TI 100th Annivesary Gala Tribute Book

100TH ANNIVERSARY GALA 1924-2024

TEMPLE ISRAEL

May 11, 2024

Mazel Tov

Temple Israel on 100 years of Jewish Community!

Alain & Tari Hirsch and Family

Message from Temple President Jerry Levy and Rabbi Scott Fox

It’s right around this time of the year that we start to see things bear fruit. The sun is well on its way to its full height, and the days are bright as the light comes reflected off the sea and sky. Produce is just a little more tasty. No longer are berries shipped from regions with opposite seasons or pulled out of cold storage, these come straight from the ground to our lips. It’s a miraculous thing to see a seed turn to sapling, and then grow branches and flower. Perhaps more than any of us might expect to see in our lifetime and yet we are exceedingly lucky to be alive in the very moment the leaves open and produce. This too is a miraculous time for our synagogue. As we reflect on the seeds our Temple founders planted one hundred years ago, we are remarkably fortunate to share what Temple Israel has become today. We can only imagine what that first meeting could have been like for our founders. A bleak and blurry dream of a spring of Jewish life in a budding desert. Nevertheless they planted, and 100 years later, here we are today.

When a small group of Jews decided to form a temple back in 1924 little could they imagine what would transpire in the next 100 years. And what a century, from the Holocaust, to the founding of Israel, the first steps on the moon, the Internet, cellular phone and medical advances that are frankly miraculous.

Over the last century, we have grown as a congregation in numbers and diversity, reflecting what it means to be a Jew in America. Four forward thinkers: Ben Schwartz, Isaac Sukman, Ben Lewis, and Michael Weisz took out a loan on what was to become Temple Israel. Since that time, we have had 20 clergy, 6 Executive Directors, 13 Educators (some of whom also served as assistant rabbis), 2 accompanists, not to mention all of the administrative, custodial and support staff that keep the Temple running. Our volunteer lay leaders, led by 48 Presidents, have guided this congregation, lending their hearts, minds, and time to the benefit of our community. Our 550 families enjoy a wide variety of experiences and programs such that it is nearly impossible to find an open date when nothing is happening at the Temple.

Tonight, we are celebrating our past, but it is also a time for us to look to the future. We are strong in so many ways. Our membership is stable and growing, the Torah Center is bursting at the seams, our teens are actively involved in Temple activities, our lay leadership and professional staff members are dedicated to the betterment of the Temple, and our finances are solid.

It is a great time to be part of Temple Israel Long Beach.

And so we continue the great work that was begun 100 years ago, because even as a century can bring a revolution in daily life, it’s the blink of an eye for a people that have been vibrant for thousands of years. And given what a century now passed has brought us, we know the possibilities of what our next century can bring. Here’s to our next 100 years, another century of blooming Jewish life in this beautiful city.

Hazak Hazak, may we continue to go from strength to strength.

Thank you from Justin Perlman VP Resource Development I want to thank several people who have inspired me to be the best version of myself and give back to the community I cherish.

Thank you to my wife, Marielli, who has taught me the vital importance of volunteerism and leading by example, demonstrating to our children to give back to organizations, causes, and beliefs that matter most to you. ¡Te amo mucho!

My conversation with Mark Dressner, over Acai Bowls holds a special place in my heart. Two years ago, his question about my readiness for the VP of Resource Development role sparked an adventure and a period of learning. Mark, your belief in me has been a driving force in my journey. Thank you!

Immense praise goes to Debbie Feldman for her steadfast leadership, the event’s vision, and for championing our efforts to make this possible. Your contributions have not only made this event a success but have also significantly impacted our community.

To Rob Feldman for his mentorship, words of wisdom, and leading the charge as our Gala auctioneer for the second year running, your role has been instrumental in our achievements!

To David Jacobson for giving us a trifecta of three solid years of Gala involvement. Your time, expertise, and willingness to jump in with both feet have been invaluable. Personally, I am deeply grateful for your contributions and dedication.

To Leah Lieberman for her tireless efforts in planning and design work. As decór chair, she continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and delivers repeatedly!

