July 1, 2026 | Tamuz 15, 5786 | |
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Friends,
This week, I have the privilege of heading to Israel to participate in the Hartman Rabbinic Torah Seminar - an opportunity to spend time immersed in Jewish learning alongside colleagues from across North America and Israel. As rabbis, we have the joy of teaching, but we also have the responsibility to remain students ourselves. Time spent learning Torah in Israel always renews my spirit and deepens the wisdom I hope to bring back to our congregation.
I don't take this opportunity for granted. I am deeply grateful to Beth Israel for valuing lifelong learning and for affording your clergy the time to continue growing as teachers and spiritual leaders. Your investment in our learning ultimately becomes an investment in our entire community.
Since I will be away, I'll also be taking a brief pause from writing the Weekly Spark. I'll look forward to reconnecting with you in August, hopefully with fresh Torah, new perspectives, and stories from Israel to share.
While my upcoming trip is focused on study, I want to invite you to begin thinking about your own Israel journey.
Next May, the Jewish Federation of San Diego will once again organize The Community Trip to Israel, bringing together hundreds of Jewish San Diegans for a remarkable shared experience. Our last community trip welcomed more than 220 participants and created lasting friendships while strengthening participants' connection to Israel and to one another. This coming year's journey promises to be even bigger and even more meaningful, with unique access, inspiring encounters, and opportunities to deepen our relationship with Israel and with our sister region of Sha'ar HaNegev.
My hope is that Beth Israel will have, once again, one of the largest contingents on the trip. Imagine exploring Israel not only with the broader San Diego Jewish community, but with friends from our own synagogue family - sharing Shabbat together, celebrating milestones, and experiencing moments that will become part of our collective story for years to come.
Whether this will be your first visit or your fifteenth, there has never been a better time to experience Israel in the company of a vibrant Jewish community. I would love nothing more than to travel with a large Beth Israel delegation and create unforgettable memories together. More information linked below.
I hope you'll consider joining us. I truly believe this is one of those opportunities you won't want to miss.
Wishing you a July of respite and renewal.
Jason Nevarez
Senior Rabbi
rabbinevarez@cbisd.org
| | 6:15 pm Erev Shabbat Services, Price Family Courtyard (YouTube) | | Torah Portion: Pinchas, Numbers 25:10 – 30:1 Haftarah: Jeremiah 1:1 - 2:3 | | 9:00 am Torah Study; Leader: Rabbi Richard Agler, Feuerstein Family Activity Center (diverse access here) | | 10:30 am Shabbat Lay Led Service, Foster Family Chapel (YouTube) | | Join us for a weekend of creativity, prayer, celebration, and pride as we lift up the values of belonging, acceptance, and love. | | |
Poster Making Preneg for the San Diego Pride Parade
Friday, July 17 @ 5:15 pm
Join us for a Poster Making Preneg in advance of the Pride Parade! Make posters to march with at the Pride Parade and enjoy a light snack before Pride Shabbat Services with us. Poster board and art supplies will be provided.
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Pride Shabbat
Friday, July 17 @ 6:15 pm
We will rejoice in song, prayer, and reflection, celebrating the remarkable diversity and strength of our congregation. Following the service, we invite you to join us for a delightful oneg.
We warmly welcome the entire community to celebrate Pride Shabbat with us.
To help us prepare and ensure campus security, please refrain from bringing large bags or backpacks, except for adults with young children. All bags will be checked at the campus entrance.
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Jewish Community Contingent at the San Diego Pride Parade
Saturday, July 18 @ 10:00 am
Join the Beth Israel community as we march in the San Diego Pride Parade. We will cheer for colorful floats & parade participants as we celebrate and honor the LGBTQIA+ community.
