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PUBLISHED SINCE 1947 BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER LONG BEACH AND WEST ORANGE COUNTY
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Yom HaShoah Community Observance
Alpert JCC Around the J
APRIL 2015 | 5775 | NISAN-IYAR | VOL.67-NO.8
FEATURE STORY
Yom HaShoah Community Observance By Sharon Kenigsberg, Director of Endowments and Community Development
The annual Yom HaShoah event’s featured speaker, Eli Rosenbaum
O
ur 2015 Community Yom HaShoah observance, which is open to all, will be held at the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus on Sunday, April 19 at 2 pm. This year, immediately before the program at 1 pm, will be a special dedication of the “Seifer Holocaust Memorial” which is being dedicated in memory of Gerda Seifer’s parents, Edyta Goliger Krebs & Henryk Krebs, who perished in the Holocaust (please see story on page 9). The annual Yom HaShoah event is truly a community effort with rabbis and cantors from all the local synagogues participating in the memorial service. The service will be led by Rabbi David Cantor of Temple Beth Shalom, and will include a candle lighting with survivors and families of survivors, and prayers of remembrance at the Schlesinger Holocaust Memorial. Guest Speaker — Eli Rosenbaum We are honored to have Eli M. Rosenbaum as the featured speaker this year. Eli is the longest serving prosecutor and investigator of Nazi criminals and other perpetrators of human rights violations in world history, having worked on these cases at the U.S. Department of Justice for some thirty years. A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (B.S. and MBA, Finance) and of Harvard Law School, he served from 1994 to 2010 as Director of the Justice Department’s Office of Special Investigations (OSI), where he had previously served as a trial attorney and then as Deputy Director.
In March 2010, OSI was merged with another Criminal Division section to form the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), and Rosenbaum was named Director of Human Rights Enforcement Strategy and Policy in the new unit. In that position, he remains in charge of the Justice Department’s continuing enforcement efforts in the World War II Nazi cases and he also directs the development of the new section’s strategic and policy initiatives in the “modern” (i.e., post-WWII) human rights cases. Under Mr. Rosenbaum’s leadership, OSI won major awards from Jewish organizations and Holocaust survivor groups, and it has been called “the most successful government Nazi-hunting organization on earth” (ABC News, 3/25/95) and “the world’s most aggressive and effective Nazi-hunting operation” (The Washington Post, 8/27/95), possessing “a tremendous success record, [having] uncovered and won more cases than any other Nazi-hunting operation in the world” (USA Today, 1/29/97). In 2014, the Simon Wiesenthal Center again gave the U.S. Justice Department it’s “A” rating, which it reserves for “highly successful proactive prosecution programs.” The United States is the only country in the world to have earned the Center’s “A” rating in each year since the annual ratings were first issued (2001). In November 2008, Rosenbaum received the Assistant Attorney General’s first-ever Award for Human Rights Law Enforcement. Fabric of Survival Art Exhibit From March 30-April 24, our Zena & Max Gatov Gallery will feature an exhibit brought to us by Art and Remembrance, called Fabric of Survival. An arts and educational non-profit based in Maryland, Art and Remembrance was founded to bring the story of Holocaust survivor and fabric artist, Esther Nisenthal Krinitz, to a wider audience. Forty years after the Holocaust, Krinitz chose a unique way to retell her childhood memories of pre-war Poland, and incredible story of survival, through embroidery. In 1977, at the age of 50, Krinitz began creating her works of fabric art. Trained as a seamstress, but with no training in art, she ultimately created 36 remarkable fabric pictures of strong, vivid images and folk-art realCONTINUED on page 9
LET ALL WHO ARE HUNGRY COME & EAT These words are at the heart of our Passover Hagaddah. As we gather with our friends and families for Passover this year, let’s not forget those who do not have enough to eat. Below are some of the programs that we have right here on the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus that assist the hungry.
JEWISH FEDERATION
Friends Feeding Friends Through the Kehillah Leadership Council, there are bins at the Weinberg Federation Campus where the community can drop off non-perishable food; volunteers deliver the food to organizations in Long Beach that serve the needy. Several synagogues also have collection bins. Part of your annual community campaign gift to Jewish Federation goes to support our local Jewish agencies and programs in Israel, and around the world, that provide food for the hungry. DONATE TODAY: www.jewishlongbeach.org
AJCC TOBY ROTHSCHILD HOLIDAY FUND Donations to the AJCC Passover Fund allow for Passover food packages to be delivered to seniors living alone or in assisted living facilities.
This year, the Passover Outreach is on Tuesday, April 7. Volunteers are needed to pack food at 9:30 am and to deliver food at 11:30 am. The senior adult Passover luncheon at the AJCC is on Wednesday, April 8. MORE INFO: Dr. Susan Mathieu, smathieu@alpertjcc.org
JFCS
Mervin N. Glow Assistance Fund This fund provides for those needing emergency financial assistance. Examples include helping those in need by paying a utility bill in order to keep the lights or water on in a home, putting food on the table for those who are hungry, buying toiletries for people staying in homeless shelters, or providing clothing and shoes for children to wear to school. Grocery Store Gift Cards JFCS has an ongoing need for donations of grocery store gift cards to be able to help feed those is dire situations who ask JFCS for help. MORE INFO: Kathryn Miles, kmiles@jfcslongbeach.org
The needlework artwork of Holocaust survivor & fabric artist Esther Nisenthal Krinitz
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Contents
Published since 1947 by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County
9
Seifer Holocaust Memorial Dedication April 19
Hank Feldman JEWISH FEDERATION PRESIDENT
16-17 Community Passover Greetings
By Danny Levy, Director of Development
Lea Gerber JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
Deborah Goldfarb CEO
1a-4a
Danny Levy
Around the J
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
April Events at the Alpert Jewish Community Center
Khatera Zubin MARKETING & CHRONICLE COORDINATOR CHRONICLE ADVERTISING
19
Community Passover Seders
Erin Bellinghausen GRAPHIC ARTIST
Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation 3801 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90815-1791 562-426-7601 FAX 562-424-3915 www.jewishlongbeach.org
Jewish Community Partnership Corporate Partners
PUBLICATION & ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT 562-426-7601 EXT 1006 chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINE First Wednesday of the month: June 2015 deadline: May 6th ISSN# 1525- 6847
_____________________ Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Member
_____________________
Shabbat Candlelighting
Donald J. Kaiser
Investment Management
A Registered Investment Advisor
Craig Kain, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist (Psy 14664)
April 3
6:57 pm
April 10
7:02 pm
April 17
7:07 pm
April 24
7:12 pm
Cover Image Kids with matzah and traditional Passover plate
Become a Corporate Partner Today Contact The Jewish Community Partnership at 562-426-7601. 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.
www.jewishlongbeach.org | APRIL 2015 | 3
INSIDE THE CHRONICLE
The Jewish Community
4 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN-IYAR | 5775
MYSTICAL BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT SHABBAT SATURDAY MORNING, MAY 1ST AT 9:00 AM, STARTING AT
After a Delicious 9:00 a.m. $5.00 Breakfast of Lox, Bagels, Fruit and Coffee
Choose ONE of the below three activities and make
Seven Stops Celebrating the Holiness of Shabbat WALKING
HIKING
BIKING
After Breakfast, Meet at El Dorado Nature Center
After Breakfast, a 7 mile leisure ride
7550 E Spring St Long Beach, CA
River trail from Liberty Park.
Benches Available for Those Who Need to Sit
Driving directions to be provided.
Parking Cost: $5.00
After Breakfast, Meet at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd.
A 3.5 mile hike. Parking Cost: $3.00
Parking Cost: Free
You Must RSVP by APRIL 29TH to participate in this event. Please indicate if you are joining us for breakfast and which activity you are signing up for by calling the
SUPPORTED BY AN IMPACT GRANT FROM
www.jewishlongbeach.org | APRIL 2015 | 5
IMPACT
WHAT ROLE WILL YOU PLAY?
