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
A Holiday of Feasting, Revelry & Giving PAGE 2
www.jewishlongbeach.org | 562.426.7601
INSIDE
Purim
Issue
Alpert JCC
Around the “J”
March 2014 | 5774 | ADAR I-ADAR II | VOL.66-NO.7
FEATURE ARTICLE
A Holiday of Feasting, Revelry & Giving By Sharon Kenigsberg, Director of Endowments & Community Development
Community-Wide
Purim Activities
SATURDAY, MARCH 8 10:30 am @ Temple Beth David Tot Shabbat Purim
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 12 pm @ AJCC NCJW sponsors annual AJCC Senior Purim Luncheon Contact Susan Mathieu @ 562-426-7601 x1721 THURSDAY, MARCH 13 10 am - 12 pm @ AJCC Early Childhood Education Purim Parade & Shpiel FRIDAY, MARCH 14 10 am - 12 pm @ AJCC Early Childhood Education Purim Parade & Shpiel 6:30 pm Shul By The Shore @ Seaport Marina Hotel Grand Purim Weekend Celebration SATURDAY, MARCH 15 6 pm @ P’nai Or Mediterranean dinner followed by “The Whole Megillah” reading @ 8 pm 6:30 pm @ Temple Israel Purim Shpiel Masquerade Dinner Party followed by “Purim According to the Beatles” @ 8 pm 7 pm @ Congregation Shir Chadash Purim Shpiel with music from “The Music Man” 8 pm @ Temple Beth Shalom Megillah reading for Adults- “ad lo yada” SUNDAY, MARCH 16 11:30 am - 3 pm @ AJCC COMMUNITY PURIM CARNIVAL 9:30 am @ Congregation Shir Chadash Purim Service 9:30 am @ Temple Beth David Royal Purim Shpiel 10 am @ Hebrew Academy Grand Purim Celebration 10:30 am @ Temple Beth Shalom Family Purim Shpiel 4 pm @ AJCC 7th Annual Concert Purim Ball Doors Open 4:30 pm @ AJCC w/Chabad of Los Alamitos Megillah Reading 5 pm @ AJCC Purim Rock Concert with world famous 8th Day *For more information about the events listed, please contact the synagogue. See Synagogue Directory on page 8 for their contact information.
J
ewish communities around the world celebrate Purim as a holiday of feasting and gladness, gift-giving and tzedakah (charity), revelry, parties and masquerades. In our community, all of our agencies and synagogues gather together for a Community Purim Carnival. Community Celebration This year’s Purim Carnival, held on Sunday, March 16, will have a Shushan County Fair theme! Join with the Alpert Jewish Community Center (AJCC), Jewish Federation, local temples, and other area Jewish organizaThe cast from the AJCC’s Early Childhood Education Purim Shpiel, “Shusan Street” tions as they come together to celebrate Purim, county fair style. Outdoor festivi- necessary funds that support counseling, senior ties include carnival games, jousting, a giant slide, programming, crisis response around the world, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a costume contest aid for at-risk youth, educational & recreational with cash prizes. Enjoy all these activities with deli- programs, programs for teens & young adults, cious kosher food, hamentaschen, music, vendors early childhood and day school scholarships and and more. much more. “We’re looking forward to celebrating Purim In addition, the Jewish Federation’s Women’s with the entire Jewish community of Long Beach Philanthropy and Men’s Philanthropy are partnering and beyond,” states Eve Lunt, AJCC Director of with Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) Jewish Life & Culture, “bring your friends, your to do mitzvot in the community. The women, as family and don’t forget your costume! Admission part of the Arlene Solomon VISIONS event on is free. There will be ride tickets available for pre- March 6, are providing “Survival Kit” items for sale online or on the day of the fair.” men, women, and children who find themselves in emergency situations. Please bring the following The Whole Megillah items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes or The main observance connected to Purim is combs, deodorant, granola bars or snack items, the Book of Esther reading, called the Megillah or gift cards for coffee shops or supermarkets. The (the scroll). The Megillah is in the form of a parchment scroll, handwritten like a Torah, and is men, as part of Above & Beyond event on March read twice, once at the evening (Ma’ariv) service 19, are providing brand new sports equipment and once during (Shaharit) the morning service. for children and schools in need. Please bring It tells the story of the deliverance of the Jewish brand new basketballs, baseballs, bats, batting people in the ancient Persian empire where a plot helmets, soccer balls, tennis balls, footballs, tennis had been formed by Haman – the royal vizier racquets, or gift cards to sporting goods stores. to King Ahasuerus – to kill all the Jews. Haman’s We will also accept donations after each plans were foiled by Mordecai and his adopted event. If you have questions, please contact daughter Esther, who had risen to become Queen Megan at 562-426-7601 x1014 or mdonaldson@ of Persia. This day of deliverance became a day jewishlongbeach.org. of feasting and rejoicing. Big Mitzvah Day While we associate specific mitzvot with the Mitzvot holiday of Purim, our community also wants to Purim presents us with wonderful opportunities to give to our friends, family and the community connect everyone to projects and organizations at large. The three “giving” mitzvot, or that need help all year long. On BIG MITZVAH commandments, of Purim are: mechazit hashekel, DAY, Sunday, May 4, the entire community will literally translated it means giving half a coin, come together to participate in hands-on mitzvah implying that the coin should be donated to a just projects. There will be many opportunities to cause; mishloach manot, or sending gifts of food volunteer and donate items; more information to to friends and family; and mataonot la’evyonim, or come in April. giving gifts to the poor. So this Purim holiday, come together with Every day in our community, the donations members of our community in charity, feasting and that are given through the Jewish Federation’s gladness. May your Purim be merry, and may it Annual Community Campaign provides be enriched with the joy of giving and sharing!
2 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I-ADAR II | 5774
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
Contents 5
Capital Refurbishment Projects - Why the Playground?
1a-4a
Around the “J” March Events at the Alpert Jewish Community Center
By Deborah K. Goldfarb, CEO
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
Deborah Goldfarb CEO
6
Danny Levy DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Khatera Zubin MARKETING & CHRONICLE COORDINATOR CHRONICLE ADVERTISING
PJ Library – Establishing a Jewish Foundation for Our Youth
15
Woody on Rye: Jewishness in Woody Allen Films & Plays
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 at Morgan Stanley Wealth Managment
March 7
5:36 pm
March 14
6:41 pm
March 21
6:47 pm
March 28
6:52 pm
Cover Image Purim in our community – food, fun and celebrations
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 | MARCH 2014 | 3
INSIDE THE CHRONICLE
The Jewish Community
SINCE THE TIME OF MOSES, the Jewish people have looked out for each other. Generation after generation. Practicing Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, healing the world. We believe no Jew - or person of any faith or culture - should be forced to live in hunger, in danger, in solitude, or in fear. We work to remove Jews from harm’s way, protect human rights, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and offer relief for war-torn regions.
