January 2022
“Antisemitism: Here and Now” with Deborah Lipstadt in conversation with Rabbi Jason Nevarez
Deborah Esther Lipstadt is an American historian, best known as the author of the books Denying the Holocaust, History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier, The Eichmann Trial, and Antisemitism: Here and Now Dr. Deborah E. Lipstadt, Dorot Professor of Holocaust Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, has published and taught about the Holocaust and antisemitism for close to 40 years. In August 2021, President Biden nominated her as his Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat…
Find out more »February 2022
Member Meet Up: Hike – Calavera Lake in Carlsbad
Host: Theo Romain Join us at 9:30 am as we hike around Lake Calavera and go to the top of Cerro de la Calavera for some nice views. Along the way we'll talk a bit about the history and unique geology of the preserve. The hike is between 3 and 4 miles. The hike up the volcanic plug is a gain of around 500 feet. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothing consistent with the weather. Bring some water and any…
Find out more »Torah Flora: A Biblical Nature Walk
Join Dr. Jon Greenberg as he leads us on a walk through Coastal Roots Farms for a mutually enriching exchange between Torah and science through literate and intellectually honest exploration. This program includes periods of walking and standing. Price: $18 | JCC Members and Beth Israel Members: $15 To unlock member price, use code BethIsrael Call 858.362.1136 or visit https://my.lfjcc.org/11779/11780 to Register The program is presented in partnership with the LFJCC JLearn and Seniors departments, Congregation Beth Israel, and Coastal Roots…
Find out more »March 2022
Scholar-In-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Carole Balin
Rabbi Carole B. Balin is Professor Emerita of Jewish History at HUC-JIR/New York, where she trained and mentored over 500 beloved rabbinical, cantorial and education students. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wellesley College, Balin earned a Ph.D. at Columbia University and honed her spiritual practice in the Institute for Jewish Spirituality's program for clergy. Balin co-curated the national traveling exhibit, "Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age," co-sponsored by the National Museum of American Jewish History and the teen engagement organization…
Find out more »Member Meet Up: Paint & Sip Tea
Paint & Sip Tea Host: Marsha Lubick Monday, March 7 @ 1:30 - 3:00 pm Join us for an afternoon of painting, socializing and sipping your favorite tea. No art smarts needed!You will be guided step-by-step through the entire painting process by Leo Angelo ( https://www.leoangeloart.com/). You’re sure to enjoy a fun & creative afternoon as you produce your very own masterpiece! All materials and supplies are provided. No experience necessary. Cost is $35 per person and space is limited. RSVP below. If you…
Find out more »Trivia Night
Think, Drink, and Win! Cruise on out to Beth Israel for a Saturday night of friends and fun at this in-person Trivia Night hosted by the fine folks at Sunset Trivia. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with registration, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and appetizers. Trivia begins sharply at 7:00 pm. Each team will have 8 players. Team registration is welcome. Groups of 8 or less will be paired with other groups to create a team. Registration is now closed.
Find out more »Pre-Purim Pizza Dinner 5782
Purim is here! Before you get your spiel on, join the Lee and Frank Goldberg Family Religious School for a special pizza dinner. Order below for $10 a pie. Pizza dinner will be served outdoors on the courtyard (weather permitting) at 5:45. The Purim service will begin at 6:15. All pizza orders must be placed by March 10th.
Find out more »Purim spiel & Megillah reading
Join us for this year's Purim spiel: Purim Punnery Conglomospiel - or What You Will" Some synagogues have Star Wars themed Purim spiels. Some synagogues have Disney-themed Purim Spiels. Some even have superhero Purim spiels. But thanks to the miracle of Mickey Mouse’s media monopoly, Beth Israel—the biggest synagogue in San Diego—is proud to offer you ALL THREE. Esther. Haman. Mordechai. Achashveros. Tongue-twisters. Lightsaber battles. Sidekicks. Word play. Princesses. Riddles. The Multiverse. Jell-O shots. Nostalgia. All-you-can-stream for $8 a month.…
Find out more »Purim Carnival 5782
Come one, come all for the magnificent return of Beth Israel’s Purim Carnival! Get the wind in your hair on bouncy houses and exciting rides, or challenge your friends to fun carnival games. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, hit the dining area in Café Shushan. Don’t forget to grab your goodie bag at the redemption booth on the way out, to bring the fun home with you! Mishloach Manot You can also fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manot and…
Find out more »Nature Journaling at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Nature Journaling at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve (west approach) Host: Seekey Cacciatore Date: Sunday, March 27 @ 9:15 am (during Religious School) Meet at 9:15 am at the parking lot/trailhead of Los Peñasquitos Canyon (west approach) located at 4733 Sorrento Valley Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121. This is a 10 minute drive from Beth Israel. This will be a slow-paced walk making plant and animal observations, journaling/drawing, and getting to know one another on a well-maintained trail. The elevation gain/loss…
Find out more »April 2022
Judaica Roadshow: Passover Edition
Join Joellyn Zollman, Ph.D for a curated conversation about our most treasured Jewish objects. Dr. Zollman will use an Antiques Roadshow-style approach to explore how our own Jewish art and artifacts can be legitimate, articulate sources for understanding American Jewish history and identity. Having worked with the Judaica collections at the Smithsonian, the Skirball Museum, and the American Jewish Historical Society, Dr. Zollman can't wait to see the Judaica treasures that come out of your closets. This session will focus…
Find out more »Congregational Second Night Passover Seder
The evening begins at 5:30 pm and takes place in the Social Hall. Join us for our traditional Congregational 2nd Night Seder with the Beth Israel clergy. This joyous celebration will feature a delicious catered dinner and Haggadot will be provided. Tickets are $55 for nonmembers (per person), $50 for members and their guests (per person). Children 6-12 years old are $20 and children 5 and under are $10. REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED. Menu: 2nd Night Seder…
Find out more »Yom HaShoah Commemoration
Come together to commemorate Yom HaShoah at the Kriah sculpture. This Holocaust memorial sculpture, donated by the Men’s Club, is meant to evoke the tearing of cloth as a symbol of mourning for the six million Jews killed in the Shoah.
