Chronicle March April 2025

Page 1


As we embrace both our present and future at Jewish Long Beach, this timeless wisdom from Pirkei Avot guides us. We've been listening to you – our kehillah kedoshah (holy community) – and learning from each of your voices and experiences as we work toward our shared mission of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Our mission stands unequivocally clear: "Guided by Jewish values and culture, we seek to inspire community by improving lives, building bridges of understanding and inclusion, and supporting the Jewish people here, in Israel, and around the world " The past sixteen months have acted as a clarifying fire, galvanizing and focusing the Jewish people. As a convening organization for Am Israel, we see both challenges and unprecedented opportunities.

We are proud of our enormous diversity and seek to embrace and amplify it. We acknowledge that antisemitism is a rising concern, heightened by the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7th, impacting not only our Jewish community but all of society While the overwhelming majority of us hold a connection to Israel as central to what it means to be Jewish, we respect our different perspectives on how this manifests. A third of us have been targets of antisemitic hate, and many feel less safe Yet simultaneously, we witness extraordinary growth in Jewish identification and community engagement, seeing growing joy, pride, and honor as we experience ourselves and each other

In 2024, our Board of Directors undertook a thoughtful reflection of our strategic plan, examining our positioning to serve our Jewish community, meet our inclusive mission, and advance our vision of building and sustaining a vibrant Jewish community, while evaluating program and staffing adjustments After careful consideration, we affirmed that our mission, vision, and strategic plan remain our guiding light, anchored by our four strategic pillars:

Engagement Across Our Entire Community: Recognizing that our true strength lies in our beautiful diversity and unwavering inclusivity

A Strong Central Address for Jewish Life: Serving as the heart of our community where people of all ages and

RichardR.Marcus,Ph.D.|BoardPresident

grounds come together to learn, ect, and celebrate through energetic programming across every life stage

Jewish Representation in the Broader Community: Fostering meaningful representation throughout Greater Long Beach through partnerships with community organizations, elected officials, and faith-based institutions

Sustainability Financial, Leadership, and Brand Strength: Ensuring our longterm capacity to achieve our ambitious goals

2024broughtsignificantachievements:

We're excited to share some wonderful developments at Jewish Long Beach. Opening the welcoming LindenBaldwin Café – a vibrant new community gathering space where members can bring their laptops, connect with friends, and experience the warmth of Jewish Long Beach

Reconfiguring our Early Childhood Education spaces to create environments even more conducive to learning and growth, fostering the next generation of Jewish leaders

Implementing comprehensive community security enhancements, including new protocols, bulletproof front doors, and extensive work with synagogues and community organizations a visible demonstration of our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community, particularly our children

Creating our first Jewish Community Relations Council Director position a pivotal role that will amplify our voice in the broader community and strengthen our advocacy efforts

Expanding meaningful conversations and partnerships with the city, local school districts, institutions of higher education, interfaith organizations, and diverse community groups

Establishing a Senior Community Impact Director role focused on engagement and programming with community partners, paying particular attention to creating opportunities for unaffiliated members seeking connection

Strengthening relationships with temples, synagogues, and agencies in the region to create a more vibrant and interconnected Jewish landscape

Launching our first giving circle, the Jewish Connections Network, while diversifying our approach to fundraising

through strengthened program and directed giving initiatives

Lookingaheadto2025,we'repursuing evenbolderinitiatives:

Conducting an extensive search for a new CEO to lead our next chapter of growth and innovation, ensuring strong leadership for our future

Anticipating the grand opening of our beautiful new Mary Alpert Pool & Hillinger Family Pool Deck for Memorial Day Weekend 2025 a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a community gathering place for celebrations and family activities

Making critical program investments to create a vibrant, next-generation organization equipped to meet tomorrow's challenges and opportunities, including enhanced cultural programming and educational initiatives

Strengthening our foundation by strategically investing in what truly matters: enriching lives, fostering understanding, and cultivating an inclusive Jewish space for all

Growing our membership base and diversifying funding streams through innovative approaches to community engagement and philanthropic partnerships

Expanding our reach as an inclusive, welcoming community for the 37,000 individuals living in Jewish households, while building meaningful connections with the 750,000 people residing in Greater Long Beach

Deepening our dedication to supporting Israel and our global peoplehood by strengthening our enduring ties with Israel and providing unwavering support to Jewish communities worldwide, recognizing our shared destiny and interconnectedness

With the combined resources of the Jewish Community Foundation, programming of the Alpert Jewish Community Center, and leadership of the Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach, we invite you to join this remarkable journey, envisioning impact across the next three to five decades.

CHRONICLE

Dr JeffreyBlutinger

ANNUALMEETINGRECAP Awards&Recognitions

Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus One Sommer Way 3801 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90815-1791 562.426.7601 | jewishlongbeach.org Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Member

Awarded January 22, 2025 at the Jewish Long Beach Annual Meeting 5 ACOMMITMENTTOJUDAISM

Jewish Long Beach is a 501(c)3 with tax I.D. 95-1647830

OntheCover

Dr. Mark Dressner, recipient of the 2025 Tess Wohlstattar Hineni Award for outstanding service to the Long Beach Jewish community, with Jeanne Halliday

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

Ad & Copy deadline for May/June 2025 issue: April 2, 2025 Chronicle ©2025 Jewish Long Beach. All Rights Reserved.

Richard R. Marcus, Ph.D.

