tomorrow had arrived and, allowed out, we stared at one-another and observed that we didn’t know where to go with our little house on wheels. We hopped into his car and drove north toward Tiberius to scout out RV camping sites. I hadn’t been on a serious drive in over a year and gripped the door handle in fear of swerving into oncoming traffic or side-swiping other lockdown-escapees. We passed magnificent expanses of beaches and shoreline, lush mountains and forests, pink and cream-hued deserts, swaths of industry and flat farmlands. The faces became kinder, softer and I physically sensed an easing of my limbs. Carved into the rocky landscape were quaint villages and minarets. White shrouded greenhouses protected arugula, pineapples and tomatoes; my
heart was filled with both awe and pride. Massive Israeli flags dotted the fields, moving rhythmically in a warm, Mediterranean breeze. With Waze as our navigator, we fell upon a myriad of dairy farms, befriending bovines, but no trailer park. And wherever we found cows, we found craft stands. By getting lost, I’ve stocked up on a lifetime supply of olive-oil soap, suspicious nut-butters, honey-infused candles and macrame plant holders. Eventually we found our new homeaway-from home and it was worth every second of potential car-sickness. Located on the western shore of Lake Kinneret, it is a family-friendly site that closes the gates at 10 p.m. and doesn’t permit loud music. Our cordoned area is replete with water and electrical hook-ups, fire pit, wooden barbecue table and the music of lapping water throughout the night. Nestled safely in my cabin in the woods, I’ll undoubtedly reflect on the majesty of Israel, blessings of survival and conjure up gratitude, even when happy endings aren’t guaranteed. A
Presented by the JFS Behavioral Health Committee
MAKING IT WORK: LIFE LESSONS FROM GLOBAL FASHION ICON TIM GUNN THE VIRTUAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Photo credit: Scott McDermott
Thursday, April 29, 2021
12:00–1:00pm • VIP Meet & Greet Follows
HONORING
Caryl Lees Witte
Linda Janon Behavioral Health Champion Award
Nathan Fletcher, Supervisor of San Diego’s Fourth District Behavioral Health Hero Award
Many of our neighbors are struggling with behavioral health issues that have only been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, it is important that we take the time to listen, identify, and take part in conversations addressing behavioral health. Join us for a candid conversation with style guru and fashion mentor, Tim Gunn. Best known as the fashion mentor on Project Runway and Making the Cut, Tim will detail how he overcame his behavioral health struggles and share his everyday lessons for making it work.
Tim Gunn
Tickets & Underwriting: www.jfssd.org/TimGunn
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS UNDERWRITERS COUTURE
Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc. Irwin & Joan Jacobs The Joseph-Ma Family The Meiselman Family
DESIGNER
Elaine & Rick Barton Marcia Foster Hazan & Mark Cammell Marjorie & Sheldon Derezin Roxy & Mick Fredericks
BESPOKE
Deborah Bucksbaum Capital City Auto Auction, Inc. City National Bank Susan Shmalo & Gene H. Carswell Liz Nederlander Coden & Daniel Coden, M.D. Linda & Edward Janon
VINTAGE
Nancy Beck | Century 21 Award Judy & Larry Belinsky Sheila Belinsky | Molly’s Angels Rabbi Devorah Marcus & Sebastian Eickholt April & Mathew Fink | Comfort Keepers Gabrielle Hochberg Dr. Stuart Karasik Marge Katleman Theresa Dupuis & Gary Kornfeld Mimi Lee Dana Levin | Centura Wealth Advisory Dr. Marshall Littman
Marie G. Raftery & Dr. Robert A. Rubenstein Karen & Jeffrey Silberman Caryl Lees Witte
Kathy & Mark Jones Lisa & Gary Levine| Lindsay & Mitch Surowitz | Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Sylvia Liwerant Susan & David Kabakoff LourdMurray Delphi Alan Haubenstock, Brian Haubenstock & Lori Shearer Karin & Tony Toranto Emma & Leo Zuckerman Dr. Howard & Barbara Milstein Dr. Charles & Ilene Mittman Victoria Pappas Manheim Mitch & Elizabeth Siegler | Pathfinder Partners Sheryl & Bill Rowling Seacrest Village & Seacrest Foundation Thompson Search Fern & Lee Siegel Jill & Mark Spitzer Rachel & Adam Welland Joellyn & Ron Zollman
Daniel J. Coden, M.D., F.A.C.S.
List as of March 17, 2021
RELIGION
POST-POLITICAL by Rabbi Jacob Rupp | myrabbiben@gmail.com
20 Years and 429 More Horsepower Later I had to fight a lot of dragons to get to this point. This point of allowing myself to get this car. Yeah, I could afford it. I wanted it. But would I allow myself to get it? Here’s a bit of a backstory. My dad spent his inheritance after his mother died to buy a 1989 Porsche 911. It was the most amazing car I had ever seen. About a year later, my parents were divorced. And he disappeared with all of the money — and the car. I haven’t seen him since. I’ve loved cars all of my life, but nice cars were something someone else bought. I lived in the small world of “someday.” Even when I got older, I held myself back. I had good, safe rabbi jobs with good, safe incomes. Sure, I dealt with a lot of stuff, but I played it safe. I justified my lack of belief in myself as piety and my unworthiness and desperation as the sacrifice I had to make to be a rabbi and do meaningful work I loved. Really, I was scared. I couldn’t really want the things that I wanted. I had to dress a certain way. I had to talk a certain way, so I wouldn’t be judged or criticised. I couldn’t look my wife in the face when she wanted to talk about money. “Some day!” I told her. I played so small. I hid my huge calves when I went to the gym. I turned down the music so people didn’t hear and watched other people — people who weren’t better speakers or content creators 16 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
2001 than me become great because I wasn’t willing to just go for what I wanted. Honestly, the fact that I have helped other professionals create financial freedom means much more than this car. The fact that I could finally buy a home for my family means a lot more to me than this car. And when my coach told me to stretch myself and get a car I wanted, I couldn’t do it. What would people say? Did I deserve this? Was I man enough to buy the car and still keep my family? Could I manifest that kind of abundance? Was I worthy of it? I get it; some people don’t care about cars. But everyone cares about playing safe. This car is a token of my commitment to stop playing safe and stand out and be myself. And it’s not
2021 about buying a sports car. It’s about buying a sense of self where you can lay your head on the pillow and know you really are moving in the direction you want. Not in five years. Not when the kids grow up. Now. You have to start now. If you need someone to give you permission, I’ll be that guy. No, I didn’t come from money. I was a rabbi for fifteen years. I’ve been $50,000 in credit card debt. I didn’t have a financial plan or a business when I got started. But I had a dream and I had the commitment to get started. All the walls that stop you fall away as soon as you make the commitment. So, if you had all the resources and support that you need, what would you do? A
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One year ago, along with arts and culture organizations across the nation, SOHO closed all our historic sites and canceled all programming and events out of concern for the health and safety of all. Now we work to recover. We are thankful to the San Diego community for their perseverance, hope, and support, and to the San Diego Jewish Journal for their leadership, continued support, and encouragement that we all stay strong together. For now, see our online exhibits and tours at SOHOsandiego.org. We look forward to welcoming all of you back soon. Stay safe and be well.
