Camp, Community & Compassion

Camp, Community & Compassion: Rabbi Howard Laibson's Legacy

Linda Waltzman & Jewish Long Beach Staff

Jewish Long Beach mourns the passing of Rabbi Howard Laibson, a beloved spiritual leader, teacher, and friend who dedicated his life to building community, inspiring justice, and bringing joy to Jewish living. Over his decades of service to the Long Beach Jewish community, Rabbi Laibson served as Rabbi of Temple Israel of Long Beach and later Congregation Shir Chadash of Lakewood. He was a cherished lay leader and active Grants Committee member of Jewish Long Beach, where his contributions left a lasting impact on thousands of lives. Rabbi Laibson served as President of Pacific Association of Reform Rabbis, President of South Coast Interfaith Council, Chair of Community of the Conference for Equality and Justice, our local Kehillah Council. Among his Rabbinic interns were Rabbi Lisa Hochberg Miller, Rabbi Rebecca Schorr, and Rabbi Daniel Cohen.

Those who knew Rabbi Laibson often speak of his deep love for camp life — music, guitar, the great outdoors, and the freedom of self-expression that Jewish sleepaway camp offered young people. A lifelong naturalist, he wrote a soon to be published book reflecting on the beauty of disconnecting from city life, finding peace in the redwoods. For Rabbi, the magic of camp and nature was not limited to childhood summers; he strived to make every community he was part of feel like camp. Moments were meant to be joyful, connective, and filled with purpose.

Rabbi put his belief in interfaith cooperation and the pursuit of justice for all into his daily practice. He worked closely as Chair of CCEJ , advocated for human rights issues like the Darfur crisis, and brought a strong moral voice to communal conversations. His commitment to tikkun olam was unwavering, grounded in Jewish values and extended with love to the broader world.

For Linda Waltzman, a fellow Jewish Long Beach leader and longtime friend who met at a teen retreat, Rabbi Laibson’s presence was a constant — from joyous moments like Israeli dancing at SCFTY to solemn ones, such as officiating the funerals of her parents and being by her side in moments of personal loss. He embodied the sacred rhythm of life, once saying, “The key to maintaining the rhythm of life is resting at the right time.” His words remain a reminder of the grace with which he moved through the world.

In his memory, Rabbi Laibson’s legacy continues through the Rabbi Howard Laibson Jewish Campership Fund, established to honor his lifelong passion for Jewish sleepaway camp through the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach. The leadership of Congregation Shir Chadash were key partners in beginning the fund when Rabbi retired, and still today generously sustain it’s funding. Over the past two summers alone, the fund has sent more than 40 local youth to camp, providing transformative experiences for the next generation — just as Rabbi would have wanted.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Goldsmith, daughters Ariela Laibson and Miriam Laibson (Randy), and

granddaughter Mara. May Rabbi Howard Laibson’s memory be a blessing and may his example continue to guide our community with the same warmth, compassion, and joy that he brought to every life he touched. For those who got to know him, may his teachings, stories, and melodies last forever.

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

Do you feel inspired by Rabbi Laibson’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