Jewish Community Chronicle - February 2014 by Jewish Long Beach

T H E

V O I C E

O F

T H E

J E W I S H

C O M M U N I T Y

PUBLISHED SINCE 1947 BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER LONG BEACH AND WEST ORANGE COUNTY

Buy Your

PASSOVER GREETINGS

Jewish Camp Does Make a Difference PAGE 2

www.jewishlongbeach.org | 562.426.7601

INSIDE

Page 5

Alpert JCC

Around the “J”

February 2014 | 5774 | ADAR I | VOL.66-NO.6

FEATURE ARTICLE

Jewish Camp Does Make a Difference By Danny Levy, Director of Development

amp is a transformative experience in the life of a child. From traditional sleep-away camps to specialty camps, there is one right for your family. I myself, have the fondest memories of sleep-away camp when I was in Middle School. I, a native California kid, hopped on the train from Oklahoma City to Waco, Texas for a week or two of URJ Greene Family Camp. The only problem was that I arrived a day early. There I was, excited for camp, songs, swimming, havdallah services, and there was no one to greet me at the station. As you can imagine, it wasn’t really much of a station. Just the silent empty train tracks and an empty one room building. Not to fret though, as a couple of collect pay phone calls, and thirty minutes later, a van from the camp showed up. I bonded with the counselors and the resident rabbi and had the best time. I loved that it was camp, I loved that it was Jewish, and loved what I learned and remember it to this day. Jewish Camps Teach Jewish Values Jewish camp weaves Jewish values, culture, and traditions into the fabric of camp, helping campers to connect to their own identity and the larger Jewish community. Spirited and dynamic staff members use experiential learning to reveal what makes Jewish religion and culture so unique in today’s world. At camp, Jewish and Israeli culture are celebrated through song, food, art, and dance. Jewish camps provide countless opportunities to teach and model Jewish behaviors and actions. Judaism is infused into all of the activities from services to horseback riding, and from swimming to song sessions. Jewish camps provide opportunities in an educational setting to complement Jewish supplementary schools, religious schools, and day schools. Each camp designs its own program to be accessible and enjoyable for all campers. Whether they’re telling stories in their bunks, learning about the environment, going on an excursion or playing Ga Ga, campers explore what Judaism means to them in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment. Campers Become Jewish Adults The impact of Jewish camp is immediate— campers return home connected to a community and friends that will last them a lifetime. And it doesn’t stop there. Children with pivotal Jewish camp experiences are more likely to become adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes, and take on leadership roles in their communities. Jewish Camp alumni are 50 percent more likely to join a synagogue, 90 percent more likely to join a Jewish community center, and twice as likely to donate $100 or more to their local federation than Jewish adults who never went to a Jewish camp.

Campers from Camp Komoroff enjoying a summer adventure

Variety of Camping Options Jewish summer camps also provide extensive activities for their campers. Swimming, performing arts, sports, visual arts, music, water sports, and the list goes on. Each camp is different and finding the right one takes time and research. There are many resources to help you and your child find the right camp, your synagogue, the JCC, the Foundation for Jewish Camping, friends, and neighbors. You may also refer to the list of nearby camps at the end of this article. According to a survey of California campers and their parents, most children who attended a Jewish overnight camp last summer also spent some time, the same summer, in a Jewish day camp. In addition, many overnight campers spent time at a “specialty camp” for sports, arts, or drama. There are many different options when deciding the best camping experience. Camping Can Be Expensive One of the main reasons that so many potential campers do not get to attend Jewish summer camps is because of its expense. Many overnight camps cost between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on the length of the session. Scholarships are available from many different sources including the camps, your temples, or the Orange County Bureau of Jewish Education. In addition, the J-West Campership program at the Foundation for Jewish Camping offers need-blind cash grants to families who send their children to nonprofit Jewish summer camps for the first time. First-time campers can receive as much as $1000 towards their enrollment in one of these camps. Visit www.onehappycamper.org for more information. Summer Camps in the Area Camp Komoroff, located at the Alpert Jewish Community Center (AJCC), provides programming, guided by Jewish values, which help youth cultivate friendships, develop a sense of their place in the world, and forge connections to their peer group, family, and to the Jewish community. It is open to the entire community and welcomes a diverse population into the AJCC every summer. Camp Komoroff strongly believes

2 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I | 5774

that Jewish day camp is vital to the development of our youth. For this reason, they give out over $19,000 in scholarships for elementary to high school aged children every summer, so that all kids can attend camp, regardless of their financial situation. Last summer, they were able to provide scholarships to 41 children to attend camp. Silver Gan Israel Day Camp in Huntington Beach was able to help 106 children attend camp through their campership fund that raised $23,460 last summer. This can impact many generations. For example, one camper, fortunate enough to attend camp, sent a letter home sharing how she never experienced an environment filled with so much love and pride for being Jewish. Now a mother herself, she has children ready to go to camp but was unable to afford sending them, if not for the campership fund. Her children, like her, now have many fond memories of their experiences and know what it is to be Jewish. Silver Gan Israel Day Camp offers everything to provide your child a rich and wonderful Jewish summer experience. Laser tag, a human hamster ball and a giant hay maze only complement the warm, nurturing counselors who are sensitive to every child. The enclosed, safe and secure campus boasts two covered pools, acres of green space and a hockey rink. Flexible enrollment options and affordable transportation are available. The camp is for ages 2-15, ACA accredited, and just five miles from Long Beach. For more information, visit www.CampSGI.com Sleep-Away Camps Camp Alonim www.alonim.com Camp Mountain Chai www.campmountainchai.com. Wilshire Blvd Temple Camps www.wbtcamps.org. Camp Newman-Swig www.newman.urjcamps.org Camp Gilboa www.campgilboa.org Camp JCA Shalom www.campjcashalom.org Camp Ramah of California www.ramah.org Returning to those seconds before I drove through the gates of my Jewish summer camp, my heart bursting with excitement, I remember my time there more fondly than I remember anything else in my childhood. Don’t you want to make that possible for someone in your life?

Silver Gan Israel campers waking up to the fresh morning air

Published since 1947 by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County

Hank Feldman JEWISH FEDERATION PRESIDENT

Lea Gerber JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

Deborah Goldfarb

Buy Your

Contents

PASSOVER GREETINGS Page 5

1a-4a

Around the “J”

A Great Beginning for the Power of Two

February Events at the Alpert Jewish Community Center

By Deborah K. Goldfarb, CEO, Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Foundation

CEO

Danny Levy DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Khatera Zubin MARKETING & CHRONICLE COORDINATOR CHRONICLE ADVERTISING

Inaugural Jewish Men’s Campaign Event with Sidney Friedman

In Commemoration of the Civil Rights Act

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: April 2014 deadline: March 5th ISSN# 1525- 6847

_____________________ Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Member

_____________________

Shabbat Candlelighting

The Shadden Group

February 7

5:10 pm

February 14

5:17 pm

February 21

5:24 pm

February 28

5:30 pm

Cover Image Campers from Camp Komoroff & Silver Gan Israel Day Camp

at Morgan Stanley Wealth Managment

Craig Kain, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist (Psy 14664)

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 | FEBRUARY 2014 | 3

INSIDE THE CHRONICLE

The Jewish Community

Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation OF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY

4 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I | 5774

A Great Beginning for the Power of Two Deborah K. Goldfarb Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation

What happens when we embrace Jewish values as a community? We change lives. We care for Jews in need. We ensure the Jewish Future. This is what our two critical and vital ways to give can do for our community. The Jewish Federation’s Annual Community Campaign and The Fund for our Future is the power of two. The Annual Community Campaign is well under way at almost half of the goal