President, Board of Directors

Amy Lakin

Chief Program Officer

Rachel Roberts

Co-designer & Co-editor

Deborah K. Goldfarb Chief Executive Officer

Susan Paletz

Director of Fund & Community Development

Amanda Morell Marketing Coordinator

BethDavid 6100HefleySt.Westminster,CA92683

RabbiNancyMyers 714.892.6623|templebethdavid.org tbdavid@templebethdavid.org

|chabadlosal.com smarcus@jewishcypress.com

ChabadofWestOrangeCounty/

|chabadhb.com info@chabadhb.com

congsholomlwsb@gmail.com

ShulByTheShore

California90815 RabbiAbbaPerelmuter 562.621.9828|shulbytheshore.org rabbi@shulbytheshore.org

TempleBethOhr 15721E.RosecransAve.LaMirada,CA90638 RabbiLenMuroff 714.521.6765|tbolm.org office@tbolm.org

TempleBethShalom

ElmAvenueLongBeach,CA90807

“You need not complete the work, but you are not free to desist from it.”

This quote from the Mishnah was the driving force behind Dr. Jeffrey Blutinger’s decision to establish a bequest for Hillel through the Jewish Community Foundation. We spoke to him on a variety of subjects, including his ongoing desire to help Jewish students deepen their connection to the community through travel for Jewish purposes

CommitmenttoJudaism

Dr. Blutinger grew up in a home in San Diego that was committed to the Jewish Community. His mother was a decades-long volunteer fundraiser for Women’s American ORT and his father, who was secular, grew up in Tel Aviv and joined the Haganah at age 18 to fight in the War of Independence in 1948 This led Jeffrey to become active in Hebrew School and the United Synagogue Youth (USY), but also in Habonim, the Labor Zionist Youth Group.

As an undergraduate at UCLA, Jeffrey was active with Hillel and the representative to the larger Jewish student council. After graduation, Jeffrey spent nine months volunteering in Israel on a Jewish Agency For Israel program in the (then) development town of Tzfat He spent three months learning Hebrew and six months tutoring English, running a children’s English lending library and serving as a counselor in an after-school program that served children in the poorest section of town.

Jeffrey then attended law school at UCLA and practiced law for six years in Washington D C but was not happy being a lawyer. He loved Jewish history and was compelled to return to UCLA to pursue a doctorate in Jewish History where he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to pursue his Ph.D thesis research in Israel. He currently holds the titles of Full Professor in the History Department, the inaugural holder of the Barbara and Ray Alpert Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies, and the

director of the Jewish Studies program, which was founded in 1999 by Dr Arlene Lazarowitz The majority of students who take Jewish studies classes are not Jewish and the program exposes all students to the full range of Jewish history, culture and religion. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, working with a volunteer Jewish Studies Board and local donors allows Dr. Blutinger to ensure that the program brings the campus to the community through a lecture series, concerts, student awards and more

In 2010-2011, Dr. Blutinger started a summer teacher training program on the Holocaust with approximately 25 to 40 participating teachers. The idea for the program came from Long Beach Jewish Community member and Holocaust survivor, Gerda Seifer, and was endowed by Eva and Eugene Schlesinger It primarily serves public high school teachers in history and/or language arts, with a small number of middle school and elementary school teachers and some individuals who are still in credentialing programs.

ChangingLandscapeoftheJewish StudiesProgramandCampus Environment

Since 2014, the make-up of the Jewish Studies Program has changed dramatically All tenured or tenure track professors in the program have retired or passed away. Courses are now taught by Dr. Blutinger or lecturers. This change has occurred for a number of reasons: some faculty originally hired to teach in Jewish studies did not get tenured and others chose not to teach at CSULB No new professors are being hired, as hiring on campus has been very difficult since the recession and any positions that are being listed are in other departments but not in Jewish studies.

The student make-up in the program has remained consistent and two new courses have been added: Modern Israel and Introduction to Jewish Humor (which tends to attract more Jewish students)

Students are still very interested in study abroad opportunities, but the problem is cost Dr Blutinger has led a “History of the Holocaust” summer study abroad trip on 6 occasions since 2014 and currently has 18 interested students (7 with paid deposits) for Summer 2025. This is a three-and-a-halfweek trip with stops in Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Warsaw, Lublin and Krakow. Unfortunately, there are only two scholarships available, so cost is definitely an issue

As many of us know, the current campus climate is extremely difficult for students and staff alike. This began a few years preCovid with the push for the BDS movement on campus and a boycott of Hillel. PostOctober 7th, things have gotten markedly worse with Dr. Blutinger and Hillel students being the targets of poster campaigns, proHamas demonstrations, and many antisemitic speakers Relationships between Dr Blutinger and other departments have become very strained with a number of former colleagues who will no longer work with him. One of the most traumatizing events that has occurred took place at San Jose State where Dr. Blutinger was scheduled to speak Close to 100 protestors gathered outside the lecture hall and began screaming and pounding on the doors to the point where Dr Blutinger and the assembled students had to be evacuated to the police.

Continuedonpg.17

Have you left a Legacy Gift to Jewish Long Beach and want to share your impact story?

Do you feel inspired by Dr. Blutinger’s story and want to learn about the difference you can make with a Legacy Gift? Contact Kevin Giser at kgiser@jewishlongbeach.org or 562.426.7601 ext. 1011

Dr.Blutinger’s“HistoryoftheHolocaust”studyabroadprogramincludesavisittothePOLIN MuseumoftheHistoryofthePolishJewsinWarsaw. Photo:AssociationofEuropeanJewishMuseums,M.Starowieyska,D.Golik

OUTSTANDING

Jewish Long Beach proudly continued the tradition of honoring outstanding volunteers and leaders at the 2024 Annual Meeting on January 22, 2025 The Annual Meeting also featured the installation of the Jewish Long Beach Board of Directors. Congratulations to all of our award winners and new board members!

