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PUBLISHED SINCE 1947 BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER LONG BEACH AND WEST ORANGE COUNTY
DAY 41 Community
Special Town Hall Meeting
Hon. David Siegel
Consul General of Israel, Los Angeles
Wednesday February 10, 2016
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jewishlongbeach.org | 562.426.7601
INSIDE
Combating Israel Delegitimization Efforts
Alpert JCC Around the J
FEBRUARY 2016 | 5776 | SHEVAT-ADAR | VOL.68-NO.6
FEATURE STORY
Combating Israel Delegitimization Efforts Deborah K. Goldfarb Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation
am often asked what the Federation is doing to rebuff the ongoing efforts of many organizations and campus groups to delegitimize Israel. Our partner in this effort, The Israel Action Network (IAN), a strategic initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America, is funded in part each year by our local Federation Annual Community Campaign. According to IAN, defining and confronting delegitimization — which at bottom is an effort to isolate Israel from the family of nations — is an often difficult task; it occurs on many stages, with many voices and utilizes various tactics, ranging from economic sanctions, including efforts to boycott Israeli products, to negative messaging campaigns, such as equating Israel with apartheid South Africa. These attacks are often referred to as BDS, or Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions.
and security for two states for two peoples. Their work on our behalf is grounded in building strong relationships with people of faith, human rights advocates, political and civic leaders, and friends and neighbors in our communities. With the help of these allies, we are developing a broader understanding of Israel and Israelis and are working together to address these issues. The collective ability of 151 partner Jewish Federations and over 300 small non-federated communities, along with partner agency the Jewish Council for Public Affair’s (JCPA) 14 national member agencies and 125 local community relations committees/councils, is central to altering this trend. IAN Accomplishments Since its creation in 2010, IAN has organized a network of communities across North America on many milestone efforts and has developed successful campaigns that provide models for countering anti-Israel activity such as: • Collecting 107,000 petition signatures
in opposition to the Palestinian Unilateral Declaration of Independence delivered to UN country leaders in the fall of 2011.
• Helping to mobilize the Jewish commu-
nity response to anti-Israel efforts at the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2012.
Most recently, on December 16, 2015 IAN helped coordinate efforts to work with United Auto Workers (UAW) International Union by which the union granted an appeal filed by a member of the University of California student group Informed Grads, thereby striking down We are all familiar with these types of efforts that have taken part on our college campuses throughout California. While we are lucky that our local California State Long Beach campus has been relatively quiet, these anti-Israel voices exist there too. Our Long Beach Hillel led by Executive Director Rachel Kaplan, has ongoing programs to support Jewish students, and educate all students about Israel and the challenges the Jewish nation faces. Our partner, IAN, and many other national organizations provide support to campus groups. As Israel today faces an intensive and increasingly sophisticated assault on its right to exist as a sovereign democratic Jewish state, this is very important work. The IAN was created to educate, organize and mobilize the organized North American Jewish community to develop strategic approaches to countering these assaults and develop innovative efforts to change the conversation about Israel and achieving peace 2 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | SHEVAT-ADAR |
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a Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) resolution adopted by UAW Local 2865 last year. UAW International, the body that oversees all UAW locals in the United States, set national precedent by denying the local organization the right to adopt such a divisive and alienating measure. On Tuesday, January 12, 2016, the pension arm of the United Methodist Church (UMC) placed an Israeli military electronics company and five Israeli banks on its list of companies in which it will not invest, selling a small stake in them. Previously delegates to the Methodist General Conference had successfully defeated efforts to delegitimize Israel, so this is a watershed moment. It appears to be the first time that the pension fund of a large American church has taken such steps regarding Israeli banks. In the coming months, Jewish groups will mobilize to engage Methodists to challenge this action and any further efforts to impose economic sanctions on Israel. Local Israel Education Activities Here in Long Beach, the Federation sponsors Israel Education activities, and participates in advocacy efforts. Our major event this spring will be our Town Hall meeting with the Honorable David Siegel, Consul General of Israel (see ad on page 16). The event will be not only an opportunity for the Jewish Community to hear the Consul, but also an opportunity for us to join in dialogue with general community members about the challenges and opportunities facing Israel and the Middle East today. Admission is free, but RSVP is required for security purposes. RSVP at events@jewishlongbeach.org, or by calling 562-426-7601, extension 1314.
Published since 1947 by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County
Hank Feldman JEWISH FEDERATION PRESIDENT
Contents 4
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Above & Beyond Men’s Philanthropy Annual Community Campaign Event
Rick Freeman JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
Deborah Goldfarb CEO
Danny Levy DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
King Chan MARKETING COORDINATOR
Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus 3801 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90815-1791 562-426-7601 FAX 562-424-3915 www.jewishlongbeach.org
Around the “J” February Events at the Alpert Jewish Community Center
L’Dor v’Dor: From Generation to Generation By Sharon Kenigsberg, Director of Endowments & Community Development
INSIDE THE CHRONICLE
The Jewish Community
Consul General of Israel David Siegel Free Town Hall Meeting
Jewish Community Partnership Corporate Partners
PUBLICATION & ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT 562-426-7601 EXT 1007 chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINE First Wednesday of the month: March 2016 deadline: February 3rd ISSN# 1525- 6847
_____________________ Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Member
Shabbat Candlelighting
February 5
5:09 pm
February 12 5:16 pm
Craig Kain, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist (Psy 14664)
February 19 5:22 pm February 26 5:29 pm
Cover Image Alley in the Old City of Jerusalem
Become a Corporate Partner Today. Contact The Jewish Community Partnership at 562-426-7601 ext. 1007. For more information about our Corporate Partners, visit www.jewishlongbeach.org/sponsors
The appearance of product or establishment advertising in the Jewish Community Chronicle does not constitute an endorsement of kashruth. Opinions printed in the Jewish Community Chronicle do not necessarily reflect those of the Jewish Federation. The publication of a paid political advertisement does not constitute endorsement of any candidate, political party or political position by the Jewish Federation or any employee.
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A Supercharged Evening Honoring Men Who Have Gone Above & Beyond By Danny Levy, Director of Development
2016 HONOREES Men in our Community who have gone above and beyond.
Michael Rosen Alpert Jewish Community Center
DAY 49
100 Days of IMPACT On Thursday, February 18 the Jewish Federation Men’s Philanthropy division will host the third Above & Beyond event benefiting the Federation’s 2016/5776 Annual Community Campaign. The evening will honor men from local Jewish organizations for their outstanding contributions while bringing together men from across our community. This year we are lucky enough to see a wonderful private car museum with a collection of assorted hot rods, Willy’s, etc. This collection is vast and not open to the public. The location is different from our first event two years ago. The Men’s Philanthropy division provides a way for men from all areas of our community to join together
to support the goals of the Jewish Federation locally, in Israel, and around the world. All are welcome to join. In addition to honoring the Honorees we will hear some poignant words from Gene Lentzner. “The Federation’s work in the Annual Community Campaign is incredibly important and this night will give many the opportunity to support the work of the Jewish Community Partnership agencies,” states Daryl Phillips, Men’s Philanthropy Chair for the Federation. “Last year’s inaugural Above & Beyond event was very successful. I’m very excited that men are participating to ensure the future of our Jewish community.” The evening is open to all men and benefits the
Jewish Community Partnership Agencies and our local synagogues. Admission is only $54, which includes entrance to the car collection, heavy appetizers and two drink tickets. Attendees are asked to make a minimum suggested pledge to the 2016/5776 Annual Community Campaign of $180, full time students $10 to attend the event. You have until December 31, 2016 to pay your pledge. If you have already made your 2016/5776 gift, you will only have to pay the admission. Please make an RSVP at jewishlongbeach.org/ above&beyond, or events@ jewishlongbeach.org, or call 562.426.7601 ext. 1417. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Federation Out on The Town PJ Library Tot Shabbat
Alpert New Leaders Party
General Assembly in D.C.
