Tuesday, November 3rd | Tuesday, December 1st
Tuesday, January 19th | Tuesday, February 16th
All events will be hosted at Tifereth Israel Synagogue beginning at 10:30 a.m.
East County Lecture Series
Sponsored by Judith and William and Friedel
Tifereth Israel is again honored to host another season of insightful and dynamic lectures delivered by the best and brightest of San Diego. This year’s series, generously underwritten by TIS members Judith and William Friedel, will feature a host of local educators speaking on topics such as the early days of film, interfaith friendships in today’s political climate, San Diego’s rich Jewish history and so much more. Don’t miss this exciting series as we embark on a Jewish educational adventure.
Learn more about The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture’s 2026-2027 season.
Learn about our lecture topics and RSVP below.
Beyond Hate: The Story of a Recovering Skinhead
Featuring Frank Meeink
Tuesday, November 3rd, 10:30 a.m.
In this lecture, Frank Meeink shares his extraordinary journey from violent neo-Nazi skinhead to activist, recovery advocate, and devoted Jew. After incarceration prompted him to question the hatred he once embraced, Frank began a lifelong transformation that led him to Judaism and a deeper understanding of the inherent worth of every human life. Today, he confronts extremism and systemic racism through education, advocacy, and community engagement, offering a powerful testament to accountability, redemption, and change.
A Heritage of Sound: An Interactive Listening Session
Featuring Anthony Russell
Tuesday, December 1st, 10:30 a.m.
What sounds, rhythms, and voices laid the groundwork for the music we identify today as Black music and Jewish music respectively? This interactive session will be a sonic survey exploring the parallel soundscapes of roots music from African and Jewish diasporas, featuring a collection of archival recordings, as well as examples performed by Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell.
The Jewish Community of Iran
Featuring Dr. Sharon Nazarian
Tuesday, January 19th, 10:30 a.m.
Details will be shared soon.
The Legacy of Holocaust Medical Research
Featuring Dr. Seth Krosner
Tuesday, February 16th, 10:30 a.m.
Details will be shared soon.
Frank Meeink:
Frank Meeink is an activist, author, recovery advocate, and former neo-Nazi whose extraordinary journey from extremism to empathy has shaped his life’s work. After becoming deeply involved in the white supremacist movement as a teenager, Frank began questioning his beliefs while incarcerated. Following his release, a relationship with a Jewish employer became a pivotal part of his transformation. He went on to co-found Harmony Through Hockey and Life After Hate, a national nonprofit helping individuals disengage from violent extremist movements. The author of Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead, Frank has spoken widely about radicalization, racism, recovery, and redemption. His journey ultimately led him to Judaism, where he found a spiritual framework grounded in discernment, education, and humility. He is currently pursuing certification as a Jewish chaplain.
Anthony Russell:
Anthony Russell is a multidisciplinary artist working in the medium of Yiddish language and culture. An alumnus of Wallis Annenberg Helix, Hadar Rising Song, American Jewish University Public, and Mandel Institute Cultural Leader fellowships and the inaugural Mitchell J. Gerstein Distinguished Visiting Artist in Residence at the University of Toronto, Anthony has expanded his work into cultural activism through collaboration with the Workers Circle and as an essayist in a number of publications including The Forward, Tablet, and Jewish Currents. Anthony lives in San Diego, CA with his husband of ten years, Rabbi Michael Rothbaum.
Dr. Sharon Nazarian:
Dr. Sharon S. Nazarian is an Iranian-born American and President of the Younes & Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation, based in Los Angeles, with a regional office in Israel, the Ima Foundation. She is Founder and Chair of the Advisory Board of the Younes & Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies at UCLA. From 2017 to 2022, Sharon served as Senior Vice President of International Affairs at the Anti-Defamation League, leading its global work combating antisemitism and racial hatred. She now serves as Vice Chair of ADL’s National Board of Directors. Sharon serves on the boards of Haifa University, the Israel Democracy Institute, Skirball Cultural Center, and Freedom House, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She is also an integral member of Nazarian Enterprises, a family investment office.
Dr. Seth Krosner:
Dr. Seth Krosner is a trauma and critical care surgeon at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego. He earned his BA in medical sociology from Cornell University and his MD from the University of Illinois, completing surgical training at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Oxford. A longtime leader in the San Diego Jewish community, Seth is a past president of Tifereth Israel Synagogue and previously served as president of the Agency for Jewish Education and the Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family JCC. He has also served on the board of the Jewish Federation of San Diego and is currently a member of its board. Deeply committed to Jewish education, inclusion, and community life, Seth is a Wexner Heritage alumnus and has chaired J-Pride, supporting San Diego’s Jewish LGBTQ+ community.