(see chart at right) and The Fund for our Future has nearly completed one Capital Refurbishment Project and is embarking on two more. The first project is the refurbishment of the Amy & Richard Lipeles Family Auditorium. The work has already begun and was made possible with funding from Barbara and Ray Alpert. We were able to replace all the outdated light coverings and ceiling tiles. The entire carpet will soon be replaced as well as reupholstering all the chairs, replacing the projector and adding a new podium. The second project, through a gift from the Berro

and Kronick Families, will be to replace the carpet and furniture in the Lentzner Family Promenade. The third project will be the refurbishment of the Falk Family Playground area. We are truly blessed to again have funding from the Alpert’s – and even more blessed as their gift is a dollar-for-dollar matching gift up to $125,000 - which will get us to the needed goal of $250,000. Proposed for the refurbishment is to replace the larger of the play structures and its Pour-n-Play foundation. Next will be to remove the smaller unusable play structure and replace it with a multi-purpose Sports

Court. The Sports Court would then be wired and ready for the Alpert Jewish Community Center after school programs and day camps as well as available for evening functions and events. We hope each community member will consider getting involved in The Power of Two. Specific gifting and naming opportunities are available beginning at the $1,000 level. Thank you all for giving serious consideration to joining these efforts. For more information please call me, Deborah Goldfarb, at 562-426-7601.

PASSOVER GREETINGS

Send a Passover Greeting to your friends, family and our community. Placing your greeting in the Chronicle assures that you won’t forget anyone.

Where We Are as of 1/14/14

2014 Annual Community Campaign $1,540,000 to date $558,600

goal of

Fund for our Future

Your greeting MUST be in by Wednesday, March 5, 2014

FILL OUT AND MAIL THIS COUPON WITH YOUR PAYMENT TO: Jewish Community Chronicle | 3801 E. Willow St. | Long Beach, CA 90815 E-mail: kzubin@jewishlongbeach.org | Fax: 562-424-3915 ALL ADS MUST BE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD 1. Select the size of your greeting (Circle one) A. 1.94” x 1.94” @ $30 (Only message A or B) B. 3.75” x 0.94” @ $30 (Only message A or B) C. 3.75” x 1.94” @ $65 D. 3.75” x 3.95” @ $100 2. Choose a message or compose your own (Circle one) A. Happy Passover B. Chag Pesach Sameach C. Wishing Your Family a Happy Passover D. On Passover, may you be blessed with happiness (Available only for greeting C or D) E. Compose your own greeting maximum of 65 characters (Available only for greeting D)

Happy

Here are samples of greetings in four sizes & various prices.

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Feinstein

Samples not actual size. Fonts & colors vary.

passover

Happy passover Mr. & Mrs. Joe Feinstein

CHag pesaCH sameaCH Mr. & Mrs. Joe Feinstein

3. The name(s) on my greeting should read: (Please print) ___________________________________________________________ 4. Payment CHECK ENCLOSED

PLEASE CHARGE MY VISA | MASTERCARD | AMEX

Card #___________________________________________________ Exp. Date _________ Signature _________________________________________________________________ Name

WisHing your Family a Happy passover

Capital Refurbishment Fund goal of $3,000,000 to date $597,730 Program Innovation Fund goal of $3,000,000 to date $513,403 Current & Future Endowment Funds goal of $10,000,000 to date $3,540,000

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Feinstein

__________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________ City___________________________________ Zip______________ Phone______________

www.jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2014 | 5

Inaugural Jewish Men’s Campaign Event with Sidney Friedman On Wednesday, March 19 the Jewish Federation’s newly established Men’s Philanthropy division, along with the Solomon Society, will host the first Above & Beyond Annual Community Campaign event. The evening will bring together men from across the community to hear an amazing internationally known mentalist and honor men from local Jewish organizations for their outstanding contributions. The event will be held at a secret location, housing a private collection of some of the most important pre-WWII automobiles. The Men’s Philanthropy division will establish 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. The committee currently consists of David Alpern, Craig Kain, Paul DeYoung, Hank Feldman, Aaron Kern, Larry Nemirow and Lance Valt. Highlighting the event will be a special performance by Sidney Friedman, a world-renowned futurist, mentalist and author, and his Mind Power Show. His show creates a night of intrigue, fun, inspiration and relevant meaning. He performs interactive feats of telepathy, extrasensory perception, mathe-magic and all kinds of mind power. “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 Craig Kain, VP Financial Resource Development for the Federation. “Women’s Philanthropy has had VISIONS, a long-standing, successful way of supporting the Annual Community Campaign. I’m very excited that men will also have an

opportunity to ensure the future of our Jewish community.” The Men’s Philanthropy division is also about social action in response to needs in our community. As part of the evening, all attendees are asked to bring new sports equipment which will then be donated to local communities where it is needed most. The evening is open to all men and benefits the Jewish

Community Partnership Agencies including Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Foundation, Alpert Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, Hebrew Academy and Long Beach Hillel. Attendees are asked to make a minimum gift to the 2014 Annual Community Campaign of $154. Your pledge can be paid in installments throughout the year, by check, credit card or EFT. Invitations will be mailed in early February with all the details. For more information, or if you would like to be on our mailing list, please call Megan Donaldson at 562426-7601 x1014.

The Arlene Solomon

Start on your path to

Leadership

Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 5:30 pm Women of VISION Honorees Come honor women who truly make a difference with their time and talents.

The Alpert New Leaders Forum (ANLF) is now accepting applications for the 2014-2015 class!

Renee Dorfman Temple Beth David

Evelyn Litwin Shul by the Shore

ANLF is a year-long program provided by the Jewish Federation for a select group of emerging leaders of the Greater Long Beach Jewish Community. The chosen participants will meet to engage in lively discussions, educational seminars, and handson experiences that enhance their leadership capabilities and prepare them for lay leadership roles in synagogues, Jewish agencies and other Jewish nonprofit organizations.

Ellen Goldsmith & Amy Lipeles Alpert Jewish Community Center

Rita Moore Sharon-Carmel Hadassah

Elyse Gordon Temple Israel

Shari Nemirow Jewish Federation

Judy Green Jewish Family & Children’s Service Candice Lebowitz Long Beach Hillel

Join us for an informative dinner & meet with ANLF Alumni, learn more about the program & hear from guest speaker, Elan S. Carr, Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County.

Ilsebill Wolfe

Wendy Manasse Wiese Temple Beth Shalom

National Council of Jewish Women

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 at 7 PM

At a private home | Address Given Upon RSVP RSVP to Megan 562.426.7601 x1014 mdonaldson@jewishlongbeach.org

Linda Vizzini Congregation Shir Chadash

Benefiting The Jewish Community Partnership Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation OF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY

Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus | One Sommer Way | 3801 E. Willow Street | Long Beach

6 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I | 5774

Are You a Secret Member of the Legacy Society?

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 or trust? 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 & education programs that stimulate, enrich and connect all ages; comprehensive teen, young adult & family engagement programs that inspire and groom the next generation to assume leadership and connect to our worldwide Jewish com-

munity; 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 April 6, 2014. Making A Legacy Gift is Easy Every family and financial situation is unique and bequests of all amounts are needed. 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 EXT 1008.

SECURING the future

of Jewish Long Beach is going to take ALL of us. This year, make the commitment to inspire future generations with your Legacy - a gift that costs you nothing today. Every Legacy gift of ANY SIZE can make a difference. Creating your Jewish Legacy can be as easy as amending your IRA beneficiary or adding a codicil to your will.