DAY 49
Alpert Jewish Community Center
Saturday March 21, 2015
DAY 85
Jewish Family & Children’s Service
Sunday April 26, 2015
DAY 89
Federation Annual Campaign
V
ISIONS
Thursday April 30, 2015
DAY 91 Shabbat Soiree
DAYS
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Twelve Amazing Women Honored at VISIONS Dinner 2015 OFa doubt, Jewish Without women know how to give of their time, undying energy, and philanthropic gifts to enrich our Jewish agencies and synagogues throughout the area. On Thursday, April 30, Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy will honor twelve of these outstanding women at our Annual Community Campaign VISIONS Dinner. The dinner benefits the Jewish Community Partnership and the incredible work and programs of its partner agencies. The VISIONS Dinner will be held at the Alpert Jewish Community Center on the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus. Working to promote the mission and vision of each of their organizations, the 2015 Women of VISION honorees include Kendra Miller, Alpert JCC; Linda Waltzman, Congregation Shir Chadash; Deanna Alevy, Hillel; Laurie Raykoff, Jewish Community Foundation; Wendy Manasse Wiese, JFCS; Joyce Feldman, Jewish Federation; Barbara Millman & Michelle Sztraicher, National Council of Jewish
IMPACT
Women; Efrat Brayer, Shul by the Shore; Mickey Lewin, Temple Beth David; Nina Ayzenberg, Temple Beth Shalom; and Natalie Swit, Temple Israel. For the past eighteen years, we have come together at the annual VISIONS dinner to celebrate the power we have as women to care for the vulnerable, to be committed to the survival of the Jewish people, to invest in the future of our children, and to rescue those in need no matter where they live or how they worship. Tzedakah Centerpieces The Women’s Philanthropy Cabinet chooses to create centerpieces that will benefit those in need. “Last year, we were proud to donate health care supplies (toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, hand lotions) to Jewish Family & Children’s Service to give to families in need throughout the year,” stated co-chair Gail Levy. This year, the VISIONS centerpiece tzedakah project will benefit the Arts & Services for
Disabled Inc. This program offers an array of therapies and services grounded in creative arts disciplines that are designed to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, and to share with others the joy of creativity and self-expression through art (drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles), music, dance, poetry, drama, storytelling and more. Please consider bringing donations to Megan at the Federation office to support our Tzedakah Centerpiece Project. Any of the following items would be greatly appreciated by April 20. Artist tape, blank silk scarves, blue painters tape, colored pencils, drawing paper, glue sticks, paint brushes, Sharpie markers (various sizes/colors), sketchbooks and watercolor paper. “Three years ago, we proudly donated children’s books to the Long Beach USD libraries whose funding limits their supply,” stated Sherri Selmanson, co-chair of the VISIONS dinner. If you have a creative side and
Above & Beyond Big Hit
Long Beach Hillel
Saturday May 2, 2015
DAY 92
Legacy Society Brunch Sunday May 3, 2015
Leigh Steinberg signing books
2015 Above & Beyond Honorees
The second Annual Community Campaign event for Men’s Philanthropy Above & Beyond was a great event. It was held on Thursday,
February 26 at the Alpert Jewish Community Center on the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus. There were 150 people there to
6 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN-IYAR | 5775
celebrate the incredible twelve men who were honored for going above and beyond for our local agencies and synagogues. Alan
want to help on the centerpiece committee, please call Megan at 562-426-7601 x1014 to learn how you can help us assemble these centerpieces. So, What’s New At VISIONS 2015? This year, we will be having reserved seats and tables ready for our guests at 5:30 pm when the cocktail hour begins. Appetizers will be set up in the Lentzner Family Promenade at stations for you to enjoy while you mingle with your friends or take to your assigned table. At 6:30 pm, our dinner and program begins where the honorees will be recognized and the guest speaker, the Love Doctor, Dr. Terri Orbuch, will share her expertise on love, lust, relationships and simple steps to take your marriage from good to great! For more information on Dr. Orbuch or to RSVP, visit our website www.jewishlongbeach.org/ VISIONS.
Jarrick showcased just a glimpse of his personal sports memorabilia collection. Then we heard from Super Sports Agent Leigh Steinberg. The men raised $137,000 for the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign and the programs and services our partner agencies provide. Daryl Phillips, our Men’s Philanthropy Chair, states, “An incredible evening to gather with men from across our community while raising funds for those in need.”
Are You a Secret Member of the Legacy Society?
Legacy Society members Don & Andrea Kaiser (center) enjoying the 2014 Legacy Society Brunch
Thank you, thank you, thank you….We can never say “Thank You” enough to all of our community members who make Jewish life possible through their continued support of our Jewish agencies, schools and synagogues. However, we need to ask you an important question. Are you a Secret Member of the Legacy Society? Have you protected your lifelong investment
in our Jewish community by including a gift to the Jewish community in your will? If you have, then you are already a member of the Legacy Society. If you have not, then we invite you to make a promise today to make a difference tomorrow. We are asking you to consider including a gift in your will or trust to the Jewish community through the Jewish Community Foundation. It is
up to us to ensure that in the future we will be able to provide Jewish arts, culture and education programs that stimulate, enrich and connect all ages; comprehensive teen, young adult and family engagement programs that inspire and groom the next generation to assume leadership and connect to our worldwide Jewish community; expanded services to our seniors so no elderly person is left alone, hungry or without care; counseling and support for families who are at risk and much more. By signing a Letter of Intent to leave a bequest, of any size, you will automatically become a Legacy Society Member. Your intent to leave a deferred gift will also count towards our community’s goal of raising $10 million in future endowments through the Fund for our Future, which will help preserve Jewish
life while meeting future community needs over many decades. Legacy Society members will be recognized at the Foundation’s Legacy Society Brunch on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Weinberg Federation Campus. The Brunch is hosted by the Jewish Community Foundation and planned by the Foundation’s Legacy Committee. Legacy chair Jan Stein states, “The Legacy Society event is just one way we express our deep gratitude to this visionary group of community members who share common values and an unwavering commitment that ensures our Jewish community will thrive for generations to come.” Making a Legacy Gift is Easy Every family and financial situation is unique and bequests of all amounts are needed. To become a mem-
ber of the Legacy Society, you do not need to divulge the amount of your gift, you simply need to let us know that you intend to leave something in your will or trust. There are many ways to leave a bequest and some options include a simple bequest in a will or trust; a named endowment or special purpose fund through an outright gift using appreciated assets or cash; distributions from an IRA or pension plan; designation of a life insurance policy; a charitable gift annuity and more. The Jewish Community Foundation is ready to assist you in starting the conversation to find the right philanthropic path for you and your family. For more information, call Sharon Kenigsberg at 562-426-7601 x1008.
www.jewishlongbeach.org | APRIL 2015 | 7
THE POWER OF TWO
OF
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IMPACT
IMPACT
WHAT ROLE WILL YOU PLAY?
In places where Jews haven’t shared a Sabbath in decades, Federation is reviving the Jewish soul. Supporting Jewish cultural festivals in Bulgaria. School programs in Ukraine. And thousands of our elderly in the former Soviet Union. At home, in Israel and around the globe we’re strengthening Jewish life. Seeking innovative approaches to nurturing and rescuing our people wherever they’re in need.
Your gift enables us to accomplish all this and more. You’re an integral part of all we do. Give to the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign for today. Give to the Fund for our Future for tomorrow.
