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About Rabbi Aaron Gold
-1987-
August 20, 1987—
"Ceremonies Mark Rabbi Gold's 13th Year at Tifereth Israel," San Diego Jewish Times, p.18:  On Friday evening, Aug. 28, and Saturday morning, Aug. 29, Rabbi Aaron Gold of Tifereth Israel Synagogue will temporarily relinquish his pulpit and go through the Bar Mitzvah ceremonies that we normally associate with 13-year-old boys.  Instead of a 13th birthday, rabbi Gold will be celebrating a 13th anniversary; it was in summer of 1974 that he was named as rabbi of Tifereth Israel Synagogue.  Assuming Rabbi Gold's traditional place at the pulpit will be Rabbi Jacob Pressman, the rabbi emeritus of Temple Beth Am of Los Angeles, who now serves as assistant to the chancellor at the University of Judaism. The special ceremonies are in keeping with rabbi Gold's belief that opportunities should be created for adults to rededicate themselves to Judaism. He has suggested that adults should go through ceremonies similar to Bar Mitzvah every 13 years, on birthdays when they are 26, 39, 52, 65 and so on.  On Sunday, Aug. 30, the congregation of Tifereth Israel has planned a reception for Rabbi Gold in the synagogue's social hall.  For information, call the synagogue office at 697-6001.

November 26, 1987 -- "Bishop Maher Speaks at Tifereth Israel," San Diego
Jewish Times, p. 2.  Unity, friendship and love, between Jews and Catholics, and forgiveness about the past was the plea made by the Most Rev. Leo T. Maher, leader of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, on Oct. 28 a Tifereth Israel Synagogue.  Reverend Maher, speaking before a crowd of about 350, stressed that “mutual collaboration in many ways attests to the fact that Jews and Catholics can and do work together for the benefit of the human family.”  The ecounter, one of the first ever between a Catholic leader and the Jewish community, was sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League and the San Diego Diocese. Joseph J. Fisch, ADL chairman of the board, stressed that the meeting is, and will be part of an ongoing process and that no one “should realistically expect changes quickly.”…. Rabbi Aaron gold spoke similarly, noting that both the Catholic and Jewish communities realize that discussion not agitation is the key.  “We’re sharing because of caring,” Rabbi Gold said. “We care about continuing dialogue and the educational process of support.”…..

December 24, 1987 – “American Nazi Skinheads in San Diego?” San Diego Jewish Times, p. 3:  “A bunch of cowardly bastards who sneak in the night.” That’s the way Anti-Defamation League Director Morris Casuto described those responsible for defacing signs at Temple Emanu-El and Tifereth Israel Synagogue with swastikas.  The vandalism occurred last Shabbat December 5. A swastika and “Go home Commie Jew” was sprayed on the San Diego Jewish Times building about the same time.  Casuto, who has a reputation as an eloquent and moderate spokesman, was clearly angered by the attacks. He speculated that so-called skjinheads may have been responsible as a way of drawing attention and prestige to themselves…Rabbi Martin S. Lawson of temple Emanu-El indicated that the Jewish community should be made aare of the incidents, but did not want general media coverage.  The temple’s sign, which related to the congregaton’s expansion, was removed the next day.  Evidence of the damage at Tifereth Israel and the Jewish Times was not visible by the end of the weekend.  “It’s really dismaying that there could be such crazies loose here,” sighed Rabbi Aaron Gold, spiritual leder of Tifereth Israel.  “It could be the work of vicious murderers like the skinheads or…jut kids,:” he continued….

-1988-
August 4, 1988--"Tifereth Israel Welcomes Rabbi Rosenthal," San Diego Jewish Times, p. 12: Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal has been appointed associate rabbi of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Rosenthal was formally inducted by Tifereth Israel’s senior rabbi, Dr. Aaron S. Gold, at the Friday evening services on July 15. Rabbi Rosenthal, a native of California, served as acting rabbi for three years at Temple Beth Israel in Maywood, New Jersey, while he was a student at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.  He was called to his first pulpit in Tampa, Florida, by Congregation Kol Ami. Rabbi Rosenthal explains, “The reluctant decision to leave Tampa was my own. Judy’s and my family live in California, and we decided that having our children grow up with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins was the overriding concern in our lives.”  He was appointed rabbi of Temple Sharon in Costa Mesa and director of the Jewish Studies Institute Day School in Anaheim.  Ralph Barnes, president of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, notes, “Our congregation, now well over 700 families strong, has for some time expressed a need for an associate rabbi to cope with the demands for spiritual guidance from an ever growing congregation. Rabbi Rosenthal with his background and experience will be  a tremendous asset to Tifereth Israel. With the example of his own young family of three children, we look to him to be an inspiration for the young marrieds in the San Diego community.  We expect that many of those unaffiliated younger people in the community will want to participate in the many exciting activities planned by Rabbis Gold and Rosenthal.”