If you’ve been looking for a way to invest in the welfare of our Jewish community, these two campaigns provide an easy, effective way to make an impact and ensure that Jewish life continues to thrive for generations to come. What more reason to care do you need? A burning bush?
Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation OF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY
4 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I-ADAR II | 5774
Capital Refurbishment Projects - Why the Playground? Deborah K. Goldfarb Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation
The Jewish Community Partnership is embarking on a Capital Refurbishment Project as part of the Fund for our Future to renovate the Falk Family Playground area at the Alpert Jewish Community Center (AJCC) on the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus. We are truly blessed to have funding from Barbara & Ray Alpert – 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. However, we still need the community’s support in raising the remainder. You might be asking why we need to replace and update the Falk Family Playground. Here are some valid questions you might ask and our expert answers: Why does the preschool playground structure need to be replaced? It looks fairly solid. Age: Generally wooden playgrounds are expected to last at the most 15 years. We have now been on this campus 15 years. Our preschool playground structure is beginning to show its age, preventing our kids from utilizing it to their fullest. While we have maintained and made numerous repairs and replacements, we would like to bring the structure up to Minimum Access Ability Codes as legally set by ADA requirements. This will help us make sure the equipment and surrounding area are ac-
cessible for multiple abilities. The Pour-In-Play on which the structure sits is no longer soft and cushy, but hard, and with many dips and rips. We need to upgrade to the newest and safest fall zone that we can. Physical fitness and health are an important part of a child’s education: We want to encourage artistic exploration and creativity, while developing critical life skills such as coordination and dexterity. The playground will encourage self-directed exploration and discovery, in addition to being entertaining and fun! Updated equipment will enrich their lives through open-ended, playbased equipment, tools and toys, leading our children to communicate, experience, problem solve and understand. We want to create something to truly benefit the children, empowering them to learn through play. My own children have only another year or two left at ECE, Kids’ University or Camp Kamaroff. Is my support that critical? Benefiting the Community: Financial support of this effort is entirely voluntary and is a decision made within each family. The Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Partnership agencies appreciate your gift at any level so that the tradition of strong community support may continue for future generations. Some families may wish to make a gift in honor of their graduating child or honoring a special teacher or administrator who made a difference to them. Why does the Kindergar-
Where We Are as of 2/14/14
2014 Annual Community Campaign $1,540,000 to date $747,774
goal of
ten playground structure need to be replaced? To Big; To Small: The Kindergarten playground is rated for 5 years old and up. Currently we don’t have a kindergarten program, and thus, the preschool age kids are too young to use the play equipment. The Kids’ University Afterschool Program and Camp Kamaroff kids, on the other hand, get quickly bored and find they are too large for the equipment. Create Flexibility: Taking out the kindergarten playground and replacing it with a Sports Court will provide flexibility for multiple uses. The Sports Court will provide handball, foursquare, basketball and the ability for large block building. It will be easily accessible to the ECE program, with a removable barrier when needed. In addition, it will be lighted for use in the late afternoon in the fall and winter. It will also be available for our partner agencies to use for
special events, meetings and holidays. I’d like to support the campaign to update the Falk Family play area but I have no idea what size gift is appropriate. Can you advise me? Multiple Recognition Levels: We are grateful for any amount you can give, but we suggest gifts from $50 and up. The size of your gift is a personal decision. You may even want to join with other class parents, the whole class, with grandparents, or student alumni to raise funds for a specific item as a group. If you find it would be helpful to have a conversation, please call Deborah Goldfarb at 562-426-7601.
Fund for our Future Capital Refurbishment Fund goal of $3,000,000 to date $614,230 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
www.jewishlongbeach.org | MARCH 2014 | 5
PJ Library – Establishing a Jewish Foundation for Our Youth
YOUR
FEDERATION
IMPACT
(January/February)
• Allocated $340,000 to local partner agencies • Allocated $152,000 to regional, national, and overseas needs • Approved 2nd year of Synagogue supplemental school grants (to be distributed in the fall)
• Hosted a discussion with Alan Morinis from the Mussar Institute • Attended Jewish Federations of North America Western Region Leadership Gathering • Held a prospect event for the Alperts New Leaders Forum • Held a Pomegranate event for Women’s Philanthropy • Hosted an informal presentation from World ORT
Temple Israel Educator, Sharon Amster Brown reads Happy Hanukkah to PJ Library kids at the Pizza Pajama Party in November
Last February, our community launched PJ Library of Greater Long Beach – a program that sends free, quality Jewish books to families with children ages 6 months to 6 years old in the Greater Long Beach area. Each month, children enrolled in the program receive an age-appropriate book or CD in the mail that introduces the child to Jewish values, ideas and traditions, with helpful reading guides to help parents continue the conversation about the lessons in each book. They also receive a monthly e-newslet-
ter with links to articles about Jewish parenting and ways to teach their children about Judaism as well as links to local Jewish events. PJ Library subscriptions are free to our local families thanks to the generosity of the Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County, the Alpert Jewish Community Center (AJCC), Temple Israel of Long Beach and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. After our first year, 156 families in the Greater Long Beach area have received
monthly subscriptions - that’s 1,716 books and 156 CD’s sent by PJ Library. Across North America, PJ Library has over 175 communities and just sent its five millionth book to a lucky boy in Massachusetts, delivered by Harold Grinspoon himself. One of the goals of PJ Library of Greater Long Beach is to connect families through PJ Library events. There were several events last year that we offered to our participating families: story time at the Marina Pacifica Barnes & Noble, story time at a park in Long Beach, a Pajama Pizza Party at Temple Israel, and Sukkot celebrations under the Sukkah at the AJCC, where kids were able to shake their lulavs with Rabbi Moskowitz and read stories about Sukkot with teacher Shlomit Jackson. We have many exciting events planned for this year as well: Temple Israel is hosting a Hamentaschen-palooza on Friday, March 7 and the AJCC is having a special PJ Library activity at its
community-wide Purim carnival on Sunday, March 16. More events will follow, so keep an eye on the community calendar for upcoming PJ Library events to bring the whole family to! As an added bonus for PJ Library families, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation funds the One Happy Camper program that provides incentive grants of up to $1,000 to offset the first-time camp tuition for PJ Library participants, their siblings and alumni that want to attend overnight Jewish camp. More information can be found at www.pjlibrary.org. We still have subscriptions available for families who have children 6 months to 6 years old and live in the Greater Long Beach and West Orange County areas. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please have them sign-up online at www.pjlibrary.org or email Megan Donaldson at mdonaldson@jewishlongbeach.org.
