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Aging in Place PAGE 2
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INSIDE
PUBLISHED SINCE 1947 BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER LONG BEACH AND WEST ORANGE COUNTY
Alpert JCC Around the J
MAY 2015 | 5775 | IYAR-SIVAN | VOL.67-NO.9
FEATURE STORY
Aging in Place with Dignity
By Kathryn Miles, Executive Director Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Long Beach/West Orange County
I
t is no secret that here in the United States we have an aging population. According to the state, the number of people in California over the age of 65 is expected to double over the next 20 years and reach over 8 million. As our population is growing older we are experiencing a trend called “aging in place”, which refers to seniors who are choosing to continue living in their homes as they grow older and their needs change, and in many cases, increase. Physical, cognitive and emotional challenges may develop, resulting in safety issues if additional support is not put in place. Organizations, groups, and websites have been created to help people learn more about the options available to them as they or their family member choose to continue living at home as they grow older. At JFCS, we are able to help families keep loved ones living safely at home through a variety of services provided by our Older Adult Services department. When we receive a call from a family member with questions on this topic, the first thing that we offer is an in-home assessment. For a fee of $300, we will come into the home and conduct an in-depth assessment of how the senior is functioning in their home. The assessment is quite comprehensive and typically takes a couple of hours to complete. During the visit we assess overall health, mobility, cognitive ability, medication management, and the safety of the physical environment. Following the assessment, family members will receive a written report, including recommendations for changes that can be made in the home. These recommendations range from small things like removing area rugs that are trip hazards or adding grab bars to the shower, to more substantial things such as hiring a care giver to provide assistance managing medication or to help with bathing. Families may choose to take the recommendations and move forward on their
own, or they may opt to further engage JFCS in implementing the recommendations. One challenge that severely hinders a person’s ability to live independently is the loss of the skills needed to manage their finances. Keeping track of bills and balancing a checkbook become more and more challenging when people begin to experience cognitive decline. This writer has first-hand experience with the tension and stress that is added to the family dynamic when a grandparent or parent is forced to rely on other family members to manage their money. It would have been a great help to have a third party to assist us in this area and take some of the strain off of the immediate family. JFCS offers a solution for families in this situation through our Direct Money Management program. Our case manager will make weekly, bi-monthly or monthly visits to the home, review bills for accuracy, assist in obtaining better terms and conditions if appropriate, pay bills, balance the checkbook, and accompany the senior to the bank, if needed. Through this program, JFCS has helped seniors maintain services from utilities, reduce their monthly expenses, and avoid late fees and penalties. Direct Money Management is a fee-for-service program. JFCS assists seniors in navigating the maze of entitlement programs available to them. Accessing and utilizing Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid can be an overwhelming process. JFCS can help with the paperwork and can advocate on behalf of the older adult to ensure that he or she is maximizing the benefits he or she has earned. JFCS staff is able to assist the older adult with obtaining Medi-gap insurance should their Medicare coverage be inadequate to cover their medical expenses, provided the older adult is currently receiving Medicare Part A and Part B and provided their budget allows for this kind of purchase. JFCS social workers, along with the Geriatric case manager, are able to help older adults understand their explanations of benefits (EOBs) and organize medical bills. Our staff also has the ability to conduct one-time financial assistance appointments in order to help an older adult cover a small medical bill ($100 or less) should they encounter difficulty meeting a payment. JFCS can also assist with connecting families to home care companies that can provide inhome personal care, nursing and transportation; implementing a fall prevention and response program; obtaining durable medical equipment; and discussing options for end-of-life directives. There are a number of agencies in the Greater Long Beach area that we refer to and partner with to help families put the necessary support in place. Socialization is a key element in any plan for aging in place. For seniors who are home bound, feeling isolated, and who need someone to talk to, JFCS is there. We have a volunteer team of Friendly Visitors who will pay a visit on a week-
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ly basis, offering a smile and some company. For those seniors who are dealing with the loss of loved ones and friends or who are possibly experiencing depression or anxiety, JFCS offers counseling and case management services, either at home or in-office. Support groups are a great socialization tool and are often of great benefit to people who have a similar life situation or problem in common. JFCS offers a bereavement support group as well as a support group for caregivers of loved ones. The groups are led by experienced counselors and are held on the Jewish Federation Weinberg Campus. Through the Jewish Federations Annual Community Campaign and the generosity of its donors, and other funders we are able to support our Older Adult Services department. This in turn empowers people to continue living in the home they want to live in, for as long as they can safely do so. For more information on any of our programs for older adults, please contact Chris Goldman or Elaine Porzucki at 562-427-7916.
RESOURCES
211 LA County A 501(c)3 organization, providing access to comprehensive social services and disaster support for L.A. County residents. For assistance please call 2-1-1 or toll free at (800) 339-6993. Call 7-1-1 if hearing-impaired and ask to be connected to 2-1-1 www.211la.org
Community and Senior Services Community and Senior Services (CSS) investigates abuse claims against the senior and disabled population in L.A. County. Also provides nutrition, other life-enhancing services to seniors. Call 213-738-2600 http://css.lacounty.gov/
The National Council on Aging The National Council on Aging (NCOA) helps people aged 60+ meet the challenges of aging. Provides community programs and services, online help, and advocacy. Goal of improving the health and economic security of older adults. Eldercare Location Assistance: 800-677-1116 http://www.ncoa.org/
Contents
Published since 1947 by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County
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1a-4a
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Power of Two Spotlight
Final Jewish Studies Speaker
Hank Feldman JEWISH FEDERATION PRESIDENT
Lea Gerber JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
Deborah Goldfarb
Around the J
CEO
Danny Levy
Missing Ray
May Events at the Alpert Jewish Community Center
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
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 1007 chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINE First Wednesday of the month: July 2015 deadline: June 3rd ISSN# 1525- 6847
_____________________ Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Member
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Shabbat Candlelighting
Donald J. Kaiser
Investment Management
May 1
7:18 pm
May 8
7:23 pm
May 15
7:28 pm
May 22
7:34 pm
May 29
7:38 pm
Cover Image Katie & Aaron Shovers Dancing Away
A Registered Investment Advisor
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 | MAY 2015 | 3
INSIDE THE CHRONICLE
The Jewish Community
THE POWER OF TWO
Our Traditions Are Ancient
Our Packaging is 21st century. TODAY WE’RE IMPARTING JUDAISM to a new generation and using the freshest means to engage them. A child may be inspired to explore Jewish history at school on an iPad. A teen may be excited to post Birthright trip photos on her Facebook page. At home, in Israel and around the globe Federation is there. For all generations. Helping to care for our entire Jewish community. Seeking innovative approaches to building Jewish life. Supporting, nurturing and rescuing our people wherever they’re in need.
