May 2011 Chronicle

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

Celebrate Israel with a free concert

by Soul Aviv

INSIDE

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www.jewishlongbeach.org | 562.426.7601

Alpert JCC PROGRAM GUIDE

MAY 2011 | 5771 | NISAN/IYAR | VOL.64-NO.9

FEATURE ARTICLE

Celebrate Israel

By Sharon Kenigsberg, Development Director srael will turn 63 this month and we will celebrate Israel Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut) as a community on Monday evening May 9 (see box on this page). Another way to celebrate Israel is to join one of many missions/trips to Israel. Below are some opportunities for people to connect to Israel, each one designed to fit unique ages and stages.*

I

Missions to Israel The 2011 Jewish Federation Community Mission (see story on page 5 ) is offering the trip of a lifetime- October 23-November 1 with a customized itinerary for the Long Beach community. This trip is in conjunction with the Centennial celebration of the Los Angeles Federation.

Hadassah, the largest Jewish women’s organization with over 300,000 members, supports two state-of-the-art teaching and research hospitals in Israel along with other educational and humanitarian projects. They will be celebrating Hadassah’s centennial with an International Convention in Israel in 2012. A highlight will be the dedication of the Sarah Westman Davidson Tower-a project to unite advanced medical technologies with a profound sprit of healing. Contact Michelle Shahon 714-545-7162 or visit www.southerncalifornia.hadassah.org for more information.

Heart to Heart Women’s Mission is sponsored each February by Jewish Federations of North America Women’s Philanthropy. Heart to Heart brings together women from all over the country to have a unique behind the scenes journey with the women of Israel. The Jewish Federations of North America also offer other National Missions throughout the year visit www.jewishfederations.org for a complete schedule.

Family Adventures Family Adventures offer a way to explore Israel that appeals to more than one generation and feature a Bnai Mitzvah ceremony.

Temple Israel of Long Beach is planning a Family Israel Adventure led by Rabbi Steven Moskowitz for the summer of 2012. For a complete itinerary call 562434-0996 or visit www.tilb.org Jewish Federations of North America offers National Family Missions each summer and winter. The 2011 summer mission dates are June 19-29.

Young Adults Jewish Federations of North America National Young Leadership (NYL) summer mission June 26-July 5, 2011 will include hundreds of young adults ages 25-45 singles and couples- from diverse backgrounds to explore Israel together.

Masa Israel Journey offers young adults ages 18-30

the opportunity to choose from over 160 different programs for a semester or an entire year. The Masa programs are a collaboration between the Jewish Agency for Israel,the Jewish Federations, and the Israeli government.

Over the last 6 years 55,000 students from 53 countries have participated. These young adults come back to their communities inspired and connected to Israel. Call the Federation 562-426-7601 ext. 1008 or visit www.masaisrael.org for more information.

Taglit-Birthright Israel provides the gift of a 10-day trip to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18 to 26. The gift is being provided by: private philanthropists through The Birthright Israel Foundation; the people of Israel through the Government of Israel; and Jewish communities around the world (North American Jewish Federations, Keren Hayesod and the Jewish Agency for Israel). The Jewish Federation works with local birthright alumni to help foster community involvement and continued learning and leadership opportunities.

Our Long Beach Hillel is taking a group of local students this summer. Before the Long Beach Hillel trip, Rabbi Drew Kaplan will be holding orientation sessions to prepare the students with historical and practical information. Registration for the summer 2011 trips is closed. Registration for winter 2011-2012 trips begins in September (www.birthrightisrael.com).

High School Students Young Judea, Bnai Brith Youth Organization, the Bureau of Jewish Education, United Synagogue, Union of Reform Judaism, the Orthodox Union and Chabad among others-all offer unique opportunities for high

CELEBRATE ISRAEL continued on page 11

Free Concert and Family Activities Community Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration Monday, May 9, 2011 - 6:00 pm at the Alpert JCC

Join us for a wonderful evening celebrating Israel's birthday.

Highlight of the evening is a family friendly concert by Santa Barbara vocal group Soul Aviv (pictured on the cover). The four person band blends the sounds of folk, Motown gospel soul and California sounds to create an outstanding performance that combines Jewish heritage, spirituality and celebration. Community information tables and a visit from an Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldier will round out the evening. Kosher Israeli food will be available for purchase. Complimentary children’s crafts and Israel birthday cake. The event is free and open to the public.

Activities and food begin at 6pm. Concert starts at 7pm. To volunteer e-mail spaletz@alpertjcc.org. This event is co-sponsored by the Alpert Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County.

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IDF Solider-Omer Yaakov

Chronicle Published since 1947 by the Jewish Federation of Long Beach and West Orange County www.jewishlongbeach.org

INSIDE THE CHRONICLE

The Jewish Community

Contents 4 Women’s Philanthropy VISIONS 2011

Shari Nemirow PRESIDENT

Deborah Goldfarb EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Anna Shabtay COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

5 Ensuring the Future Guest speaker Neal B. Jannol J. D. Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 pm

Yolanda Placencio CHRONICLE COORDINATOR

Erin Bellinghausen GRAPHIC ARTIST PUBLICATION OFFICE:

3801 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90815-1791 562-426-7601, EXT 1314 FAX 562-424-3915 All submissions should be submitted via e-mail: chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINE

First Wednesday of the month: July 2011 deadline: June 1 ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Anna Shabtay 562-426-7601 EXT 1007 Yolanda Placencio 562-426-7601 EXT 1314 ISSN# 1525- 6847 ______________________________ Long Beach Chamber of Commerce ______________________________ Winner of 39 State and National Journalism Awards ______________________________

6 Upcoming Events at our Area Synagogues Check out the May events at local Synagogues

1a-4a Alpert Jewish Community Center Program Guide

Shabbat Candlelighting May 6

7:21 pm

May 13

7:27 pm

May 20

7:32 pm

May 27

7:37 pm

May Events at the AJCC

12 Community Mission to Israel Oct.23-Nov.1, 2011 Information meeting at AlpertJCC Tuesday, May 10, at 7:00 pm

Donate a car to The Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach Go to www.donateacar.com And click on “charities” and search for “Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach” or call

1-800-237-5714 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 this newspaper, the Federation or the Jewish Chronicle Committee. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length and style. The publication of a paid political advertisement does not constitute endorsement of any candidate, political party or political position by this newspaper, the Federation, or any employee. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without the express permission of the Chronicle. This newspaper is published monthly.

Your donation will support home visits and a meal for a senior, a Shabbat dinner for a college student, Jewish pre-school education, counseling sessions for families and more through the agencies and programs that Federation donations support.

www.jewishlongbeach.org | MAY 2011 | 3

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY VISIONS 2011 The Annual Arlene Solomon VISIONS dinner on March 31, 2011 brought together women from all over the community to celebrate the power we have as women to care for the vulnerable, to be committed to the survival of the Jewish people, to invest in the future of our

L-R: Shari Nemirow, Federation President; Linda Hurwitz, National Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair; Mayim Bialik, guest speaker & Deborah Goldfarb, Federation Executive Director

children and to rescue those in need no matter where they live. The evening, sponsored

by Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation, raised over $335,000 for the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign from the over 240 women in attendance.

From the Big Bang

Cocktails, named for the hit show of Speaker Mayim Bialik to the “newborn kits” centerpieces to help mothers in need, to the heartwarming words of all our speakers–it truly was an evening of connection and caring.