SAVE THE DATE
BIG Mitzvah Day • • • •
Women’s Philanthropy
The Arlene Solomon
SUNDAY
MAY 4 @ 11:30 am
A day for our whole community to come together Hands-on activities for children & families Onsite and offsite Mitzvah project - project leaders needed Opportunities to connect with local organizations who need volunteers through the Mitzvah Fair Questions? Contact Megan Donaldson at 562-426-7601 x1014 | mdonaldson@jewishlongbeach.org
6 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I-ADAR II | 5774
Thursday, March 6th at 5:30 pm Featuring a performance by Jewish Women’s Theatre Couvert $54 per person
Honoring Women of
VISION
RSVP: 562.426.7601 x1014 mdonaldson@jewishlongbeach.org Benefiting The Jewish Community Partnership Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation OF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY
Got Stock?
By Sharon Kenigsberg, Director of Endowments & Community Development
Are you looking for a way to make a difference in our Jewish Community? One easy way is through a gift of appreciated securities (stock). Gifts of appreciated stock are really a win-win for you and the community. Every gift can make a difference and by donating stock, you can achieve your charitable goal without using today’s cash. In fact, you can receive an immediate income-tax deduction for the full fair market value of the securities (if you have held them for more than a year) on the date of transfer. In addition, you don’t pay a capital gains tax. Many Ways to Give The versatility of stock gifts can be used to: u Make your Annual Community Campaign gift to the Jewish Federation or any other local Jewish organization. u Establish a fund at the Jewish Community Foundation
to benefit a particular organization or meet a need in the community (i.e. refurbishment of the Falk Family playground area, pool area enhancement, security upgrades, programs for families, scholarships, Israel education, arts & culture programs, clinical and outreach services for seniors, connecting our teens and young adults to Israel and our local Jewish community and much more…) u Establish a Donor Advised Fund which allows you the flexibility of giving to various
charities throughout the year. u Give to the Unrestricted Funds at the Jewish Community Foundation, which allows them to make grants to all of our local agencies and synagogues. u Give to any existing named fund at the Foundation. The Foundation has funds that benefit every agency, every age group and a variety of needs that provide for the education and welfare of the Jewish people.
What will your
What Will Your Legacy Be? A legacy gift of any size will make a difference in our community and it need not cost you anything during your lifetime. Planned giving offers many benefits. If you give during your lifetime, you will receive a charitable income tax deduction. If your estate is subject to taxes, a gift made in a bequest or death will also provide a tax deduction. Perhaps most important is the enduring nature of planned giving – you may use the
fund to honor or remember a loved one, perpetuating your family name long beyond your lifetime. There are many ways to designate how your fund will be used, for example: gifts can be set up to provide unrestricted funds to help meet community needs, now and in the future; or to provide permanent resources to aid identified programs, projects, agencies, organizations, or initiatives that are of particular interest to you and your family. It’s up to you. These are just a few examples. Each donor and each gift is unique, and whether you are considering making a stock contribution or would like to talk about other gift planning options, the staff at the Jewish Community Foundation are here to help you. To schedule a confidential meeting to discuss your philanthropic goals, please call me, Sharon Kenigsberg, at 562-426-7601 x 1008.
LEGACY
be?
Become a Legacy Society Member Make a promise today to make a difference tomorrow! Sign a Letter of Intent to leave a bequest through the Jewish Community Foundation. With your signing of a Letter of Intent, you are invited to be our guest at the
Legacy Society Brunch Sunday, April 6, 2014 @ 11:00 am Call 562-426-7601 today to speak with a Foundation staff member and secure your spot at the brunch. www.jewishlongbeach.org | MARCH 2014 | 7
CONGREGATIONS
R A B B I N I C
R E F L E C T I O N S
Choosing Happiness and Leaving Our Troubles Behind By Rabbi Abba Perelmuter
This month, the month of Adar, we celRabbi Abba ebrate the holPerelmuter iday of Purim. Five of my six children would say it’s their favorite holiday; one son is strange and doesn’t like holidays. We are told that we must increase in joy during the month of Adar. What does this mean? How does one increase in joy? Unfortunately, you may not like the answer, because the answer is difficult. Our
whole lives we have been told that if we just get a bigger house, a better car, a fancier watch, a nicer spouse, or a better body, only then will we find true happiness. So, we spend our lives chasing these ideas. We work harder so we can spend more. We buy and buy and buy, always thinking, “Now I’ll really be happy.” Friends - this is a lie. There is nothing that you can buy or build that will make you happy. Only YOU can make yourself hap-
py. Happiness is a choice! Chassidic philosophy teaches that human beings are not only able to control their actions and speech, but their thoughts as well! Our mind is the key to our emotions. We cannot necessarily change the exact situation we find ourselves in, but we can absolutely change the way we feel about it. Try it out - choose to be happy, choose to be grateful. Push away the horrible, negative thoughts that will impede
your ability to be happy. Purim is a holiday that forces us to leave our grumpiness and sadness behind. In order to truly enjoy the holiday, we must grab the joy that is around us and embrace it. So, starting today, make the choice to be a positive, happy person. Let me know how fast your life changes!
Rabbi Perelmuter is Rabbi at Shul By The Shore in Long Beach.
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.
Congregation Shir Chadash Saturday, 3/15 @ 7 pm: Annual Purim Spiel put on by Purim Players. Hear the story of Esther with music from “The Music Man” and enjoy homemade hamentaschen from the temple Sisterhood. Sunday, 3/16 @ 9:30 am: Annual Purim Service, led by Rabbi Howard Laibson. The event is open to the community. Please contact the temple for more info. Congregation Sholom Thursdays @ 4 pm: If you find yourself unable to attend services, please visit https:// new.livestream.com/sim-shalom for a brief Arvit (evening) service provided by Sim Shalom - the online synagogue. You can log on to services EVERY afternoon at 4:00 pm, but Rabbi Galit’s service is on Thursdays. You can also access Sim Shalom’s services from Rabbi Galit’s website, http:// www.galityomtov.com.
ner: $18 donation requested. All events held at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 N. Studebaker Rd., Long Beach 90808. RSVP to WendyF@ pnaior.org or call the temple office, or visit their website. Temple Beth David Saturday, 3/1 @ 9 am: Innovative Sabbath event entitled “Body, Mind, and Spirit Shabbat Experience.” After a lox & bagel breakfast ($5) that includes coffee and fresh fruit - it will offer you a variety of ways (walking, biking or hiking) to observe Seven Stops to Celebrate the Holiness of Shabbat. Sunday, 3/9 @ 9:30 am: Help TBD Sisterhood donate to the homeless by contributing regular and travel-sized hygiene items. Contact Debbie Lelchuk at dbde_lelchuk@verizon.net or 562-430-1238. Sunday, 3/16 @ 11 am: Purim Auction & Carnival. An event for people of all ages featuring food, games, prizes, hamentaschen, and music; plus an auction with items that may be bought at your price. Megillah reading starts at 9:30 am. Contact the temple for more info.