Ohr Shalom Ohr Shalom Synagogue, Synagogue, Bankers Hill Bankers Hill 1926 1926
3525 Seventh Ave. • San Diego CA 92103 facebook.com/SOHOSanDiego
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND JUDAISM
THIS WAY TO EDEN by Rachel Eden
| rachel.s.eden@gmail.com
The Nudge If you’re ever called a ‘nudge’, it’s safe to assume you’ve just been insulted. Someone has just expressed that you are a pushy, poking, persistent pest. This type of nudging is beyond the scope of our discussion here today other than my recommendation for you to avoid such behavior. The nudge that I want to draw your attention to is that of your own inner voice compelling you in the right direction. The nudge operates solely from intuition, is based somewhere in the gut or heart (depending on the circumstance and individual) and is not to be ignored. I personally have developed a nasty habit of ignoring my own nudge. Just the other day, I was driving home when I saw a friend and neighbor walking. My nudge whispered to stop the car, back up and offer a quick ride with masks on and open windows. I brushed off the nudge and kept driving only to quickly feel the loss of not following my knowing voice. Another time, my nudge called me to make a glorious salad for my sister — one that I knew she would love. Lots went wrong in the transporting of that salad and due to significant inconvenience, I was tempted to dismiss that too. Only this time, I took my nudge seriously. I called my sister and told her that, no matter the challenge, a salad would be hers by the end of day. After a fair amount of logistical planning, I handed my sister that salad 18 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
knowing clearly that pushing past my resistance was well worth it. The nudge is not just for giving though. The nudge is what tells you to go exercise and make that doctor’s appointment. The nudge is there to guide us to the next right move and then the one after that. I dare say the nudge is the closest thing we have to prophecy today. The voice is coming from a source that appears to be all-knowing in figuring out how we can stay both authentic and actualized. Abraham is told to leave his land and home for a place he will only be shown later (in Genesis 12:1). Moses is shown a burning bush and instructed to lead the Jewish people out of Egypt (Exodus 3:2). These great leaders who follow G-d’s calling are similar to King David, who, when surrounded by his fearful brethren as a lad, proclaimed: “who is this Philistine (Goliath) that he should taunt the ranks of the living G-d?” (Samuel I 17:26). What prompted David to say these words if not his nudge? There are many more examples like this, but I’ll just share one more. The prince of Judah, Nachshon, jumped into the Sea of Reeds before it split, when the other tribes understandably hesitated (Sotah 37a). G-d even asked Moses why he just stood and prayed instead of taking action. Nachshon was rewarded with his name (meaning waves) as a tribute to his
bravery. He also served as forebearer to five heroes of Israel (including David) and the eternal kingdom of Israel came from his tribe of Judah, Not too shabby for listening to the nudge, huh? I heard a podcast recently where a highly successful entrepreneur described her business plan as “Listen & Obey.” She had unceremoniously ditched the annual planning calendar, strategy consultant and long list of goals or milestones. Rather, everyday she actively chooses to listen to what calls to her and show willingness to obey the calling no matter how unfamiliar or challenging it may be. Her willingness to listen and obey is what she recently attributed to earning her first $75,000 month. Financial and spiritual rewards aside, the nudge leaves us feeling deeply satisfied and happy. A word to the wise, any activity you force yourself into that feels “off ” is not coming from the nudge. The nudge never instructs anyone to do something that feels bad. But, very often, we are told to do the unfamiliar. The unfamiliar can be done with grace and ease. The hard is simply wrong for us and will only drain our energy. There are three common reasons for someone to ignore their nudge. The first is inconvenience and this one is popular. After all, we can quickly rationalize our scarcity of time or other resources as continues on page 22
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EXAMINED LIFE
OUR EMOTIONAL FOOTPRINT by Saul Levine, M.D., Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry at UCSD
| slevine@ucsd.edu
Pandemic Woes, Yet Wonderment Over the past year we’ve all been living a surreal and unsettling existence wrought by the Covid-19 virus. This most unwelcome ‘visitor’ to our tiny planet inflicted a stifling and lethal pandemic on our species. In a rare occurrence in our multi-millennial history, every man, woman and child throughout the world has been affected by this unrelenting microscopic foe. We are all inconvenienced, many are troubled or weary, and others are overwrought. Millions of people have fallen ill worldwide, almost 3 million have died and countless are in mourning. Life has been difficult for everyone. We are all affected but alas, not equally: the poor, the downtrodden and exploited; the physically and mentally ill; the elderly, the isolated and lonely, have borne the worst burdens. We long for a return to our previous lifestyles, we worry about “when” and especially “if,” and we’re wary and vigilant. The virus has indeed taken its toll, at least temporarily. Despite my Jewish folkloric tendency not to say anything ‘too optimistic’ about the future (“kayn enhora”) inviting the evil eye’s bad luck, I am hereby departing from that script: In spite of serious problems in our world I am actually optimistic about life and humanity. We humans have largely coped and adapted well during this pandemic. 20 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
We have witnessed the inspiring work of many “heroes” in our midst: physicians, nurses, others in healthrelated positions, and others who have had to put themselves in danger, like police, firemen, drivers, deliverers, caretakers, cleaners and others. Public and private schools at all levels of education will soon be reopening for in-person learning, to the benefit of millions of children, youth and young adults, and to the relief of stressed parents. People have shown initiative and resilience in adapting to restricted circumstances, and made imaginative uses of increased time at home. They(we) have pursued old and new interests and hobbies, read or listened to books and podcasts, taken Zoom courses on subjects as varied as yoga, mindfulness, Tai Chi, cooking, singing, music, painting and languages. We no longer take for granted the positives in our lives, which we cherish even more. We are a social species and we sorely miss the warm interpersonal feelings which bind us together as friends, family members, colleagues and neighbors. A new administration in Washington has taken hold of its leadership responsibilities in response to the pandemic and other important areas and bringing back an ethos of civility. Science and human creativity have
again inspired us by developing safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus in record times. In this same vein, NASA scientists and engineers enabled the Mars Rover “Perseverance” and astronauts to accomplish a perfect landing on a miniscule area of terrain, after a sixmonth-long space journey over hundreds of millions of miles. We miss viewing the works of artistic creativity, but many of these have been made available online. We can avidly appreciate the cultural parts of our lives while looking forward to in-person viewing of artistic works in museums and galleries, cinema and drama, live concerts and performances. Over the past months, I have personally “attended” concert performances by such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Eagles, Yo Yo Ma, Audra MacDonald, Renee Fleming, Louis Armstrong, Madonna, Paul Robeson, SuperTramp, Ella Fitzgerald, Carol King, Paul Simon, Sting, David Bowie, Pavarotti and so many others. Like many of you, I have been reading more (audibly as well) and listening to podcasts. Two recent books are particularly relevant in discussing ‘the good stuff ’ in our lives. One is entitled continues on page 22
The Nudge, continued from page 18
Pandemic Woes, continued from page 20
a reason our “should” list never seems to happen. The second is insecurity. We may be worried about others’ judgement or we’re certain that we lack the commitment or courage to do what we know we must. The final reason is misinterpretation. We haven’t exercised the all-important practice of listening to the nudge and might need some trial runs before we hear effectively. The best way to start a conversation with your nudge is to go somewhere quiet and ask: What is the next right move? Then wait. An answer will emerge. When that happens, I urge you to listen and thank it for its service. Assure your nudge that you are recommitting to listening deeply and obeying. Lastly, if you find yourself promoting a nudge in the form of a person, lay off the pushy, poking, persistent pest and give your nudge your full attention. A