L-R: Laurie Garabedian, VISIONS chair; Syndee Luxenberg, Past Women’s Philanthropy chair, Joanne Lopez, Federation honoree; & Stephany Rosenthal, Women’s Philanthropy Chair

L-R: Debi Felsenthal and her mom Arlene Solomon, who has set up an Endowment Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation to underwrite the VISIONS event

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSIE BUTLER

Community Organizations were invited to nominate a “Woman of Vision” to be honored for their leadership and commitment to making a difference. This year’s honorees were L-R: Joanne Lopez, Women’s Philanthropy-Jewish Federation; Linda C. Fox, National Council of Jewish Women; Sande Davida Gendel, Alpert JCC; Linda Burney, Jewish Family & Children’s Service; Marlene Fields, Sharon-Carmel Hadassah & Debi Felsenthal, Temple Israel Sisterhood.

Not pictured- Georgia Freedman-Harvey, Kesher Hadassah & Anne Farber, Temple Beth David Sisterhood

Repairing a Fractured World From the Director Deborah K. Goldfarb

As we emerge from the bittersweet celebration of Passover and the exodus from Egypt, we continue to reflect on all that is troubling in the world…the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the uncertain resolution of unrest in Arab countries throughout the Middle East, the continued provocation of Iran, and the continuing plague of hunger, poverty and economic insecurity in our own country.

We, as a Jewish community, continue to be troubled by these issues. Yet, we have a choice to make a difference in our own ways through support of our local community social service

programs for the at risk, building of Jewish identification for our children, and through support of social service and advocacy programs in Israel and worldwide.

Through the work of the Jewish Federation, our Jewish Community Partnership agencies and the Jewish Community Foundation, we stand ready to participate in the endeavor of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, which became the legacy of our community as our ancestors emerged from slavery.

As our 2011 Federation Annual Campaign draws to a close at the end of June, I encourage you to do your part in repairing our world through a contribution to this effort and to consider joining us as we travel to Israel on our Community Mission with the L.A. Federation Centennial Mission in October.

NEW LEADERS FORUM 2010-2011. Back row: L-R Larna Norman, Andrea Bloom, Jeffrey Schimsky, Dave Silverman, Gary Roberts, Matt Paretsky, Martha DeYoung, Emily Sukman, Front row: L-R Jaime Nemirow, Jay Alhadeff, Ellen Bloom, Chaya Leah Sufrin, Not pictured: Eric Schiffer, Josh Sudock, Danielle Van Divort, Marcos Weinstein, Pamela Weinstein

Save the Date Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach

Annual Meeting June 2, 2011 6:00pm Reception in honor of New Leaders Forum 7:00pm Annual Meeting at the Alpert JCC L-R: Georgia FreedmanHarvey, honoree & Gail Freedman, President of Kesher Hadassah

L-R: Chanie Perelmuter; Edith Schwartz & Anne Farber, honoree from Temple Beth David

Former AJCC brownie troop members - all grown up - enjoying their signature Big Bang Cocktails. L-R: Alexandra Garabedian, Meredith Kaplan, Phyllis Kenigsberg, Arielle Miller & Amy Blasnick

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Installation of Officers New Leaders Forum Graduation

To RSVP: Contact Yolanda Placencio at yplacencio@jewishlongbeach.org or 562-426-7601 EXT 1314

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 3801 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90815 WEB: www.jewishlongbeach.org PHONE: 562-426-7601

Jewish Community Partnership Join us for an Israel Trip of a Lifetime

From the beaches of Southern California to the beaches of Israel, get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

In addition to visiting the archeological treasures and seeing Israel’s modern miracles, we will participate in community galas and experience the lifechanging work made possible by

support of our local Jewish Federations.

Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach and West Orange County on the Community Mission to Israel Oct. 23Nov. 1, 2011. We will join with the Los Angeles community in conjunction with the celebration of their Federation's Centennial.

We can't think of a better way for you to experience our Jewish homeland. With a host of unique sites, access to prominent speakers and programs that only a mega mission like this can provide, and three fabulous Centennial celebrations, it will be nothing less than the trip of a lifetime. Overall, we are expecting 400-500 participants but Long

Beach participants will have a customized itinerary for our group “I am so excited about this Federation Mission”, states Mission co-chair Linda Simmons. ”My husband, Sanford, and I often get asked, ‘There are so many trips to Israel, why should I select this Federation Community Mission?’ I have so many reasons that I would encourage everyone to come along with us.

This will be my fifth Federation Mission and my 11th trip to Israel. My Federation missions were the most comprehensive and organized. Federation has access to places that others are unable to see. For example, we will be visiting an army or air

7 cartons of tax returns...

5 boxes of receipts...

6 closets full of old clothes...

Saving your children from searching through all of that to finalize your estate plans...

PRICELESS.

force base and have a high-ranking military person speak to us about the current situation. On Missions, everything is taken care of and I didn't have to think about a thing”.

Linda continues, “To me, the touring of Israel and seeing the sites is exciting, but even more, I love that we will meet with and connect with our people and see the miracles that are being created in this tiny country. This is a once in a life-time Mission. I will save you a seat on the bus”.

To learn more about why you absolutely can't miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience, please join us on Tuesday May 10, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Alpert JCC 3801 East

Willow Street, Long Beach for the next information meeting (see ad on page 12).

Whether you've been to Israel many times or planning on going for the first time, if you are even thinking about being part of our history-making Community Mission to Israel, please join us.

You'll get answers, inspiration and everything you need to know.

To RSVP for May 10 or for more information contact Sharon Kenigsberg 562 426-7601 Ext. 1008 or sharonk@jewishlongbeach.org

A Taste of Women’s Philanthropy Series Monday, May 23, 2011 6:30pm at the Alpert JCC

The Jews of Persia Guest Speaker: Parvin Rafii

Please RSVP to Sharon Kenigsberg 562-426-7601 EXT 1008 or sharonk@jewishlongbeach.org

Mrs. Parvin Rafii was born & raised in Iran (formerly Persia). She worked for many years as a teacher & principal at the oldest Jewish school in Tehran and was there during the Revolution in 1979. Parvin is the founder of the Persian Committee of the Orange County Federation and has served her community on the boards of the JCC and Women’s Philanthropy. Parvin will share her vast knowledge of the history and events of our fellow Jews from this region of the world.

Cost: $10 for a sampling of Persian Food & recipes to take home Make checks payable to Jewish Federation and mail to Sharon at 3801 E. Willow St. Long Beach, CA 90815 or call 562-426-7601 EXT 1008 or sharonk@jewishlongbeach.org

Neal Jannol is a partner with the law firm of Loeb & Loeb. He concentrates his practice on estate and tax planning and all aspects of the administration of estates and trusts. He has extensive experience in charitable gift planning.

Please bring non-perishable food items for the community Friends Feeding Friends program

Come to a free educational workshop on the importance of having a plan for the future and how to get there. Bring questions you may have but don’t want to pay someone to ask…

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 7:00 P.M. ALPERT JCC 3801 EAST WILLOW STREET, LONG BEACH

Guest Speaker Neal B.Jannol J.D.

ENSURING THE FUTURE

www.jewishlongbeach.org | MAY 2011 | 5

CONGREGATIONS

R A B B I N I C

R E F L E C T I O N S

A Little Known Jewish Holiday Rabbi Moishe Y. Engel

Passover has come and gone.

By the time you read this article, Pesach will be but a distant memory. The guests, the “when do we get to the food” at the Seder, the Shmurah Matzah & search for the AFIKOMEN will not be our focus for another twelve months.

Many of us now begin to focus on Israel & Holocaust remembrances. The above-mentioned fill our conversations, Jewish newspapers, synagogue announcements and more.

