Day of American Mah Jongg with Michele Frizzell

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 10:00 AM
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Join us for a fun-filled day of American Mah Jongg with expert Michele Frizzell! The event will include lunch, and we invite you to bring your own Mah Jongg set to play in the afternoon. Learn tips to boost your game, enjoy live play, and meet fellow enthusiasts. With decades of experience and over 46,000 YouTube fans, Michele’s clear teaching and passion makes this a can-not-miss event. Bring your set, table mat, and friends or meet new ones!

Price: $62 | JCC Member $47

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MANDELBAUM FAMILY LECTURE SERIES: The Unique Challenges of Being Jewish in the US Military

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 10:30 AM
Coronado Public Library | Winn Room
640 Orange Avenue Coronado, CA 92118

Join us for the continuation of the 2025-26 Mandelbaum Family Lecture Series as we welcome Rabbi Joshua Sherwin who will share his experiences with being Jewish while serving in the Navy and what it feels like to be far from the Jewish people who help shape your life. Rabbi Sherwin will explore the struggle of isolation, and the creative ways he learned to find Jewish identity at times when home felt the most distant.

Price: Complimentary

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Building Jewish Community: Synagogue Architecture Tour

Dive into San Diego’s vibrant Jewish history through the lens of our fine city’s synagogue architecture. During these three sessions, Dr. Joellyn Zollman will lead us through San Diego’s Jewish past, revealing stories of faith, migration, and community across generations.

Synagogue Architecture Tour | LOCATION: Tifereth Israel Synagogue
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 12:30-2:00pm

For our first session, we travel to Tifereth Israel Synagogue in East County, the 2nd congregation founded in San Diego. During this class, Joellyn will share Tifereth’s history, including its two previous locations, while shedding light on the profound impact this synagogue has had on San Diego’s Jewish community.

Synagogue Architecture Tour | LOCATION: Chula Vista
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 10:30am-12:00pm

Continuing the exploration of San Diego’s impressive synagogues, we will make our way to South Bay. On this tour, we will look at how Jewish life was established in the South Bay, and while a smaller portion of Jewish individuals live in the South region, this class will reveal the vibrant community that has been built in the area, particularly in terms of the Mexican-Jewish community. Location of this session will be shared closer to class date.

Synagogue Architecture Tour | LOCATION: La Jolla
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 10:30am-12:00pm

We round out this course with a return to La Jolla, exploring the ways in which this region has become one of the epicenters of Jewish life here in San Diego. During this synagogue tour, we will follow a thread from East County to Chula Vista and back to La Jolla and in doing so, we will see the establishment of Jewish community throughout all of San Diego. Location of this session will be shared closer to class date.

DISCLAIMER:Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event. Additionally, as many of these sessions take place outside, in the case of poor and/or unsafe weather conditions, sessions will be rescheduled as needed. In the case of a session needing to be rescheduled, you will be given the option to move your registration to the new class date, credit your registration fee to a future event, or receive a refund

Price:
Individual Classes: $30 | JCC Members: $25
3-Class Bundle: $80 | JCC Members: $64

3-Class Bundle: Dec 10, Jan 14 & Feb 25 Add to Cart

Tifereth Israel Synagogue: December 10 Add to Cart

Chula Vista: January 14 Add to Cart

La Jolla: February 25 Add to Cart

EAST COUNTY LECTURE SERIES:

Charlie Chaplin & The Early Days of Film
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | 10:30 AM
Tifereth Israel Synagogue
6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd, San Diego, CA 92119

Explore the life and legacy of Charlie Chaplin - actor, writer, director, and one of cinema’s first great artists. In this lecture with Guri Stark, discover how Chaplin transformed film into art, from silent comedies to cultural commentary. We’ll view classics like "The Kid" and "Modern Times" while tracing the evolution of the film industry itself.