-1990-


Jeanne & Rabbi Aaron Gold
at celebration of the 50th wedding
anniversary celebration of her parents, Jule & Esther Weissbuch.

-1992-
November 18, 1992—Eulogy for Irving A. Goodman delivered by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal

-2000-
August 2000Eulogy by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal for Lillian Weiss (November 29, 1910-August 12, 2000)


-2001-
April 4, 2001
—Donald H. Harrison, "The Golden Years: Life and Times of Rabbi Aaron Gold," San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage, http://www.jewishsightseeing.com/usa/california/san_diego/tifereth_israel_synagogue/sd4-6aaron_gold.htm

April 20, 2001—Donald H. Harrison, "Just like Gold times: The rabbi who couldn't stay retired," San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage, http://www.jewishsightseeing.com/usa/california/san_diego/tifereth_israel_synagogue/sd4-20gold_times.htm

April 13, 2001—Donald H. Harrison, "The Golden Touch: Rabbi Aaron Gold's western exodus continues, from Las Vegas to San Diego," San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage, http://www.jewishsightseeing.com/usa/california/san_diego/tifereth_israel_synagogue/sd4-13aaron_gold,_part_II.htm

June 13, 2001—
Rabbi Aaron S. Gold dies in the hospital, a Wednesday

June 2001Eulogy by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal for Rabbi Aaron Gold

June 22, 2001—Donald H. Harrison, "Final Moments with a Friend," San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage, http://www.jewishsightseeing.com/usa/california/san_diego_county/la_mesa/grossmont_hospital/sd6-22-01gold_death.htm

July 2001—Msgr. Denis L. Mikulanis, "Eulogy for Rabbi Aaron Gold," The Shofar (monthly newsletter of Tifereth Israel Synagogue)
July 2001—Ralph and Marian Barnes, "Remembrance of Rabbi Aaron Gold" The Shofar (monthly newsletter of Tifereth Israel Synagogue)


July 

July 19, 2001—Rabbi Wayne Dosick, "As Good as Gold," San Diego Jewish Times, page 3

-2003-

2003-01-10 Donald H. Harrison, "From bar mitzvah dad to publisher," San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage

June 20, 2003—Donald H. Harrison, "Memories of San Diego's Jewish Trailblazers Are Preserved at San Diego State University," San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage, http://www.jewishsightseeing.com/usa/california/san_diego/san_diego_state_university/2003-06-20-sdsu-jewish-archives.htm