Your gift enables us to accomplish all this and more. You’re an integral part of all we do. Give
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to the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign for today. Give to the Fund for our Future for tomorrow.
critical & vital
ways to give
Annual Community Campaign
the Fund for our Future
We Connect Those Who Can HELPTo Those Who NEED It Most Visit jewishlongbeach.org or call 562.426.7601 for more information
Jewish Federation Jewish Community Foundation OF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY
4 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | IYAR-SIVAN | 5775
critical & vital
ways to give
Annual Community Campaign
T H E P OW E R O F T WO
The Fund for our Future
Fund for Our Future Priority Spotlight By Danny Levy, Director of Development
Senior Lunch
The Fund for our Future is for sustainability of programs, services and facilities so vital to our community. This month, we will focus on the Barbara and Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center and their priorities for funding. The Alpert Jewish Community Center (AJCC), has been providing for the community since 1948. Their vision “The Alpert Jewish Community Center is a Jewish neighborhood and gathering place that is the heart of Jewish learning and activities, designed to improve its members’ lives in conjunction with their family, synagogue, local organizations, and the general community,” which they fulfill by operating with these shared values: Community; Jewish Experiences; Responsiveness; Quality; Leadership; and Fiscal Responsibility. The Jewish Federation and Jewish Community
Foundation are proud to support these values for community members of all ages. In order to provide these services now and in the future, we would like to present the top funding priorities for the AJCC. These priorities can be named and funded now, or named and funded through an endowment for the future. We are not specifically looking for one person for each of these priorities; the AJCC could receive multiple contributors at multiple dollar levels. Everyone can participate. The number one funding priority for the Alpert JCC is the Family Engagement Initiative. This includes monthly family programs and yearly family camp opportunities in addition to providing intergenerational, Jewish, interfaith, and multi-cultural programming for today’s families. Some of the programs currently in place that fall un-
der this initiative are Shabbat by the Pool, multi-generational cooking classes, and family “field trips” to museums, apple farms, etc. Their second priority is the very successful Senior Engagement Initiative, which includes the Active Adult Community Connections program, a collaboration with the Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) and The Jewish Federation. The program provides Senior lunch programs, holiday outreach, and senior-oriented
special events—all which provide opportunities for socialization, education, and wellness programming. One of the most compelling aspects of this program is that it provides a place for people to go on holidays when other programs are closed. Over 200 people attended the New Year’s soiree and more than 150 people enjoyed barbeque and entertainment at the AJCC pool on the 4th of July. Third, is the popular Young Adult program, GesherCity, which focuses on year-round programming and events to build connections within the Young Adult (21-35 years old). Programs like Rock the Dreidel, Purim Palooza, Shabbat dinners, Taco Tuesdays, and frequent social outings all work to strengthen their personal connection to the larger community. These priorities, in addition to the AJCC’s vital programming in Early Childhood Education, Youth Programming, Jewish Life and Culture, and Fitness and Wellness initiatives, all show how we can provide for the community now and well into the future – with your generous support of Fund for our Future.
Where We Are as of 4/17/15
2015 Annual Community Campaign $1,540,000 to date $1,038,185
goal of
Fund for our Future Capital Refurbishment Fund goal of $3,000,000 to date $962,619 Program Innovation Fund goal of $3,000,000 to date $1,099,399 Current & Future Endowment Funds NEW GOAL $15,000,000 to date $9,400,000
Community Purim
www.jewishlongbeach.org | MAY 2015 | 5
IMPACT
WHAT ROLE WILL YOU PLAY?
DAY 91 Shabbat Soiree
Long Beach Hillel
Saturday May 2, 2015
DAY 92
Legacy Society Brunch Sunday May 3, 2015
DAY 93
Hebrew Academy
Monday May 4, 2015
DAY 100 WE DID IT YOU DID IT I DID IT THEY DID IT SHE DID IT HE DID IT
DAYS
OF
DAYS
100
100
Supporting Our Community Programs OF Each year the Federation Annual Community Campaign raises much needed funds to support programs locally and worldwide which sustain Jewish life, social services and education. We are proud to announce that the 2014 Federation Annual Community Campaign, which officially closed in December, brought in gifts of approximately $1,470,000 to support our partners who provide these services. Thank you to the over 1200 donors who helped make this happen! As a result of the success of the Campaign, allocations totaling $1,078,640 will be made to 20 organizations. Our partners include: Alpert Jewish Community Center, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Anti-Defamation League of Orange County & Long Beach, Birthright Israel, Chabad of Cypress, Congregation Shir Chadash, Hebrew Academy, Jewish Agency for Israel, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Jewish Federations of North America, Jewish Council for Public
IMPACT
Affairs, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, Long Beach Hillel, Shul by the Shore, Temple Beth David, Temple Beth Ohr, Temple Beth Shalom, Temple Israel, and Worldwide ORT. Resources taken from the Annual Campaign to operate the Federation will total $391,360. The Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County is proud to be among the most efficient non-profit organizations in terms of both fundraising costs and total operating expenses based on peer benchmarks of similar nonprofit organizations and national standards set by organizations such as Charity Navigator. For the 4th year in a row, the Federation was recently given a four-star rating by Charity Navigator, their highest rating of nonprofit efficiency. Thank you most of all to our Board members and 65 volunteer solicitors who worked so hard in 2014 to raise these much needed funds that our partner agencies rely on to provide their programs.
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OUR NUMBERS TO KNOW
$1,470,000 $1,047,000 Core Campaign
Allocated amoung our community partner agencies and synagogues, Israel & overseas partners, and Federation programs and administration
$423,000 Donor Designated Made by donors, at specified levels, for a specified purpose or project
WAS RAISED BY through 1200 individual donors (305 new) and 14 corporations
and
65
volunteer solicitors
provided to 20 $1,078,640 wasOrganizations
Investing in our Community’s Future: The work of the Investment Committee Laurie Raykoff
Chair, Jewish Community Foundation Investment Committee
In every issue of the Chronicle, there has been an article about the importance of leaving a legacy in your will or trust so that we can ensure a vibrant Jewish Community for future generations. There have been articles, fundraisers, workshops, brochures, etc. about how each and every community member can leave a legacy of any amount to make sure that the work that we are doing today will continue for future generations. The Foundation works hard to raise awareness and dollars to ensure the future but how does the Foundation invest the money, how are decisions made, what are the processes in place to make sure that the money is being well managed? What you need to know is that there is a dedicated group of professionals, staff and community members who put in many hours to make sure that everyone’s investment in the community is well managed. That group is the Foundation Investment Committee. I have had the honor and privilege of serving as Chair of the Investment Committee for the past year. The committee’s work is supported by a knowledgeable and experienced professional staff that provides necessary support. While the Foundation staff provide tremendous and valuable assistance and makes my job quite a bit easier, the Investment Committee members also dedicate tremendous time and effort.
We have assembled both Foundation board members and non-board members whose expertise lies in broad and diverse areas and who have helped guide the committee. Committee members currently include: Alan Jarrick, Don Kaiser, Harvey Labko, Howard Weiss, Jerry Kaufman, Judi Lentzner, Karen Codman, Leon Shoag, Leonard Simon, Rocky Suares, Rosecarrie Brooks, Sherri Selmanson, Shirley Ross and Lea Gerber who is the current President of the Foundation. As a past president of the Jewish Community Foundation, I was asked to step in and chair this standing committee. Although this is not the usual role for past presidents, I was happy to help when asked. I am a financial and insurance professional who believes strongly in our Long Beach Jewish Community and I have spent the past 23 years (can it be that long?) serving in a variety of leadership positions including President of the Alpert Jewish Community Center and President of the Jewish Community Foundation as previously mentioned. I also sit on a number of community boards as well. I wholeheartedly support the idea that the Foundation ensures the viability and the continuity of Jewish life, Jewish agencies and Jewish program and services in our local community. So what actually does the Investment Committee do? Simply, the Committee makes sure that the funds that have been entrusted to the Foundation are well managed so that the capital or principal is preserved (the original investment). At the same time, there needs to
be some growth of funds so that grants for the welfare of the community can be made that meet the Foundation’s spending policy. The Committee recently formalized a spending policy which was the final component of the overall management plan. Although the spending policy is flexible, it acts as a long term guide to both fund community programs now and guard fund assets to guarantee program funding for generations to come. The Investment Committee is specifically tasked with approving the investment strategy, asset allocation, oversight of the Advisor (which I will explain shortly), monitoring performance of the investment portfolios and maintaining sufficient knowledge about the portfolios.
