jewish community chronicle - weddings, b'nai mitzvot, simchahs issue

Weddings

B'naiMitzvot

T H E V O I C E O F T H E J E W I S H C O M M U N I T YPUBLISHED SINCE 1947 BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER LONG BEACH AND WEST ORANGE COUNTY

www.jewishlongbeach.org | 562.426.7601 JANUARY 2015 | 5775 | TEVET-SHEVAT | VOL.67-NO.5

Alpert JCCAround the JIN

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Love, Jewish Community Style PAGE 2

2 | JEWISH COMMUNITY CHRONICLE | TEVET-SHEVAT | 5775

Love, Jewish Community Style

time). I interviewed to be a summer camp coun-selor for Camp Kadimah for the summer of 1988, and I was happy to be offered the job. I also re-member my first day of orientation. I didn’t know any of the staff. I remember Jeffrey leading differ-ent activities, and I was impressed with his enthusi-asm and smile. We dated all through the summer without anyone knowing. Fast-forward 26 years and we’ve been married for 21 years and have three beautiful children, one of whom is employed at the J. – Lauren Rips

Love at the Pool – Linda & Sanford Simmons Sanford and I met the summer of 1966 at the Jewish Community Center. I was just a 17-year-old high school kid hanging out with a girlfriend at the pool. We spotted a Navy guy in uniform and went to chat with him. A few minutes later, my fu-ture husband joined us. The next day, I was back at the pool and saw Sanford again. This time he invited me to go to a Beach Party sponsored by the JCC for college-age kids. The rest is history. We got married a year later, three weeks after I

graduated from high school. We’ve been married now for 47 years and have three children and sev-en grandchildren. Two of our kids live locally and their children attended the JCC for preschool and summer programs! – Linda Simmons

Romance at GesherCity – Vicky & Charles Brodsky

Charles and I met briefly at several GesherCity events and there was definite interest. Soon af-ter we met, a mutual friend nudged us to start “talking” to each other on Facebook and we be-gan dating. We continued to go to GesherCity events and were engaged within a year and mar-ried within two years of meeting. We now have a three-year-old son who attends AJCC preschool (like his father did over 30 years ago) and a sev-en-week-old son. I continued to make new friends in the community when my older son and I par-ticipated in the “From the Beginning” class (for parents and babies) at the AJCC. I know that our family will continue to be involved and we look forward to being a part of this vibrant community. – Vicky Brodsky (GesherCity is a current program designed to provide Jewish programming and resources as a bridge to involvement in the Jewish Community for young adults 21-35.) Melissa Selmanson, professional event plan-ner and a young adult now active in our commu-nity, sums it up for us, “Think about it, the agencies we belong to and the programs we are involved in may give us the opportunity to find everlasting love. The bonds and relationships formed keep us connected throughout the years and encourage us to stay involved and give back to our community.” All of the couples in this story who met in our community have been, and continue to be, in-volved in making our Jewish Community a better place. If you are looking to be inspired, meet that special someone, or meet lifelong friends, take the example from our couples and get involved in the many organizations and programs that our Jewish Community has to offer. Visit www.jewish-longbeach.org and click on “Get Involved” for a listing of all our programs and upcoming commu-nity events.

We inspire tens of thousands of weddings. The Jewish Community Partnership agen-

cies, local synagogues, and community orga-nizations not only help our community with the services we provide, but we also connect people in our community. Countless friends and couples have met through our programs and fundraising events, inspiring many weddings and lifelong friendships. We not only help our community survive by providing funding for the aged, coun-seling for families in crisis, and support for pre-schools, day schools, summer camps, college students and synagogues; we also help it thrive by building relationships that will last a lifetime. For this wedding issue, we asked our readers who met through one of our local Jewish com-munity programs to send us their stories. Like the popular television show from the 1970’s Love, American Style, we will now share stories from Love, Jewish Community Style. You will meet two couples who met at the JCC in the 1960’s, a cou-ple who met while working at our day camp in the 1980’s, and a couple who met more recently through the GesherCity program. Below are their stories:

