Jewish Poets - Jewish Voices

Tuesday, January 21, March 4 & May 6 | 7:00 PM
Astor Judaica Library
Lawrence Family JCC

Celebrate the 17th 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.

Price: Complimentary

Jewish Poets - Jewish Voices | January 21 Add to Cart

Jewish Poets - Jewish Voices | March 4 Add to Cart

Jewish Poets - Jewish Voices | May 6 Add to Cart

Remembrance Day Commemoration Event

Monday, January 27, 2024 | 7:00 pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Join us for an immersive artistic commemoration in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. This evening will include film, poetry, a short play reading, and music.

Jewish Poets--Jewish Voices Committee members, Jane Zeer and Michael Horovitz will be reading, JCompany will be performing excerpts from THIN EDGE OF THE WEDGE by Phyllis Zimbler Miller which utilizes firsthand accounts of Holocaust survivors and saviors.

Price: Complimentary (4 Ticket Limit)

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Ben Mankiewicz: SDIJFF Keynote Speaker

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | 7:00 pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Ben Mankiewicz, the longtime host of Turner Classic Movies, as well as the podcasts The Plot Thickens and Talking Pictures, joins us for an evening of conversation about classic cinema, American politics, and his own family history, which blends those two subjects alongside a heavy dose of journalism. Passionate about movies and dedicated to ensuring that classic films remain a vibrant part of American culture, Ben Mankiewicz has an important and engaging story to tell. And he’s eager to tap into the imagination of the cinephile in all of us.

Price:
VIP: SOLD OUT
Tier 2: $42 | JCC Member: $36

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What Makes Food Jewish: A Live Cooking Experience with Debbie Kornberg

Tuesdays, February 11, 18 and 25, 2025 | 11:00 am
Rehearsal Room
Lawrence Family JCC

This three-part class will explore the history of Jewish food from biblical times through modern day. In examining the diverse Jewish food culture, you will get the opportunity to appreciate the deep-rooted traditions of Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrachi cooking while weaving together the beautiful tapestry of Jewish peoplehood. Each session will include a tasting component and/or a cooking demonstration.

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:
Individual Classes: $150 | JCC Members: $130
3-Class Bundle: $360 | JCC Members: $305

What Makes Food Jewish: A Live Cooking Experience with Debbie Kornberg | 3 Pack Add to Cart

What Makes Food Jewish: A Live Cooking Experience with Debbie Kornberg | February 11 Add to Cart

What Makes Food Jewish: A Live Cooking Experience with Debbie Kornberg | February 18 Add to Cart

What Makes Food Jewish: A Live Cooking Experience with Debbie Kornberg | February 25 Add to Cart

NORTH COUNTY LECTURE SERIES: A Diaspora within a Diaspora: Sephardic Jews in America

Monday, February 17, 2025 | 10:30 AM
The HIVE at Leichtag Commons, Eastside Hive
441 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024

As many as fifty thousand Jews from the lands of the former Ottoman Empire came to the United States in the decades surrounding World War I. Due to their small numbers, origins in a Muslim society, and differences in languages, names, and customs that set them apart from Eastern European Yiddish-speaking Jews, they were sometimes denigrated or not recognized as Jews. How did they navigate the U. S. immigration and naturalization laws as well as the established Jewish community? How did they forge their own sense of community through cafes, mutual aid societies, synagogues, newspapers, and the theater? And how did they seek to transform themselves and their new society in the process, through labor organizing and political activism? This lecture led by Dr. Devin Naar will explore the trajectories of Ladino-speaking Sephardic Jews from the Mediterranean world to America during the first half of the twentieth century.

Price: Complimentary

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The Magical Realism of Family Portraits

Monday, February 17, 2025 | 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Lawrence Family JCC

Join us for a transformative workshop inspired by Jacqueline Kot-Wolle’s exhibition at the Gotthelf Art Gallery. Discover the art of turning your family photos into magical, emotionally-charged paintings. Learn techniques, explore vibrant colors, and let your creativity flow as you transform moments into art.

Price: $36 | JCC Member $29

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EAST COUNTY LECTURE SERIES: A Jewish Language for All Occasions: Ladino Culture and Literature

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 10:30 AM
Tifereth Israel Synagogue 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd, San Diego, CA 92119

While Yiddish expressions pepper American English and great Yiddish novels are celebrated still today, comparatively little is known about Ladino and the cultural world it shaped from 1492 until World War II. While spoken today only by a few people in the United States, Europe, and Israel, Ladino (also known as Judezmo and Judeo-Spanish) was once the language that permeated every aspect of Jewish life in Greece, Turkey and the Balkans. This lecture with Sephardic scholar Dr. Devin Naar provides an introduction to the defining features of the Ladino language, serious and humorous aspects of Ladino folk culture, and key works of Ladino literature, both religious and secular.

Price: Complimentary

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Treasures of the Jewish Music

Thursdays, February 20, April 3, June 5, 2025 | 2:00 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.