Neil Wasserman Hillel Art Miller Jewish Community Foundation Rob Feldman Jewish Family & Children’s Service Craig Kain Jewish Federation David Cymberg Shul by the Shore Jeff LeBoff Temple Beth David David Yungman Temple Beth Ohr Stuart Simon Temple Beth Shalom Bill Shafton Temple Israel Yosi Cohen The Hebrew Academy
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L’Dor v’Dor: From Generation to Generation By By Sharon Kenigsberg, Director of Endowments & Community Development
From Generation to Generation, is a concept that appears throughout our Jewish tradition. We have survived as a people because we have continued to pass down the education and values from one generation to the next. At many Bar and Bat Mitzvah services, we literally pass the Torah down from grandparents to parents to children. In communal work we pass down our experiences and values as well. The Jewish Community cannot survive into the future without the cultivation and training of the next generation of leaders. Gene and Ann Lentzner feel strongly about passing the torch to a new generation and will provide funds specifically to mentor future Federation Leaders through the creation of The Lentzner Fellows Program. Gene states, “L’dor v’dor is so important. I believe that while you are here you should give and participate to the best of your abilities. However, it is also an obligation to ensure that what you have done in your lifetime continues.” Bequests and other legacy gifts enable the community to get through hard times and in good times these gifts enable us to further strengthen our institutions.” Ann added, “We have been in this wonderful community a long time. We are glad that we can in some way ensure that the community will continue in good hands into the future”. Gene, who is a past president of both the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation, was
endowed their annual gifts to the Federation. Also, along with Judi & Gordon Lentzner, they have endowed the Federation Major Gifts Event. Gene and Ann feel strongly that each person should do what they can to leave something for the future. All of us regardless of age, wealth or affiliation, have the ability to make a difference for future generations. There are numerous ways to leave your own personal Jewish legacy. For more information, please contact Sharon Kenigsberg at (562) 426-7601 ext. 1008.
at some meetings where he learned that due to the passing of the older generation, many major gifts have been lost and there was nothing in sight to replace them. He and Ann felt they needed to do something specifically to mentor Federation leaders and have them understand the full range of what it takes to run a community. Ray, of blessed memory, and Barbara Alpert several years ago established the Alpert New Leaders Forum to educate leaders for all of our community agencies. The Lentzner Fellows Program will focus specifically on mentoring young people to serve effectively on the Federation and Foundation boards. The program will be by invitation only and will require a multi-year commitment. Potential candidates will be considered from among the alumni of the Alpert New Leaders Forum
For over 40 years the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach and West Orange County has been partnering with donors and community organizations to help them meet their individual philanthropic goals while ensuring the future of the vibrant network of programs and services provided by our communal agencies. We offer professional investment management, a variety of Endowment Fund options, a Donor Advised Philanthropic Fund program, and pride ourselves on the ability to help each individual donor leave a personal legacy.
and individuals who have by the best speakers and already shown leadership leaders in the area; be potential in the community. given the opportunity to attend the General Assembly What does it take to be a so they understand the good Federation Leader? work of Federation; and in Gene has been involved in some cases be sent to Israel leadership in both the Jewish so that they understand and secular communities and who we are as a People. mentoring new people has been part of his personal Everyone Can Leave a experiences. When asked Jewish Legacy what he thought the traits of The Lentzner Fellows a potential Lentzner Fellow Program is the most recent would be, he said that they of several endowments that should: have vision; be Gene and Ann have already passionate about preserving created. The Lentzner’s have Jewish life; have the ability to understand complex issues; Become a Legacy Society Member have the ability to work with all Make a promise today to make a difference tomorrow! types of people; understand Sign a Letter of Intent to leave a bequest through financial information; have the Jewish Community Foundation. the ability to be a good listener; and be able to elicit Once you sign a Letter of Intent, you are invited to be our guest at the and implement new ideas. Under the new Lentzner Legacy Society Brunch Fellows Program, a select Sunday, April 10, 2016 @ 11:00 am group will: be educated about communal issues; attend Call 562-426-7601 today to speak with a Foundation staff member Federation and Foundation and reserve your spot at the brunch. Board meetings, be mentored jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2016 |
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CONGREGATIONS
R A B B I N I C
R E F L E C T I O N S
A Few Words About Love Now and Love Always By Rabbi David A. Cantor
Sometimes, when we are seeking to repair relationships that have become Rabbi David broken, we act A. Cantor in response to the unspoken question, “What have you done for me lately?” This is what God seems to be doing in response to the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt. For more than 200 years, God hasn’t been a presence in the people’s lives, and now that the time has come to rescue them, God has a credibility problem. If the people are to fulfill the promise God gave to their ancestors to inherit the land of Canaan, they need to believe in God and trust that God will give them success in their conquest. This is, indeed, one of the stated purpose of the plagues, as God says to Moses: “Say, therefore, to the Israelite people: I am the LORD. I will free you from the labors of the Egyptians and deliver you from
their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and through extraordinary chastisements. And you shall know that I, the LORD, am your God who freed you from the labors of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession, I the LORD.” (Exodus 6:6–8). As a strategy for earning faith, the miracles seem to be less than successful in achieving their task: despite not one, not two, but ten awesome inversions of the rules of reality resulting in their unconditional release, when Pharaoh chases after them, the Israelites are not convinced that God is in their corner. As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites caught sight of the Egyptians advancing upon them. Greatly frightened, the Israelites cried out to the LORD. And they said to Moses, “Was it for want of graves in Egypt that you brought us to die in the
wilderness?” (Exodus 14:10-11) God splits the sea, the Israelites march through the sea as if on dry land, “And when Israel saw the wondrous power which the LORD had wielded against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD; they had faith in the LORD and His servant Moses.” (Exodus 14:31) But it doesn’t last: when there is no fresh water to drink, the people grumble, and God sweetens the water for them; complaining of hunger, God causes bread to rain down from the heavens. This becomes the pattern: when faced with a new challenge, the default reaction is despair. Is it any wonder, then, that on the cusp of entering the land, the people balk? God’s answer to “What have you done for me lately?” – miracles beyond compare – has not resulted in greater credibility. Only after forty years in the wilderness, the people, under Joshua, are ready to enter the land, fully trusting in God to
protect them and grant them victory. Why? What is different this second time around? For forty years God has provided for them: each and every night, a shelter over their heads; each and every day, food to fill their bellies. Clothes and shoes that never wore out. God is answering a different question: “What have you done for me always?” God has earned their trust, not by a set of spectacular interventions, but through a shared history of continuous incremental kindnesses. When we have a falling out with family or friends, we are tempted to “win back their love” with gifts and promises. But the strategy will not be successful if it is only a response to “What have you done for me lately?” Rather, the promise need to be “This is what I will do for you always.” Rabbi David A. Cantor is the rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom, in Long Beach, CA.
Area Synagogue Upcoming Events Please contact the synagogue directly with any questions using the sidebar and see our Community Calendar at jewishlongbeach.org for more community event listings.
CONGREGATION SHIR CHADASH Wednesday, 2/3, 6:45pm: “Introduction to Judaism” Beginner’s Course. Interested in converting to Judaism? Born Jewish but want to learn more? Curious about Jews? Rabbi Mariana Gindlin will teach an 18-week course about Judaism. Course also offered in Spanish. RSVP with office. Friday, 2/5, 7:00pm: “The ‘Why’ behind ‘What’ We Do on Shabbat” Service. Learn the meaning of prayers & rituals. Tuesday, 2/9, 2:00pm: Movie & Discussion. Join Congregation Shir Chadash for a relaxing & thought-provoking afternoon. Friday, 2/12, 7:00pm: Meditation Shabbat Service. Experience spirituality, inner peace, & personal inspiration to carry you through the week. Friday, 2/19, 6:00pm:
Course of ‘Why.’ “Why are there so many Jews in Hollywood? And 49 other fun, complex and controversial questions about Jews & Judaism” led by Rabbi Abba Perelmuter. Located at Seaport Marina Hotel. Cost $75 Kosher Vegetarian Shabbat (includes textbook). Dinner followed by a short Parsha Skit & Discussion. Please TEMPLE BETH DAVID RSVP for dinner. Adults are $8. Sunday, 2/7, 8:00am: Blood Drive. 9:30am: Children under 13 are free. Saturday, 2/20, 9:45am: Sisterhood Social Action. RSVP “Torat Nashim: A Shabbat with Temple Office. Study Circle for Women Sunday, 2/21, 10:30am: by Women.” Coordinated Brotherhood Brunch. “On the by Ellen Goldsmith & Linda Edge of Two Worlds” by retired Waltzman. All women in the Lt. Colonel Maury Rosenberg. greater community are invited. $15 in advanced. $18 at the *Traditional Saturday door. RSVP with Temple Office. Shabbat services begin at TEMPLE BETH OHR 9:30 a.m. each week. Sunday, 2/21, 1:00pm: Gay Gezunt Klezmer Band. In SHUL BY THE SHORE Tuesday, 2/9,, 7:30pm: honor of Jewish Music Month, JLI Winter Series: The Jewish Temple Beth Ohr offers this free
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program. Open to the public. The band was established in 1996 by members of the world’s first synagogue founded by lesbians and gay men (the LGBTQ community) in Los Angeles. RSVP not required. TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Friday, 2/19, 6:00pm: Torah School Family Shabbat Dinner. 7:15pm: Shabbat Service. Torah School Students will help lead. Suggested donations is $5 per person or $15 per family. RSVP for dinner with Hazzan Judy Sofer at education@tbslb.org. TEMPLE ISRAEL Saturday, 2/6, 6:00pm: NFTY Temple Youth Havdallah. 7:00pm: Dan Nichols Concert. Tickets are $20 per person. $10 for students. Contact Temple Office to get your tickets today!
