By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California

April showers bring May flowers … however, where was the rain in April? There was not as much in previous years.

I worry about wildfires in dry vegetation and in areas that are not well-kept. I do enjoy seeing the herds of goats on the sides of the roads and on hillsides, enjoying an all-day buffet of vegetation to munch on.

Let’s hope that with May starting today, we get more rain before the heat of summer kicks in.

Meanwhile, let’s all enjoy Jewish American Heritage Month, which also begins today.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Tifereth Israel Synagogue presents “Kol Tefillah” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, May 1. Welcome Shabbat with joy and music. Through song, prayer, and niggunim, to connect with each other and with G-d.

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Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents its “Centennial Celebration and Gala” at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 3. The event includes a rededication ceremony, cocktails, a gala dinner, music, an auction, and a paddle raiser. Click here to register.

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Jordan Z. Marks, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, County of San Diego, announces “Star Wars Inspired Weddings and Vow Renewals” at 8 a.m., Monday, May 4, at the County Clerk’s Downtown Waterfront Office. Marks invites the public to take part in a special wedding ceremony with Star Wars-inspired vows, share their intergalactic love outdoors or inside one of the ceremony rooms. Couples are encouraged to wear costumes. May the fourth be with them! Click here to book an appointment.

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Beth Jacob Congregation announces a save-the-date “BJSD Lag B’Omer Event” at 5 p.m., Tuesday, May 5. The event will feature live music with Mordy Estersohn. More information is coming soon.

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SD Kollel presents its “Ladies Weekly Kollel Café: Women’s Class and Discussion” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 5. This event includes women’s topics and desserts. For more information, call 619-287-9890.

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Tifereth Israel Synagogue announces its “Blood Drive” at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 6. Each donor will receive a 2026 Padres Summer Blood Drive UPF 50 Sun Shirt. Click here to schedule an appointment.

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Women of Congregation Beth Israel announces its “Bubbles and Bunco” at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 6. This event includes women who are experienced Bunco players or have never played to join in a social night and meet new people. Organizers say pizza, salad, desserts, and drinks will be served. Click here to rsvp.

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Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Women’s Philanthropy presents “Brunch Club After Dark: Spark Interactive Experience” at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 5. This event offers an opportunity to gather as Jewish women in community while honoring the enduring legacy of remembrance, resilience, and light through Holocaust education and storytelling. Interactive experiences include being the first to experience the innovative mobile classroom with a guided tour led by Erica Whinston, Director of Operations and Special Projects for the Center for Holocaust Education,  Dr. Shayna Kaufmann will lead a guided discussion on resilience and finding light in the darkness, and Barbi Dorfan will lead a light-themed creative activity. Click here to register and to receive the location.

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Congregation Beth Israel announces its “Casino Night: Annual Fundraiser” at 6 p.m., Saturday, June 6. This event includes magician Dan Birch, a special appearance by Elvis, and a celebration of the Beth Israel community that supports the people, programs, and all the special experiences. Click here to get tickets.

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Anti-Defamation League Southern California announces its 4-part webinar series on the 250th anniversary of the United States, “Jews and the American Experience with Dr. Steven Windmueller” at noon, Thursday, May 7. Part one: “The Jewish Contract with America” will discuss the distinctive ingredients that helped to frame this experience and the distinguishing features of the American democracy. Click here to register. At noon, Thursday, May 14, part two: “Zion in America” will discuss how Zion helped to shape America as “the new Israel” and how this concept has been significant in building this country and in creating the special relationship between Washington and Jerusalem. Click here to register. At noon, Thursday, May 21, part three: “The Israel-American Connection” will discuss the elements that define the connections between our two nations. Click here to register. At noon, Thursday, June 4, part four: “Jews and American Racism/Anti-Semitism” will explore the evolution of “Jewish power,” political influence, and communal advocacy. Click here to register.

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Kindness Initiative announces its “Kindness Bingo Bash” at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 7 at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The event will include 8 rounds of Bingo plus 2 grand finale rounds, incredible prizes, and refreshments. Every single card played supports San Diego’s Jewish families, who need support. Click here for tickets.

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Young Israel of San Diego announces its “Shabbat Community Dinner” at 7 p.m., Friday, May 8. This event includes Mincha services and dinner. Click here to register.

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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS

Chula Vista’s Jewish Women’s Circle announces its “Torah and Tea for Women” at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 3. This women’s monthly session includes Torah study, conversation, and connection with other Jewish women. Click here to rsvp.

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Chabad of Encinitas announces a “Lag BaOmer BBQ” at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, at Moonlight Beach. More information to be shared soon.

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University City presents its new Jewish Learning Institute Course “For All Humankind” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 5. This four-part course will explore Judaism’s ethical vision for all people. Through texts, participants will discover a spiritual path that shapes family life, highlights the power of education, and offers a roadmap toward a more just and peaceful world. Click here to register.

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University City announces its “Soulfire: Lag BaOmer” at 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 5. This Men’s gathering will include a soulful gathering for men to speak from the heart and grow in purpose. Click here to rsvp and to receive the address.

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East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle presents its “Torah and Tea” at noon, Thursday, May 7. This women’s discussion will include Torah study, lunch, and connection focused on the stone to the soul: the hidden code of the 10 commandments. Click here to rsvp.

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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.