February 20: Jewish Holiday Music- Purim Music
April 3: Jewish Holiday Music- Pesach Music
June 5: Jewish Holiday Music- Shavuot Music

Price: Complimentary

Treasures of the Jewish Music Collection: Jewish Holiday Music- Purim | Feb 20 Add to Cart

Treasures of the Jewish Music Collection: Jewish Holiday Music- Pesach | Apr 3 Add to Cart

Treasures of the Jewish Music Collection: Jewish Music- Shavuot | June 5 Add to Cart

Exodus to the Promised Land: The Untold Story of Ethiopian Jews' Faith and Resilience

North County Lecture Series:
Monday, March 10, 2025 | 10:30 AM
The HIVE at Leichtag Commons, Eastside Hive
441 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024

East County Lecture Series:
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 10:30 AM
Tifereth Israel Synagogue
6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd, San Diego, CA 92119

Join Michal Avera Samuel as she brings to life the extraordinary story of Ethiopian Jews, tracing their ancient heritage in Ethiopia to their modern-day challenges and triumphs in Israel. This compelling lecture delves into the rich tapestry of faith, culture, and resilience that defines this unique community, highlighting the dramatic airlifts of Operation Moses and Operation Solomon, which rescued thousands in the 1980s and 1990s. Through powerful personal narratives, historical insights, and cultural reflections, Michal unveils the untold story of Ethiopian Jewry, celebrating their unwavering faith, courage in the face of adversity, and remarkable journey toward integration and belonging in Israeli society.

Price: Complimentary

North County Lecture Series | Monday March 10 Add to Cart

East County Lecture Series | Tuesday, March 11 Add to Cart

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

Wednesdays, January 22, March 12, & May 7, 2025 | 10:30 am
Various Locations Around San Diego

Explore San Diego's Jewish history like never before with esteemed educator Dr. Joellyn Zollman. Discover landmarks like Rose Canyon and Temple Beth Israel, as Joellyn shares rich insights into the city's Jewish heritage. Join us for a walkable journey through these historical sites, but please consider your comfort with light exercise and occasional hills when registering for these engaging sessions.

Shalomaland: A Walking Tour of San Diego's Jewish History | Temple Beth Israel (Old Town)
Wednesday, January 22 | 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.

Shalomaland: A Walking Tour of San Diego's Jewish History | Location information coming soon!
Wednesday, March 12 | 10:30am-12:00pm

Location will be shared out soon - visit this page in the future for more information!

Shalomaland: A Walking Tour of San Diego's Jewish History | Salk Institute for Biological Studies (La Jolla)
Wednesday, May 7 | 10:30am-12:00pm

For this final class session, we journey to the Salk Institute, a renowned scientific research facility established by Jonas Salk with significant ties to the Jewish community. During this tour, we will explore the institute's architecture - constructed by Louis Kahn - and the many contributions to science over the years.


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:
Individual Classes: $30 | JCC Members: $25

Shalomaland: A Walking Tour of San Diego's Jewish History | March 12 Add to Cart

Shalomaland: Salk Institute for Biological Studies (La Jolla) | May 7 Add to Cart

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture Series

Monday, March 17 - Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 7:00 pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Join Professor Jacob Goldberg, senior advisor to Prime Minister Ehud Barak, for lectures on Israeli and Middle Eastern politics. With a Harvard background in Middle East politics, he’ll provide deep insights into Arab-Israeli and American-Israeli relations. Explore global diplomacy and regional challenges through the lens of one of Israel’s top political experts.

Price:
Individual Lectures: $36 | JCC Members: $30
Three-Pack: $90 | JCC Members: $75

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture Series | 3 Pack Add to Cart

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture Series | March 17 Add to Cart

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture Series | March 18 Add to Cart

Professor Jacob Goldberg Lecture Series | March 19 Add to Cart

An Evening with Isaac Mizrahi

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 7:00 pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Actor, host, writer, designer and producer Isaac Mizrahi brings his one-of-a-kind show to the David & Dorothea Garfield stage, combining comedy, commentary and an array of classic and soon-to-be classic songs from Stephen Sondheim to Blondie, from Comden & Green to Madonna.

Price:
VIP: $150
Each VIP ticket includes access to a Meet & Greet pre-reception at 5:30pm with Isaac Mizrahi as well as premium theatre seating in a designated VIP section

Tier 2: $80 | JCC Members: $72

An Evening with Isaac Mizrahi Add to Cart

Tap Into the Wisdom of the People Around You with Jeff Wetzler, Author of Ask

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Astor Judaica Library
Lawrence Family JCC

In this exciting talk, Dr. Jeff Wetzler, an expert in learning and human potential, shares the fascinating research from his book, ASK. Dr. Wetzler reveals what the people in your life think and feel but don't tell you and outlines an approach for bringing curiosity and reflection to every relationship.

Price with Book: $30 | JCC Member $28
Price without Book: $10 | JCC Member $8


Programming generously supported by the Maury and Lillian Novak Trust

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Jewish Short Play Festival

Monday, June 23, 2025 | 7:00 pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

After a successful debut, the Jewish Short Play Festival returns with more laughter, drama, and thought-provoking themes! Celebrating local and beyond, this year's festival features short plays performed by San Diego's brightest actors. Directed by Debra Wanger, the event explores themes of identity and tradition in contemporary Jewish life. Don't miss this community-driven celebration of talent and storytelling.

Price: $24 | JCC Members: $22
Day Of: $29 | JCC Members: $27

Jewish Short Play Festival Add to Cart