Understanding and Navigating Spiritual Distress
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 10:30 AM
Tifereth Israel Synagogue
6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd, San Diego, CA 92119

Join us for a thoughtful exploration of spiritual distress - how it arises in times of global uncertainty and in the challenges of our personal relationships. In this lecture led by Susan Freeman, Rabbi and Director of Spiritual Life for Jewish Family Service of San Diego, we will learn how to recognize and name different expressions of spiritual struggle, and discover pathways within Jewish tradition and beyond that can help cultivate resilience, healing, and spiritual well-being.

These programs are presented in partnership with Tifereth Israel Synagogue

Price: Complimentary

Charlie Chaplin & The Early Days of Film | Dec 16 Add to Cart

Understanding and Navigating Spiritual Distress | Jan 13 Add to Cart

Treasures of the Jewish Music

Thursdays | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Astor Judaica Library
Lawrence Family JCC

Step into the rich tapestry of Jewish musical heritage with. Eileen Wingard and a community of music aficionados as they showcase and appreciate iconic musical gems from the Astor Judaica Library’s Jewish music collection.

Recorded music curated and hosted by Eileen Wingard, retired San Diego Symphony violinist

Great Jewish Musicians Series:
December 18: Great Jewish Pianists, Special guest: Irina Bendetsky, Russian-born pianist
February 19: Great Jewish Conductors, Special guests: David Amos, Music Director, TICO; Robert Gilson, Music Director, San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra

Jewish Holidays:
Music for Lag B'Omer, April 16, 2026, Special guest TBA
Music for Yom Yerushalayim, June 4, 2026, Special guest TBA

Price: Complimentary

Great Jewish Pianists: Dec. 18th Add to Cart

A December 25th Tradition

Thursday, December 25, 2025
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Join us on December 25th for our beloved tradition of Chinese food and a movie! The evening begins at 5pm with a family-friendly concert and sing-along, plus a screening of "A Rugrats Chanukah". Enjoy a delicious vegetarian Chinese dinner included with your ticket at 6pm, then return to the theatre at 7pm for the screening of When Harry Met Sally...!

Concert & Movie: "A Rugrats Chanukah": 5:00pm
Vegetarian Chinese Dinner: 6:00pm
Movie: "When Harry Met Sally...": 7:00pm

Pricing Per Person:
Family Event (Includes Concert, "A Rugrats Chanukah", and Dinner Only):
$38 | JCC Member: $30 (Kids 5 and Under: Complimentary)

Entire Event (Includes Family Event, Dinner, and Screening of "When Harry Met Sally..."):
$56 | JCC Member: $45

A December 25th Tradition Add to Cart

Laggie & Grillo "An Unlikely Friendship"

Sunday, January 4, 2026 | Showings at 12:00pm & 2:30pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Theater

Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) introduces children ages 3–7 to the magic of live theatre through interactive, imaginative storytelling. This year’s premiere, Laggie and Grillo: An Unlikely Friendship by local author Phyllis Schwartz, invites young audiences to explore empathy and creativity through performance. Directed by Becky Baird, TYA brings stories to life in a fun, meaningful way.

Price:
Adult: $10 | JCC Member $8
Child: $5 | JCC Member $3
Kids under 2 yrs: Free

Laggie & Grillo "An Unlikely Friendship" | 12:00 PM Add to Cart

Laggie & Grillo "An Unlikely Friendship" | 2:30 PM Add to Cart

Rhythms of Wisdom

Thursdays, January 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Lawrence Family JCC

Experience a joyful drumming class blending global rhythms with Jewish tradition. Explore beats like Samba and Beledi, create grounding rhythms, and improvise in a playful, supportive space. Reflect on Jewish teachings and spiritual themes, connecting rhythm with holidays and wisdom. No experience needed; all instruments provided. Come as you are and let rhythm guide your journey.