As my ancestors planted for me before I was born, so too do I plant for those who will come after me… Talmud Taanait 23a

For a confidential Legacy discussion, contact the professionals at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County. 562.426.7601 | sharonk@jewishlongbeach.org

www.jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2014 | 7

CONGREGATIONS

R A B B I N I C

R E F L E C T I O N S

Engaging Our Future Generations to Ensure Our Jewish Future By Rabbi Yitzchok Newman

First the good news. According to Rabbi Yitzchok the recently Newman published Pew Research Center study, A Portrait of Jewish Americans, 6.6 million – 5.3 million adults and 1.3 million children – identify themselves as Jewish. This number is significantly higher than the 5.2 million identified by the National Jewish Population Survey of 2000. Thus, the American Jewish community is still the largest in the world, slightly outnumbering the number of Jews in Israel. Now for the challenging news. There is a significant decrease in affiliation with Jewish communal organizations over all ages. Most pronounced is the dramatic dropoff of Millenials (born after 1980), which showed a 30% further downward spiral of ANY involvement in a Jewish communal organization since the previous study. This is a number that strikes at the core of the Jewish community and threatens our future. In the early history of the Jewish people in Egypt, Pharaoh of Passover infamy, got it right. He understood the significance of including the Jewish children to ensure the future of Judaism. After the 6th plague, Pharaoh, out of desperation, agreed to allow the Jews to pray in the desert. He asked Moses “Who will go?” When Moses responded “the adults and the children,” Pharaoh sum-

marily refused to allow the children to accompany the adults, for he recognized that that the enculturation into Egyptian society hinged primarily on the attitudes of the upcoming generation. The Talmud succinctly states “if there are no young there are no old.” If the present trend continues, the future of the Jewish community will be in jeopardy. As Jews, we love a challenge. How can we respond to the greatest Jewish challenge of our time? We must ask ourselves: What are the most effective programs to attract and keep our youth involved in the Jewish community? The most recent National Jewish Population study revealed three experiences that stand out in maintaining involvement and making a dramatic difference in the lives of the youth. One – A Jewish day school education at 86%. Two – A trip to Israel at 67%. Three – Attending a Jewish summer camp at 56%. All Jewish experiences are valuable, necessary, and need to be broadly supported, yet these three stand out. I have been involved in the Long Beach and Orange County community for over forty years as a congregational Rabbi and the Director of Hebrew Academy Community Day School. There have been thousands of children throughout our community that I have been personally involved with during my tenure. My earliest stu-

dents are now fifty, and my youngest just turning three years old. I make a point of asking my older adult “students” about the impact that their Jewish day school education had on their lives, in order to learn from their responses. The vast majority attribute their involvement in the Jewish community, including many in their Temple and Federation, to their experience in the Jewish day school environment. Whether I visit Dr. Kenneth, a former student living in Boston, who is a prominent professor and researcher at Harvard University, or Emily in Los Angeles, who is a UC Berkeley graduate and a prominent business attorney, I hear about the dramatic effect the Hebrew Academy had on their lives – and this response repeats itself hundreds of times with Jewish day schools across the country according to the research. Although the effect of Jewish summer camps in the study refers primarily to overnight camps, day camps are also included as a major determinant of Jewish community involvement. For over forty years, Silver Gan Israel (SGI) Day Camp has enabled thousands of campers to experience the joy of Judaism. Our camp provides the same results as is reported in the National Jewish Population study. Countless times, Rabbi Moishe Engel, founder of the camp, comes to me excitingly telling me

Area Synagogue Upcoming Events

Below you will find events happening at our local synagogues. Please contact them directly with any questions using the Synagogue Directory on this page. See our Community Calendar at www.jewishlongbeach.org for these and more community events.

Temple Beth Shalom Friday, 2/14 @ 6 pm: Family Torah-School led Shabbat dinner and service. Most Sundays @ 10 am, 1 pm, & 2 pm: Adult Ed classes led by Rabbi David Cantor. Walking with God, the Moral

Meaning of the Bible and Biblical Hebrew for Beginners. Call the temple or see the website for details. If your synagogue would like to be a part of this listing, please submit your events to chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org.

8 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I | 5774

about yet another community member and leader that recounted their amazing experience at SGI camp. Adam, an attorney from Huntington Beach, recalls his experiences at SGI as unforgettable – the fun, friends, trips, counselors, and the big room filled with toys that were given as prizes for achievements. “They got it right, they really made Jewish learning fun,” he said. This same result rings true with the local JCC camp and Jewish camps all over the country. We still have a promising future ahead of us if we learn from the study and act on its findings. After all, we are survivors. But time is short and moving quickly. The challenge is upon us now! Community members should be encouraged to enroll their children in the most meaningful and effective programs to ensure a Jewish future for our children, grandchildren and future generations. Community leadership should support the effective programs to the greatest degree possible. It may be a stretch for many, but it will ensure the community a bright Jewish future. By working together as a community on effective programs, we will grow and thrive far into the 21st century and beyond. Rabbi Yitzchok Newman is Rabbi at Congregation Lubavitch, Long Beach, and Director of the Hebrew Academy in Huntington Beach.

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 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 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 Temple Beth Shalom (C) 3635 Elm Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 Contact: Rabbi David Cantor Phone: 562-726-4116 Email: rabbi@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 Dany 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

February’s theme at the AJCC is

Shmirat Ha'Guf “Guarding the Body” It is the mitzvah to treat your body as a holy place. In the Torah, we are told ”Take care of yourself, and guard your soul diligently.” (Deuteronomy 4:9) Rabbi Nahman of Bratzlev taught, “Every person must take great care of his or her physical body” (Likutei Moharan 1, 22:5)

Healthy Jewish Vegan Cooking with Dori Friedberg Thursday, February 6, 6:30pm Learn to mix tradition with healthy eating! Replace the chicken soup with a healthier, meat-free alternative that’s just as comforting and healing. Learn about substitutions for sugar and animal products that can make your rugelach better for your body and soul. Dori is a certified Nutrition Educator and Food Psychology Coach who is passionate about helping people achieve their unique health-related goals. Just check out her website, www.healingthrufood.com to check out her philosophy and testimonials from the people she’s helped. $20, $18 MVP includes vegan cooking demo and dinner and recipes. For more info. contact Eve Lunt, elunt@alpertjcc.org • (562)426-7601, ext. 1067

Spinning for Smiles

Spin-a-thon Thursday, February 13 9:30-10:30am •10:45-11:45am in the AJCC Auditorium Spinning for Smiles raises money in support of the American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro (AFOBIS) organization, helping children and adults with diverse disabilities. Come join the AJCC Fitness Spinning Instructors for a fun ride on the spin bikes in the auditorium while the ECE children circle the room on their tricycles to raise money for their new friend Alisa. This fundraiser is in conjunction with the ECE program’s Cycle for Smiles program. Choose from 2 one-hour rides: Limited to 19 participants per time slot. Minimum donation per rider is Chai ($18), but feel free to get as many pledges and donations as you can. For more info. contact Cindi Massengale, cmassengale@alpertjcc.org (562)426-7601, ext. 1056

inside

Around the “J”

Challah Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a The United States, Iran & Israel - 92Y . 2a Gottlieb Art Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a

Sr Adult Happiness Group . . . . . . . . . . . 3a Benefits of Martial Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a Mini Kickers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a

ECE Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a Water Polo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a Teen Snowboard/Ski Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a

Adar l 5774

FEBRUARY 2014

Around the “J”

Every year on January 1st many people create their “New Year’s Resolutions.” Many of these resolutions are centered on eating better, exercising more or even to stop smoking. What many people are not aware of is there is a concept in Judaism called Shmirat Ha'Guf (guarding one’s body) pronounced - sh’mee-RAHT ha’GOOF, that makes it a mitzvah to take care of your body.

