JCC Maccabi Experience Updates

The rains are subsiding and another month of great events is upon us. February brings us such great events like the San Diego Jewish Film Festival, Options and for the teens, BBYO’s Clippers game and TEENSPACE Snowdays.

Don’t forget to continue to check out the JCC Maccabi Experience Discounts page on our website at www.sdmaccabi.org for coupons and discounts to special events.

Also coming in February, on the 17th we will be announcing our JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest delegations. You can check out who will be representing San Diego by going to http://sdmaccabi.org/delegation/2010_delegation.php.

Upcoming Events for February

Discover SDJA Up Close

Provide your child the freedom to grow and inspiration to achieve, as you learn about San Diego Jewish Academy’s unique philosophy, engaging classes and dynamic faculty at these special events:

Join us for SDJA’s K-12 Open House on February 2
(6:00-8:00 pm).

For more information, contact:
Renee Sherman | discoversdja@sdja.com | 858-704-3716 | www.discoversdja.com.

Chatting with the Clergy: Jewish views of the afterlife: the body, the soul and resurrection

Wednesday, February 3, 12:00 p.m.

Instructor: Rabbi Michael Satz
Sponsored by DayTimers: Enrichment Program for Adults
No fee. Bring your own lunch.

Join us the first Wednesday of each month for this DayTimers program that gives you the opportunity to learn, discuss and schmooze with Rabbi Michael Berk, Cantor Arlene Bernstein, Rabbi David Katz and Rabbi Michael Satz. Each Clergy Chat will feature one member of our clergy discussing a fascinating subject ranging from Jewish tradition, to views of God, to Jewish takes on current events. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to get to know our clergy better and delve deeper into the richness of Judaism. All are invited.

Where:
Congregation Beth Israel
9002 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA

For information contact: Program Director Bonnie Graff at bgraff@cbisd.org or call (858) 535-1111 ext. 3800 or register online at www.cbisd.org/rsvp

TEENSPACE Snowdays in Big Bear
(Grades 6-12)

February 7
Meet at JCC at 7:00 am, Return to JCC by 8:00 pm

Want to learn how to ski or snowboard? Or you maybe you’re a pro and want to show off your tricks in the park? Join the Teen Department as we head to Big Bear this winter! Have an awesome time on the slopes, and then relax with all your friends in our cozy lodging. All meals, transportation, and lift tickets provided. Please note: rentals are NOT included and need to be purchased in San Diego. Lessons are extra.

Price: $120 JCC Member; $140 JCC Non-Member

For information contact: Sarah, 858-362-1134

THE SHABBAT SERVICE: A PRIMER II

Sunday, February 7, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Instructor: Rabbi Michael Satz
Sponsored by ALEINU (Adult Learners Network) with the Outreach Committee
No fee

This class, open to all, will focus on the Shabbat, or Saturday morning service. We’ll learn the order and parts of the service, when and why participants sit, stand or bow, and much more. We'll explore rituals surrounding the use of the Torah scrolls, their removal from and return to the ark, and the dressing, blessing and reading of the Torah. We'll also learn what part the Bar/Bat Mitzvah plays in this service. Participants will come away from this one-session class feeling more confident about attending and participating in Shabbat worship.

Where:
Congregation Beth Israel
9002 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA

For information contact: Program Director Bonnie Graff at bgraff@cbisd.org or call (858) 535-1111 ext. 3800 or register online at www.cbisd.org/rsvp

By the Rivers of Babylon:
Judaism, Empire and Exile

Monday, February 08 ~7:30 PM

Astor Judaica Library Series
Nabucco: Community Conversations on Faith and Freedom

With glorious music and a riveting story, Nabucco is the sensational opera that shot Verdi to stardom. The opera is based on the biblical story of Nebuchadnezzar and through this presentation, you will learn more about the work as it relates to community, art, faith and freedom.

Speakers
Dr. Nicolas Reveles, Geisel Director of Education and Outreach, San Diego Opera
Dr. William Propp, Director of the Judaic Studies Program, University of California San Diego

Free to the public. Please RSVP in advance to reserve a seat at www.sdopera.com/communityconversations or call 619.533.7000

SHABBAT AND HAVDALAH 101

Tuesday, February 9, 7:00 p.m.