2
critical & vital
ways to give
Annual Community Campaign
the Fund for our Future
We Connect Those Who Can HELP To Those Who NEED It Most Visit jewishlongbeach.org or call 562.426.7601 for more information
Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation OF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY
8 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN-IYAR | 5775
OF
DAYS
We’re Restoring Jewish Life Where it was Lost. 100
critical & vital
ways to give
Annual Community Campaign
T H E P OW E R O F T WO
The Fund for our Future
Seifer Holocaust Memorial Dedication April 19 By Danny Levy, Director of Development
Artist rendering of the Gerda & Harold Seifer Holocaust Memorial
After a two year process, and through a generous endowment to the Fund for our Future, Gerda and Harold Seifer have provided for a heartfelt addition to the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus. The Gerda & Harold Seifer Holocaust Memorial is now complete. This memorial is to honor Gerda’s parents, Edyta and
Henryk Krebs, who perished in the Holocaust and compliments the current Schlesinger Holocaust Memorial from the Schlesinger Family. The Seifer’s have been long-time supporters of our local Jewish Community, both in giving and leadership. Their endowment will sustain our campus building and the great work of our partner
agencies for years to come. The newly completed memorial is peaceful, reflective and contemplative. It includes a lovely poem, written by Julia Seifer, and a calming one-of-a-kind custom water feature. The design and concept were created by local artistry team and community members, Robyn and Philip Smith.
YOM HASHOAH COMMUNITY OBSERVANCE
14 at 7 pm there will be staged reading of excerpts from the play “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Literature and the Holocaust will be the topic of a lecture by Dr. Holli Levitsky on Tuesday, April 21 at 7 pm. Dr. Holli Levitsky is the founder and director of the Jewish Studies Program and a Professor of English at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. In 20012002, Dr. Levitsky held the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in American Literature in Poland, teaching courses on “America and the Holocaust” at the University of Warsaw
and lecturing on her research at universities across Eastern Europe. At LMU, she teaches courses on “Literature and Art of the Holocaust,” “Post-war Polish-Jewish Literature,” and “World Jewish Literature.” She has published books and articles on these and related topics, including The Literature of Exile and Displacement: American Identity in a Time of Crisis and Summer Haven: the Catskills, the Holocaust, and the Literary Imagination.
Continued from page 2
ism, meticulously stitching the narrative of her story below each picture. It is accompanied by an award-winning 30-minute film called Through the Eye of the Needle which examines her life and how she came to tell her story. Holocaust Education Events This year, the Yom HaShoah committee is planning additional educational events surrounding Yom HaShoah. On Tuesday, April
Their vision has come to fruition with the help of many local professional craft people. We are truly blessed to have such great ways to remember where we come from, where we are, and most importantly, where we will be. We invite the entire community to join us and the Seifer family as we dedicate this beautiful remembrance on Yom HaShoah observance, on Sunday, April 19 at 1:00 pm at the Alpert Jewish Community Center on the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus. Following at 2:00 pm will be our community Yom HaShoah remembrance presented inside the Lipeles Auditorium, ending with a visit to the Schlesinger Holocaust Memorial. If you are interested in establishing your own Fund for our Future and would like more information, please call Deborah Goldfarb at 562426-7601.
Gerda Seifer by naming the Yom HaShoah Fund in her honor. The fund makes possible the annual Community Yom HaShoah observance program as well as other Holocaust education activities. If you wish to continue the important work of memorializing the Holocaust in Long Beach, please consider a donation to the Gerda Seifer Yom HaShoah Fund. Please contact us at 562426-7601 x1008 to make Gerda Seifer Yom your tax deductible donation HaShoah Fund by April 14, and you will be The Jewish Community recognized in the printed Foundation has honored program.
Where We Are as of 3/20/15
2015 Annual Community Campaign $1,540,000 to date $933,288
goal of
Fund for our Future Capital Refurbishment Fund goal of $3,000,000 to date $962,619 Program Innovation Fund goal of $3,000,000 to date $1,099,399 Current & Future Endowment Funds NEW GOAL $15,000,000 to date $9,400,000
www.jewishlongbeach.org | APRIL 2015 | 9
CONGREGATIONS
R A B B I N I C
R E F L E C T I O N S
Redeem the Child This Passover By Rabbi Yitzchok Newman
“Traditions are all about the children! They represent our future…Jewish education of the young is vital for the future of our community.” The congregants who actually stay awake during the Rabbi’s speech have a sense that this message is on its way and will be repeated all through the year, especially before the holidays. For Passover, however, we need not hear this message from the Rabbi. The Seder is the most popular tradition in Jewish homes all around the world. And the high points of the Passover Seder all revolve around the children. I can vividly remember being set up on a tall chair at my Seder and terrified as I said the ‘Mah Nishtana’ by heart. In fact, the name Haggadah is taken from the biblical verse ‘Tell your Children.’ The narrative of the Haggadah, if you manage to get through it before the matzah balls, is in response to the ‘four questions’ that are posed by the chil-
dren. Then we have the ‘four sons’ in the Haggadah who we address. The message is given to each child with an individualized message. Of course, no Jewish parent would admit to having anyone but the brilliant child and concentrate on his answer. We do gather children for many other holidays with masquerading on Purim and lighting the Menorah on Chanukah. However, no other holiday so overtly revolves around the children as a vital component quite as much as the Passover Seder. Why then is the message directed at the children more so on Passover than any other holiday? It would seem that the theme of other holidays of regret for misgivings, gratitude for salvation, unity of community is just as an important message to transmit to the children. I believe that the message on Passover is not what we deliver to the children but rather what we take from the children. On Passover
it is our turn to take a page out of the children’s book. Exodus marks a time when the Children of Israel were in their youth and as we reenact those glorious days we symbolize our peoplehood in its youth. Adults, by and large, have made their decisions in life. They have carved out their positions and are cozy in their comfort zone. Even if new ideas make good sense to them within their religious practice, there is a slim chance of making change. The idealism of the past has dissipated with the realities of our nice home, successful career, vacation plans and social status. Youth, on the other hand, are excited about discovering new ideas exploring new ways and deeper involvement. They are not anchored by the past and are eager to take risks towards a richer future – even if it means dedicating more time and energy. On Passover, the Jews were in a youthful frame of
mind. After two centuries of bondage they were ready to Rabbi Yitzchok leave behind Newman their only known lifestyle and follow Moses through the fierce desert to receive the Torah and enter the Promised Land. It was the youthful discovery and exploration to a more meaningful existence. It’s great to be an adult. But once a year we can take a lesson from our inner child. When we eat the matzah this Passover, let’s commit to greater youthful discovery and exploration in our journey as Jews. Happy Passover to all! Rabbi Yitzchok Newman is Rabbi at Congregation Lubavitch and Director of the Hebrew Academy in Huntington Beach.
Please contact the synagogue directly with any questions using the directory and see our Community Calendar at www.jewishlongbeach.org for more community event listings.
itual connection between often reluctant, yet amazingly articulate men who were filled with the spirit of God, who could not help but cry out God’s condemnation of immorality and God’s compassion for the poor and downtrodden.
wine and juice, and ceremonial Seder foods. Cost: $18 members; $25 nonmembers; $12 students, 13 & older; $10 children under 13. P’nai Or never turns anyone away for lack of funds, so come and enjoy a meaningful Seder with us. Contact the temple to RSVP.
