Dear Friends,

This Shabbat, I will have the privilege of being in Boulder, CO at Congregation Har HaShem alongside Beth Israel congregant Dalia (Winicki) Cohen for a deeply meaningful moment: the ceremonial release of a Torah scroll whose story stretches across generations, continents, and Jewish history.


The Torah was rescued from Germany before the Holocaust by Dalia’s grandmother, Stefanie Sücher, who fled the Nazis carrying very little - but making sure to save a Torah from destruction. Years later, the scroll serves as an enduring symbol of Jewish resilience and continuity.
 

Over the decades, the Torah journeyed from Boulder to San Diego and back again, spending time at both Beth Israel and Beth Am before returning to Colorado in the late 1990s. This weekend, it will come home once more to Beth Israel.


There is something profoundly Jewish about that journey.


We are a people who carry Torah through every chapter of history - through loss and rebuilding, fear and hope, exile and return. Especially now, in a moment when so many in the Jewish community feel the weight of uncertainty, this Torah reminds us that our tradition has always endured because people chose to carry something sacred forward.


A Torah once rescued from destruction is still being read, still gathering community, still telling the story of a people whose hope is not yet lost.


I also find myself deeply moved thinking about the generations still to come - our students learning this Torah’s story, understanding the sacred responsibility of memory and resilience, and one day standing beside it as it becomes part of the rotating Torah scrolls used for B’nei Mitzvah at Beth Israel. What a powerful reminder that Jewish survival is not only about preserving the past, but about ensuring our story continues to be lived, learned, and carried forward.

Jason Nevarez
Senior Rabbi
rabbinevarez@cbisd.org

Beth Israel Annual Fundraiser: 
The Fabulous Beth Israel Casino Night

Saturday, June 6 @ 6:00 pm

Be part of an exciting evening of casino fun, live entertainment, great food, signature cocktails, and the chance to win unforgettable experiences and exclusive raffle prizes. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Summer Fun & Year-Round Learning Start Here!

✅ Summer Camp, Preschool & Infant Care

✅ Conveniently located in the UTC area

✅ Clergy-led Shabbat, Havdalah, and Jewish holiday celebrations

✅ Full-time and part-time schedules with year-round care

✅ Hours: 7:30 AM–5:00 PM

✅ Beautiful indoor classrooms and outdoor play spaces


➡ Schedule a tour to secure your child’s spot today! Questions? Contact us at 858-900-2530 or schooloffice@cbisd.org.

Appreciation Dinner & Annual Meeting

Wednesday, May 27 @ 6:00 pm

We thank you for your membership and all you do for our community! All Beth Israel members and volunteers are invited to enjoy a complimentary dinner. We look forward to treating you to this fun and festive evening!

Women of Beth Israel Presents: A Rosh Chodesh Series

Thursday, May 28 @ 5:30 pm

Women of Beth Israel is excited to offer our Rosh Chodesh Series, under the guidance of Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch. We are delighted to welcome Nicole Nevarez to lead our May program.

Beth Israel Security Training: Run|Hide|Fight

Tuesdays, June 9 and June 24 @ 6:00 pm 

Beth Israel invites you to a Run | Hide | Fight Security Training conducted in partnership with Bill Ganley, Community Security Director of the Jewish Federation of San Diego. The training will teach basic skills for responding to emergencies: running to safety, finding secure hiding spots, and defending oneself as a last resort.