Synagogue Directory Chabad of Los Alamitos (O) 12340 Seal Beach Blvd. Suite B-219 Seal Beach, CA 90740 Contact: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus Phone: 714-828-1851 Email: smarcus@jewishcypress.com Website: www.chabadlosal.com Chabad of West Orange County/ Congregation Adat Israel (O) 5052 Warner Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Contact: Rabbi Aron David Berkowitz Phone: 714-846-2285 Email: info@chabadhb.com Website: www.chabadhb.com Congregation Lubavitch (O) 3981 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 Contact: Rabbi Yitzchok Newman Phone: 562-426-5480 Email: yitzyg@aol.com Congregation Shir Chadash (I) 6440 Del Amo Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90713 Contact Rabbi Mariana Gindlin Phone: 562-429-0715 Email:csclakewood@dslextreme.com Website: www.CongregationShirChadash.org Congregation Sholom of Leisure World, Seal Beach (C) P. O. Box 2901 Seal Beach, CA 90740 Contact: Rabbi Galit Levy-Slater 562-493-2680 Email: duets@icloud.com Website: www.galityomtov.com P’nai Or (I) Long Beach, CA Email: info@pnaior.org Website: www.pnaior.org Phone 562-364-5154 Shul By The Shore (O) Seaport Marina Hotel 6400 Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, California 90803 Contact: Rabbi Abba Perelmuter Phone: 562-621-9828 Email: rabbi@shulbytheshore.org Website: www.shulbytheshore.org Surf City Synagogue (C) Services held at the HB Central Library 7111 Talbert Ave. Huntington Beach Phone: 714-596-2220 E-Mail: info@surfcitysynagogue.org Temple Beth David (R) 6100 Hefley St. Westminster, CA 92683 Contact: Rabbi Nancy Myers Phone: 714-892-6623 Email: tbdavid@templebethdavid.org Website: www.templebethdavid.org Temple Beth Ohr (R) 15721 E. Rosecrans Ave. La Mirada, CA 90638 Contact: Rabbi Mark Goldfarb Phone: 714-521-6765 Email:office@templebethohr.com Website: www.templebethohr.com Temple Beth Shalom (C) 3635 Elm Avenue Long Beach, CA 90807 Contact: Rabbi David Cantor Phone: 562-426-6413 Fax: 562-426-7824 Email: office@tbslb.org Website: www.tbslb.org Temple Israel (R) 269 Loma Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803 Contact: Rabbi Steven Moskowitz Phone: 562-434-0996 Email: info@tilb.org Website: www.tilb.org Temple Ner Tamid of Downey (R) 10629 Lakewood Boulevard Downey, CA 90241 Contact: Rabbi Daniel Mehlman Phone: 562-861-9276 Email: templenertamid1@dslextreme.com Website: www.downeytemplenertamid.org (R)=Reform (O)=Orthodox
(C)=Conservative (I)=Independent
JFCS Call Today! We’re Here to Help! 3801 E. WILLOW STREET, LONG BEACH, CA 90815 WEB: www.jfcslongbeach.org EMAIL: jfcs@jfcslongbeach.org PHONE: 562-427-7916
JFCS Board of Directors Officers Voted In for 2016
Family Therapy: Making Good Relationships Even Better Debbie Freeman
Director of Clinical Services, Jewish Family & Children’s Service
Deciding to participate in family therapy doesn’t mean there is something wrong, but rather, it is a unique opportunity to invest in something priceless: strengthening our closest relationships. Family therapy offers guidance for the family as a whole, which allows for growth for each individual family member. Family therapy is usually sought out when there are problems to be “fixed” or a specific family member is struggling. Just as a garden needs frequent watering and weeding, so do our relationships if we want to keep them blooming. WebMD (2016) states that, “Family therapy is based
on the belief that the family is a unique social system with its own structure and patterns of communication. These patterns are determined by many things, including the parents’ beliefs and values, and the personalities of all family members. As a result of these variables, each family develops its own unique personality, which is powerful and affects all family members.” Many families that come to therapy wish they had come sooner and feel that it has benefited each member of their family. What if there was a way to strengthen the foundation of your current family? Why not build on what is already working and create goals that will deepen your familial connections? While there may not be a specific problem at hand, there are always ways to better improve, grow and enhance
our family relationships. Here at Jewish Family & Children’s Service, we offer just this ─ a place to come and explore deeper connections with the ones we love. Some of these areas of exploration include: • Opening up communication • Connecting with your children/teens • Identifying family and individual strengths • A safe place to explore thoughts and feelings • Creating a family mission statement • Exploring family roles If you would like to discuss your personal situation with someone, or if you are interested in strengthening your family relationships, please contact JFCS.
At the final meeting of the JFCS fiscal year, a new slate of Officers for 2016 were voted upon by the JFCS Board of Directors. Replacing Rob Feldman, whose two-year term as president expired, is Rick Burney. Burney, who joined the Board of Directors in 2014, served as Co-First Vice President and CoInterim Treasurer in 2015, along with Mike Greenspan. In 2016, Mike Greenspan will go it alone as First Vice President and Treasurer. Gail Levy assumes a newlydefined Second Vice President role, focusing on resource development, replacing Debbie Feldman who will blaze new trails with a revamped Marketing Committee that will broaden its role and become the newly named Outreach Committee. Norma Stein will continue as Secretary,
JFCS is Moving For Mental Health Awareness Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) is gearing up for Race With A View 2016, and everyone is invited to get involved and move for access to mental health services for everyone in our community. Now in its 28th year, this 5K/10K walk/run will be held on May 1st, 2016. Everyone can be part of the action, whether you walk, run, volunteer, sponsor, or become a fundraiser. The event will once again be held at Pierpoint Landing near the Shoreline Aquatic Park area in Downtown Long Beach. “Last year we received very positive feedback on this venue, and we have improvements planned that will make the event even
better. It is a wonderful way to showcase the beauty of where we live while at the same time, bringing attention to the shortage of available mental health services in Long Beach and the important work that JFCS does to help fill this gap,” explained Dr. Mark Dressner, this year’s Event Chair.“ Also, May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and having the event on May 1st, is a great way to kick off our public relations activities surrounding the importance of reducing the stigma that is seeking help,” Dr. Dressner added. Participants will gather at Pierpoint Landing, with onsite registration starting at 7:00 a.m. and the run/walk beginning at 8:00 a.m. “This
year we hope to promote the idea of participants inviting their friends to participate and putting together a team. It’s an ideal way to get a workout in, enjoy the company of friends, and then possibly indulging a little with brunch at any of the great restaurants nearby,” said Dr. Dressner. Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of tasks and roles in the planning stages and on race day. “If you have some time and energy and want to support a great cause, please let us know so we can put you to work. There is much to be done to make the event successful, and volunteers are a key ingredient,” said Dr. Dressner. Volunteers can sign up online or call JFCS directly to register.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For additional information, visit the website at www.racewithaview.com or contact Pattie Davidson at ext. 235. Registration for the event will be available online
as will Nancy Schneider as Member-at-Large. Nancy Linden will continue as Chair of the Leadership Development committee. Rob Feldman will become Immediate Past President. JFCS Executive Director Kathryn Miles said, “Rob has been an energetic and effective leader for JFCS during a time of transition for the organization. His unwavering belief in the work we do and his alwayspositive outlook have served our organization well. In his role as Immediate Past President, we are confident that he will continue to be present as an advocate for JFCS, both in the Jewish Community and in the larger community. I am so grateful for all he has done to develop and lead our board.” The new Officers start their term on January 28th, 2016.
starting February 1st, 2016. Individuals can register directly on the website and pay with credit or debit cards. Once one is registered, participants will be able to create teams and ask their participants to register online.