Love and the Singles Group – Doreen & Irv Shuldiner I met my husband in 1967 through the 21-35 singles group that was active during those years. I grew up in Long Beach and would go to their functions occasionally. My husband had been liv-ing and working in the Valley when he changed jobs and moved to Torrance. His good friend was president of the “Center Singles” at the time and suggested he come to their next social. Bingo! We met and married in 1968. We also made a lot of friends through that group that we are still friendly with to this day. There were 4 or 5 other couples who met and married at that time also. Unfortunately they have moved out of the area and we have lost contact with them. – Doreen Shuldiner

Cupid Comes to Camp Kadimah – Lauren & Jeffrey Rips I still remember my initial interview with Sharon Kenigsberg (who was the camp director at the

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Jeffrey & Lauren Rips Sanford & Linda SimmonsVicky & Charles Brodsky (center)

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Published since 1947 by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach & West Orange County

Hank FeldmanJEWISH FEDERATION PRESIDENT

Lea GerberJEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

Deborah GoldfarbCEO

Danny LevyDIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Khatera ZubinMARKETING & CHRONICLE COORDINATORCHRONICLE ADVERTISING

Erin BellinghausenGRAPHIC ARTIST

Jewish FederationJewish Community Foundation3801 E. Willow StreetLong Beach, CA 90815-1791562-426-7601FAX 562-424-3915www.jewishlongbeach.org

PUBLICATION & ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT562-426-7601 EXT [email protected]

ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINEFirst Wednesday of the month:March 2015 deadline: Feb. 4thISSN# 1525- 6847 _____________________Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Member _____________________

The Jewish Community

Contents

13NCJW Charter Day Event to Honor Barbara Alpert

1a-4aAround the JJanuary Events at the Alpert Jewish Community Center

6Honoring Men Who Have Gone Above & Beyond By Danny Levy, Director of Development

ShabbatCandlelighting

January 2 4:38 pm

January 9 4:44 pm

January 16 4:50 pm

January 23 4:57 pm

January 30 5:04 pm

The appearance of product or establishment advertising in the Jewish Community Chronicle does not constitute an en-dorsement of kashruth. Opinions printed in the Jewish Community Chronicle do not necessarily reflect those of the Jewish Federation. The publication of a paid political advertisement does not constitute endorsement of any candidate, political party or political position by the Jewish Federation or any employee.

Jewish Community Partnership Corporate Partners

Become a Corporate Partner Today Contact The Jewish Community Partnership at 562-426-7601. For more information about our Corporate Partners, visit www.jewishlongbeach.org/sponsors

Cover ImageA wedding & bat mitzvah

in our communityPhotos Courtesy of Scott Smeltzer

5Passing the Torch

Craig Kain, Ph.D.Licensed Psychologist (Psy 14664)

The Shadden Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Managment

Donald J. KaiserInvestment ManagementA Registered Investment Advisor


Jewish FederationJewish Community FoundationOF GREATER LONG BEACH & WEST ORANGE COUNTY

We Connect Those Who Can HELP To Those Who NEED It Most

Visit jewishlongbeach.org or call 562.426.7601

for more information

THE POWER OF TWO

critical & vitalways to give

Annual Community Campaign

the Fund for our Future2

Your gift enables us to accomplish all this and more. You’re an integral part of all we do. Give to the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign for today. Give to the Fund for our Future for tomorrow.

We Inspire Tens of Thousands of Weddings

They meet on a hike at a Federation-funded summer camp. Sitting across the bus from each other on a

Birthright trip. Wherever there’s an opportunity for young Jews to connect to the Jewish community and

each other. It begins with Federation. And sometimes it even leads to a wedding! Marriages aren’t the only

connections Federation inspires. Federation connects young Jews to their community. Their culture. They

discover a love of Judaism. And a desire to pass it on to their children. So the cycle can begin again.


critical & vitalways to give

Annual Community Campaign

The Fund for our FutureT H E P OW E R O F T WO

Passing the Torch

The Lentzner Family Major Gifts brunch was held on Sunday, December 7th with 50 families in atten-dance. IDF spokesperson Miri Eisen was the guest speaker. Gene Lentzner pre-sented the case for giving to the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign. The following is an excerpt from his speech: If you want to have an idea of how important this event is, consider this: we have 1,244 families or in-dividuals who now give to our annual campaign; 67 families or individuals qualify for the major gifts division; when you count the dollars, this means that 5.4% of our funders give 70% of all the money we receive; at one time, our group gave more than 80% of the entire cam-paign. So, what we do mat-ters. Therefore, in an effort to understand what has

