A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO Facing the past, praying for the future
Deborah K. Goldfarb | Jewish Long Beach
As summer wanes and our children and teens return to school, and young adults return to universities, I reflect upon the events of the past year. It has been a long, hot summer and I was happy to spend time camping in the Sierras, a respite from both the heat and the boiling political atmosphere related to the war Unfortunately, as we approach the High Holy Days and I write this article, the war continues in Gaza, over 100 hostages remain in captivity, regular attacks from Hezbollah batter the north, and Iran and its proxies continue to threaten Israel
Jewish tradition guides us into action in times of grief and in times of joy. A year ago, following the Hamas attack o October 7th, we came together as a community to mourn and process the shock we and our Israeli brothers and sisters felt as a Jewish Community. Sin then, we joined together under t he auspices of our parent body, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), t raise nearly $100 million to support th rebuilding of Israeli communities and the emotional support of their citizens who were ravaged by the attack and th war
Jewish tradition guides us into actio in times of grief and in times of joy
This year the Jewish Holiday of Tisha B’av, the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, was more prescient than ever as we mourned not only the loss of the Temples in Jerusalem, but the trauma of our Israeli brothers and sisters as they continue to pray for the return of the hostages held by Hamas
This day of mourning is observed with a 25 hour fast to commemor ate the tragedies which shaped the Jews as a people: the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem, the Crusades, the expulsions from Spain and the Inquisition, the Holocaust and now, the most brutal murder and injuring of Jews since the Holocaust, compounded by the capture and holding of the hostages and the anguish of an ongoing war.
In this issue, we outline some of th programs. Le arn more on page 4.
Since the attacks, we have had man speakers and survivors at the Alpert JC and we plan to continue these and oth educational activities throughout the rest of the year We are also preparing for a solemn commemoration on October 7, 2024 in conjunction with our local synagogues and organizations.
As we move towards Rosh Hashanah and a new year, please join us as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and the welfare of Israel and the Jewish people
L’Shanah Tovah
Eyes turned toward the East Acknowledgement of the ongoing hostage crisis has been a hallmark of Jewish Long Beach programming over the last year
Advocating for Survival
We proudly welcomed Rotem Korem and Shahar Etinger to Long Beach in May 2024 to share their firsthand account of the events of October 7 in Kfar Azza
As communities around the world processed the worst atrocities in modern Jewish history, they knew they could count on the Jewish Federation system. Thanks to our powerful network across North America, global reach, and vetting process that allows us to get doll ars where they are needed most, Jewish Federations were there, ready to respond Our system launched in full force, assessing needs, connecting with NGOs on the ground, and coordinating in real time with foundations and the Israeli government. We raised an incredible amount of funding and began making a significant impact
In this traumatic, unspeakable moment for the Jewish people, you have made an enormous difference. Every single person who has shown up, in every community together, your unprecedented giving has made a truly significant difference in so many lives. We have empowered hundreds of organizations and thousands of volunteers and have made a difference in the trajectory of Israel’s ongoing ability to respond to medical, mental health, communal, and economic needs as this crisis continues. We are in awe of the impact we are having together, and we thank you
Jewish Federations of North America
&
C O M M U N I T Y - S H A P E R S
An update on Jewish Long Beach Women’s Philanthropy
Susan Paletz | Director of Fund & Community Development
Leadership Through Tzedakah
Jewish Long Beach Women’s Philanthropy brings women together as a community to practice tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (justice) rachamim (compassion) and chessed (loving kindness). We provide opportunities for women to learn new skills and helping women of all ages and career stages translate their values into actions. We invite you to join us in an environment where every Jewish woman can enrich and strengthen her identity as a woman and a Jew and help make a difference. Be a part of the movement of local Jewish women who are leading by example.
Honoring Lions & Pomegranates
We are so pleased to welcome Iris Kraemer, Chair of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) National Women's Philanthropy, to Long Beach on Sunday, Sept 22, to
introduce her to our empowering network of women. Kraemer will speak at the Lion & Pomegranate Thank You Brunch event and update us on current philanthropic trends and endeavors from Jewish Federations of North America. Lions and Pomegranates should look for an email invitation with more information.