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HILLEL AT CSULB FOR MORE INFORMATION: WEB: www.beachhillel.org EMAIL: info@beachhillel.org PHONE: 562-426-7601 ext 1424
High School Shabbat Dinner
Taglit Birthright Israel Every summer, Beach Hillel offers Jewish students from the Long Beach area (ages 18-26) to join us for a 10 day trip to Israel for FREE! Since 2005, more than 500,000 young Jews from 66 countries have received the gift of a free trip to Israel through this program, and we are so grateful to be able to provide this experience for our local young adults and students.
“discovery” in Hebrew, which best encompasses the goals of the trip – a discovery of Israel and its people, a discovery of one’s own personal connection to Jewish values and tradition, and a discovery of the ways in which one can be a part of the larger Jewish community.
Why should YOU pick Beach Hillel’s birthright trip? Each year, we make The world “Taglit” means sure to choose the best trip
On February 12th, Beach Hillel is hosting its second annual High School Shabbat Dinner. Back by popular demand, this program is a unique opportunity for local high schoolers to experience a taste of Jewish life in college. We host Shabbat dinners every week within walking distance from CSULB, and many of our students enjoy this opportunity to unwind, spend time with their friends, and enjoy a delicious home cooked Kosher meal. Even the busiest college students, who take extra units and are involved in sports and extracurricular, find the time to connect to their Judaism and spend their Friday evenings with us every week.
We want to share this experience with high schoolers that may be thinking about going to college in the next few years. Whether they’re thinking about staying local for school or going out of state, there are Hillel’s all over the nation that host Shabbat dinners and Jewish programs for college students and young adults. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask our students and staff questions about Hillel and Jewish campus life while enjoying Shabbat together. One of our students, Jacob Yungman, a senior at CSULB, attended last year’s High School Shabbat Dinner and said that “when I was looking to transfer to CSULB, they
didn’t have a program like this and when I was an incoming freshman I was nervous about interacting with Jewish organizations on campus. It would have been nice to have that kind of mentorship that is now provided by Beach Hillel at High School Shabbat Dinner.” High School Shabbat Dinner will take place on February 12th at 6:30pm, at 845 Kallin Ave. Long Beach, 90815. If you know of any juniors or seniors who are thinking about going to college in the near future, let them know about our High School Shabbat Dinner. If you have any more questions, contact Alicia Ginsberg at Alicia@BeachHillel.org.
provider offered. Beach Hillel staff go on the trip as well, in addition to an Israeli tour guide, medic, and bus driver. Israeli Defense Force soldiers also join our group once we get to Israel too! We insure that Beach Hillel students have priority to get a spot on our trip, and our students can also save spots for their friends or siblings on our tour bus. Beach Hillel hosts multiple orientation sessions before the trip in order to give our
students the opportunity to get to know some of the others who will be with them on the trip, as well as get to know our staff. These orientation sessions are also a great way to learn a bit about Israel and the places we travel to before departing on the trip. Once the trip is over, Beach Hillel hosts Birthright reunion social events to keep everyone in contact with each other. These events are also an amazing
opportunity to learn about ways to get involved in Jewish life on campus, the pro-Israel community, and find out about programs that can take you back to Israel! Registration Information: Registration for summer trips opens on February 1st, 2016. Make sure our trip dates work for you - We depart from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) on May 24th, and return on June 6th. Go to this link: http:// www.absolutelyisrael.com/ Pick CSULB as your campus, or insert the referral code: LongBeach In order to receive more information and check your eligibility, please contact: Shelly, our Israel Fellow, at shelly@beachhillel.org or Rachel Kaplan, Hillel’s Executive Director, at rachel@beachhillel.org
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3801 E. WILLOW STREET LONG BEACH, CA 90815 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone: (562) 426-7601 www.alpertjcc.org
inside
Around the J
Super Bowl 50 Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a Gottlieb Youth Art Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a Israel for Reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a
Sr. Adult Shabbat Lunch. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a Elite Fitness 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a Sr. Day at the Opera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a Martial Arts Lessons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a Cycle for Smiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a Teen Snowboard/Ski Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2016 | 9
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Around the J
Message from the Executive Director
February is National Heart Month, and at the J we believe very strongly that a healthy heart is one that is both strong from exercise and strong from the great connections you can make in a place where you belong. I hope all of you are taking advantage of everything we offer in our fitness center (over 50 free group classes a week for members!), and I am thrilled to introduce you to our new Fitness & Wellness Manager, Fred Johnson. Fred comes to us with an extensive background in fitness as he has served as Membership Director of Crunch Fitness and General Manager of Planet Fitness. In addition, Fred was a professional baseball player roaming the outfield for the Chunichi Dragons. Fred has his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a Minor in Business and Marketing. He is looking forward to utilizing his past experience, as well as what he learned in college, to continue building the Fitness programs–and he is looking forward to meeting all the members! Cindi Massengale is very excited to able to focus on her fitness classes and something which is close to her heart–personal training.
The Pauline and Zena Gatov Gallery Presents
The 32nd Annual Norman Gottlieb Youth Art Exhibition and Awards
February 1-March 4 Awards Reception: Thurs, Feb. 25, 6:30-8pm
Each year, the Gatov Gallery, in conjunction with L.B. Unified School District, brings together a sampling of the best middle and high school art. Awards are presented to the top three participants from the middle and high school level. The Gottlieb show was established by past AJCC President Norman Gottlieb over 30 years ago and is currently funded by a generous donation from Dr. Daniel & Nicole Honigman. The show is open and available for viewing by the entire community.
Starting February 23 at 7pm, we will be introducing a brand new program at the AJCC called “Israel for Reel.” We will be offering movies from Israel, free to members. Please join us for our first film, Next Year Jerusalem. Also in February, our ECE will be running their annual "Cycle for Smiles” event on February 17 and 18 from 9-12. Cycle for Smiles is a fantastic event for our kids, where they ride trikes in the auditorium and experience a recreated “Israel,” all while raising money for an outstanding cause, Beit Issie Shapiro, a school in Israel for children with disabilities. Families can help through monetary support and by volunteering at the event (please see ECE board for signup sheet). And on March 12 at 6:30pm, we will be honoring three outstanding members of our community who have given from their hearts for many years: Edie Brodsky, Jessie Butler, and Lynne Kass. Please come and enjoy a wonderful evening while supporting our ECE and Youth programs at this year’s AJCC Gala: Venetian Nights. This wonderful event will give us the opportunity to publicly thank our honorees who have done so much for the Alpert JCC and the Jewish Community. Please contact Susan Paletz at 562.426.7601 x1012 or go to the website for more information. In honor of National Heart Month, from my heart to yours, I hope you will continue to take advantage of all the wonderful services and activities for both your physical and emotional heart that are available to you here at the Alpert JCC, Your Center For Life.
Smoothies for Tu B'Shevat Workshop Wednesday, February 3, 7pm
Taste and get the recipes for delicious vegan smoothies. Presentation by Barbara Ravid. $12/$10 MVP
Israel for Reel: Tuesday, February 23, 7pm Please join us for a viewing of Next Year Jerusalem, a lyrical portrait of eight nursing home residents who travel to Israel on a tour. The film documents the intricate planning of the journey itself: a physical and emotional challenge, and ultimately, a transformational life experience. It is a celebration of human experience and a reverent tribute to life's eldest travelers. FREE to the community.
PJ Library Shabbat Dinner & Story Time Friday, February 26, 5:30pm
Led by Rabbi Gindlin of Congregation Shir Chadash. $25/family (vegetarian pasta dinner)
Vegan Desserts
Tuesday, March 1, 7pm
One of the best things about going vegan? The desserts! Made without butter, eggs, or milk. A Cooking Class by Barbara Ravid. $20; $18/MVP
SENIORS Dr. Susan Mathieu, smathieu@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721
L’Shalom
Happiness & Humor Group
Jeffrey Rips
Friday, February 5, 11:30am
AJCC Executive Director
This FREE ongoing monthly group, led by Dr. Susan Mathieu, will help you find the positive side of life. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. RSVP to Dr. Susan Mathieu, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721
Senior Adult Shabbat Lunch Friday, February 19, 12-1pm
Join us for this newly-created event to welcome in Shabbat, and enjoy a light lunch and fellowship. The cost is $5. Susan Mathieu, (562) 426-7601 for more information.