I would like at this point to bring to the fore a holiday that seems neglected, although its messages and lessons are very powerful and relevant to our contemporary Jewish lives. I am here referring to Lag B’Omer, which this year corresponds to Sunday, May 22.

From the second day of Pesach-the Exodus from Egypt-until the holiday of Shavuot-the receiving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai-we are commanded to count 49 days. These days are known as the 49 days of the OMER. The OMER was a flour sacrifice brought on the 2nd day of Pesach. The period of the OMER is generally a period of mourning, because of a terrible plague that nearly decimated our people very many years ago. Our tradition

tells us that this plague was brought about, because of the lack of respect that even the great scholars of that generation displayed towards each other.

These were the students of the famed Rabbi Akiva.

Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day of the OMER. (Parenthetically Lag is a number and it equals 33. In a similar vein Tu B’ Shvat is the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat, and Tisha B’Av means the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av.) The horrible plague which claimed the lives of so many ceased on Lag B’Omer and it became a day of celebration connected with two world renowned sages, Rabbi Akiva & Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Rabbi Akiva is famed for his teaching of “love your fellow as yourself - is a major principle of the Torah”. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the author of the Zohar, the major work of the Kabbalah passed away on Lag B’Omer. In Israel, every community celebrates his greatness with bonfires, school trips and a major celebration in Meron at his burial site with all night singing, dancing, torches and fires. This event is attended annually by about 500,000 people. Also Kabbalists

and Chassidic Rebbes were known to perform wonders and miracles on Lag B’Omer.

In short, this day, celebrates the teachings of these two great scholars. A day of “love your neighbor as yourself” i.e. Jewish Unity, and a day when we celebrate the inner and deeper meaning of the Torah as exemplified by the Zohar. Thus this day also emphasizes Jewish pride because the deeper one appreciates the Torah, the more Jewish pride they attain.

As Lag B’Omer approaches let us put our emphasis on Jewish Unity. Let’s not just talk about it, let’s live it. As the well known saying goes “don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk.”

Let us also resolve to look into the Torah more deeply and thus strengthen our Jewish Pride.

Don’t let this Lag B’Omer go unnoticed. Let our Jewish Unity and Pride shine forth. The Zohar, is the basic book of the Kabbalah and the word Zohar itself means to shine forth.

To emphasize the message of Lag B’Omer, I invite one and all to the Jew- Rabbi Moishe Y. Engel ish Children’s Unity Parade to be held at the Israeli Expos in Irvine (see ad on page 3) on Sunday, May 22.

There will be 600 children marching and 6, 000 onlookers. The honoree at the parade will be a local Jewish American hero, Tibor Rubin, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Tibor will be heralded by an honor guard.

The parade will also feature clowns and a band, and one lucky young man or woman who marches, or high school student who volunteers at the parade, will win an IPad. The parade T-Shirts emphasize Jewish Unity and marching with such a big crowd brings lots of Jewish Pride. Line up for the parade will be at 2:00pm. We invite the entire Jewish community to bring their kids and to attend this major display of Jewish Unity featuring Federation, Chabad and many of the O.C. and Long Beach synagogues and temples. Email thegreatparadeoclb@gmail.com for more information or call 8663-Jewish.

Upcoming Events at Our Area Synagogues Below you will find many of the exciting events happening at our local synagogues. Be sure to contact them directly if you have any questions. Their contact information is available in the Synagogue Directory on the right sidebar of this page.

Temple Beth David

TBD confirmation class

Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 am join TBD for a creative, musical Shabbat service led by our confirmation class. They will share their creative prayers and writings along with the music of our choir with participation of Rabbi Myers and Cantorial Soloist Nancy Linder.

Thursday, May 19, at 7:00pm TBD will present “Jewish Book Club with Rabbinical Intern Robin Sudakow Hoffman”. Join Robin Sudakow Hoffman as she leads a discussion on the book: “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake” by Aimee Bender.

Event is free and open to the community.

Friday May 20, at 5:00pm 9:00pm join TBD for Lag B’ Omer-Shabbat Synaplex Celebration. Appetizers begin at 5pm with a BBQ picnic dinner following at 6pm. Kabbalat Shabbat services led by Rabbi Nancy Myers & Cantor Nancy Linder, with participation of the South Coast Simchah Band, will

take place at 8 pm. All are welcome to attend. Adult dinner$18 for members (up to age 18 years old eat free); $20 for nonmembers.

Temple Beth Shalom Sunday, May 1, at 9:15am TBS Sisterhood is sponsoring a Tai Chi and Chi Kung presentation and sample class in the TBS Social Hall. For more information, please contact TBD office.

Sunday, May 15, at 7:00am, TBS is having an Immersion (Mikveh) Celebration at Mother's Beach in Long Beach.

This is for children who are attaining legal Jewish status according to Jewish law. Through

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this act of immersion (Tevilah), we will celebrate the Jewish status of our children.

Sunday, May 22, TBS will hold the annual Celebration Fundraiser honoring Marge & Joe Hess. It promises to be a special evening recognizing an amazing couple.

For more information please contact TBS office.

Temple Israel Thursday, May 5, at 7:00 pm TI invites the community to the Annual Lapid Lecture. See ad on page 11.

If your synagogue would like to be a part of this listing, please submit your events to chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org

Synagogue Directory 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 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 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 Shalom (C) 3635 Elm Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 Contact: Rabbi Dov Gartenberg Phone: 562-426-6413 Email: tbs.longbeach@gte.net 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: President David Salzman Phone: 562-861-9276 Website: www.downeytemplenertamid.org P’nai Or (I) Long Beach, CA Contact: Rabbi Micha'el Akiba Email: Info@pnaior.org Website: www.PnaiOr.org Phone 562-364-5154 Congregation Lubavitch (O) 3981 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 Contact: Rabbi Newman Phone: 562-426-5480 Email: yitzyg@aol.com Chabad of Cypress (O) 4454 Cerritos Ave. Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Contact: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus Phone: 714-828-1851 Email: smarcus@jewishcypress.com Website: www.jewishcypress.com Congregation Sholom Leisure World, Seal Beach (C) P. O. Box 2901 Seal Beach, CA 90740 Contact: Rabbi Manny Goldstein Phone: 562-431-0113 Temple Beth Ohr (R) 15721 Rosecrans Ave. La Mirada, CA 90638 Contact: Rabbi Mark Goldfarb Phone: 562-691-2551 E-Mail-Tmplbthohr@AOL.com Website: www.TempleBethOhr.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 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 (R)=Reform (O)=Orthodox

(C)=Conservative (I)=Independent

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone: (562)426-7601 www.alpertjcc.org

MAY 2011 Nisan-Iyar 5771

Yom Ha’Shoah Memorial Service pg

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Alpert JCC Program Guide

3801 E. WILLOW STREET LONG BEACH, CA 90815

Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration & Concert

By Musical Group Soul Aviv

Mon, May 9, 6pm Join us for Israel’s Birthday Party.

Israeli dinner available for purchase.

Children’s crafts and activities and Information booths about Israel

Concert Starts at 7pm

FREE Event Open to the entire community

inside Trek Across Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Crash Course in Judaism/Hebrew . . 2 Elie Wiesel /92Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Shirley MacLane /92Y . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Holocaust Art & Film Screening . . . . 2 Older Americans Month . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Youth Basketball Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Summer Aquatic Programs . . . . . . . . 4

The Barbara & Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center

1 www.alpertjcc.org

Alpert JCC Program Guide

WELLNESS & FITNESS

ADULTS

Dianna Villegas, dvillegas@alpertjcc.org (562)426-7601, ext. 1056, 1051

Eve Lunt, elunt@alpertjcc.org (562)426-7601, ext. 1067

Trek to Israel May 1-July 10 This is a FREE AJCC competition to reach 8 cities in 10 weeks as we trek 300 miles across a virtual Israel. Competition includes biking, walking, swimming & running.

Call Dianna Villegas for more info.

Choose to Lose May 2-July 22 Mon, Wed, Fri, 7-8:30am The mental, emotional and physical components of losing weight for a longer & healthier life will be key components of this program. This is not a quick-fix weight loss program; coach Chris Elliot will educate participants to make correct choices and better decisions to live a happy & healthy life.

Class does not meet May 30 & July 4.

$425/AJCC Member; $531.25/Public

Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, Level 2 Crash Course in Judaism 6 Tuesdays, May 3-June 14 7-8:30pm In this free, crash course, participants will learn the basics of Judaism and receive a free copy of NJOP’s CCBJ Companion Guide, full of thoughtprovoking reading, that will enhance their understanding and appreciation of Judaism. Crash course participants will be able to attend the May 31, 92nd St. broadcast of Eli Wiesel for FREE.

Rosh Chodesh at the AJCC Tue, May 3, 7pm Visit www.alpertjcc.org for more info.

Contact Eve Lunt for more info. ext. 1067

5 Sundays-May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 26 1-2:30pm The National Jewish Outreach Program’s Hebrew Reading Crash Course Level II is designed to improve students’ reading skills and fluency by introducing them to special pronunciation rules and basic Hebrew grammar to help them expand their Hebrew comprehension skills.

Students will begin to recognize various parts of verbs and nouns, learn how to dissect words, and identify new words and phrases that will enable them to better understand the prayerbook. Over 101,000 have participated in this program. Level II uses familiar Hebrew prayers as instructional material.

FREE

This exciting program brings special pre-recorded lectures from NYC’s renowned 92nd Street Y to the Alpert JCC in Long Beach.

92Y is presented in partnership with the Alpert JCC, Jewish Federation & local synagogues Temple Beth David, Temple Beth Shalom, Temple Israel, Shir Chadash & Shul by the Shore.

Lectures are FREE to partnership organization members, $10 to the Public.

IsraeliPalestinian Conflict: A Report from the field by Ethan Bronner Thur, May 5, 7pm Ethan Bronner, one of the most wellknown Middle East correspondents in the world, will examine the role & work of the Obama administration, and the key Israeli & Palestinian players from his frontline view.

Cycle through Israel

Mah Jongg for Newbies & Intermediate Players

Elie Wiesel on the Bible:

May 11, 9-12pm or 5-8pm or May 12, 9-12pm or 5-8pm

Wed, May 11 & 25 7:30pm

The Spin classes are going to ride for 3 hours in order to raise funds for Beit Issie Shapiro, a children's therapeutic center in Israel. At the same time ECE children will be riding their trikes.

Minimum sponsorship to ride is $50.

FREE/AJCC Members; $5/Public Visit www.alpertjcc.org for more info.

A Judge Named Deborah Tue, May 31, 7pm

Call Dianna Villegas for more info.

Visit www.alpertjcc.org for our entire group fitness schedule.

Delve into the fascinating tale of the biblical Deborah, who was a female judge in Israel at a time of male dominated leadership.

Contact Eve Lunt for more info. ext. 1067

AJCC Poker Club Tue, May 17 6:30pm: Doors open for registration 7-10:30pm: Game Time

Shirley MacLaine:

Visit www.alpertjcc.org for more info.

Life Lessons Tue, June 14, 7pm

Contact Eve Lunt for more info. ext. 1067

Pauline & Zena Gatov Gallery Presents:

Shirley MacLaine talks about her life lessons and what she wants to impart to the world.

Art Survives: Expressions from the Holocaust Exhibit runs through June 13 Our annual Yom Ha’Shoah gallery will feature art created by Holocaust survivors during the Shoah. This art is featured in the documentary “As Seen Through These Eyes”, which will screen at the Alpert JCC on May 26 with writer, director and producer Hilary Helstein in attendance. These artists fought Hitler with the only weapons they had: charcoal, pencil stubs, shreds of paper & memories etched in their minds.

Nora Ephron in Conversation with Rebecca Traister Thur, June 23, 7pm Join Nora Ephron and Rebecca Traister as they discuss the future of politics, women's issues and life.

“As Seen Through These Eyes” Free Screening: Thur, May 26, 7pm Contact Eve Lunt for more info. ext. 1067

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TICKETS: Eve Lunt, elunt@alpertjcc.org, (562)426-7601 ext. 1067

NISAN-IYAR 5771

MAY 2011

RETIRED & SENIOR SPORTS & RECREATION EARLY CHILDHOOD VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Linda Keiles, lkeiles@alpertjcc.org EDUCATION

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

Diane Johnson, djohnson@alpertjcc.org (562)506-2801

(562)426-7601, ext. 1047

Lori Davidson, ldavidson@alpertjcc.org (562)426-7601, ext. 1092

Summer & Fall Classes are filling up fast!

Limited Enrollment in: •Preschool & Pre-K •Chugim & Chaverim Connection

Open Enrollment in:

May Is Older American Month GesherCity Shabbat Fri, May 6, 7:30pm We’ll celebrate with an Israeli themed Shabbat with food, friends & fun.

Contact Susanne Katz for more info.

GesherCity Bar Night Thur, May 19 Contact Susanne Katz for more info.

GesherCity Poker Night

In recognition, the AJCC, JFCS & RSVP are hosting seminars for older Americans.

AJCC/Pete Davis Youth Basketball Clinics

Seniors & Fire Safety

May 1, May 15, June 12, June 26 Sundays 1-3pm

Wed, May 4, 12:30-1:30pm L.B. Fire Ambassadors will present fire safety, awareness & preventative tips.

Ages 6-14 Sharpen your skills or pick up new ones in these great clinics.

Telemarketing Scams

Cost per clinic

Tue, May 10, 12-1:30pm

$20/AJCC Member; $25/Public

Learn how to avoid pitfalls of sweepstakes & charity cons. A light lunch will be offered after the seminar.

Sign up for all 4 dates & SAVE $10

Thur, May 26

Veterans’ Forum

Contact Susanne Katz for more info.

Fri, May 13, 9:30am-12:30pm

Visit the GesherCity Long Beach Facebook page for more info!

Three presentations: Women in the Military, Veterans & Families, and Veterans & Homelessness.

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

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Class Sun, May 15, 1-2:30pm This workshop will help you design a “Baggie Book”, a project to hold memories & other materials that provide comfort to your loved one with dementia. Limited to 25, RSVP early.

Happy Healthy Heart Thur, May 19, 9am-12pm Blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol & body mass index screenings.

Participants will receive goodie bags.

Transportation Options for Senior Drivers

Let’s Get Physical: Fit Camp for Kids May 1-June 12 Sundays, 4-5pm Ages 6-12 Getting fit & staying fit can be a BLAST! Our new Fit Camp for kids combines circuit training, games, art, & nutrition education. Training components may include yoga, Skillastics, Zumba, X-Box Kinect, Wii, light weights & much more! $55/AJCC Member; $65/Public

•Side by Side •Extended hours Classes available for newborns through 5 years old.

Contact Lori Davidson for info.

NEW Class!

Infant Massage Class 5 Classes Starting Fri, May 13, 9:30am Learn to give your baby a full-body massage & bond in a way that improves health and happiness.

Benefits for Your Baby •Loving, communication •Enhances immune system •Reduces gas & colic and allows your baby to sleep better •Helps your baby relax •Emotionally nourishes your baby

Benefits for Parents •Increases your handling skills •Helps you relax & listen to your baby •Fosters intimate attachment & bonding Bernadette Pelayo, OTR/L, CIMT, CCLS

Class fee $75 Contact Lori Davidson for info.

Alpert JCC Program Guide

GESHERCITY YOUNG ADULTS

Webby Dance Ages 2½-4: Tue or Wed, 3-3:45pm Ages 4-8: Wed, 4–4:45pm Intro to basics of tap, jazz & ballet with Webby Dance, the leaders in kids’ dance instruction.

Continuing enrollment – join anytime!

Tue, May 24, 6:30-8pm

New York & Chicago Club First Event Sun, June 19 Spend Father’s Day at the “J” watching the Chicago Cubs vs.

New York Yankees Live, on a huge screen. There will be great eats & more.

RSVP to Dr. Susan Mathieu, ext. 1721 or Eve Lunt, ext. 1067

Ongoing Senior Activities Lunch Program: Wed, 12pm Knit Wits: Mon, 1pm Mah Jongg Group: Thur, 12pm Book Club: 1st Thur of month, 1pm

• "Are You Concerned about a Senior Driver?". A Calif. DMV presentation • Transportation programs available in L.B. presentation by LB Transit.

• “Elbow to Elbow “driving program presented by RSVP & JFCS

Webby Hip Hop/Cheer Ages 5-10: Tue, 4–4:45pm Boys & girls learn basic cheer skills, and hip hop/cheer routines to ageappropriate music.

Continuing enrollment – join anytime!

FREE Transportation Older adults may qualify for transportation to these programs through the “Elbow to Elbow” transportation project, sponsored by AJCC, JFCS, Jewish Federation & RSVP. Support is provided by the Archstone Foundation & L.B. Cares. Contact Chris Palzer at (562) 506-2801 Reservations are required for each event. Please call the RSVP office.

(562) 506-2801

Martial Arts Classes with Sensei Mac • Youth Mixed Martial Arts • Parent & Me Martial Arts • Youth Sparring Class • Cardio Kick-Boxing • Adult Mixed Martial Arts • Self-Defense • Private Martial Arts Lessons Visit www.alpertjcc.org for details

The Barbara & Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center

Gan Hamaish KinderCamp Session I: June 20-July 22 Session II: July 25-Aug. 26 Both Sessions: June 20-Aug. 26 5 & 3 day options available 9am-2:30pm •2 Field Trips per session & many in-house visitors (e.g. reptiles, puppies) •Special interest activities including photojournalism/scrapbooking, 3D art, woodworking, & fine arts •Kindergarten readiness skills reinforced •Use of swimming pool, gymnasium, and playgrounds •Optional reading program offered To register contact Danielle Putnam at ext. 1090 or dputnam@alpertjcc.org

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www.alpertjcc.org

Alpert JCC Program Guide

YOUTH

TEENS

AQUATICS

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

Linda Keiles, lkeiles@alpertjcc.org (562)426-7601, ext. 1047

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

Teen Night Out

Jenny McClintock’s Acting 101 Players Present: Mystery Dinner Theater: The Romanian Uranium Mystery Sunday, May 15, 4-6pm Join the AJCC’s Acting 101 Players, comprised of kids ages 8 to 12, in “The Romanian Uranium Mystery”, an interactive "whodunit”. Help solve this hilarious mystery before it even happens…and remember, don't rule out the waitress and delivery boy! $10/Ages 12 & up $8/children 2-11 FREE/Under 2yrs

Kids UNIVERSITY

June 20-July 14 (4 wks) July 18-August 11 (4 wks) August 15-August 25 (2 wks) Mon & Wed or Tue & Thur

Take your game to an unexplored new level with Xtreme Bowling – an adventure of lights, great music, & wild bowling challenges! Prizes for high scores and more. $20 includes bowling, shoes & supervision; bring money for food.

Contact Erica Harmatz, AJCC Teen Activities Coordinator at alpertjccteens@gmail.com or (562)715-7815.

Teen Summer 2011 For kids entering grades 6 & up Camp J Crew 4 Trips every week!

IFly Indoor Sky Diving, Knott’s, Beach Days, Soak City, Sky High Sports, Putting Edge Fun Center, Medieval Times, Wild Rivers, Kayaking, Six Flags, Overnights, California Adventure, OC Fair, swimming, Judaics & more.

• Digital Movie Making Camp • Teen Summer Stock Presents:

FAME, The Musical • Counselor in Training Leadership

Program for 9th-12th graders

Teen Summer Stock presents

“Fame” The Musical June 20-July 24 5 week program • Mon- Fri, 1-5pm Rehearsals start Monday, June 20 Performances: July 20, 21, 23, 24 For Middle School & up Summer Stock provides opportunities for teens to participate in singing, dancing, acting, prop & costume prep, & more. Five weeks of preparation Mon-Fri. afternoons lead up to live performances.

May 15 for Fall 2011 Afterschool Program for students in K-Middle School

Pick-Up from Long Beach area schools including: Longfellow • Twain • Newcomb Naples • Kettering • Fremont Bancroft • Gant • Emerson • Carver Tincher • Stanford•Hughes

Ages 3-5: Tiny Tots (1:4 ratio) 9-9:30am / 1:30-2pm / 2:30-3pm Ages 4-6: Beginner (1:4 ratio) 9:30-10am / 2-2:30pm / 3-3:30pm Ages 5-8: Adv. Beginner (1:6 ratio) 10-10:30am / 3:30-4pm Class gets kids to love the water and teaches them how to be water safe. $75/AJCC Mem; $90/Public, (4 wks) $37.50/AJCC Mem; $45/Public, (2 wks)

Schedule your FREE 10 min. Try Out Fridays, May 27, June 3, 10, 17

Summer Water Polo June 20-July 20 (5 wks) July 25-Aug. 31 (5 wks + 1 Free Wk) Mon & Wed, 4pm

Auditions will take place during the Ages 5-7 & 7-12 first week; teens must be registered • Learn Water Polo fundamentals for Summer Stock in order to audition. • FREE T-shirt & team photo Be a part of “Fame - The Musical” this FREE tryout the 1st week of class summer at the AJCC!

$65/AJCC Member; $75/Public

For info. contact Dept. Dir. Linda Keiles at lkeiles@alpertjcc.org

Must Be USA Water POLO Member ($25 ages 5-9; $60 ages 10 & up, per yr)

Registration Opens

Our afterschool program fees include pick-up, snack, homework assistance, and one enrichment class per day, at no extra charge.

Register NOW: Early Bird Camp Pricing Ends Friday, May 13

Kids & Adults Private Swim Lessons: Mon-Thur, 8am-1pm & 3-7pm Fri-Sun, 8:30am-5pm One-on-One instruction teaches water safety and confidence

4 (15 min) lessons $95/AJCC Member; $120/Public

4 (30 min) lessons $150/AJCC Member; $180/Public

Summer Youth Swim Team with Coach Rafe Montes

Schools subject to change.

Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, 5:15-6:30pm Tues, Fri, 8-9:30am

Ask about our NEW Kinder pricing.

Ages 6-14

Contact Natalie Chernik for more info.

This is a competitive swim team.

Participants must tryout (be able to perform all 4 swim strokes) $66/AJCC Member; $82.50/Public, per month.

Write On: Handwriting the Right Way! Ages 4-7 A certified & licensed pediatric occupational therapist will use games, songs, crafts & the acclaimed Handwriting Without Tears® program to help kids improve their fine motor skills for successful handwriting.

Small group size & fun themes make the hour-long classes fly by.

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Summer Group Swim Lessons

Xtreme Bowling at Valley View Lanes Sat, May 7, 8:30pm

For info. contact Dept. Dir. Linda Keiles at lkeiles@alpertjcc.org

Summer Prep Swim Team with Coach Rafe Montes

May 3-31 Tue, Thur, Fri, 4:30-5:15pm Ages 5-12 This is a stepping stone to the AJCC Swim Team. Everyone has to tryout and must be able to swim 25 yards with side breathing. Price per month. $50.75/AJCC Member; $61.50/Public

NISAN-IYAR 5771

MAY 2011

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

Our Own Hometown Hero On the morning of March 2, 2011 Ginny duRivage, Program Director and Domestic ViGinny duRivage o l e n c e Manager of JFCS got into her car to go to work when she noticed a disheveled young man had fallen on her lawn. Initially she thought he was a street person coming out of a bar and was going to drive on. Something inside wouldn’t let her. “Well he is in my yard,” she said so she got out to help.

Ginny’s neighbor Donna Castellanos Haynes ran over to see if she could help. The young man was completely disoriented, had no sense of location or time.

As they asked him more questions it became clear something else was seriously wrong. Ginny ran back into her house to get him a chair so he didn’t pass out.

The two ladies thought he was diabetic and juice might help, so Donna ran to get some.

They found his cell phone, and called “mom”, who confirmed he was diabetic, and said this had happened before and he needed to go to the hospital immediately. She asked them to call 9-1-1 and his wife.

After 9-1-1 was called Donna and Ginny knew what they were dealing with and helped the semi-conscious young man to the ground.

When the paramedics arrived, they immediately recognized the extreme seriousness of the problem and began working on him right there. He eventually returned to consciousness as they put him into the ambulance.

Thanks to Ginny and her neighbor Donna for getting involved, the EMTs said they would be able to save him. Congratulations to Ginny for doing such a great mitzvah and for being one of the American Red Cross Hometown Heroes.

Mitzvah Project Gift to JFCS Earlier this year several large bins were stationed in the lobby of the Alpert JCC along with a sign asking for stuffed animals. Miriam Berro Krugman had chosen a Bat Mitzvah project that would reach out and help children all over the world.

She chose to collect stuffed toys and give them to six agencies for distribution to children who do not have the luxury of toys.

Miriam collected a total of ter - Safe shelter and serv1,320 stuffed animals from loices for women and chilcations all over Long Beach. dren experiencing abuse Miriam chose six agencies to • Long Beach Rescue Mishelp her distribute the toys to sion - Food and services for deserving children. They are: homeless men, women and • Interval House - Crisis cenchildren ter for women and children • Jewish Federation Partnerwho have been victims of ship City in Isarel, Kiryat domestic violence Malachi - "Mother to An• Centro Shalom - Services other " afternoon programs for immigrants and needy for disadvantaged children families • Jewish Family and Chil• Long Beach Women's Sheldren’s Service of Greater

Long Beach/West Orange County Miriam has been raising money for JFCS for many years by asking people to sponsor her for Athletes Fete and now for the JFCS 10K/5K Beach Run/Walk. Our board of directors and staff want to thank Miriam for choosing JFCS as a beneficiary of her mitzvah project and for the way she reaches out to help those who are in need. Thank You!

JFCS Café Bistro Launched in March

Wendy Puzarne, Executive Director of JFCS, Nancy Linden, Chef Eric Greenspan, Ellen Friedman and Joyce Greenspan at Café Bistro on March 20, 2011

JFCS’ newly formed Café Bistro had a great start on Sunday, March 20, 2011. The committee headed by Nancy Linden, Joyce Greenspan, and Ellen Friedman, planned a fabulous dinner that was attended by 54 people.

Chef Eric Greenspan, Chef/Owner of The Foundry on Melrose in Los Angeles, brought his staff to Long Beach where a beautiful meal was prepared.

The Café Bistro committee arranged for the dinner to be held at the Spinnaker Bay Clubhouse with the assistance of Margo Hoffer and Jean Blakey.

The guests were greeted with a specialty cocktail prepared by Sagi Rochman and his staff from

Sababa, a restaurant/lounge at the Marketplace in Long Beach.

Delicious appetizers accompanied the cocktails. The dinner was served with paired wines to enhance the three course meal.

The committee is planning the second Café Bistro event at Sababa on June 12, 2011. To be a member of JFCS’ Café Bistro and receive an invitation to the remainder of our dinners, please make a $75 per person donation to JFCS. The cost of the dinners is additional and paid before each event. For more information please contact Janet Pottebaum at JFCS by email, jpottebaum@jfcslongbeach.org or by phone EXT. 235.

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 2011 | 7

Hillel at CSULB FOR MORE INFORMATION: WEB: www.Beachhillel.org EMAIL: beachhillel@gmail.com PHONE: 562-985-7068 or 562-426-7601 ext 1424

Spotlight on Israel

Beach Hillel shows pride for Israel on campus

This month, Beach Hillel will celebrate our annual Israel Week.

Programs will include celebrations for Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Students will also have the opportunity to meet Israeli soldiers, hear from speakers, eat Israeli food, and learn about Israeli culture.

Beach Hillel’s annual brunch will take place at the home of Barbara & Leon Shoag to celebrate the graduating seniors and the end of a successful year. We will also be wishing safe and

happy travels to our Taglit-Birthright Israel group departing in June.

The Beach Hillel students will join participants from the Hillels of UC Davis, Sacramento, and Silicon Valley for a once in a lifetime experience. The students are beyond excited for the upcoming trip.

Cynthia Vuguin, one of the students participating in the trip, explains “Going to Israel is something my immediate family never had the chance to do. My grandmother was fortunate to visit Israel before she passed away, and this opportunity will help me connect with her and have a shared experience. I feel very fortunate to have the chance to learn more about my culture and history. I am so grateful to the Beach Hillel staff for telling me about this opportunity and encouraging me to apply.”

Beach Hillel is dedicated to fostering support for the state of Israel and promoting the Taglit-Birthright Israel experience.

Student Activities

Israeli hip-hop artist Kalkidan Mashasha connects with Beach Hillel fans

The month of April was full of exciting events! The six-week basic Hebrew class was a success, ending on a positive note as both Jewish and non-Jewish students were exposed to the language in time for Passover.

The monthly Rosh Chodesh brunch on campus was held in the Interfaith Center. Students welcomed taking a break from their busy day to visit friends, enjoy free food, and celebrate the holiday.

On April 11th, Beach Hillel held a unique concert featuring Kalkidan Mashasha, an Israeli hip-hop and reggae artist, co-

FEDERATION TOWER APARTMENTS FREE Alpert JCC Membership Including Wednesday Senior Lunch Seniors 62+ pay only 30% of your income for rent!

Waiting lists for qualified applicants Studios & One Bedroom Apartments Intercom Entry Two Lounge Areas Planned Activities Wheelchair Accessible

Air Conditioning Carpeting & Vertical Blinds Refrigerator & Stove Mirrored Closet Doors

(562) 426-8404 3799 E. Willow Street, Long Beach Next to the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus

8 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN/IYAR | 5771

sponsored by Jewlicious and the Israeli Consulate of LA. As part of his Hip Hop ‘N Happening Jewlicious tour, Kalkidan entertained the campus community at CSULB and received rave reviews. As one of Israel’s emerging rap artists, Kalkidan’s songs take on all aspects of Israeli life.

His often raw and honest lyrics have given him a passionate following, packing his performances throughout Tel Aviv. We look forward to collaborating with Jewlicious and the Israeli Consulate more in the future to bring these unique programs to CSULB.

Passover with Beach Hillel Beach Hillel offered a variety of Passover programs this year. Rabbi Drew led “Java and Jews: Passover Edition,” meeting students for coffee on campus to discuss the story of Passover.

The week before Passover, students were given Shmurah matzah that was generously donated by the Hebrew Academy. Passing out the matzah on campus was a great way to reach out to new Jewish students, as well as bring awareness of the holiday to the larger campus community.

Beach Hillel also offered a traditional Passover seder at the Kaplan’s home, bringing dozens of students together to celebrate and honor the holiday. The celebrating continued during the week of Passover when students gathered to eat matzah pizza and watch Disney’s “The Prince of Egypt.”

Finally, the end of Passover was commemorated with a post-Passover bread binge, allowing the students to enjoy the foods they had missed all week. Thank you to the support of our amazing donors who enable us to provide such engaging and meaningful holiday programs.

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 Dinner 2011

Honoring Charles and Leach Bonner

More than 200 people joined the Hebrew Academy at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills to honor Ariela Lawee with the Partners in Education Award and Charles & Leah Bonner with the Parent of the Year Award.

Mrs. Lawee has been a strong

May Upcoming Events OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY:

Mother’s Day Assembly Preschool: Mother’s Day Tea Friday, May 6

Golf Tournament Monday, May 9

Israel Day Celebration Jewish Knowledge Bee Finale Tuesday, May 10

Open House & Upper School Awards Night Wednesday, May 18

Family Shabbat Dinner/Shabbaton Friday, May 20

Lag B’Omer Celebrations Saturday night, May 21

Mitzvay Assembly Tuesday, May 24

Gan Izzy 4aDay Monday, May 30

Registration open for Camp Silver Gan Israel Registration open for Hebrew Academy Fall Registration Registration open for Hebrew Academy Preschool

Lag B’Omer

Honoring Ariela Lawee

supporter of the educational program of the H. A. for many years and is most deserving of this award.

The Bonners, who have volunteered hundreds of hours to help others and are proud parents of four children that have gone through the Academy program,

graciously accepted the Parents of the Year Award.

The evening finished with a performance by comedian Mark Schiff. Television personality Elon Gold, was the MC for the evening.

Mazel Tov to this year’s honorees!

Camp Silver Gan Israel Camp Silver Gan Israel now has a brand new life size gamespot. Did you ever play Connect Four with a game 4 feet tall? How about playing with chess pieces that are each a foot in diameter? Some other biggies include a 5’ Jenga, 3’ Pick-up Sticks and huge dominoes, chess, twister and playing cards to name a few.

“Camp Silver Gan Israel is guaranteed to generate a sense of Jewish pride in all who attend, and we’re always looking for the most exciting new programs,” said Rabbi Sender Engel, the camp director. “SGI is a place where children will forge lasting friendships, explore new interests, and come home every day singing a spirited camp tune.”

“While going on trips is always exciting, our 11 acre safe and secure facilities boast 2 exclusive use pools (1 covered), game rooms, an enclosed hockey rink, a cyber lab, and a laser tag arena. Kids will enjoy archery, arts & crafts, karate,

gaming, science, hamster balling, rock climbing, laser tag, swimming and so much more while they are infused with a sense of Jewish pride and an excitement for their heritage. Being Jewish should be fun!” the Rabbi said.

The camp runs a full fleet of buses offering transportation from various areas. The camp has been fully accredited by the American Camp Association for four decades.

Parents will be happy to learn that they can save 7% off camp fees by registering before May 11.

For more information or to request a campus tour, contact Rabbi Sender Engel at EXT. 221 or sender@campsgi.com, or www.SilverGanIsrael.com.

Lag B’omer is a day to celebrate Jewish Pride and Unity. This is the day we honor Rabbi Akiva whose most famous teaching was ‘love your fellow as yourself’. It is also the Yahrtzeit of the Great Tanna and Kabbalist Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai who requested that this day be commemorated as a day for rejoicing and celebration. Jews across the globe celebrate this auspicious day by bringing their communities together to celebrate and take pride in their strength as a people.

The H. A. will be hosting its annual Community Grand Lag B’omer celebration at the H. A.

Campus. It follows the Community Wide and Israel Themed Campout Shabbaton, Motzoei Shabbat/Saturday Night, May 21st at 9:00 to 11:00 pm. The Lag B’omer Program will kick off with a traditional Havdalah service, music and dancing around a Mega bonfire in the tradition of the Kabbalists with food and entertainment for all ages.

The H. A. welcomes the entire community to the Family Shabbaton together with the Lag B’omer celebration. RSVP is necessary for camping. For more information please contact Rabbi Popack at EXT 203.

Annual Golf Classic Tell the office you’ll be on assignment, unavailable, with a very important client.Tell ‘em anything…just so you can take the day off for a great round of golf at a sublime private club, the Seacliff Country Club in Huntington Beach, about a 7-iron from Hebrew Academy.

Join us this year as we celebrate our 20th Annual Academy golf Classic on Monday, May 9.

It’s a scramble, which means that every golfer has a chance to help his team, off the tee, from the fairway, on the green, or even (yikes!) out of the woods. To make things even more intriguing, we offer a helicopter ball drop—you’ll win up to $10,000 if your numbered ball is either in or closest to

the hole. Be sure to purchase a golf ball; all you need is one winning number!

Tournament Chairman Joseph Konowiecki expects this to be the biggest, best event yet for the academy. The money that is raised at this event, which features many corporate sponsors, goes to benefit the Scholarship and Campership Fund.

We hope to see you all there.

To enter the golf tournament or purchase golf balls please call Jenny at EXT 209.

www.jewishlongbeach.org | MAY 2011 | 9

COMMUNITY

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ATTORNEYS

PEDIATRICS

Alban & Alban, A Law Corporation

Robert A. Kaplan, M.D. Joel J. Widelitz, M.D.

Robert D. Alban & Jon K. Alban Estate Planning and Estate Administration Living Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney Serving the Long Beach community for over 40 years

_____ (562) 594-0222

Lawrence H. Nemirow, ESQ 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. Al.

_____ (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

A Professional Corporation Infants-Children-Adolescents Robert A. Kaplan, M.D. F.A.A.P. Joel J. Widelitz, M.D., F.A.A.P. Rei Tosu, M.D., F.A.A.P. Barbara Bennett, R.N., C.P.N.P. 10861 Cherry St., Suite 305 Los Alamitos, CA 90720

(562) 598-4848

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

(562) 496-2000 www.drbrodskysmile.com

OB/GYN Joel Kizner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Board Certified in OB/GYN

years. There will also be the opportunity to honor the incoming president, Linda C. Fox, as she takes the reins of the Long Beach section and continues the legacy of excellence. A new executive vicepresident, Ilsebill Wolfe, will assist Fox in her efforts and prepares for her future role.

One of the most celebrated performers in the world of contemporary Jewish music today, Julie Silver, will provide an up-

ECE Mitzvah Project for Japan Relief Fund

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

PSYCHOLOGY Bernard F. Natelson, PSY.D. Certified, American Board of Medical Psychotherapists, Stress Management-Relationship Expertise 10900 Los Alamitos Blvd., Suite 207

_____ (562) 431-1033

Craig Kain, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist, Psychotherapy & Counseling in Long Beach, Afternoon & Evening Appts. drcraigkain@craigkain.com

(562) 987-1766

The Gold Trotters, Inc.