Putin, Politics & the Winter This month is Shmirat Ha'Guf month at the Alpert JCC. As a big part of the Shmirat Ha’Guf theme we will be introducing our Discover CATCH program - Coordinated Approach to Children’s Health. The Discover CATCH program teaches children about the importance of exercise and good nutrition. Discover CATCH is designed to nurture a love of physical activity, provide an introduction to gardening and nutrition, and encourage healthy eating in children. Little ones are motivated to walk, run, jump, dance and move their whole bodies while playing and having fun. The Discover CATCH program includes stories with puppets and activities that really resonate with the children. The children have fun as they learn about healthy eating; and the PE activities, which come with music, keep kids and teachers moving and singing. The Discover CATCH program teaches our children, on their level, that the health of our body and mind are interconnected. Now is the time for all of us to incorporate the Discover CATCH program concepts in all that we do. Whether it’s joining a fitness class to get in better shape, learning stress management through yoga, or exploring healthy vegan cooking at the Alpert JCC on February 6th; we should all learn to incorporate Shmirat Ha’Guf practices into our own lives and to continue to make the Alpert JCC Your Center for Life!

World Politics with Professor Ralph Buultjens Tue, February 11, 7pm Audiences relish the clarity and thoughtfulness Professor Buultjens brings to discussions of foreign affairs. He draws on his vast knowledge and understanding of how conflicts in one part of the world affect peace in another.

United States, Iran & Israel: What Next? Michael Doran with Warren Kozak Tue, February 25, 7pm The U.S. embarked on an unprecedented engagement with Iran at a moment when the Middle East has never seemed more volatile and unpredictable. What has it achieved? Journalist & author Warren Kozak will interview Middle East expert Dr. Michael Doran who has worked at the National Security Council.

Aftertalk discussion led by: Rabbi Mark Goldfarb, Temple Beth Ohr

Success in America

L’Shalom

Amy Chua & Jed Rubenfeld Tue, March 4, 7pm

Jeffrey Rips, AJCC Executive Director

JEWISH LIFE & CULTURE Eve Lunt, elunt@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1067

Write the Stories of Your Jewish Life February 12-March 19 Six Wednesdays, 7pm In this six-week workshop you will have the opportunity to write stories about your family traditions, life cycle events and special moments. Participants will share and edit their work with the support of the instructor and class members. Instructor Liz Sharzer has been a freelance writer for over 15 years. She assists high school students with their college admission essays and leads writing seminars for students at the Long Beach non-profit, Operation Jump Start. $100; $90/MVP Contact Eve Lunt for more information

Why do some groups in America do better than others? Mormons have risen to astonishing business success. Cubans have moved from poverty to prosperity in a generation. Nigerians earn doctorates at high rates. Indian and Chinese Americans have higher incomes than average Americans; Jews may have the highest of all. Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld, discuss and expose three traits that will transform what you think about achievement and success.

Aftertalk discussion led by: Rabbi David Cantor, Temple Beth David

You Must Remember This Robert Wagner with Liz Smith Tue, March 25, 7pm Legendary actor Robert Wagner, takes a nostalgic look back at Hollywood’s golden age. With a career spanning more than five decades, few actors are more qualified to recount this glamorous era.

The Story of the Jews: Simon Schama

JCC Cooks: Challah Club Everything You "Knead" to Know Fri, February 21, 9:30am Come to the Alpert JCC kitchen and share in the mitzvah of making challah from scratch. Every month a different recipe will be shared; sign up to share yours. For February, we’re making a healthy Whole Wheat and Honey Challah. $5 per person, for ingredients and supplies RSVP’s to Eve Lunt are essential to ensure enough supplies for everyone.

Tue, April 8, 7pm You may know some of the history of the Jews, but you haven’t heard it the way Simon Schama tells it, with rich detail and a unique sense of how people really lived.

Aftertalk discussion led by: Rabbi Abba Perelmuter, Shul by the Shore

Person, Place, Thing!: Ruth Reichl with Randy Cohen Thur, May 15, 7pm Randy Cohen invites notable figures to discuss one person, one place and one thing they are passionate about, often with surprising results. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------92Y Lecture Series is presented in partnership with the Alpert JCC, Jewish Federation, and local synagogues Temple Beth David, Temple Beth Ohr, Temple Beth Shalom, Temple Israel, Congregation Shir Chadash, Shul by the Shore

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 Fridays, 3:30pm Join the AJCC community for Shabbat candle lighting, Kiddush and HaMotzi. Grape juice and Challah will be provided.

Please contact Eve Lunt if you would like to participate in the blessings.

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.

Lectures are FREE to organization members listed above; $10/Public For more info, visit www.alpertjcc.org

AJCC Poker Club Tue, February 18, 6:30-10:30pm Game starts promptly at 7pm Join our friendly Texas Hold’Em Poker Club. Poker will be played, snacks & beverages will be served & cash prizes will be won. Special: Bring a new player and get a $500 chip bonus. (Only one bonus per player per night)

$25; $20/MVP (Cash Only) Contact Katie Clowdus, kclowdus@alpertjcc.org • (562)426-7601, ext. 1024

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FEBRUARY 2014

Around the “J”

The Pauline and Zena Gatov Gallery Presents

The 30th Annual Norman Gottlieb Youth Art Exhibition and Awards January 22-February 27 Each year the Gatov Gallery, in conjunction with L.B. Unified School District, brings together a sampling of the best middle & high school art. Awards are presented to the top three participants from the middle & 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. This is one show you won’t want to miss.

Awards Reception: Thur, Feb. 27, 6:30-8pm

SPORTS & RECREATION Sascha Bryan-Zwick, sbryanzwick@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1035

The Benefits of Martial Arts When you think of martial arts, do you think of fighting? If so, step away from that late-night cable TV movie and find out how martial arts training can be beneficial, especially to children. Martial arts are an ancient method of training the mind, body and spirit. And it has been found that children and adults that get involved in martial arts reap many benefits in several different ways. • • • •

Martial arts training builds confidence and self-esteem Martial arts training stresses self-discipline, respect and concentration Martial Arts is ideal for people who may not enjoy team sports Martial arts training is statistically safer than most school sports

If you or your child can benefit from a higher level of physical fitness, self-discipline and self-confidence, martial arts training may be an ideal solution. The Alpert JCC offers a wide variety of martial arts classes. Feel free to discuss your needs with Sensei Mac and identify the program that will be most beneficial.

SENIORS Dr. Susan Mathieu, smathieu@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721

Happiness and Humor Group 1st Friday each month, 11am February 7, March 7, April 4 This ongoing monthly group, led by Dr. Susan Mathieu, will help you find the positive side of life. You’ll learn how to deal with difficult people and situations, steps to increase happiness in your own life, and the secret to a happy life. All senior adults are invited, so bring your friends and be ready to laugh. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. 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: Thur, 11:30-3pm

GESHERCITY YOUNG ADULTS Sponsored by the Alpert JCC & Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach

Susanne Katz, skatz@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1625

GesherCity Shabbat Fri, February 7, 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.

