By Rabbi Michael Berk I think if you want to understand the complexity of Israel’s on the edge of its 67th anniversary, it’s important to understand the two holydays we’ve just celebrated. First in this holiday cycle is Purim. Purim represents the story of the Jewish people throughout most of...
The following sermonette is from our recent Outreach Shabbat, which features the Jewish journey stories of those warmly welcomed into our community through conversion to Judaism, renewal of their Jewish connection, or raising Jewish children. I think I was always Jewish. Even though I wasn’t, I was. Like something that...
The following sermonette is from our recent Outreach Shabbat, which features the Jewish journey stories of those warmly welcomed into our community through conversion to Judaism, renewal of their Jewish connection, or raising Jewish children. Shabbat Shalom. I was given the opportunity this evening to take a few minutes and...
On Wednesday, March 25, Beth Israel’s clergy, staff and board hosted a lovely Meet & Greet for our newest members. The event was held by the fountain in the courtyard adjacent to the school and administration entrances. It was a warm and beautiful evening and a perfect opportunity to welcome...
Mazal tov to Celia Tedde for her election to the 2015-2016 National NFTY Board as North American Religious and Cultural Vice President! The announcement was made to Beth Israel’s Board and staff in the following letter from URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs. To the Leadership of Beth Israel, Mazel...
It’s no secret that Jews love a good argument; it’s a fact that the community has embraced for centuries. One thing that is getting harder for Jews to argue about, however, is Israel. On December 15, 2014, Beth Israel played host to an event sponsored by J Street and featuring...
On November 19, 2014 Beth Israel sent out this press release. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BETH ISRAEL SENIOR RABBI MICHAEL BERK ISSUES STATEMENT ON SYNAGOGUE ATTACK IN JERUSALEM NOVEMBER 19, 2014, San Diego, CA – We are shocked and saddened by the murders of four rabbis in Jerusalem Tuesday. With broken...
By Rabbi Jordie Gerson A few weeks ago, I was listening to one of my favorite NPR shows, called OnBeing. Every few weeks on OnBeing, the show’s host, Krista Tippett, interviews theologians and religious leaders, physicists and poets, yogis and monastics, about meaning, faith, ethics and ideas. And about a...
We were elated at the amazing amount of school supplies collected for homeless San Diego County students. The Office of Education sent us this gift and beautiful thank you note for our efforts. We must again credit our three b’nai mitzvah girls, Julia Bernicker, Olivia Bailow, and Lauren Remish, and...
Each fall, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter gathers civic leaders, volunteers, and philanthropists from throughout our region to celebrate the spirit of philanthropy at a National Philanthropy Day luncheon. Over the last 42 years, this luncheon has become the premier event for San Diego’s most committed...