Instructor: Cantor Arlene Bernstein
Sponsored by the Outreach Committee
No fee

This workshop, presented by Cantor Arlene Bernstein, will share the blessings, rituals, food, music and other creative ideas for a joyous Shabbat in your home. We will provide ideas for both adult and kid-friendly Shabbat activities.

Where:
Congregation Beth Israel
9002 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA

For information contact: Program Director Bonnie Graff at bgraff@cbisd.org or call (858) 535-1111 ext. 3800 or register online at www.cbisd.org/rsvp

20th Anniversary of the
San Diego Jewish Film Festival

February 10-21, 2010

Sponsored by the Mizel Family Foundation

The festival showcases the best Jewish themed films from around the world celebrating life, human rights, and freedom of expression. Every year thousands gather at the Festival to experience unique and exclusive films at San Diego’s larges Jewish cultural event at theatres countywide. Enhanced by guest filmmakers, pane discussions and themed screenings, SDJFF attracts and engages audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Venues include: AMC La Jolla, UltraStar Mission Valley and La Costa, Reading Theatres Carmel Mountain and the Lawrence Family JCC. Tickets are on sale now. For more details go to: www.lfjcc.org/sdjff

To purchase tickets: Box Office 858-362-1348

**Don’t forget to use your “Buy One, Get One Free” coupon from your JCC Maccabi Experience Coupon Booklet**

LUNCH AND LEARN: THE KADDISH EXPERIENCE

Saturday, February 13, 12:00 p.m.

Instructor: Joe Oppenheimer
Sponsored by the Adult Learners Network (ALEINU)
No fee. Bring your own lunch.

Reciting Kaddish is transformational. The impact can be life changing for men and women, often extending for years -- well beyond the shiva, shloshim or traditional eleven months of mourning. A new life style, new friends and a changed attitude toward Judaism develop frequently.

Instructor Joe Oppenheimer will share the results of his original research and highlight findings from the best-known literature on the subject. Attendees will be invited to share their own thoughts and experiences.

Where:
Congregation Beth Israel
9002 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA

For information contact: Program Director Bonnie Graff at bgraff@cbisd.org or call (858) 535-1111 ext. 3800 or register online at www.cbisd.org/rsvp

LIGHTS, CAMERA, FRIEDENBERG

Thursday, February 18, 1:30 p.m.

Instructor: Andy Friedenberg
Sponsored by DayTimers: Enrichment Program for Adults
$5 fee includes coffee and dessert

Learn what’s hot and what’s not in the world of film. Cinema Society of San Diego Director Andy Friedenberg shares his thoughts about this year’s Oscar candidates and reveals his predictions of the big winners. Hear film lore that will entertain, and get the scoop on “Oscar” buzz. Park in the Gateway Building lot at 9171 Towne Centre Drive, enter by the first driveway north of CBI. Validation will be provided at events.

Where:
Congregation Beth Israel
9002 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA

For information contact: Program Director Bonnie Graff at bgraff@cbisd.org or call (858) 535-1111 ext. 3800 or register online at www.cbisd.org/rsvp

BBYO Clippers vs. Kings Games (Grades 6-12)

February 20, 2010

JOIN BBYO & TEEN CONNECTION at a CLIPPERS GAME

SCHEDULE:
Havdallah on the TERRACE of the STAPLES CENTER
THE GAME (LA Clippers v. Sacramento kings)
Dance ON THE COURT (Reserved just for our group)

Transportation from San Diego will be leaving at 3pm February 20th & transportation from Los Angeles will be leaving at 4pm. The cost of the event is $30.00 until 1/31, it will increase to $45.00 starting 2/1. So get your tickets NOW before the price goes up! Upon arrival back in San Diego,after the game, all kids will participate in a LOCK-IN, and can be picked up at the JCC in La Jolla 2/21 at 10:00am

**JCC Maccabi Experience is offering a $5 off discount for this event. Reservations needed in advance. Coupon required. **

GO TO www.sdmaccabi.org/stayconnected/discounts
TO PRINT YOUR DISCOUNT COUPON.

For more information contact: Geanna Levin, 858.362.1148

OPTIONS | UFJ Women’s Division

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 ~ 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM

OPTIONS is the largest annual community outreach and fundraising event for women in the San Diego Jewish community. Guest speaker is Judea Pearl, the renowned Scholar and President of the “Daniel Pearl Foundation” and Author of the award winning book “I Am Jewish: Personal Reflections Inspired by the Last Words of Daniel Pearl.