P’nai Or Saturday, 4/4, 7 pm: Second Night Passover Community Dessert Seder at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 N. Studebaker Rd, Long Beach. A traditional Haggadah reading coupled with contemporary readings and wonderful music, led by Cantor Steven Puzarne. There will be desserts, seasonal fruits and cheeses,
Temple Beth David Wednesday, 4/15, 7pm: Erev Yom Hashoah will be observed by lighting candles, reading a poem, reciting a blessing and reminding us what happened to our people not so long ago. Sunday, 4/26, 10 am: Rabbi Nancy Myers will be holding her third event of “The Interfaith Connections.” The topic will be “Spotlighting
10 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN-IYAR | 5775
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 Newman Phone: 562-426-5480 Email: yitzyg@aol.com Congregation Shir Chadash (I) 6440 Del Amo Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90713 Contact Rabbi Howard Laibson Phone: 562-429-0715 Email:csclakewood@dslextreme.com Website: www.CongregationShirChadash.org Congregation Sholom 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 Contact: Cantor Steven Puzarne Email: cantor@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
Area Synagogue Upcoming Events Congregation Shir Chadash Wednesday, 4/22 Monday, 4/27: A “See Jewish New York” trip for adults with Rabbi Howard Laibson & Ellen Goldsmith. Jewish and historical museums and synagogues, dining at famous Jewish delis, walking tours of the lower east side, the new World Trade Center/Ground Zero, a Broadway play and more. Please contact the temple for more info. Wednesdays, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13/5/20, 7pm: An adult education mini-course “THE HEBREW PROPHETS – The Conscience of Judaism” with Rabbi Howard Laibson. Encounter the powerful spir-
Synagogue Directory
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:tmplbthohr@aol.com Website: www.templebethohr.com
Jewish Holidays”; teaching, answering questions, and group participation are the key elements for her sessions. Temple Israel Saturday, 4/4, 6:30pm: Join the Temple Israel family for a wonderful Seder conducted by Rabbi Moskowitz. Traditional Passover meal served, Passover songs and family-friendly Seder. Please contact the temple office for prices.
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
3801 E. WILLOW STREET LONG BEACH, CA 90815 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone: (562) 426-7601 www.alpertjcc.org
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Passover Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a Youth Water Polo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a Diary of Anne Frank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration . . . . . . . . . 3a Sr. Adult Happiness Group . . . . . . . . . . . 3a Join the AJCC Race with A View Team. . 3a
Spring Break Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a Taste of Camp BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a Camp Komaroff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a
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Message from the Executive Director Passover is the time of year when Jews celebrate our freedom from bondage in Egypt. We not only do this with the tradition of telling the Passover story, but with our actions at the Seder table and with the traditions that surround our preparations for the Seder. We remove all the chametz (leavened bread) from our homes, we scrub from top to bottom, we change our dishes, and we mentally prepare for the week that is to come (Passover begins the evening of April 3 this year). These actions reflect the story in the Torah of the Hebrews’ preparations for the very first Seder before they were actually free.
Passover Holiday Table Wednesday, April 1, 9am & 1pm Join us in the AJCC Promenade for a delicious Passover treat.
Senior Adult Passover Outreach Tuesday, April 7 Packing: 9:30am • Delivery: 11:30am
Passover, or Pesach, is as much about looking forward to what we have faith will happen, as it is about looking back on what has already happened. It is about believing that even if something has not occurred yet, if we believe it will, if we can visualize it and act toward making it so (a modern version of this is “dress for the job you want to have”), then it is much more likely to become reality.
Volunteers pack and deliver holiday baskets to skilled nursing facilities and homebound seniors. RSVP to Susan Mathieu, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721
I love this interpretation of Passover because it reflects so much of what we do here at the Alpert Jewish Community Center. As AJCC members, we learn, exercise, volunteer, and participate because we look toward the future and what is possible. Possible for ourselves, possible for our children, possible for the community. In addition to Passover, two of the events we are commemorating this month at the J are Yom Ha’Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) on April 19 and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Independence Day) on the evening of April 23. The State of Israel rose from the ashes of unimaginable horror because people acted with the faith that if you believe in something strongly enough, you can make it happen. As Theodor Herzl maintained, “im tirtzu, ein zo agada; ve'im lo tirtzu, agada hi ve'agada tisha'er” (“If you will it, it is no dream; and if you do not will it, a dream it is and a dream it will stay”). For a thousand years, the words from the Haggadah, “Next Year in Jerusalem” reflected a dream of the largest order. This month, we celebrate Israel’s 67th anniversary because our people looked forward and believed, turning their dream into a reality.
Senior Passover Luncheon Wednesday, April 8, 12pm Traditional foods and dessert. A short service and singing will celebrate the Passover Holiday. A big thank you to the lunch volunteers, Inga, Sylvia, Barbra, Tom, Bob, Ellen, Lynn, Edwina, Jessie, Ira, Gerry, Connie, Grace, Barry and Bernie. Our luncheons would not be as fabulous if you were not a part of our team. RSVP to Susan Mathieu, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721
AQUATICS Ignacio Berumen, iberumen@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1020
This Passover, I hope you will all take a moment to reflect on actions you take, or want to take, that reflect your beliefs for the future, and I look forward to helping your dreams become reality at the AJCC, Your Center For Life!
Red Cross Learn To Swim Classes Tiny Tots: Ages 3 and up Monday-Wednesday: 1:30-2pm or 3:30-4pm Tuesday-Thursday: 1:30pm-2pm or 2:30-3pm
L’Shalom
Jeffrey Rips
Beginner: AGES 4 and up Monday-Wednesday: 2-2:30pm or 3-3:30pm Tuesday-Thursday: 2:30-3pm or 3:30-4pm
AJCC Executive Director
Adv. Beginner: Ages 4 and up Monday-Wednesday: 2:30-3pm Tuesday-Thursday: 3-3:30pm
Private Swim Lessons For Children & Adults One-on-one instruction for all ages with an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Spots fill quickly, so call today! Visit website for more info.
Water Polo Class Sundays, April 5-May 24
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Class objectives are to teach the fundamentals of water polo. Ages 5 -7: 4-4:30pm • Ages 8-12: 4:30-5pm Limited space available for registration. Sign up now at the P.E. courtesy desk.
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.
Nisan-Iyar 5775
APRIL 2015
ADULTS AJCC Poker Club Tuesday, April 21, 6:30-10:30pm Join our friendly Texas Hold’em Poker Club. Poker will be played, snacks and beverages will be served, and cash prizes will be won. $25; $20/MVP (Cash Only) Katie Clowdus, kclowdus@alpertjcc.org, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1024.
SENIORS Dr. Susan Mathieu, smathieu@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721
Happiness & Humor Group Friday, April 3, 11am
The Diary of Anne Frank
Find the positive side of life! All senior adults are invited, so bring your friends and be ready to laugh. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. FREE
Tuesday, April 14, 7pm This preview performance will feature scenes from the play, The Diary of Anne Frank, which is based on the diary kept by Anne Frank while she was in hiding for two years with her family during the Nazi Occupation of the Netherlands. Free and open to the public.
RSVP to Dr. Susan Mathieu.
RSVP to Shlomit Jackson, sjackson@alpertjcc.org, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1067
Sr. Adult Luncheon: “The Musical History of Long Beach”
Literature and the Holocaust Tuesday, April 21, 7pm Led by Dr. Holli Levitsky, Director of Jewish Studies at Loyola Marymount University
Around the J
JEWISH LIFE & CULTURE
Wed, April 1, 12pm Join us for a fabulous luncheon with special guests The Prime Time Players performing a musical tribute to the history of Long Beach, California. $6; $5/MVP RSVP to Susan Mathieu
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
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Israeli Independence Day Yom Ha’Atzmaut Holiday Table Wednesday, April 22, 9am & 1pm
WELLNESS & FITNESS Cindi Massengale, cmassengale@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1056
Join us for a holiday treat in the AJCC promenade to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut.
RACE WITH A VIEW, 5/10K Sunday, April 26, 8am
Join the AJCC Team! Please join us on this morning of fun and fitness, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Runners and walkers are welcome. Help support JFCS of Long Beach and West Orange County on this 5K/10K walk/run along the beautiful oceanfront, starting at Pierpoint Landing, 200 Aquarium Way, in Shoreline Aquatic Park in Long Beach. AJCC team members will receive an AJCC race team tank top, and a $5 discount when registering as a team member! Get complete details at www.alpertjcc.org.