JewishLongBeachBoard

Executive Committee

President: Richard R Marcus, Ph D

President Elect: Lynne Kass

Immediate Past President: Edie Brodsky

VP Finance & Facilities/Treasurer:

Shmueli Lovitch

VP Fund & Community Development:

Anna Salusky

VP Children, Youth, Family: Pam Keiles

VP Governance: Kathryn McDermott

Secretary: Ken Schlesinger

New Board Members

Karen Ben-Shmuel

Dr. Matt Davis

Beth Lesen, Ph.D

Michael Newman

Jeremy Scherwin

Norma Stein

Continuing Officers & Directors

Edie Brodsky

Linda Burney

Shelley Carl

Joyce Greenspan

Mulu Harrison

Alan Kreida

Shmueli Lovitch

Richard R. Marcus, Ph.D

Kathryn McDermott

Suzanne Perlitsch

Anna Salusky

Vicki Scherwin, Ph D

Ken Schlesinger

Beth Sterling

Linda Waltzman

Ava Weiss

RobertBaldwinCommunityService Award

Recognizes dedicated volunteers for years of outstanding service through Tzedakah, Responsibility, Support of Community, and Support of Israel

Lynne and Jonathan Kass

StanleyGoldinSenioroftheYear Award

Awards a senior adult who displays leadership and commitment to the Alpert JCC senior adult program

Juliene King

NeuburgerLeadershipDevelopment Award

Recognizes individuals with a vision for strengthening our Jewish community

Lena Shupper

TessWohlstattarHineniAward

Recognizes a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their role

Dr. Mark Dressner

ChaiAwards

Honors volunteers for exceptional service

Erin Cherson

Lauren Friedman

David Leib

Judi Lentzner

Gordon Lentzner

Ann Lentzner

Vicki Scherwin, Ph D

Jan Stein

Sheryl Stewart

Grace Talavera

Edwina Upshaw

Linda Waltzman

Ava Weiss

Howard Weiss

Dr. Barry Zamost

Rita Zamost

Chai Awards for Outgoing Board

Members

Sara Brown

Gary Fields

Richard Lipeles

Samantha Roberts

Jan Stein

Dr David Tillman

StaffRecognition

For years of dedication to our community

25 Years

Natalie Chernik

15 Years

Mary Chhit

Dr. Susan Mathieu

10 Years

Cecelia Danziger

Lenore Roth

5 Years

Noelle Begin-McLaughlin

Katie Bouzas

Ray Brown

Pedro Cebrero

Kristina Shafton

Christine Silva

Ellen Stavola

L-R: Richard R. Marcus, PhD (Board President), Natalie Chernik (Staff Recognition), Deborah K. Goldfarb (Jewish Long Beach Interim CEO)
Immediate Past President Edie Brodsky installs the 2025 Jewish Long Beach Executive Board
Robert Baldwin Community Award winners Lynne and Jonathan Kass and their daughter Gillian
Jewish Long Beach staff Ray Brown, Pedro Cebrero, and Ellen Stavola

Happy Passover

WishingYouand YourFamilya

HappyPassover

Wishingallinour communitya

HappyPassover

ChagSameach!

JewishLongBeach BoardofDirectors

OnPassover,may youbeblessed withhappiness

Marc,Sybil, Rachael,David, Deborah,Lily &Jonathan Tamaroff

WishingYouand YourFamilya

HappyPassover

Bill,Margaret, Emma,andKevin

HappyPesach!

Aaron&LeslieKern

HappyPassover

Yolanda &Victor

Placencio

WishingYouand YourFamilya

HappyPassover

Jeffrey,Lauren,

Ellie,Joshua, Jacob,andSandy Rips Happy Passover! JewishLong BeachWomen’s Philanthropy

WishingYou andYour Familya Happy Passover

Rosecarrieand AlanBrooks

HaveaHealthy, HappyPassover

JannKronick-Gath andChanceGath

WishingYouand YourFamilya

HappyPassover

Don&Andrea

Kaiser&Family

WishingYouand YourFamilya

HappyPassover

ShirleyRoss

REFLECTIONS

EnjoyPassoverMidorLador

RabbiYitzchokNewman|HebrewAcademy

Passover which commemorates the Jews Biblical flight from Egypt to Israel is celebrated by the Seder this year on Saturday night April 12th Based on Pew Research data it is attended by nearly three out of four US Jews. After the tragic events of October 7th in Israel and the increase of antisemitism around the world we have seen an uptick in Jewish engagement and by all accounts the numbers attending the Seder will increase significantly this year

In transmitting the story of the exodus the haggadah or guidebook at the Seder places special importance on the children. They ask “why is this night different?” and the assembled tell the story to the colloquial Four Sons. In addition most of the ritual is experiential by inviting guests, tasting the hand baked shmura matza and the bitter herbs, greeting Elijah the prophet, lighting candles and much more And the ritual takes place in the home rather than the synagogue These practices are indicative of the importance of the family in the Jewish

education of our children and the lasting value of their experiential involvement

It is amazing how lasting an impression can be when children experience it through their personal involvement. After the October 7th tragedy in Israel, the Hebrew Academy welcomed several families from Israel who arrived with their children to escape the turmoil and fear of the war. Thanks to a grant from Jewish Long Beach the Hebrew Academy was able to enroll the children and give them a peaceful environment Our students who met them welcomed them and learned firsthand about their challenges in Israel and were able to empathize with them. After the recent fires that destroyed many homes outside Los Angeles recently, our students attended a Brit celebration on our campus of a newborn from a family that had to vacate their home and relocated to Long Beach Again the students were able to learn firsthand about the devastation and the mitzvah of helping othe addition to the experien

Jewish traditions and mitzvot that the children study and practice every day

The greatest aspiration of parents is to transmit their Jewish values to their children and beyond, as the saying goes, ‘Midor Lador’. For one night a year it happens at the Seder. But it is far more effective if it continues throughout the year with a strong partnership of home and Jewish school with experiential Judaism and especially through a Jewish Day School education In a just released report by Prizmah, the data shows that “Jewish day school alumni consistently report stronger ties to their Jewish identity, a deeper connection to Israel, and greater participation in Jewish life.”