P’nai Or Saturday, 3/15@ 6 pm: P’nai Or’s Whole Megillah. Come for a Mediterranean dinner at 6 pm, or come for Havdalah afterwards at 7:15 pm, a raucous Megillah reading, Temple Beth Shalom and some hamentaschen. Din- Saturday, 3/15 @ 8 pm: Purim
8 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I-ADAR II | 5774
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
for the adults. Megillah reading “ad lo yada.” Sunday, 3/16 @ 10:30 am: Purim for the Entire Family. Purim Spiel and Annual Purim Fun Day, at 11:15 am, with edible Megillahs, arts and crafts, hamentaschen making, Israeli dancing, and a costume parade with prizes for everyone. Purim Fun Day ends with a Great Purim Spiel, “A Purim Fiasco” by Debbie Friedman, with the participation of all students. Contact the temple for more info. Temple Israel Friday, March 28 - Sunday, March 30: TI’s Joys of Jewish Learning Program. Welcome annual Lapid Lectureship Scholar Daniel Matt, world-renowned scholar on Kabbalah and the Zohar, and explore the thrilling world of Kabbalah. His topic is, “From Kabbalah to the Big Bang: Ancient Wis-
Synagogue Directory
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
dom and Contemporary Spirituality.” Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore a deeply profound dimension of Jewish wisdom. Contact the temple for more info. If your synagogue would like to be a part of this listing, please submit your events to chronicle@jewishlongbeach.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
inside
Around the “J”
JCC Maccabi Games 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . 2a 80s Prom Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a Working The Musical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a
AJCC Challah Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a Success In America - 92Y Lecture . . . . . 3a Happiness & Humor Group . . . . . . . . . . 3a
Gold Medalist Water Polo Coach. . . . . . 4a AJCC Summer Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a Teen Summer Stock - “Grease” . . . . . . . 4a
Adar l-Adar ll 5774
MARCH 2014
Around the “J”
Happy Purim! March’s Theme at the “J” is Simchah, which literally means “gladness, or joy”. It comes from the root word "sameach" which means glad or happy. As I look through the Around the “J”, it is filled with so many exciting opportunities for people of all ages to come to the J for some very special events. Some highlights this month are the many Purim celebrations, from our community-wide bigger-than-ever Shushan County Fair Purim Carnival, to the Alpert JCC Purim concert featuring internationally acclaimed band 8th Day, and our special Sr. Adult Purim Luncheon featuring “Perfecto”– the AJCC is the place to be to celebrate Purim! But the fun and happiness doesn’t stop there! MiniKickers, our special new soccer program for 2-3 and 4-6 year olds, is a program that centers on child development through FUNdamental soccer activities. We have our monthly Happiness and Humor Group (very appropriate for our Simchah month) lead by our very own Dr. Susan Mathieu. For those of you who love theater, we have our Community Theater performances of Working – the Musical. This is a must see musical by Stephen Schwartz, three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, and the composer for such hits as Godspell, Pippin and Wicked. For me, there is nothing more exciting than seeing all the children learning and playing here at the “J”. As many of you know, I got my start in our very own ECE program. This month, the halls will be bustling with parents registering their children for our summer and fall programs. In addition, summer youth, teen, and camp program registration is also open. Last year was our biggest year ever, so register early to ensure your child has a fun-filled summer here at the “J”. With all that is going on, it is easy to see why the Alpert JCC is Your Center for Life, but this month, the Alpert JCC is also Your Center for Simchah!
L’Shalom Jeffrey Rips, AJCC Executive Director
JEWISH LIFE & CULTURE Eve Lunt, elunt@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1067
March’s theme at the AJCC is Simchah “Gladness” A popular teaching by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a 19th-century Chassidic Rabbi, is "Mitzvah Gedolah Le'hiyot Besimcha Tamid," it is a great mitzvah (commandment) to always be in a state of happiness. When a person is happy they are much more capable of serving God and going about their daily activities than when depressed or upset. Jews often use simchah in its capacity as a Hebrew and Yiddish noun meaning festive occasion. The reason for it is that any celebration is a happy occasion. The term is used for any happy occasion, such as a wedding, Bar Mitzvah, or engagement. In fact one of the mitzvot of celebrating Purim is to feel simchah.
“Traditions” Box Workshop March 26-April 30 Wednesdays, 7pm Tevye sang about “Traditions” in Fiddler on the Roof. Jewish families thrive on the culture and history they pass from generation to generation L’Dor V’Dor. We all have memories and artifacts that should be displayed to tell a story. Join multimedia artist Susan Cohn as we explore these histories and create story boxes that share our traditions. $110; $90/MVP
JCC Challah Club Everything You "Knead" to Know Fri, March 21, 11:30am This month we’re making a mixed fruit challah, stuffed full of yummy dried fruits. Challah club is held in the AJCC Kitchen. Please bring your own mixing bowl and dish towel. RSVP’s to Eve Lunt are essential to ensure enough supplies
Contact Eve Lunt for more information
Kabbalah Class Wednesdays, 12pm
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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 & Challah 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.
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MARCH 2014
Cindi Massengale, cmassengale@alpertjcc.org • (562)426-7601, ext. 1056
Success in America Amy Chua & Jed Rubenfeld Tue, March 4, 7pm 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 Shalom
Challenge your body in new ways! TRX Suspension Training
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. 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
Lectures are FREE to organization members listed above; $10/Public For more info, visit www.alpertjcc.org
Around the “J”
WELLNESS & FITNESS
The TRX Suspension Trainer provides an effective total body workout and can benefit people of all fitness levels. Using the TRX equipment, our Fitness Professionals will provide a challenging cross-training workout that delivers strength, stability, flexibility and muscular endurance to participants. The TRX Suspension Trainer leverages gravity and your bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises. Our New TRX Suspension Training studio is available for use with an AJCC Personal Trainer or class. Classes will be offered in 4 session packages, 2-4 participants per session. Can’t find a class that fits your schedule? Small groups are forming now! You can gather a group of friends together or we will find you a new friend or two! Classes are 50 minute sessions. For more info contact Cindi Massengale
SENIORS
SPORTS & RECREATION
Dr. Susan Mathieu, smathieu@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721
Sascha Bryan-Zwick, sbryanzwick@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1035
Happiness and Humor Group Fri, March 7, 11am Meets on the 1st Friday of each month 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
Sr. Adult Purim Luncheon Wed, March 12, 12pm Enjoy a musical performance following the annual Purim luncheon which is sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women. Lunch is chinese chicken salad, fresh fruit and assorted hamentashen. RSVP to Susan Mathieu
Sr. Adult Luncheon featuring “Perfecto” Wed, March 19, 12pm Join us for a fabulous show starring "Perfecto" singing Broadway show stoppers who are sponsored by Magic Touch home care. The lovely April Walsh will also make her first appearance at the senior adult luncheon, she is sponsored by the Breakers of Long Beach. 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, March 7, 7:30pm If you’ve never been to a GesherCity event before, now is the perfect time! Our events are fun and casual. 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, Runs through 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
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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
Kids’ Night Out, Parents’ Night Off! Sat, March 22, 5-9pm For children 1 2 months and older Enjoy dinner, a movie, or a walk on the beach while we take care of the kids. Night includes dinner, games, stories, play, and staff supervision. Cost per child: $25-1st, $20-2nd, $10-3rd (must be siblings) Babies under 12 months: $35; $30/MVP Call Danielle Putnam and reserve your spot (562)426-7601, ext. 1090 or email at dputnam@alpertjcc.org
AQUATICS Kids’ Night Out, Parents’ Night Off!