-2005-
September 2005—
Tifereth Israel Synagogue, "Rabbi Aaron S. Gold Institute of Jewish Studies," Course Catalog 5766, 2005-2006, page 1 (inside): Fall Courses: Just in time for the Holidays, Crash Course in Hebrew Reading: Lost at services? Can't tell an alef from a bet? Then this crash course in Hebrew reading is just for you! In three short sessions you will learn the basics to deciphering the prayer book.  Dates & times, Sundays, September 25—October 9, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.  Fees: There is no charge for this class. Instructor: Dr. Zev Bar-Lev.  Mini Course: Exploring Jewish Prayer-The Shabbat Morning Service: If you feel lost during services, this is the course for you! In this course we will reveiw the structure and meaning of the Shabbat morning service, and study selected prayers in depth. Ability to read Hebrew is helpful, but not necessary. Date & Times: Sundays, October 16-Deceember 11, 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. (No class November 13 or 27).  Fees $35 (members) or $40 (non-members), including books: Mini-Course: What's It All Say - Hebrew "Key-Letters" Have you ever wanted to know what Hebrew words actually mean? In this mini-course you will learn to understand verses from the prayer book and Bible, learning Hebrew vocabulary with the help of Dr. Zev Bar-Lev's "key-leter system." (Rooted in Kabbalah, it is taught at three universities.) Vocabulary in Hebrew can be unbelievably easy to understand if you have the "key." The meanings of just fourteen Hebrew letters can help you figure out and remember the meanings of most Hebrew roots and words. (No prerequisites required. All you need to know for this mini-course is the alphabet.) Date & times: Sundays, October 16-December 11, 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. (No class November 13 or 27). Fees $20. (members) or $25 (non-members), plus books. Instructor. Dr. Zev Bar-Lev. Spring Courses: Torah Chanting for the Musically Challenged, Back by popular demand! Even if you don't have any musical ability, you can learn to chant Torah fairly easily. This innovative approach, specially recommended for adults, bypasses many of the musical and linguistic difficulties of the traditional approach. Date & times: Sundays, January 22-April 9, 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon (No class February 19 or March 19). Fees: $20 (members) or $25 (non-members) plus books. Instructor: Dr. Zev Bar-Lev.  Mini Course: The Wisdom of the Fathers: Pirkei Avot: "If I am not for myself who will be for me? If I am only for myself, then what am I? If not now, when? These well known words of Rabbi Hillel come from the section of the mishne known as Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers. Pirkei Avot contains the timeless wisdom and ethical teachings of Jewish sages. we will study selections from Pirkei Avot, analyze the principles and values they teach, and learn how this ancient wisdom can help us negotiate through treacherous times and solve contemporary issues. Dates & times: Sundays, January 22-April 9, 9:30 to 10:40 a.m..  Fees $20 (members) or $25 (non-members) plus books.  Instructor: Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal.  Reading Hebrew: This Hebrew reading instruction course will focus on expressions and words found in the prayer book and the Bible.  (This course is a mandatory component of the Basic Judaism course listed (below). There is no additional fee for Basic Judaism students.) Dates & times: Sunday, January 8-April 9, 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. (No class January 15 or February 19).  Fees: $20 (members) or $25 (non-members), plus books: Instructor: Dr. Zev-Bar-Lev.  Year Long Courses Basic Judaism: This course explains Jewish concepts, values and rituals. It provides a good review of subjects learned in Torah School on an adult level, and is a required course for conversion to Judaism. A mandatory Hebrew Literacy component of this course is scheduled for January---see "Reading Hebrew" (above). Dates & times, Sundays, September 18-April 9, 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon (No class October 9, November 13 &27, December 25, January 1 & 15, or February 19) Fees $40 (members) or $124 (non-members), plus books. Instructor: Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal. Adult B'nai Mitzvah Even though not everyone becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah when they reach the age of 13, many Jews feel something missing from their lives if they do not participate in this coming of age ceremony. Fortunately, it is never too late to celebrate becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah! Students will learn to chant from the Torah and Haftarah, and to led the service. The year will culminate at a moving and inspirational Adult B'nai Mitzvah service on June 24, 2006. (Please note: Adult B'nai Mitzvah students must be simultaneously enrolled in, or have previously completed, Rabbi Rosenthal's Basic Judaism class.  The class is open to TIS members only.)  Dates & Times: To be determined at the mutual convenience of the students and instructor.  Fees: $118. Instructor: Becky Bar-Lev.

October 2005—
Chevrat Bonim," The Shofar (monthly newsletter of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, San Diego), page 7: The Chevrat Bonim (TIS' Legacy Society) inaugural party on September 11th at the (Leslie and Jacob) Bercovitz home was a lovely event honoring those who have pledged to leave a bequest to Tifereth Israel or have set up endowments for the synagogue. Sylvia Hartman, a member of TICO (Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra), played beautiful harp and piano pieces while guests visited and enjoyed the view of El Cajon from the Bercovitz' patio.  We honor those who are leaving a legacy to TIS either by pledging a bequest or by giving an endowment. (Endowment donors are bold).  Irvin (z"l) and Ruth Belenzon, Jacob and Leslie Bercovitz, Scott and Karen Blumen, Dr. Ira and Sharon Braverman, Theodore and Ella Cashuk, Hal and Helen (z"l) Cohen, Dr. Franklin and Jean Gaylis, Kenneth Ginsburg and Bonnie Sowa, Rabbi Aaron (z"l) and Jeanne Gold, Robert and Joan Greenstone, Michael and Maria Herman, Isadore and Betty Horne, Dr. Seth Krosnewr, Sam and Gabrielle Labson, Ira and Susan Lerner, Larry and Marla Lobenstein, Robert Novick, Helen Orin, Abraham (z"l) and Anne Ratner, Rabbi Leonard and Judith Rosenthal, Irving and Gloria Schiffman, Joseph (z"l) and Ellen Strum, Jeffrey and Barbara Wasserstrom, Dr. Marvin and Judith Zaguli.

October 13, 2005—Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Yom Kippur 5766 Donor Booklet: "Endowment & Scholarship Funds," page 2:  We gratefully acknowledge our appreciation to Jeanne Gold for establishing & perpetuating the Rabbi Aaron S. & Jeanne Gold Endowment Fund. ... "Chevrat Bonim, Those who are leaving a legacy to Tifereth Israel Synagogue, either by pledging a bequest or by giving an endowment," page 3:  Jeanne & Rabbi Aaron S. (z"l) Gold.... "Additional Pledges (in alphabetical order), page 8: ...Jeanne Gold, in memory of my Aaron....

