SECOND NIGHT COMMUNITY SEDER
​Sunday, April 13, 2025

Todah rabah to Ayala Ben-Tall, her Seder team, and all the volunteers who helped set up, clean up, told the story, and brought food for this year's successful and very delicious Seder. 

2025 ANNUAL HAMANTASHEN BAKE
Sunday, March 9

First, of course, we started with the Test Bake! Todah rabah to Phillip and Brenda Haness for letting us use their kitchen to try out flavors. Many thanks to all who brought a variety of flavors to try at the test bake. Our special flavor this year was Apple Pie made from scratch by Shelby Abramson. We baked over 1200 hamantashen this year in five flavors: Apple Pie, Apricot/Walnut/Cinnamon, Nutella, Chocolate Chip, Lemon Curd (and some Blueberry for Mishloah Manot) Thank you David Schneider for being the Team Leader again this year, to the many members who participated on the Team, and to our many volunteers who came on Sunday to help set up, clean up, and everything in between. Our Gesher students all participated during the morning as well. Another fun, successful and yummy Bake. Todah rabah to the staff at the JCC who once again were outstanding in getting the area ready for us. 

2024 HANUKKAH HAPPENING

Todah rabah to Rabbi J, Whitney, Miorgan and Hannah for hosting this year's Hanukkah Happening. It was a full house--everyone had a great time--and lots of great food to eat! 

6TH AND 7TH GRADERS MAKE YADS

Holly's 6th and 7th grade Gesher students made yads to use for their upcoming b'nai mitzvah. Todah rabah to Holly and the parents who helped! 

SIMCHAT TORAH 5785

As always, we began our celebration of Simchat Torah with a potluck. We marched the Torah into the Galleria of the JCC where we rolled it out. Rabbi Yael took us on a tour of the Torah (and those who were standing at the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21 received a chocolate treat). The Rabbi then chanted the final verses of Deuteronomy and Holly chanted the first verses of Genesis. We came back and honored our new b'nai mitzvah class with their siddurim and our newest Gesher students with their own Torah. 
SUKKOT IN THE JCC SUKKAH 5785
We celebrate Shabbat in the sukkah and always begin the evening with a pizza potluck, followed by a Shabbat service and teaching folks about the lulav and etrog. 

HIGH HOLY DAYS 5785

TODAH RABAH

It takes a village to put together the High Holy Days services we offer our members and guests.

Todah rabah Rabbi Yael Ridberg for the wonderful Selichot "I'm Sorry" discussion and music (thank you Ely Freedman), your beautiful and spiritual Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur and text study, Mincha, Yizkor, Martyrology and Neilah services, and always inspiring and thought-provoking sermons. 

Todah rabah to our volunteers who worked hard and lovingly to bring meaningful and spiritual opportunities during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Seder: Naomi Jensen (team leader), Judy Hante (assistant team leader), Shari Ciancio, John Ciancio, Amber Ciancio, Suzi Cohen, Nikka Alicandri, Debby Kremsdorf, Giza Braun, Susan Levine. Music by Shir Hadash: Ely Freedman (musician/singer), Stacey Lichter, Shari Ciancio, John Ciancio, Ben Freedman, Jeff Rabin (dulcimer/singer), Kiyon Chung (cellist). Shofar: Jonathan Ingber, Eli Schneider, Ros Goldstein. Family Services and Gesher Programming: Education Director Rabbi Ally Jacobson, former Education Director Betsy Schneider, song leader Hilly Rubin. Teen Programming: Rabbi Ally and Whitney Jacobson. Torah Chanters: Ayala Ben-Tall, Judy Hante, Naomi Jensen, Jeff Rabin, Marlene Bellamy, Holly Baumann, Rabbi Yael. Haftorah Chanter: Ely Freedman. English Readers: Nikka Alicandri, Janene Bacica, Holly. Baumann, Marlene Bellamy, Giza Braun, Sheri Brown,Betsy Chessler, Shari Ciancio, John Ciancio, Suzi Cohen, Ely Freedman, Ros Goldstein, Lois Ingber, Rabbi Ally Jacobson, Naomi Jensen, David Kamper, Gali Laska, Susan Levine, Stacey Lichter, Susan Matthews, Mark Nussbaum, Patti Nussbaum, Jeff Rabin, Barbara Ridberg, Gene Ridberg, Betsy Schneider, Sandy Sherman, Aran Tavakoli, Rob Tavakoli, Gayle Weller, Ellen Williamson, Carol Yeomans.
This is Us Families: Ayala Ben-Tall and Adam Ladd; Marlene Bellamy and Don Maescher; Aran and Rob Tavakoli. Greeters, Helpers and Schleppers: Ellen Williamson, Helene Langer, Carol Yeomans, Susan Levine, Julie White, Lee Goldberg, Patti Nussbaum, Mark Nussbaum, Lauren Zamler, Ian Silverman, David Kamper, Tom Vogl, Jack Pham, Rob Tavakoli, Reuven Brandt

Behind the scenes (and in front, too): Julie White, Office Administrator and Susan Levine.

