Upcoming Events

Check out our Center for Jewish Culture Season Brochure

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 Charol," 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


NORTH COUNTY LECTURE SERIES KICK-OFF: Last Train to Auschwitz: The French National Railways and the Journey to Accountability


Monday, January 6, 2025 | 10:30 AM
The HIVE at Leichtag Foundation, Eastside Hive
441 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024

When we think of war, mass atrocities, and crimes against humanity, we often think of governments, rebel groups, victims, and military groups. Too often we forget the role corporations play in making those atrocities happen. In the kick-off to the 2025 North County Lecture Series with Dr. Sarah Federman, we follow the story of the French National Railways, SNCF, which had overlapping roles of victim, hero, and perpetrator during World War II. In the 1990s-2016, the company went through a long process of integrating and responding to its role in the Holocaust, both in the United States and France.

Price: Complimentary

NORTH COUNTY LECTURE SERIES KICK-OFF: Last Train to Auschwitz: The French National Railways and the Journey to Accountability 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


MANDELBAUM FAMILY LECTURE SERIES: Seeing Israel: From Photography to AI


Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 10:30 AM
WINN ROOM | Coronado Public Library
640 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118

Explore Israel through the eyes of Dr. Joe Nalven as we continue the 2024-2025 Mandelbaum Family Lecture Series. From 1985 to today, Nalven blends photography, digital art, and AI to craft his imagined Israel. A cultural anthropologist and artist, he delves into the idea and reality of seeing Israel. Discover a captivating, thought-provoking journey—prepare to be surprised!

Price: Complimentary

MANDELBAUM FAMILY LECTURE SERIES: Seeing Israel: From Photography to AI Add to Cart


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)

Remembrance Day Commemoration Event Add to Cart


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: $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


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


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 @ The Hive


Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 9:00 AM
The Hive | 441 Saxony Rd. Encinitas, CA 92024

Dr. Jeff Wetzler, an expert in learning and human potential, shares research and tools from his book ASK: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You. Discover why people withhold thoughts and how curiosity, questions, and listening can transform relationships—unlocking a powerful skill that sages have valued for millennia.

Price with Book: $40 | JCC Member $37
Price without Book: $20 | JCC Member $17


Programming generously supported by the Maury and Lillian Novak Trust

Tap Into the Wisdom of the People Around You with Jeff- The Hive 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