My wish this Passover is for families to continue the Seder experience year round through J i h D S h l d i d thus fulfi

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

ArleneSolomon2025Visions

Thursday,May8,5:30PMattheAlpertJCC

ArleneSolomon,WomanofVision

For many years, Arlene Solomon z"l was an integral part of Women's Philanthropy Arlene saw the importance of having women of all ages around the table and was inspired to endow the Jewish Long Beach Women's Philanthropy Annual campaign event, known as Visions

The Arlene Solomon Visions event has been an important element in bringing women together with a common goal to help others, both here in Long Beach and around the world. Arlene also provided funds for women ' s leadership. She delighted in being a mentor to younger women and knew the value of ensuring that the next generation would carry on her philanthropic work.

Visions2025

At Visions, the women of our community come together to celebrate our community's

strength and resilience. We relish our deep friendships, as well as new acquaintances. And we affirm our pride, passion, and conviction for improving the world while growing our story and building a stronger community for our families and ourselves.

This year we continue this tradition of celebrating outstanding women in the greater Long Beach community with a Kosher dinner and honoree reception on Thursday, May 8, at 5:30 PM at the Alpert JCC All women in our community are invited to take part in this exceptional evening full of good food, friendships, and support for our community.

For more information about Visions, please contact Susan Paletz at spaletz@alpertjcc.org

SubscribetoJewishLongBeach newsletterstobethefirsttoknow whenVisions2025registration becomesavailable.

WEEKEND 2025

Your Center for Life!

Bethefirsttoexperiencethe NEWMaryAlpertPool

Wehavemembershipplansfor everyone!

Discountsforseniors,teens,andstudents! FREEforActivePolice&Fire!

AJCCMembersEnjoy:

30+groupexerciseclasses eachweek

Indoorbasketball&Pickleball

7days/week Programdiscounts

Scheduleatourtodayatalpertjcc.org/join

HappeningWeekly

Drop-inMahJongg:Mondays,6PM Wednesdays,1PM

BarbaraAlpertSingingCircle:Wednesdays 10:30AM|Free

Drop-inCanasta:Wednesdays|11:30AM,1PM

Kabbalah:Wednesdays|12PM|Free

HappeningMonthly

JessieButlerSeniorLuncheon

Wednesday|Mar5,19,Apr2,16|12PM

AlpertClassicFilmSociety

Wednesday|7PM|Virtual

Mar12:ThePhiladelphiaStory(1940)

Apr9:TopHat(1935)

Happiness&HumorGroup

Friday|Mar7,Apr4|11AM|Free

SeniorShabbat&LuncheonwithTempleIsrael

Saturday|Mar29,Apr26|11AM

ElsieBennett ebennett@alpertjcc.org|ext.1056 Fitness,Wellness&Aquatics

Culture&Community

PurimCelebration withPJLibrary,ShulbytheShore,NCJW,TempleBethShalom,Temple BethOhr,andTempleIsrael

Sunday|Mar16|12PM

Celebrateourhappiestholidaywithgames,bouncers, food,andfunforallages!Getticketsatalpertjcc.org

TheMidwives’Escape:BookTalkwithMaggieAnton

Tuesday|Mar25|6:30PM|Free

JourneyoftwoEgyptianmidwivesfromEgypttothepromisedland.

Dr.MarcDollinger:“LaunderingAntisemitism:Jews, IdentityPolitics,andtheUniversity” withCSULBJewishStudies

Thursday|Mar27|7PM|Free

PassoverSeniorOutreach

Thursday|Apr10|9:30AM

PackanddeliverPassovergoodie-bagsforseniors

PassoverMiniSeder

Tuesday|Apr15|5:30PM

ExperiencePassovertraditionswithourcommunity! Registeratalpertjcc.org

MahJongg2025CardReview

Tuesday|Apr22|6PM

ReviewthenewNationalMahJonggLeaguecard

ZenaandPaulineGatovGallery

March:40thNormanGottliebStudentArtExhibition

April:HolocaustSurvivors,photographybyCliffordLester

PhotoofDr.Jacob Eisenbach,survivor

Hours:Mon-Thurs6AM-9PM,Fri6AM-6PM,Sat-Sun7AM-5PM

UpcomingHolidayHours:Sat(4/12)Closeat3PM,Sun(4/13)Closed, Sat(4/19)Closeat3PM,Sun(4/20)Closed

Fitness&Wellness

PickleballReservationsandLessons

StartingMar3

Justdinkit!Reserveapickleballcourtforaprivategame ortakealessonwithCoachDavidAndersen!

Off-SiteAquaFitness

AtAbilityFirst(acrossthestreetfromtheJ)

ContinueaquafitnessduringtheMaryAlpertPool remodel.RSVPforclassesatalpertjcc.org

PersonalTraining

NewAJCCMembers:Enjoya1-hrfitnessassessmentand three30-minutePersonalTrainingsessions,allfor$120!

GroupFitnessSchedules

Visitalpertjcc.orgortheAlpertJCCappforclassschedules.

PREMIUM

SmallGroupClasses

Motivation•Accountability•Results STARTING

Startingat$136/session

FallPreventionw/Sherri Boxingw/Melanie Spin&StrengthYogaw/Kristina ExpressFitw/Elsie

Registeratalpertjcc.orgorintheAJCCAPP

BloodDrive

Geta$10Amazon giftcard!

4 Tues|9AM-3PM

Scheduleyourappointmentatalpertjcc.org WHY DONATE?