Find out more »May 2022
Beth Israel Fundraiser: 25th Anniversary of Rabbi Cantor Arlene Bernstein
Please join us for Beth Israel’s Annual Fundraiser celebrating Rabbi Cantor Bernstein’s 25th Anniversary at Beth Israel! We are thrilled to honor Rabbi Cantor Bernstein’s 25th Anniversary at Beth Israel on May 7, 2022. She has had an immeasurable impact on our community through her musical gifts, pastoral care, spiritual guidance, inspired teaching, and friendship. The event will include signature cocktails, Israeli-inspired cuisine and a wonderful array of silent auction items. A special tribute to our beloved Rabbi Cantor will…
Find out more »Cooking with Caring Community with Rabbi Michael Berk
Learn a new recipe and provide a Mitzvah all in one evening. Join us for another Cooking Caring Community evening. Our hosts will welcome you into their home and demonstrate a family recipe or a favorite holiday dish. Once you have prepared the meal you will donate half to our Fill the Freezer Program that supports delivery of Mi Sheberach (healing) Bags to those in our community who are dealing with illness or loss or celebrating the birth of a…
Find out more »Celebrate Israel Festival
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 that are rooted in the land of Israel, through live music, delicious traditional food, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Celebrate Israel Festival May 15th, 11AM–4PM For security purposes, you must pre-register for this event to attend. You will not be able to register at the gate. Click HERE to Register
Find out more »Annual Meeting 2022
All Beth Israel members are invited to our Annual Meeting with our Board of Directors, Clergy, and staff. We look forward to hosting you in person. Anyone planning to attend the meeting needs to RSVP. 6:00 P.M. –Volunteer and Member Appreciation Dinner 6:30 P.M. – Annual Meeting in the David & Dorothea Garfield Social Hall All Beth Israel members and volunteers are invited to enjoy a complimentary dinner served by staff and lay leaders. We look forward to treating you…
Find out more »June 2022
Shabbat Under the Stars
Join us as we kick off our Courtyard Summer Services, Beth Israel style! Our signature outdoor Erev Shabbat Services begin on Friday, June 10th, 2022 at 6:15 pm. This is the perfect time to bring your friends or family members to check out Beth Israel! Immediately following services, join us on the lower field for a tapas-style enhanced oneg and dessert bar. Children’s activities will be available. This event is free and open to all, but please RSVP by Tuesday,…
Find out more »July 2022
Trivia Night
Think, Drink, and Win! Cruise on out to Beth Israel for a Saturday night of friends and fun at this in-person Trivia Night hosted by the fine folks at Sunset Trivia. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with registration, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and appetizers. Trivia begins sharply at 7:00 pm. Each team will have 8 players. Team registration is welcome. Groups of 8 or less will be paired with other groups to create a team. If you are…
Find out more »Poster & Shirt Making Party for San Diego Pride Parade
Join us anytime between 5:00 pm-7:00 pm for a Poster and Shirt Making Party in advance of Pride Parade! The annual San Diego Pride Parade, on July 16th, 2022, is the largest single-day civic event in the region and is among the largest Prides in the United States, attracting over 300,000 people. To learn more and sign up to march with Beth Israel, visit: https://cbisd.org/programs/beth-israel-marches-san-diego-pride-parade-2/ Materials will be provided (A supply of 20 blank white t-shirts in Med, L, and XL…
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