SPORTS & RECREATION Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration Thursday, April 23, 5pm Join us for this celebration of the State of Israel’s birthday. Featuring the Temple Israel Youth Choir, and a fascinating film, Above and Beyond, about the creation of the Israeli Air Force. RSVP to Shlomit Jackson, sjackson@alpertjcc.org, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1067
Kabbalah Class Wednesdays, 12pm Rabbi Abba Perelmuter teaches this ongoing class where you'll add a new dimension to your life, renew your spirituality, and learn something new. FREE
Weekly Shabbat Candle Lighting
PE Courtesy Desk (562) 426-7601, ext. 1051
Alpert JCC/Pete Davis Youth Basketball League Spring Season: April 12-June 14 Sun, April 12: Try Out/Evaluation Day at the AJCC • 12-2pm..................5-7 year olds (Rookies) • 2-3pm...................8-10 year olds (Veterans) • 3-5pm.................. 11-13 year olds (Pros)
We emphasize sound fundamentals, skill development, sportsmanship, and partnership with families at the best indoor basketball facility in Long Beach! $180; $150/MVP (Games and practices included) All skill levels welcome!
Fridays, 3:30pm
Spring Basketball Skills Camp • April 6-8
Join Shlomit Jackson, AJCC Jewish Educator, and the AJCC community for Shabbat candle lighting, Kiddush and HaMotzi. Grape juice & challah provided.
$125; $100/MVP - Mon, Tue, Wed
The Barbara & Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center
3a www.alpertjcc.org
Around the J
Early Childhood Education
SUMMER CAMP
Linda Keiles, lkeiles@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1092
Natalie Chernik, nchernik@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205
Parents’ Night Off, Kids’ Night Out Sat, April 18, 5-9pm For children 12 months and older Supervision, dinner, and activities are provided by the ECE Staff. $25/1st Child; $20/2nd Child; $10/3rd Child, (must be siblings) $30/Babies under 12 months • $5 more per child for non AJCC members
Spring PlayDays April 6-10 • 9am-2:30pm For children 2 to Kindergarten Monday: Passover Fun • Tuesday: Buggy Buddies Wednesday: Howdy Partner • Thursday: Monster Mash Friday: Safari Adventure In observance of Passover we will not be serving lunch and the cafe will be closed. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SEND A LUNCH EVERY DAY YOUR CHILD ATTENDS. Please refrain from bringing any bread items
Cost per day: $60; $50/MVP Members Only Special - $225 for the entire week. Reservations required. Extended childcare is available 7am-9am & 2:30pm-6pm Register with Danielle Putnam at (562) 426-7601 ext. 1090 or dputnam@alpertjcc.org
YOUTH & TEENS Natalie Chernik, nchernik@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205
Kids’ Night Out: Pesach Party Saturday, April 18, 5-10pm Grades K-8 Decorate your own Seder plate and matzah cover. The story of Pesach (Passover) will be shared and the kids will participate in a scavenger hunt for the Afikomen! You must register by Wed, April 15. Drop-ins will not be admitted. 1st Child: $35; $30/MVP • 2nd Child: $30; $25/MVP • 3rd Child: $25; $20/MVP For more info., visit our website or contact Natalie Chernik (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205 or nchernik@alpertjcc.org.
When School’s Out, Join Us for Camp at the J!
Spring Break Vacation Days for Youth & Teens Friday, April 3 & Monday-Friday, April 6-10 Youth Camp: Grades K–5, Teen Camp: Grades 6 & Up 9am-4pm: $55; $45/MVP, per day • 7am-6pm: $65; $55/MVP, per day Register for all 6 days and save $5/day For more information, please contact Natalie Chernik at (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205 or nchernik@alpertjcc.org. Registration forms can be found at www.alpertjcc.org.
Stuhlbarg Summer Stock Presents Once on This Island Directed By Matthew Julian June 29-August 2 • Mon-Fri, 5:30-8pm • 5 week program Grades 7-12 Explore your theatrical side while hanging at the J with friends old and new! This year's Summer Stock production of Once on This Island provides opportunities for teens to participate in singing, dancing, acting, prop and costume prep, and more. Five weeks of preparation lead up to performances on Wed, July 29, Thurs, July 30, Sat, Aug. 1, and Sun, Aug. 2. Auditions will take place during the first week; teens must be registered for Summer Stock in order to audition.
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For more info., visit our website or contact Natalie Chernik (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205 or nchernik@alpertjcc.org.
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.
Nisan-Iyar 5775
APRIL 2015
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
Everything You Need To Know About Race With A View Excitement is building as April 26 approaches! That’s the day we will all move for mental health awareness at Race With A View 2015. Here is what you need to know: How to Register Registration is easy, whether you are an internet master or not! For online registration, visit www.racewithaview.com. To register the old-fashioned way, you can bring your registration form (look inside this issue of the Chronicle, or come to the Weinberg Federation Campus and pick one up either at the front desk or at the JFCS reception desk) and a check to the JFCS office; or mail it to JFCS, to the attention of Diana. Finally, you may register in person on April 23 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at
the Alpert JCC, or at the race to be present to win. Winners starting at 7:00 am. Visa and will be drawn at 9:30 am on MasterCard are accepted. April 26 at the race. For more information, call Pattie DavidAuction son at x235. Starting around April 13, look for the Race With A View Schedule Pick-a-Prize table in the lobby 7:00 am of the Alpert JCC. What is it, Registration & runner/walker you ask? It’s an opportunity check-in opens drawing where you select 7:30 am which of several prizes you Meet Elex Michaelson & would most like to win, and stretch with Jaime Nemirow your ticket is entered for that of Fitness by Jaime item’s drawing. This year’s 8:00 am Pick-a-Prize will include some Kids Lighthouse Fun Run wonderful prizes, such as a 8:05 am stay at the trendy Hotel Maya 10K runners & walkers start facing Queensway Bay, or 8:15 am an evening for you and 9 5K runners & walkers start of your friends at The Laugh 9:30 am Factory in Long Beach. Tickets Opportunity drawing (winare $5 each or 5 for $20 and ners need not be present) are available for purchase to everyone; you do not need
Race Shirts This year’s shirts will be white 100% cotton, short sleeve T-shirts with the beautiful Race With A View logo emblazoned on the front. For an additional $4, participants can upgrade to a white short sleeve performance wear shirt. Children who participate in the Kids Lighthouse Fun Run can have a kids-sized 100% cotton white T-shirt. Please register by April 10 to ensure that you receive your first choice of size and style. Bib and Shirt Pick-Up On Thursday, April 23, runners and walkers can come by the Alpert JCC and pick up their bibs and shirts from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Registration for the event will also be accepted.
(L-R) Title sponsors Marvin Zamost & Linda Haley join Race With A View Chairperson Debbie Feldman & JFCS President Rob Feldman to remind you to plan to move with us for mental health awareness
Volunteer Training Volunteers should register on the website at www. racewithaview.com. Volunteers will be contacted around April 15 with their assignments, and they should plan to attend a training session on Thursday, April 23 from 7-8 pm at the Alpert JCC. Please join us on April 26 and show that you share our vision of a community healed, one person, one family at a time. All we need is you!
New Parkinson’s Support Group Local Holocaust Survivors Visit Students We have all heard the expression, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” No truer words have Nancy Koelling ever been spoken about Nancy Koelling. Those who frequent the Alpert JCC fitness classes will recognize her warm smile and her friendly, outgoing demeanor. What may not be widely known, at least not yet, is that Nancy was recently diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Instead of resorting to self-pity and isolation, Nancy is lending her energies to teaming with JFCS to form a support group for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She has visited a variety of senior living facilities to
speak with their management about the group, leaving informational flyers so that interested residents can contact JFCS. The group will have its first meeting once enough participants have been recruited, and will then decide on the time and date of their weekly meetings. Meanwhile, Nancy continues to spread the word when she is not busy with her other passions. Already an accomplished artist, she is also a budding stand-up comic. “I can help others through humor and at the same time get out there and be with people! Thinking of others is helping me to focus on positive and creative ideas,” says Nancy. For more information about the Parkinson’s Support Group, call Debbie at JFCS.