Sascha Bryan-Zwick, sbryanzwick@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1035
Sat, March 22, 5-10pm
Group Swim Lessons • March 3-27 •March 31-April 24 • April 28-May 22
M & W or T & Th (8 lessons, 4 wks)
Year-Round Youth Swim Team with Coach Rafe Montes 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
Year-Round Prep-Swim Team with Coach Rafe Montes Tue & Thur, 4:30-5:15pm
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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)
Ages 3-8 • 30 Minute lessons •Tiny tots: 1:30pm or 4pm •Beginner: 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm • Adv. Beginner: 3:30-4pm $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.
Water Polo with Olympic Gold Medalist Elsie Wenger
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, March 19. Drop-ins will not be admitted. For more info, contact Natalie Chernik
Teen Summer Stock 2014 Presents: “Grease” June 23-July 27, 5 week program Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 12pm-5pm Grades 6 & up Explore your theatrical side while hanging at the "J" with friends old and new! This year's Summer Stock production of “Grease" 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 23, Thurs, July 24, Sat, July 26, and Sun, July 27. Auditions will take place during the first week; teens must be registered for Summer Stock in order to audition. For more info, contact Natalie Chernik
March 17-April 23 April 28-May 21 Mon & Wed 4:15-5pm Ages 5-12 Come 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!
MVP: The MVP price is the "Member Value Price" that gives our members an automatic discount to the fee we charge for our programs and events., If you’re not a member of the AJCC speak with one of our Membership Services specialists and learn how you can start benefiting from MVP pricing today.
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MARCH 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
New Location & Social Media Campaign Mark This Year’s Race With A View
Calling all runners, walkers, and lovers of a little fresh air! Lace up your running shoes and register for the 26th annual JFCS Race With A View, to be held on Sunday morning May 18. This much-beloved 5K or 10K walk/run brings the entire community together for a morning of camaraderie and celebration, while raising funds for JFCS to fulfill its vision of healing the world, one person, one family at a time. This year’s starting line will be located at the Granada
Avenue parking lot on Ocean Boulevard in Belmont Shore, and as in past years, the outand-back course will follow the beautiful Long Beach shoreline on the bike path. “We’re excited about the new location for the starting line,” said Debbie Feldman, Race Committee Chair. “It’s consistent with many other race events that are held along the shoreline, such as the annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.” Also new this year is the use of Facebook and Twitter to promote the event and to
ECE Gives Generously
ECE kids were excited to present their donated gifts to JFCS representatives at their all-school Shabbat assembly
For the December holidays, the Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes at the Alpert Jewish Community Center performed a true mitzvah with their tzedakah contributions collected in November. With the leadership and guidance of Shlomit Jackson, and Paula Avchen, the
Pre-Kindergarten, Preschool, and Room Shesh classes adopted a JFCS client family in need so that the children of these families would have a happy and memorable holiday. The donations were used to purchase much-needed clothing as well as toys and other gifts for the chil-
acknowledge its sponsors. “We are very excited to have Einar Sevilla, a journalism student from Cal State University, Long Beach, on board as an intern to execute our social media campaign. This effort will give our sponsors exponentially more value for their contributions,” added Feldman. And speaking of sponsors, if you are interested in getting more exposure for your business among residents of Long Beach and West Orange County, consider becoming a sponsor of Race With A View this year.
dren. The ECE teachers were instrumental in making the project a success. As the shoppers in charge of purchasing the gifts, they chose wisely and carefully for each of the recipients. After the gifts were wrapped and ready, representatives from JFCS attended the ECE allschool Shabbat assembly on December 13 to receive the gifts on behalf of the families in need, and then contacted the families to arrange for delivery or pick-up. In total, ECE raised $589 which was shared between three families. Preschool
Osher Learning Series to Present Short Stories
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, in conjunction with JFCS and the Alpert Jewish Community Center (AJCC), will host a 5-week class for seniors to study some of the great short works of fiction and non-fiction where the main characters deal with transitional events in their lives. The journey into these great works will begin with
a famous essay, written by George Orwell when he was employed as a police officer in Burma (now Myanmar). From there, stories by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Henry James, Thomas Mann, and recent Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro will be examined from a psychological viewpoint. Stories will be made available to participants at
the beginning of each class. The class begins on Wednesday, April 16 and runs for 5 Wednesdays through May 14, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the AJCC. The instructor is Bernard Natelson, MBA, Psy.D., A.B.M.P. Dr. Natelson is a locally-based psychologist, therapist, and life coach. This class is made possible by a grant from the Archstone
“We have sponsorship levels to suit every business’ budget, and individuals can also become sponsors. It’s a great way to make your marketing dollars count for an incredibly worthy cause,” said Feldman. “We are so thrilled that Marvin Zamost and Linda Haley are Title Sponsors for Race With A View this year. We hope that many businesses and individuals will see the value and importance in JFCS’ role in providing affordable and effective counseling and support services to the residents of Long Beach
raised $235 for one family, Pre-Kindergarten raised $153 for the second family, and Room Shesh raised $201 for the third family. JFCS supplied ECE with details of the children in these families, such as their ages, genders, likes, dislikes, favorite color, and needs. “On behalf of the families, JFCS would like to thank the children of the ECE program, their families, and the ECE staff for the generosity shown to these families in need. It made their holiday season one that they will long remember,” said Kathryn Miles, JFCS Executive Director.
Foundation that funds the Active Adult Community Connections Program, a joint project of JFCS, the AJCC, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach and West Orange County. For information on registration and fees, contact the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 562-985-8237 or olli@csulb. edu.
and surrounding communities, and will want to join us as a sponsor.” For more information on sponsorship, contact Pattie Davidson, Director of Development & Communications, at X235 or pdavidson@ jfcslongbeach.org. To register for the race, pick up a brochure in the lobby of the Weinberg Federation Campus or visit the Race With A View website at www.racewithaview.com.