Find us on Facebook at GesherCity Lb

The Barbara & Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center

The Alpert JCC is proud to offer our NEW MiniKickers Program in association with the Challenger Soccer Academy

Thursdays, February 20-April 3 Ages 2-3: 2:40-3:20pm • Ages 4-6: 3:20-4pm MiniKickers is a new and exciting program that teaches basic soccer skills while developing strength, balance, coordination, listening skills and team work. Professional, licensed British coaches will ensure each child has a positive soccer experience. The MiniKickers curriculum has been devised by soccer experts, child development professionals and experienced coaches.

Every player receives a FREE MiniKicker ball, jersey, shorts and end-of-season evaluation! REGISTER ONLINE AT www.MiniKickerSoccer.com For more info, contact Sascha at ext. 1035 or sbryanzwick@alpertjcc.org

www.alpertjcc.org

Around the “J”

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

YOUTH & TEENS

Linda Keiles, lkeiles@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1092

Natalie Chernik, nchernik@alpertjcc.org • (562)426-7601, ext. 1205

It’s Everybody’s Birthday Monday, February 10 Grades K-8 Celebrate Abe Lincoln’s birthday with a party for everyone! Bake birthday cupcakes, play party games and make birthday presents & party favors. Why wait for your real birthday, when you can celebrate today? 9am-4pm: $55; $45/MVP per day • 7am-6pm: $65; $55/MVP per day Contact Natalie Chernik at nchernik@alpertjcc.org or at ext. 1205.

Red, White & Blue Day Monday, February 17 Grades K-8 Dress in red, white & blue for a day full of fun, featuring the USA’s favorite colors! We’ll even cook up a red, white & blue snack too. 9am-4pm: $55; $45/MVP per day • 7am-6pm: $65; $55/MVP per day Contact Natalie Chernik at nchernik@alpertjcc.org or at ext. 1205.

AQUATICS Sascha Bryan-Zwick, sbryanzwick@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1035

Group Swim Lessons Session 1: February 3-27 • Session 2: March 3-27 Session 3: March 31-April 24 • Session 4: April 28-May 22 Mon & Wed or Tue & Thur (8 lessons - 4 Weeks) Ages 3-8 • 30 Minute lessons • Tiny tots: 1:30-2pm or 4-4:30pm • Beginner: 2-2:30pm or 3-3:30pm $95; $80/MVP

Year-Round Private Swim Lessons One-on-one instruction for all ages with a Swim University instructor. Spots fill quickly so call today.

Prep-Swim Team with Coach Rafe Montes

Kids’ Night Out, Parents’ Night Off! Sat, February 22, 5-10pm

Tue & Thur, 4:30-5:15pm Ages 5-12 The Prep Swim Team is a perfect stepping stone to the more advanced Competitive Youth Swim Team. The goal of the program is to get kids ready for a swim team, Junior Lifeguard program or water polo. $60; $45/MVP (per month)

Youth Swim Team with Coach Rafe Montes

Grades K-8 This fun for the kids’ night out is held on the same night as ECE Kids’ Night Out. So bring your little ones to the AJCC preschool and leave your big kids with us. The cost includes dinner, movies, games and snacks. Cost per child: $35-1st, $30-2nd, $20-3rd (must be siblings) MVP: $30-1st, $25-2nd, $15-3rd (must be siblings) Must register by Wednesday, February 19. Drop-ins will not be admitted. For more info, contact Natalie Chernik

Mon-Thur, 5-6:30pm• Fri, 4:30-5:30pm Ages 6-16 This is a competitive swim team, so all participants must tryout and be able to swim 25 yards with all 4 swim strokes. Membership in USA Swimming is required to compete in swim meets. Swim meet participation is optional, as they have an added cost. $90; $75/MVP per month

Masters Swim Monday & Wednesday, 6:30-7:30pm • Saturday, 9-10am Ages 14+

Water Polo with Olympic Gold Medalist Coach Elsie Wenger February 3-March 12 March 17-April 23 April 28-May 21 Mon & Wed, 4:15-5pm: Ages 5-12 Learn water polo fundamentals. We offer a Free tryout day the first week of class, call for details. $90; $80/MVP

Must Be USA H2O POLO Member: $25-55 per yr

Continuing enrollment - Join anytime!

Teen Snowboarding/Ski Trip to Mt High Mon, February 10 Grades 6 & up Hit the slopes with the J Crew. 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 extremely limited so register today! For more info, contact Natalie Chernik

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FEBRUARY 2014

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

Camp Experiences Last a Lifetime

By Debbie Freeman, LMFT, Director of Clinical Services at JFCS

We all intuitively know the benefits a camp experience can provide, and many of us recall and recount the meaningful experiences that we ourselves have had at either a day or overnight camp. Camps, of any kind, are highly sought after and often treasured for life. But have you really thought about what actually is so valuable about camp that we schlep our kids off to this highly enriched environment over and over? Research has found that camps help our children develop great coping strategies when they provide seven things all children need. First, they help children build new relationships, not just with peers, but with trust-

ed adults other than their parents. Just think about how useful a skill that is: being able to negotiate on your own with an adult for what you need. Second, they help develop a powerful identity for the child that makes them feel confident in front of others. Your child may not be the best on the ropes course, the fastest swimmer, or the next teen idol when he/she sings, but chances are that a good camp counselor is going to help your child find something to be proud of that he can do well. Furthermore, camps help children feel in control of their lives, and those experiences of self-efficacy can travel home as easily as a special art project or the pine cone

they carry in their backpack. Children who experience themselves as competent, will be better problem-solvers in new situations long after camp is over. Also, camps make sure that all children are treated fairly. The wonderful thing about camp is that every child starts without the baggage they carry from school. No camp tolerates bullying (and if it does, you should withdraw your child immediately). Additionally, at camp, kids get what they need to develop physically. Ideally, fresh air, exercise, a balance between routine and unstructured time, and all the good food their bodies need. Not that smores don’t have a

Brighter Holidays Due to Community Efforts Thanks to the generosity of so many in the Jewish Community Partnership family, the holidays were happier for several less fortunate families and individuals this year. JFCS played the role of Yenta, matching those who needed a little help with those who were ready to provide it. Kicking off the effort were Joyce and Hank Feldman, owners of Performance Plus Tire, who donated over 1600 boxes of food to needy families throughout the Long Beach area for Thanksgiving. Eighty of those boxes and dozens of gift cards from Ralphs, also from the Feldmans, were delivered to JFCS for distribution throughout the holiday season as needs were identified by the agency’s counselors. Both branches of the

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) provided new clothing and toys as well as gift cards for eight singleparent families with children. The Jewish Federation’s Alpert New Leaders Forum Alumni also stepped up to provide for the children of two families in need, offering gifts of new clothing and toys. Holiday gifts were the focus of the AJCC’s Early Childhood Education monthly Tzedakah project and will be the focus of a special article in next month’s Chronicle. JFCS board members

also made significant contributions to the effort. For example, a donation from one of JFCS’ board members made it possible for each of 18 children living in a local women’s shelter to have a couple of holiday gifts. Another board member persuaded her women’s group to provide gifts for a single woman who is courageously choosing a path of sobriety and is trying to re-enter the work force. “We are so grateful to everyone in the Jewish community for offering a helping hand to those who so desperately need assistance. The holiday season brings out the best in those of us who are able to give to others,” said Kathryn Miles, Executive Director of JFCS.

