The Power of Community

The Power of Community

Richard R. Marcus, PhD | President, Board of Directors, Jewish Long Beach

Deborah K. Goldfarb | Interim CEO, Jewish Long Beach

Our Jewish Community has a long tradition of Klal Yisrael (embracing our collective Jewish community) and Kol Arevim Zeh l’ze (believing that all Jews are responsible for one another). The Jewish Federation movement (now known as Jewish Long Beach locally) has been a longstanding advocate for these values.

As a local community convener, we have been committed to bringing the community together around shared concerns affecting Jews here, in Israel, or around the world. At our recent Israel Vigil following the terrorist attack by Hamas with over 1500 Israeli citizens killed, thousands injured, more than 200 in captivity in Gaza, and dozens missing, our community Rabbis and communal leaders brought comfort and suggestions for how we can all support Israel and each other at this time.

Here is our plea as we all stand as one:

Dear Community Members,

The recent attacks on Israel have brought us to a critical juncture in our relationships with Israel and each other. More than ever before in recent times we now need to renew our commitments and connections to each other, to our partnering organizations, and to all who stand with us in support of Klal Yisrael.

There are many ways to support Israel and each other at this time. In particular we would like to recommend the following:

• Give tzedakah and support Jewish organizations. They are working, more than ever before, to diligently support a local, national, and international Jewish future.

• Love each other more and increase our patience with each other and compassion for our community. The challenges facing the Jewish people are too large for us to let petty inter- communal arguments come between us.

• Build relationships with other faith communities and your neighbors. There are many caring Americans who want to partner with us and are waiting for us to reach out in unity. Jewish Long Beach Advocacy Committee and our local congregations are actively working to develop these connections.

• Do mitzvot. This basic value of Judaism will help restore our fractured world. Consider wrapping teffilin, lighting shabbat candles or attending shabbat services.

• Build pride in being Jewish among your families and community members. Through pride we can overcome the insidious nature of antisemitism and anti-Zionism and build relationships by acting as role models for the world.

• Learn more about Judaism and participate in Jewish activities on a daily basis. As we strengthen our knowledge and love of Judaism, we also grow our ability to connect to each other no matter what stream of Judaism we adhere to.

All of these things will help restore hope and light during this very dark time.

We join with each of you, and with Israel, in solidarity.

Am Yisrael Chai, Rabbi Scott Fox, Temple Israel

Rabbi Len Muroff, Temple Beth Ohr

Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, Los Al Chabad

Rabbi Menachem Mirski, Ph.D, Temple Beth Shalom

Rabbi Nancy Myers, Beth David Rabbi Yitchok Newman, Congregation Lubavitch

Rabbi Abba Perelmuter, Shul by the Shore

Richard R. Marcus, PhD, President, Jewish Long Beach

Deborah K. Goldfarb, Interim CEO, Jewish Long Beach