Gene Lentzner

WhereWeAreas of 12/19/14

goal of $1,540,000to date $501,886

Capital Refurbishment

Fundgoal of $3,000,000

to date $818,750

Program Innovation Fundgoal of $3,000,000

to date $923,403

Current & Future Endowment

FundsNEW GOAL $15,000,000

to date $8,786,000

2015 Annual Community Campaign

Fund forour Future

changed, and whether we could do better, we called a meeting with some of the community leaders. We wanted to know whether our cause, our reason for being, had diminished. Does Israel have less or different needs now? Has anti-Semitism di-minished? Are we safer? Are we as a people worth pre-serving? And consider this: 60% of our major givers have left an endowment or legacy to perpetuate everything they had wanted to accomplish in their lifetimes. Certainly, this should be a conversation. And finally, a key question, are we concerned that our major givers are aging as a group and that we have not cultivated a new group to continue our mission? On Tuesday, Oct 28, a group of us met at Old Ranch Country Club. A younger family that is aspiring to join this group, but can’t afford to give $10,000 at this time, was invited. One donor there stated that he prefers meet-ings where there is a mean-ingful purpose, where he is educated to the importance and needs of the organiza-tion and others concurred. Another donor said that he doesn’t believe that enough people know what the Federation really does,

how Federation is the coor-dinating arm of the Jewish Community and its agen-cies, or that Federation is a major fund raiser for Jewish life, here and abroad, and how in cases of emergen-cies, Federation is our key resource. There was also universal agreement that the cause of Jewish survival was import-ant; that Israel was important and still challenged; that an-ti-Semitism had erupted once again; and that some of us had even strayed to other, newer, what appeared to be more exiting, causes. For example, Ronald McDonald House, Fisher House for Vets, and Cal State University. Others were concerned that our group was aging, and we needed to actively involve and recruit our young-er givers. They are the future, and we need an active pro-gram to do this. Our younger couple even suggested that they would be interested in a step-up plan, which would al-low them to become active, start at a certain level, say $5,000 and then move up to the $10,000 level in a given number of years. As a result, we decided to involve our new, younger major gift members to help us recruit new members; they know who is capable in their

group. Some of them want to play a more active role in this work, and we are going to invite their participation. And we will explore the step-up plan of giving so we can ex-pand our circle even more. In addition, the Federationhas decided to begin an edu-cational program explaining what they are doing to secure the Jewish Community, now and in the future. This will bea series of meetings with keypeople to enhance their un-derstanding of why our work is important. And today we are going to ask all of you to pledge your gift for the 2015 cam-paign, the amount due by December of next year, that’s a purpose of this meeting. However, I am going ask all of you who have given the same for many years (like myself) to consider raising your gift by 10%. We are the real leaders in this cause. We set the pace of giving. We can move this campaign, and our October meeting indicated what we should be doing to really accomplish what some of us believe is our core mission, and that is to preserve Jewish life for ourselves and our chil-dren. Thank you for listening, and especially, for giving.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPER SUNDAY VOLUNTEER CALLERS!

NOT ALL VOLUNTEERS ARE PICTURED


in the Annual Community Campaign is incredibly im-portant and this night will give many the opportunity to sup-port the work of the Jewish Community Partnership agen-cies,” states Daryl Phillips, Men’s Philanthropy Chair for the Federation. “Last year’s inaugural Above & Beyond event was very successful. I’m very excited that men are par-ticipating to ensure the future of our Jewish community.” The Men’s Philanthropy division is also about social action in response to needs in our community. As part of the evening, all attendees are asked to bring new sports equipment which will then be donated to local communities where it is needed most. From last year’s event, we collect-ed over 50 items that were donated to Mary Betheune Transitional Center through Bryce Martinez of Temple Israel and his B’nai Mitzvah project. The evening is open to all