place at the campfire, but a good camp is also about helping children find healthy lifestyles. Perhaps best of all, camps offer kids a chance to feel like they belong. All those goofy chants and team songs, the sense of common purpose and attachment to the identity that camps promote go a long way to offering children a sense of being rooted. Finally, camps can offer children a better sense of their culture. It might be skit night, or a special camp program that reflects the values of the community that sponsors the camp, or maybe it’s just a chance for children to understand themselves a bit more as they learn about

others. Camps give kids both cultural roots and the chance to understand others who have cultures very different than their own. That is an impressive list of factors that good camping experiences provide our children. Whether it is a subsidized day camp in a city, or a luxurious residential facility up in the mountains, camps can give our kids a spicy combination of experiences that prepare them for life. Add to that experience the chance for a child’s parents to reinforce at home what the child nurtures at camp, and maybe, we’ll find in our communities and schools, amazing kids who show the resilience to make good decisions throughout their lives.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Through collaboration with JFCS, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal State University, Long Beach (CSULB) will hold one of its upcoming courses at the AJCC. “The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution” will be led by Joe Ribakoff on Wednesdays, January 22 to March 12 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The course will examine historic judicial decisions that interpret the First Amendment and seemingly infringe on the basic freedoms outlined in the First Amendment. “We are excited to work with OLLI to create opportunities for rewarding personal fulfillment for Long Beach’s senior community. Thanks to a grant from the Archstone Foundation that provides funding for the Active Adult

Community Connections Program for older adults, we are able to cooperate with the AJCC to provide a convenient venue for the course,” says Elaine Porzucki, Care Manager for JFCS’ Older Adult Services program. This class is offered to members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSULB, as part of its extensive list of not-for-credit classes for adults 50 and older. Registration for this class requires OLLI membership of $40 for an academic year. Members then have the opportunity to take lecture or computer classes at any of OLLI’s venues, which include CSULB, LeisureWorld, and the AJCC. For registration information, contact OLLI at 562-985-8237 or visit www.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/centers/olli.

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 | FEBRUARY 2014 | 9

HILLEL AT CSULB

FOR MORE INFORMATION: WEB: www.beachhillel.org EMAIL: info@beachhillel.org PHONE: 562-426-7601 ext 1424

Learning, Torah and Birthright! OH MY!

Students from a previous Taglit-Birthright Israel trip enjoying their time in Israel

Here at Beach Hillel, we kicked off the spring semester with Welcome Back Week. The week featured events for students including “Self-Care and Life Satisfaction” with Professor Judy Green, “Cawffee Tawlk”, a movie screening outdoors with pizza, and Shabbat dinners. Correspondingly, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) hosted its beginning-of-semester

Week of Welcome as well, where student organizations advertised their presence on campus along with the type of events they hold. Beach Hillel made itself known as a diverse organization with various types of programming and services ranging from Torah on Tap, Israel Week, and Shabbat dinners. However, the greatest impact was made through Beach Hillel’s

Long Beach Hillel’s table at Welcome Back Week

immersive and educational program, Taglit-Birthright Israel. Taglit-Birthright Israel has taken over 350,000 Jewish students from around the world to experience and explore Israel. Similar to the Jewish immersion children receive at a Jewish camp, Taglit-Birthright Israel trips provide that educational and eye-opening experience to young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. The ten-day trip includes

Beach Hillel: The Home Away From Home This semester, Beach Hillel is engaging students with programs that have proven to be a necessary need of Jewish students, that of providing them with both a comfortable setting and a meaningful Jewish experience. This includes our weekly Shabbat dinners, “Cawffee Tawlk” Programs, and Torah on Tap classes with Rabbi Drew. It is too easy for students who come to the overwhelmingly large California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) campus to feel lost, especially for students who are transitioning into the university setting from high school, for students who relocated from Northern California, definitely for students who relocated from outside of California to Long Beach, and

even students who are from the area. Our number one priority at Beach Hillel is to make them feel comfortable and welcome. Providing them with meaningful Jewish experiences and showing students how they can be positively Jewish at the Beach often allows students to lead a life immersed in the Jewish community. Every Friday night, Beach Hillel organizes and hosts a Shabbat dinner to encourage a home-like feeling for the students in the greater Long Beach area. While Shabbat dinners are meant to provide a necessary Jewish service to students who are seeking a maintenance of their Jewish identity, the students see it more as a time where they can catch up with familiar faces,

kick back, and relax from the stress of a long week of studying and work. It is because of our staple weekly and monthly programs such as Shabbat, that students are able to see Beach Hillel as their home away from home. To accomplish our mission further, Beach Hillel has put together dynamic programs that truly reaches the needs of the many diverse students at our campus this semester. This includes a monthly “Self-Care and Life Satisfaction” workshop, where students can sit down with Judy Green, a Jewish professor at the School of Social Work at CSULB, to converse about their life relationships between friends, family, or significant others, over some manicures and jasmine tea.

10 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I | 5774

a multitude of transformative experiences, such as hiking Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, kayaking in the Jordan River, and experiencing the ruins of our Holy Temple at the Wailing Wall. Once again, Beach Hillel will be participating by recruiting students in the Long Beach community and sending them together on the trip of a lifetime. The life-changing experience has often encouraged While programs such as these can help with the mental state of students being away from their home environment, other programs such as our monthly hike through our “Jewish Fitness” series will serve to make students feel comfortable with their surroundings here in Southern California. As always, our message to

Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni to become more active in their surrounding Jewish community, especially at CSULB, where most of our student leaders have participated in the trip and were then motivated to help lead our Jewish community. We at Beach Hillel are proud to be participating in this initiative, and will continue to do so for years to come with the support of our local Jewish community. From donations made to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Community Campaign, we’re able to provide students the gift of a free Taglit-Birthright Israel trip. If you, or anyone you know, are between the ages of 18 and 26 and are interested in a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip, email Beach Hillel’s Programming Associate Jonathan Grunin at jsgrunin@beachhillel.org for more information.

our students is to stay positively Jewish at the Beach. Through our mission and values at Beach Hillel, we strive to provide students with a sense of comfort through the meaningful Jewish experiences available on campus and throughout the community. Beach Hillel is, and will continue to be, the students’ home away from home.

D A N I E L M AT H I E U

PERSONAL INSURANCE ADVISOR

The Next Generation Insurance Agency

Office: 10805 Holder Street, Suite 350 Cypress, CA 90630 Mail Address: P.O. Box 6026, Cypress, CA 90630 Direct: 714.733.6284 • Cell: 310.462.1315 DMathieu@Bowermaster.com CA License No. 0D79613 Alpert JCC Board Member

HEBREW ACADEMY

Award Winning Academics in a Genuine Jewish Environment 14401 WILLOW LANE HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92647 WEB: www.hebrewacademyhb.com PHONE: 714-898-0051 CAMP SILVER GAN ISRAEL: www.campsgi.com

Specialized Learning Communities The Hebrew Academy, with funding from a large donor and expert guidance from Dr. Megan Carlson and Rabbi Yitzchok Newman, is implementing a new, rigorous and engaging program which challenges all students, particularly those who test highly on standardized tests, to exceed previous expectations of performance. Specialized Learning Communities (SLCs) fit into an educational system which is often referred to as “schools within a school.” The primary purpose of our program is to create more specialized learning environments, focused on students’ aptitudes and interests, so to establish an even more rich and engaging learning experience for the students. Some SLCs may require specific test scores or essays from the students in order to participate in them. Each SLC will often share the same teachers and student members throughout the program, and much of their assessments will be based on real-life learning and production. The teachers have common planning time to allow them to develop interdisciplinary projects and best discuss and plan for each students’ learning needs and academic progress. As a further explanation of this new learning environment, Rebecca Jacobson, of Innovative Educators CA, said, “Hebrew Academy is deeply immersed in training and planning that will ensure the successful implementation of an academically stronger middle school program beginning in the 2014-15 school year. As we examine the needs of our students and families we plan to create