Lakin alakin@jewishlongbeach.org|ext.1035 Programming

Thurs•March6•6PM

ArtcreatedbyLBUSDmiddle &highschoolstudents Free&

ECE ENROLLMENT

MEMBERS: MARCH 7

PUBLIC: APRIL 7

Withopenclassrooms,smallgroupsizes, andqualityprograms,ourchildrencan beanythingtheydreamof

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME AGES2-5 alpertjcc.org/ece

alpertjccearlychildhoodeducation ROOTEDINPLAY,GROUNDEDINPURPOSE

SpringBreakwithCampKomaroff

April14-18|Ages4-12

Games,crafts,cooking,fieldtrips,andLegos! Registeratalpertjcc.org

DiscoverYouthSports!

withFirstTouchSoccer,SenseiMac,andBBallersHoops

IndoorSoccer(Futsal)forages7-12,MartialArtsfor ages3+,andBasketballforages3-14.

PJLibrary

FreeJewishstorybooksdeliveredstraighttoyourhome everymonth!OpentoJewishfamilieswithchildrenages0 -8.Ages9-12:signupforPJOurWaytocontinue receivingmonthlybooks! Signuptoday!

Guided by a shared core mission to convene, connect, and respond in times of crisis, Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFEDLA), with support from Jewish Long Beach has mobilized swiftly to provide critical resources, elevate urgent needs, and ensure that those affected by the fires are met with care and support

In the face of loss, Jewish Long Beach has stepped up to strengthen ties with our neighbors Over 100 Long Beach community members donated funds to JFEDLA’s relief campaign. Within one week of the fires erupting, Jewish Long Beach launched the

aid the LA community:

JFEDLA has created and regularly updates a Wildfire Crisis Resource Guide, which has been accessed by tens of thousands of people. The guide provides essential, timely information on accessing emergency support, shelter, mental health services, government resources, and more, along with opportunities to volunteer and donate.

JFEDLA is actively participating in ENLA (Emergency Network Los Angeles) calls to stay informed and help fill any gaps with which our community can

fire with rabbinical discretionary funds to offer direct relief to impacted community members.

There is a long road ahead to recovery and there is more work to be done. Jewish Long Beach looks forward to continuing to call upon you as needs arise, to support our neighbors JFEDLA as they further engage, mobilize, lobby, volunteer, and care for our county.

“Adisasteronthescaleoftheonewearewitnessingisanequalizingforce,

JCC Cares LA Wildfire Relief Drive, collecting over 600 bags of clothing, hygiene products, toys, books, and bedding, totaling $12,000 worth of aid to those who had been affected by the fires Amid tragedy, we have taken the opportunity to come together remaining

In response to the tragedy in wake of the fires, JFEDLA has committed

Rabbi Noah Farkas, JFEDLA President & CEO

assist. These calls bring together local, state, and FEMA representatives, in addition to major non-profit organizations including Salvation Army, Red Cross, CORE, and LA Works Look out for opportunities for us to engage you as needs emerge Additionally, JFEDLA is working with Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC)to identify legislation that will strengthen and build up our communities.

JFEDLA continues to connect LA volunteers with opportunities across the city to address the immediate needs of individuals and communities impacted by the wildfires.

JFEDLA has sent letters of support to churches, mosques, and synagogues devastated by the fires.

As a first step in providing financial support, JFEDLA has allocated funds to synagogues most impacted by the LA

Jewish Federations across the continent provide a lifeline for Jews and non-Jews in distress, at home, in Israel and across the globe. In times of crisis, Federations are there to help and rebuild. Our network of local and international partners enables us to respond quickly and effectively We fund urgently needed basics like food and medicine, and long-term needs like trauma counseling. We provide resources to emergency service providers so they can help where they’re most needed.

Rabbi Noah Farkas at the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys (JFSGPV) and Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center (PJTC) — which was almost completely destroyed by the wildfires
Photo courtesy of JFEDLA

LEAD FOR TOMO LIVE FOR TODAY...

Fromstrengthtostrength,fromgenerationtogeneration,JewishLong Beachisyourhomefordynamicprogramsandconnectionstomeetthe expectationsofathrivinglocalJewishcommunity.Andwewillcontinueto staystrongwithyoursupport.

CommunityWorkCafe

Swingaroundwithyourlaptopfora cupofjoeandtoworkinournew Linden-BaldwinCafé.

ASaferSpace

Wehaveupdatedoursecurity protocolsandimprovedinfrastructure forsafetyforeveryone,especiallyour children.

LivingOurValues

Weareleadingadvocatesforthe fightagainstinjusticeand antisemitismhereathome.

CommunityRelations

NewAquatics+EventSpace

Anewposition,SeniorCommunity ImpactDirector,hasbeencreatedto enhanceengagementand programmingwithcommunity partners,andtoreachtheunaffiliated lookingforaJewishhome.

DynamicProgramming

Weareadjustingourdaily programmingtobetterserve theneedsandexpectationsofour expandingcommunity,whichincludes everyonefromearlychildhoodto youngadults,families,andseniors.

OurbeautifulnewMaryAlpertPool andoutdoorsocialspaceopensjustin timeforasummeroffun!

SupportingIsrael

Wecontinuetostrengthenour enduringtieswithIsraelandprovide unwaveringsupporttoJewish communitiesworldwide.

ThinkingForward

Weareinvestinginourselvestobuilda vibrant,next-generationorganization readyforfuturechallengesand opportunitiestoserveathriving Jewishcommunity.

