Heidi Gantwerk

Nov 29, 2024 | sdjewishworld.com | Heidi Gantwerk

By Heidi GantwerkHeidi GantwerkSAN DIEGO — When my kids were very young, we had a Thanksgiving tradition (no doubt like so many other American families) of going around the table and saying what we were thankful for. The answers ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous, depending on the age and mood of the three boys. There were eye rolls, groans, occasional middle-school snark, and, more often than not, deeply touching and personal moments where we expressed gratitude for what mattered most.

Oct 7, 2024 | timesofsandiego.com | Heidi Gantwerk

One year ago today, I was on vacation in San Sebastian in Spain, enjoying the first real vacation I had had in more than a year. I woke early to my phone buzzing, over and over again. When I grabbed it, half asleep, I saw the name of my friend Lior Niski, the CEO of the Sha’ar HaNegev Municipality in Israel. For 26 years, Sha’ar HaNegev has been sister city to San Diego’s Jewish Community, and is now an official sister city. Lior was distraught, terrified, in tears. “Ofir (the Mayor) is murdered.

Sep 27, 2024 | sdjewishworld.com | Heidi Gantwerk

By Heidi GantwerkHeidi GantwerkSAN DIEGO — A few weeks ago, I asked people to share with me the moments that have given them hope lately. The responses took my breath away. People sent me artwork, music, poems, song lyrics, essays, videos, deeply personal reflections, and words of gratitude, encouragement and support that lifted my spirits.

Sep 13, 2024 | sdjewishworld.com | Heidi Gantwerk

By Heidi GantwerkHeidi GantwerkSAN DIEGO — A week after October 7th, my family and I went to the wedding of the daughter of some of our closest friends, whom we have known for a quarter of a century. I was exhausted and distracted and not sure I felt ready for such a joyful simcha. Listening to the vows of those two passionate, funny, caring, thoughtful young people as they stood under the chupah began to cut through the fog just a bit. But then the music started, and I found a quiet corner.

Aug 30, 2024 | sdjewishworld.com | Heidi Gantwerk

By Heidi GantwerkHeidi GantwerkSAN DIEGO — Over the past 11 months in these Shabbat messages, I have come back again and again to the light and the dark, the Or v’Choshech. Over the past 329 days, when darkness has been a constant presence, I have made it a practice to search every day for light. It has not always been easy. This week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, presents a related dichotomy: blessings and curses.