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The Community Trip 2027
Optional Pre-Trip: May 16-18
Israel Trip: May 18-25
Optional Extension to Budapest: May 26-30
| Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through Israel with fellow Jewish San Diegans! From the energy of Tel Aviv to the magic of Jerusalem, Jewish Federation of San Diego’s The Community Trip is one-of-a-kind journey is packed with meaningful moments, incredible experiences, insider access, amazing food, new friendships, and memories you’ll be talking about for years. Connect with our sister city of Sha’ar HaNegev, celebrate Jewish life together, and experience Israel in a powerful and personal way alongside a vibrant community of travelers. And for those who want even more adventure, keep the journey going with an optional extension to Budapest. | | | | |
Dying with Dignity: Medical, Legal and Ethical Perspectives
Wednesday, July 15 @ 6:30 pm
Dr. Stacey Coleman, a member of Beth Israel, will discuss with us ways for patients to retain their dignity, moderate both physical and psychological pain, and navigate the passage through life’s end. We have asked her to address these issues from medical, legal and ethical perspectives, with particular attention to California law and practice.
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Tuesdays in the Park: Foam Party!
Tuesday, July 21 @ 5:00 pm
The Bill & Sid Rubin Preschool invites all families to pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and join us for summer fun on the lower playfield! Enjoy live, family-friendly entertainment, sweet treats, and plenty of outdoor joy.
Entertainment starts at 5:15 pm. No RSVP needed, just come and play!
| | MONTHLY AND WEEKLY OFFERINGS | | | |
Men’s Club Discussion Group
Monday, July 13 @ 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.
San Diego Jewish Community Events
| | Anniversaries: Week of 7/1 - 7/6 | | |
Sherrie & Jonathan Benumof on 58 years!
Toby & Steven Krause on 58 years!
Susan & Paul Zlotnik on 55 years!
Susan & Edward Weiner on 51 years!
Shirley & Willie Burger on 49 years!
Ami & William Minteer on 47 years!
Eileen & Paul Schaffer on 47 years!
Ione & Anthony Stiegler on 43 years!
Janet & John Perlman on 37 years!
Cecilia Carrick & Stanley Nadel on 35 years!
Jessica & Michael Feinman on 24 years!
Salli & Dan Schwartz on 23 years!
Jenny Hill Bratt & Andrew Bratt on 16 years!
Yu Cai & Jeffrey Weinstein on 16 years!
Elena & Jeff High on 15 years!
Dina Buchbinder & Adrian Jinich on 12 years!
Denise Grundland & Michael Jones on 9 years!
Jamie Barr & Daniel Gordon on 8 years!
Johanna Gerwer & Benjamin Cohen-Kurzrock on 7 years!
| | Julie Alper, Yaron Ben Nora Ashtam, Devorah Ashra bat Chaya Sara, Roni Breite, Denese Garrick, Wilfred Garrick, Lee Goldberg, Dick Gordon, Irma Greenspan, Tanya Jablon, Fred Johnson, Barry Pearlstein, Norman Rozansky, Nanci Roth, Galina Rubalchenko, Rhonda Schwartz, Sarah Bat Batya u’ Moshe, Mimi Shuman, Ned Silver, Debbie Simmons, Cathy Weil, Lauren Yedidiah, and Gail Zides. | | |
Adam Schiff
July 3 @ 10:30 am
Congregation Beth Israel
Talking San Diego will welcome Senator Adam Schiff for a conversation with Harry Litman, former U.S. Attorney and Deputy Assistant Attorney General and the creator and host of Talking San Diego.
Senator Schiff and Litman will discuss the challenges facing our democracy as it marks its 250th year and how to overcome them.
Senator Schiff was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2024, after two decades of service in the House of Representatives. In the House, he served as Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and led the House impeachment inquiry and served as the Lead Impeachment Manager during the first Senate impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump. He also served as a member of the January 6th Select Committee.
Beth Israel members use promocode CHAI at checkout for 18% off.
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Beth Israel
9001 Towne Centre Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
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www.cbisd.org
858 535-1111
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