HEBREWACADEMY FindingMoreThanaSchool

TheMortenFamily’sJourneytotheHebrewAcademy RochiePopack

As parents, we carry so much on our shoulders. From the small daily choices to the bigger ones that shape our children's future, we constantly wonder: Is this the right decision for my child? Am I doing enough? And when it comes to their education, the stakes feel even higher

Will my child feel comfortable? Will they be supported? Will the school give them the tools to grow and thrive, to discover who they are and what they can achieve? These aren’t just fleeting questions they weigh on us even after we’ve made our choice.

For one family, these worries led to a choice that would profoundly shape their children’s future.

ALegacyandaNewBeginning

Warren, a Hebrew Academy alumnus, has always appreciated the foundation the school gave him He credits it with teaching him to think critically, a skill that shaped his success in law school and beyond. But as parents, he and Nikki weren’t just looking for what had worked in the past they needed to know the school could meet their children’s needs today

“I wasn’t sure at first,” Nikki admits “We looked at several options But from the moment we toured the Hebrew Academy, something felt different. It wasn’t just a school but a family where every child seemed truly seen and valued.”

For Nikki, the difference wasn’t just in the academics It was in the way the school took the time to celebrate each child’s efforts,

making them feel capable and valued for who they are. “It was more than just about grades,” she explains. “It was about helping kids see their potential and take pride in their progress.”

Even after enrolling their children at the Hebrew Academy, Nikki and Warren still worried because isn’t that what parents do? We want the best for our kids, but even when we confidently decide, those lingering questions remain: Will they find their place? Will they feel supported? Will it work out the way we hope?

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for their worries to turn into relief Their son, starting in 4th grade, quickly began to thrive “He used to come home from school looking drained,” Nikki recalls. “But now, he’s excited to share what he’s learning and the questions he’s asking.” One moment Nikki will never forget was when he was chosen as Student of the Month “The pride on his face was unforgettable,” she says “The way the Hebrew Academy celebrates effort and growth it’s made such a difference for him.”

Starting middle school, their daughter entered a new environment with its own expectations. Nikki remembers her relief as her daughter settled in quickly, building deep friendships and excelling academically “More than anything, I saw her embrace who she is,” Nikki says “At the Hebrew Academy, she found the confidence to take pride in being Jewish and herself.”

CarryingLessonsIntotheFuture

explore different perspectives. “Just as the Torah has 70 interpretations,” Nikki shares, “he’s learning to see the value of multiple viewpoints and connect with his learning on a deeper level.”

As the Mortens continue to thrive, the Hebrew Academy remains a steady foundation present in the values instilled and the confidence nurtured, knowing their journey is just getting started.

As for the next success story? It could be yours. Take the first step. Schedule a tour at hacds.org/discover.

Now, in public high school, their daughter thrives, drawing on the strong academic foundation she built at the Hebrew Academy She confidently and purposefully wears her Magen David and has even created a Jewish social group at her school, proudly sharing her identity with others.

“She’s confident and unapologetic about who she is,” Warren shares. “She knows her values and isn’t afraid to stand by them That’s something the Hebrew Academy gave her ”

Their son is thriving as a curious and engaged learner. He’s encouraged to think outside the box, ask bold questions, and

ZalmanMortenawardedStudentoftheMonthatHebrew Academy,April2023

P

WelcometoourPuzzleCorner!

ThiseditionfeaturesPassover!Passover(sundown April12-20,2025)commemoratesthestoryofthe ExodusinwhichtheIsraelitescelebratetheir liberationfromslaveryinEgyptandtheirfreedom asanationundertheleadershipofMoses. Passoveriscelebratedbyhavingaseder,reading theHaggadah,retellingthestoryoftheExodus, singingthefourquestions,drinkingfourcupsof wine,eatingfoodsfromthesederplate,and recitingthetenplagues.Wealsoremoveofallthe chametz,orleavening,fromourhomes,andonly eatmatzah.

PassoverMiniSeder

WanttoexperiencePassovertraditions?Stopby theAJCConApril15at5:30PMforacelebration withfamily,andfriends.Ifyouhavenever participatedinaPassoverseder,comeseehowwe celebratewithaminisederfeaturingmatzoball soup,matzah,andmore.

LAUGH,

GROW TOGETHER!

Things have improved slightly this year, thanks in part to the Time, Place and Manner Rules that CSULB has established Although CSULB is prohibited by the state from regulating the content of speech, they can set rules around the place, time and manner of protests. Some examples of current policy include a prohibition on amplified sound in front of classrooms during class hours and a prohibition on burning anything in the quad. This has led to a significant reduction in disruptive speech, but things are still tense Additionally, fears around ICE coming onto campus have become the primary focus for many students, faculty and administration.

Dr.Blutinger’sOngoingCommitment

“The Jewish community here, through the Jewish Studies Board and the generosity of local donors, have made it possible for me to teach and do what I do,” states Dr Blutinger

“If I can help students to have the types of Jewish experiences that I was fortunate to have, then I am doing a little bit more and investing in the future and taking my turn to give back Being committed to a community means being committed to its future.”

To that end, Dr. Blutinger decided to update his will and set aside a percentage of his estate to help benefit future Hillel students. His bequest will establish scholarships for students affiliated with Hillel for domestic or international travel related to Jewish interests such as study abroad in Israel, short-term study abroad classes related to Jewish studies and attendance at Jewish conferences. “Travel deepens students’ connections to their heritage by allowing them a chance to explore and put themselves in new situations. My time in Israel made a significant impact on me and helped me find a life in the Jewish

Community. If I can make a difference in the lives of Jewish students in the future, then I will have done my part,” states Dr Blutinger who is beginning to anticipate retirement and plans to make Aliyah at that time “By leaving a percentage of my estate, I can still provide for my family, and I am happy that I can also invest in the future and encourage others to look into ways they can provide for those who will come after us as well.”