Price: $45 | JCC Member Price: $36

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36th ANNUAL SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL SNEAK PEEK DAY

Sunday, January 11, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

You’re cordially invited to join us, along with your friends and our esteemed community partners, for a delightful gathering. Come to the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre and be among the first to catch glimpses of the captivating SDIJFF films selected for the festival by viewing film trailers. Stay a while longer and indulge in a nosh!

Prices: Complimentary
Max 4 Tickets

36th ANNUAL SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL SNEAK PEEK DAY Add to Cart

JEWISH POETS-JEWISH VOICES: The Magic of Spoken Word

Tuesdays | 7:00 PM Joy Heitzmann, refreshments. | 7:00 PM
Lawrence Family JCC

Celebrate the 19th season of Jewish Poets-Jewish Voices! Experience an enriching evening as three talented local poets, handpicked by the JP-JV committee, share their compelling presentations. Following their performances, indulge in a half hour of open mic, where you're invited to share your own voice. Join us for a captivating night filled with spoken word and moments of introspection.

Hosted by Joy Heitzmann, refreshments.

November 11, 2025, featured poets: Iska Koth, Laura Ribitzky, Marcia Bookstein; open mic.
January 13, 2026, Jewish Poets of the Past: Itshe Slutsky, Russian-Yiddish Poet; Naomi Shemer, Israeli poet/songwriter. Ohr Shalom Choir, director, Elisheva Edelson. Readers, TBA. Selections curated by Janice Alper and Guri Stark.
March 10, 2026, Jewish Poets--Jewish Voices Student evening. Participating schools TBA; open mic.
May 19, 2026, featured poets: David Chait, Betzy Lynch, Donna Rolfe; open mic.
Price: Complimentary

January 13th Add to Cart

March 10th Add to Cart

May 19th Add to Cart

Shalomaland: A Walking Tour of San Diego's Jewish History

Thursdays, | 10:30 am
Various Locations Around San Diego

Back by popular demand, Shalomaland returns for a second season to explore San Diego's rich Jewish history! Guided by scholar Dr. Joellyn Zollman, we will journey to key Jewish sites across the city, revealing the resonant, layered history of Jewish life in San Diego. From San Diego pioneer Louis Rose to the visionary Jonas Salk, this four-session class will reveal the vibrant Jewish legacy embedded in our fine city.

Louis Rose Point at Liberty Station, Point Loma
Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 10:30am-12:00pm

Joellyn takes us on a journey of Louis Rose and his contributions to San Diego with a walking tour of the former naval training center Liberty Station. Starting at Louis Rose point, a plaque dedicated to Louis Rose - first Jewish pioneer developer of San Diego - we will walk around the park as Joellyn shares Rose's lasting impact on America's Finest City.

Temple Beth Israel at Heritage Park in Old Town
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 10:30am-12:00pm

Continuing the tour of San Diego's acclaimed Jewish historical sites, we make our way to Temple Beth Israel, located in Old Town. During this session, Joellyn will share the history of San Diego's first synagogue and the role it has played in the city's Jewish past, present and future.

Ohr Shalom Synagogue and Banker’s Hill
Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 10:30am-12:00pm

After visiting Temple Beth Israel, San Diego’s first synagogue, in our previous session, we now journey to the site of the congregation’s second home - Ohr Shalom Synagogue. Along the way, we’ll explore the Banker’s Hill neighborhood and understand what life was like for downtown San Diego’s Jewish community on the other side of World War II.

Exploring La Jolla through the eyes of Jonas Salk, Louis Kahn, and Roger Revelle
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 10:30am-12:00pm

For this final class session, we will highlight three Jewish innovators who left an indelible mark on San Diego - Jonas Salk, Louis Kahn and Roger Revelle. In this journey in around the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, we will explore how Salk, Kahn and Revelle influenced the North County region as we know it today and how their significant impact is felt far beyond the Jewish community.