All are welcome to join. World-renowned sports agent Leigh Steinberg will highlight the event. One of the most influential figures in sports, Steinberg has pio-neered the industry on his way to becoming the preeminent sports agent. With an unri-valed history of record-setting contracts, Leigh has secured over $3 billion for his 300+ pro athlete clients, and direct-ed more than $750 million to various charities around the world. He has represented many of the most successful athletes and coaches in foot-ball, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, golf, etc., in-cluding the number one over-all pick in the NFL draft for an unprecedented eight times, in conjunction with over 60 first round picks. Leigh was the first to transcend sports agentry into the business world, seeing the ability that sports has to penetrate every aspect of the marketplace. “The Federation’s work

On Thursday, February 26 the Jewish Federation Men’s Philanthropy division will host the second Above & Beyond event benefiting the Federation’s 2015/5775 Annual Community Cam-paign. The evening will hon-or men from local Jewish organizations for their out-standing contributions while bringing together men from across the community. This year, we will hear an inspir-ing speaker while perusing a private sports memorabilia collection. Above & Beyond will be held in the Lentzner Family Promenade and the Amy & Richard Lipeles Family Auditorium on the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus. There will be local draft beer as well as Israeli craft beer. The Men’s Philanthropy division provides a way for men from all areas of our community to join together to support the goals of the Jewish Federation locally, in Israel, and around the world.

YOURFEDERATIONIMPACT(December/January)

Lentzner Major Gifts Brunch had 50 donor attendees at a private home in Park Estates. The Major Gifts division for the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign has raised $458,600 to date. This is an increase of 10% from last year’s campaign.

Super Sunday Annual Phone-a-Thon had 30 volunteer community members call over 1000 donors for the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign Opening Gifts division; they helped raise $27,000.

Community Chanukah Info Table provided information about all Federation programing and fundraising. We were able to connect to community members.

men and benefits the Jewish Community Partnership Agenciesincluding Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Founda-tion, Alpert Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, Hebrew Academy and Long Beach Hillel. Attendees are asked to make a minimum gift to the 2015/5775 Annual Community Campaign of $180. Your pledge can be paid in installments through-out the year, by check, credit card or EFT. If you have already made your 2015/5775 gift, you will only have to pay your en-trance to the event. Invitations will be mailed mid-January with all the de-tails. For more information, or if you would like to be on our mailing list, please call Megan Donaldson at 562-426-7601 x1014.

Honoring Men Who Have Gone Above & BeyondBy Danny Levy, Director of Development

BIGMitzvah Day

Get Involved! Contact Sharon at 562-426-7601 x1008

[email protected]

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE

The Arlene Solomon

VISIONS Dinner

Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 5:30 pm

Gail Levy & Sherri SelmansonVISIONS Co-Chairs

Women’sPhilanthropy


Russell had the necessary experience, deep market in-sights, and constant vigilance to navigate the ever-chang-ing investment landscape.

Who is Russell Investments? We’re intentionally not a Wall Street firm. Russell has always been headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, but Russell is truly a global company. We have nearly 1,900 associates in 20 of-fices around the world, most of our associates are located in Seattle; however, we do have a significant presence in London, New York, Toronto, Tokyo, and Sydney. Frank Russell founded our company as a small broker-age firm in 1936, following a career as a broker on Wall Street. Initially, Frank invest-ed for himself and his family, but word of his impeccable integrity spread and the num-ber of investors grew to in-clude a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Frank’s grandson, George Russell, joined the company in 1958. Just a few months later, Frank Russell died, leaving George

in charge of the firm’s future. Over the next 10 years, George turned Russell from a small mutual fund compa-ny to a pioneer in the institu-tional investment space. The firm has grown to the size it is today with business in more than 35 countries, with ap-proximately $275 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2014. Russell has over 35 years of non-profit investing experience focused on foun-dations and their investment programs. At Russell, we believe that in order for the Foundation to obtain its’ var-ious return objectives within a risk managed framework, a holistic approach where Russell’s team is involved in all aspects of your invest-ment program will work best. We have been working with Foundation Staff, the Investment Committee, and the Board of Trustees on an investment program that in-tegrates strategic planning, investment implementation, and administration into a cus-tomized solution that fits the Foundation’s needs. We be-

lieve our expertise and depth of resources in manager research, portfolio manage-ment, and investment con-sulting enables us to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns across our multi-asset portfo-lios.