Jon Statman for recording and publishing the live steaming.

Heartfelt thanks to the JCC staff who did most of the set up and clean up and did a wonderful job with the theater sound. .

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and peaceful new year. 

PRIDE PARADE - JULY 20, 2024

What a wonderful time everyone had at the PRIDE Parade this year. Many thanks to the awesome leadership of Philip and Brenda taking on this new role of organizing CDH's participation. Thank you to Ros who has spent so many years organizing CDH's participation and guiding Philip and Brenda in their new role. It was great being around other Jewish organizations at the parade. The special signs and flags gifted from the parade organizers felt so welcoming. Many thanks to Mark for driving and sharing his car this year. (We missed you Char.) Many thanks to those who made signs and helped decorate the car. So much fun to have Tamar who walked the entire route on stilts and to Adam who juggled the entire way! They were a hit!

SECOND NIGHT COMMUNITY SEDER - APRIL 22, 2024

Todah rabah to the seder team: Naomi Jensen, Judy Hante, Ayala Ben-Tall, Suzi Cohen, Brenda Myers-Haness and to all her brought deliciouis food to share! 

PURIM CELEBRATION ~ March 23, 2024

MISHLOAH MANOT

Todah rabah to Gesher teacher and member Sheri Brown for organizing and purchasing all the goodies for the Mishloah Manot boxes distributed to members and to some residents at Seacrest Village. A hamantashen from the bake was also included in each box. Thank you Julie White for delivering the boxes to Seacrest. Many thanks to Susan Levine and Lori Lowery for stuffing the boxes along with Sheri. Thank you to the Ciancios and Fielding-Miller/Krohne families for delivering boxes to our members. And thank you to Shelby Abramson, Meghan Altman, Elizabeth Weinrib and Lori Lowery for help with publicity and flyer design. 

ANNUAL HAMANTASHEN BAKE ~ SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024

Todah rabah David Schneider, Chair and the Hamantashen Bake Committee: Betsy Schneider, Shari Ciancio, John Ciancio, Stu Schaffer, Mark Nussbaum, Lilia Spiegel, Jonathan Shulman, Susan Levine, Ayala Ben-Tall, Nikka Alicandri, Shelby Abramson, Mike Rein, Suzi Cohen, Janene Bacica, Sandy Sherman, Drew Schultz, on another well-organized and successful hamantashen bake. Couldn't have done it without all the additional volunteers Sunday morning: our Gesher students and teachers, Jayden Schaffer, Eli Schneider, Bleema Moss, Ayala Ruppin-Pham, Giza Braun, Kelly Rein, Adam Schindler, Joel Rosenberg, Sarah Vo, Ros Goldstein, Carol Yeomans, Alyssa Sepinwall, Jacob Goldstein, Susan Matthews, Stacey Lichter, Vickie Erin, Laura and Rachel Case, Judy Hante, Rachel Lipsitz, Naomi Jensen, Miriam Rauch. (Apologies if your name is missing--you know who you are and your efforts are also appreciated!) Over 1000 hamantashen were baked, sold and eaten this year! 
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE
January 14, 2024
Our Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service was celebrated on January 14. Rabbi Yael welcomed members and guests and introduced our speaker, Carole Yellen from Jewish Family Service, who presented about antisemitism:  what antisemitism is, antisemitism in history, ways antisemitism is manifested, and how to deal with antisemitism. After the speaker, adults and students rotated through the stations that were set up around the room, with themes of homeless and feeding the hungry, make art for peace, send messages of support to Sha'ar Hanegev, learn about the struggles of indigenous peoples, and make mitzvah bags. The children took a break and enjoyed the new adaptive playground at the JCC. The energy and enthusiasm was overwhelming, thanks to the hard work of our social justice team:  Naomi Jensen, Giza Braun, Ayala Ben-Tall, Judy Hante, Susan Matthews, Ely Freedman, and Ros Goldstein, with the support of Betsy Schneider, Rabbi Yael, and Becca Lewison.   Thank you to everyone who made this event a success.  ​

NEW MEMBER AND HANUKKAH SHABBAT - DECEMBER 8, 2023

SIMCHAT TORAH • OCTOBER 8, 2023

HAVDALAH BY THE BAY • SEPTEMBER 2, 2023
Great food, great friends...great way to end the week and start another. Today rabah to Suzi Cohen and her team for coordinating the evening and to all who brought food, helped set up and clean up. Todah rabah, Betsy, CDH's Director of Education and Engagement, for leading havdalah.