It is important to know that the Jewish Community Foundation funds are professionally managed by Russell Investments and the Investment Committee oversees this process. After an exhaustive search for an Investment Advisor, Russell Investments was selected. Russell has approximately $275 billion dollars in assets under management and the Foundation is pleased that we are now one of their clients albeit one of their smaller clients. There is ongoing communication with Russell and our Client Executive who attends our monthly Investment Committee meetings where we review performance, asset allocation, market trends, etc. In addition, Russell has been very helpful in assisting the Investment Committee with their invest-
ment and spending policy. The job of the Investment Committee is a big one and it is one that the committee members take very seriously. The Foundation has been entrusted with not only money given by individuals but also by other agencies and Temples who wish to use our expertise in professionally managing their money. I personally believe that donor’s monies are in excellent hands. Between the excellent Foundation staff, Russell Investments and our dedicated and knowledgeable Investment Committee, I know that we are helping to ensure the future of our Jewish Community. For more information on the Jewish Community Foundation please contact Sharon Kenigsberg at (562) 426-7601 ext. 1008.
SAVE THE DATE for a Jewish Community Foundation Education Event
Tuesday, May 26, 2015 7 pm
Charitable Giving Can Be Smart Estate Planning Free of Charge - Open to All
featuring
Allan B. Cutrow, Esq.
To RSVP Please Call 562.426.7601 ext. 1314
Jewish Community Foundation OF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY
www.jewishlongbeach.org | MAY 2015 | 7
CONGREGATIONS
R A B B I N I C The survival
R E F L E C T I O N S
By Rabbi Shmuel Marcus
Friday’s snow had turned to hard ice. You know, you could get a ticket for not shoveling the sidewalk in front of your house. And it was already Sunday night.
Whack, Whack. The brick houses in the background were slowly fading away.
The KGB officer had taken it from me last week. Juvenile delinquents don’t deserve it he said.
Whack, Whack. The parked jeep and lamppost were already gone.
Whack, Whack. C’mon Moshe hurry up or I’ll make you use your hands.
It was a cold night in Brooklyn. I had spent all day at the yeshiva studying Torah. I better work fast. Water can get pretty tough when it freezes.
Whack, Whack. The voices were getting louder. Work Jew. Work! The soldiers barked at me from under their warm fur hats.
My name is not Moshe. My grandfather’s name was Moshe. In 1928 he was caught learning the forbidden Torah and was sent to Siberia.
Whack, Whack. I was making little progress. The vibrations of metal smashing chipped rock tingled my hands.
Whack, Whack. I needed the Kleenex from my jacket pocket. But it was gone.
Whack, Whack. I began to pray. I did not ask for liberation or a hot coffee. I prayed that my grandchild would continue the fight.
I did my eighthour work Rabbi Shmuel shift in fifteen Marcus minutes. The labor camp disappeared and I went back inside. Sipping my steamy drink I wondered how they did it. They the prisoners. They the soldiers. Moshe never left Siberia. But he’s a survivor. I’m living proof.
Marcus directs the Hebrew High of Los Alamitos and the Chabad House in Rossmoor. His website is www.ChabadLosAl.com
Area Synagogue Upcoming Events
Please contact the synagogue directly with any questions using the directory and see our Community Calendar at www.jewishlongbeach.org for more community event listings.
Congregation Shir Chadash Wednesday’s 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 7:00 pm: The Hebrew Prophets - The Conscience of Judaism. We will delve into the “major” and “minor” Prophets which are part of the second component of the Hebrew Bible. The Prophetic spirit may well inhabit us, as Rabbi Laibson enables us to speak the prophetic words with the drama appropriate to their messages. Temple Beth David 5/3, 10:00-11:30 am: P’nai Or Rabbi Myers “Interfaith Saturday, 5/23, 7:30 Connection: An Exploration pm: Shavuot: Receive Torah of Judaism”. She will be foin Your Own Way. Join in cusing on the Jewish holian evening of prayer, sing- days, what they are and how ing, study and noshing as they are observed. we celebrate the giving of 5/5, 5:00 pm & 5/17, the Ten Commandments at 9:30 am: Grief Support Group: Mount Sinai. We’ll share in support for those in need. Havdalah, and some great 5/10: Mother’s Day Torah studies. There will also Brunch: Sponsored by the be a great holiday dessert Brotherhood, honoring what feast of blintzes, berries, mothers do for all of us. cake, ice cream and all the Contact the temple for details. toppings. Bring one of the 5/21: “Lunch and Learn” above to share. Rabbi Myers provides Judaic
Synagogue Directory Chabad of Los Alamitos (O) 12340 Seal Beach Blvd. Suite B-219 Seal Beach, CA 90740 Contact: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus Phone: 714-828-1851 Email: smarcus@jewishcypress.com Website: www.chabadlosal.com
Chabad of West Orange County/ Congregation Adat Israel (O) 5052 Warner Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Contact: Rabbi Aron David Berkowitz Phone: 714-846-2285 Email: info@chabadhb.com Website: www.chabadhb.com Congregation Lubavitch (O) 3981 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 Contact: Rabbi 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
insight during a time to eat, learn, and discuss. Temple Beth Shalom Sunday, 5/31, 4:00pm Registration & Hors d’oeuvres; 4:30pm Lecture begins: “Standing on a new threshold of anti-Semitism: What do we do about it?” A lecture by Rabbi Sherre Hirsch. Please join us for this year’s Samuel and Dorothy Richmond Fine Arts Endowment Fund Lecture at Temple Beth Shalom. For more information, contact the office or visit the website.
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Temple Israel Saturday, 5/2, 10:30 am: Sabbath Fellowship Program and Service. This special program is geared for seniors and includes a brief Shabbat Service, entertainment and a luncheon for $5 per person. Entertainment will be the Ballroom Stars; a group of students performing a variety of dances to music from the 1940s through today’s hottest hits. Contact the temple to RSVP.
Temple Beth Shalom (C) 3635 Elm Avenue Long Beach, CA 90807 Contact: Rabbi David Cantor Phone: 562-426-6413 Fax: 562-426-7824 Email: office@tbslb.org Website: www.tbslb.org Temple Israel (R) 269 Loma Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803 Contact: Rabbi Steven Moskowitz Phone: 562-434-0996 Email: info@tilb.org Website: www.tilb.org Temple Ner Tamid of Downey (R) 10629 Lakewood Boulevard Downey, CA 90241 Contact: Rabbi Daniel Mehlman Phone: 562-861-9276 Email: templenertamid1@dslextreme.com Website: www.downeytemplenertamid.org (R)=Reform (O)=Orthodox
(C)=Conservative (I)=Independent
3801 E. WILLOW STREET LONG BEACH, CA 90815 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone: (562) 426-7601 www.alpertjcc.org
inside
Around the J
Hebrew Crash Course Level l . . . . . . . . . 2a Learn To Play Mah Jongg. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a Vegan Cooking Class. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a
Sr. Adult Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a Meditation Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a Accelerando Cycling & Fitness . . . . . . . 3a
Martial Arts Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a Youth Water Polo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a Summer Musical Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a
Iyar-Sivan 5775
MAY 2015
Around the J
JEWISH LIFE & CULTURE
Message from the Executive Director May Around the J, 2015 As we look toward summer, this year May brings us the Jewish holidays of Lag B’Omer and Shavuot. On Passover, the people of Israel were freed from their enslavement to Pharaoh, and on Shavuot they were given the Torah and became a nation. Lag B’Omer occurs on the 33rd day between Passover and Shavuot, and weddings, parties, and haircuts are commonly scheduled on this day among Ashkenazi Jews. Shavuot is traditionally celebrated by staying up all night to study Torah, reading the Book of Ruth, and eating dairy foods such as cheesecake and blintzes. Both these holidays celebrate life, an important Jewish value you can see reflected every day at the Alpert JCC, and May is no exception as we are gearing up for new activities and summer camp!