A Day at the Opera
Sunday, February 21 • Bus leaves at 1pm
Our A Day at the Opera concert promises to be a delightful afternoon. Mezzosoprano, Suzanna Guzmán will perform favorite arias from La Traviata, Samson and Delilah, Carmen, and more. $10 paid at the La Mirada Theater for Performing Arts. RSVP to Dr. Susan Mathieu, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721
Ongoing Alpert JCC Senior Activities
Knit Wits: Mon, 1-3pm • Senior Lunch: Wed, 12-2pm Bridge Lessons: Wed, 1:30pm • Mah Jongg: Thurs, 11:30-3pm
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MVP: The MVP price is the "Member Value Price" that gives our members an automatic discount to the fee we charge for our programs and events. If you’re not a member of the AJCC, speak with one of our Membership Services specialists and learn how you can start benefiting from MVP pricing today.
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FEBRUARY 2016
Alayna Cosores, acosores@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1091
Cycles for Smiles February 17 & 18
Beit Issie Shapiro is a very special place for very special kids. Located in Ra’anana, Israel, this non-profit community organization provides a wide range of services for over 30,000 children with developmental disabilities and their families. The Alpert JCC’s Early Childhood Education Department is sponsoring a young Israeli girl with special needs in our Cycle for Smiles fundraiser on February 17 and 18. During this event, our children in ECE will ride their tricycles to support their new friend, Alisa, by raising money for Beit Issie Shapiro. In the process, they will be learning about kids with special needs and how each one of us can make a difference in someone’s life.
Kids’ Night Out
Saturday, February 20, 5-9pm
For children 12 months and older Supervision, dinner and activities are provided by the ECE staff. First Child: $35; $30/MVP • Second Child: $30; $25/MVP Third Child: $20; $15/MVP; (must be siblings) Babies under 12 months: $35; $40/MVP
ECE Summer and Fall Registration Opens in March! Membership Matters! Priority is based on your AJCC Membership start date
For information on membership, ECE registration, or to set up a tour Call (562) 426-7601, ext. 1090 • email: Preschool@alpertjcc.org
Parent/ Child Participation Classes
Interview with Maureen Lawrence,
Movement & Music Specialist, by Erika Hillinger Maureen Lawrence, or Ms. Maureen as she is known here at the J, has lived in Long Beach for 24 years and has been working at the JCC for almost 17 years. Ms. Maureen began here at the J as a Side by Side (now Yad B’Yad) teacher, and eventually became the Moving On teacher, a position she held for 10 years. About 3 years ago, Maureen was asked if she would be interested in doing the Movement program, and she was delighted. She brought to that her love for theater and music, adding “Music” to become the “Movement & Music” specialist. In 2014, Ms. Maureen also became the AJCC Discover CATCH point person when Executive Director Jeffrey Rips recognized that she would be perfect to lead that program and sent her to the Discover CATCH training in Florida.
Ms. Maureen is a very busy woman! She leads three Chugim: “Discover Fitness Fun!,” “Music with Maureen,” and “Happy Hands (an American Sign Language Chug).” Her “Movement & Music with Ms. Maureen” program is a fun and educational experience for the children, integrating movement and music into the ECE curriculum. She also sings and plays her autoharp with Shlomit Jackson, AJCC Jewish Educator; together the two of them are “ShloMo,” leading Havdalah every Monday, Shabbat every Thursday and Friday, and special events like the upcoming Tu B’Shevat seders for the children and the annual Purim Shpiel. She is also a founding member of the “AJCC Singers.” Maureen is excited to be going to Song Leader Boot Camp in February, where she will explore more great music and ideas which she will bring back to share with the AJCC ECE program. Finally, Maureen is a Producer/Director/Actor with “Moveable Mystery Dinners,” a murder mystery, musical comedy dinner theater group which will be bringing their next fun show, “Murder on Broadway,” to the Alpert Jewish Community Center on Saturday, April 2. Ms. Maureen says, “I love working here because it’s like family. I feel loved, appreciated, and welcome. The members feel the same way about us as we do about them. Everybody is very supportive: our previous ECE Directors were, and Alayna Cosores, Interim ECE Director is, too. I am especially grateful to Jeffrey Rips, who believes so strongly in me and my abilities—that in itself inspires me to do the best job that I possibly can.”
Friends, fun, and learning for families with children from birth through toddler, in a welcoming Jewish atmosphere.
WELLNESS & FITNESS
Three different classes; find the right one for you and your baby or toddler!
Fred Johnson, fjohnson@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1056
FREE: From the Beginning
Elite Fitness 101 with Ron Lubag
Wednesday Mornings, 9:30-10:30am
February 1-26, 5:30-6am • Monthly Ongoing Sessions
Newborn- Walking with an adult Begin your new life with us at the AJCC. This class for new mothers and their infants will help you discover the joys and face the challenges that are part of transitioning your family when a new baby arrives, whether it’s your first or your fourth. Class is facilitated by a caring and experienced ECE staff member.
This is a highly-intensive program meant for those looking for an advanced physical workout. This is an all-out total body 30 min. conditioning class that combines the most widely-used basic training exercises known. There will be running, interval training, and many other exercises using weights and your own body weight to lose body fat, increase cardiovascular efficiency, increase strength, and help people get into a routine of regular exercise. $93.75; $75/MVP, per monthly session
Yad b’Yad (Hand in Hand)
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:15-10:45am
For children 9-23 months, with an adult Experience development and discovery through hands-on learning, including music, art, literacy, sensory exploration, and playground time. This class is a great way to engage children in developmentally appropriate activities. Thursday classes include Shabbat singing and dancing with our Jewish Educator and our Music/Movement Specialist.
For information, contact Fred Johnson at (562) 426-7601 ext. 1056.
Fit Camp with Ron Lubag
February 1-26, 9:15-9:45am • Monthly Ongoing Sessions Warning! Participation may lead to...
Reduced Body Fat & Stress • Increased Lean Muscle and Overall Tone • Improved Energy & Health $93.75; $75/MVP, per monthly session
Progressive Preschool
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30am-12:30pm (Fall semester) • 9am-1pm (Spring semester)
24 months with and adult This new program begins with our traditional Moving On class and progresses into a 2-day preschool program for the spring semester. During the fall semester, the parents will participate in the first hour of the class. This approach helps parents engage with their children while talking advantage of each child’s natural curiosity and need for exploration. After the parents leave, the teacher will continue to engage the children through art, manipulatives and social interaction. During the spring semester, this class will evolve into a traditional preschool classroom.
Around the J
Early Childhood Education
For information, contact Fred Johnson at (562) 426-7601 ext. 1056.
GESHERCITY YOUNG ADULTS
Sponsored by the Alpert JCC and Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach
Susanne Katz, skatz@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1625
GesherCity Shabbat
Friday, February 12, 7:30pm
Experience Shabbat with great music, food and friends. If you’ve never been to a GesherCity event before, now is the perfect time! Our events are fun and casual. So don’t be shy… give us a try.
The Barbara & Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center
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Around the J
AQUAtiCS
YoUtH & tEENS
Ignacio Berumen, iberumen@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1020
Natalie Chernik, nchernik@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205
Water Polo Class
Lincoln’s Birthday Camp
Learn the basics of ball handling and shooting while improving swim skills. Work on treading water and swim strokes specific to water polo. Start anytime! FREE Tryouts: Mondays, 4-5pm (Everyone must try out!) $120/AJCC Member; $150/Public • Must be USA Water Polo Member ($35-$55 per year)
Grades K-8 It’s a birthday celebration!! We will celebrate President Lincoln’s birthday by having a party for all. 9am-4pm: $60; $50/MVP per day • 7am-6pm: $70; $60/MVP per day
Group Swim Lessons
For more information visit our website or contact Eric Feldman at (562) 426-7601, ext. 1023 or efeldman@alpertjcc.org.
Monday, February 8
Monday & Wednesday, 4-4:45pm
Session Dates: February 1-25 Mon & Wed or tues & thurs (30 minute lessons) tiny tots: 1pm | 1:30pm | 3pm | 3:30pm Beginner: 1pm | 2pm | 5pm Adv. Beginner: 2pm | 3:30pm intermediate: 3pm | 4pm
Teen Snowboarding/Ski Trip to Mt High Monday, February 8, 6:30-6pm
6th Grade & Up! It’s time to hit the slopes! It doesn’t matter if you’re a skier, a snowboarder, or a hot chocolate sipper, we know you’ll have a blast! Different packages available for all levels and abilities. Space is extremely limited. For more info, visit our website or contact Natalie Chernik (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205 nchernik@alpertjcc.org.