October 19, 2005Donald H. Harrison, "The 'Eternal Light' in Poway," San Diego Jewish Times, page 11

October 31, 2005—Visit to Rabbi Dr. Aaron S. Gold's gravesite, Shalom Lawn, Greenwood Cemetery, San Diego:

Gravestone                                                                                                                                  Close-up


November, 2005—
1) "Heard from the Board," The Shofar (newsletter of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, San Diego), pages 5-6:  Excerpts from the minutes of the September 28th meeting of the TIS Board of Directors—The meeting opened up with a focused excercise, led by Board member Jean Gaylis, to examine those features of TIS that make it attractive to both current and new members.  This exercise—called SWOT—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, will continue through additional Board meetings and will form a basis of Board action for medium and long range planning to improve the processes and activities at TIS.  Rabbi Rosenthal suggested that a separate committee be established to follow up on ideas resulting from these discussions...Rabbi Rosenthal announced that Jeanne Gold, widow of our former Rabbi Aaron Gold, was in the process of establishing an endowment fund to provide for funding of future Adult Education programs. Part of the money from this fund may also be used to defray normal congregation operating expenses.

2) "Rabbi Aaron Gold Endowment Fund," The Shofar, page 16: (Donations) -- Jeanne Gold—In memory of Rabi Elazar Gold...

December 2005—1) "Rabbi Aaron S. Gold Institute of Jewish Studies," The Shofar (monthly newsletter of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, San Diego, California), page 9: Torah Chanting for the Musically Challenged—Sundays, January 22nd—April 9th, 10:45 a.m. to 12 noon.  Fees: $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers, plus books. Instructor: Dr. Zev Bar-Lev....The Wisdom of the Fathers: Pirkei Avot: Sundays, January 22nd-April 9th, 9:30 to 10:40 a.m..  Fees $20 for embers and $25 for nonmembers, plus books. Instructor: Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal.  Reading Hebrew—Sundays, January 8th—April 9th, 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.  Fees $20 for members and $25 for non-members, plus books.  Instructor: Dr Zev Bar-Lev.  Please call the synagogue office to register, 619-697-6001.

2)
"High Holy Day Pledges," The Shofar (monthly newsletter of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, San Diego, California), page 14: ...Jeanne Gold—In memory of my Aaron.

-2006-
January 9, 2006—
Jewishsightseeing visit to Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd, San Diego, CA 92119:


 
Rabbi Aaron Gold's portrait hangs on the wall outside the rabbi's office in the administrative wing of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd,  San Diego.

2006-01-14—Donald H. Harrison, "Levens saga recalled during nostalgic Shabbat program at Tifereth Israel Synagogue," Jewishsightseeing.com

February 2006—1) "A Home for the 21st Century," The Shofar (monthly bulletin of Tifereth Israel Synagogue) page 1: Following Shabbat services on Friday, February 24th Past President Ralph Barnes will give the third and final Centennial Lecture. This will cover the period of Tifereth Israel's tenure at Cowles Mountain Boulevard and will include the ministerial lives of Rabbis Aaron Gold and Leonard Rosenthal at Tifereth. The congregation is invited to an extended oneg after the lecture, graciously donated by Sisterhood.

2) "Charter Members of Chevrat Bonim," The Shofar, page 8:  Those who are leaving a legacy to Tifereth Israel Synagogue, either by pledging a bequest or by giving an endowment:  Ruth & Irvin (z"l) Belenzon; Leslie & Jacob Bercovitz; Karen & Scott Blumen; Sharon & Dr. Ira Braverman; Ella & Theodre Cashuk; Helen (z"l) & Hal Cohen; Jean & Dr. Franklin Gaylis; Bonnie Sowa & Kenneth Ginsburg; Jeanne & Rabbi Aaron S. (z"l) Gold; Joan & Robert Greenstone; Maria & Michael Herman; Betty & Isadore Horne; Harriet & Errol Kader; Dr. Seth Krosner; Gabriella & Sam Labson; Susan & Ira Lerner; Marla & Larry Lobenstein; Silva Missler (z"l); Loretta & Dr. Martin Nosan; Bob Novick; Helen Orin; Anne & Abraham (z"l) Ratner; Judith & Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal; Gloria & Irving Schiffman; Ellen & Joseph (z"l) Strum; Barbara & Dr. Jeffrey Wasserstrom; Judith & Dr. Marvin Zaguli.

2006-06-20Donald H. Harrison, "In memorium: The late U.S. Senator Chic Hecht was key player in Soviet refusenik exodus," jewishsightseeing.com