Hebrew Crash Course Level I 6 Tuesdays, 6pm May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 9 Designed for anyone with little or no background in Hebrew. Course concentrates on learning the Hebrew alphabet and reading skills. Class size limited to 20 FREE RSVP to Shlomit Jackson, sjackson@alpertjcc.org, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1067
Lag B’Omer Holiday Table
There are a lot of exciting changes in store this year at Camp Komaroff, and it is going to be our best summer ever! This summer, every camper will get to choose a chug (specialty class) of their choice to participate in during their afternoons at the JCC. We are so excited to announce that AJCC Camp Komaroff has adopted these best practices from JCC Day Camps that will greatly enhance every child’s experience at camp for this summer–and into the future. This plan was developed, with the help of JCC Association, based on feedback from our Camp Evaluation Task Force, camp parents, campers, and our camp staff. Camp Komaroff begins June 21 and registration is open! For complete information and the brochure, stop by the J or visit our website, www.alpertjcc.org.
Wednesday, May 6, 9am & 1pm Join us in the AJCC Promenade for a holiday treat.
Learn to Play Mah Jongg Wednesdays, 1:30-4pm May 20, 27, June 3 If you have always wanted to learn this fun and challenging game, this class led by Linda Simmons and Rosalind Bassin is perfect. Class size is limited to 8 people, so register soon. $30; $25/MVP
Also this month, back by popular demand, is a new Hebrew Crash Course Level I, taught by our wonderful Jewish Educator, Shlomit Jackson. It begins May 6 and is six weeks long. Also back by popular demand is the Happiness, Joy, & Contentment Meditation Series with Del Leon beginning May 14 for four Thursdays. And on May 21, Kedma Cantor will lead a Challah Baking for Shabbat Workshop. Participants will be able to take their challah home to bake for Shabbat the next day! More information on all of these classes can be found on our website. Please be sure to stop by our Holiday Table in the AJCC Promenade on Wednesday, May 6, 9am & 1pm to celebrate Lag B’Omer, and on Friday, May 22, 9am & 1pm, to celebrate Shavuot.
Contact Ronnie Levine, rlevine@alpertjcc.org or (562) 426-7601, ext. 1521
Challah Baking for Shabbat Workshop Thursday, May 21, 7pm Led by Kedma Cantor. Participants will be able to take their challah home to bake for Shabbat the next day. FREE RSVP to Shlomit Jackson, sjackson@alpertjcc.org, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1067
I look forward to seeing you all around the AJCC, Your Center For Life!
L’Shalom
Jeffrey Rips AJCC Executive Director
Shavuot Holiday Table Friday, May 22, 9am & 1pm Join us for a holiday treat in the AJCC promenade to celebrate Shavuot.
Vegan Cooking for your Slow Cooker Thursday, May 28, 7pm Learn to use your slow cooker for convenient and healthy vegan meals. Slow cooking is a good way to avoid a hot kitchen during the summer months. Led by Barbara Ravid. $20; $18/MVP
May is Jewish American Heritage Month Jewish American Heritage Month is observed in May. Jewish American Heritage Month is an annual recognition and celebration of Jewish American achievements in and contributions to the United States of America. It is observed annually in the U.S. during the month of May.
RSVP to Shlomit Jackson, sjackson@alpertjcc.org, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1067
Kabbalah Class Depending on religious definitions and varying population data, the United States is home to the largest or second-largest Jewish community in the world. In 2012, the American Jewish population was estimated at between 5.5 to 8 million.
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President George W. Bush announced that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month in April 2006. The announcement was an achievement in the effort of the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish Community leaders for a celebration of Jewish Americans and Jewish American Heritage.
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 Shlomit Jackson, AJCC Jewish Educator, and the AJCC community for Shabbat candle lighting, Kiddush and HaMotzi. Grape juice & challah provided.
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.
Iyar-Sivan 5775
MAY 2015
AQUATICS
AJCC Poker Club
Ignacio Berumen, iberumen@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1020
Tuesday, May 19, 7-10:30pm Sign in starts at 6:30pm
Red Cross Learn To Swim Classes Tiny Tots: Ages 3 and up Monday-Wednesday: 9-9:30am / 1:30-2pm / 3:30-4pm Tuesday-Thursday: 9-9:30am / 1:30pm-2pm / 2:30-3pm
Join our friendly Texas Hold’em Poker Club. Poker will be played, snacks and beverages will be served, and cash prizes will be won. $25; $20/MVP (Cash Only) Katie Clowdus, kclowdus@alpertjcc.org, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1024.
SENIORS
Beginner: AGES 4 and up Monday-Wednesday: 9:30-10am / 2-2:30pm / 3-3:30pm Tuesday-Thursday: 9:30-10am / 2:30-3pm / 3:30-4pm
Dr. Susan Mathieu, smathieu@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721
Adv. Beginner: Ages 4 and up Monday-Wednesday: 10:30-11am / 3:30-4pm Tuesday-Thursday: 10:30-11am / 3:30-4pm
Happiness & Humor Group Friday, May 1, 11am Find the positive side of life! All senior adults are invited, so bring your friends and be ready to laugh. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. FREE
Around the J
ADULTS
Private Swim Lessons For Children & Adults One-on-one instruction for all ages with an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Spots fill quickly, so call today! Visit website for more info.
RSVP to Dr. Susan Mathieu.
Sr. Adult Trip to Descanso Gardens Thursday, May 14, 9:30am-4pm Includes transportation, luncheon and admission. 9:30 Arrive at JCC • 10am Leave JCC • 4pm Return (Trip sponsored by an Archstone Grant) Limited Space available. Sign up today! RSVP to Susan Mathieu, ext. 1721 or Ronnie Levine, ext. 1521
Ongoing Alpert JCC Senior Activities
Water Polo Class
Knit Wits: Mon, 1-3pm • Senior Lunch: Wed, 12-2pm Bridge Lessons: Wed, 1:30pm • Mah Jongg: Thurs, 11:30-3pm
Sundays, May 31-June 21
WELLNESS & FITNESS
Ages 5 -7: 4-4:30pm • Ages 8-12: 4:30-5pm Learn the basics of ball handling and shooting while improving swim skills. $25; $20/MVP, 4 weeks, 4 classes --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday & Wednesday, June 23-August 13 (8 wks)
Cindi Massengale, cmassengale@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1056
Happiness, Joy, and Contentment Meditation Series
Ages 5 -8: 4-4:30pm • Ages 8-10: 4:30-5:15pm $150; $120/MVP, 8 weeks, 16 classes Limited space available for registration. Sign up now at the P.E. Courtesy Desk.
