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Jewish Value Spotlight: Tu B’Shevat – Evening of January 30th
 Tu B’Shevat – the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat - is a major holiday in Israel (correlating to January 30th on our calendar). Because of Israel’s climate, this is around the time in Israel when the sap starts to rise in the trees.
Celebrated as the “Birthday of the Trees,” Tu B’Shevat is the perfect opportunity to talk about recycling, preserving and sustaining nature. We live in a time of great ecological concern. Jewish tradition is filled with texts protecting and appreciating the bounty that we have on this Earth. This famous quote from the Bible illustrates how Judaism views the importance of trees:
When you war against a city . . . you must not destroy its trees . . . you may eat of them but you must not cut them down . . .
(Deuteronomy 20:19,20)
Here are some customs that you can follow to celebrate Tu B’Shevat in your home:
- Eat the “7 Species” mentioned specifically in the Bible: figs, pomegranates, dates, wheat/barley, olives, grapes, and dates. All of these grew in Israel during Biblical times and are still grown in Israel today.
- Make “Easy Bake Carob Crunch.” Carob is a relative of chocolate that grows in Israel, as well as other places in the world. The recipe can be found at the end of this email.
- Plant a tree in your backyard and/or in Israel (through the Jewish National Fund http://www.jnf.org/jnf-tree-planting-center)
- Create a Family “Tree.” Make a big picture of a tree on large construction paper. Place on the tree photos or drawn pictures of members of your family,
- Plant parsley seeds. If you tend them well, your parsley will be ready in time for Passover.
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 January 1, 2018
Happy New Year
After you have slept in, what is there to do on Jan. 1st? If the weather is nice, how about a walk at the beach or a hike? If it’s too cold (or more likely, too hot), stay in, play card games (Uno on the 1st day of the year sounds perfect!) or board games, or watch a good movie. Or for the very brave, get a thrill from the chill at Saska’s Polar Bear Plunge where individuals dive into the Pacific Ocean at 10:30am off Mission Boulevard. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2018!
January 3, 2018
Festival of Sleep Day
No, you are not dreaming. But, perhaps you should be. Festival of Sleep Day is an opportunity to catch up on a little sleep. Whether it’s an all day snooze, or just a power nap, cozy up in bed, on the sofa, or another favorite sleeping spot to catch your 40 winks!
January 6, 2018 | 6:00 – 7:00pm
Tapestry: A Community Celebration of Learning - JCC
Tapestry brings together hundreds of people from diverse ages, backgrounds, learning styles and interests for one unforgettable evening to learn, socialize and be inspired. The celebration will begin with a Community Havdalah and continue with two sessions (24 topics to choose from) and concludes with an Elegant Dessert Reception. Pre-Registration Ticket Price: $45 ($55 at the door); JCC Member Price: $40. Click here for more information.
January 11, 2018 | 6:30 – 8:00pm
Shabbat & Havdalah at Home – Beth Israel
This workshop, led by Rabbi/Cantor Arlene Bernstein, will highlight the blessings, rituals, food, music and creative ideas for a joyous Shabbat and Havdalah in your home. No fee, but please RSVP below at least one week in advance. For more information contact Program Director Ilene Tatro at itatro@cbisd.org or call 858 535-1111, ext. 2516. Click here for more information.
January 13, 2018 | 11:00am-2:00pm
 Kids Marathon Mile
Legoland California
Though created for kids ages 12 and under, everyone is welcome to participate. Moms, dads, and big kids are invited to join the fun in this noncompetitive 1-mile run/walk through LEGOLAND® California.LEGOLAND® California is host to a special, 1-mile fun run for kids of all ages and abilities. Before the doors open to the public, they're opened for us to enjoy the sights and sounds of LEGOLAND®! Participants can run, walk, skip or stroll, or even be pushed in a stroller or carried on a back as they wind through the park, making their way to an exciting, spectator-filled finish line. Each finisher is presented with a shiny finisher's medal and treated to a fun post-event party with a DJ, activities, light refreshments and booths. The event concludes at 10 a.m. with the opening of LEGOLAND® and SEA LIFE™ Aquarium where registered participants age 12 & under can enter the park for free and moms and dads can enter for 50% off admission.
January 14, 2018 | 2:00pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Join us for the 38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. This is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the United States in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade is filled with dazzling floats, phenomenal High School Bands, Drill Teams, College, Fraternities & Sororities, Churches, Peace and Youth organizations.
January 18, 2018 | 7:00pm
An Evening with Kelly Corrigan – JCC
What are the deceptively simple phrases that make love and human connection possible? “I don’t know.” “Tell me more.” “I was wrong.” New York Times-bestselling memoirist Kelly Corrigan explores these and more in her inspiring, insightful new book, Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say. This will be a frank, funny discussion about finding the right words in the right moments — and how, when times are tough, we can all learn what to say. A book signing follows the event. Click here for more information.
January 20, 2018 | 7:00pm
Monster Jam at Petco Park
Monster Jam® is one of the world's largest and most famous monster truck tour featuring some of the biggest names in monster trucks. Featuring: Avenger driven by Jim Koehler, Big Kahuna driven by Shane England, Brutus driven by Brad Allen, Grave Digger driven by Adam Anderson, Great Clips Mohawk Warrior driven by Bryce Kenny, Hooked driven by Bryan Wright, Ice Cream Man driven by Roy Pridgeon, Jester driven by Matt Pagliarulo, Max-D driven by Neil Elliott, Megalodon driven by Alex Blackwell, Mutant driven by Todd LeDuc, Stone Crusher driven by Steve Sims, Whiplash driven by Brianna Mahon, Xtermigator driven by JR McNeal.
January 21, 2018
 National Hugging Day
What a great day! This is an opportunity to give and to receive. Give a hug, and you automatically receive one in return. Celebrate today by giving hugs to family, friends and loved ones. You'll love the warm feeling you get.
January 21, 2018 | 11:00am - Noon
So You Want to Know More About Judaism: Judaism 101 – Tifereth Israel Synagogue
Taught by Rabbi Josh Dorsch, the series is intended to introduce, or re-introduce, people to Judaism. Participants will delve into topics about the Jewish calendar, life-cycle, ethics, textual tradition, and ways in which Judaism can address modern questions. Some topics include: Jewish Holidays; the real differences between Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism; Who is a Jew; What is the Torah vs The Bible vs The Talmud; Prayer; What is Happening in the Sanctuary on Shabbat, and more. Classes will be held in the Goodman chapel on select Sundays through April 2018. Click here for more information.
Every Sunday - House of Israel – FREE!
Visit this showcase of Israeli culture, history, and innovation in the heart of Balboa Park. Click here for more information.
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Did you make the SJSP/Jewish Big Pals Hanukkah Party this year? It was great to see so many new and familiar faces for a fun afternoon of music, latkes, gifts, and goofy caricatures.Thank you to all who participated in this celebration. Whether you joined in our festivities or lit the candles at home, we hope you enjoyed a Hanukkah filled with light and laughter!
January offers all of us the chance to practice tikkun olam! Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 15th. As a National Day of Service to commemorate Dr. King’s work, make it a day on, not a day off. 
Easy Bake Carob Crunch