To Andi Levine, thank you for bringing a fresh outlook to our fundraising efforts, from curating theme-based auction bundles to your communication skills and messaging to our Torah Center parents. I appreciate all your hard work!

To my mother, Eve Perlman, for not only checking in on me to make sure I had everything I needed as we prepared but for rolling up her sleeves to solicit several of our fabulous silent auction items, and lastly, for learning the online bidding platform and doing data entry in support of the big event. Thank you!

To Charmaine, who is the glue that keeps us all together! She is a treasure trove of wealth and knowledge, working behind the scenes with unmatched logistics and diplomacy.

Thank you to Eric Shatzkin, the Board of Directors, Jerry Levy as Temple President, and everyone involved!

Thank you from Debbie Feldman Gala Chair I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible husband, Rob Feldman, for his unwavering support during my role as Chair of Temple Israel’s 100th Year Gala. To my exceptional colleague, Justin Perlman, thank you for dedicating countless hours to mastering the online bidding system and skillfully handling the electronic e-bidding process for all the incredible donations contributed by our Temple members.

A huge thank you to David Jacobson for organizing the fantastic entertainment, and to Leah Lieberman, whose impeccable attention to detail brought honor and elegance to our temple. Big thanks to Andi Levine, who led the Torah Center donation drive—her effortless coordination and creativity turned all the incredible donations into beautifully crafted baskets for us to bid on.

A special mention goes to the wonderful and talented Paula Prager, a remarkable artist, for sharing her knowledge and creativity to bring my mezzuzot vision to life. Thanks to her, she helped me transform our unused sanctuary stained glass windows into beautiful Mezzuzot, allowing us to carry a piece of our Temple’s history into our homes. The following skilled mezzuzot - makers deserve recognition as well: Paula Prager, Cindy Arana, Paula Avchen, Helene Ansel, Elana Feldman, Stefanie Feldman, Debi Felsenthal, Charmaine Weiner, Lea Gerber, Jeanne Halliday, Bobbi Horowitz, Diane Merrick, Sheryl Stahl, Linda Waltzman, Kennedy Faulkner, Mira Smeltzer, Gabby Meghiddo, Maryse Fujimori, and Kim DeCelles. I am grateful to you all.

A special thanks to the Men’s Minyan and Rick Burney for their immediate and generous support in underwriting part of the Mezzuzot Project. This project will potentially bring in $25,000 for our Temple. I’d also like to acknowledge Binnie and Jack Berro for always being there for me, providing valet services for the evening, and guiding me in making this evening a tremendous success.

In conclusion, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our devoted Temple staff—Rabbi Fox, Cantor Cooper, Eric Shatzkin, Sharon Amster Brown, David York, Charmaine Weiner, Michelle Techau, and Jackie Profeta, Kara Liu, our sensational Torah Center teachers, Eve Lunt, Jay Alhadeff, Linda Keiles, Marian Martin and our incredible custodians—Mike Jackson, Robert Alford, and Danny Phan. Your hard work and dedication are the backbone of everything we do! A special thanks as well to all our amazing volunteers tonight including our Torah Center singers, Noah Butler, Alma Perlman, Aliana Mendoza and Luca Dickstein.

If I’ve overlooked anyone, please know that your contribution is invaluable.

Thank you Temple Israel Congregation from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support for our 100th Anniversary Gala. You’ve been a steadfast source of strength, not just for me and my loved ones, but for every family at Temple Israel. You celebrate with us during our happiest moments and stand by us through the toughest challenges life throws our way. Together, we illuminate the path, honoring our rich history while inspiring and guiding one another toward a bright future for the next 100 years.

Love you all, Debbie

In Loving Memory of Those Who Came Before Us and with Heartfelt Appreciation For Our Family That Followed.

One Hundred Years and Five Generations of Temple Israelites Binnie, Jack and Family

CONGRATULATIONS ON A CENTURY OF JEWISH LIFE IN LONG BEACH In 1935, John’s grandparents, Sidney and Florence Hartmann, moved to Long Beach and joined Temple Israel. Their daughter, Shirley, was confirmed and in 1941, she married Myron Blumberg in the second wedding ceremony celebrated in the new building.