Celebrate Sukkot
We welcome all women in our community to perform the mitzvah of dining in the Sukkah on Tuesday, Oct 22 at the Alpert JCC. We will share a beautiful vegetarian dinner, holiday desserts, wine, and the company of old and new friends under the palms of our sukkah.
To get involved in Women’s Philanthropy, contact Susan Paletz at spaletz@alpertjcc.org or (562) 426-7601 ext. 1012.
Lead and Inspire:
Women’s Philanthropy
Giving Societies
The Lions of Judah
An international sisterhood of thousands of global activists who care deeply about the Jewish future. Each woman makes an annual commitment of $5,000 to the Jewish Long Beach Annual Community Campaign
Pomegranate Society
Women nurture, sustain, and plant the seeds for the next generation of Jewish leaders. Women who give a minimum of $1,800 to the Annual Community Campaign are recognized for their generous support of our local Jewish community
Lion & Pomegranate Thank You Brunch
Guest Speaker Iris Kraemer Chair, National Women’s Philanthropy
Sun • Sept 22 • 11 am Private Residence
Dinner in the Sukkah
Tues • Oct 22 • 6 pm
Alpert JCC
Vegetarian dinner, holiday desserts, wine and good company. $15/pp.
24 - 26, 2025
Helping the world, Jerry & Joanne Levy
ONE STARFISH AT A TIME
Written by Sheryl Musicant Stewart Chair, Women’s Philanthropy
Remember the tale about the boy throwing starfish that had washed ashore back into the sea? When a passerby asks, “Why bother? There are thousands of starfish on the beach It won’t make a difference.” The boy, throwing another starfish into the sea, replies, “It made a difference to that one.” Joanne and Jerry Levy recount that story as emblematic of their philanthropic efforts on behalf of the Jewish community here in Long Beach
Joanne grew up in the San Fernando Valley, and Jerry was raised in Kansas City. Though they’d both been raised in Reform Jewish homes, neither family had been particularly observant. The Levys wanted to ensure their two children, Gabrielle and Benjamin, had strong Jewish identities
Jerry and Joanne settled in Long Beach in 1985 while Jerry was completing his reside ncy. With no Jewish friends or connections here, they enrolled their kids in the Alpert JCC Early Childhood Education Center. Soon, the family began to develop a core group of Jewish friends
After their children left home, Joanne became an adult bat mitzvah at Temple Israel and the couple began to immerse themselves in the Jewish community. They focused their time, money, and energies on causes they cared about. Joanne was invited to serve on the temple board. Her seven-year tenure
included a term as vice president for ritual practices. She joined the board of the local chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women and the board of Jewish Family and Children’s Service, all while working full-time as a school speech pathologist. Jerry joined the Temple Israel board after Joanne’s term ended. He served two years as treasurer and is beginning his second year as temple president. He was proud to lead the congregation during the celebration of the temple’s centennial this past year
Jerry, a rheumatologist with Kaiser Permanente, had planned to retire from medicine at the end of 2019, but then came the pandemic. He was called back to support his fellow physicians in various capacities. Jerry cited his Jewish background and values – to help where and when he can – as motivation
Now, this couple who spent their professional lives helping one patient at a time, has decided to help where they can, by establishing an endowment to benefit Jewish Long Beach. As they prepared for retirement and assessed their trust, the Levys made a list of the philanthropic causes they cared about –the University of Kansas, the Arthritis Foundation, and others But Jerry and Joanne determined their highest priority was ensuring a strong Jewish community for families like theirs, now and well into the future.
The Levy family endowment will continue to grow in the coming years
and one day, their children will have a say in how the funds are allocated. Joanne and Jerry say it is important their adult children understand their priority is investing in the Jewish community and advancing the causes they believe in.
Jerry and Joanne know well that financial challenges and building membership are ongoing challenges for synagogues and Jewish organizations Though they can’t stem that tide alone, the couple hopes that, with the help of friends and other dedicated and generous community members, the organizations they care about, including Jewish Long Beach, will be able to keep the doors open for the next 100 years. Jerry and Joanne, who will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in October, might not be able to change the entire world but hope to change a small part of it – one starfish at a time.