Adult Group Swim Lessons
(30-minute lessons) Adult Beginner: 6pm, Monday & Wednesday Adult Advanced: 6pm, Tuesday & Thursday
Kids and Adults Private Swim Lessons one-on-one instruction for all ages
Our instructors are Red Cross lifeguards and Water Safety Instructor trained and certified. (4) 15-Min: $120; $95/MVP • (4) 30-Min: $150; $150/MVP
Presidents’ Day Camp Monday, February 15
Grades K-8 Send your campers to the J in their most patriotic clothing! We’ll spend the day learning about some of our past Presidents and create some awesome presidential-inspired artwork. 9am-4pm: $60; $50/MVP per day • 7am-6pm: $70; $60/MVP per day For more information visit our website or contact Eric Feldman at (562) 426-7601, ext. 1023 or efeldman@alpertjcc.org.
Spots fill up fast, so call (562) 426-7601, ext. 1051 today!
Kids’ Night Out!
Masters Swim
Monday-Wednesday, 6:30-7:30pm • Saturday, 9-10am Be coached on stamina and technique.
SPortS & rECrEAtioN Member Relations Desk (562) 426-7601, ext. 1051
Saturday, February 20, 5-10pm
Grades K-8 Fun for the kids and a night out on the town for you. It’s the same night as ECE Kids’ Night Out...Bring your little one downstairs and leave your big kid with us. Evening includes dinner, movie, games and crafts. First Child: $35; $30/MVP • Second Child: $30; $25/MVP Third Child: $25; $20/MVP; (must be siblings) Must register by Wednesday, February 17. Drop-ins will not be admitted. Contact Natalie Chernik at nchernik@alpertjcc.org or at ext. 1205.
Kids & Adults Martial Arts with Sensei Mac
Parent & Me • Pee Wee • Youth Martial Arts Youth Sparring • Mixed Martial Arts • Jiu Jitsu Self-Defense • Private Lessons NEW CLASS: Wrestling Bootcamp & Boxing For more info, contact the Member Relations Desk (562) 426-7601, ext. 1051
Parent & Me Martial Arts Sundays, 10-11am
This class is martial arts plus a great way to bond with your child. You’ll not only learn self-defense together, but participate in cross-sports like basketball, touch football, relays, races and more. An excellent class to have fun and burn calories while partnering with your child or competing against them in a fun and positive environment.
Private Martial Arts Lessons with Sensei Mac 15, 30, or 60-Minute Lessons
Private lessons are a great way to jump start you or your child before you begin taking classes with Sensei Mac or if you need to refresh your memory and technique. Please contact Sensei Mac at (562) 688-9994 to arrange days and times for private lessons.
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For registration or more information, please contact the Member Relations Desk at (562) 426-7601 ext. 1051.
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MVP: The MVP price is the "Member Value Price" that gives our members an automatic discount to the fee we charge for our programs and events. If you’re not a member of the AJCC, speak with one of our Membership Services specialists and learn how you can start benefiting from MVP pricing today.
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FEBRUARY 2016
HEBREW ACADEMY
Award Winning Academics in a Genuine Jewish Environment 14401 WILLOW LANE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92647 WEB: www.hacds.org PHONE: 714-898-0051 CAMP SILVER GAN ISRAEL: www.campsgi.com
Complimentary Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Days
Bring your preschool child to The Hebrew Academy and have him or her assessed for kindergarten readiness while you observe our Kindergarten in action! Scheduled appointments start on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 starting from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. This will also occur on Thursday, February 11, 2016 with the same available times. Learn about what makes the Hebrew Academy the right place for your child. Our unique curriculum, committed
staff and faculty, and awardwinning programs will assure you that any Hebrew Academy student will go far in their lives. Give your child the headstart they deserve. To set up an assessment appointment, please contact Nelli Greenspan, Enrollment Manager, at (714) 8980051 or nelli@hacds.org.
UCLA Presentation Recap Under the leadership of Rabbi Newman and Dr. Carlson, and with a grant from the Alevy Family, The Hebrew Academy Middle School has built a Project-Based Learning program (PBL) in order to prepare our scholars for the competitive, team-based world of college and career that they will face as young people in the 21st century. As a part of this dynamic learning experience, the 6th grade Arts & Humanities House created an Egyptian Museum as the second of their three PBL projects. The 21st Century skillsbased project was honored as part of The California History & Social Studies Project’s 25th Annual Conference, Teaching the Past for Tomorrow, at the University of California, Los Angeles, with a presentation led by Mrs. Raychel Lydon
6th Grade Curators, Zsa Zsa Ruhm and Sarah Standard
and Ms. Rachel Schneider entitled “Pyramids, Pyramids, Everywhere: Improving Student Engagement Through Project Based Learning.” At the session, teachers from all over California were introduced to the methods used by the Hebrew Academy Middle School team to develop the interdisciplinary project which included lessons from History, English, Math,
Art, and Irvit; as well as examples of lesson plans, rubrics, and student work from the project. Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, and several teachers left with plans to create their own museums at their individual school sites. Both Mrs. Lydon and Ms. Schneider were pleased with the outcome of the project and the presentation. When asked, Mrs. Lydon said, “It was a wonderful experience to share our work with other professionals and to show others the amazing projects we are doing here at the Hebrew Academy. We were the only presentation at the event that was specifically focused on project-based learning, and I was overjoyed by the reaction of the teachers with whom we were able to share.”
Ensure Your Child’s Educational Legacy for Future Generations Give your child the advantage of an excellent academic & Judaic education
- and -
Give your family the opportunity
to be an active member of a vibrant learning community
Call or email to reserve your opportunity to tour our 11-acre campus.
Contact Nelli, Enrollment Manager, at admissions@hacds.org or (714) 898-0051 jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2016 |
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COMMUNITY
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Professor Margaret Burnham, Founder of Northeastern University’s School of Law’s Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project, which engages students in legal matters relating to the 1960s U.S. Civil Rights Movement, will bring her message of Community Healing and Reconciliation to a crowd of over 800 at The California Conference for Equality & Justice’s (CCEJ) 25th Interfaith/Intercultural Breakfast on Wednesday,
February 24, 2016 at 7.30 am at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The event is underwritten by Gene and Ann Lentzner ever since its inception. Professor Margaret Burnham joined the Northeastern University School of Law faculty in 2002. Her fields of expertise are civil and human rights, comparative constitutional rights, and international criminal law. She is the founder of the School of Law’s Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project, which engages students in legal matters relating to the 1960s US civil rights movement. In 2010, Professor Burnham headed a team of outside counsel and law students in a landmark case that settled a federal lawsuit: Professor Burnham’s team accused Franklin County Mississippi law enforcement officials of assisting Klansmen in the kidnapping, torture and
CSULB Jewish Lecture Series
The CSULB Jewish Studies Program is pleased to present a free lecture program open the public. Dr. Adam Rovner will speak on “In the Shadow of Zion: Promised Lands Before Israel”. The lecture will take place on Monday, February 22, at 7:30 pm at the Alpert Jewish Community Center on the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus. Dr. Rovner’s talk will bring to life the amazing true stories of six exotic visions of a Jewish national home outside the biblical land of Israel. Christians and Jews, authors and adventurers, politicians and playwrights, and rabbis and
revolutionaries all worked to carve out autonomous Jewish territories across the globe, including in New York State, Angola, Kenya, Madagascar, Suriname, and Tasmania. These were more than idle dreams: each was the subject of official surveys and had local political support. These stories are the shadow history of Jewish nationalism; possible states that might have been. Yet in the end, only Israel emerged from dream to reality. Rovner has recovered these mostly forgotten stories of these promised lands and the fascinating figures who championed them. An Associate Professor of English and Jewish Literature at the University of Denver, he has a M.A. from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a Ph.D. from Indiana University. His talk will be based on his recent book of the same name. For more information contact Susan Paletz, at (562) 426-7601 ext. 1012.
murder of two 19-year-olds, Henry Dee and Charles Eddie Moore. The case and settlement were widely covered in the national press. Professor Burnham began her career at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. In the 1970s, she represented civil rights and political activists. In 1977, she became the first African American woman to serve in the Massachusetts judiciary, when she joined the Boston Municipal Court bench as an associate justice. In 1982, she became partner in a Boston civil rights firm with an international human rights practice. In 1993, South African president Nelson Mandela appointed Professor Burnham to serve on an international human rights commission to investigate alleged human rights violations within the African National Congress. The commission was a precursor to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
A former fellow of the Bunting Institute at Radcliffe College and Harvard University’s W.E.B. DuBois Institute for Afro-American Studies, Professor Burnham has written extensively on contemporary legal and political issues. The California Conference for Equality & Justice (CCEJ) is a human relations
organization dedicated to confronting racism, bias and bigotry through education, conflict resolution and advocacy. Ticket prices are $40. Registration begins at 6:30am with breakfast to follow at 7:30am. For more details or to make your reservation, please call (562) 435-8184 or email kmcilquham@cacej.org.