NEW SUPPORT GROUPS FORMING AT JFCS! Meetings Weekly $15 per session
Mixed Group for Men & Women A support group for both men and women to both bring up topics that are of interest to them, as well as to provide helpful feedback and insight to others. Parents of Children with Special Needs (Autism/Asperger’s/ADHD) This group is designed to meet the needs of parents and caregivers of children who have been, or could be diagnosed with, ADHD or are on the Autism spectrum. The joys, as well as the struggles, will be discussed and specific strategies will be recommended from the leaders who specialize in this area. Pre-Marital Support Group If you are thinking about, or planning marriage, this group is for you. It will help you address the important issues that are often sensitive, or just overlooked, in an organized way. For more information, contact: Debbie Freeman, MFT Director of Clinical Services JFCS of Long Beach/West Orange County (562) 427-7916 X224
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 | MARCH 2014 | 9
HILLEL AT CSULB
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WEB: www.beachhillel.org EMAIL: info@beachhillel.org PHONE: 562-426-7601 ext 1424
Welcome Back, Rachel Kaplan!
Freshly baked challah for Beach Hillel’s Shabbat Dinner
We, at Beach Hillel, would like to congratulate our Executive Director, Rachel Kaplan, & Campus Rabbi, Rabbi Drew Kaplan, on the birth of their third daughter, Emma Trudy Kaplan!
Rachel and Rabbi Drew returned to hosting students for Shabbat dinners this spring semester. We look forward to them being less pregnant, having more kids, but continuing
to host the same fun. Shabbat is Beach Hillel’s weekly program where Rachel cooks a homemade meal and Rachel and Rabbi Drew host anywhere from thirty to fifty students in their home. For the first Shabbat back at the Kaplan home, Beach Hillel successfully hosted upwards of 50 people, serving up fresh salads, deli rolls, zucchini bread, and, of course, challah. To encourage students to become excited for the end of the week and to attend Shabbat dinner, Beach Hillel has launched its #Shabbat initia-
tive. This initiative encourages students to advertise to their friends via social media that they are planning on taking part in Shabbat dinner, thereby spreading awareness that Beach Hillel hosts a weekly Shabbat dinner and encouraging their friends to attend with them. This initiative also helps empower students to seek our Shabbat dinners for the purpose of communicating their partaking of Shabbat over social media. Students are advertising that they are going to be at Shabbat dinner, are taking photos of their outfits, and are
even snapping shots of what they are excited to be eating for their dinner. The excitement surrounding Shabbat’s return to Rachel and Rabbi Drew’s home and the #Shabbat initiative is successfully leading to a greater student turnout for Shabbat dinners. Once again, Beach Hillel humbly thanks the community for its continued help in supporting all of our programs, including Shabbat Dinners. Our success in our work would not be possible without you.
CSULB Remains a Safe Campus for Pro-Israel Rhetoric Various California State University campuses have had vicious anti-Israel resolutions presented to their student governments in an effort for extremist groups to dissociate their campus with Israel. Their goal is to get their campus to divest from doing business/investments with the Jewish state. CSULB remains a major California State University campus free from anti-Israel extremism. This is due in part to the passion of Beach Hillel students who have taken the initiative to learn more about Israel, to spearhead their own effort of educating their peers about the importance of supporting the Jewish state. However, the students’ motivation would not have been as organized and as powerful had it not been for the Long Beach community’s continual support of Beach Hillel in its effort to shed a positive light on Israel through campus activities. Beach Hillel has launched its systematic Israel education program by utilizing Jerusalem Online University’s Hasbara
Danielle Protas holding an Israeli flag on the CSULB campus
Fellowships course: Israel Inside and Out. This course allows students to watch factual movies about Israel’s history, empowering students to advocate for Israel to their peers, networks, and even their classes. Beach Hillel organizes weekly gatherings on Mondays to watch the movies through Hasbara Fellowships, thereby stimulating discussion between the students and in-
creasing their advocacy related skills in doing so. While it is important for students to learn about Israel through an educational lens, it is also important for the students to feel a strong connection to the state by personalizing Israel with a narrative. As such, Beach Hillel brought Israeli soldiers to the CSULB campus with whom the students could interact with and
10 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I-ADAR II | 5774
ask questions that could only be answered by the soldiers’ uniquely-tailored experiences in the IDF. The two Israeli soldiers gave presentations to the students about their experiences in the Israeli Defense Forces, debunked quite a few commonplace myths about the Jewish state, and also engaged with the students through personal conversations over an Israeli-style dinner. In order to provide greater advocacy skills to the students of CSULB, Beach Hillel organized a trip for six students to attend the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, DC. This three-day advocacy trip involved hearing speeches
from global leaders such as Benjamin Netanyahu, and lobbying our congressional leaders in support of Israel. Allen & Deanna Alevy’s generous donation and their commitment to ensuring that the California State University campus at Long Beach remains a safe place for pro-Israel students, made this trip possible. We at Beach Hillel would like to thank all members of the Long Beach community who have helped keep the CSULB campus safe for our pro-Israel students. This effort is a community effort, and could not be accomplished without your help.
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
Visionary Awards Dinner
Honoring
Mr. & Mrs. Yitzy Geisinsky YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARD Yehudis Geisinsky, Class of ’93
Mr. & Mrs. Ross Tessler PARTNERS-IN-EDUCATION
21st Century Classroom
Through a special grant, the upper school administrators and staff of the Hebrew Academy were privileged to attend a seminar on 21st Century Classroom in Las Vegas. For two full days, the teachers were exposed to cutting edge methods in education and planned, with the assistance of a consultant, for the new Specialized Learning Communities that is going to be launched at the Hebrew Academy. The staff worked tirelessly and collaboratively as they examined critical attributes of the 21st century learner to develop stellar and world-class curriculum and instruction throughout the two days. Our teachers were involved in a variety
of activities, groups and presentations. They did not just study about this wonderful program but were able to experience 21st century learning as well. By the end of this two day professional development experience, the teachers designed units of curriculum specifically for their classrooms which incorporated the needs of their particular students and the resources of the local community. This training has helped equip our teachers to implement our new middle school Specialized Learning Center House program, which challenges and motivates all students by setting them up for success in like-learning groups. Students have been tested, have applied for their top choices of houses, and they are now anxiously waiting to hear what house they will be in next year. If you are interested in learning more about this amazing middle and upper school design, please contact Dr. Megan M. Carlson at mcarlson@hacds.org.