Despitegrowingtensionsoncampus,BeachHillelhasremained steadfastintheircommitmenttoIsraelandJewishpeoplehood. TheycontinuetoadvocateforunbiasededucationonZionism andJewishself-determinationthroughactivitiesand demonstrationssuchasthisHostageawarenessdisplayfrom November2024.Photocredit:@beachhillelonInstagram

2025Scholarships:DeadlineMarch27

Seefulldetailsandsubmitapplicationsatjewishlongbeach.org

Forquestions,contactKevinGiser,ChiefOperating&DevelopmentOfficeratkgiser@jewishlongbeach.org

PromotesJewishcontinuityby connectingteenstoIsrael throughorganizedpeertrips, communitytrips,and educationalprograms

Opentoteens(ages13-19)and youngadults(ages20-29)

Upto$1,000willbeawarded perapplicant

PromotesJewishcontinuity throughconnectinglocal childrenwithopportunitiesto gotoovernightJewishsummer camp

Upto$1,000willbeawarded foreligiblefirst-timecampers Upto$500willbeawardedfor eligiblesecond-timecampers

Supportsyouthparticipationin Jewishexperiencessuchas summercamps,educational programs,andleadership developmentprograms Opentoyouththroughseniors inhighschool

Upto$1,000willbeawarded foreligibleapplicants

Note:Foreachofthethreescholarshipopportunities,theapplicantmustresideintheJewishLongBeachcatchmentarea Applicantsmayapplyformorethanoneopportunity;however,theymaynotreceivemorethanoneaward. LookfortheKaiserFamilyIsraelScholarshipforBeachHillelandHebrewAcademystudentsinthenextissueoftheChronicle.

What’sHappeninginYourCommunity

BeachHillel

Beach Hillel had a lovely time at the Alpert JCC baking challah with seniors on Friday, Feb 14. Sharing our Shabbat traditions "L'dor v'Dough" was a truly memorable experience!

Sunday, March 23, 11 am

Save the Date: Brunch for a Bright Future A brunch gala supporting the Jewish Students of Long Beach Tickets $180pp

Don & Andrea Kaiser have endowed through Jewish Long Beach Community Foundation the Kaiser Family Beach Hillel Passover Fund. Tributes can be made to support the fund so that future generations of students can participate in this essential part of Jewish Life

BethDavid

Saturday, March 1, 9 am

Saturday, April 5, 9 am

Torah Study with Rabbi Myers

Sunday, March 9, 10:30 am

Purim Tot Shabbat

Sunday, March 9, 11 am-2 pm

Purim Carnival

Thursday, March 13, 12 pm

Thursday, April 10, 12 pm

Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Myers

Thursday, March 13, 7 pm

Renovation Purim Shpiel

Sunday, March 16, 9:15 am

Women of Beth David babka making class

Friday, March 21, 7:30 pm

Friday, April 11, 7:30 pm

Shabbat Service & Karaoke Oneg Shabbat

Saturday, March 29, 10:30 am Tot Shabbat Passover

Sunday, March 30

Sunday, April 27

Movie Night

Thursday, April 3, 6:30 pm

Practicing Equanimity - A Mussar Study Presented by Rabbi Robin Foonberg

Wednesday, April 23, 7 pm

Yom HaShoah Commemoration

Saturday, April 26, 9 am

Body, Mind, & Spirit Shabbat Walk or hike, call office for location

Saturday, April 26

Cantors Concert

6 pm Cocktails & Appetizers

7 pm Concert

Register for events at tbdavid@templebethdavid org or 714-8926623

TempleBethShalom

For March and April events please see ad on page 13.

Saturdays, 10 am-12:30 pm

Shabbat Tots

Bring your kids on Saturday mornings for supervised activities and fun while you attend 10 am services.

For adult learning classes and other events please see our website calendar

For more information and to register for events please email office@tbslb.org or visit tbslb.org

TempleIsrael

For March and April events please see ad on back page

Friday, March 14, 6 pm

Purim Tot Shabbat

Friday, March 14, 7 pm

Got Shabbat? Service

Features Kendra Cogert & the Shabbatones

Saturday, March 15, 7:30 pm

Purim Shpiel & Celebration

Purim Shpiel in Yacht Rock

Thursday, March 27, April 3, 7 pm

Joys of Jewish Learning

The Rabbis & Our Emotions

Tuesdays, April 1 – June 3, 7 pm

Beginning Hebrew

Cost: $100, plus the cost of textbook Tuesday, April 22, 5:30 pm

Joys of Jewish Learning

Yom HaShoah Guest Speaker

Carolyn Siegel, executive director of If You Heard What I Heard

Please RSVP to Michelle mdt@tilb org or info@tilb.org

JewishNationalFund-USA

May 25 – 29, 2025

55+ Sunshine Volunteer Trip in Israel

We also offer a 4-day pre-trip in Jerusalem with touring and a Shabbat Dinner Cost is $3,000/person excluding airfare Learn more at www jnf org/travel/tour/index/sunshinetour--for-active-adults-55

Volunteer with JNF-USA in Israel! Join us to REBUILD, VOLUNTEER, AND TOUR ISRAEL. Are you traveling to Israel or know anyone in Israel that would like to volunteer with us for one day? We are offering day rates as well

Volunteer with your Congregation: Participants with their congregation are eligible to receive a $500 subsidy per participant to visit Israel.

NCJW-GreaterLongBeach& WestOrangeCounty

Sunday, March 2,11:30 am -2:30 pm

Shirley Stein Annual Book Review at The

Grand. “It’s About Love After All.” The guest speaker will be the Honorable Sherri Sobel, Ret. (our past Board Member). The cost is $57.

