Upcoming Events

Check out our Center for Jewish Culture Season Brochure

AvevA in Concert

Monday, December 2, 2024 | 7:00 pm

David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Aveva Dese, an Ethiopian-Israeli vocalist and lyricist, stands out in Israel's music scene with her blend of traditional Ethiopian melodies and soulful pop. Singing in English and Amharic, she explores themes of societal issues, freedom, and love. Aveva's infectious beats and charismatic voice captivate audiences, making her performances an irresistible invitation to dance and be moved.

Check out her on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3npr7b6Ld7PDhIZSsJ2h1B

and on Youtube: https://youtu.be/9SY_gOQikuc?si=qb3wQwyG4jbPsa06

Price:
Tier 1: $42 | JCC Member: $36
Tier 2: $22 | JCC Member: $18

AvevA Add to Cart


Jewish Food for Thought with Betzy Lynch


Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | Envy
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Justice/Charity /Tzedaka
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm |Conflict Resolution
Lawrence Family JCC

Betzy returns with part 2 of this incredible Jewish Food for Thought series, diving into more teachings from renowned educator and animator Hanan Harchol. In part 2 of Jewish Food for Thought, we will explore such themes as envy, justice, charity, tzedakah and conflict resolution while gathering as a community and enjoying some delicious nosh. You won’t want to miss the continuation of this unique educational experience with our very own profound educator Betzy Lynch!

Looking in Other People’s Windows (Envy) | Wednesday, December 4
Where does envy originate? Does it always have to be bad? Is there anything you can learn about yourself from being envious of others? While enjoying a tasty lunch, these are just a few of the questions we will explore as a community as we unpack our own relationship with envy.

Justice / Charity / Tzedakah | Wednesday, December 11
What is the relationship between charity and justice? In what ways are we all constantly benefiting from others, and are we cognizant of what we are receiving from others? During this session, we will partake in a delectable dinner and delve into the act of giving charity, how we ourselves receive charity, and how human dignity fits into all of it.

Conflict Resolution | Wednesday, December 18
What makes it possible to create space for people who disagree with each other to sit together in mutual respect, believing in the value of each other? How does one cultivate “humility in the presence of views widely divergent from our own”? In the final session of Part 2, we will lunch & learn and explore the vulnerability necessary for conflict resolution and how we can tap into that in ourselves.

3-Pack of Classes Price: $100 | JCC Members: $85
Price per Class: $42 | JCC Members: $36

3-Pack | Jewish Food For Thought with Betzy Lynch Add to Cart

Wednesday, Dec 4 | Looking in Other People’s Windows (Theme: Envy) Add to Cart

Wednesday, Dec 11 | Jewish Food for Thought with Betzy Lynch: Justice / Charity / Tzedakah Add to Cart

Wednesday, Dec 18 | Jewish Food for Thought with Betzy Lynch: Conflict Resolution Add to Cart


Tal Schneider

Monday, December 9, 2024 | 7:00 pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Join us for an enlightening evening exploring Israeli politics and more with Tal Schneider, a seasoned correspondent for The Times of Israel. Delve into Middle Eastern diplomacy and Israeli society as Schneider shares unique insights and firsthand experiences. Don't miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic region, presented through the lens of a respected journalist.

Price: $36 | JCC Members: $30
Day Of: $41 | JCC Members: $35

Tal Schneider Add to Cart


"Embrace the Middle" Discussion with author, Dr. Shayna Kaufmann


Thursday, December 12, 2024 | 7:45 am
Lawrence Family JCC

Amazon bestseller, Embrace the Middle, combines Dr. Kaufmann’s expertise in psychology, Zen, and Judaic traditions with research on 619 women and her own midlife transformation. She shares insights into midlife’s “messiness and joys” and introduces SOFTT, her step-by-step process for navigating challenges. The talk is tailored to all genders and ages.

Schedule:
7:45 - 8:00 AM: Bagel Breakfast
8:00 - 8:45 AM: Author talk with Shayna
8:45 - 9:00 AM: Q&A
9:00 AM: Optional meditation with Shayna

Price: Complimentary

"Embrace the Middle" Discussion with author, Dr. Shayna Kaufmann Add to Cart


Treasures of the Jewish Music


Thursdays, November 14, December 12, 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.

November 14: Jews in Opera
December 12: Jews on Broadway
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: Jews on Broadway | Dec 12 Add to Cart

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


Lo-Mein Laughs Presents Jackie Hoffman

Wednesday, December 25, 2024
6:00 PM Dinner | 7:00 PM Show

David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Join us for our annual Chinese Food and Comedy tradition on December 25th with Jackie Hoffman's "A Chanukah Carol!" Inspired by Patrick Stewart’s "A Christmas Carol," this acclaimed one-woman show features Jackie Hoffman ("Only Murders in the Building", "Marvelous Mrs. Maisel") reflecting on her life with humor and insight. Don't miss this holiday-themed, pseudo-autobiographical comedy where Hoffman confronts the Ghosts of Chanukah Past, Present, and Future.

Price: $80 | JCC Member $64
Price includes Chinese Food Dinner and Show

Lo-Mein Laughs Presents Jackie Hoffman Add to Cart


IN OUR IMAGE: Explorations at the Intersection of Generative AI and Jewish Thought

Tuesdays, January 7 - 21, 2024 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Epstein Music Studio
Lawrence Family JCC

Over the course of three sessions, Rabbi George Wielichowski will guide us through an exploration of ancient Jewish ideas, how disembodied intelligences have played a major role in our wisdom literature, and ethics of AI creation. We'll discuss roles, agency, and authority of new intelligences, and gain hands-on experience with AI models. Together, we'll build a Jewish values-based understanding of leveraging technology to enrich our lives in this era of coevolution.

Price: $60 | JCC Members: $50

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.

IN OUR IMAGE: Explorations at the Intersection of Generative AI and Jewish Thought Add to Cart


Jewish Poets - Jewish Voices


Tuesday, November 19, 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


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


Wednesdays, November 6, 2024, 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.

*Class Is Full* Shalomaland: A Walking Tour of San Diego's Jewish History | Louis Rose Point (Liberty Station)
Wednesday, November 6 | 10:30-11:45am

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.

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: Temple Beth Israel (Old Town)| January 22 Add to Cart

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


Ben Mankiewicz: SDIJFF Keynote Speaker

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

Experience an unforgettable evening with Ben Mankiewicz, primetime host of Turner Classic Movies, as he delivers a captivating keynote on the art and impact of film. With trademark wit and deep industry insights, Ben explores cinema's evolution from classics to modern blockbusters. Join us for an enlightening journey into the cultural significance and enduring allure of the silver screen.

Price:
VIP: $54
Each VIP ticket includes access to a Meet & Greet pre-reception at 5:30pm with Ben Mankiewicz as well as premium theatre seating in a designated VIP section

Tier 2: $42 | JCC Member: $36

Ben Mankiewicz: SDIJFF Keynote Speaker Add to Cart


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


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


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