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Articles by Jason Nevarez
Opinion: San Diego must reject the demonization of Jews in politics
A display set up by Students Supporting Israel on the San Diego State University campus in 2026. (File photo by Peter Herman/Special to Times of San diego) California has an antisemitism problem. In 2025, the California Department of Justice recorded 289 anti-Jewish hate-crime events. Although that represented a modest decline from the previous year, Jews remained the targets of nearly 74% of all religion-based hate crimes in our state.
Lesley Mills to retire next year as executive director of CBI
By Rabbi Jason Nevarez and Robyn Spiegel in San Diego Rabbi Jason Nevarez (Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly) Robyn Spiegel (Photo: CBI Website) It is with both deep gratitude and mixed emotions that we share that Lesley Mills will retire as Executive Director on June 30, 2027, concluding more than 20 years of extraordinary service to Congregation Beth Israel. Lesley Mills (Photo: CBI Website) For over two decades, Lesley has been a beloved member of our staff and congregational family.
Israel’s changed paradigm
By Rabbi Jason Nevarez in San Diego Rabbi Jason Nevarez (Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly) I grew up with an image of Israel that felt almost aspirational – an Israel trying, with real effort and intention, to be recognized and accepted, to carve out legitimacy in a very rough neighborhood. An Israel that believed, or at least hoped, that if it showed enough restraint, enough openness, enough willingness to engage, it might not only survive – but be understood.
Passover brings with it the necessity of fighting antisemitism
By Rabbi Jason Nevarez in San Diego Times of San Diego Rabbi Jason Nevarez (Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly) As Jews around the world gather for Passover, we retell the story of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. It is a story that is both ancient and timely, about liberation, dignity and the responsibility to confront tyranny when we see it. That responsibility calls us to action.
Opinion: Amid new antisemitism, San Diego must remain true to its values
In crowded City Council chambers, residents express opinions for and against an antisemitism resolution. (File photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) As Jews around the world gather for Passover, we retell the story of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. It is a story that is both ancient and timely, about liberation, dignity and the responsibility to confront tyranny when we see it. That responsibility calls us to action.
More suggested questions for discussion at your seders
By Rabbi Jason Nevarez in San Diego Rabbi Jason Nevarez (Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly) As we gather at our Seder tables this year, we carry both the weight of this moment and the power of our story. In a time of war, rising antisemitism, and deep uncertainty, we cannot ignore what is broken in our world. And still – we gather and tell the story of freedom.
Open Letter from the San Diego Board of Rabbis and Cantors
By Rabbi Jason Nevarez Rabbi Jason Nevarez (Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly) SAN DIEGO — As we enter Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend – a sacred moment in our civic calendar dedicated to justice, courage, and moral imagination – we do so carrying deep sadness, disappointment, and anger.
Israel-Gaza Fitting Topic for Mournful Reflection over Tisha B'Av
By Rabbi Jason Nevarez Rabbi Jason Nevarez (Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly) SAN DIEGO — Last week, I gathered with fellow faith leaders from around the country—Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists—for an inaugural and powerful retreat. It was a space of reflection, renewal, and deep listening across traditions – lessons that will stay with me and I will continue to amplify.
Opinion: Hamas attack reshaped the Jewish community in San Diego and beyond
The horrific warfare that has enveloped the Middle East for the past 20 months has been a source of heartache for Israelis, Palestinians and so many others caught in the crossfire. While war always brings devastation and trauma, unexpectedly, this war has also provided clarity.
Israel-Iran War, Antisemitism in U.S., Transform Jewish Community Attitudes
By Rabbi Jason Nevarez Rabbi Jason Nevarez (Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly) SAN DIEGO — As with many of you, I’ve been following the unfolding situation closely, speaking with loved ones in Israel (including those from our community), and reflecting not only on the war itself but on a deeper shift happening in Israel and across the [Jewish] world. Since October 7th, Israel has undergone a transformation.
Opinion: Hamas’ return of hostages’ bodies haunts me. Speak out to honor their memory.
I’ll never forget the morning of Oct. 7, 2023. As I felt the joy we had just experienced dancing with the Torahs on Sabbath evening in celebration of the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, I learned of the unimaginable Hamas attacks on Israel. The brutality and personal nature of the violence committed against Israeli civilians was intense enough to impact anyone who watched the many videos that the terrorists circulated. For me, as a Jew, this was intensely personal.
Rabbi Calls for a Commitment to Civility as Election 2024 Concludes
By Rabbi Jason Nevarez Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Jason Nevarez (Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly) SAN DIEGO — On this Election Day eve, we find ourselves at the crossroads of civic responsibility and the values we hold dear as a Jewish community. Our tradition teaches that every act has the power to make a difference, and voting is no exception.
Opinion: Moral Clarity Is in Short Supply for Innocent Israelis and Palestinians
On Saturday, Oct. 7, I lost a friend — a man of peace, a visionary who believed that life between Israelis and Palestinians living in Gaza could be improved. His name was Ofir Libstein. He lived on Kibbutz K’far Aza, and served as the Mayor of the beautiful, idyllic region of Sha’ar HaNegev, the vibrant community which turned into the epicenter of the massacre that occurred on that tragic day in Israel.
Non-Jews Should Condemn Outbreak of Antisemitism
By Rabbi Jason Nevarez Times of San Diego Rabbi Jason Nevarez (Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly) SAN DIEGO — One Wednesday morning, my son walked into his social studies class, only to find a large swastika drawn in thick black ink on his desk. His teacher immediately responded to the incident, which was quickly added to the growing list of antisemitic incidents throughout the district in those weeks and months.
A city on fire still radiates hope
Two weeks ago, I witnessed something powerful: scores of young teens (male and female) leading us through Shabbat morning prayers. A young woman, all of 14-years-old, readies herself in the chanting of the week’s Torah portion, surrounded by nearly 900 campers and staff at URJ Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, MA. Her beautiful chanting captured the spirit of the words she read. She was followed by three other teens (male and female) that made us all proud in their learning and proficiency.
A Letter to Our Children on Election Night
Before you were born, the excitement of pending parenthood and preparation for infancy were the focus - writing birth plans and researching bottles. We were dedicated to creating a home steeped in our [Jewish] values, but didn’t yet know what that would look like beyond Shabbat dinners and Shema at bedtime. We rejoiced when we celebrated our first Shabbat with each of you. The picture of Daddy with his hands out to bless you will forever be burned in our memories.
In Uganda, Abayudaya Jews Fight for Survival- One Well at a Time
As Jews around the world celebrate the restarting of the Torah, among them is probably the world’s newest, and unlikeliest, group of Jews. The Abayudaya are converts twice over – once converted to Christianity by British missionaries in the late 1800s and again to Judaism in the early 1900s when their leader, inspired by the Torah and unhappy with British colonial governance, founded this indigenous Jewish community in of all places, remote Uganda.
What I witnessed in Berlin last week
I just returned from what used to be a City Hall on the outskirts of Berlin, now home to 1,200 refugees sharing 60 toilets and 30 showers. I joined sixteen rabbinic colleagues from across the U.S. on a critical mission: to deepen my understanding of the Syrian refugee crisis in order to educate my congregants and community, and share in ways we can respond. That weathered old German fortress is just one of many “temporary” shelters where masses of people are trapped between worlds.
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