News Summary
San Diego will celebrate Jewish pioneer Louis Rose with a new play titled ‘Thorn & Petal’ by Daniel Redman. The production highlights Rose’s contributions to the local Jewish community, focusing on his journey from immigrant to influential community leader. The play spans two decades of Rose’s life, showcasing his relationships and resilience. ‘Thorn & Petal’ is set to be performed at the Trinity Theatre Company, aiming to foster understanding and connection among diverse audiences.
San Diego is set to celebrate the life of Louis Rose, an often-overlooked pioneer in the Jewish community, through a new play titled “Thorn & Petal.” The production, written by Daniel Redman, aims to spotlight the substantial contributions of Rose, who immigrated to the city in 1850 amid the California Gold Rush, establishing himself as a key figure in the nascent Jewish community of San Diego.
Louis Rose, a German Jew, arrived in San Diego shortly after California achieved statehood. Recognized for his leadership, he took on significant roles within local institutions, including serving on the grand jury and as president of the Board of Trustees for the city. His commitment to the Jewish community began with his own home, where high holy day services were held, marking the foundation of what would become a vital community in the region.
In 1861, Rose co-founded Adath Jeshurun, which is recognized as the precursor to Congregation Beth Israel, shaping the early religious landscape for Jews in San Diego. Redman’s play is a tribute to Rose’s legacy, crafted to resonate not only with Jewish audiences but with anyone interested in the stories of immigrants who have shaped their communities.
Redman, who has a personal connection to the subject matter, was motivated to create this play in light of increasing antisemitism and the need to promote positive Jewish narratives. He collaborated with first-time playwright Sean Boyd to bring Rose’s story to life. Central to Redman’s inspiration is the biography of Rose by Donald H. Harrison, titled “Louis Rose: San Diego’s First Jewish Settler and Entrepreneur.” This work provides a rich source of information about Rose’s life and achievements, clarifying his role in the broader tapestry of San Diego’s history.
The narrative of “Thorn & Petal” spans a significant 20-year period of Rose’s life, showcasing his relationships with his two wives and significance within the community, including interactions with prominent local figures such as San Diego’s Mayor Joshua Bean. Through this portrayal, Redman underscores how Rose’s experiences, while unique, echo the broader immigrant experience—a journey marked by overcoming challenges and forging communal ties.
Redman hopes that the play fosters understanding and connection among audiences of various backgrounds, emphasizing shared humanity. With a focus on relatable themes, he aspires to create a production that not only educates but also entertains and inspires reflection on the diverse narratives that contribute to the fabric of society.
“Thorn & Petal” is scheduled to be performed from September 12 through September 21 at the Trinity Theatre Company in Mission Valley. This performance represents a significant opportunity to revisit the history of Louis Rose and the early Jewish presence in San Diego, promoting appreciation for the community’s rich heritage.
As the play approaches its opening, it stands as a reminder of the essential stories that continue to shape San Diego’s diverse population. By illuminating the life of Louis Rose, “Thorn & Petal” not only celebrates a pioneer but also connects audiences with the enduring legacy of resilience found within the immigrant experience.
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HERE Resources
Interactive Play ‘Thorn & Petal’ to Debut in San Diego
Additional Resources
- San Diego Jewish World: Jewish Trivia Quiz
- San Diego Union-Tribune: JFest 2025 Kickoff
- San Diego Jewish World: Facetious Jewish History Book
- Fox 5 San Diego: Digitizing Jewish History
- San Diego Jewish World: Syrian Jewish History Celebration
- Wikipedia: Jewish History
- Google Search: Jewish History
- Google Scholar: Jewish Immigration San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jewish History
- Google News: San Diego Jewish Community
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