May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 4 Thursdays Learn tools and techniques to •Bring your inner peace and joy forward •Gain deeper control of your mind and mood • Reduce stress and worry
Please bring a notebook or journal. This series will include lecture, demonstration, and interactive weekly assignments with much focus on the heart center and self-observation. Register at the PE Courtesy Desk
Accelerando Cycling and Fitness with Michael “MK” Kelso May 10, 17, 24, 31, 4 Sundays, 8-9am If you want a challenging, sweaty, addicting workout that kicks you into shape, check out Accelerando Cycling and Fitness. These high intensity workouts incorporate spinning and weight training into one efficient 45-minute class. The class is designed to develop explosive power and improve your athletic performance while boosting your metabolism. Participants must be at least 13 years old to participate. $40; $33/MVP • Drop-in single class: $12; $9.75/MVP Register at the PE Courtesy Desk or call (562) 426-7601, ext. 1056
The Barbara & Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center
SPORTS & RECREATION PE Courtesy Desk (562) 426-7601, ext. 1051
Kids & Adults Martial Arts with Sensei Mac Parent & Me Martial Arts • Pee Wee Martial Arts Youth Martial Arts • Youth Sparring Mixed Martial Arts • Jiu Jitsu Self Defense • Private Lessons For more info, contact the AJCC PE Courtesy Desk (562) 426-7601, ext. 1051
Martial Arts Tournament June 7, 1-6pm Open to all current and former students of Sensei Mac. Come and test your skills in 1 or all 5 events! Forms • Sparring • Grappling • Vocals and our newest event Parent and Me MVP Pricing: $10 per event; $40 for all 5; $10 Spectator fee Non Member: $12.50 per event; $50 for all 5; $12.50 Spectator fee For information and to register, contact the PE Courtesy Desk.
NEW May Class! Wrestling Boot Camp/Class with Sensei Mac Beginning in May, Tuesday, 5:30-6:30pm All ages welcome. Come and take advantage of our introductory prices. $30; $25/ MVP For information and to register, contact the PE Courtesy Desk.
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www.alpertjcc.org
Around the J
Early Childhood Education Alayna Cosores, acosores@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1091
Parent/Child Participation Classes at the AJCC Friends, fun, and learning, for families with children from birth through toddler, in a welcoming Jewish atmosphere.
Three different classes; find the right one for you and your baby or toddler!
From the Beginning Wednesday Mornings, 9:30-10:30am Newborn - walking, with an adult
Yad b’Yad (Hand in Hand) Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:15-10:45am For children 9-23 months, with an adult
Moving On Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30am-12:30pm 18-28 months, with an adult For more info., visit us at www.alpertjcc.org
YOUTH & TEENS Natalie Chernik, nchernik@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205
MYART at the J presents Seussical the Musical July 27-August 14 • 3 wk camp Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 12:30-3:30pm For grades 3-6 Instruction in movement, voice, and acting while developing self-confidence and team-work; class will culminate with the musical production.
Stuhlbarg Summer Stock Presents Once on This Island Directed By Matthew Julian June 29-August 2 • Mon-Fri, 5:30-8pm • 5 week program Grades 7-12 Explore your theatrical side while hanging at the J with friends old and new! This year's Summer Stock production of Once on This Island provides opportunities for teens to participate in singing, dancing, acting, prop and costume prep, and more. Five weeks of preparation lead up to performances on Wed, July 29, Thurs, July 30, Sat, Aug. 1, and Sun, Aug. 2. Auditions will take place during the first week; teens must be registered for Summer Stock in order to audition.
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For more info., visit our website or contact Natalie Chernik (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205 or nchernik@alpertjcc.org.
MVP: The MVP price is the "Member Value Price" that gives our members an automatic discount to the fee we charge for our programs and events. If you’re not a member of the AJCC, speak with one of our Membership Services specialists and learn how you can start benefiting from MVP pricing today.
Iyar-Sivan 5775
MAY 2015
JFCS
Call Today! We’re Here to Help! 3801 E. WILLOW STREET LONG BEACH, CA 90815 WEB: www.jfcslongbeach.org EMAIL: jfcs@jfcslongbeach.org PHONE: 562-427-7916
A Word From The Race With A View Chair However, I don’t want to wait until next month to thank Chair, Race With all of you who were involved A View in the event in some way, whether you walked or ran, By the time you read this formed a team, sought pledgcolumn, JFCS Race With A es from your friends and famView 2015 will have already ily to support your efforts, volhappened. Next month’s is- unteered, or opted to sleep sue of The Chronicle will fea- in on April 26 but sponsored ture a full re-cap and photos the event instead. On behalf of the event. of the staff, the Race With A Deb Feldman
View Planning Committee, and the JFCS Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your continued commitment to this organization. Your participation will ensure that JFCS thrives and is here to serve our community in the future with affordable, professional counseling and support services for all who need us. This year, “Move with
us for mental health awareness!” was our tagline. It is so important for us to align the event with the mission of JFCS, which is to empower people to make positive changes through professional, affordable counseling and support services. Even though the race is over, our work is not complete. We still need your ongoing support to
ensure that vital mental health services are available to all, without regard to religion, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation. I want to thank you all again for being part of our team and for sharing our vision of a community healed, one person, one family at a time.
Meet The Older Adult Services Team Programs and services for older adults have long been part of the JFCS portfolio of benefits. The JFCS Older Adult Services team is ready to help, whether it’s a home safety assessment for a senior who wants to remain at home for as long as is safely possible, or a homebound individual who needs a friendly visit. Leading the Older Adult Services team is Christina Goldman, MSW, ASW. Chris was born in California and received her Master of Social Work from Cal State Long Beach. She was an intern at JFCS before joining the staff as Director of Older Adult Services in 2012. Her prior work experience includes stints at both St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton and St. Joseph Hospital in Orange. She was also a geriatric social work care manager for Cal Optima in Orange County. Chris was influenced by her mother, aunt and grandmother in her decision to become a social worker. “I want to pass on the gifts I have been given and help make the world a better place for the clients I serve. Every day I get to do a variety of things, from helping to write grants to assisting a person in crisis. It’s a real priv-
Christina Goldman, MSW, ASW
Elaine Porzucki, MS, MA, G, CMC
ilege to be able to spend my days doing work that ignites my passion.” Elaine Porzucki, MS, MA, G, CMC can often be seen on Wednesdays joining the convivial atmosphere of the Senior Luncheons at the Alpert Jewish Community Center. A native of Pennsylvania, she worked as a special education teacher and a medical educator at Daniel Freeman Hospital prior to joining the JFCS staff. Elaine had a strong relationship with her grandmother, and this love, along with the doctors at Daniel Freeman, influenced her eventual decision to work in the field of gerontology. “The doctors at Daniel Freeman worried about patients going home to an empty house and still needing care. Their concern led me to get my Masters degree in gerontology. JFCS goes out of their way to provide services to all
Saneya Bair
people regardless of race or religion. The values of JFCS are similar to my own.” Saneya Bair is a Long Beach native who is currently in the Master of Social Work program at Simmons College and is an intern at JFCS. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in studio art and spent 8 years in youth development work in public schools, summer camps, and outdoor education camps in California, New York, North Carolina, and Hawaii. She opted for an advanced degree in social work because “I love working with people and helping others meet their potential. A social work degree lets me do this on a grander scale.” If you are on the Jewish Federation Weinberg Campus on Tuesday afternoons, you may see Thuy Nguyen working as a facilitator for Wii Bowling. She is a native of
Thuy Nguyen
Virna Solano
Vietnam and will complete her Master of Social Work at Cal State Long Beach this month. Prior to coming to JFCS as an intern, she worked in the non-profit sector with parents, children, and older adults. “It’s rewarding to me to see clients increase self-efficacy and self-determination. JFCS Older Adult Services has taught me to collaborate with our older adult clients on decisions to achieve positive changes and outcomes for them.” Virna Solano will graduate this month with a Bachelors in Social Work and will begin working toward her Master of Social Work degree at Cal State Long Beach in September. She served for four years in the U.S. Navy and once she became a full-time student, she continually volunteered for two non-profits in Long Beach. A native of San Jose, she truly
Evelyn Howe
enjoys working with people. “Growing up in a low-income community, I want to be in a profession where I have the potential to make a difference in someone’s life and also be a part of positive change for better communities in our country.” From her experience in a variety of non-traditional occupations that included stints at several social services agencies, Evelyn Howe knew that her career path would be toward care and advocacy for those who are vulnerable. A native of Washington State and a candidate for Master of Social Work, Evelyn feels that it is important to contribute to the community and at the same time, promote individual growth. “JFCS permits me to work with a vulnerable population and to utilize my strengths in order to assist in resolving many unique client challenges.”
