August 26, 2026 | Elul 13, 5786 | | | Rabbi Nevarez with Lead Pastor Rolland Slade at the King Center | | |
Friends,
This week, as we enter more deeply into the month of Elul, I find myself thinking about an unlikely teacher of one of Judaism’s most essential values: Dolly Parton.
The news of Dolly’s death at 80 has brought an extraordinary outpouring of grief and affection from people across generations, backgrounds, religions, political perspectives, and national borders.
Why did so many people love her?
Perhaps because Dolly showed us what it looked like to live unapologetically and generously at the same time. She embraced the sparkle and spectacle without ever losing sight of where she came from or the people around her.
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Her humor never seemed to come at the expense of her own worth, and her extraordinary success was matched by an equally extraordinary instinct to give back. Behind the rhinestones, big hair, and unmistakable voice was something wonderfully genuine: a person who seemed comfortable in her own skin and determined to leave the world a little kinder than she found it.
She contained multitudes - and somehow made room for ours as well.
That feels particularly poignant to me this week because I am writing from Atlanta, where I am participating in a powerful Black Pastor-Rabbi Summit alongside my friend, Lead Pastor Rolland Slade of Meridian Baptist Church.
We come to this gathering, led by powerful national faith and civic leaders/figures, carrying different stories, histories, wounds, traditions, and songs of hope. We do not erase those differences. We honor them. Because unity does not require uniformity.
Dr. King called us toward the Beloved Community. Our Jewish tradition teaches that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim - in the image of God. Both insist upon the same sacred truth: we belong to one another.
And perhaps that is an especially important message for Elul.
Elul invites us to turn inward - but never merely for our own sake. Cheshbon hanefesh, an accounting of the soul, must eventually become an accounting of how we inhabit the world with others. Where have I allowed disagreement to become disdain? Where have I stopped listening? Where have I reduced another human being to a label, an ideology, or a position? Where might I choose relationship instead?
Oneness does not mean sameness. It means recognizing that the dignity of my neighbor is bound up with my own.
In a world increasingly skilled at pulling us apart, perhaps our Elul work is to become equally skilled at finding our way back to one another.
May this month help us become more fully ourselves - and, in doing so, make more room for one another.
| | 6:15 pm Erev Shabbat Services, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary (YouTube) | | Torah Portion: Ki Tavo, Deuteronomy 26:1 – 29:8, Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22 | 9:00 am Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Richard Agler, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access, join us here) | 10:00 am The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary (YouTube) | 10:30 am Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel (YouTube) | 4:00 pm The congregation celebrates a B’nei Mitzvah Service, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary (YouTube) | | | | |
Choose Life: A S'lichot Concert
Saturday, September 5
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7:00 pm Pre-Neg, Price Family Courtyard
7:45 pm Choose Life: A S’lichot Concert, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary (YouTube)
8:30 pm S’lichot Services, Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary (YouTube)
| As S'lichot ushers in the Days of Awe, "Choose Life: A S'lichot Concert” invites you into a musical night of return — songs that name our pain, question who we've become, and dare us to choose life, again and again, before the gates of the New Year open. Featuring a cappella harmony, contemporary song, and heartfelt performances from our clergy, soloists, and Chai band. | | Thank you to the many families supporting Building for the Future. Every gift makes a difference as we work to complete this important campaign for Beth Israel’s future. | | HIGH HOLY DAYS TICKETS HAVE BEEN SENT! PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION | | |
MEMBER TICKETS
High Holy Days tickets have been sent electronically by email.
• Member 1 received their ticket, along with tickets for any children in the household through age 26.
• Member 2 received their individual ticket at their own email address.
• If you do not see your ticket email, please check your Spam/Junk folder.
Look for your "Membership Account Created" email from SimpleTix, it includes your personalized member link to obtain additional tickets, including:
• Ner Tamid tickets based on your membership level
• College Student tickets
• Active-Duty Military tickets
• Companion tickets for individuals with disabilities
Please save the email with your tickets or print them to make entry quick and simple on the day of services.
Questions or need assistance? Please contact Deneille Pritchard at dpritchard@cbisd.org or 858-535-1111.
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NON-MEMBER TICKETS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIPS
Additional Tickets
Non-member tickets, as well as complimentary tickets for Active-duty military personnel and dependents, college students through age 26, and disabled person companion, may be purchased or requested on our High Holy Days Website.
Reciprocal Tickets
Please fill out this form to arrange for reciprocal seating at a URJ affiliated congregation when traveling during the High Holidays. For questions regarding reciprocal arrangements, please contact: Edie Winchester, ewinchester@cbisd.org, or 858-535-1111.
Membership
Know someone interested in Membership? Membership has its privileges, and the cost of High Holy Days tickets can be upgraded to a membership. For more information, please contact Director of Membership and Engagement Bethany Eisenberg, beisenberg@cbisd.org, or 858-900-2554.
Associate Memberships
As a reminder, Associate Memberships do not include High Holy Days ticket/s. If you plan to attend services with us, please request a reciprocal ticket from your primary congregation. Please look for an email from SimpleTix with a link to purchase your ticket/s at the member discounted rate.