PRIDE WEEKEND IN SAN DIEGO

On Friday, July 14 Congregation Dor Hadash joined with Ohr Shalom, Tifereth Israel, and Temple Emanu-El for a musical and inspiring Kabbalat Shabbat. On Saturday, July 15, a large contingency of Dor Hadash members once again marched in the PRIDE parade. 

DOR HADASH TEENS VISIT LOS ANGELES

The Dor Hadash teens, along with Zev Sorokin, teen leader, David Schneider and David Kamper, members, traveled to Los Angeles to see historical Jewish landmarks in LA. They visited the Wilshire Blvd and Breed Street Synagogues, had some great deli food, and learned about Jewish history at the Skirball Cultural Center. 

DOR HADASH TEENS VISIT INTERNATIONAL COTTAGES AT BALBOA PARK

The CDH teens and their youth leader Zev, got together at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park Sunday, March 19, for a middle-eastern themed lawn program! They enjoyed food and drinks, and learned a little bit about each of the 31 cultures featured in the cottages. The bourekas at the House of Israel 🇮🇱 were a fan favorite!
Many thanks to all who took and shared The Bake and Purim Celebration pictures and videos including Rabbi Yael, Patti Nussbaum, Betsy Schneider, and Susan Levine. 
PURIM CELEBRATION
​Monday, March 6, 2023

ANNUAL HAMENTASHEN BAKE
​Sunday March 5, 2023

COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE

YAMIM NORA'IM - DAYS OF AWE 5783

Tekiah Gedolah at the conclusion of Neilah followed by Havdallah.

Tashlich at the Bay

Dor Hadash and Ohr Shalom gather together at the Bay for Tashlich. 
Family service and Torah service.

EREV ROSH HASHANAH SEDER

We enjoyed our Erev Rosh Hashanah seder in The Galleria at the JCC. Many thanks to Judy and Naomi for organizing the seder and to Pita 22 who catered the delicious meal. 

HAVDALLAH AT THE BAY HONORING RABBI YAEL RIDBERG

Members and friends of Dor Hadash gathered at Mission Bay Park on September 3 for Havdallah and to honor and celebrate Rabbi Yael who received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in May 2022. Dr. Rabbi Deborah Waxman, President and CEO of Reconstructing Judaism joined us for this event. 

2022 PRIDE PARADE

PRIDE SHABBAT

Rabbi Yael and members of Dor Hadash gather at Mission Bay Park with rabbis and members of Ohr Shalom, Temple Emanu-El and Tifereth Israel. 

SHAVUOT 2022

GENPALS MOVIE NIGHT (May 21) and CDH / GESHER END OF YEAR PICNIC (May 22)

Todah rabah to those who organized both the movie night and the end of year picnic.
​Many thanks to our members who helped underwrite the Kona Ice Truck! 

SOULFUL SUNDAY

On Sunday April 24, members joined in for yoga and meditation with Camp Gilboa staff; mental health conversation for parents and teens with Ed Director Betsy Schneider; and "discovering your post-pandemic "why" with Rabbi Yael. Belinda Singer (substituting for Marcia Berneger) and Gesher students had a fun morning of learning about Earth Day and "making and baking" matzah.

PURIM CELEBRATION

Everyone had such a great time! It was wonderful celebrating in person again.Thanks to everyone who organized the evening and to all who donated items for the mitzvah bags. Photos in no particular order.

HAMANTASHEN BAKE

SOME PHOTOS FROM JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2022

CELEBRATING SHABBAT, OUR NEW MEMBERS, NEW STUDENTS, AND HANUKKAH 2021

Everyone had a great time eating, praying, singing, celebrating Hanukkah and Shabbat and welcoming our new members and new Gesher students. Our little ones were consecrate and our 6th graders received their Tanakh.
SHAVUOT ON THE TRAIL 2021

SIMCHAT TORAH 2020

PURIM PANDEMONIUM! — March 8, 2020

Hamantashen Bake—March 1, 2020

Campfire Havdalah – January 18, 2020

Several Dor Hadash families got together at the beach for havdalah. 