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 | MAY 2015 | 9
HILLEL AT CSULB
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WEB: www.beachhillel.org EMAIL: info@beachhillel.org PHONE: 562-426-7601 ext 1424
Seeing off Hillel Seniors Beach Hillel has a long tradition of sending off seniors from Jewish college life and encouraging them to join the larger Jewish community around them. By enriching their college career with authentic Jewish experiences, Beach Hillel worked to sustain and build the Jewish identities of all students. The Jewish community is able to see the impactful work that Beach Hillel does by the time that our students are ready to graduate and take the next steps in their Jewish journeys. College seniors have greatly grown their Jewish identities throughout the years that they were involved in Beach Hillel. Below are several CSULB seniors who are excited to share with our community how Beach Hillel has impacted their past, present, and future Jewish selves.
Brandon Lacy: Brandon became involved in Jewish life after his Birthright Experience. Seeing Jewish culture thrive in Israel motivated him to build up the Jewish community at his University. Brandon became more interested in Beach Hillel, and worked for Hillel as an engagement intern, providing meaningful Jewish experiences to many of his Jewish peers. “Beach Hillel hosts programs that introduce me to new elements of Judaism. I feel that these programs provide me with an authentic Jewish experience, connection, and a need to share them with my
friends”. Brandon’s favorite program series hosted by Beach Hillel is the Explore SoCal series. This program series organized by him allowed him to share his rich knowledge of SoCal hiking trails with students who may not be from the area, and show them what Long Beach has to offer aesthetically and sentimentally. Hosting meaningful Jewish conversations with these students further motivated them to become more involved in Jewish life on campus as well. Beach Hillel is grateful and thankful to Brandon for his work as a true Beach Hillel campus partner and as an amazing senior.
Tamir Pinkus: Our Morningstar Grinspoon Intern, Tamir Pinkus shined like a star this past year. Tamir became involved in Beach Hillel activities by attending different programs including High Holiday programs and Shabbat Dinner. Her main focus and passion on campus is Israel,
and has worked to nurture 49ers for Israel, our pro-Israel group at the CSULB campus. Her drive to create a positive Israel community on campus inspired other students as well, and allowed Beach Hillel to host an array of positive Israel experience programs on campus. Tamir was able to become a natural campus leader after being motivated by several Beach Hillel leadership oriented trips, including her participation on Beach Hillel’s trip to the AIPAC Policy Conference, the Stand With Us Festival of Lights dinner, and the Legacy of Leadership night hosted by the Jewish Federation of Long Beach. “Beach Hillel has always had strong Israel programming, but the campus was lacking a strong Israel group to spearhead needed initiatives. I am proud to leave behind a legacy at CSULB where I was one of several students who came together to ensure that a positive, sustaining, pro-Israel movement on campus will last”. Tamir is truly a Beach Hillel senior star, and we wish her the best of luck in her future! Shea Silver-Hillinger: Shea has been one of the more involved students in Beach Hillel activities since he was a freshman. Growing up with a strong Jewish background in the Long Beach
10 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | IYAR-SIVAN | 5775
area gave Shea a strong sense of Jewish identity in college. Beach Hillel worked to sustain his Jewish identity, and build upon it with enriching activities that allowed for heightened learning, and helping him create an enduring commitment to Judaism. Shea’s favorite programs included specialty holiday programs such as High Holiday Programs, Passover Programs, and Israel week programs. “Beach Hillel provided me with a tremendous amount of learning opportunities, stemming from Rabbi Drew’s Torah on Tap programs that cultivated Jewish learning of the Torah, to Shabbat dinners that demonstrated the sanctity of the Jewish day of rest, and also various Israel programs that helped build my connection to the Jewish state and understand its struggles and challenges. Hillel is where I met some great friends, brothers of AEPi, and truly shines as the center for campus
Jewish life.” Shea looks forward to post college Jewish life, where he becomes active and involved in the greater Jewish community around him. We thank Shea for being a committed member of campus Jewish life, and helping us both build and sustain it. Beach Hillel will be thanking all of its seniors for their dedication and commitment to campus Jewish life at the end of the semester with its Shabbat Soiree, at the home of Alan and Deanna Alevy on May 1st. The greater Long Beach Jewish community is a vital partner and stakeholder in Beach Hillel. With your continued support, Beach Hillel will be able to sustain Jewish life on campus, and work to provide additional Jewish experiences to students, enriching their college careers and Jewish lives. If you would like to support the work that Beach Hillel does and learn more about it by joining us at our Shabbat Soiree, please contact our Executive Director, Rachel Kaplan, at Rachel@beachhillel.org, and learn how to become a partner in achieving Beach Hillel’s vision and mission for a brighter Jewish future.
Lyn Epstein, GRI REALTOR®
BRE License # 01243400
(562) 619-7657 Direct weilwmn1@aol.com www.lynepsteinsells.com 1650 Ximeno Ave., Suite 120 Long Beach, CA 90804
Representing Buyers & Sellers Since 1998 Serving Greater Long Beach/OC to the Newport Coast
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
HEBREW ACADEMY
Award Winning Academics in a Genuine Jewish Environment 14401 WILLOW LANE HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92647 WEB: www.hacds.org PHONE: 714-898-0051 CAMP SILVER GAN ISRAEL: www.campsgi.com
Museum of Art & Culture
Give your child the summer of a lifetime! FEATURING: 11 Acre Campus Arts and Crafts Drama and Judaics Field Trips Onsite Laser Tag Hamster Balls Outdoor Athletic Fields Spacious Swimming Pool Experienced, Spirited Counselors Shabbatons Freeway Close Sun Shielded Toddler Pool And much, much more!
1 week sessions Programs for ages 2-15 Transportation available from most areas
The best camp for your child! OVER 4 DECADES OF EXPERIENCE.
Last month, the Hebrew Academy Arts and Humanities Middle School House was proud to host the grand opening of the Hebrew Academy Museum of Art and Culture for their exhibition, “Pyramids, Pyramids, Everywhere: Meeting Human Needs in Ancient Egypt and Beyond. As part of project based learning and integra-
tion of disciplines the students choose a topic that is multi-disciplinary in nature. During the event, middle school students served as docents to a collection of parents, faculty, and community members who viewed the student-created artifacts, listened to the expert presentations on each exhibit, and participated in the Egyptian themed photo
booth and activity center. Because of the large turnout, the classes continued to have tours of student groups and welcomed visitors the following week, as well. The Hebrew Academy Middle School is now open for enrollment. To find out more information please contact the office.