How Russell Invests By now, you may be won-dering how does Russell build investment portfolios for the Foundation. At Russell, one of our distinguishing character-istics is our open architecture investment philosophy. We believe no single firm has a monopoly on investment skill. Therefore, we employ Russell researched “best-of-breed” investment managers and devote significant resources, time, and expertise to identi-fying what we believe are the most powerful strategies, the best managers, and the most efficient modes of implemen-tation. Our use of multiple specialist strategies via an open-architecture approach is designed to increase the probability of success. These investment managers are then combined into different

A Sound Investment The Jewish Community Foundation funds are profes-sionally managed by Russell Investments and monitored by an Investment Committee comprised of board mem-bers and professionals. Greg Coffey, Client Executive from Russell has written the follow-ing article explaining their in-vestment strategy. We are focused on you, so that you can focus on your community. At Russell Investments, these are words that we live by in creating in-vestment solutions for our cli-ents. In part, due to this philos-ophy, the Jewish Community Foundation in June of 2014 made the decision to hire Russell Investments to manage the Foundation’s investment programs. They went through an exhaustive search for an investment provider and it was determined that Russell would be the best choice to manage their assets. The decision was made not only because of our genuine client focus, but also because in to-day’s complex and evolving world of global financial mar-kets, the Foundation felt that

investment accounts covering a wide range of asset classes (e.g. U.S. equities, non-U.S. equities, fixed income, etc). The Foundation’s assets are in turn invested into these ac-counts to create a very diver-sified mix of investments. By investing in a well-diversified mix of assets, we can improve the probability in helping to meet the financial needs of the Foundation and the wider community that is served by it. In closing, at Russell, we believe strongly that our mis-sion is to help you fund yours. These are not words or a be-lief that we take lightly. We are very grateful for the part-nership with the Foundation and we are looking forward to serving you and your needs over the years to come. The Jewish Community Foundation is your partner in helping you meet your phil-anthropic goals. For more in-formation on the many funds and endowment options available, please call (562) 426-7601 x1008.

Gifts of Life Insurance

Ensure Our Future

Life insurance is a wonderful way to make a large gift in the future, using a small amount of current funds. By making the Jewish Community Foundation the owner and beneficiary of your policy, the annual premium is fully tax-deductible.

You may gift an existing policy or purchase a policy as an endowment to benefit the Jewish Community in the future. You can designate which organization will benefit from your deferred gift.

If the policy has a cash value, you can take a deduction approximately equal to the cash value at the time of the gift. In addition, if annual premiums are still to be made and you continue to pay them, those premiums will become tax-deductible each year.

Contact the Jewish Community Foundation to help you make it happen.Sharon Kenigsberg | (562) 426-7601 x1008 | [email protected]


R A B B I N I C R E F L E C T I O N SChabadofLosAlamitos(O)12340 Seal Beach Blvd. Suite B-219Seal Beach, CA 90740Contact: Rabbi Shmuel MarcusPhone: 714-828-1851Email: [email protected]: www.chabadlosal.com

ChabadofWestOrangeCounty/CongregationAdatIsrael(O)5052 Warner Ave.Huntington Beach, CA 92649Contact: Rabbi Aron David BerkowitzPhone: 714-846-2285Email: [email protected]: www.chabadhb.com

CongregationLubavitch(O)3981 Atlantic Ave.Long Beach, CA 90807Contact: Rabbi NewmanPhone: 562-426-5480Email: [email protected]

CongregationShirChadash(I)6440 Del Amo Blvd.Lakewood, CA 90713Contact Rabbi Howard LaibsonPhone: 562-429-0715Email:[email protected]: www.CongregationShirChadash.org

CongregationSholomLeisureWorld,SealBeach(C)P. O. Box 2901Seal Beach, CA 90740Contact: Rabbi Galit Levy-Slater562-493-2680Email: [email protected]: www.galityomtov.com

P’naiOr(I)Long Beach, CAContact: Cantor Steven PuzarneEmail: [email protected]: www.PnaiOr.orgPhone 562-364-5154

ShulByTheShore(O)Seaport Marina Hotel 6400 Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, California 90803Contact: Rabbi Abba PerelmuterPhone: 562-621-9828Email: [email protected]: www.shulbytheshore.org

SurfCitySynagogue(C)Services held at the HB Central Library7111 Talbert Ave.Huntington BeachPhone: 714-596-2220E-Mail: [email protected]