DISCLAIMER:Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event. Additionally, as many of these sessions take place outside, in the case of poor and/or unsafe weather conditions, sessions will be rescheduled as needed. In the case of a session needing to be rescheduled, you will be given the option to move your registration to the new class date, credit your registration fee to a future event, or receive a refund

Price:
Individual Classes: $30 | JCC Members: $25
4-Class Bundle: $100 | JCC Members: $80

Shalomaland: 4-Class Bundle Add to Cart

Shalomaland: January 22 Add to Cart

Shalomaland: February 19 Add to Cart

Shalomaland: March 19 Add to Cart

Shalomaland: April 16 Add to Cart

Death Wings Workshop

Sundays, October 5, 2025, January 25, April 12 & May 17, 2026 | 10:00 am
Lawrence Family JCC

In Partnership with Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

The Death Wings Workshop is a hands-on creative ritual for remembering and letting go. This workshop, created by theatrical performer, playwright, artist and teacher Bess Welden, is a three-hour session for small groups to gently open up to thoughts and feelings about loss and grief while engaging in a meaningful art project. Facilitated by Lawrence Family JCC CEO Betzy Lynch, this community workshop will allow us to not only normalize loss but celebrate what letting go liberates in us, all while creating your very own set of mini-wings.

DISCLAIMER:Space for this program is limited. If you do register, please make every effort to attend. If plans have changed and you are no longer able to attend, please contact laurenl@lfjcc.org

Price: Complimentary

Death Wings Workshop: January 25 Add to Cart

Death Wings Workshop: April 12 Add to Cart

Death Wings Workshop: May 17 Add to Cart

Gideon Bernstein, Author of Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist

Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 7:00 PM
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Presented In Partnership with Jewish Community Foundation

After the heartbreaking loss of his son, Gideon Bernstein discovered the power of generosity to heal and inspire. His book, Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist, combines personal stories, science, and practical tips to help readers find purpose through giving. A seasoned financial expert, Bernstein offers a heartfelt guide to making a meaningful difference.

Price Includes a Copy of Giving: $36 | JCC Member $30

Gideon Bernstein, Author of Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist Add to Cart

Moses, Freud, and the Buddha: Paths to Mindfulness and Mental Wellness

Tuesdays March 10, 17 & 24, 2026 | 10:00 am
Lawrence Family JCC

This course led by clinical psychologist and meditation teacher Dr. Oded Shezifi explores mindfulness as a pillar of modern mental wellness, tracing its roots from Freud’s early psychotherapy to ancient Buddhist meditation and Jewish spiritual teachings. Through lectures, discussion, and experiential practice, participants will engage with diverse traditions that support reflective, mindful living.

DISCLAIMER:Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event.

Price: $45 | JCC Members: $36

Moses, Freud, and the Buddha: Paths to Mindfulness and Mental Wellness Add to Cart

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture Series

Monday, March 16 - 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Join us for a captivating lecture series on Israeli and Middle Eastern politics with Professor Jacob Goldberg, Harvard-educated expert and former advisor to Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Explore Arab-Israeli and American-Israeli relations, global diplomacy, and regional challenges. Gain rare insights into Israel’s strategic landscape from one of its leading political thinkers.

Price:
3-Pack: $120| JCC Member $83
By the Day: $42 | JCC Member $36

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture Series: 3-Pack Add to Cart

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture: March 16th Add to Cart

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture: March 17th Add to Cart

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture: March 18th Add to Cart

Brunch & Briefing with Professor Goldberg

Friday, March 20, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Lawrence Family JCC

Join us for an exclusive brunch and intimate conversation with Professor Jacob Goldberg, a foremost expert on Middle Eastern politics and former advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Building on his recent lecture series, Professor Goldberg will offer timely insights into Israel’s political landscape and international dynamics. Come with your questions for a thought-provoking debrief and engaging dialogue in a relaxed setting. Brunch will be provided.

Price: $90 | JCC Member $72

Brunch & Briefing with Professor Goldberg Add to Cart