Specialized Learning Communities in the middle school program.” SLCs provide an environment in which a core group of teachers and other adults within the school know the needs, interests, and aspirations of each student well, closely monitor his or her progress, and provide the academic and other support he or she needs to succeed. The goal is that the communities provide consistent support, rigor and relevance for targeted groups of students. Research has shown that small SLCs help students develop and maintain more positive relationships with each other and with teachers. In middle school, we believe this program will help our students develop and strengthen their social skills and sense of community. Additional research has shown that students can achieve more and perform at a higher level when we meet their needs of personalized instruction. By focusing on the individual needs of our students and creating flexible mixed-grade small groups, according to identified strengths and weaknesses, we can better provide instruction that will help each student reach their highest potential. Furthermore, students and teachers will be able to focus on deeper-level critical think-

Soccer at the Hebrew Academy

ing and research skills as the teachers will have the flexibility to work closely across disciplines and implement interdisciplinary projects and themes. Direct instruction will continue to take place as needed throughout the day, however, the format of SLCs will allow teachers to target their instruction more carefully to the specific needs of each student. Differentiated instructional strategies will help teachers meet students where they are and challenge them to expand their learning. Teachers can focus on specific study skills, scaffolding, and multiple intelligences to ensure students are consistently engaged. In addition, SLCs will allow our teachers to develop and carry out thematic and cross-curricular projects that will enhance learning and engagement. As project-based learning is implemented, teachers will be able to involve students in authentic, experiential, student-directed learning that helps them stay engaged and focused. Finally, the new national Common Core standards emphasize depth rather than breadth, and as we align our instruction and assessment to these standards, we want to emphasize the critical and analytical thinking we know our students can perform. Smaller grouping and targeted instruction should help each student develop these higher-level thinking skills. If you are interested in learning more about this new exciting academic endeavor, please contact Dr. Megan Carlson at mcarlson@hacds.org.

we have now partnered with AYSO, who will be helping us begin a Sunday-only AYSO league in Huntington Beach, at our school. You won’t want to miss this opportunity. Our fall soccer season If you are interested in ended with a fantastic Dads’ having your children particSoccer Contest and a deli- ipate in the spring league, cious kosher barbecue. There beginning in March, please were more than forty chil- contact Dr. Megan Carlson dren, ages 5-12 years old, at mcarlson@hacds.org and who partook in this amazing we will get you on the list. Your Sunday Soccer League. children do not have to at The League was found- tend The Hebrew Academy, ed by the Hollanders and they must want to play soccer run completely by committed and you must be able to comand capable volunteers. We mit to Sunday soccer games. are happy to announce that

New Preschool Library

The Preschool is proud to announce the opening of their very own library designed especially for children ages 2-6. Thanks to some very creative and passionate parents, the preschool has earned the money to make this dream a reality. The planning and construction has already begun. The library will include outstanding literature geared toward toddlers and parents, as well as cozy built-in couch-

es with pillows, a readers’ theater area and more! The library is scheduled to be completed at the end of March. We are planning to have the Grand Opening in April. Stay tuned for more information. We will be hosting Tot Shabbats and story time for all to enjoy. If you are interested in helping with this wonderful endeavor, please contact our award-winning Director, Chanie Perlemuter, at cperlemuter@hacds.org or 714898-0051.

Attention New Mommies

Our next session of Mommy and Me will be held on Thursday, February 6th at our Preschool. The environment is fun, loving and comfortable, creating a network of friends and mentors to help you raise your darling little person. The classes are held every Thursday from 9:30 am11:30 am, and are only $10

per class. This is a wonderful opportunity for mothers to ask questions, share experiences, exchange ideas and, most importantly, enjoy a place where you and your child will connect with other moms and children. The Hebrew Academy Mommy and Me is where you will start lifelong friendships guaranteed! Please feel free to drop-in, we’d love to meet you!

www.jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2014 | 11

COMMUNITY

Women Who Have Changed the Jewish World

David Solomon

The CSULB Jewish Studies Program is proud to host again a talk by the Orange County One Month Community Scholar. This year’s scholar is David Solomon, and his talk, Women Who Have Changed the Jewish World, will take place on Thursday, February 20 at 7:30 pm, at the Alpert JCC. Throughout Jewish history, there have been women who have made significant contributions to the Jewish world, but many of them remain relatively unknown today. Mr. Solomon will dis-

cuss these remarkable women and their achievements and the effect they have made on our world today. Mr. Solomon is a master educator, delivering lectures and courses around the world on a diverse range of topics, from modern to biblical Hebrew, to Kabbalah and Jewish history, from anthropology of religion to conceptual art. In 2010, New York’s Jewish Week named him “Top Jew” for “his unselfish effort as a one man teaching machine.” He’s also been described as “wildly charismatic” and “the best in Tor-info-tainment.” The lecture series is free and open to the community; there is no need to reserve a space. For more information, please contact Jeffrey Blutinger, Barbara and Ray Alpert Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies, CSULB, at Jeffrey.Blutinger@csulb.edu or 562-985-2196.

In Commemoration of the Civil Rights Act

Rev. James Lawson, Jr.

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ)

will hold its 23rd Annual Interfaith/Intercultural Breakfast on Tuesday, February 11, starting from 6:45 am, at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach. Rev. James Lawson Jr., prominent leader of the civil rights movement and one of the central architects of the non-violence movement in the United States, will be speaking at the event. Hosted by CCEJ, the breakfast incorporates the traditions of several religious

and cultural groups that contribute to the ethnic and spiritual mosaic of the community. Benefactors Gene and Ann Lentzner began their perpetual gift ten years ago helping to underwrite all future CCEJ Interfaith/Intercultural Breakfasts. Make your reservation by February 4th by calling 562-435-8184 or visit www. cacej.org for more information. Tickets start at $40, limited seating available.

NCJW Celebrating Women in the Community On Sunday, February 9 at 9:45 am, Barbara Millman, VP of Advocacy and Legislation of the NCJW Long Beach Section, will present Lobbying 101: Understanding the Legislative Process and How to Become an Advocate at the Alpert JCC. Find out how issues come up before the California Legislature and Congress, and what

12 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I | 5774

NCJW Long Beach does. Learn how to make a difference in the lives of women, children, and families. The community is invited to attend the 68th Annual Gala NCJW Long Beach Section Charter Day Luncheon on Tuesday, February 18 at 11:30 am, at Old Ranch Country Club. The Standing on the Shoulders of the

Ones Who Came Before Us theme will celebrate nearly two dozen of our past recipients of the Hannah G. Solomon Award, with entertainment provided by Jewish music specialist (and Julie Silver protégé) Rachel Wolman. Cost: $72; send a check made out to NCJW to Judy Leff, 3011 Hillrose Dr., Rossmoor, CA 90720 by Feb. 7.

Available at

s e it r o v a F r u o Y l l A Save oFneaturing selections from nt our large Kosher assortme Russet Potatoes

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12-oz. Selected varieties. Club Price: $2.50 ea.

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Kedem Tea Biscuits 4.2-oz. Selected varieties. Club Price: 50¢ ea.

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Manischweitz Cello Soup Mix 6-oz. Selected varieties.

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Osem Mediterranean Pickles 19-oz. 7 to 9 pickles per can.