On Friday, March 6, a group of local Holocaust survivors attended the 16th annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest, sponsored by the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education at Chapman University. High school and middle school students from all over the country, as well as students from as far away as Shanghai, China and Kosice, Slovakia, shared their creative art works in response to Holocaust survivors’ oral testimonies. The theme of this year’s contest was “From Discovery to Action: Making Meaning from Memory.” Survivors were treated to lunch and spent the early afternoon signing the students’ copies of the book The Holocaust Chronicle: A History in Word and Pictures.
A group of Holocaust survivors & volunteer escorts from the Long Beach area attended the 16th annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest at Chapman University on March 6. (L-R) volunteer Ann Martin, Ruth Hermann, Lev Kozelov, JFCS Director of Older Adult Services Chris Goldman, Galina Kozelov, & Ellen Stern
“Each of our participants expressed deep appreciation to Chapman University for the chance to share their unique testimonies so that the students could bear witness for the future. Each voiced how important it was that the story of the Holocaust never be forgotten,” said Chris Goldman, JFCS Director of Older Adult Services. Joyce Greenspan, a former JFCS board member
and past director of ADL, who currently serves on the Alpert JCC Board, works as Community Liaison for the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education at Chapman. “Joyce was instrumental in ensuring that our community members were able to attend, and we are fortunate to have her as an advocate for Holocaust survivors,” said Kathryn Miles, JFCS Executive Director.
OUR MISSION: Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Long Beach/West Orange County is a nonprofit agency that provides a wide range of professional counseling and support services to assist all individuals regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation in facing life’s challenges.
www.jewishlongbeach.org | APRIL 2015 | 11
CELEBRATE PASSOVER
INVEST IN ISRAEL BONDS ISRAELBONDS.COM
with ISRAEL BONDS
Development Corporation for Israel Israel Bonds 1950 Sawtelle Blvd, Suite 370 Los Angeles, CA 90025 losangeles@israelbonds.com 800.922.6637 This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Israel bonds. Member FINRA. Photo: istock/AndrewSoundarajan
CANTORS CONCERT CABARET & AUCTION TEMPLE BETH DAVID 6100 Hefley Street, Westminster, CA 92683
Sunday, April 26, 2015 - 5:30 PM Festivities begin at 5:30 with complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction followed by our concert at 7:00 with an exciting live auction!!
STARRING THREE OUTSTANDING VOCALISTS
Cantorial Soloist Jenna Sagan Congregation B’nai Tzedek
PREMIER SEATING: $40.00
Cantorial Soloist Nancy Linder Temple Beth David
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: $250 $500 $1000
Cantor Kenny Ellis Temple Beth Ami
OPEN SEATING: $25.00
To Reserve Your Seats, Mail Payment To: Temple Beth David 6100 Hefley Street Westminster, CA 92683 Questions? Call Us at (714) 892-6623 or tbdavid@templebethdavid.org
12 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN-IYAR | 5775
WHY DO I ALWAYS BUY TOO MUCH MATZAH?
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE FROGS?
aren’t the only ones that get asked. And this year we’re asking a question, too. Will you help
100 OF
DAYS
On Passover, the four questions
IMPACT
WHAT ROLE WILL YOU PLAY?
us make a difference in the lives of Jewish children, here at home and around the DAY world?
DAY 26
26
DAYS
100
By giving to the Federation you feed hungry children. OF You connect children to Judaism— Thursday
February 26, 2015 IMPACT through after-school programs, Jewish summer
IS IT THE BRISKET THAT GIVES ME GAS?
WHY CAN’T MY SISTERIN-LAW HOST THE SEDER?
camp and Birthright. You provide counseling to
troubled teens. You help children withDAY special needs. And so much more.
89
V
So this Passover, our fifth question is, “Will you
ISIONS
help make a difference in the lives ofThursday Jewish April 30, 2015
children?” Please answer “yes” and give as
WHO DRANK FROM ELIJAH’S CUP?
WILL I EVER GET THE STAINS OUT OF THIS TABLECLOTH?
generously as you can.
DAY Visit www.jewishlongbeach.org and donate92 today.
Legacy Society Brunch Sunday May 3, 2015
©2015 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah is a registered trademark of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.
h Hadassa u wishes yo
PY P HA
VER O S S PA
HADASSAH
Southern California HADASSAH, THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
lbochsc@hadassah.org 562-430-5055
www.jewishlongbeach.org | APRIL 2015 | 13
HILLEL AT CSULB
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WEB: www.beachhillel.org EMAIL: info@beachhillel.org PHONE: 562-426-7601 ext 1424
Beach Hillel Celebrates Passover Retaining a Jewish identity that includes the observance of Passover in some way is important for the students at Beach Hillel, who are typically unable to be with their families during this holiday. For this reason, we will host our annual Passover Seder at Rachel and Rabbi Drew Kaplan’s house, to pro-
vide an essential Jewish service and to demonstrate how simple a Passover Seder is to host in the students’ futures. A staple priority of college Jewish programming is to present to students an easy way to retain their cultural and religious identity during these holidays. Understanding that observing Passover includes
special kashrut laws throughout the duration of the holiday, Beach Hillel provided kosher-for-Passover lunch options made available at the Interfaith Center. Also this year, Beach Hillel is providing a dynamically different end-of-Passover experience by hosting a mimouna program, a
Beach Hillel Students Attend Policy Conference The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) hosted its annual Policy Conference, where 16,000 Israel activists from across the country gathered to learn more about the Jewish state of Israel, and to meet with their congressional representatives and remind them of the importance of the US-Israel relationship. Beach Hillel understands the need for students to partake in these types of programs, which help build their leader-
ship skills and Jewish identity. Consequently, we would like to thank Allen and Deanna Alevy for their generous gift that sponsored six Jewish students to attend. This year’s Policy Conference not only exposed students to the US-Israel relationship and the political process, but also gave students the opportunity to hear from top US policy makers including Susan Rice and Mitch McConnell, and the Prime Minister of
Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. Reaffirming their faith in the US-Israel relationship helped Beach Hillel students’ motivation when advocating for Israel on campus and to their peers. The conference also included “break-out” sessions for students to learn more from experts in various fields, including technology, LGBT issues, counter-terrorism, and even Israeli chefs. “Hearing the first openly bisexual member of congress, Kyrsten
Moroccan Jewish tradition. It is a celebration where traditionally starchy foods are served including the iconic mufleta. We believe it is vital that students not only retain their own Jewish cultural identity, but also explore the diversity that is prevalent within their own cultural affiliation. We, at Beach Hillel,
Sinema, speak so fondly of Israel spoke out to me more than any other speaker. The LGBT session made me more aware of how Israel’s detractors use terms like ‘pink-washing’ to discredit the Jewish state’s achievements with LGBT issues, thereby insulting the activists who worked so hard to make these changes. I also liked her spunk,” says Kylie Shahar, CSULB’s Stand With Us Emerson Fellow and a Beach Hillel Jewish student leader.
would like to thank the Long Beach community for their constant contributions and support of the local Jewish student community. Without the necessary support, we would not be able to provide the essential Jewish experiences that students require to retain a close relationship with their Jewish identity.
SAVE THE DATE Sharon-Carmel Hadassah Cabaret Fundraiser Sunday, June 28 2:00 pm
Featuring music and a sing-a-long. Proceeds benefit the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower at Hadassah Hospital in Israel.
Reading the New Testament as Jews
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine
The CSULB Jewish Studies Program is pleased to welcome Dr. Amy-Jill Levine to Southern California on Monday, April 6 at 7:30 pm for her talk, based on her most recent book, Short Stories by Jesus: the Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi.
A professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbility Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Levine describes herself as “a Yankee Jewish feminist who teaches in a predominantly Christian divinity school in the buckle of the Bible Belt,” and she has become one of the leading scholars on early Christianity. Among her many publications is the groundbreaking Jewish Annotated New Testament, which she edited with Marc Brettler, and which was the first edition of the New Testament designed for Jewish readers who wished to study it as Jews.