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Member Meet Up: JewJam
Saturday, August 29 @ 12:30 pm
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Do you enjoy making Jewish music? Join us for JewJam, a monthly gathering for the joy of playing, singing, learning, and also just listening to Jewish music. | | | | |
Men’s Club at Father Joe’s
Sunday, August 30 @ 8:30 am
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All members of Beth Israel are welcome to participate in the Hunger Project, including youth ages 10 and older along with a parent. | | | | |
Member Meet Up: Knitting and Crocheting for Caring Community
Sunday, August 30 @ 9:00 am
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Knit and crochet items for Caring Community. We will supply the yarn and knitting needles; just bring yourself! | | | | |
Young Family Shabbat
Friday, September 4 @ 5:00 pm
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Welcome Shabbat with this service geared toward our youngest congregants, birth-5 years old. Join us in person for singing, story time, and welcoming Shabbat together in the Foster Family Chapel. No RSVP is required. | | | | |
Shira Chadasha Erev Shabbat Services
Friday, September 4 @ 8:30 pm
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Join us in person for our Shira Chadasha Services (New Song) in the Foster Family Chapel. Replenish your soul with contemporary music and prayer in this intimate and informal service open to all and followed by an Oneg. | | | | |
Learn, Bake & Donate Challah Workshop: Celebrate the Sweetness of the New Year with Caring Community
Tuesday, September 8 @ 6:00 pm
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During the workshop, you’ll learn to braid and bake a beautiful round challah to grace your holiday table, while sharing the sweetness of the New Year with others. All baking supplies for the workshop will be provided. | | | | |
Mending Hearts Bereavement Support Group
Session I: October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1, 15
Session II: January 31; February 7, 21, 28; March 7, 14
| Mending Hearts offers comfort, connection, and compassionate support in a small, welcoming group for those grieving a recent loss. Space is limited—sign up today! | | | | |
Introduction to Judaism
October 6, 2026 through May 18, 2027
Most classes meet Tuesdays at 6:00 pm, with select special dates
| Whether you are new to Judaism or looking to deepen your knowledge, Introduction to Judaism offers a welcoming exploration of Jewish beliefs and practices, the Jewish home, Zionism and Israel, worship and holidays, Jewish lifecycle events, and more. | | |
Come Grow, Play & Learn With Us!
At Bill & Sid Rubin Preschool, children are nurtured in a loving environment where they feel connected to their Jewish identity, confident, and excited to learn each day. Families appreciate our warm community, low teacher-to-child ratios, and play-based learning.
✔ Full-time and part-time schedules
✔ Year-round care
✔ Hours: 7:30 am-5:00 pm
✔ Beautiful indoor classrooms and outdoor play spaces
✔ Conveniently located in the UTC area
✔ Weekly clergy-led Shabbat and Havdalah, plus joyful Jewish holiday celebrations and culture
Have questions? Contact us at 858-900-2530 or schooloffice@cbisd.org.
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Men’s Club Discussion Group
Monday, September 14 @ 10:00 am. RSVP here.
Morning Mindfulness with Julie Potiker
Wednesdays @ 10:00 am. RSVP here.
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Member Meet Up: Tuesday Afternoon Mahjong Tuesdays @
1:00 pm-3:00 pm. RSVP here.
| | Anniversaries: Week of August 26-September 1 | |
Irma & Gilbert Greenspan on 74 years!
Marsha & Alvin Korobkin on 61 years!
Marjorie & Michael Rubin on 58 years!
Ellen & Hal Lefkowitz on 57 years!
Karen & Richard Stern on 47 years!
Nancy Hurwitz & Kenneth Rose on 44 years!
Marlene & David Nourok on 41 years!
Erica & Michael Berent on 40 years!
Gail Karon & Fred Fox on 34 years!
Joanne & Michael Geroe on 31 years!
Corinna & Gary Vanetsky on 25 years!
Sasha & Daniel Rietti on 24 years!
Dana & Carter Meiselman on 23 years!
Heather & Michael Weisman on 21 years!
Sarah & Scott Blumenthal on 19 years!
Rachel & Adam Welland on 18 years!
Jesica Oratowski Coleman & Aaron Coleman on 17 years!
Nora & Oren Drelich on 15 years!
Deborah & Richard Harris on 15 years!
Libby & Brian Parker on 14 years!
Jenna & David Bavli on 13 years!
Alyssa & Gabriel Mass on 13 years!
Madison & Aaron Davis on 12 years!
Ashley & Joshua Kagan on 12 years!
Alison & Zachary Wheatley on 12 years!
Caroline & Benjamin Rosenfeld on 3 years!
Tamara Amor & Jean-Pierre Amor Rombaut on 2 years!
| | Julie Alper, Roni Breite, Becks De Witt, Mike Eisenberg, Denese Garrick, Wilfred Garrick, David Gilmore, Joey Gilckman, Lee Goldberg, Rachel Goldenhar, Dick Gordon, Tanya Jablon, Richard Katz, Sandra Levinson, Julieta Velasco Medenilla, Leah Belloew McCune, Bruce Parker, Barry Pearlstein, Nanci Roth, Norman Rozansky, Galina Rubalchenko, Sarah Bat Batya u’ Moshe, Sarah Yocheved bat Channah, Mimi Shuman, Rhonda Schwartz, Debbie Simmons, Marty Stern, Cathy Weil, Gail Zides. | | | | |
Understanding and Confronting Antisemitism in California
Tuesday, September 1 @ 10:00 am-1:00 pm PT
The California Commission on the State of Hate invites you to join a virtual community forum focused on the impacts of antisemitism and an exploration of solutions to prevent it.
Speakers will include:
- Eric Lichtblau, Investigative reporter and author
- Jeanne Pepper, Advocate and founder of the #BlazeItForward movement
- Rabbi Jason Nevarez, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego
- Professor Aliza Luft, UCLA
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Beth Israel
9001 Towne Centre Drive San Diego, CA 92122
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