Over the years, Temple Israel has been where the family has had confirmations, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings and memorial services. Our family has supported and been supported by Temple Israel. Could Florence and Sidney Hartmann have imagined the future they laid the foundation for nearly 90 years ago?

John and Marcie Blumberg

Thank you Temple Israel for over 40 years of memories.

Mazel Tov on 100 Years!

From the happiest of times to the saddest of times, you have been there for our family.

We look forward to many more years together!

Love, Joel and Edie Brodsky and Family

Congratulations to Temple Israel for 100 amazing years of service to the spiritual needs of the Long Beach Jewish Community David Tillman & Karen Zoller

The 2023-24 Board of Directors congratulates Temple Israel on celebrating 100 years of Reform Judaism in Long Beach.

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve this congregation.

Ron Artstein Karen Ben-Shmuel Mark Dressner Renee Florsheim Lea Gerber Jared Goldin Jon Gotz Jill Fisher Granek Steve Gratch Lisa Hill David Jacobson

Kathy Kreida Paul Levitt Jerry Levy Justin Perlman Kate Sachnoff Lysa Saltzman Sheri Sinaga Scott Sterling Sheryl Stahl Ed Zwieback

As we mark this milestone, let us extend our deepest gratitude to all who have nurtured and upheld our Temple’s sacred mission over the years.

To the visionaries who laid its foundation, the leaders who guided its path, the faithful who filled its pews, and the countless hands that labored in its service—we owe a debt of gratitude for the gift of this spiritual home.

Much love, Rob, Debbie, Elana and Stefanie Feldman

L’Dor Va’Dor

Generations of Temple Israel congregants celebrate 100 Years of Torah Study

Mazel Tov to Temple Israel on 100 Years of community, spirituality and caring.

Looking forward to the Next 100 Years!

Amy & Rich Lipeles

100 Years of Jewish Community

100 Years of Jewish Community

100 Years of Jewish Community

100 Years of Jewish Community

Mazel Tov to our Temple Israel Mishpacha on our 100th Anniversary Celebration!

Hazak Hazak V’Nithazek Be strong! Be strong!

And let us strengthen one another!

Joanne and Jerry Levy Gabrielle and Ben

Happy 100th Birthday Temple Israel!

As members for more than 40 of those years, we can say that you’ve never looked more vibrant.

Keep up the good work!

THE FINNLEY FAMILY: Cantor Marvin and Hannah Finnley Zev, Mariko, Madelynn and Ren Finnley

Temple Israel is the place Where our children grew up Where we met friends Where we gather Where we celebrate.

Tonight we celebrate Temple Israel.

100 years and going strong!

Alan and Robin Lilien

This is Your Life in honor celebration and memory may the legacy continue.

Ada Louise Brown

born April 19, 2024 6 lbs, 19 inches on the birthdays of Uncle Harold Spellens and cousin Daniel Spellens lovingly named in memory of Great Grandmother Ada Hersh Phillips.

Much Love Always,

Daryl & Sandy Phillips

NCJW Congratulates and says “Mazel Tov!” to Temple Israel on your 100th Anniversary.

We are always proud to be your partner for the benefit of women, children and families in our community.

Visit www.ncjwlongbeach.org or contact info@ncjwlongbeach.org and (657) 235-2511. You are welcome to join us on Charter Day as we honor Deborah Goldfarb.

Jewish Long Beach congratulates Temple Israel on its 100th Anniversary!

JEWISHLONGBEACH.ORG

One hundred years ago on a beautiful morn, A new temple was born.

Today we honor our second home, The temple with the inspiring dome.

Elizabeth & Mark Sharzer

Congratulations thank you for being a part of our life cycles.

The Hyde Family

Audrey, Alan & Mark, Charles & Kathy, Toby & Sonya, Laura & Erin, Lindsey, Jared, Semo, Naomi, and Sofia

Our Temple mishpacha has been a blessing and inspiration for our family for more than a third of Temple Israel’s 100 years. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to grow, learn, worship, and gather in times of joy and sorrow with all of you. May the light from our clergy, staff, and congregation continue to shine brightly for another 100 years.