The Hebrew Academy’s annual Visionary Awards Dinner will take place on Sunday, March 9 at 5 pm in the magnificent Four Season Hotel, located in Beverly Hills. This dinner affords the school an opportunity to honor great leaders in the community who have made positive differences in our Jewish community. This year we will be honoring Yitzy & Yehudis Geisinsky for the Young Leadership award. Mrs. Geisinsky is from the Hebrew Academy graduating class of 1993. Ross and
Cathy Tessler, generous supporters of Jewish education, will be receiving an award for Partners in Education. This enjoyable evening will once again be hosted by television personality Elon Gold. The affair will open with appetizers and cocktails in the stunning Four Seasons, followed by a spectacular dinner, leading to awards, live entertainment and our very own third grade choir. We welcome everyone to socialize, meet the supporters of our school, and demonstrate your com-
mitment to Jewish education. This wonderful evening gives the Hebrew Academy an opportunity to raise funds for scholarships for deserving students, ensuring that children of all backgrounds and socio-economic levels have access to the superior general and Judiac education that is offered at our award-winning school. If you are interested in attending this award dinner or making a contribution, please RSVP to Jenny Kdoshim at eventshahb@gmail.com
Hebrew Academy Partners With AYSO
Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County, be partnering with the American Youth Soccer The Hebrew Academy is Association (commonly referproud to announce that our red to as AYSO) to further Sunday Soccer League has expand our Sunday-only gotten so popular that we league. will now, with support from The league is for children
Purim Carnival
Jewish unity and friendships. Dress in your costume, play games with us and dance to live entertainment, and of course relish in the Megillah readings. We will be serving a hot, kosher meal including delicious hamentaschen. Please RSVP to nlevygray@ hacds.org as soon as possible, so we can plan
ages 5-17 and there is a $75.00 fee to join. Once the teams/coaches have been established then a practice day/time will be determined. Please respond to Dr. Megan M. Carlson at mcarlson@hacds.org if you have questions.
accordingly. There is a $5 per person suggested donation. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Hebrew Academy invites children of all ages, and families throughout the community, to join us on Sunday, March 16 from 10 am - 12:30 pm for our annual Purim Carnival. This holiday and carnival gives us all a chance to celebrate our www.jewishlongbeach.org | MARCH 2014 | 11
COMMUNITY
Mazel Tov! We are so happy to announce the wedding of our daughter, Paige Fingerhut, to Jason Charnick on May 25, 2014. Love to you both, Mom & Dad
Are things a little MESHUGA right now? I work with individuals and couples privately to find a way to more shalom (peace).
(562) 477-2530 Let’s get started right away! Gail Desilets, M.A., M.S. Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist 3780 Kilroy Airport Way, Suite 200 Long Beach, CA 90806 Visit my web site at www.GailDesilets.com for more details.
12 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I-ADAR II | 5774
COMMUNITY
Men’s Philanthropy
An Inaugural Campaign Event
Come together with men from across our community to honor those who have gone Above & Beyond for their local Jewish organizations.
Wednesday, March 19th at 6:00 pm
Yigal Brayer
Shul By The Shore
Featuring a Classic Car Collection & Sidney Friedman and his Mind Power Show
Jim Breslauer
Jewish Federation
Gene Broscow
Temple Beth David Brotherhood
Couvert $54 per person At a private location. Address provided upon RSVP. Dress Code: Business Casual. RSVP BY: 3/10/14
Ed Morris
Temple Beth Shalom
Steve Gordon
RSVP: 562.426.7601 x1014 | mdonaldson@jewishlongbeach.org
Jewish Family & Children’s Service
Meir Halperin Long Beach Hillel
Dave Lemmerman
Alpert Jewish Community Center
Sagi Rochman
The Hebrew Academy
Michael Rosen
Anti-Defamation League
Wayne Slavitt
Temple Israel, Men’s Club
Jon Strum
Congregation Shir Chadash
Mort Stuhlbarg
CSULB Jewish Studies Program
Benefiting The Jewish Community Partnership Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation OF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY
We Mourn The Loss Of.....
Temple Israel’s
Joys of Jewish Learning and Foundation invites you to join us, as we welcome our
Lapid-Shapiro Scholar-in-Residence
Bernie Katz Lillian Aarons David Riemer Phyllis Crismon Shirley Schnee Bernard Gasman Pauline Sinow Please contact us at chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org if you know of someone who has passed and would like them to be recognized.
Gastroenterology Consultants of Southern California Medical Group
Friday, March 28
5:30 p.m. Shabbat Dinner $18 per person 7:00 p.m. Got Shabbat! Services Shekhinah - The Feminine Half of God
Saturday, March 29
8:45 a.m.Torah Study How the Zohar Reimagines Torah
Sunday, March 30
Allan M. Effron MD FACG Colon Cancer Screening
9:45 a.m. Learning & Discussion Raising the Sparks: Finding God in the Material World
EvEryonE wELComE to AttEnd
Phone: (626)688-4884 or (562)882-0834 Fax: (562)961-1954 Email: ameffron@aol.com
Please rSvP for the Shabbat dinner by march 21 (562) 434-0996
CHESS TOURNAMENT 800-927-5140
269 Loma Avenue • Long Beach, CA 90803 • www.tilb.org Underwritten through the generosity of Temple Israel Foundation’s Lapid-Shapiro Lectureship Fund
www.jewishlongbeach.org | MARCH 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
FEDERATION TOWER APARTMENTS FREE Alpert JCC Membership Seniors 62+ pay only 30% of your income for rent!
(562) 426-8404
3799 E. Willow Street, Long Beach. Next to the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus
Lee & Barbara Shoag Residential & Income
www.ShoagRealEstate.com
Jewish Federation
GENERAL FUND •To Marilyn Gasman, in memory of your beloved husband Bernard, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Ronni & Bob Kaplan, in memory of your beloved father & father-in-law Bernard, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Ethel Tesser, in memory of your beloved husband Shim, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Ross & Cathy Tesser, in memory of your beloved father and father-in-law Shim, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Robert & Laurie Raykoff, in memory of your beloved cousin Shim, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Elisabeth Hutchinson & Jordon Sinow, in memory of your beloved mother Pauline Sinow, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Alex & Marc Greenberg, in memory of your beloved father & father-in-law David Riemer, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Barbara LiebermanJones, in memory of your beloved father, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN ABOVE & BEYOND, JEWISH FEDERATION MEN’S PHILANTHROPY •To David Lemmerman, mazel tov on being honored as an Above & Beyond Honoree, from Nancy & Mark Speizer •To Wayne Slavitt, mazel tov on being honored as an Above & Beyond Honoree, from Nancy & Mark Speizer •To Mort Stuhlbarg, mazel tov on being honored as an Above & Beyond Honoree, from Nancy & Mark Speizer Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 1314
MICHAEL SEGAL MAIMONIDES FUND •To the Baker Eller family, in memory of Lionel Baker, from Jessie Butler AJCC tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 1414
JFCS
GENERAL FUND •To Mort & Susan Stuhlbarg, with warm thoughts of Emy & our heartfelt condolences for your loss, from Binnie & Jack Berro •To Helene Ehrlich, in memory of Helene’s mother Charlotte Klein Schuman, from Ronni & Dr. Robert Kaplan •To Dr. & Mrs. Jim Beller, in AJCC memory of Jim’s mother Arlene GENERAL FUND Beller, from Ronni & Dr. Robert •To Marilyn Gasman & Kaplan the Robert Kaplan family, condolences on the death of •To Leon & Barbara Shoag, Buddy Gasman, from Esther in honor of your “200th Year Celebration”, from Romie & Dr. Albert & Jay Leff •To Ralph Mindess, our very Eugene Temkin best wishes on your special •To Mort & Susan Stuhlbarg, birthday, from Esther Albert & in memory of Emily Stuhlbarg, from the staff of JFCS Jay Leff •To Marilyn Gasman & MARCIE BALAN family, our condolences, from BLAKEY FUND Barbara & Ray Alpert •To Cornelius Ruytenbeck & •To Jeri & David Goldstein, family, in memory of Evelyn our condolences on your loss, Ruytenbeck, from Bruce Balan from Linda & Steve Gordon & Alene Rice •To the Gendel family, our condolences, from Sue & Dr. JFCS tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT Murray Taubman 235 or 562-427-7916 PAULA BLUM SENIOR ADULT FUND •To Marianne Bobick, thank you, from the AJCC Senior Adult Department
Honors & Simchahs
Cheryl Eiser, mazel tov on the birth of your granddaughter, •To Rabbi Nancy Myers & Paul Leah Yosefa Sterling Prunty, mazel tov on Gabriel •To Yehudis & Yitzy Geisinsky, Myers Prunty’s Bat Mitzvah mazel tov on being honored •To proud parents Beth & with the Young Leadership Scott Sterling, mazel tov on the Award at the Hebrew birth of your daughter, Leah Academy Annual Visionary Yosefa Sterling Awards Dinner •To proud grandparents Jay & •To Cathy & Ross Tesser, mazel From the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
Mazel Tov
Over 1,400 Happy Buyers & Sellers since 1981
(562) 400-8124
Tributes
Send a special gift to honor, mem-orialize, or congratulate friends & family for all occasions. We will send a card on your behalf.