In her talk, Dr. Levine will offer a fresh, timely interpretation of Jesus’ narratives, looking at how their original Jewish audience understood them. She will reveal the parables’ connections to first-century economic and agricultural life, social customs and morality, and Jewish scriptures and Roman culture. Like all Jewish Studies talks, it is free and open to the public; there is no need to RSVP. It will be held at the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus, 3801 E. Willow St. For more information, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Blutinger at Jeffrey.Blutinger@csulb.edu.
14 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN-IYAR | 5775
Lyn Epstein, GRI REALTOR®
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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
Our Boys Are Winners
Learning to speak a foreign language is always a challenge; learning to speak Hebrew has the additional challenge of a different alphabet, and its relationship to the children’s lives here in America. To tap into the stu-
dents’ creativity, love of technology, and to expand their vocabulary and fluency, our sixth grade boys’ Ivrit class entered a writing contest sponsored by the Huntington Beach Friends of the Library. We are delighted and hon-
ored to announce that Justin Media House, the setting D., Borna H., and Aaron Y. had to be in Ancient Egypt, are winners in the Writing which the students were goand Illustrating Contest! ing to be studying beginning There were hundreds of in December. Written for amazing entries in their sec- the contest in English, and tion, Grades 4-8, from public translated to Hebrew for and private schools, and so class, the project was a colyou can imagine our pride! laborative effort by the three The students’ story, Egypt- boys. Working with each ian Mystery, had to meet the other on the computer in criteria of the contest: an ani- Google documents to write mal must be one of the char- the story was exciting; even acters, and there must be a more amazing was when mystery. In addition, because each student and Morah this was an interdepartmen- Rabin worked online edittal effort between Morah ing together, simultaneously Sarah Rabin, Middle School on four different computers. Hebrew and History teacher, The Awards Ceremony and Mrs. Raychel Lydon, who took place at the Huntington teaches in the Literature and Beach Central Library.
Enjoy Some Great Rounds of Golf
Join us as we celebrate our 24th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, May 4, presented by Pheffer Law Corporation. Take a long weekend and come enjoy some great rounds of golf at the sublime private Seacliff Country Club located in Huntington Beach, just minutes from the school. It’s a
scramble which means that every golfer has a chance to help his team, off the tee, from the fairway, on the green or even from out of the woods. To make things even more intriguing, we offer a helicopter ball drop, which allows you the chance to win up to $10,000 if your numbered ball is either in or closest to the hole. Be sure to purchase a golf ball so you can be part of the fun, all you need is one to win! Tournament Chairman
Joseph Konowiecki expects this to be the biggest and best event yet for the Academy. The money we raise at this event, which features many corporate sponsors, benefits the Scholarship Fund and after school programs. It’s your honor, so fire away and we look forward to seeing you there. To reserve your space and purchase golf balls, please contact Jenny Kdoshim at eventsshahb@gmail.com.
Mayor Jill Hardy and Miss Huntington Beach, Claire Epting, joined the Director of the Library, Stephanie Beverage in presenting the awards and reading short selections from the winning entries. Justin, Borna, and Aaron were awarded Honorable Mention in the contest; they represented the Hebrew Academy and their families with pride, wearing their kipot and uniforms. They received resounding applause and cheers from their parents and families, teachers, and peers. It was a magical moment that they will long remember.
The Hebrew Academy wishes you & your family a very happy & healthy Passover!
WE ARE THE HEBREW ACADEMY “We chose the Hebrew Academy for our children because of the loving family atmosphere the school has successfully created and the strong foundation of Ahavat Yisrael regardless of background. We are thrilled with the superb education they are receiving both in general studies and Judaics.” -The Lites Family
www.jewishlongbeach.org | APRIL 2015 | 15
PASSOVER GREETINGS
Chag Pesach Sameach Bob & Sandy Rips
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover From the JFCS Board & Staff
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover Sybil & Marc Tamaroff
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover Hank & Joyce Feldman
Wishing Chag Pesach Sameach Your Family Barbara Wolfe & Family A Happy Passover Happy Matzah Holiday Greetings to the Long Beach Jewish Community Dr. & Mrs. Seifer and Family
Happy Passover
Arnold & Sharon Kushner
Happy Passover Cantor Yehuda & Rita Keller
Michelle & Steve Gordon
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover Karen & Tim & the Strelitz & Weiss Family
Happy Passover
Leonard & Myrna Simon
16 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN-IYAR | 5775
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover Jeffrey, Lauren, Ellie, Josh & Jacob Rips
Happy Passover
Mr. Jason Charnick & Mrs. Paige Fingerhut Charnick
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover Roz & Ned Bassin
Happy Passover Norm & Sheila Pokras and Family
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover Sanford & Linda Simmons Aaron & Joseph Simmons Matthew Simmons & Melissa Rosenthal, Sophie & Jonah Gabriella & Mordechai, Rafael, Nissim, Barach & Moishe Quezada
Shirley & Gene Ross
Happy Passover Linda Temkin Waltzman
On Passover, may you be blessed with happiness Dr. Susan Mathieu and Family
Happy Passover
Aaron & Leslie Kern Family
On Passover, may you be blessed with happiness Arlene & Rick Freeman
Deborah & Rabbi Mark Goldfarb
Jewish Federation & Jewish Community Foundation Staff
Happy Passover The Kenigsberg Family
Happy Passover Danny & Sammy Levy
Dodie Robbins and Family
May the symbols of our Seder meals inspire us with their meanings and move us to acts of justice, kindness and peace
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover
PASSOVER GREETINGS
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover
May this Pesach bring your family joy and blessings. Chag Sameach!
Wishing Your Family A Happy Passover The Bobby Kronick Family Jann Kronick-Gath Chance Gath
Happy Passover Jewish Federation Board of Governors Jewish Community Foundation Board of Trustees
www.jewishlongbeach.org | APRIL 2015 | 17
TRIBUTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
P ROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ARCHITECTS
Cherson Weiss Architects Erin Cherson, Architect & Ava Weiss, CEO Specializing in Residential and Commercial Projects
(562) 596-0495 www.cwarchitects.net
ATTORNEYS
Lawrence H. Nemirow, ESQ
ORTHODONTICS Brodsky Orthodontics Braces & Invisilign™ for all ages 5920 Del Amo Blvd., Lakewood
(562) 496-2000
www.drbrodskysmile.com
PEDIATRICS
Business Law, Insurance Law, Trusts and Estates 5242 Katella Ave., Suite 104 Los Alamitos, CA 90720
(562) 799-1379
www.nemlawyer.com
C.P.A.’S Shari D. Nemirow, C.P.A.
Small Business accounting & income taxes for Corporations, Partnerships, Individuals 5242 Katella, #104, Los Alamitos
(562) 430-8231
Pamela Schulman-Flores, 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 Screening Most Insurance Accepted
(562) 882-0834
YOUR AD HERE Reach over 40,000 community members by listing your business in the Jewish Community Chronicle.
Add your listing to our Professional Directory Call Khatera 562-426-7601 EXT 1006 for more information
Tributes
Send a special gift to honor, memorialize, or congratulate friends & family for all occasions. We will send a card on your behalf.