“The Better Angels of Our Nature,” by Professor Steven Pinker of Harvard and the other is “A Good Time to Be Born,” by Dr. Perri Klass of NYU. Both give readers optimism about how far we (humanity) have come in child and adult health, education, the sciences, arts and literature and yes, even in the reduction of violence. Terrible things are still happening in this world, some indeed pandemic-related and many others due to our human frailties. I am not a Pollyanna, nor am I an alarmist. Martin Luther King’s memorable injunction that “the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice” is valid, and I humbly offer in more prosaic words, “the arc of humanity bends towards benevolence and progress.” We are impatient, but the world doesn’t change “on a dime.” It takes hard work over years as opposed to days
THE
SCENE
or months. We must, individually and internationally, 1) work together in the face of our challenges to accomplish the fruits of resilience (modifying our behaviors and creating vaccines in overcoming the coronavirus); 2) apply our profound human cognition and creativity to bring about great achievements in science and the arts; 3) concentrate on personal acts of kindness and benevolence, our “Positive Emotional Footprint.” If we are lucky, the fact that all of humanity has been enduring and grappling with this pandemic will be a watershed moment, a realization that we need each other to live in harmony. Dr. King also memorably stated (and sang), “We Shall Overcome!” A
BY LINDA BENNETT AND EMILY BARTELL
From the comfort of our own homes, we attended a few virtual events, proving that our San Diego community stays vibrant even in unusual times:
Seacrest Foundation Auxiliary Hearts of Gold Virtual Gala 2021
The 31ST ANNUAL SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL virtual presentation took place from Feb. 11-21 with over 50 film screenings. Some of those we really enjoyed were, “The Crossing,” “On Broadway” and “Walter Winchell: The Power of Gossip.” This year’s JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO, Annual Women’s Options Event took place on Feb. 28. With over 800 virtual viewers, the featured speaker this year was Rain Pryor. A dynamic speaker, author and entertainer, Rain is the daughter of the late legendary comedian, Richard Pryor. Listening to her perspective on growing up female, Black and Jewish was fascinating and we thoroughly enjoyed it! THE SEACREST FOUNDATION held its 43rd Annual Women’s Auxiliary Hearts of Gold Gala, “Preserving Hope During the Pandemic,” online on Feb. 21. Co-chairs Cindy Bloch and Jean Gaylis along with their dedicated committee, created an outstanding evening that was attended virtually by over 600 guests. The evening was held in honor of the Seacrest staff who provide love and care to the Seacrest residents during this difficult time. How wonderful that even Merrill & Bob Haimsohn were able to “attend” from Hawaii!
22 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
TOP: Gala Welcome by Women’s Auxiliary Chair, Mary Epsten; Gala Co-Chairs Cindy Bloch and Jean Gaylis; Seacrest Chief Foundation Officer, Robin P. Israel, MPA. BOTTOM: 2021 Gala behind the scenes
VIRTUAL EVENTS
Synagogue Life Live Modern Dance Performance from Jerusalem with Congregation Beth Israel Apr. 6, 11 a.m. Virtual
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Enjoy an Israeli dance performance called “Premier” choreographed by Elad Schechter and follow with a talk with the artists. “This interreligious and intercultural dialogue through dance negotiates the sociopolitical tensions and rifts evoked by east/west Jerusalem through the expressive forms of dance and movement.” Visit cbisd.org for registration. CM
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Wise Aging with Congregation Beth El Apr. 7, 10:30 a.m. on Zoom Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience and spirit. Dr. Sandra Block discusses aging. No registration required.
Discuss Earth-Like Planets with Temple Adat Shalom Apr. 11 at 11 a.m. on Zoom The discussion is called “Worlds Above: Searching for Life and Earth-Like Planets.” The conversation will be led by planetary scientist Dr. Bonnie Burratti. Register at adatshalom.com
The “Jewish American Princess” On Screen with Congregation Beth Israel Apr. 13, 20, 27 at 12:30 p.m. on Zoom This three part series with Dr. Julia Wagner examines the evolution of the “Jewish American Princess” character from stereotype to role model. RSVP is requested at cbisd.org.
Congregation Beth El’s Women Talking with Women Apr. 27 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom Led by Sandra Block and Renee Ravich. “Explore what it means to be a Jewish woman today through the lens of Jewish practice, history, arts and rituals.” For more information visit cbe.org or contact Renee at eravich@aol.com.
KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 6 APRIIL 5 - 9, 2021 Visit JuniorTheatre.com Or Call 619-239-1311, ext 222
16th Annual Lights of Ohr Shalom
CABARET Cabaret Sunday, April 25, 8:00pm on Zoom
Entertainment! Candlelight! Romance!
SCAN for WEBSITE
Food • Candles • Libations delivered to your door! Kosher dietary laws observed
Cabaret with Cabernet
$72 per Zoom window
Includes boxed desserts, , gift and CABARET show
Event will include a paddle-raiser for fundraising.
Scotch with Scott
$180 per Zoom window Includes entire Cabernet package, PLUS snack package foods, , and a pre-event schmooze with Rabbi Meltzer at 7:30pm
Tickets available at www.lightsofohrshalom.com or the synagogue office. Please RSVP by April 16.
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A Brand New
Israelfest
Bridging a 7000 mile gap with re-imagined festivities
BY JACQUELINE BULL
“One of the Jewish Federation’s goals is to bring Israel to San Diego and after a very challenging year — specifically with global relationship opportunities and connections with Israel — we thought about a good way to bring Israel to San Diego in a way that would be exciting, enjoyable, safe and educational,” Miri Ketayi, Director of Israel and Overseas at Jewish Federation of San Diego, said. With that in mind and additional goals of capturing the festive quality and in-person energy of Israelfests of years past, Jewish Federation is putting on a drive-in concert at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (Apr. 18) and community-wide scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt is on the week leading up to the concert and is structured by completing missions for your team. “Some of the missions will be ‘make a falafel. Here is the recipe,’ so people will have to go do their shopping, make the falafel and upload the photo. Or go to the beach and write ‘I Love Israel’ in big letters, but some of them will be to go and explore our community. We want them to be aware of the House of Israel. We want to teach them that the symbol 24 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
of Jerusalem is a lion and take a photo with a lion. It will be a hybrid — some of it will be at home making food or drawing or singing a tikvah and uploading their video and some of them will be exploring the Jewish Israeli organizations in our community,” Miri said. The scavenger hunt will be led by the four teen Israeli emissaries in San Diego, the ShinShinim. (San Diego, in fact, was the only community that was able to increase the number of ShinShinim they could house this year.) They will be the face of the scavenger hunt and will be communicating with the teams over the week. And the winners of the scavenger hunt will be announced at the drive-in concert. Before the music, there will be presentations of 12 individuals that represent a different field —12 to represent the 12 tribes of Israel — and represent a bridge between the San Diego Jewish community and Israel. “Because my goal is to strengthen this bridge, I am the most excited at the opportunity of really bringing and highlighting these 12 individuals...and to show how we together build this
bridge and how each one in the community can strengthen this bridge. This is something I’m really excited about symbolically because it really represents how we care...that they know that they always have a place that really cares about them in San Diego,” Miri said. Fitting for Israel’s 73rd birthday, the concert is ‘70s themed and local Israeli-American band CaliBear will be putting their spin on some 70s classics. “It is going to be a very festive and joyful, interesting and exhilarating event,” Miri added. A
“Comic and touching.” — THE NEW YORK TIMES
Jewish Federation: Community Commemorations in April Yom Hashoah: 2021 Community Holocaust Commemoration Yom Hashoah is Israeli’s Holocaust Rememberance day to commemorate those who died in the Holocaust. All programming is on Zoom; registration is required.