To learn more about how you too can give a Legacy Gift through Jewish Long Beach, please contact Kevin Giser at kgiser@jewishlongbeach.org or 562.426.7601 ext. 1011
Way to go, LONG BEACH T E A M
Illuminating the darkness through tradition
Congratulations to all our teen athletes who represented Team Long Beach in the JCC Maccabi® Games in Detroit last month! We are beyond proud of Team Long Beach!
Gold Medal
16U 3v3 Basketball
Santos Olumese and Levi Schimsky
Silver Medal
14U Baseball:
Sam Allen and Jadon Cohen
16U Boys Soccer
Ethan Gertner
Bronze Medal
16U Baseball
Jordan Brown, Weston Cohen, Caleb Gitlin, Shane Guy, Landon Kramer, Aidan Pereg, Alex Rosoff, and Benny Ruggier
Now accepting submissions for Evelyn Linden Baldwin Youth Creative Writing Contest
Jewish Long Beach is proud to present the 2024 Evelyn Linden Baldwin Creative Writing Contest for students Grades 6 – 12 in the Greater Long Beach area.
Entries should respond to the following passage with a reflective essay, story, or short graphic novel exploring the concept of increasing light in the world.
First and second-place prizes in the amounts of $250 and $100, respectively, will be awarded to outstanding works in the high school and middle school categories. Winners will be notified by November 4. Winners and participants will be recognized at the Creative Writing Awards Ceremony on November 10 as a part of the Long Beach Jewish Arts & Culture Festival
Prompt:
Submission deadline: October 15, 2024 at 5pm
Submit original entries to alpertjcc.org/creative-writing
Contact Dana Schneider-Chanzit at dschnieder@alpertjcc.org for any questions
"Light has long been a powerful symbol in human cultures and traditions For example, light is significant in Jewish tradition Lighting Shabbat or Chanukah candles uses light to represent perseverance and symbolize hope. How does the idea of increasing light intersect with your tradition or values? Write a reflective essay, story, or short graphic novel exploring the concept of increasing light in the world. Consider how individuals may embody this concept through acts of kindness, charity, or spreading knowledge and wisdom."
All funds raised go towards social, educational, recreational, and spiritual programming for seniors.
Happy New Year
Jessie Butler & Family; Ellen Ruimy & Family; Sara Butler & Family; Carla Hoffman & Family; Heidi Hardy & Family
Shanah Tovah from our family to all!
Bill, Margaret, Emma, and Kevin
Shanah Tovah
Barbara & Lester Brown
Wishing you a Happy & Healthy New Year
Don & Andrea
Kaiser & Family
Wishing Our Community a Happy & Healthy New Year
Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Long Beach & Orange County
Wishing You A Happy & Healthy New Year
Marc, Sybil, Rachael, David, Deborah, Lily & Jonathan Tamaroff
Wishing you a Happy & Healthy New Year
NCJW Greater Long Beach & West Orange County
May this year bring peace & happiness to you, your family, our country & the world
Nancy, Jim, Seth, Sara, Ezra & Pax Linden, Marlene & Barry Levy
Wishing you a sweet and healthy New Year Rosecarrie & Alan Brooks
Wishing You a Happy & Healthy New Year
Jann Kronick-Gath and Chance Gath
Shanah Tovah The Kenigsberg Family
Wishing you a New Year of Health, Happiness, & Joy
Laurie & Robert Raykoff & Family
Shanah Tovah
Jewish Long Beach Board & Staff
Best Wishes for a New Year of Joy & Laughter
Dr. Susan Mathieu and the Happy Mathieu Family
Wishing You a Happy & Healthy New Year
Shirley Ross
Shanah Tovah & Happy New Year
Amy, Jonah, & Josh
Wishing you a Happy & Healthy New Year
Shanah Tovah
Beach Hillel Board, Staff & Students
Wishing You a Happy & Healthy New Year
Arlene & Rick Freeman Happy New Year
Shanah Tovah! Happy New Year!