Rick, Linda, Sarah, and Melissa Burney

Thanks you to all our Temple Israel family for a warm and vibrant community.

Here’s to the next 100 years!

Ron Artstein & Nancy Hall

Congratulations Temple Israel on your 100 years of commitment to providing a Jewish house of learning and worship and making this world a better place for all.

Here’s to 100 more!

David & Sadie Sacks

Thank you to Temple Israel for being our spiritual home.

So many memories have been created in these walls for our family and many families of the past, present and future!

Cheers to the NEXT 100 Years!

Hank & Joyce Feldman and Family For 100 years, our beloved synagogue has been a sacred place that unites families and community in faith and action.

We are grateful to be part of the journey and to celebrate with all of you.

Mark Dressner & Matt Davis

L’Dor Va’ Dor,

Temple Israel, We are so proud to be part of this thriving, vibrant congregation, and to celebrate our 100 years of serving the Long Beach Community together.

We celebrate you, but the truth is, it is our lives that have been enriched by membership.

Thank you, Michelle and Steve Gordon

from generation to generation!

Thanks to the generations before us who lovingly created our Temple Israel community and inspire us to lovingly nurture it for all generations to come.

L’Chaim !

Deborah Fabricant and Clifford Corman

Happy 100th Birthday, Temple Israel!

What a history of families and stories of resilience and courage of a community that continued to come together throughout these years in Long Beach, CA. Through a history of the holocaust, and threats towards Jewish life around the world, Temple Israel stands as a beacon of hope and optimism, bridging our past to our present, and our present to our future.

Congratulations to Temple Israel for 100 years of service to our community!

May the next be as impactful.

I want to wish my Wonderful, Wise Wife a very Happy 1st Anniversary.

The best is yet to come.

Love You Madly HBH Leon Neumann

We are a thriving community that is now focused on sustainability for another 100 years! This is our beacon of hope for the next generations to come. What a legacy Temple Israel, you have made. What a vision of hope that you are giving for our future. To our current clergy and their families, thank you for your spiritual guidance and leadership to continue being the bridge for now, to the next generation to come. To our past and current board members, your vision and actions live on. I applaud and honor our active congregants that continue to keep our synagogue thriving and strong for the next 100 years!

Happy 100th birthday!

Dr. Sheri Sinaga, Board of Directors Member 2024

Mazel Tov to Temple Israel for 100 years!

We are so grateful to be a part of this community!

Mazel Tov to Temple Israel on reaching 100!

Lysa Saltzman and Adolfo Guzman-Lopez

The Siegel Family

Bill, Marian, Adam, Sharlene, Kobi, Jona, Josh, and Anneke

Thank you for helping us celebrate all our simchas with you!

Here’s to the next 100 Years!

We look forward to bulding the future of our Jewish Community.

Anna, Leah and Maya Mahoney-Salusky

Sandy & Geoff Carr

Mazel Tov Temple Israel!

Alan & Kathy Kreida

We love you, Scott, Dori and Adi. Mom/Dad, Ellen/Steve, Bubbe/Zayda!

Mazel Tov

on your first 100 years, Temple Israel!

The Ben-Shmuel Family

Congratulations to Temple Israel on its Centennial Anniversary!

Debi & Dan Felsenthal

Congratulations

Hazak, Hazak V’Nithazek

on a milestone of 100 years!

May Temple Israel continue to grow from strength to strength in the coming 100 years.

Diann & Walt Zenda

Anne Gundry & David Hillinger and Family

Mazel Tov and Happy Birthday Temple Israel!

HAPPY 100th ANNIVERSARY TEMPLE ISRAEL! With admiration & appreciation for all those who came before us and made this milestone possible!

Norma and Jan Stein

Jonathan & Lynne Kass

With immense gratitude for enriching the lives of our congregation.

We remember the women of Sisterhood, who came before us.

We look to the future and honor those who will follow.

We wish Temple Israel another joyful 100 years.

Ken Yehi Ratzon Temple Israel Sisterhood