Jewish Federation
GENERAL FUND •To Hank Feldman, in honor of your birthday, from Michelle & Steve Gordon •To Barbara Richtol, in memory of your beloved husband Don, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To the Family of Eva Schlesinger, in memory of Eva, from Helen Barrad •To Jim Breslauer, wishing you a speedy recovery, from Linda & Sanford Simmons •To Jim Breslauer, thinking of you & sending warms wishes for a speedy recovery, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To the Family of Eva Schlesinger, in memory of Eva, from Norman & Sheila Pokras •To Joan Davis, in memory of your beloved daughter Paula, from Linda & Sanford Simmons •To Joan Davis, in memory of your beloved daughter Paula, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Jay & Cheryl Eiser, in memory of your beloved mother & mother-in-law Charlotte Eiser, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Beth Sterling, in memory of your beloved grandmother Charlotte Eiser, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Marilyn Tichauer, in memory of your beloved husband Randy, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
Honors & Simchahs From the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
•Mazel Tov to Barbara Alpert, in honor of receiving the 2015 Hannah G. Solomon Award, from Linda & Sanford Simmons •Mazel Tov to Hank Feldman on celebrating his birthday, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff 18 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN-IYAR | 5775
•To Larry & Susan Tichauer, in memory of your beloved brother Randy, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP •To Judi & Gordon Lentzner, in honor of receiving the Lifetime of Service award, from Helen Barrad •To Reva & Sy Alban, in honor of receiving the Lifetime of Service award, from Helen Barrad ABOVE AND BEYOND •To Don Kaiser, in your honor as the Federation Honoree at the 2015 Above & Beyond Event, from Curtis Kaiser •To Don Kaiser, in your honor as the Federation Honoree at the 2015 Above & Beyond Event, from the Alhadeff Family
Jewish Community Foundation
GENERAL FUND •To Esther Gilbert, in memory of Sir Martin Gilbert, a great author, historian, beloved husband, & wonderful human being, respected by people all over the world,
B’nai Mitzvah
TEMPLE BETH DAVID April Chernila On March 7, April, daughter of Jon Chernila & Susana Pollak, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. She is involved in raising funds for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
from Harold & Gerda Seifer Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 1314
AJCC
GENERAL FUND •In honor of Jim & Liz Breslauer, from Nancy Weintraub & David Kahn PAULA BLUM SENIOR ADULT FUND •In honor of Susan Mathieu, from Thelma S. Conway AJCC tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 1414
JFCS
GENERAL FUND •From Ron & Diane Guest, in memory of Eva Schlesinger •From Ellen Goldenberg, to Gail & Tom Levy in honor of the birth of their granddaughter Mabel BERRO PHILANTHROPIC FUND •From Michele Berro & family, in honor of Binnie & Jack Berro’s 60th wedding anniversary JFCS tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 235 or 562-427-7916
Leah Schiffer
Leah, daughter of Eric and Peggy Schiffer, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on April 25. For her mitzvah project, Leah ran a 5K to raise funds for pediatric cancer research and donated her hair to Locks of Love.
AJCC Women’s Seder Mon, 3/30 at 5:45 pm $28 Adults | $18 Students (under 18) 562-426-7601 x1067 for details AJCC Senior Adult Passover Lunch Wed, 4/8 at 12 pm $5 Members | $6 Guests 562-426-7601 x1721 for details Congregation Shir Chadash Passover Seder Sat, 4/4 at 6:45 pm $45 Adults | $20 Child (ages 6-12) RSVP by March 23 P’nai Or Long Beach 2nd Night Community Dessert Seder
Happy Passover
P’nai Or Long Beach (cont.) Sat, 4/4 at 7 pm $18 Members | $25 Guests $12 Students | $10 Child (under 13) Grace First Presbyterian, LB RSVP required Shul By The Shore Community Family Seder Fri, 4/3 at 7:30 pm $40 Adult | $20 Child (10 & under) Seaport Marina Hotel, LB RSVP required Temple Beth David 2nd Night Passover Seder Sat, 4/4 at 6 pm Contact temple for RSVP & pricing
Temple Beth Ohr Community Seder Fri, 4/3 at 6 pm $50 Adult | $15 Child (ages 3-12) Children under age 3, FREE Elks Lodge, Fullerton RSVP by March 31 Temple Israel Community Passover Seder Sat, 4/4 at 6:30 pm Contact temple for RSVP & pricing Please see the Synagogue Directory for address & contact information. (on page 10)
We Mourn The Loss Of...
Lee & BarBara Shoag Residential & Income
Alden Bohlig
Charlotte Eiser
Over 1,400 Happy Buyers & Sellers since 1981
Paula Hilary Davis
Eva Herzberg Schwartz
(562) 400-8124 www.ShoagRealEstate.com
Randy Tichauer
Rated ‘Highest’ in quality service by our customers.
Please contact us at chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org if you know of someone who has passed and would like them to be recognized.
te mple i s r ael long beach
Join Us for oUr shabbat services
Friday Evening Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Moskowitz and organist, David York Saturday Morning Torah Study and Services conducted by Rabbi Moskowitz
Friday, April 3 No Service - Passover Saturday, April 4 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Sabbath Fellowship
Friday, April 10 6:00 p.m. Ruach Shabbat Saturday, April 11 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
Friday, April 17 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat 7:00 p.m. Got Shabbat! Saturday, April 18 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
Friday, April 24 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service Saturday, April 25 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
Join us for our Community
P assover s eder Saturday, April 4~6:30 p.m. Adults $60 per person Children (5-12 yrs.) $30 (Children 4 and under FREE)
Temple Israel • 269 Loma Avenue • Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562.434.0996 • www.tilb.org
www.jewishlongbeach.org | APRIL 2015 | 19
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDERS
The Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90815
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
MUST BE DELIVERED BY 3/27/15
PAID
Permit No.129 Long Beach, CA
THE LEGACY SOCIETY We celebrate their legacy – for this generation... and generations to come. The Jewish Community Foundation recognizes those donors who have made promises to leave bequests or establish endowment funds that will benefit both our local Jewish organizations and the charities of their choice in the future. Anonymous Reva & Sy Alban Esther & George* Albert Barbara & Ray* Alpert Cheryl Avirom Mel Berger Binnie & Jack Berro & Family Paula* & Myron Bloom John & Marcie Blumberg Jeffrey Blutinger James & Elizabeth Breslauer Edie & Joel Brodsky Jessie & Stanley* Butler Shelley & Tom Carl Miriam & Irving Carr Sandy & Geoff Carr Miriam* & Maurice Cohn I. W. Gittleman* & Thelma Conway Joan & Gary Einstein Shirley & Earl Feiwell Joyce & Hank Feldman Lindsey Fenimore & Gary Fields Arlene & Richard Freeman Dennis & Lea Gerber Ellen Goldenberg Linda & Stephen Gordon
Diane & Ronald Guest Gerald & Jennifer Hirsch Donald & Andrea Kaiser Josh Kaplan Stefanie Kaplan Bryna Kane & Jerry Kaufman Vicki & Seth Kogan Ellen & John Kramer Ann & Gene Lentzner Judith & Gordon Lentzner Marian Lerner* Jeffrey Levine Anne*& James Licht Nancy & James Linden Amy & Richard Lipeles Len & Tommye* Lovett Carol Masters Henry & Jane Meyer Barbara & Arthur Miller Shari & Lawrence Nemirow Daryl & Sandy Phillips Karen & Jack Rabin Laurie & Robert Raykoff Helen & Robert Rosenberg Theodora & Sam* Roska Shirley & Euguene Ross
William Ross Cindy Schein Eva & Eugene Schlesinger* Sidney Schulman Gerda & Harold Seifer Sherri & Bernie Selmanson Linda Frankel & Alan Sherry Barbara & Leon Shoag Linda & Sanford Simmons Gloria & Martin Simon Myrna & Leonard Simon Nancy Slusher Arlene Solomon Nancy & Mark Speizer Jan & Norma Stein Susan & Mort Stuhlbarg Julie & Rocky Suares Cynthia Telem-Silvers Romola & Eugene Temkin Karen Zoller & David Tillman Howard & Ava Weiss Richard Wolpow Rita & Barry Zamost * of blessed memory
Every year, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County supports nonprofits through grants from nearly 70 permanent funds established at the Foundation. You too, can become a member of the Legacy Society just by letting us know that you intend to leave something to provide ongoing support to a wide range of charitable interests in the Jewish Community and beyond. Jewish Community Foundation OF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY
To learn more, please contact Sharon Kenigsberg at (562) 426-7601 x1008 or sharonk@jewishlongbeach.org.
20 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN-IYAR | 5775