Couvert: $85.00

Where:
La Jolla Marriott
4240 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037
For information contact: Raquel Benguiat at 858.737.7150 or raquelb@ujfsd.org.

Poetic Pathways at the Library:
Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices

February 24, March 9, 7:30 P.M.

Evenings featuring local Jewish poets, followed by “open mic” readings. Bring your poetry, read it, sing it and listen.

Where:
Astor Judaica Library
Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center
JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS
4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037

For information contact: 858-362-1134

STRUGGLES WITH BELIEF IN GOD, PART I:
A DIALOGUE

Thursday, February 25, 7:00 p.m.

Presenters: Rabbi Michael Berk and Dr. Sandy Feldman
Sponsored by ALEINU (Adult Learners Network)
No fee

While doubt is common to modern Jews and may even characterize modern life, it has long been an integral part of Judaism. In fact, the name “Israel” means “one who struggles with God.” In this dialogue, we will explore the tension between doubt and faith and consider our struggle to find something in which we can believe. Part II, and experiential class with meditation and other spiritual practices will be led by Rabbi Aliza Berk on Wednesday, March 24.

Where:
Congregation Beth Israel
9002 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA

For information contact: Program Director Bonnie Graff at bgraff@cbisd.org or call (858) 535-1111 ext. 3800 or register online at www.cbisd.org/rsvp

Purim Night Club with Comedian Rabbi Bob Alper

Saturday, February 27 2010 ~ 7:00 PM

Join us for a hilarious evening of comedy with the world’s only practicing clergyman doing stand-up comedy…intentionally. Rabbi Bob Alper has appeared on Comedy Central, Good Morning America, CNN and Showtime and has performed at comedy clubs from the Hollywood Improv to London theatres. Rabbi Alper was ordained at Cincinnati’s Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute in 1972, served congregations in Buffalo and Philadelphia for 14 years, and earned a doctor of ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. He still conducts High Holy Days services and life cycle ceremonies while keeping up a busy touring schedule with his comedy performances. We’ll also hold the “World’s Worst Joke Contest.” Win $100 for your favorite charity! Enjoy an espresso bar with assorted spirits and a dessert buffet. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a Purim filled with fun and laughter. Costumes/masks welcomed. Adults only.

Cost: $25 per person without costume; $18 per person with costume

Where:
Congregation Beth Israel
9002 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA

For information contact: Vicki Raun at vraun@cbisd.org or call (858) 535-1111 or register online at www.cbisd.org/rsvp

Rockin Purim Carnival

Sunday, February 28, 2010 ~ 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Are you ready to rock out with Games * Rides * Raffle * Music * Food? Tell Everyone you know to come join the festivities. This is an “all ages welcome” celebration, with something for everyone to enjoy and rock the day away! Open to the public. For more information and to buy pre-sale tickets, please call: 858.452.1734.

To register online: rsvp@congregationbethel.org.

Location:
Congregation Beth El,
8660 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037

For more information contact: Emily Bartell, Phone: 858-452-1734 emily@congregationbethel.orgwww.congregationbethel.org

Upcoming Events

J*Company Youth Theatre presents The 50th Anniversary Production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music.

March 4-21, 2010

One of musical theatre’s greatest finales this masterpiece brings us hits such as Do-Re-Mi and Edelweiss. Just like brown paper packages tied of with string, this production will prove to be one of your favorite things.

Directed by Joey Landwehr
Location: David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Cost: $11-$17
For more information go to: http://sdcjc.lfjcc.org/jc/

Dan Nichols Live in Concert

April 17, 2010 ~ 7pm

Congregation Beth Israel Youth Groups (J2, NOAR, BITY) present Dan Nichols Live in Concert! Dan will be joined by the CBI Youth & Teen Choirs, the Teen Band, and other special guests. If you like contemporary Jewish music, this concert is for you. Dinner with Dan is at 5:00 p.m. and open to kids from 4th to 12th grade. Advance reservations for dinner are required.

Advance Tickets: $25 for Youth-Only Dinner with Dan, Havdalah, Concert and Dessert $15 for general admission to Havdalah, the Concert and Dessert

At the Door: $20 for Havdalah, Concert and Dessert. Dinner tickets will not be available the night of the concert. Concert is Not for Kids Only.

For additional information, please contact CBI Youth Director, Jeremy Gimbel at jgimbel@cbisd.org or call 858-535-3136.

Location: Congregation Beth Israel, 9002 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA