Jewish Community Chronicle January/February 2023

THE VOICE OF JEWISH LONG BEACH PUBLISHED SINCE 1947

JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2023 | TEVET – SHEVAT – ADAR 5783

Gerda Seifer z”l 1927 - 2022

jewishlongbeach.org

VOL. 76 NO. 1

INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 5

Jewish Long Beach announces two named programs in honor of past presidents

6

Alpert JCC Center for Life

8

Reflections

9

Falk Playground Garden Project

10

Gerda Seifer z”l

14 15

Community News

Long Beach Jewish Film Festival

THE VOICE OF JEWISH LONG BEACH PUBLISHED SINCE 1947

The Best in Jewish-themed Films

January/February Programs & Events Tu Bishvat

Alpert JCC ECE Honors Tu Bishvat

Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus One Sommer Way

Prolific author, dedicated activist, and quintessential woman of valor

3801 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90815-1791

Tributes/In Memoriam

Phone: 562.426.7601 | FAX: 562.424.3915

Align your business with our mission Become a Jewish Long Beach Business Partner Flexible partnership packages Promotional opportunities Chronicle ad credit Meeting and event space Discounted Alpert JCC Membership for employees

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Jewish Long Beach is a 501(c)3 with tax I.D. 95-1647830 Dr. Richard Marcus President, Board of Directors

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Zach Benjamin Chief Executive Officer

Kevin Giser Chief Operating and Development Officer

Start a Passover Tradition

Reserve your Passover Greeting in the March/April Chronicle

Susan Paletz Director of Fund & Community Development

Rachel Roberts Manager of Marketing & Leadership Engagement

Yolanda Placencio Editor

Deadline: February 2, 2023 jewishlongbeach.org/passovergreetings chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org (562) 426-7601 x1314

Editorial and advertising queries, please call 562.426.7601 x1314 or write chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org.

Ad & Copy deadline for March/April 2023 issue: February 2, 2023 ISSN# 1525- 6847 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 Jewish Long Beach. The publication of a paid political advertisement does not constitute endorsement of any candidate, political party or political position by Jewish Long Beach or any employee.

Photo credits and copyrights Cover - ©Rachel Roberts Chronicle ©2023 Jewish Long Beach All Rights Reserved.

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JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2023

Feb 17 5:21 pm Feb 24 5:27 pm

CONVERSATIONS

COMMUNITY

Living in the Age of the Third Temple Zach Benjamin

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Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Long Beach

As I begin writing this edition of my Chronicle column, I sit at the window of “my hotel room/temporary “office,” where to my left and roughly 100 feet below ro ll t he waves o f t he Zach Benjamin Mediterranean, gently depositing wetsuit-clad surfers onto the golden sands of the Israeli seashore. To my right rises the ever-expanding urban labyrinth of Tel Aviv, stretching over the horizon toward the Judean Hills and Jerusalem roughly 35 miles to the east.

about antisemitism that felt more like vague examinations of someone else’s experience rather than a relevant cautionary exercise, and reluctant twice-weekly religious school attendance that prepared me for a Bar Mitzvah which, in turn, marked the perhaps premature conclusion of my formal Jewish education.

A visit to Israel is always transformative, and this journey—during which I joined an exceptional group of our community members and supporters for our long-delayed Jewish Long Beach community trip—felt especially meaningful after nearly three years of chaos and uncertainty wrought by the pandemic and its aftermath.

The moment I set foot in Israel, my understanding of our imperative to ensure the continuity of Jewish peoplehood immediately sharpened, shifting to a central position within my Jewish consciousness. Just as intentionality is necessary to maintain Jewish values and identity within even the most secular of Jewish households, so is it a monumental task of ensuring that the Jewish people remain existentially sustainable in perpetuity. The Israeli flag, the construction, and even the heat that pushed the very limits of human tolerance, all in that moment created an understanding of our people as a resolute and perseverant one, defiantly creating a well-fortified island of safe society in a world that has historically met our very existence with hostility.

Israel has long been central to my personal sense of place and purpose in the Jewish landscape. While I was raised in an unmistakably Jewish household, it was not until my first visit to Israel nearly 25 years ago, at age 17, that I truly felt linked to the vast history and complex realities of our people. At that time, the new international terminal at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport remained under construction, and so it was still necessary to disembark the airplane via air stairs. As we stepped directly into the Middle Eastern summer, the blast furnace of hot wind welcomed us to a region that, just days later, would further ignite with the eruption of the second intifada.

As my eyes adjusted to the sunlight and heat, I caught my first glimpse of the Magen David (Star of David) flying over the land, just beyond which rose a seemingly endless latticework of cranes and new construction racing to accommodate the rapidly expanding population of the Jewish state.

We can only hope to experience one or two singular moments over the course of a lifetime that significantly and spectacularly reroute our trajectory and purpose. For me, those first steps in Israel constituted that moment, dramatically reshaping my Jewish identity with perspective-altering context that it previously lacked. My Jewish experience to that point was an amorphous primordial soup of typical American Jewish benchmarks: annual family observances of major holidays, conversations

As a Jew growing up in diaspora, a tension existed between my American identity and my Jewish one, the latter of which was deeply important, and yet difficult for me to comfortably position within my broader sense of self.

I have been fortunate enough to return “home” to Israel nine times. Each visit bears reminders that our shared responsibility to advance Jewish peoplehood exists on a variety of scales. As individuals, we must work to cultivate our own Jewish identities in those ways that inspire us to lead full and fulfilling Jewish lives. As parents and spouses, we curate households that instill our children with Jewish values and develop their sense of Jewish identity. Israel itself plays perhaps the most critical role of all, existing as an insurance policy against threats to Jews worldwide. Israel is also a society that, while decidedly imperfect, we might envision as a form of Jewish household on a global scale.

Similarly, perhaps the Jewish communities of the diaspora are akin to grown children who have settled far from their places of birth, and yet who remain faithful to the values with which they were raised.

Despite the persistent threats against us, we the Jewish people nonetheless find ourselves living in what some describe as a golden age. Israel, after all, exists as a sovereign Jewish homeland, exceptionally well-defended and boasting one

of the most vibrant an innovative economies in the history of humanity. We live in an age where any Jew residing in the free world can board a plane, and within a day, lay her hands on the Kotel or stand at the foot of Masada.

In recent years, a troubling fringe movement has developed calling for the erection of a “third temple” on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This concept has, thankfully, gained little traction, as it would necessitate the razing of Muslim holy sites and result in the immediate disintegration of the geopolitical legitimacy that Israelis and Jews worldwide have worked and sacrificed so profoundly to develop. It would render Israel a true pariah and not only endanger, but likely ensure the imminent destruction of global Jewry. This concept is also wholly inconsistent with generally accepted perspectives on our evolution to a rabbinic model of Jewish observance.

The smattering of adherents to “Third Temple Movement” fail to grasp the reality that the “third temple” for which they yearn already exists in a strengthened form that even our Zionist forebears might never have imagined.

Indeed, the State of Israel itself is the third temple. It is the nerve center of the Jewish people, representing not only the fulfillment of our millennia-long quest for self-determination, but also of our contemporary imperative to serve as a light unto all in an era when we are at our most capable of doing so.

While Jewish peoplehood is by every measure stronger for Israel’s existence, diaspora Jews and our institutions shoulder not only a responsibility, but an obligation to continuously strengthen the cultural and economic bridges between our communities and Israel. It is not enough for Israel to merely exist. Rather, it is utterly crucial that Israel be buttressed by the support and engagement of those in diaspora whom it is sworn to protect.

It is both my personal and professional priority to ensure that Jewish Long Beach and the AJCC achieve excellence as the convener of our community’s relationship with Israel and overseas Jewry. I hope that, through our revived Jewish communal advocacy infrastructure and increased frequency of adult education programs, you will notice a recommitment to this critically important element of our mission in the coming year.

JEWISHLONGBEACH.ORG

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5783 TEVET – SHEVAT – ADAR | 3

JEWISH LONG BEACH & ALPERT JCC

SPOTLIGHT

Jewish Long Beach announces two named programs in honor of past presidents Kevin Giser | Chief Operating & Development Officer

Thank you to everyone who made UNISON possible, from our generous sponsors, committee members, volunteers, board of directors, and attendees!

many of them. Jessie has also been a dedicated volunteer for decades, cooking meals and serving lunches to our seniors.

Through your partnership, we celebrated the first year of our integrated agency, honored Jessie Butler, and Gordon Lentzner, and raised critical resources for our mission-driven efforts. Over 250 people attended, and after expenses, a total of $200,000 was raised to support the Mary Alpert Pool deck refresh, Children, Youth, and Family Financial Aid, Community Impact Grants, as well as our Area of Greatest Need. Attendees got a first look at the illustrations of our upcoming Mary Alpert Pool deck refresh, as well as a spectacular Jeopardy themed game, designed to honor both Jessie and Gordon.

Our 2023 Gordon Lentzner Community Impact Grant applications have been received, and we look forward to announcing in our March & April Chronicle the local community recipients. These grants will support Jewish Education, Community Engagement, Jewish Pluralism, Engaging with Israel and the World, and Organizational Research. Jewish Long Beach proudly gave out over $500,000 in grants in 2021.

That evening, we made the exciting announcement of naming two of our critical programs and roles as an integrated agency: The Gordon Lentzner Community Impact Grants and the Jessie Butler Senior Meal Program. Gordon has cared for our community’s organizations for decades, sitting on and being president of

In 2022 alone, the newly named Jessie Butler Senior Meal program delivered over 9,000 meals to seniors in the Greater Long Beach area. We announced the return of the in-person Jessie Butler Senior Luncheon, where dozens of seniors connect mind, body, and spirit. Thank you to all our volunteers who have helped pack, deliver, and serve meals!

Family Mega Challah Bake Thursday | Feb 2 | 5 PM | In-person at the Alpert JCC

Challah Making ~Healthy snacks~ Tot Area entertainment by Jelly of the Month CLub Challah Kit: $15 Early Bird | $20 after Jan 27 Limited space available alpertjcc.org/challah

CELEBRATING JUDAISM | WOMEN | SPIRITUALITY | FRIENDSHIP | LEARNING

Women's Weekend Creating Our Futures Together • Brandeis, CA

Spots still available! January 20 - 22, 2023 Contact Susan Paletz at spaletz@alpertjcc.org

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JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2023

SPOTLIGHT

JEWISH LONG BEACH & ALPERT JCC

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#YourCenterForLife

ALPERT JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

YOUR CENTER FOR LIFE

Jewish Life & Culture Dana Schneider-Chanzit, dschneider@alpertjcc.org | (562) 426 - 7601 x1067 The Zena and Pauline Gatov Gallery presents

Emergence by Deborah Weir Exhibit: Jan 3 - 30 | Reception: Jan 8 A mixed-media collection including textiles, 2D, and 3D art The Zena and Pauline Gatov Gallery presents

Make a Difference

Gottlieb Student Art Show Exhibit: Feb 1 - 28 | Awards Reception: Feb 23 A curated exhibit from LBUSD student artists in middle and high school

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

Alpert Classic Film Society First Wednesday of the Month | 7 PM | Virtual January Film: North by Northwest (1959). February: Yojimbo (1961) Happiness & Humor Group First Friday of the Month | 10:30 AM Join Dr. Susan Mathieu on Jan 6 for a New Year's Extravaganza!

Jessie Butler Senior Luncheon Wednesday | Jan 18 & Feb 15 | 12 PM | Free All active adults are invited to enjoy a free lunch with entertainment. Please RSVP online Senior Shabbat & Luncheon with Temple Israel Saturday | Jan 28 & Feb 18 | 11 AM | Free Brief Shabbat morning service led by Temple Israel clergy, followed by kosher lunch & entertainment Mah Jongg for Beginners with Sara Linden 3-Week Series | Thursdays | Feb 9, 16, 23 | 6 PM Learn to play the classic game in-person at the J

JANUARY OFFER

Join our Fitness

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Volunteers needed to pack and deliver meals to seniors on Thursdays Contact Dana Schneider-Chanzit at dschneider@alpertjcc.org to get involved

Save the date!

Community Purim Celebration March 5, 2023

$23

Visit alpertjcc.org/join to schedule a tour!

initiation fee

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Your Center for Fitness | Aquatics | Early Childhood Education | After-School Enrichment Parent & Me Classes | Jewish Life & Culture | Volunteering VISIT ALPERTJCC.ORG FOR THE FULL EVENT AND PROGRAM CALENDAR

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JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2023

YOUR CENTER FOR LIFE

ALPERT JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

Children, Youth & Families Emily Gould, egould@alpertjcc.org | (562) 426 - 7601 x1091

Summer 20 23 is right aroun d the corner !

Visit alpertjcc.org/camp for the latest on Summer registration

J Baby Parent & Me Classes Babies ages 0 - 12 months and their parent are invited to weekly walking groups, social hours, workout classes and guest speakers!

Parents: Ask about how you can become an Alpert JCC Member for just $25/month!

What our families are saying "We love the school, your staff, and most of all the sense of community at AJCC. Our child enjoys going to preschool so much and talks about it all the time. We appreciate everything you and your team do for him." -Louis & Shawna, ECE Parents alpertjcc.org/early-childhood

Fitness, Wellness & Aquatics

FREE M

Elsie Bennett, ebennett@alpertjcc.org | (562) 426 - 7601 x1056

For Act

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Free Wellness Workshops Monday | Jan 9 & Feb 13 | 12 PM Our monthly workshops are free and open to all, light lunch will be served. January: Living with Diabetes. February: Renal Care

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New Fitness Classes Visit alpertjcc.org/fitness for the full group exercise schedule Try a new class in 2023! Reserve Spin & Strength, weekly walking groups, Therapeutic Stretching, and more in MY J Contact membership@alpertjcc.org for more information

Learn to Swim Private and group swim lessons for all ages and abilities. All instructors are Red Cross certified for a guaranteed safe experience. AJCC Members save on swim lesson packages!

Indoor Pickleball is Here Pickleball is open to members only. Limited equipment is available to check out. Love Pickleball? Become an AJCC Pickleball Ambassador! Contact Elsie Bennett for more information.

GAME DAY FUN!

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5783 TEVET – SHEVAT – ADAR | 7

COMMUNITY

REFLECTIONS

Tu Bishvat Is Coming!

Rabbi Karen Isenberg | Congregation Shir Chadash

Tradition tells us that just as the fate of human beings is decided on Rosh Hashanah, the fate of trees is determined on Rosh Hashanah L’ilanot, the New Year for Trees. This year, the holiday of Tu Bishvat begins on the evening of Sunday, February 5th and continues on throughout the day of Monday, February 6th. Tu Bishvat, which means the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shvat, is considered a minor holiday, and yet it has gained much popularity in recent generations.

Interestingly, there is no reference to Tu Bishvat in the Bible. It is first mentioned in the Mishnah (in Rosh Hashanah 1:1). In ancient times, Tu Bishvat was merely a date on the calendar that helped Jewish farmers establish exactly when they should bring their fourth-year produce of fruit from recently planted trees to the Temple as first-fruit offerings. The Kabbalists, a group of Jewish mystics living in Tz’fat, Israel in the 16th century, created a Seder for Tu Bishvat. It was modeled after the Passover Seder, including the drinking of 4 cups of wine. They would gather on the eve of the holiday, singing, eating fruits and nuts, and studying verses from the Bible and Rabbinic writings long into the night.

Rabbi Karen Isenberg

Tu Bishvat gained added significance with the early Zionists that came to Israel. It became an opportunity to celebrate the planting of trees to reclaim the land. In 1901, the Jewish National Fund was created to raise money to buy back and cultivate the land of Israel. The JNF has since planted millions of trees throughout Israel. Tu Bishvat has also evolved into a time to emphasize ecological concerns. We read in Genesis that God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden “l’ovda ul’shomra,” “to work it and to guard it.” This connotes humanity’s duty to guard our land and our resources. The tree has become a symbol of this obligation.

May we learn from our tradition the importance of caring for our trees and all of our natural resources.

Trees have been considered of great significance since ancient times. In Deuteronomy 20:19 we are told that when one you war against a city and capture it, you must not destroy its trees. In a Midrash (Avot de Rabbi Natan 31) it is told that Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakai used to say: “If you have a sapling in your hand and they tell you the Messiah is coming, first plant the sapling and then go to greet him.” Such is the value and importance of trees. And in one of my favorite stories of the Talmud (Ta’anit 23a), a man questions Honi as to why he is planting a carob tree when he is too old to ever see it bear fruit. Honi answers that just as his ancestors planted for him, he too is planting for his descendants.

May we learn from our tradition the importance of caring for our trees and all of our natural resources. Not only for ourselves, but for future generations. This is the message of Tu Bishvat. Happy Holiday!

Synagogue Directory Beit HaLev  I

P.O. Box 2279 Seal Beach, CA 90740 Rabbi Galit Levy-Slater 562.715.0888 duets@icloud.com www.beithalev.com­­­ R Beth David 

6100 Hefley St. Westminster, CA 92683 Rabbi Nancy Myers 714.892.6623 tbdavid@templebethdavid.org www.templebethdavid.org O Chabad of Los Alamitos & Cypress 

12340 Seal Beach Blvd. Suite B-219 Seal Beach, CA 90740 Rabbi Shmuel Marcus 714.828.1851 smarcus@jewishcypress.com www.chabadlosal.com

Chabad of West Orange County/ O Congregation Adat Israel  5052 Warner Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Rabbi Aron David Berkowitz 714.846.2285 info@chabadhb.com www.chabadhb.com

O Congregation Lubavitch 

3981 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 Rabbi Yitzchok Newman 562.596.1681 yitzyg@aol.com

I Congregation Shir Chadash 

6440 Del Amo Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90713 Rabbi Karen Isenberg 562.429.0715 csclakewood@dslextreme.com www.csclakewood.org

Congregation Sholom of Leisure World, Seal Beach  C Mail to: PO Box 2901 Seal Beach, CA 90740 1421 Northwood Road Seal Beach, CA 90740 President Carol A. Stern Levine Phone: Direct 562.505.3622 Phone: Membership 562.430.7040 congsholomlwsb@gmail.com I P’nai Or 

3955 N. Studebaker Road Long Beach, CA 90808 Email: info@pnaior.org Website: www.pnaior.org

Shul By The Shore  O

3801 E. Willow Street Long Beach, California 90815 Rabbi Abba Perelmuter 562.621.9828 rabbi@shulbytheshore.org www.shulbytheshore.org

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JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2023

R Temple Beth Ohr 

15721 E. Rosecrans Ave. La Mirada, CA 90638 Rabbi Dr. Mark Goldfarb Phone: 714.521.6765 office@tbolm.org www.tbolm.org

C Temple Beth Shalom 

3635 Elm Avenue Long Beach, CA 90807 Rabbi David Cantor 562.426.6413 office@tbslb.org www.tbslb.org R Temple Israel 

269 Loma Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803 Rabbi Scott Fox 562.434.0996 info@tilb.org www.tilb.org

Temple Ner Tamid of Downey  I 10629 Lakewood Boulevard Downey, CA 90241 Rabbi Daniel Mehlman 562.861.9276 C Conservative  I Independent  O Orthodox  R Reform 

JEWISH LONG BEACH

COMMUNITY

Falk Playground Garden Project The Alpert JCC ECE Honors Tu Bishvat Dani Reynozo | Family Engagement Coordinator

Every day in our preschool, the children explore the Sheva* Lens Tikkun Olam (Repair the world). The children learn of generosity and partnership within the community and help to make a difference in their world. The month of February is the perfect time to reconnect with nature, as we celebrate Tu Bishvat, a Jewish holiday that honors plants and trees. Tu Bishvat is often referred to as “The New Year of the Trees.” We are all in need of a bit of fresh air and outdoor time, and what better way to do that than working in our very own garden! The 2022/2023 school year has been full of so many fun and exciting activities for the children in our program, and there has been a lot of interest in the critters in our garden.

Mrs. Zwillinger’s class has been learning about worms and how they help bring nutrients to the soil, they even have their very own worm composting bin! Our ECE playground garden is in need of an upgrade to designate an enclosed space outside of classrooms one and two. We are raising funds to build a fence, add rocks and mulch, replace planter boxes, purchase a gardening curriculum, and much more!

To raise funds, the children in our preschool created beautiful art. Their art was then available for purchase at our fall Shabbat dinner. At this event, we raised $1,500. We also had a silent auction and raised $4,546 for our garden. We have raised more than $8,00 so far and Fundraising is still going on. We hope to continue our garden beyond the designated space and beautify the rest of the Falk Playground.

When a child squishes their fingers in the dirt, smells the fresh herbs in their hands, sees the vibrant colors of the flowers, fruits, and vegetables; they are exploring the world around them with all their senses! The children learn the concept of patience and responsibility as well as the importance of regularly checking on their plants. Many math concepts, such as counting seeds, and science concepts, such as learning what plants need to grow will develop along the way.

We look forward to continuing our learning of Tikkun Olam and global sustainability in our world. To support the ECE Garden project, please contact Kevin Giser at kgiser@jewishlongbeach.org. Thank you for your support, and Chag Sameach!

*Sheva, which means seven in Hebrew, is a powerful number in Jewish thought and practice.

The Sheva framework employs seven core principles of early care and education and contemporary and ancient texts, using seven Jewish lenses to reveal universal values. Alpert JCC ECE classrooms weave these values throughout their educational day.

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3635 Elm Avenue—Long Beach, CA 90807

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5783 TEVET – SHEVAT – ADAR | 9

COMMUNITY

HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES

Our community mourns the loss of Gerda Seifer z”l August 20, 1927 – November 25, 2022 Prolific author, dedicated activist, and quintessential woman of valor

Gerda was the embodiment of the woman of valor and an individual who shined with exceptional brilliance as a light not only unto the Jewish people, but to all who benefitted from her deeply important life.

Gerda was such a force of nature. Her story, which she recounted most recently in her book, The Girl in the Cellar, was one of pain, suffering, struggle, and survival.

While I did not know her for long, I will always remember bringing my thentwo-year-old daughter to be in Gerda’s presence as she told her story of survival, defiance, and ultimately perseverance in the face of unimaginable evil.

For those unfamiliar with her, she was born in Przemysl, Poland. The Nazis came to her hometown when she was only twelve, but because they lived on the east side of the river, they left after two weeks. Instead, the Soviets occupied the town.

Gerda is no longer among us, but her dedication to the principle of “never again” produced a legacy that will live on for generations in those who hear her voice, and through her memory, adopt the mantle of responsibility to raise the tide of good for all.

Zach Benjamin Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Long Beach & Alpert JCC

I first met Gerda Seifer over 50 years ago when I was drafted to be in a play based on the book I Never Saw Another Butterfly. I was 10 or 11 years old and had not yet been fully taught about The Holocaust. I don’t remember the time of year, but I am guessing it was around Yom HaShoah. As I grew older and learned more about my own family’s survival, it became clear that Gerda was also part of the survivor community. Through the years, I got to know Gerda by attending different Survivor events and eventually by joining the Jewish Long Beach & Alpert JCC Yom HaShoah committee 15 years ago. During this time, I had the honor and pleasure of getting to know Gerda on a deeper and more intimate level. I had numerous opportunities to hear her speak and watch her facilitate discussions about the Holocaust. She was always kind and gentle in her speech.

She facilitated with such passion and grace.

I have had the privilege of chairing the Yom HaShoah committee for the past 8 years. It always made me happy to have Gerda and Harold at the meetings.

I recall early on at one of our post-event meetings, she told me “You’re doing an excellent job.” To have that feedback and validation meant the world to me.

Gerda’s impact on the community and me personally is significant. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to listen to and learn from her. There will always be a special place in my heart for her.

Ken Schlesinger Chair of Jewish Long Beach’s Advocacy committee

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JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2023

Since her parents ran a store, they feared arrest as class enemies and moved to Lwow, where her father worked in a textile factory. The Nazis reached there two weeks later and created a ghetto. Gerda survived the first Aktion when her father hid her with a woman who placed Gerda in a dark cellar for six weeks.

When she returned, she found that her mother had been taken.

When the second Aktion came, her father hid her with a woman who needed a servant. For two years, she was effectively this woman’s slave, but it kept her alive. After the war, she managed to get away from this woman and ultimately made it to England and then the US. In Long Beach, she worked tirelessly for Holocaust education and was the longtime chair of the Jewish Long Beach & Alpert JCC Yom HaShoah Committee.

Gerda herself spoke in schools for decades. She spoke in my classes at CSULB since I started teaching here in 2004. For my students, her talk was the most powerful moment in the semester.

She was a major figure in the CSULB Jewish Studies Program from the beginning. In 2010, she and her husband Harold approached us with the idea for an annual teacher training program on the Holocaust and provided the seed money for us to get it off the ground.

Since then, we’ve held twelve of them, training hundreds of teachers in area schools on how to teach the Holocaust. Gerda attended each annual workshop and spoke to the teachers every year. Through the teachers who’ve come to these workshops, we’ve reached tens of thousands of students, shaping the way they learn about the Holocaust.

Although we knew this day would come, that foreknowledge doesn’t make it any easier. She was irreplaceable.

Dr. Jeffrey Blutinger Director of Jewish Studies, California State University, Long Beach

HEBREW ACADEMY ORANGE COUNTY

COMMUNITY

Lighting a Love for Learning Dr. Bryn Harari | Principal

Chanukah is in full swing at Hebrew Academy, and joy is in the air. Our entire student body looks forward to gathering around the campus’s Values Circle to light our community menorah. A wide range of fun and exciting Chanukah activities like singing, dancing, games, and special guests lead up to the daily menorah lighting ceremony that has become a much-anticipated communitywide event each year. Throughout the eight-day holiday, we share stories and the deeper meanings behind the traditions we celebrate. We recounted the story of the Chanukah miracle when the Maccabees triumphed over their oppressors, and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days. But we also bring a presentday meaning to the holiday, one of light, inspiration, and fortitude to preserve our heritage and our traditions.

Chanukah celebrations and activities are part of a unique dual curriculum offered at Hebrew Academy, which combines a rigorous General Studies curriculum with an outstanding Judaic curriculum resulting in an empowering, well-rounded education that will steward the next generation of Jewish thinkers, innovators, and leaders who embrace their Jewish identities and see the importance of their contributions to the larger society.

Eight Ways Judaic Learning Benefits Children In the Classroom and Beyond.

1. Learning with Purpose: Our Judaic Studies are designed to supplement and align with our General Studies curriculum. This allows students to see the real-world application of subjects such as math, reading, and science in Jewish experiences and traditions. As students learn about the oil used for lighting the menorah, they learn scientifically why oil and water don’t mix and can explain why oil mixed with water will always rise to the top. By making connections, students are inspired and easily grasp and retain the lessons they’ve learned.

2. Passion and Creativity: As part of our Judaic Studies, we encourage students to choose and pursue their passion. This year during Chanukah, our students had the opportunity to engage in various Chanukah activities like making menorahs, baking sugar cookies and doughnuts, and for our older students, service learning projects and competing in cooking contests. Handson, self-directed projects that have an impact beyond the classroom help children explore their passions and express their creativity and independence while strengthening essential life skills.

3 - Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze information, interpret data, apply reason, and draw conclusions beyond rote memorization is a critical nextgeneration skill. Our curriculum strengthens necessary thinking skills far beyond the standard curriculum and challenges students to apply learning to a broader, global context. Students learn about other cultures, countries, histories,

and experiences, expanding their perspectives and seeing the world from different points of view. This cultivates empathetic as well as critical thinkers.

4. Communication Skills: The long-term, interdisciplinary projects our students engage in span Judaic and General Studies, helping students learn to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members and colleagues.

This month, during Chanukah, students at every grade level are invited to share poems, songs, and presentations before an audience of fellow students, teachers, and parents. Through this experience and many others like this, they learn how to express themselves confidently, articulate, and communicate clearly, as they share ideas with others, building stronger connections.

5. Executive Functioning, Planning, and Time Management Skills: Our dual curriculum provides opportunities to improve time management and executive functioning skills. Students learn to take on and complete a wide variety of assignments and projects while balancing a curriculum of breadth and depth. Our students consistently score high on standardized tests, including PSATs and SATs, where our students outperform the national averages. These skills provide valuable preparation for college and future careers.

6. Improved Focus: Studies show that children who learn another language (like Hebrew) demonstrate accelerated progress in reading and have higher test scores. They are also shown to have greater empathy and understanding of diverse cultures. Learning another language requires students to discern information, improve focus and enhance concentration and critical thinking.

Due to the Hebrew language instruction, our students are consistently rated highly in reasoning and critical thinking. As students become more proficient in reading and writing Hebrew, they also become more confident in their abilities.

Learning a language like Hebrew is a rewarding challenge, and students find that they can achieve their goals with perseverance and practice.

7. Confidence Building: Leadership opportunities are integral to learning at The Hebrew Academy. From the earliest ages, our students have been presenting, performing, instructing, and demonstrating for others. They learn to edit and reflect on their work and that of their peers. They learn to give and receive constructive feedback. This cultivates life-long skills for leadership and collaboration and builds confidence in speaking, presenting, and continuous learning.

8. Joy of Learning: There is simply no place of learning where joy is more prevalent than at The Hebrew Academy. Joy nurtures us and motivates students.

Children are naturally eager to learn and curious about the world. A joyful environment brings out the best in learners. Our students take pride in their extensive academic success and are known to be Happy Scholars! As anxiety and depression among children have increased over the last three years, we need joy in the classroom now more than ever. Our integrated General and Judaic Studies make learning fun, exciting, and academically enriching.

Discover the Joy of Judaic Studies The rigorous dual curriculum at The Hebrew Academy benefits students from all Jewish backgrounds and prepares them for every future academic aspiration.

We welcome you and your family to visit our campus to learn more about our unique dual curriculum and our inclusive, welcoming, and joyful approach to Jewish learning for every student.

JEWISHLONGBEACH.ORG

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COMMUNITY

What’s Happening at Beach Hillel “Hillel allows me to keep my Jewish connection; I’m a busy student athlete working multiple jobs, but I clear my schedule Friday nights to have dinner with my Jewish friends. Every week I know I have a home away from home.” - Tyler Bermundo, Class of 2025 “Hillel means family and community. After going through a really rough time in my life, Hillel was there for me and still is. Hillel has helped me find myself and make new friends, and that has made me so happy.” - Ari Altman, Class of 2026

Thank you to the Beach Hillel Board of Directors 2022-2023 David Rosen- Board Chair Linda Simmons- Vice President Scott Newman- Secretary Felice Adler Shohet- Immediate Past Chair Jeffrey Blutinger- Faculty Advisor Suzanne Perlitsh- Faculty Advisor Ken Schlesinger Lauren Friedman Daphne Zagnoev Carol Adams Bryon Jackson Carol Winefeld Deborah Moss David Rowe Neil Wasserman

Visionary Jewish National Fund-USA strives to ensure a strong, secure, and prosperous future for the land and people of Israel.

Join us today.

For more information, please contact Shlomit Jackson Director, Orange County 949.260.0400 x930 or sjackson@jnf.org

jnf.org 800.JNF.0099

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HOLIDAY GREETINGS

COMMUNITY

Start your year off right with a Donor Advised Philanthropic Fund Kevin Giser | Chief Operating & Development Officer

• Qualify for an immediate tax deduction • Simplify your annual giving • Avoid capital gains taxes • Efficiently contribute appreciated stock gifts • Requires a gift of as little as $2,000 • Maximize your Required Minimum Distribution Donor Advised Funds allow you to centralize your charitable dollars in one convenient account. This user-friendly fund provides maximum tax advantages and flexibility in charitable giving. Whether you are looking to minimize your taxes, create a charitable family legacy, or honor a loved one’s memory, a Donor Advised Fund may be for you.

Jewish life in the United States is too often told from an East Coast perspective. Lone Stars of David presents a different panorama, with narratives of Jewish women and men, who ventured to Texas before the battle of the Alamo, who fought for the Confederacy, who herded cattle up the Chisholm Trail, who drilled for oil, and who forged Jewish communities far from New York’s Lower East Side.

Guest Scholar, Hollace Ava Weiner, Author

To learn more, please contact Kevin Giser, Chief Operating & Development Officer, at kgiser@jewishlongbeach.org.

Disclaimer: Jewish Long Beach doesn’t provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your own legal or financial professional regarding your unique tax situation.

Cocktails, Appetizers & Sweets before the Show

Members: $36 Non-Members: $50 At the Door: $50 Use QR Code or go to templebethdavid.org Events

Sponsorships: $1000 - Platinum / $500 - Gold $250 - Silver

6100 Hefley Street Westminster, CA 92683 (714) 892-6623 tbdavid@templebethdavid.org

JEWISHLONGBEACH.ORG

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COMMUNITY

NEWS

EVENTS

See What’s Happening in Your Community Jewish Long Beach and Alpert JCC

Beth David

NCJW Greater Long Beach & W. Orange County

Every Wednesday, 10:30 am Barbara Alpert Singing Circle All are welcome! No singing experience necessary.

Sunday, January 8, 10:30 am Brotherhood and Adult Education Brunch $20 adults, $12 children, $25 at the door RSVP by January 3 Master Teacher Janet Liss will give a presentation on What Do I Believe? An Interactive Program.

Thursday, January 12, 6:00 pm-7:30pm Filling Hugpacks for Foster Youth at the Alpert JCC on the Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus Join us as we pack backpacks for children going into foster care.

Thursday, January 19, 10:30 am “The Club” Richard Ruby, a recently retired McDonald’s Franchisee will be sharing his story of his family in the McDonald’s business, interacting with employees, customers, suppliers, governments, communities, and McDonald’s corporation itself.

Saturday, January 21, 8:30 am-noon Kindergarten Festival at Dooley Elementary School. Looking for 10 enthusiastic volunteers for this fun and worthwhile event.

Every Wednesday, 12:00 pm Mah Jongg $5/session, Members play free First Wednesday of the Month, 7:00 pm Alpert Classic Film Society — Meets Virtually January Film: North by Northwest February Film: Yojimbo First Friday of the Month, 10:30 am Happiness & Humor with Dr. Susan Mathieu Friday, January 6, New Year’s Extravaganza Tuesday, January 3, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm American Red Cross Blood Drive Sunday, January 8, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Emergence by Deborah Weir Monday, January 9, February 13, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm January Wellness Workshop: Living with Diabetes February Wellness Workshop: Renal Care Wednesday, January 18, February 15, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Jessie Butler Senior Luncheon Friday – Sunday, January 20 – 21 Women’s Weekend Wednesday – Sunday, January 25 – 29 Long Beach Jewish Film Festival Saturday, January 28, February 18, 11:00 am Senior Shabbat & Luncheon Thursday, February 2, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm Family Mega Challah Bake Thursdays, February 9, 16, 23, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Mah Jongg for Beginners Sunday, February 12, 1:30 pm Big Game Day Fun: Family tailgate and football watch party Thursday, Feb 23 Gottlieb Student Art Show Awards Reception

Sunday, January 22, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm Zentangles is a way of creating a mood, focus and a state of mind, concentrating on drawing patterns in small blocks, one stroke at a time. It lets your mind get into a calming Zen-state. $18 per person, adults only.

Light refreshments will be served.

All materials will be provided.

RSVP to sisterhood@templebethdavid.org no later than January 15.

Saturday, January 28, 9:00 am Body Mind & Spirit Shabbat Saturday, January 28, 6:30 pm Comedy Extravaganza $50 nonmembers and at the door Stephanie Blum and MC Barry Weisenberg Appetizers and sweets before the show and two drinks during the show.

Sunday, January 29, 10:30 am The Jews of Texas Guest Scholar Hollace Ava Weiner $10 for brunch and the lecture RSVP by January 23rd to Temple Beth David Sunday, February 5, 10:30 am Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament 10:30 am lunch and check in $50 play until winner is determined Advanced paid reservations required by February 1.

Saturday, February 11, 10:30 am Purim Tot Shabbat Sunday, February 12, 10:00 am Awake, Awake, Deborah!

Teaching and discussion on Deborah from the book of Judges and Rabbi Myers’ novel.

Cost $20 adults, $10 children by 2/7 cost $25 thereafter.

Thursday, February 16, 10:30 am “The Club” Mix, Mingle, and Snack Followed by program. Movie, King Richard.

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Monday, January 23, 1:00 pm on Zoom Annual Book Review The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service; Laura Kaplan, author and one of the Janes, will share the story of these heroic women in Chicago prior to 1973 and abortion legalization. The book is available at most bookstores and Amazon. This event is co-sponsored by SharonCarmel Hadassah. Donations greatly appreciated! For details and reservations go to ncjwlongbeach.org.

Thursday, January 26, 7:00 pm 4th Thursdays Movie Discussion Group: (Most movies available on Amazon &/or Netflix) Knives Out 2- Glass Onion with Daniel Craig; see website for February movie For more information and to RSVP for events call 657.235.2511 or email info@ncjwlongbeach.org. or communityservice@ncjwlongbeach.org go to www. ncjwlongbeach.org for updated information.

Orange County Jewish Genealogical Society (OCJGS) Sunday, January 22 Ken Bravo Finding Frieda: The amazing story of how he tracked down a long-lost cousin who had emigrated to the US, having lost contact with the rest of the family during WW II and the Soviet period.

Sunday, February 26 Hallel Yadin Doing research at YIVO For more information and to register please visit ocjgs.org

IN MEMORIAM

JEWISH LONG BEACH ALPERT JCC

FROM JEWISH LONG BEACH & ALPERT JCC BOARD, LEADERSHIP & STAFF IN MEMORY OF Mark Lowenstein Beloved father & father-in-law to Harry & Eva Lowenstein Arnold Martin Schimsky Beloved husband To Rita Ellen Schimsky Eytan Alpern Beloved brother & brotherin-law to David & Shari Alpern Gerda Seifer Beloved wife & mother to Harold Seifer & Family

David Silver from Linda Silver

GERDA SEIFER YOM HASHOAH FUND

JESSIE BUTLER SENIOR MEAL PROGRAM

Ronan Cohen Beloved son to Barbara Cohen from Ettie Councilman

IN MEMORY OF

IN HONOR OF

Gerda Seifer to Harold Seifer & Family from Susan Paletz Arlene & Rick Freeman Kevin Giser & Emma Rees

Jessie Butler from Barbara & Ben Alhadeff Robert & Phyllis Wallis Diane & Bruce Switzky

GENERAL FUND IN HONOR OF Emma Rees & Kevin Giser On their second Wedding Anniversary from Margaret Locke & Bill Giser Gordon Lentzner Mazel Tov on your wonderful honor from Marilyn & Lance Valt For being honored at UNISON from Bob & Ronni Kaplan Richard Wolpow Thank you for all that you do! from Lance & Marilyn Valt

MICHAEL SEGAL MAIMONIDES FUND

Ronan Cohen Beloved son to Barbara Cohen

IN HONOR OF

GENERAL FUND IN MEMORY OF Irene Noparstak to Robin & Alan Cohn from Michele Cohen

TRIBUTES

Jessie Butler Mazel Tov On being honored at UNISON from Shirley Feiwell Susan & Steven Atkins Barbara & Ben Alhadeff

9TH NIGHT SPONSORSHIP

For Jewish Long Beach & Alpert JCC tributes call: 562.426.7601 ext 1314

IN MEMORY OF Robert Schlesinger from Ken Schlesinger

SENIOR LUNCH FUND IN HONOR OF Dr. Susan Mathieu In honor of your special birthday from Susan Paletz Jessie Butler Jay Alhadeff Tila Carrol Susan Bernstein Herlina Fraher Susan Adler-Gold & Steve Gold Lisa & Howard Brass Debi & Dan Felsenthal Roberta Hamfeldt Judith Leff Lydia Pinto-Nguyen Roselyn & Robert Ponedal Nancy Ray Clara Simon Shery Wells And multiple tributes from Dr. Susan Mathieu’s Birthday Party

JFCS GENERAL FUND IN HONOR OF Janis & Stuart Simon On your special anniversary from Barry Borkin

IN MEMORY OF Gerda Seifer from Harold Seifer

MARCIE BALAN BLAKEY FUND IN MEMORY OF Gerda Seifer To Harold Seifer & family from Sandy Horwitz Renee Simon

COMMUNITY

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE A BLESSING Mark Lowenstein Arnold Martin Schimsky Saul Zenk Eytan Alpern Lillian Mirman David Kalish Gerda Seifer Ronan Cohen We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who have recently lost a loved one.

If you know of someone who has recently passed and would like them recognized in our publication, please send your request to: chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org

Zichrono Livrakha

For JFCS tributes call: 562.427.7916

REPRESENT TEAM LONG BEACH!

An Olympic-style competition for Jewish teens #WeAreJCCMaccabi Contact Susan Paletz to get involved at spaletz@alpertjcc.org • (562) 426-7601 x1012 JEWISHLONGBEACH.ORG

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The Jewish Community Chronicle

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus 3801 E. Willow Street, Long Beach, CA 90815

PAID Permit No. 129 Long Beach, CA

Postperson please deliver by 12/31/22

Change Service Requested

T E M P L E I S R A E L LO N G B E AC H

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM Taught by Rabbi Scott Fox WEDNESDAYS ~ 7:00 pm

BEGINNING JANUARY 11 TH An engaging 18-session course for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Discover what could be meaningful to YOU in liberal Judaism.

This course is designed for individuals and couples from various faith traditions and cultural backgrounds and those who have had no religious upbringing. It is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience.

TUITION: $200 plus the cost of text books (A partner / spouse may attend at no additional cost) RSVP REQUIRED: (562) 434-0996 or info@tilb.org

TASTE OF HEBREW CONVERSATION & DIALOGUE Tuesdays at 5:45 pm February 7 - March 14 We will learn common greetings, shopping expressions, how to say the time and numbers, how to ask or request something of someone, and other popular expressions. Basic Hebrew reading/decoding skills are required

LGBTQIA+ INCLUSION IN THE REFORM MOVEMENT IN THE PAST 100 YEARS Thursdays at 7:00 pm February 9, 16, 23 Learn how Jewish values have guided our way as we trace the history of inclusion over the past 100 years

PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS 2 Wednesdays at 7:00 pm Beginning February 22 This six-week class is for people who want to learn in a fun and encouraging environment some basic blessings that we use often, as well as a standard prayer recited at every service.

WE ARE A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE REFORM CONGREGATION INSPIRING JEWISH LIFE IN LONG BEACH FOR OVER 98 YEARS!

269 LO M A AV E N U E • LO N G B E AC H , C A 90803 • 562.434 .0 9 9 6 • W W W. T I L B. O R G 16 | CHRONICLE

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JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2023