TempleBethDavid(R)6100 Hefley St.Westminster, CA 92683Contact: Rabbi Nancy MyersPhone: 714-892-6623Email: [email protected]: www.templebethdavid.org

TempleBethOhr(R)15721 E. Rosecrans Ave.La Mirada, CA 90638Contact: Rabbi Mark GoldfarbPhone: 714-521-6765Email:[email protected] Website: www.templebethohr.com

TempleBethShalom(C)3635 Elm Ave.Long Beach, CA 90807Contact: Rabbi David CantorPhone: 562-726-4116Email: [email protected]: www.tbslb.org

TempleIsrael(R)269 Loma Ave.Long Beach, CA 90803Contact: Rabbi Steven MoskowitzPhone: 562-434-0996Email: [email protected]: www.tilb.org

TempleNerTamidofDowney(R)10629 Lakewood BoulevardDowney, CA 90241Contact: Rabbi Daniel MehlmanPhone: 562-861-9276Email: [email protected]: www.downeytemplenertamid.org

(R)=Reform (C)=Conservative(O)=Orthodox (I)=Independent

Synagogue DirectoryA Bat Mitzvah Girl Wants to Wear High Heels, Oy Vey!

By Rabbi Nancy Rita Myers “No, you can’t wear 3-inch strappy heels for your Bat Mitzvah service!” I ex-ploded. “But Mom, it is my choice!” pleaded my 12 year old daughter. “No it’s not! You will not carry our sa-cred Torah in those shoes!” I screamed back. Sigh, I didn’t mean to raise my voice. My emotions were running a bit high as we counted off the weeks before my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. There is so much pres-sure leading up to this Jewish rite of passage. As parents, we want our children to do us proud and read from the Torah. We worry about how they will do as we struggle with the countless details of planning a party. We are stressed over whether to in-vite distant friends, difficult rel-atives, and how to feed them all. And then, there is dealing with our budding adolescent who wants to make choices for herself. Sigh, what’s a good Jewish parent to do? Despite all the anxiety, we know that a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is important. It con-

nects us with tradition, Torah, and God. Our grandparents had one, our parents had one, and now it’s the next generation’s turn. We want our children to maintain this Jewish ritual because it con-nects them to those who have lived before us. We are linked to a long lineage of Jews going all the way back thousands of years to Abraham and Sarah. There is something so powerful about connecting with the genera-tions and knowing that we are a part of Jewish histo-ry, living in the present, and planting seeds for the future. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah ser-vice is also about responsibil-ity. Our children are now con-sidered to be Jewish adults who are responsible for following all the command-ments of the Torah such as kashrut (Jewish dietary laws), holidays, Shabbat, charity, and learning. In other words, God holds them liable for the choices they make. There is even a prayer a father says in a traditional shul at his son’s Bar Mitzvah. It is translated

as: “Blessed are you Adonai, our God sovereign of the uni-verse, who has freed me from the punishment due this boy.” In other words, the father is thanking God for not holding him responsible for the things his son does or says. I think we would all like to be relieved of the choices our children make but they are not so easy to dismiss. We recognize as parents that our children and teenag-ers still need to be guided to make good decisions. We want them to grow up to be responsible adults, self suffi-cient, good men and wom-en, and proud Jews. And so we continue to push them to study, do well in school, care about the unfortunate, attend religious school, and ponder the consequences of their actions. Even as they attain Jewish adulthood, we still care about them and love them. So, how am I to guide my daughter on whether to wear high heels at her Bat Mitzvah service? Yes, on the one hand, she is coming of an

age where she can, and should, make choices both Jewishly and personally. On the other hand, there are consequenc-es for her and others. Well, after I calmed down, we talk-ed. I spoke about how hard it is to stand for hours in heels. Furthermore, walking with the Torah throughout a congre-gation is difficult even when wearing comfortable shoes. After some dialogue, we compromised. She wore sparkling, outrageous heels at other events, but for her Bat Mitzvah, she wore shoes that withstood the hours. Phew, one argument resolved. It is my hope that we will be able, with the wisdom of our Torah, to help guide our daughter to make good decisions for years to come.

Rabbi Nancy Myers is Rabbi at Temple Beth David, Westminster.