COMMUNITY
CCEJ’s 25th Annual “Under One Sky” Interfaith/Intercultural Breakfast
DONATE OLD CAR, BOAT, RV
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Robert S. Lee, MD ABIM Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology Board Certified in Echocardiography and Nuclear Cardiology
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NCJW Celebrates 70 Years of Good Work
Busy completing exciting plans for its 70th Annual Charter Day on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 11:30 am, members of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) anticipate a large crowd to be present at the Old Ranch Country Club when they celebrate this special anniversary in grand style. Known for its outstanding volunteer assistance at Long Beach Kindergarten Festivals, Family Advocacy Programs, and its popular HugPack project that distributes several hundred filled backpacks to foster
children in the school system each year, NCJW has continued to receive accolades for its good works in the Jewish as well as the general community over the years. Faced with so many outstanding candidates for its prestigious Hannah G. Solomon Humanitarian Award, this year two exceptional woman will be honored with this tribute: Linda Calderón and Judith Leff. Both have come to NCJW with backgrounds in the field of education, and exemplify the highest goals of the 122-year-old national organization. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families, and by safeguarding individual rights and freedom.
The Long Beach Section also will be honored at Charter Day with the presence of the National NCJW president, Debbie Hoffman, who will speak briefly on the illustrious history of NCJW. To receive an invitation to Charter Day and/ or to make a reservation, please contact Judy Leff at jwl147@aol.com.
THEN
CLICK facebook.com/JewishLongBeach jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2016 |
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COMMUNITY
A Town Hall Meeting with
The Honorable David Siegel Consul General of Israel Opening Remarks
Honorable Mayor Robert Garcia, City of Long Beach
Join us for a unique evening and open
discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing Israel and the Middle East today. DAVID SIEGEL is the current Consul General of Israel, serving as senior representative of the State of Israel to the Southwestern United States, one of Israel’s largest diplomatic missions in the world. Prior to his appointment, Consul General Siegel served as Chief of Staff to Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as Chief of Staff to Israel’s Ambassador to the United States. He also served as a Commander in the Israel Defense Forces.
RSVP REQUIRED
events@jewishlongbeach.org 562.426.7601 ext. 1314
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 6:00 PM | Registration 7:00 PM | Doors Close
Admission is FREE Backpacks or large handbags not permitted Photo ID required for entry
Lipeles Family Auditorium
100 Days of IMPACT
at the Alpert Jewish Community Center on the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus 3801 E. Willow Street, Long Beach, CA 90815 THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.
jewishlongbeach.org
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DAY 41
COMMUNITY
ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC, INFLUENTIAL AND BELOVED JEWISH MUSICIANS IN NORTH AMERICA
TEMPLE ISRAEL
PERFORMING LIVE AT
269 Loma Avenue Long Beach, CA
NFTY HAVDALLAH 6:00 P.M. • CONCERT 7:00 P.M. TICKETS: $20 PER PERSON / $10 STUDENTS For Tickets Please Contact The Temple Box Office At 562.434.0996
John A. Beyer Insurance
Medicare and Long Term Care
John A. Beyer, CLU PO Box 14886 Long Beach, Ca 90853 Ca. Ins. Lic. # 0294220
562-234-8071 562-498-0482 johnb0613@aol.com
SPECIAL ECE/CONGREGATION SHIR CHADASH SHABBAT DINNER & STORY TIME M PRO USIC RAB VIDE BI M D BY GIN ARIAN DLI A N
Friday, February 26 5:30pm – 8:00pm $25 PER FAMILY sponsored by:
jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2016 |
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TRIBUTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
P ROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
ARCHITECTURE
ACCOUNTING
Cherson Weiss Architects
Pamela Schulman-Flores,
Erin Cherson, Architect & Ava Weiss, CEO Specializing in Residential and Commercial Projects
(562) 596-0495 www.cwarchitects.net
LAW Lawrence H. Nemirow,ESQ Business Law, Insurance Law, Trusts and Estates 5242 Katella Ave., Suite 104 Los Alamitos, CA 90720
(562) 799-1379 www.nemlawyer.com
CARDIOVASCULAR Los Alamitos Cardiovascular Celebrating 36 Years!
Stuart Fischer, MD, FACC, FACP, FSCAI, CCDS
Steven T. Forman, MD, FACC, FSCAI, RVT
Timothy F. O’Neill, MD Bret A. Witter, MD, FACC, FACP
Ramandeep K. Barr,
C.P.A.
Master of Science-Taxation, Tax Returns-all types, tax planning & audits Downey
(562) 803-5324 Zvi Shapiro, CPA, MBA, EA
Do you owe back taxes to the IRS, California or any other state? Have you not filed tax returns in years? Let me be your David to take on Goliath. Call today to sleep better tonight.
(562) 310-7247
GASTROENTEROLOGY Allan Effron, MD FACG Stomach Pain, Change in Bowel Habits, Colon Cancer Screenings Most Insurance Accepted
(562) 882-0834
ORTHODONTICS Brodsky Orthodontics Braces & Invisilign for all ages ™
5920 Del Amo Blvd., Lakewood
(562) 496-2000
www.drbrodskysmile.com
PEDIATRICS
(562) 430-7533
A
Linda & Sanford Simmons
IN MEMORY OF • Dorothy Bleiweiss
Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
• Arnold Kushner
Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff Shirley & Earl Feiwell
• Lillian Sachs
Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN HONOR OF • Rabbi Mark Goldfarb
Rivkah & Shaul Saulisbury
IN MEMORY OF • Eugene “Shim” & Esther F. Kaufman Lynne & Ron Kaufman
GENERAL FUND HAPPY 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY • Sharon & Rick Leibl
Your Legs Made Better
Steven T. Forman,
Arlene & Rick Freeman
MD, FACC, FSCAI, RVT
(562) 493-8346 (VEIN)
MARCIA BALAN BLAKEY FUND HAPPY NEW YEAR • Alene & Bruce Balan
www.performancevein.com
ACCOUNTING
Call 562-426-7601 EXT 1007
PODIATRY Eric R. Hubbard, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.S. Memorial Podiatry Group
Board Certified-Foot & Ankle Surgery Adult’s and Children’s Foot Disorders Athletic Injuries-Custom Orthotics 2333 Pacific Ave., Long Beach
(562) 426-5151 (562) 427-7443
FEDERATION TOWER APARTMENTS FREE Alpert JCC Membership
(562) 426-8404 3799 E. Willow Street, Long Beach Next to the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus
Gerda & Harold Seifer
Jewish Federation & Jewish Community Foundation tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 1314
AJCC GENERAL FUND IN MEMORY OF • Eugene “Shim” & Esther F. Kaufman Ron & Lynne Kaufman
• Rhoda Wolfson
Dr. Jack Blecher & Renee Simon
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• Arnold Kushner
Binnie & Jack Berro
MARCIE BALAN BLAKEY FUND
IN HONOR OF • Dr. Susan Mathieu
FOUNDATION
Performance Vein Institute of Los Alamitos
ADVERTISE WITH US!!
GENERAL FUND BEST WISHES FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY • Ron Banner
PAULA BLUM SENIOR ADULT FUND HAPPY BIRTHDAY • Barbara Alpert Dr. Susan Mathieu
Jewish Community
www.losalcardio.com
(562) 430-8231
Jewish
FEDERATION
Bernie Sachs
Robert S. Lee, MD
Small Business accounting & income taxes for Corporations, Partnerships, Individuals 5242 Katella, #104, Los Alamitos
Send a special gift to honor, memorialize, or congratulate friends & family for all occasions. We will send a card on your behalf.