Dor Hadash welcomed Shabbat with Temple Emanu-El and 
marched in the PRIDE Parade Saturday morning

Shavuot on the Trail—June 9, 2019

Team Dor Hadash—ADL Walk Against Hate May 19, 2019

Jews in Walking Shoes/Shabbat on the Trail
March 30, 2019 at Penasquitos Canyon

Fourteen members gathered on Saturday, March 30, to enjoy Shabbat together. They began with the following kavanah (intention):
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Our Purim Celebration was like no other!
Cocktail and Mocktail hour with face painting, a photo booth, Legos and balloons followed by Rabbi Liberty sharing the story of Purim ​and SO much more.   

11th ANNUAL HAMANTASHEN BAKE—OVER 2000 BAKED!

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service • January 20, 2019

Simchat Torah @ Gesher School
ENJOY A VIDEO FROM THE CELEBRATION 

Selichot and Havdalah by the Bay • September 1, 2018

Such a beautiful evening at the Bay with Dor Hadash members and guests. The evening began around 5 p.m. with lots of play activities for kids and adults. A delicious potluck was enjoyed by all. Rabbi led a beautiful Selichot service with accompaniment by Ely, ending the evening with a lovely Havdalah service. L'shanah tova.

 (2018) ANNUAL HAMANTASHEN BAKE

On Sunday, February 25, Dor Hadash members, young and not so young, joined together for the 7th Annual Hamantashen Bake. Over 1500 hamantashen were baked, bagged and sold this year!

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE

On Sunday, January 14, the Dor Hadash community came together for the 12th annual MLK Jr. Day of Service. Children and adults sang as well as discussed how to make change in our city and beyond. They made scarves with loving tags tied onto each one that will be given to homeless women at Rachel's House. They decorated hamsa signs to be given to families with a loved one in Hospice and door signs to be given to the seniors at Seacrest Village in Encinitas. They made hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless, and mitzvah bags that were filled to the top with wonderful supplies and snacks for those living on the streets. They helped clean up Hilltop Park, and helped feed the homeless with the San Diego non-profit Dreams for Change. 
HANNUKAH AT HOME
Two families opened their homes to Dor Hadash members and friends and celebrated Shabbat and Hanukkah December 15. Everyone ate well and had a great time!

GESHER SCHOOL ISRAEL DAY CELEBRATION

 (2017) PURIM CELEBRATION

ANNUAL HAMANTASHEN BAKE (2017)
​Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2017
The Dor Hadash community got together for the 11th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Adults gathered with the rabbi to discuss racial diversity and children learned about not sitting idly by. Everyone sang with Gesher School song leader Hilly Rubin. And everyone helped fill mitzvah bags to distribute to the homeless, filled cosmetic bags and purses to give to the women's shelter, and much more. 

GESHER SHABBAT AND DREIDEL GAME

Children and parents gathered with Gesher School teachers for conversations about the words Nes Gadol Haya Sham, A Great Miracle Happened There. Each group discussed one word (miracles, greatness, history, there/here/locations). Their thoughts are illustrated on each side of the Dreidel.

PRIDE PARADE 2016

Purim Celebration 2016

HAMANTASHEN BAKE (2016)

SHABBAT SAN DIEGO CHALLAH BAKE (2016)

SIMHAT TORAH CELEBRATION—October 5, 2015

Sukkot - October 2, 2015

Gesher Students Learning About Sukkot

Gesher School Opening Day - September 20, 2015
Shabbat by the Bay - July 17, 2015
Pride Parade July 18, 2015

Harriette C. Schapiro Award for Outstanding Service

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Bob Siegel (last year's recipient) presents Shari and John Ciancio with this year's Harriette C. Schapiro Award for Outstanding Service at this year's annual meeting.

Celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut

Gesher School students visited Israel in celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut. They stopped by a Shuk in Tel Aviv and bought items with their Gesher shekels, visited the Dead Sea (where they felt real Dead Sea mud), went to the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem where they wrote prayers and put them in the Wall, ran around an obstacle course, made blue and white jewelry, and decorated a large Israeli flag. Mindy's Daled/Hey class helped host the morning by preparing the Kotel, creating a presentation about Southern Israel and providing brochures and posters of Northern Israel, Tel Aviv, and Haifa.
PURIM 2015