Rated ‘Highest’ in quality service by our customers.
14 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I-ADAR II | 5774
Mazel Tov to Sarah Noelle Pulido on becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Sarah is a GATE student at Cubberley Middle School, where she
tov on being honored with the Partners-in-Education Award at the Hebrew Academy Annual Visionary Awards Dinner •To Dodie Robbins, mazel tov on the birth of your seventh great-grandchild, Mollie Sadie Robbins-Reganstreif
recently joined the school track team. Her Mitzvah project is collecting used eye glasses as a learning tool for Optometry College students.
Dr. Vincent Brook
On March 12 at 7:30 pm, the CSULB Jewish Studies Program will host a talk by Dr. Vincent Brook on the films and plays of Woody Allen at the Alpert JCC.
Although Woody Allen’s films have received extensive attention from scholars and critics, few have focused exclusively on Jewishness in his work. In his talk, Dr. Brook will offer a light-hearted look at Woody Allen’s approach to Jewishness, the Jewish tradition, and Jewish New York as depicted in his plays and films. Dr. Brook has worked as a film editor and screenwriter and, besides lecturing at
UCLA, teaches media and ticles, anthology essays, and cultural studies at USC, Cal- has written or edited several ifornia State University, Los books. Angeles, and Pierce College. The lecture series is free He has written numerous arand open to the A3528-Std Ad (LAC)_Chronicle 2/18/14 8:48 AM Page 1 community;
there is no need to reserve a space. For more information, please contact Jeffrey Blutinger at Jeffrey.Blutinger@csulb.edu or 562-985-2196.
March Means a Great Mini Conference for NCJW NCJW joins Sharon-Carmel Hadassah for the annual Laurie Levenson Luncheon on Tuesday, March 11 at 11:30 am at Khoury’s. If you have not heard this marvelous law expert explain the dominant legal issues of the day (and even if you have), you are in for a treat! Send your $20 check ($25 after Mar. 7) made out to Hadassah to Rosalind Bassin, 7950 Cramer St, Long Beach, CA 90808. On Sunday, March 30, from 9:30 am to 2 pm,
NCJW’s Mini Conference with the topic “America, The Golden Land: Can We Still Achieve the Dream?” will be held for the entire community at the AJCC. Featuring speakers Congressman Alan Lowenthal, 47th District, and Christopher Steinhauser, Long Beach Unified School District Superintendent, among others. Continental breakfast and lunch included; cost is $30. RSVP by March 27 with a check made out to NCJW to Judith Leff, 3011 Hillrose Dr, Rossmoor, CA 90720.
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At Los Alamitos Cardiovascular, we’ve been helping patients and their families treat and manage heart disease for 35 years. Our physicians and staff are committed to providing our patients with the responsive care and personal focus each one of us wants for our own families. When you need a cardiologist, we hope you’ll consider Los Alamitos Cardiovascular.
YEARS
■ ■ ■ ■
With six board-certified cardiologists representing every major cardiovascular subspecialty, Los Al Cardiovascular offers the most comprehensive approach to cardiovascular care in the area. At our conveniently located offices, we offer our patients and their referring physicians a fullspectrum of basic through advanced outpatient diagnostic tests and therapies. Our cardiologists have privileges at most area hospitals including Los Alamitos Medical Center, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Lakewood Regional Medical Center. Meet us on the web: www.losalcardio.com Call for an Appointment: 562.430.7533 or 714.827.9850
3771 Katella Avenue, Suite 300 Los Alamitos, California 90720
Stuart Fischer, MD, FACC, FACP, FSCAI, CCDS Timothy O’Neill, MD Steve Forman, MD, FACC, FSCAI, RVT Bret A. Witter, MD, FACC, FACP Ramandeep K. Brar, MD, FACC Robert S. Lee, MD Alan Gold, MD, Partner Emeritus
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, March 7 Shabbat Across America 7:00 p.m. Family Shabbat Service Saturday, March 8 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
Friday, March 21 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat 7:00 p.m. Ruach Shabbat Saturday, March 22 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
teMple ISrael preSentS purIM ShpIel dInner party
Saturday, March 15 6:30 p.m. Dinner • 8 p.m. Shpiel
Friday, March 28 Lapid Lecture Daniel Matt 7:00 p.m. Got Shabbat! Saturday, March 29 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service Temple Israel • 269 Loma Avenue • Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562.434.0996 • www.tilb.org
Friday, March 14 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service Saturday, March 15 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
www.jewishlongbeach.org | MARCH 2014 | 15
COMMUNITY
Woody on Rye: Jewishness in Woody Allen Films & Plays
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 2/28/14
Permit No.129 Long Beach, CA
PASSOVER GREETINGS Your greeting MUST be in by Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Send a Passover Greeting to your friends, family and our community. Placing your greeting in the Chronicle assures that you won’t forget anyone. Here are samples of greetings in four sizes & various prices.
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)
Samples not actual size. Fonts & colors vary.
Happy
A
passover Mr. & Mrs. Joe Feinstein
B
Happy passover
C
CHag pesaCH sameaCH
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Feinstein
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
__________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________ City___________________________________ Zip______________ Phone______________
16 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | ADAR I-ADAR II | 5774
D
WisHing your Family a Happy passover Mr. & Mrs. Joe Feinstein