The San Diego County Jewish community will come together to participate in an international Jewish identity event that will culminate Oct. 26-27. The International Unity Shabbat will take place in more than 1,500 cities, 97 countries and 10 languages around the globe.
The goal for all those who participate is to experience a personally meaningful Shabbat, build community connections and be a part of the worldwide pride, identity and solidarity.
This year, Shabbat San Diego is expanding the weekend into a weeklong Jewish experience program from Oct. 21-27.
This effort is coordinated and planned in conjunction with more than 120 participating local congregations, schools, youth groups and community organizations throughout San Diego.
“For the first time, we’ve turbocharged our Shabbat San Diego into a full week of eclectic and exciting activities designed to strengthen participation in our growing Jewish community,”explained Sharleen Wollach, who serves as the co-chair of the Jewish Xperience. “Known as Jewish Xperience Week, this week with more than 90 unique mostly free events, will have activities that are sure to appeal to any age group.”
The events, celebrations, lectures and social gatherings will encompass four days of experiences that emphasize inclusivity and cooperation for all ages, types of observance, affiliations or non-affiliations, political views, cultural differences and lifestyle choices. The goal is to provide exceptional opportunities to engage as a community in activities relating to Judaic culture, heritage and traditions. These four days will be followed by three days of participation in Shabbat San Diego, part of the worldwide Shabbat Project in advancing the goal of “keeping it together.”
“The Jewish Xperience is all about connecting community by celebrating culture, heritage and ritual of a 6,000 year tradition through diverse events for anyone interested in Judaism; geographically dispersed around county it includes arts/films; health/wellness, Jewish history, science and technology, learning; and kids activities,” noted Darren Schwartz, a co-chair of the entire program.
More than 20,000 San Diegans are expected to participate in this unique Jewish Xperience week, one of the largest Jewish community programs in the history of San Diego.
More than 300 volunteers are involved in the local project.
South County events include:
- Beth Eliyahu Torah Center (5012 Central Ave., Bonita) will hold a craft fair for children and teens on Sunday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Chabad of Chula Vista (944 Camino La Paz, Chula Vista) will hold a family movie night (includes drinks and popcorn) on Sunday, Oct. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and will also hold a Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist, a women’s event full of fun, laughter and cooking, on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Kabbalah Class of Chula Vista will take place Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Chabad of Chula Vista (944 Camino La Paz, Chula Vista).
- Beth Eliyahu Torah Center (5012 Central Ave., Bonita) will hold a mega challah bake from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25.
- A community Shabbat dinner will be held on Friday, Oct. 26, from 6:15 to 9 p.m. at Temple Beth Shalom (208 Madrona St., Chula Vista). The temple will also hold Saturday morning services and a luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Shabbat San Diego will go international when a mega challah bake is held on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Chabad of Tijuana (Avenida 16 de Septiembre 18) in Mexico.
The weeklong festivities are highlighted by a Unity Havdala concert celebration Saturday, Oct. 27, starting at 7:45 p.m. at Congregation Beth El (8660 Gilman Drive, La Jolla).
Register online at ShabbatSanDiego.org for the many events on the schedule.
For more information, call (619) 836-0770, email info@ChabadChula Vista.com or visit the website at www.JewishChulaVista.com.