STREAMING MARCH 24 – APRIL 18
Apr. 7 7:15 p.m. | Memorial Ceremony This ceremony is conducted by Rabbi Dorsch and Rabbi Ralph Dalin and includes local survivors Manya and Mike Wallenfels. Apr. 8–11 Survivors in the Living Room Each day features an intimate conversation with one of four local survivors. Apr. 11 1 p.m. | Lessons of Resiliency from Survivors to Teens Local teens and survivors are in conversation for a multi‑generational perspective.
Yom Hazikaron: Israel’s Day of Remembrance Yom Hazikaron is the national day of remembrance for fallen soldiers. Apr. 13 1 p.m. | Masa Israel Journey Commemoration 7 p.m. | Community Commemoration For more information and to register, visit jewishinsandiego.org
STREAMING APRIL 28 – MAY 23
FILMED PLAYS ONLINE
Buy tickets at northcoastrep.org
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ADVERTORIAL
TOP ROW: Rabbi Daniel Reich and Rebbetzin Brooke Reich. BOTTOM ROW, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: their children Shira, Leeba, and Asher.
La Jolla’s Congregation Adat Yeshurun to mark ‘Milestone’ rabbinic installation Congregation Adat Yeshurun of La Jolla is preparing for the historic installation of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Daniel and Brooke Reich from April 30 – May 2, cementing the milestone of the synagogue’s first rabbinic transition in its 34-year history. La Jolla was forever changed in 1987 when a group of Orthodox observant Jews led by Rabbi Jeff Wohlgelernter established Adat Yeshurun, a vibrant, diverse, Orthodox community known for its welcoming atmosphere of caring and spiritual growth. Following Rabbi Wohlgelernter’s retirement last year, Adat Yeshurun’s major annual fundraiser of 2021 will mark the official installation of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Reich both in person and virtually with its multifaceted event, dubbed “Milestone.” The event includes a Zoom installation ceremony on Sunday evening that will feature a musical performance by Moshe Storch, who specializes in creating a spiritual and uplifting atmosphere. A pre-installation celebratory Shabbat at Adat Yeshurun will include services led by Storch and lectures from scholar-in-residence Rav Hershel Schachter, head of Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). “Rabbi Reich’s vision for our community is clear, his stirring
26 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
approach to his varied classes is always positive and inclusive, and his commitment to elevating our understanding of Judaism is unsurpassed, touching our hearts and our minds,” said Brian Marcus, President of Adat Yeshurun. “Rabbi and Rebbetzin Reich have taken over the helm at Adat Yeshurun at this very difficult time during the Covid‑19 pandemic, and have nevertheless continued to build on the legacy of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Wohlgerlernter.” Born and raised in Edison, N.J., Rabbi Reich received his B.A. in History from Yeshiva University in New York City. He received his Semikhah (rabbinic ordination) from RIETS as a member of their Honors Program. Rabbi Reich also completed a Certificate Program in Pastoral Mental Health Counseling. “As a child, I can vividly remember the warm and loving interactions among my grandparents,” Rabbi Reich said. “It was a sight to see as my paternal grandfather, Saba Yehuda z”l, a Holocaust survivor,
who spent his adolescence in Auschwitz and his wife Savta Sarah a”h, a religious Libyan woman, would share a heartfelt interaction with my maternal grandmother, Mommom, a traditional Conservative Jew whose American roots in Somerville, N.J., date back to the 1870s. Through language and cultural barriers, they loved and respected each other. I knew this because they would each respectively educate me to love and respect every Jew and member of society, but even more so I knew this because I witnessed them, as well as my parents, live this way. This fundamental lesson has always been one of the driving forces behind my passion to become a rabbi, and how to lead a congregation.” Rabbi Reich met his Rebbetzin, Brooke, a native of Englewood, N.J., when they were both completing their undergraduate studies at Yeshiva University. They have been married for seven years and live in La Jolla Shores with their daughters, Leeba and Shira continues on next page
and their son, Asher. Brooke, a licensed social worker, received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Yeshiva University. Brooke recalled that when she was dating (soon-to-be Rabbi) Daniel, “He already knew at the time that he wanted to be a rabbi, not necessarily a pulpit rabbi, but certainly to learn and teach a lot of Torah and to devote himself to helping the Jewish people. And I said, ‘I’m definitely going to be a proactive rebbetzin.’” Regarding the upcoming rabbinic installation, Brian Marcus said, “We are fortunate to have a tremendous legacy of community volunteers at Adat Yeshurun, and this event is no exception. Under the leadership of Cheryl Horn, Mitch Shack, Jon Moed, Todd Salovey, Michael and Paula Mantell and Felicia Gipsman, we can look forward to an extraordinary Shabbaton and installation weekend from April 30–May 2. We invite the entire Jewish community of San Diego to be a part of this milestone in the life of Adat Yeshurun.”
Watch the Adat Yeshurun website, www.adatyeshurun.org, for additional details on the rabbinic installation.
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FEATURE
JFS Simplifies Vaccination Process for Older Adults JFS partnered with Champions of Health to run two “senior-friendly” drive‑through vaccination clinics. BY NATHALIE FEINGOLD
JFS Director of Aging Care, Chris Maeoka, and other aging care specialists noticed that although the vaccines were technically available, they were difficult to access for many older adults. “As the vaccinations started rolling out, we were finding that our clients and many older adults in the community were having a difficult time navigating the county system to book appointments.” Chris explained, “Many of them did not have internet access, or they did not have the skills necessary to find and book an appointment — it was very challenging.” JFS first responded by booking appointments for their senior adult clients over the phone. However, the opportunity presented itself for them to run their own clinic 28 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
with Champions for Health, a nonprofit staffed with doctors and medical professionals who volunteer their time to the underserved. “We jumped on that opportunity because we have a lot of dementia clients who were just having a hard time. Even if you could book an appointment, they’d get there and were standing in line for a long time and there’s the mobility aspect, it’s sometimes challenging to go from station to station,” Chris said. JFS took the opportunity to abate some of these challenges by running its own smaller, dementia-friendly clinic. “So, we did our first clinic on Feb. 13, and it was exactly what we’d hoped for, just being able to take the time with the dementia clients, being able to get people
through. We got a lot of great feedback that it was so easy and a lifesaver for them just because it was so challenging to do these vaccinations otherwise,” Chris said. JFS simplified the vaccination process by using a smaller, drive-through venue to reduce the risk of exposure. They also have dementia specialists on staff, along with medical professionals and doctors. And to help keep dementia clients at ease, they play music. “I think the biggest point was not having to get out of the car — just having a smaller venue and doing it all drive-through. That in itself made it less confusing, not having to worry about going from station to station. We had a path laid out and they just followed the paths and didn’t even have to leave
we the power of
their cars; they open up the door and get their shots,” Chris explained. Since the venue is smaller, the wait times are significantly shorter. “I think it’s much easier when you know that it’s not going to be hours long, where you’re going to see some friendly faces and have support from other people who understand your situation and can help out. I think those are a lot of the points that helped get people to our clinic,” Chris said. They also offer On The Go transportation to and from vaccination clinics for seniors who cannot drive, and they allow family members to come along for moral support. Their second vaccination clinic happened on Mar. 13, where 244 clients got their second dose. In total, they’ve helped over 500 people navigate the county system to book appointments for vaccines. They also have a partnership with Alvarado hospital, which has been running similar, smaller clinics.
So far, JFS has received a myriad of positive responses from clients and their caregivers. Many feel very relieved and grateful for the support and compassion provided by the adult aging specialists. “One person even said that it was like a celebratory feeling — even without any fanfare. We try to keep it upbeat, and it’s a very positive thing, so that wasn’t hard,” Chris said. A Editor’s Note: JFS will continue to assist in booking vaccination appointments and transportation, but due to supply-chain issues they may not have any additional clinics of their own.
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FEATURE
Coastal Roots Partners with Iipay Nation to Address Food Insecurity BY NATHALIE FEINGOLD
Food insecurity is a prevalent issue in San Diego County. It’s a trend that existed long before the pandemic; however, since the outbreak, the impacts of food insecurity have, without a doubt, been exacerbated. On Mar. 17, Coastal Roots Farm hosted a Zoom conference addressing food insecurity with State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath, Coastal Roots CEO Javier Guerrero and Tribal Chairwoman of the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel Bernice Paipa. “Covid-19 has shed a light on the inequities that have always existed in any system,” Tasha explained. The increased need for fresh produce is something that Coastal Roots Farm has witnessed firsthand through their paywhat-you-can farm stand. “We went from seeing maybe ¹⁄ ³ of the people using our pay-what-you-can model and relying on that discount; to more like ²⁄ ³. It was a radical shift and it’s a microcosm of what was happening all over,” Javier said. Food insecurity is also an issue that has been felt more greatly by already marginalized groups. “I think what we’re seeing now is sectorally impacted, so what we know is low-wage workers of color and women have been disproportionately laid off in the state.” Tasha explained, “One thing we also know from economists is a recession or a pandemic will always exacerbate any existing trends.” In response to these trends, Coastal Roots Farm partnered with the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel to 30 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
distribute fresh, organic produce to their reservation of 350 tribal members, located at the foothills of the Volcan Mountains. The closest market to their reservation is about seven miles away; however, the prices are high and unattainable for many. The second nearest market is located in Ramona, about 17 miles away. “I’ve noticed that people were leaving once a month and they would go and shop and get all their supplies and then they would come back and stay home and stay on the reservation,” Bernice described. Bernice also explained that when the pandemic happened, the reservation went on full lockdown to protect their elders. For this reason, they tried to get all supplies delivered to them, so nobody had to go into the cities. This is where Coastal Roots Farm stepped in by delivering and distributing their produce directly to the Iipay Nation.
“It’s fresh, organic food. We’ve never seen this before from any organization; it’s always usually canned or shelf food. During this time, organic food is just something that makes people feel really good.” “A lot of the families were so grateful and it opened up new foods to them that they normally didn’t eat,” Bernice said. “Along with the distribution, they gave
recipes. It opened up a healthier way of eating the produce and sharing ideas.” Javier said this is a partnership that the Coastal Roots Farm team is deeply passionate about. “I think what motivates the people who are growing the food is knowing where the food is going. So, going out there and meeting community members for distributions and seeing fresh produce, harvested that day, reaching communities of need,” Javier said. The community of the Iipay Nation also stepped up to ensure that all community members who need access to the food, get it — even if they don’t have a car or cell reception. “When we have distributions, that driver will take all those bags and deliver them because the elders normally don’t come out and some of them don’t have vehicles. It’s been snowing and raining quite a bit here, so a lot of times people won’t drive out because they get stuck going back up the dirt roads,” Bernice explained, “So they just stay home and we send somebody with a 4x4 up that road to deliver the food. We make sure that everyone gets their share of that distribution.” Although many unfortunate trends have been exacerbated by the pandemic, the sense of the community is something that has undeniably grown stronger. “When we leave this pandemic, I always say, there is so much that we’ve lost, but we have to remember the silver lining. The silver lining is: you’re there for the community and I’m there for the community,” Tasha said. A
Grilling for Yom Ha’atzmaut From My Kosher Jerusalem Kitchen, by Sybil Kaplan
Somehow it has become a custom in Israel to begin grilling on Yom Ha’atzmaut and continue on to Lag b’Omer. As much as we all like our falafel and humus and tchina, you can walk through the streets and smell the chicken and meats cooking! Shish kebab, kebab, and shashlik are terms used interchangeably and are the chunks of meat placed on a skewer. Sikh is the Arabic word for skewer. Before we get into the recipes, here are some tips for grilling on a skewer: (1) Flat or square skewers will keep food from revolving. (2) If you spray the grill before cooking with vegetable spray, foods will not stick. (3) Partially cook vegetables before threading on a skewer so foods cook in the same amount of time. Since roasted potatoes are one of the primary foods for Lag b’Omer, here’s a recipe for potatoes and meat on a stick.
Meat and Potatoes Shashlik Serves: 6
INGREDIENTS • 2 pounds cubed beef • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar • ¼ cup olive oil • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• • • •
2 tbsp. soy sauce 1 tbsp. cilantro or parsley 12 small red or white potatoes 2 small onions, quartered
PREPARATION 1.
In a plastic bag, combine balsamic vinegar, oil, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and meat. Close and marinade for two hours or refrigerated eight hours.
2. Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl. 3. Pour off some marinade into the bowl of potatoes and toss. 4. Thread six skewers with meat cube, potato, meat cube, onion quarter, meat cube, potato, meat cube. Thread remaining potatoes and onions on extra skewers. 5.
Grill skewers 3 inches from the heat 5 minutes on each side (for medium rare), more for well cooked, basting with marinade before turning.
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BY MICAH SIVA | nutritionxkitchen.com
Spring Green Soup with Za’atar Oil Serve up a springtime goodness with a bright Spring Green Soup with Za’atar Oil! With spring in full force, I’m cooking up light and fresh mains that are equally delicious and nutritious. This herb-packed soup can be made with any fresh leafy herbs you have on hand—from parsley to basil, there’s no wrong combination.
Serves: 4
PREPARATION 1.
INGREDIENTS
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, zucchini and celery, cooking until the onion begins to soften, about 4-6 minutes.
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup fresh leafy herbs (whatever you have on hand)
2. Add garlic, potatoes, thyme, coriander and red chili flakes, cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Zest of 1 lemon
3. Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped • 1 stalk celery, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 12 oz. baby potatoes, quartered • ½ tsp. dried thyme • 1 tsp. ground coriander • Pinch red chili flakes • 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lemon, juiced Za’atar Oil • ¼ cup olive oil • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • 1 tbsp. za’atar • Pinch sea salt
4. Transfer to a blender. Add spinach, herbs, lemon zest and juice, pureeing until smooth. 5. Make the oil: while the vegetables are simmering, heat oil, garlic, za’atar and salt over low heat in a small saucepan until small bubbles form on the sides of the pan. Turn off heat and let infuse for 10 minutes. Transfer to a jar. 6. Drizzle oil over the soup before serving. 7.
Enjoy!
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S P OT L I G H T
THE OLD GLOBE’S
Bard Birthday Bash In honor of Shakespeare’s 457th birthday, the Old Globe is doing it up big all April long. APR. 1 & 15
APR. 17
Thinking Shakespeare Live: Infinite Book
Happy Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare!
is the latest installment of the Thinking Shakespeare series following how the language of Shakespeare has moved from original quill pen to present-day scripts.
is a virtual celebration of the Bard with family‑friendly theatre and fun activities.
APR. 23 Hamlet: On the Radio is the Old Globe’s 2017 staging on KPBS.