Saturday, March 8, 8:30 am-12 pm

Early Learning & Kindergarten Festival at Alvarado Elementary School, 1900 E 21st St , Signal Hill Help is needed with registration and handing out materials

Tuesday, March 11, 6-7:30pm

Abortion Comfort Kit packing at the Alpert JCC

Thursday, March 13, April 24, 6-7:30 pm

HugPack packing at the Alpert JCC

Monday, March 17

Scholarship- Deadline to apply on-line NCJW encourages all Jewish college/university/trade school students and high school seniors to apply for this opportunity.

Wednesday, March 19, 7 pm at the AJCC Speaker/author of Coming of Age on a Porn set: Trafficked in Porn at age 14. Jewell Baraka speaks as a porn survivor advocate. Discussion will follow with LBPD

All NCJW events are free unless indicated Donations are appreciated All program registration requested at www.ncjwlongbeach.org or call 657.235.2511

OrangeCountyCaliforniaJewish GenealogySociety(OCCJGS)

Sunday, March 23, 10 am on Zoom

Susan Weinberg

Crossing the Ocean: Sources to Ancestral Towns Using case studies based on Lithuania Latvia, Poland, and Belarus, we explore how to connect a wide variety of records and make use of many search engines. This talk also addresses how to create finding tools to decipher records in Russian handwritten Cyrillic. Susan Weinberg is an artist, author, researcher, and frequent speaker on genealogy topics

Sunday, April 27,10:00 am on Zoom

Jerry Scherer

The Power of AI in Jewish Genealogy

Jerry Scherer is a lifelong educator in mathematics and technology and has extensive experience integrating technology into education. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing Jewish genealogy, making research faster, smarter, and more accessible

Register for both events at ocjgs org Free to members, $5 for non-members

COMMUNITY Tributes&InMemoriam

ECEPrograms

IN MEMORY OF

Bruce

FromJewishLongBeachBoard, Leadership,&Staff

IN MEMORY OF

Sylvia Hartman

Beloved mother & mother-in-law

To Carl & Elise Hartman

Jeanne Marie Moore

Beloved mother & mother-in-law

To Michelle & David Twisselmann

Lou Schumow

Beloved husband

To Norma Schumow

Barry Levy

Beloved husband

To Marlene Levy

Belover father & father-in-law

To Sara & Seth Linden

MAZEL TOV

To Max & Daniela Erman

on the birth of their son

To Howard & Jill Erman on the birth of their grandson

To Brooke (Anderson) & Grant Zike on the birth of their daughter

Mackenzie Rayne Zike

GeneralFund

IN MEMORY OF Lois Finkelstein

Beloved mother & mother-in-law

To Sharon & Marty Kenigsberg

From Sandy & Daryl Phillips

From Ettie Councilman

From Linda & Sanford Simmons

From Laurie & Brian Garabedian

From Mark & Susan Paletz

Barry Levy

Beloved husband

To Marlene Levy

From Linda & Sanford Simmons

IN HONOR OF

Lena Shupper

on receiving the Neuburger Leadership Development Award

From Laurie Gerstman

Lynne & Jonathan Kass

on receiving The Robert Baldwin Community Service Award

From Binnie & Jack Berro

Beloved father

To Emily Gould

From Jay Alhadeff

IsraelEmergencyReliefFund

IN MEMORY OF

Linda Simon

To Debbie Verbel

From Harriet Danufsky

Lois Finkelstein

Beloved mother

To Sharon Kenigsberg

From Harriet Danufsky

IN HONOR OF

Dr. Mark Dressner

on receiving the Tess Wohlstattar

Hineni Award

From Laurie Gerstman

JCCCares

IN MEMORY OF Cas Ojeda

Beloved mother

To Elsie Bennett

From Jay Alhadeff

ChronicleFund

IN MEMORY OF

Lois Finkelstein

Beloved mother

To Sharon Kenigsberg

From Kevin Giser

For Jewish Long Beach tributes call: 562 426 7601 ext 1314

GeneralFund

IN HONOR OF Judith Lorber

From Gordon Cohn

IN APPRECIATION OF The Staff of JFCS

From Joy Fisher

IN MEMORY OF Sandy Horwitz

From Pattie & Marc Davidson

MarcieBalanBlakeyFund

IN HONOR OF

Bruce Balan & Alene Rice

From April & Gary Wyland

Charles Blakey & Karen Kirchner

The Brindze Family

Bruce Balan & Alene Rice

From Susan Blakey

The Brindze Family

Loren Brindze & Ashley Cohen

Jesse Brindze

Sue & Sam Blakey

Karen Kirchner & Charles Blakey

Karen & Lorry Frankel

Sandy Horwitz

Lee Balan & Michael LaSalata

Kathy & John Eastman

Shawn Fincham & Amanda Cloninger

Kyle Fincham & Emily Sanderson

Dan & Palmer

Eli Frankel

Michael Berlin

April & Gary Wayland

Barbara, Katie, Mags, & Sam

Molly Rose & Bob Fleming

Mark & Debbie Rose

Renee Simon

Steve & Shirley Jensen

Bruce Balan & Alene Rice

RefugeeFund

IN HONOR OF

Jackie Menter

From Beverly Weise

Mark Friedman

From Susan Glass

Cheryl Cohen From Deborah Lelchuk

Andi Waks

From Joy Brook

IN MEMORY OF Marsha Lewis

Beloved sister of Jerri Kaplan

Sam & Bessie Winer

Frank & Marha Silver

Shirley Groner

Jeanne Marie Moore

Sylvia Hartman

Cas Ojeda

Sandy Horwitz

Elena Servin

Joe Hess

Richard “Rick” Bobrow

Lou Schumow

Barry Levy

Linda Palitz

Lois Finkelstein

March7:5:37pm March14:6:42pm April4:6:58pm April11:7:03pm

March21:6:47pm March28:6:53pm

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.