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Items, prices and offers in this ad are effective thru Tuesday, January 28, 2014 (unless otherwise noted). Items offered for sale are not available to dealers, restaurants, institutions or wholesalers. Sales in retail quantities only. Items are available in selected stores while supplies last. Call Vons or Pavilions Customer Service Center at, 1-877-723-3929 to find the nearest store stocking these items. Some advertised prices may be even lower in some stores. All applicable taxes must be paid by the purchaser. We reserve the right to correct all printed errors. Online and in-store prices, discounts and offers may differ. VP

www.jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2014 | 13

TRIBUTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

P ROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ATTORNEYS

Lawrence H. Nemirow, ESQ

PEDIATRICS

Business Law, Insurance Law, Trusts and Estates 5242 Katella Ave., Suite 104 Los Alamitos, CA 90720

(562) 799-1379

Web Site: 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

ELECTRICAL H & H ELECTRICAL

Quality Without Compromise Residential & Commercial Lic. # 309934 Since 1975

(562) 494-3057

PODIATRY Eric R. Hubbard, D.PM, F.A.C.F.S.

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

ORTHODONTICS Brodsky Orthodontics Braces & Invisilign™ for all ages 5920 Del Amo Blvd., Lakewood

(562) 496-2000

www.drbrodskysmile.com

YOUR AD HERE

Add your listing to our Professional Directory Call Khatera 562-426-7601 EXT 1006 for more information

Honors & Simchahs

Lipeles on the birth of their granddaughter, Sasha Olive •Mazel Tov, to proud Leibowitz. grandparents Amy & Rich From the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff

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 Gail Levy, wishes for a speedy recovery, from Linda & Sanford Simmons •To Tami Ishaeik, wishes for a complete & speedy recovery, from Linda & Sanford Simmons •To Richard Ruby, in your honor of winning the Triple Chai challenge, from Ken Schlesinger •To Siegfried Pinchut & Susie Tichauer, in memory of your beloved wife & mother Pam Pinchut, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Mort & Susan Stuhlbarg, in memory of your beloved sister-in-law Emily, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Jerome Stuhlbarg, in memory of your beloved wife Emily, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To the Stuhlbarg family, in memory of your beloved Emily, from Arlene & Rick Freeman •To Lydia Jacobi, in memory of your beloved mother, from Arlene & Rick Freeman •To David & Jeri Goldstein, in memory of your beloved

B’nai Mitzvah

CONGREGATION SHIR CHADASH Seth Collins Seth was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 25. For his mitzvah project, he has been tutoring elementary children every Thursday afternoon at a local park after school program.

Lee & Barbara Shoag Residential & Income Over 1,400 Happy Buyers & Sellers since 1981

(562) 400-8124 www.ShoagRealEstate.com

Rated ‘Highest’ in quality service by our customers.

14 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I | 5774

mother & mother-in-law, from Arlene & Rick Freeman •To Paige Fingerhut & Jason, mazel tov on your marriage engagement, from Arlene & Rick Freeman

AJCC

GENERAL FUND •To Susan & Mort Stulhbarg, in memory of Emily Stuhlbarg, from Linda & Steve Gordon •To Ned Gaylord, in honor of your special birthday, from ANNUAL CAMPAIGN •In memory of Doris Meidonick, Linda & Steve Gordon from Sheldon Pordy •In honor of Lou Piltz, from PAULA BLUM SENIOR ADULT FUND Andrea & Shaul Saulisbury •To Susan & Mort Stuhlbarg, in memory of Emily Stuhlbarg, AJCC FUND •In memory of Eugene “Shim” from Barbara & Ray Alpert & Esther F. Kaufman, from MICHAEL SEGAL Lynne & Ron Kaufman MAIMONIDES FUND •To the Baker Eller Family, in Jewish Community memory of Lionel Baker, from Jessie Butler Foundation ANNE LICHT AJCC tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT LEADERSHIP FUND 1414 •To Mark & Nancy Schneider, in memory of Jim Schneider, JFCS from Francine Levy & Rick GENERAL FUND Wasserman •To Gloria E. Sloan, in memory of your beloved husband & GERDA SEIFER U.S. Bronze Star recipient YOM HASHOAH FUND •To Lander Warren, wishes Curtis, from Mary Ellen Rowe for a speedy recovery, from •To Linda Haley & Marvin Zamost, in honor of your Gerda & Harold Seifer continued support of JFCS, from Janice & David Hammond BRESLAUER-SOREF BNAI TZEDEK FUND JFCS tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT •To Jim Breslauer, in your 235 or 562-427-7916 honor, from Jennifer Hirsch Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 1314 TEMPLE BETH DAVID Gabriel Myers Prunty Gabriel will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February 15. For her mitzvah project, she collected money and items to send care packages to soldiers serving in Afghanistan this past year.

Emily Stuhlbarg, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away at the age of 76 from carcinosarcoma cancer on December 28, 2013 in Palos Verdes Estates. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and professional fiduciary, she truly cared about others and wanted to make their lives better. She always hoped she lived up to the saying, “The world is better because, for a brief space, they lived in it.”

She leaves behind husband, Jerome; son, Richard (Naoko); daughter, Jody Stuhlbarg Dice (John); granddaughters, Rachel & Hannah Dice; and brother and sister-inlaw, Mort & Susan Stuhlbarg. In addition, she leaves behind all the caring wonderful people associated with Stuhlbarg, Norene, and Associates. A memorial service and celebration of her life was held at Temple Beth El, San Pedro.

We Mourn The Loss Of... E. B. Gendel

Pam Pinchut

Emily Stuhlbarg

Shim Tesser

Please contact us at chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org if you know of someone who them to be recognized.

has passed A3349-Diabetes Ad (LAC)_Chrionicle 1/10/14 2:26 and PM would Page 1like

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tem p l e i sr a e l lo n g b e ac h

Join Us for oUr shabbat services

Friday Evening Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Moskowitz, Cantor Finnley, and organist, David York. Saturday Morning Services and Torah Study conducted by Rabbi Moskowitz. Friday, February 7 7:00 p.m. Family Shabbat Service Saturday, February 8 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service Friday, February 14 6:00 p.m. Ruach Shabbat Saturday, February 15 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

Friday, February 21 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat 7:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service Saturday, February 22 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

Join us as we welcome

Dr. SuSannah heSchel

Our Pilger Scholar-in-Residence Friday Feb. 21 & Saturday, Feb 22 See schedule on the back page

Friday, February 28 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service Saturday, March 1 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Sabbath Fellowship

Temple Israel • 269 Loma Avenue • Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562.434.0996 • www.tilb.org

www.jewishlongbeach.org | FEBRUARY 2014 | 15

COMMUNITY

We Mourn the Loss Of

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

MUST BE DELIVERED BY 1/24/2014

Permit No.129 Long Beach, CA

Temple Israel’s Joys of Jewish Learning adult education Program

invites you to join us as we welcome

Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College and daughter of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

Dr. hescheL Joins us as our annuaL PiLger schoLar-in-resiDence Underwritten through the generosity of Temple Israel Foundation’s Pilger Lectureship Fund

Dr. Heschel remarks, “But it is not simply my father’s scholarship that has been so influential - it is the inspirational quality of his presentation of Judaism and what it means to be a religious person.”

Friday, February 21 5:30 p.m. Shabbat Dinner with Dr. Heschel $15 per person 7:00 p.m. Shabbat Services 8:00 p.m. Dr. Heschel Lecture Topic: Moral grandeur and spiritual audacity: Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Life and Thought

Saturday, February 22 8:45 a.m.Torah Study with Dr. Heschel Topic: The Mishkan: What Brings Us Together Now? EvEryonE wELComE to AttEnd Please RSVP for Shabbat Dinner to the temple office (562) 434-0996 by February 14

269 Loma Avenue • Long Beach, CA 90803 • www.tilb.org

16 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I | 5774