BY JACQUELINE BULL SDJJ reached out to Barry Edelstein (Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director) the Old Globe’s Bard whisperer —who directed the Hamlet staging and hosts Thinking Shakespeare Live — to get into the festive spirit.
genres together — the so-called “late plays,” The Tempest, The Winter’s Tale, Pericles, and Cymbeline — and these are very special, toggling back and forth between loss and redemption, grief and joy. Those are truly my favorites.
SDJJ: Do you have a favorite Shakespeare factoid?
SDJJ: Who is an underrated Shakespeare character?
Barry Edelstein: Yes, that he was generous to his friends. In his will, he left money to three actors in his theatre company “to buy them rings.” These were mourning rings, tokens of remembrance in the period. His friends returned the gesture by working together to publish all of Shakespeare’s plays in a single volume for the first time, including 18 masterpieces that had not yet been printed, thus rescuing them from oblivion.
BE: Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet. We tend to see him as an old duffer who really messes up the lives of the two young lovers in the play. But I think he’s a man of deep goodwill who is really trying to help and is trying to free these two beautiful souls from the stifling prejudices of their parents’ generation. That he fails to do so is the tragedy of the play, but I really appreciate the time I get to spend with him when he’s onstage. Jesse Perez played him in the Globe’s recent production and captured his passion, energy, joy and, ultimately, heartbreak.
SDJJ: Do you prefer the dramas or the comedies? BE: That depends on my mood! I love a good laugh for sure, and plays like Much Ado About Nothing and As You Like It provide hundreds. But they don’t move me like the tragedies do and I appreciate those for their emotion and power. There’s another group of four plays that combine both
SDJJ: What was it that personally drew you to Shakespeare? BE: I was turned on to Shakespeare by teachers in high school and I’ll be forever grateful to them. That’s one reason I like to teach: so I can pay forward my love for this writer, gifted
to me by my own teachers. I came to him as a teenager, all a-flurry with emotion and passion and intensity and confusion, like every teen is. Somehow he was able to give an eloquent voice to things I was feeling. He could express things almost on my behalf and make me feel like the churn inside me made a kind of sense. Then I was in a school production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and I felt like I had found my place: others who saw the world as I did, with Shakespeare’s help. It’s been a joyous relationship ever since. SDJJ: You are considered (rightly so!) a very respected educator and director of Shakespeare. What about his work do you think keeps you engaged and interested time and time again? BE: Mostly, Shakespeare kindles a sense of wonder in me. His writing makes me boggle at the beauty human beings are capable of creating. Some phrases feel to me almost like miracles and when I hear them, I’m reminded that art and poetry and drama and theatre are expressions of humanity at its most spiritual, its most enlightened, its most — if I may say so — noble. And that enriches my life immeasurably. A
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Online Offerings San Diego Symphony All content is available on sandiegosymphony.org.
Tuesdays: Lunch & Listen Q&As with CEO Martha Gilmer and San Diego Symphony musicians. Wednesday Evenings: LISTEN // HEAR Music Director Rafael Payare ▲ Bryonha Marie in “Broadway and colleagues discuss by the Bay.” all things symphony on YouTube and Facebook live streams and are later archived. Ongoing: Symphony Stream Listen to past audio broadcasts, podcasts discussing classical works and videos with interviews and performances.
released on the 2nd Monday of each month on the Rep’s Youtube and Facebook pages. ▲
Apr. 9, 7 p.m.: Broadway by the Bay Broadway star Bryonha Marie sings classic and modern tunes from shows like “Chicago,” “Porgy & Bess,” “The Music Man,” and “West Side Story.”
BY JACQUELINE BULL
Chester Gregory at San Diego Rep.
La Jolla Music Society All content is available on ljms.org.
Apr. 10, 11:30 a.m.: Inon Barnatan, Philippe Quint, & Alisa Weilerstein SummerFest Music Director Inon Barnatan and SummerFest favorite Alisa Weilerstein and violinist Philippe Quint come together for a special performance in the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd. Apr. 10, 7 p.m.: Philippe Quint World-renowned violinist Philippe Quint illuminates the little-known composer Charlie Chaplin and the works that influenced him.
San Diego Repertory Theatre All content is available on sdrep.org.
Apr. 1– Apr. 18: Higher and Higher: A Rock ‘n Soul Shindig Starring Chester Gregory This concert features Chester Gregory taking on the music of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, James Brown and more. Apr. 5, 5:30 p.m.: San Diego REP Black Voices 2021 Play Reading Series “The Great Khan” by Michael Gene Sullivan will be performed and afterward there will be a live online salon to discuss the piece. Ongoing: VAMOS! Playwright-in-Residence Herbert Siguenza hosts this 15-20 minute show highlighting a different Latin American country’s culture, food, geography and history. Episodes are
36 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
▲ Inon Barnatan and Alisa Weilstein at the La Jolla Music Society.
San Diego Museum of Art All content is available on sdmart.org
Apr. 5, 10:30 a.m.: A Life Adorned: A Conversation With Jill Dedominicis Senior Manager of Visitor Experience at Mingei International Museum explores the role of adornment in cultural history. Apr. 6, 6 p.m.: Virtual SDMA+ San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory Students from the symphony pair pieces of classical music with the museum’s permanent collection. Apr. 13, 6 p.m.: Virtual SDMA+ Natesha School Of Bharatanatyam This event combines, bharatanatyam, one of the most ancient dance styles of India and the museum’s Edwin Binney 3rd collection.
▲ Emily Goss & James Sutorius in Trying at North Coast Rep. Photo: Aaron Rumley
North Coast Repertory Theatre All content is available on northcoastrep.org.
Apr. 1 – Apr. 18: Trying Playwright Joanna McClelland Glass was an assistant to Francis Biddle the primary American judge during the Nuremberg Trials during his last year alive and wrote “Trying” based on the experience. Apr. 28 – May 23: Einstein Comes Through This one-act, one-man play featuring Jake Broder explores the world and wisdom of Albert Einstein. ▲ Virtual SDMA+Natesha School of Bharatanatyam at San Diego Museum of Art.
The Reuben Fleet Science Center All content is on rhfleet.org. All events require registration.
Apr. 7, 2 p.m.: Live Longer, Live Stronger This discussion is about preventing age-related vision loss. Apr. 7, 7 p.m.: The Sky Tonight Learn all about “space junk” like non-operational satellites.
Ongoing: Theatre Conversations Watch conversations with artists and friends of North Coast Rep discuss many of the behind-the-scenes stories of working in live theater.
San Diego Natural History Museum All content is on sdnhm.org.
Ongoing: At-Home Activities Check out diy crafts, nature bingo, scavenger hunts and printable coloring pages for family-friendly activities.
Apr. 12, 7 p.m.: Suds & Science This edition of “spirited” discussion is all about what we know about essential genes after genome sequencing efforts.
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DIVERSIONS
The Trial of the Chicago 7.
Notable Jewish nominees for 2021 Oscars BY JTA NEWS “Mank,” the black-and-white Netflix film about Jewish screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz, leads the slate of Academy Award nominations in a year when most Americans viewed movies via streaming services. “Mank” earned 10 Oscar nods, including for best picture, making up nearly half of Netflix’s total nominations. Sacha Baron Cohen is recognized for two very different films. He was nominated for his portrayal of the Jewish activist Abbie Hoffman in “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and for best adapted screenplay for the Borat sequel, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.” Maria Bakalova, the Bulgarian
actress who plays Borat’s daughter in the latter, scored a nod for best supporting actress. “Trial of the Chicago 7” garnered six nominations, including for best original screenplay by the Jewish writerdirector Aaron Sorkin. The Israeli short film “White Eye” is up for best live-action short film. It’s the story of Omer (Daniel Gad), a Mizrahi man whose bicycle is stolen. He spots his bike outside a factory and calls the police on an African migrant worker, Yunes (Dawit Tekelaeb), setting off an unexpected chain of events. Also in the short film category is the Palestinian film “The Present,” which
is directed by the Palestinian-British filmmaker Farah Nabulsi. It tells the tale of Yusuf (Saleh Bakri) and his daughter, Yasmine (Mariam Kanj), who set out to buy his wife a gift. They navigate Israeli soldiers and military checkpoints in their frustrating attempt. The documentary “Crip Camp” nominated for best documentary feature, is the story of teenagers with disabilities who attend Camp Jened in upstate New York during the summer of 1971. The film follows a group of campers and counselors who become activists for the disability rights movement, including the Jewish activist Judy Heumann. A
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THE
NEWS
Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Virtual Event Re‑Commits in Covid Era More than 1,300 people from across the Western Region community registered to support the efforts of the D.C.-based United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and came together virtually on March 11.
▲
Holocaust Survivor, Acclaimed Author, And Humanitarian Gerda Weissmann Klein; Golden Globe Nominated Actress Emmy Rossum; and Former White Supremacist Derek Black.
Golden Globe nominated actress Emmy Rossum emceed the event with guests such as Holocaust survivor, acclaimed author and humanitarian Gerda Weissmann Klein, former white supremacist-now motivational speaker Derek Black and featured a performance from a string quartet of Conservatory students. The theme of this years event was “Survival, Hope and Resilience” and ten western states from Washington to California and even Alaska and Hawaii renewed their pledge “to ensure that the critical lessons of the Holocaust — lessons about the fragility of societies, the nature of hate and the consequences of indifference — help shape our nation’s way forward.”
▲ Conservatory students from the Colburn School In Los Angeles performed an excerpt
from “Fve Pieces for String Quartet” by Jewish composer Erwin Schulhoff.
New COO Appointed at Birch Aquarium Birch Aquarium recently announced the appointment of Charles Hopper as their new Chief Operating Officer. Hopper has a wealth of experience as he served as senior manager of business operations at the Seattle Aquarium for 15 years. He also serves on two Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) committees and has personally participated in the AZA Conservation Culture Task Force.
40 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
The aquarium reopened its doors for outdoors-only visitation on Feb. 27. “I am looking forward to leading Birch Aquarium through this challenging time. Organizations across the globe are dealing with their version of recovery and we are fortunate in the fact that we have a passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated team at Birch Aquarium. We also have the unwavering support of Scripps (a world
Charles Hopper Photo: Birch Aquarium
class institution) and UC San Diego. In that way we are unique and I believe poised well to embark on the challenges ahead,” Hopper said.
▲
Millions of Masks for Children Co‑Founder Trang Le and Red Cross LA Norma Vega with children at event celebrating the donation of one million masks in Los Angeles.
Photo: Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Over One Million Masks Donated to Kids in Los Angeles The Millions of Masks for Children Initiative celebrated the donation of one million masks to impacted children all over Los Angeles. This nationwide initiative, sponsored by SmartAID and co-founded by Trang Le and Shachar Zahavi, teamed up with PPE supplier FLTR to donate the masks which are now being delivered to children in vulnerable communities. “SmartAID is honored to be supporting the Millions of Masks for Children Initiative across multiple states in the U.S. during the peak of the pandemic. In Los Angeles, we are supporting
the hardest hit areas and want to make sure that the most vulnerable communities have immediate access to ample supplies of PPE to help slow the spread of the virus,” said Shachar Zahavi, Founder and CEO of SmartAID, and co-founder of the Millions of Masks for Children Initiative. L.A. County reported more than one million cumulative cases of Covid-19 since the start of the outbreak.
The virus has disproportionately affected those in its most vulnerable communities. Millions of Masks For Children is attempting to alleviate this impact by focusing their aid on the hardest hit areas. “With the surge we experienced over the last few months, we have seen our most vulnerable communities impacted by high morbidity rates and cases. Our Covid-19 Rapid Response Initiative focused our preparedness education and PPE distribution efforts in these communities to mitigate the impact. We’re extremely grateful to the Millions of Masks for Children team for quickly taking action to meet the incredible need for PPE for children throughout our communities,” said Norma Vega, Chief Strategy Officer & External Relations Officer of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.
Jewish Teen Funders Network Rebranded as “Honeycomb” Honeycomb announced new programs, immersive trainings, curriculum development, new resources and consulting services. Their mission is to help educators and leaders run immersive Jewish philanthropy programs for youth and families and they believe the rebrand will amplify that focus. The “Honeycomb” logo “represents the interlocking elements of group philanthropy and the richness — both in impact and in meaning — that
comes from those experiences.” Honey also carries Jewish significance like the symbolic apples and honey for Rosh Hashanah.
need seems to have coincided with an increased desire for Jewish youth to help out and make a difference. “We see many opportunities to
Honeycomb unites a global network of Jewish youth philanthropy programs — with San Diego being one of the communities that is part of that collaboration.
connect Jewish youths’ strong desire to
The rebranding and added programs are in response to the increased need in communities brought on by the pandemic. Fortunately, this increased
efforts with the very best practices
do good with philanthropy experiences that maximize impact and bring them the most meaning. Honeycomb is designed to infuse Jewish engagement of youth philanthropy combined with Jewish learning,” says Wayne Green, Executive Director of Honeycomb.
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ADVICE
ASK MARNIE by Marnie Macauley | asksadie@aol.com
What Jewish History Forgot: Three Celebrity Holocaust Heroes Shalom my dear San Diegans. Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is observed one week after the conclusion of Pesach and significantly, it is also halfway between the first day of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising (which started on the first day of Passover in 1943) and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. This date, chosen by the Israeli government, emphasizes the nature of Jewish opposition to horrific aggression and oppression. It is a solemn day that is widely observed wherever Jews live. In honor of this intention, I’ve devoted this “What Jewish History Forgot” column to three celebrities who may surprise you with their unsung achievements. Names such as Elie Wiesel and Simon Wiesenthal are synonymous with Holocaust survival and heroism. Yet there have been celebrities in other venues whose early “war” stories and contribution to the State of Israel are often unsung or have surfaced much later. Each has been influenced by these experiences and has used them to influence, contributing mightily to the Jewish people and to humanity.
“ Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us without words?” — MARCEL MARCEAU
MARCEL MARCEAU: Walking Against the Wind
He was a mime without peer, beloved and admired worldwide as a performer (which included his alter ego Bip the clown), a director, educator and ironically, interpreter and multilingual public speaker. His silent exercises and satires such as “Walking Against the Wind” and “Ages of Man” were considered genius and communicated the human condition in a time frame that couldn’t be duplicated by most novelists. Yet did you know that part of the mission for the man who wanted to spread “art of silence” (L’art du silence) was born from unspeakable tragedy, and heroism? 42 | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM April 2021
Marcel Marceau was born on March 22, 1923 in Strasbourg, France to Ann Werzberg Mangel and Charles Mangel, a kosher butcher. In 1944, his father was sent to Auschwitz and murdered by the Nazis. His mother survived. That same year, Marceau and his brother joined the French Jewish resistance under the command of his cousin, George Loinger. Their task was to evacuate Jewish children hidden in an orphanage to Switzerland. Said Loinger: “He had begun doing performances in the orphanage, where he had met a mime instructor earlier.” Marcel kept the children as quiet as possible by teaching them the art and saved hundreds of lives. After the liberation of Paris, Marceau joined the French army where he arranged the surrender of 30 German soldiers when they ran into Marceau’s unit in a German field. Marcel, who spoke perfect English, was also liaison officer to General Patton’s army. He went on to extraordinary success yet, says Loinger, his genius was honed by his past: “You see the pain and the sadness in his mime skits. The origin of that pain was his father’s deportation.” Among his many honors, in April 2001, Marceau was awarded the Wallenberg Medal by the University of Michigan for humanitarianism and acts of courage in aiding Jews and other refugees during World War II. Marcel Marceau died on Yom Kippur (Sept. 22), 2007. “ I am what you call bold, because the one thing that I’ve learned coming out of Nazi Germany is that I have to stand up and be counted for what I believe.” — DR. RUTH
Revolutionary?
DR. RUTH WESTHEIMER
Known affectionately as “Dr. Ruth,” the little 4-foot-7 dynamo has made a big impact on the world with her outspoken views
on sexual relationships. Who would guess that this diminutive bubbe was trained as a sniper for the forerunner of the IDF? The only child of Orthodox Jews, Julius Siegel and Irma (Hanauer), the future Dr. Ruth was born Karola Ruth Siegel in Germany in 1928. In 1939, after her father was taken by the Nazis, her mother and grandmother sent her to an orphanage in Switzerland to keep her safe from the scourge. Their letters stopped in 1941. In 1945, Westheimer learned that her family had been murdered. Now orphaned, she moved to Israel and joined the Haganah. She had received training as a sniper. Said Westheimer: “I was incredibly accurate throwing hand grenades, too. Even today I can load a Sten automatic rifle in a single minute, blindfolded.” However, she was seriously injured during the Israeli War of Independence when a cannonball from Jordan smashed the barracks where she was living and it was months before she could walk again. In 1950, Westheimer moved to Paris and studied psychology at the Sorbonne. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1956, she earned a Ph.D. from Columbia University. Despite her fame, she still lives in the cluttered apartment in Washington Heights where she raised her children in order to remain close to the synagogues she belongs to, the YMHA she was president of for three years and the still sizable community of German Jewish World War II refugees in the area. Dr. Ruth has spoken out against injustice in her work, in her commemoration of Yom HaShoah, in her life story. Among her many achievements, in 2002, she received the Leo Baeck Medal for her humanitarianism. Beloved by all, Dr. Ruth credits her ability to walk into any situation and discuss intimate topics, in part, to her background — and she’s still at it at the tender age of 92!
At 14, when Betty had a “premonition” that Vidal would become a hairdresser, an apprenticeship was arranged and the boy who dreamed of becoming an architect started shampooing. Within a few years, he was leading a double life. At 17, with the horrors of the Holocaust still fresh, he joined the underground 43 Group, whose mission was to prevent Oswald Mosley’s far-Right movement from spreading hatred and anti-Semitism. The group was active in breaking up their meetings in East London. But more, did you know that Sassoon became an ardent Zionist who went to Israel in 1948, joined the Palmach and fought in the War for Independence? He described training with the Israelis as “the best year of my life. When you think of 2,000 years of being put down and suddenly you are a nation rising; it was a wonderful feeling. There were only 600,000 people defending the country against five armies...” Sassoon might have remained in Israel, had he not received word from mom Betty that his financial support was needed at home. He reluctantly returned to hairdressing, taking on a confidence he’d learned in Israel. He’d give it his all — and by blending his love of architecture with his hairdressing skills, he revolutionized the fashion industry. In 1982, Sassoon started the Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism (SICSA), devoted to the interdisciplinary gathering of information about Anti-Semitism. Among his many awards, in 2009, Sassoon was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). The remarkable Sassoon died on May 9, 2012. A
“ I just have a certain pride in the tribe... I feel very humble, in a way, that we produced so many incredible people.” — VIDAL SASSOON
VIDAL SASSOON: Fashion Icon and Fascist Fighter
Not all anti-Semitism was German leading up to and during the war years. In the 1960s, the fashion world was dominated by a few stellar talents; one of whom was Vidal Sassoon, with his trademark architectural bob was worn by all, from A-listers to housewives. Yet, the man known as “a rock star, artist and craftsman who changed the world with a pair of scissors” was born into a very different world on Jan. 17, 1928. The son of Jewish parents in Hammersmith, London, Sassoon’s father, Jack, left the family when Vidal was three. His mother Betty, struggled to raise him and his younger brother, and was forced to put Vidal in a Jewish Orphanage when he was five. His brother followed. Vidal spent seven years in what he later called, “the first house I lived in that had a bathroom with hot water. If you live that kind of life, you never forget it. Or you shouldn’t even try to forget it.” Nissan – Iyar 5781
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An Award-Winning Realtor Who Lives and Breathes San Diego Real Estate Bringing a Superior Level of Service
Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a beachfront home in La Jolla or seeking to sell your modern condo in North Park, Joel Blumenfeld has you covered. The native San Diegan and Blumenfeld Group founder leverages his wealth of first-hand knowledge and his real estate expertise to help clients achieve their goals. “I know the city very well, and I love it here,” he says. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else or do anything different than working in real estate here. I have a passion for it.” BHHS Chairman’s Circle Diamond and Legend Award Recipient RISMedia Magazine
2020 Newsmakers Honoree SDAR Circle of Excellence
2020 Platinum Level Award Winner San Diego Real Producers Magazine 2019 Power Partners Feature
Joel Blumenfeld REALTOR DRE# 01889382 ®
619.508.2192
info@joelblumenfeld.com joelblumenfeld.com
2365 Northside Drive, Ste. 200 San Diego, CA 92108
An Independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC
“The highest form of charity is to prevent someone from falling into need.” — Maimonides
Improving lives through free loans Empowering members of the San Diego Jewish Community with a hand up!
A variety of loans available for every need: Our loans support those who are facing serious financial challenges or realizing life dreams. As loans are repaid, funds are recycled to make new loans. For generations, the practice of interest-free loans has been a cornerstone of Jewish communities. Rooted in Jewish traditions of equity and justice, these loans help us care for each other. While the practice is simple, the inspiration is based on the biblical mandate: “If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, do not act toward them as a creditor; exact no interest” — Exodus, 22:24
Learn more today — visit www.hflsd.org
email info@hflsd.org or call (858) 345-8018
YOU, ME, AND ISRAEL AT 73! Sunday, April 18, 2021 ∙ 10:30 – 11:30 am PT Join us for an engaging, impactful, and informative virtual Breakfast for Israel! Gather together with your community members to hear how your local efforts ensure a bright, prosperous future for the land and people of Israel. Then join Jewish National Fund-USA supporters from coast to coast in a vibrant celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. Featuring guest speakers from the hit Netflix series, Fauda! Register at jnf.org/BFISanDiego NO COST TO ATTEND! EVENT AND HONORARY CHAIRS
Dana Levin ∙ Ben Naman ∙ Jacqui Schneider Elaine Chortek ∙ Susan Chortek Weisman MORE INFORMATION
Monica Edelman, Director, San Diego medelman@jnf.org or 858.824.9178 x988 RSVP REQUIRED
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
jnf.org ∙ 800.JNF.0099