(562) 594-9088

The Awards and Installation luncheon for National Council of Jewish Women Long Beach Section will be Tuesday, May 17 at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow Street in Long Beach commencing at 10:30 am. That is when members and guests will have the opportunity to honor the volunteers and their special skills, as well as to honor the outgoing president, Judith Leff, who capably mentored the organization through the last two

PODIATRY

JEWELRY Fine Jewelry since 1977. On-site gemological services performed by Rose Keller, GIA graduate (1977).

NCJW – Awards & Installation Luncheon

Call Today to Add your listing to our Professional Directory

Alpert JCC Early Childhood Education’s “Room Tapooz” presented the Federation with their Tzedakah for the Japan Disaster Relief Fund. Pictured left to right with “Room Tapooz”, Ana-Martha O’Brien, teacher, Lila Ramirez-assistant, Loren Flores-assistant.

CELEBRATE ISRAEL continued from page 2 school students to learn about and visit Israel. In addition, the Bureau of Jewish Education is adding an Israel Advocacy component to its teen programming this fall. I-ACT (Israel Advocacy Committee for Teens) is open to all high-school students and puts the teens at the intersection of their passion for Israel and advocating for their future. For more information e-mail Sheri@bjeoc.org.

Anna 562-426-7601 EXT 1007 or Yolanda 562-426-7601 EXT 1314 for more information

10861 Cherry St., Ste. 109 Los Alamitos, CA 90720

(562) 431-3606

10 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | NISAN/IYAR | 5771

To learn more about Israel programs please join us on May 9 for the community Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration where there will be information tables or call the Jewish Federation (562-426-7601), your gateway to srael. *Community organizations were asked to contribute information for this article. The information above reflects the information we received by our deadline and was not meant to exclude any group.

lifting and spiritual musical program.

The cost for the afternoon is $25. To make your reservation, send your check by May 10 made out to NCJW, to Diane Fike, 460 Linares Avenue, Long Beach, CA 908032212 and put the word, INSTALLATION, on the outside of the envelope. Please note whether you prefer a fish or vegetarian meal.

Jewish Studies Program CSULB’s Jewish Studies Program is pleased to present Dr. Sarah Abrevaya Stein, Wednesday evening, May 4, at 7:30 pm, at the Alpert JCC. Her talk is entitled Plumes: Ostrich Feathers, Jews, & a Lost World of Global Commerce.

Dr. Stein will discuss her award-winning research into a global trading network that linked Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews that stretched from South Africa to North Africa to the United States.

The lecture series is free and open to the community. For more information, please contact Susan Paletz at the Alpert JCC at 562-426-7601, EXT. 1012.

CCEJ Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner The 48th Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner will be held at the Westin Long Beach, Thursday, May 19. A reception will be held at 5:30pm, dinner to follow at 6:30pm. For tickets contact 562-435-8184.

Five distinguished honorees: Stephen M. Goodling, Amy Lipeles, Christopher Steinhauser and Marlene and Don Temple will be presented with The California Conference for Equality and Justice's 2011 Humanitarian Award. These leaders will be

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Jewish Federation

•To Nini Horn, in memory of your husband, Steve, from the JFCS Staff & Board of Directors

TRIBUTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tribute & memorial contributions are special gifts to honor, memorialize, or congratulate friends & family for all occasions. We will be delighted to send a card on your behalf.

ARNOLD ORLOFF FUND •To Bob & Lynn Tobias, in memory of Beth Alexander, from Laura, Leslye, Jim, Tracey, Peter, Natasha, Elan, Vickie, Erin, Sandie, Rylee, Alexandra & Beth •To Van Alexander & family, in memory of Beth Alexander, from Laura, Leslye, Jim, Tracey, Peter, Natasha, Elan, Vickie, Erin, Sandie, Rylee, Alexandra & Beth

FEDERATION GENERAL FUND •To Marlene Fields, in honor of your selection to receive the VISION Award for you outstanding work with Hadassah, from Robert & Hannah Levine •To Debi Felsenthal, in honor of your For tributes to JFCS please call selection to receive the VISIONS 562-426-7601 EXT 217 or Award for you outstanding work with 562-427-7916 Temple Israel Sisterhood, from Susan Mathieu B’nai Mitzvah JAPAN RELIEF FUND •To Edward “Bud” Silver, in honor of your 90th birthday, from The Venerable Dinner Group: Ruth & Arnold, Jan, Jeri & Milt, Marian, Donna & Don, Rosemary & Jimmy For tributes to the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation please call 562-426-7601 EXT 1314

AJCC

TEMPLE BETH DAVID Tatiana Esther Velez Tatiana Velez will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on May 21. She is in 7th grade at Los Alisos Middle School. For her Mitzvah project Tatiana is collecting items for the sick children at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

PAULA BLUM SENIOR Stephen Geller FUND Stephen •To Pat Sciotto & family, in memory of Yetta Le Blanc, from Diane Lamb & Geller will be family called to the Torah on May 28.

JEWISH LIFE & CULTURE Stephen is in 7th •To Shelley & Tom Carl, in memory of grade Gate K.C. Opper, from Joel & Edie Brodsky classes at McAuliffe Middle MICHAEL SEGAL School. Stephen enjoys soccer, has MAIMONIDES FUND a great sense of humor, and many •To Rita Schwartz & family, in memory friends. Stephen looks forward to of Maurice, from Jessie Butler family vacations and Jewish camps.

•To Shelly Suffin & family, in memory Mazel Tov of Jill, from Jessie Butler Arielle Esther Pulido For tributes to AJCC please call To Arielle 562-426-7601 EXT 1414 Esther Pulido on her graduation JFCS from high school GENERAL JFCS FUND and entrance into •To Phyllis Sussman & Larry Perrettano, Cal. State Univ. in honor of your marriage, from Judy Long Beach. ParLorber ents Amy & Humberto Pulido are •To Jean Bixby Smith, in memory of proud of her achievements and wish Mark Bixby, from the JFCS Staff & her continued good luck in the future.

Board of Directors

CCEJ continued from page 10 recognized for their advancement of the mission of the CCEJ, their civic contributions, and their

life long commitment to humankind.

The proceeds will support the important work of the CCEJ to reduce bias, bigotry and prejudice.

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90815

PAID Permit No.129 Long Beach, CA

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TOP REASONS TO GO ON THE COMMUNITY MISSION TO ISRAEL OCT.23 - NOV.1,2011 Join us at the Alpert JCC, Tuesday, May 10, at 7p.m. for the Long Beach information meeting about the Community Mission

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Experience the best of Israel with your family, friends, synagogue, and/or professional colleagues Choose from a host of personalized tracks, featuring unique experiences Enjoy private tours of top museums and boutique wineries - no lines, no waiting, no hassle VIP visits to Israeli military bases for a soldier’s view of history Leave your mark in Israel through a community service project Dance and drum in the desert with Israel’s new young pioneers Be inspired by how our community touches the lives of Israelis Meet Israel’s Prime Minister and top leaders, including the President Celebrate our Centennial at three community-wide mega-events

AND, THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT REASON TO GO? 1 A mission like this only happens once in a hundred years!

To sign up for more information, contact Sharon Kenigsberg at (562) 426-7601, ext. 1008, SharonK@JewishLongBeach.org or visit www.JewishLA.org

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