Camperships Available through a Grant Provided by ALLEN ALEVY & BRIAN CHISICK AND FAMILIES
For more information
CALL (949) 381-5610 VISIT www.SilverGanIsrael.com
Second Graders Visit Seniors One of many mitzvah projects Hebrew Academy students perform to exemplify the school core value of kindness is visiting the seniors at Bubbe and Zayde’s Place, which is an assisted living facility located in Santa Ana. The center
offers residents independent living options and daily support services. Our children chatted with, sang and read books to the seniors. The experience touched the hearts of both the elderly and our children.
WE ARE THE HEBREW ACADEMY “We chose the Hebrew Academy for its unique ability to nurture and balance academic excellence with growth, knowledge, understanding and pride in Judaism. This is truly a school that includes the entire community - not merely orthodox families. The Hebrew Academy academic curriculum is outstanding, competitive, and comprehensive. When our older children graduated from HA, they went straight to honors classes. Pride, Love and Intellectual excellence meet at the Hebrew Academy to create a proud Jew...The Hebrew Academy is a blessing for all families who choose to attend. ” -The Penn Family
www.jewishlongbeach.org | MAY 2015 | 11
COMMUNITY
The CCEJ Celebrates 52nd Annual Humanitarian of the Year Awards Dinner The California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) celebrates the 52nd Annual Humanitarian of the Year Awards Dinner, Thursday, May 21, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency, Long Beach. Reception at 5:30 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm. The honorees are: Drs. Martha & Faustino Bernadett, Margie & Frank Newell, Braden Phillips & Mrs. Naomi G. Rainey Pierson.
The Image of the Jew in Arab Cinema
CCEJ will also recognize the Community Hospital Long Beach with the Building Bridges Award for its extraordinary contributions to building an inclusive community in Long Beach. Minnie Douglas and Drew Gagner will serve Find us on Facebook Badge as this year’s Dinner CoChairs. Contact (562) 435-8184 or kmcilquham@cacej.org to RSVP and for more information.
Dr. Sariel Birnbaum
CMYK / .eps
The final speaker of CSULB’s Jewish Studies Program speaker’s series will be Dr. Sariel Birnbaum. He will
be speaking on Sunday, May 3, at 7:30 pm, at the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus, 3801 E. Willow Street. His topic will be “The Image of the Jew in Arab Cinema”. This year’s Lipinsky Meyerhoff Visiting Israeli Scholar at San Diego State University, Dr. Birnbaum specializes in Middle Eastern media, including cinema and television, and is an expert on Egyptian film. His talk will explore changes in how Arab films depicted Jews, from the
heavy use of anti-Semitic tropes in the 1950’s and 1960’s, to more recent approaches. In addition, he will look at the relative roles of Islamic traditions and European anti-Semitism in shaping Arab cinema. Like all Jewish Studies talks, it is free and open to the public; there is no need to reserve a space. For more information on this talk or spring semester events, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Blutinger, Jeffrey. Blutinger@csulb.edu .
SAVE THE DATE Sharon-Carmel Hadassah Cabaret Fundraiser
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https://www.facebook.com/JewishLongBeach
Sunday, June 28 2:00 pm
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Featuring music and a sing-a-long. Proceeds benefit the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower at Hadassah Hospital in Israel.
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Join Us For An Evening of Memories, Laughter and Love
Honoring Rabbi Howard O. Laibson ___________________________________________ Sunday, June 7, 2015 5:00PM Cocktails & Dinner Entertainment by Julie Silver Museum of Latin American Art 628 Alamitos Avenue Long Beach, California Contact Nicole Honigman for tickets & information 562.434.2720 12 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | IYAR-SIVAN | 5775
A GIFT for JEWISH CHILDREN and THEIR FAMILIES.
WHAT? The PJ Library (“PJ” for “pajamas”) program offers the gift of free, high-quality Jewish books and music each month to children ages 6 months through 8 years all across North America.
WHY? PJ Library books celebrate important aspects of Jewish culture, values and tradition, and become cherished bedtime stories.
HOW? Signing up is easy! To sign up for PJ Library visit
www.pjlibrary.org
PJ Library is a gift to our Jewish community due to the generosity of the Jewish Federation, Alpert Jewish Community Center, Temple Israel, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
By Joshua Lohman
PREFACE from Barbara Alpert: I would like to thank everyone who have written such nice words to my family, sent cards, attended the funeral in the hottest of days, made donations in memory of Ray and been so kind to me. I received this from Joshua and was so moved I wanted to share it. Please enjoy. It’s been nearly a year now since the passing of Raymond Alpert and truth be known… I don’t miss him at all. I really don’t. How can I miss a man whose fingerprints and presence are felt in virtually everything I do on a daily basis? Working alongside Raymond Alpert for nearly fifteen years was akin to attending an extended Master Class on The
Scrap Metal Industry; a 780 week course on life taught by a skilled and tenured professor with credentials certified by the highest level of life’s governing bodies. Raymond Alpert was an outstanding businessman who was destined to become a pioneer within the scrap metal industry. Following in the footsteps of his father, Herman and his Uncle Mendel, he and his brotherin-law Jake Farber were able to springboard a tiny little company from humble beginnings into an internationally known scrap giant doing business on virtually every continent encompassing the globe. Theirs was a simple philosophy which the company continues to follow to this day; 1. Never Falter In Meet-
SPAIN e ISRAEL 2015
A Joint Alpert JCC | Jewish Federation/Jewish Community Foundation Trip
October 21 - November 5, 2015 Travel with your community & discover Spain & Israel in a way you never imagined!
Madrid • Toledo • Cordoba • Seville • Ghirona Granada • Jerusalem • Masada Upper Galilee • Golan • Tel Aviv INTERESTED? RSVP (562) 426-7601 | Sharon x1008 | Susan x1012
ing Obligations 2. Always Provide the Best Possible Service to Customers; 3. Work with Determination and Pride. Raymond was a giant amongst giants that would use his quiet and soft demeanor to capture your interest and then once he had your attention he would kill you with kindness and then revive you with honesty, sincerity and a level of fairness the likes of which you had never seen. He represented all that is good about fair trade and was a constant advocate of doing the right thing. Make a fair profit and move on to the next deal. “Nobody ever went broke making a profit”, he used to say. He was never about hitting home runs; rather he was the guy that just wanted to consistently get on base. He wanted everyone that he dealt with to know that they were getting a fair shake and sometimes maybe even just a little bit better. This included the people that worked for and with him. “Hire the right people, pay them well and let them go about running your business.” He ran a family business and that family included anyone that worked for him. All employees received the same level of respect no matter if you were behind a desk, in front of a supplier, working under a truck or flying on an
airplane to Asia. No one’s contribution was any more or less important than the others and each would be rewarded well for their efforts. When you worked for Raymond Alpert you were there for the long-haul because there could not possibly be a better place to work. Raymond Alpert was more than a businessman. He was a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle a grandfather, a benefactor and a friend. He was most fond of his religion and the concept of spreading good-will. His greatest joy came from these things. His generosity with love was not lost on his family and his kindness with money was not lost on his community. He donated over $8 million to the Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach and West Orange County, as well as the Alpert Jewish Community Center. His commitment to law enforcement agencies in the greater Los Angeles area garnered him the highest of praise and the chair in Jewish Studies that he and his wife Barbara endowed at Cal State Long Beach continues to change young lives. He was generous and humble and believed in the concept of being involved. Family and community will eternally reap the benefits of this belief.