Amy & Rich Lipeles
Jeffrey, Lauren, Ellie, Joshua, Jacob, & Sandy Rips
Wishing You a New Year filled with Joy & Laughter
Anna Salusky Salusky Law Group
Yolanda & Victor Placencio
HEBREW ACADEMY Investing in Futures The Hebrew Academy’s Profound Impact
“What truly sets the Hebrew Academy apart are the values it instilled in my kids,” recalls Don Kaiser “I’ve seen those values carry through into their adult lives.” This profound observation captures the essence of the Hebrew Academy's enduring influence on its students, highlighting why this Orange County inst itution has been a cornerstone of Jewish education for over five decades
Discovering the Hebrew Academy
In 1979, Don and Andrea Kaiser moved from the San Gabriel Valley to Long Beach with their family. As former educators, they sought a school that would offer their children a nurturing, value-driven educational environment The Hebrew Academy, with its small class sizes and dual focus on secular and Hebrew education, quickly stood out as the perfect choice Don and Andrea were impressed by how the Hebrew Academy combined academic excellence with Jewish teachings, creating an environment where values were instilled in their children. Witnessing this profound impact firsthand fueled their ongoing commitment and active involvement with the Hebrew Academy Don’s journey began as a parent and continued as a board member of the Jewish Federation of Long Beach. As the current president of the Hebrew Academy board, Don dedicates his time and expertise to support its mission and growth.
commitment to the Hebrew Academy. His professional expertise enhances his ability to support and sustain the school’s mission, ensuring that future generations benefit from a highquality, values-driven education
Inspired by the Pew report highlighting that the best Jewish continuity is through Jewish education, Don and Andrea have dedicated themselves to supporting this mission. They believe a co mprehensive education must include rigorous academic training and a deep connection to Jewish heritage and Israel. Their commitment is evident in the Kaiser Family Endowment through Jewish Long Beach, which provides scholarships for post high school student trips to Israel Additionally, Don and Andrea funded the Hebrew Academy’s STEM classroom and continue to provide annual funding for the program, demons trating their unwavering support for the Jewish community.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Don's drive to give back to the community is deeply rooted in the values his parents instilled in him. They taught him the importance of supporting the community, and he passionately continues this legacy As an investment manager, Don understands the value of long-term planning and investment, which aligns perfectly with his
Constantly evolving to meet the challenges of tomorrow, these programs equip students with the skills and knowledge they'll need in an everchanging world “We are preparing the future leaders of our community,” Don explains, his pride evident in every word
Financial accessibility is a common concern for many families. The Hebrew Academ y is dedicated to providing a Jewish education to any child whose family desires it, regardless of their financial situation. Don reassures, “The board's mission is to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent any child from receiving a Jewish education.”
Don has a simple invitation for parents worried about the social environment or cultural fit: “Come visit the school to see for yourself how happ y the children are in the positive environment the dedicated teachers and administrators provide for the children.”
A Thank You to the Community
Estee Lovitch, this year’s graduating senior and recipient of the Kaiser Family Scholarship grant, shares her anticipation for her upcoming gap year in Israel:
“As a Jewish woman, it is very important to me to spend a year learning and growing in my identity in the land of Israel I am excited to explore my Jewish identity, connect with my heritage, and grow as a young woman. ” Her words resonate with the core values instilled by the Hebrew Academy, demonstrating how the school's influence extends far beyond graduation
Rabbi Newman, Head of School, extends a heartfelt thank you to the Long Beach community for their unwavering support “The enduring generosity of families like the Kaisers, along with legacy gifts and endowment funds from Jewish Long Beach, allows the Hebrew Academy to continue to provide an education that blends academic excellence with Jewish values. This crucial support sustains and enhances our programs. The new Jewish Long Beach Scholarship Fund, which began in 2024, will make our strong value-based education accessible to even more families. To gether, we are nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders right here in Orange County.”
Honoring visionaries: Rabbi Newman, Dean of Hebrew Academy, presented Don and Andrea Kaiser with a Menorah at a past Visionary Dinner, celebrating their profound contributions to Jewish education and community.
Innovation meets tradition in the Hebrew Academy's stateof-the-art STEM classroom. Funded by the Kaiser family, this space empowers students to explore, create, and excel in the modern world while staying rooted in timeless values.
Weinberg Jewish Long Beach