• Lillian K. Sachs
MD, FACC, FHRS
Shari D. Nemirow, C.P.A.
Tributes
Martin Lazniarz Katie Shovers Natalie Swit
HAPPY BIRTHDAY • Geoff Carr
Sandy & Jerry Horwitz
IN HONOR OF • The Blakey Family Kathleen Eastman
MICHAEL SEGAL MAIMONIDES FUND IN MEMORY OF • Henriette Goslins Jessie Butler
AJCC tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 1414
IN MEMORY OF • Jean & Robert Blakey
Karen & Dr. Lorry Frankel
• Pat Springbelt
Sandy & Jerry Horwitz
WENDY MANASSE & DAVID WIESE FAMILY FUND IN HONOR OF • Linda Haley & Dr. Marvin Zamost Christina & Jared Zamost
JFCS
SEYMOUR PIZER FUND BEST WISHES FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY • Madge Pizer
GENERAL FUND HAPPY BIRTHDAY • Geoff Carr Binnie & Jack Berro
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Sandy & Jerry Horwitz
• Marilyn Gasman
JFCS tributes: 562-427-791
Jeannie Alban Helene Ansel Paula Avchen Edie Brodsky Nancy Conway Debbie Feldman Ellen Goldenberg Betsy Grajeda Nancy Linden Vicki Michaels Ruthie Rudis Nancy Schneider
Honors &
SIMCHAHS MAZEL TOV TO NEW BIRTHS • Barbara Alpert
Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
• Sophie & Alan Alpert
Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
IN MEMORY OF • Bernie Frank
Rob, Debbie, Elana & Stefanie Feldman Ronnie, Eric, Keith, Allison, Gregory & Amanda Feldman
• Ira Handleman
Debbie & Rob Feldman Ronni & Dr. Bob Kaplan
We Mourn The Loss Of.... Sherwin Becker Marilyn Green Harold Pottebaum Lillian Sachs
Dorothy Bleiweiss Arnold Kushner Tibor Rubin Claire Ungerleider Rhoda Wolfson
Please contact chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org if you know of someone who has passed and would like them to recognized.
Rhoda Shea Wolfson died December 18, 2015, in hospice care in Portland, Oregon. Bedside were her beloved daughters Ellen and Paula Wolfson and daughterin law Kathleen Fallon. An oral history interview with Rhoda is featured in the black and white documentaryphotography book “Jewish Mothers Strength, Wisdom, Compassion” published March of 2000 by Chronicle Books. Rhoda’s values were informed by the political, social, and cultural forces of her time. She marched and organized for human rights, worker rights, civil rights, gender-equity, school integration, voting rights, peace, gun control, rent control and was a draft resistance counselor during the Vietnam War. During her retirement, she taught English to immigrants, facilitated support groups, and advocated for victims of domestic violence. Her’s was a life dedicated to community, inclusion and social justice. Rhoda, born October 2, 1925 to Joseph and Flora Shea of Brooklyn, New York is predeceased by her former husband Harry Wolfson, son Joe, sister Harriett William, and survived by daughter Ellen Wolfson, El’s partner Kathleen Fallon, their daughter Maria, and daughter Paula Ethel Wolfson. The family will host a celebration of Rhoda’s life on Sunday, April 10 2016, at 1:00 pm at the Alpert Jewish Community Center on the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus. Those gathered will be invited to share memories of Rhoda and her practice of radical joy during difficult times. In 1956, the Wolfson family moved from Brooklyn to North
Long Beach, California. Rhoda was employed at the Long Beach Jewish Community Center, first as a membership secretary, then a youth and senior worker, and program director. In
August of 1977, Rhoda obtained a Certificate in Jewish Communal Studies from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. As a Jewish center worker, Rhoda traveled to Europe and Israel. She toured concentration camps in Poland and met with “peace-generals” in Jerusalem. Rhoda and Harry housed a young Sephardic-Israeli woman who became a third daughter. In 1982, Rhoda was employed as the Assistant Director of the Los Angeles Westside Jewish Community Center (WJCC). During her career, Rhoda mentored younger staff, and left a legacy of laughter. In 1989, upon retirement from WJCC, the Rhoda Wolfson Fund was created to provide increased hours of adult day care services for seniors.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Join Us
DAY 10
V
Arlene Solomon
0 100 of IMPDays ACT
ISI Dinner NS
for an
enchanteD of
evening
Song & tribute
20 years Women of viSion of
in celebration of
Benefiting the Jewish Federation’s 2016/5776 Annual Community Campaign
T E M P L E I S R A E L LO N G B E AC H
JOIN US FOR OUR SHABBAT SERVICES
Shabbat Services are conducted by Rabbi Steven Moskowitz, Cantor Sara Hass, with Accompanist David York Saturday Morning Torah Study led by Rabbi Moskowitz
Lyn Epstein, GRI REALTOR®
BRE License # 01243400
(562) 619-7657 Direct weilwmn1@aol.com www.lynepsteinsells.com 1650 Ximeno Ave., Suite 120 Long Beach, CA 90804
Representing Buyers & Sellers Since 1998 Serving Greater Long Beach/OC to the Newport Coast
Save the Date
COMMUNITY
In Memory: Rhoda Shea Wolfson
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Friday, February 19 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat with Special Guest Dan Nichols 7:00 p.m. Shabbat Service Saturday, February 20 Saturday, February 6 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Sabbath Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Meditative Shabbat
Friday, February 5 7:00 p.m. Camp Shabbat
SHABBATON WITH ANNE BRENER Creating Caring Communities: The Holy Practice of Caring for Others Friday, February 19 8:00 p.m. Lecture
Saturday, February 20 Friday, February 26 Friday, February 12 10:30 a.m. Meditative Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service 6:00 p.m. Ruach Shabbat 11:45 a.m. Lunch & Study - $12 Saturday, February 27 Saturday, February 13 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 8:45 a.m. Torah Study Please RSVP to the Temple Office for Lunch 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Service 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Service TEMPLE ISRAEL IS A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE REFORM CONGREGATION INSPIRING JEWISH LIFE IN LONG BEACH FOR OVER 90 YEARS!
Temple Israel • 269 Loma Avenue • Long Beach, CA • 562.434.0996 • www.tilb.org
UNIONfor REFORM JUDAISM
www.jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2016 |
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90815
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
POSTPERSON PLEASE DELIVER BY 1/29/16
Permit No.129 Long Beach, CA
TEMPLE BETH SHALOM OF LONG BEACH UPCOMING EVENTS
CLIPPERS VS. DENVER NUGGETS
SUN MAR 27, 2016, 12:30PM STAPLES CENTER. $50 PER TICKET JOIN US ON GAME DAY AND MEET THE TBS OF LB TEAM! SPONSORED BY THE MEN’S CLUB. Can’t make the game? No problem, you can still participate. Donate to this charity event and support the Men’s Club. The Men’s Club hugely supports our children’s Jewish studies and community building programs.
RSVP REQUIRED, EMAIL: OFFICE@TBSLB.ORG
TBS SERVICES: FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE 2/19 AT 7:15PM
Regular Services: Thursday Morning Minyan: 8AM, Friday Evening Services: 7:45PM & Shabbat Morning Services: 10AM. PLEASE CHECK THE TBS CALENDAR FOR ANY EXCEPTIONS.
COUPLES’ COMMUNICATION FEB 7, 2016, 12:30PM - 2:30PM
COPING WITH LOSS - THE SCIENCE OF RECOVERY MAR 6, 2016, 3-5PM
UPCOMING TBS TALKS TOPICS
GUEST MODERATOR: DAPHNE ZAGNOEV, PSY.D.
Applied Spirituality - Compassion in Action - 4/10/16 Developing the Power to Empower - 5/15/16
Temple Beth Shalom welcomes you to our TBS Talks series, featuring curated TED videos followed by moderated discussions, activities and hors d’oeuvres. Get inspired, get to know your community and join the conversation.
Sponsored & Organized By TEMPLE BETH SHALOM OF LONG BEACH
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP REQUIRED, EMAIL: TBSLBTALKS@GMAIL.COM
TEMPLE BETH SHALOM | 3635 ELM AVE, LONG BEACH, CA 90807 | 562-426-6413 | TBSLB.ORG |
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