Raymond Alpert has been gone now for nearly a year and I really don’t miss him. Why? Because I’m in the scrap metal business and I walk through the doors of Alpert & Alpert every day where you can’t swing a magnet without it sticking to something that reminds you of Raymond. He’s not out of mind just because he is out of sight and I know that he means just as much to our company today as he ever did. You don’t spend sixty years working at a company with your name on the shingle without leaving an everlasting imprint on how it operates. Yes, I had an amazing 15 years of working alongside of greatness. I miss that a little but I don’t have to miss Raymond Alpert because his memory serves to remind me how we all should live and that’s a lesson that will never be missed. Raymond Alpert died peacefully at the age of 87 years old on the evening of Wednesday, June 11 2014. He is survived by his beautiful wife Barbara, his daughter Teri, son Alan, daughter Nancy, sister Janet, best friend and brother-in-law Jake Farber and a wonderful group of very loving grandchildren.
www.jewishlongbeach.org | MAY 2015 | 13
COMMUNITY
Working alongside of Greatness: Or (Why I will never miss Raymond Alpert)
TRIBUTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
P ROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ARCHITECTS
Cherson Weiss Architects Erin Cherson, Architect & Ava Weiss, CEO Specializing in Residential and Commercial Projects
(562) 596-0495 www.cwarchitects.net
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Lawrence H. Nemirow, ESQ
ORTHODONTICS Brodsky Orthodontics Braces & Invisilign™ for all ages 5920 Del Amo Blvd., Lakewood
(562) 496-2000
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PEDIATRICS
Business Law, Insurance Law, Trusts and Estates 5242 Katella Ave., Suite 104 Los Alamitos, CA 90720
(562) 799-1379
www.nemlawyer.com
C.P.A.’S Shari D. Nemirow, C.P.A.
Small Business accounting & income taxes for Corporations, Partnerships, Individuals 5242 Katella, #104, Los Alamitos
(562) 430-8231
Pamela Schulman-Flores, C.P.A.
Master of Science-Taxation, Tax Returns-all types, tax planning & audits Downey
(562) 803-5324
Zvi Shapiro, CPA, MBA, EA
Do you owe back taxes to the IRS, California or any other state? Have you not filed tax returns in years? Let me be your David to take on Goliath. Call today to sleep better tonight.
(562) 310-7247
GASTROENTEROLOGY Allan Effron MD FACG
Stomach Pain, Change in Bowel Habits Colon Cancer Screening Most Insurance Accepted
(562) 882-0834
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Jewish Federation
GENERAL FUND •To Rick & Linda Burney, in memory of your beloved father & father-in-law Robert, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Toby Zotstein, thinking of you & sending warm wishes your way, get well soon, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Mark Speizer, thinking of you & sending warm wishes your way, get well soon, from the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff •To Linda Waltzman, Laurie Raykoff, Wendy Manasse Wiese, Joyce Feldman, Barbara Millman, & Natalie Swit, in honor of receiving the 2015 Arlene Solomon VISIONS Women of Vision Award, from Binnie and Jack Berro •To Linda Lassers, thinking of you & sending warm wishes your way, get well soon, from
the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
Jewish Community Foundation
GERDA SEIFER YOM HASHOAH FUND •To the Family of Eva Schlesinger, in memory of your beloved Eva, from Binnie and Jack Berro •To Gerda & Harold Seifer, in honor for the establishment of the Seifer Holocaust Memorial, from Aaron & Leslie Kern Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 1314
AJCC
GENERAL FUND •To the Burney Family, in memory of Robert Birmey, from Barbara Alpert •To Mark Speizer, get well soon, from Barbara Alpert •To Laura Orloff thinking of you, from Barbara Alpert •To the Schild Family, in memory of your father, from Barbara Alpert
Honors & Simchahs B’nai Mitzvah From the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff
•Mazel Tov to Judy & Ed Green, on the birth of your grandson, Noah Samuel Green
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TEMPLE BETH DAVID Marissa Korn On May 16th, Marissa, daughter of Jerrold and Ellen Korn will be called to the Torah for her Bat Mitzvah. Her mitzvah project has been collecting donations for the Seal Beach Animal Shelter.
•To Joan Lerner, in memory of your mother, from Barbara Alpert MICHAEL SEGAL MAIMONIDES FUND •To the Schlesinger Family, in memory of Eva Schlesinger, from Jessie Butler •To Dayna Gordon & Family, in memory of Marilyn Hauffman, from Jessie Butler •To the Eiser Family, in memory of Charlotte Eiser, from Jessie Butler •To Joan Davis & Family, in memory of Paula Davis, from Jessie Butler •In memory of Paula Davis, from Jessie Butler •To Marilyn Tichauer & Family, in memory of Randi Tichauer, from Jessie Butler PAULA BLUM SENIOR ADULT FUND •In honor of Susan Mathieu, for the Lecture to Temple Israel Sisterhood, from Temple Israel Sisterhood of Long Beach JFCS tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 235 or 562-427-7916
Daneil Paretsky Daniel, son of Matt and Lisa Paretsky, will be called to the Torah for his Bar Mitzvah on May 30. He has performed the mitzvah of serving the homeless shelter in Long Beach for those in need.
DONATE YOUR OLD CAR, BOAT OR RV Make a Car Donation • Make a Difference
Call Danny Levy 562-426-7601 EXT 1007 for more information
FAST • FREE • CONVENIENT • TAX DEDUCTIBLE • SAVE TIME • FEEL GREAT
Call 1-800-240-0160
Max Davis Brown
•Mazel Tov to Sandy & Daryl Phillips, on the birth of your first grandchild, Max Davis Brown •Mazel Tov to Sara & Richard Brown, on the birth of your son, Max Davis Brown
14 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | IYAR-SIVAN | 5775
COMMUNITY
The Jewish Federation has been supporting, sustaining and revitalizing Jewish life for nearly a century. Today our work is far from finished. And we need your support. Your contribution helps to care for our entire Jewish community. Enabling us to use your gift wherever it’s needed most, at home, in Israel and around the world. If you haven’t done so already, please give generously to the Federation’s 2015/5775 Annual Community Campaign today. Visit us at JewishLongBeach.org or call (562) 426-7601
jewishlongbeach.org
We Mourn The Loss Of...
p U Sign Our For iling a m E ist L
Robert Burney
Contact: Yolanda Placencio (562)426-7601 yplacencio@jewishlongbeach.org
Lee & Barbara Shoag
Allegra Brooks Please contact us at chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org if you know of someone who has passed and would like them to be recognized.
te mple i s r ael long beach
Residential & Income Over 1,400 Happy Buyers & Sellers since 1981
(562) 400-8124 www.ShoagRealEstate.com
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Join Us for oUr shabbat services
Friday Evening Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Moskowitz and organist, David York Saturday Morning Torah Study and Services conducted by Rabbi Moskowitz
Friday, May 1 7:00 p.m. Family Shabbat Service Saturday, May 2 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Sabbath Fellowship
Friday, May 15 7:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service Saturday, May 16 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
Friday, May 8 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Ruach Shabbat Saturday, May 9 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
Friday, May 22 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service Saturday, May 23 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
Friday, May 29 7:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service Saturday, May 30 8:45 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service Temple Israel’s Annual Gala
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Temple Israel • 269 Loma Avenue • Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562.434.0996 • www.tilb.org
www.jewishlongbeach.org | MAY 2015 | 15
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