Rabbi Nancy Rita Myers

Congregation Shir Chadash Saturday, 1/24 @9:45am:Torat Nashim – A Torah Circle for Women, by Women. This ever-growing inclusive & af-firming group is open to all women in the Greater Jewish Community and is coordinat-ed by Ellen Goldsmith and Linda Waltzman.

P’nai Or Saturday, 1/31 @5:30pm: Havdalah, Holiday Dinner and Tu b’Shevat Seder. Come to Havdalah and en-joy a multi-course vegetarian dinner (suggested donation $18/person). At 7pm, a cre-ative Tu b’Shevat Seder will follow with lots of singing! If

you cannot come for dinner, come to the Seder (a $5 donation to cover costs is appreciated). Held at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 N. Studebaker Rd, Long Beach, 90808. RSVP to [email protected] or contact the temple directly.

Temple Beth Shalom Wednesday, 1/14 @10am: Sisterhood Pan Tournament & Luncheon. Registration & con-tinental breakfast begins at 10am; games start at 10:30 am. Regulation size tables & comfortable padded chairs. Prizes: 1st Place $100; 2nd Place $75; 3rd Place $50; 4th & 5th Places $25 each. For more info and to register,

please contact Ann Millman at 562-439-8010 or annmill-

Area Synagogue Upcoming EventsPlease contact the synagogue directly with any questions using the directory and see our Community Calendar at www.jewishlongbeach.org for more community event listings.

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[email protected]. RSVP by Friday, January 9.

Around the JinsideAJCC Poker Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a

92Y - Alan Alda, Jane Pauley . . . . . . . . . 2a

31st Annual Gottlieb Youth Art Show . . 3a

Holocaust Survivor Workshop . . . . . . . . 3a

Senior Adult New Year’s Bash . . . . . . . . 3a

Martial Arts Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3a

Teen Shabbaton at the J . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a

MLK Jr Day Camp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a

Teen Snowboarding/Ski Trip . . . . . . . . . 4a

3801 E. WILLOW STREETLONG BEACH, CA 90815

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Phone: (562) 426-7601

www.alpertjcc.org

Tevet-Shevat 5775 JANUARY 2015

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MVP: The MVP price is the "Member Value Price" that gives our members an automatic discount to the fee we charge for our programs and events.If you’re not a member of the AJCC, speak with one of our Membership Services specialists and learn how you can start benefiting from MVP pricing today.

Whatever Your Goals,We're Here For You.At the Alpert JCC, we are very fortunate tocelebrate two New Years— the Jewish New Year in

the fall, Rosh Hashanah, and the secular New Year,January 1. Traditionally, many people take the time

around Rosh Hashanah to make new resolutions and setout goals for the year. I think we are very fortunate to have this secondopportunity to take a step back and reevaluate the goals we set at RoshHashanah. We can choose to renew those goals, whether or not we weresuccessful, or choose new goals if that’s where our heart leads us.Whatever your New Year’s resolutions might be, we offer many ways forthe Alpert JCC be a part of your success.

If your goal is to improve your health and wellness, we are Your Center forFitness. We have brand new cardio equipment in our Fitness Center, newSpin bikes in our fitness studio, energizing new fitness classes, andexceptional personal trainers and fitness instructors to help you achieveyour goals. We even have a Health and Fitness Fair coming on January 11to help you kick off the new year and check out the new equipment!

If your goal is to find a great place for your kids, we are Your Center forYouth. Readers of the Long Beach Post just named us the Best Preschool inLong Beach (and be sure to read this month’s Stories around the J), over100 kids participate in our Kids’ University afterschool program, we haveterrific camp programs for Summer and Vacation Days, and BBYO andMaccabi are wonderful teen programs— and it’s all here at the Alpert JCC.

If your goal is personal growth, we are Your Center for Jewish Life andCulture. We have adult classes, film festivals, author talks, 92nd Street Y,lectures, field trips, Lunch and Learn, and so much more!

If your goal is to make new friends, we are Your Center for Socializing. Withour weekly Senior lunches, monthly Young Adult Shabbat dinners, familyprograms, and social events, you are bound to meet people who havesimilar interests all while having a lot of fun.

If your goal is to give back, we are your Center for Volunteering, offeringmany opportunities to volunteer through our Retired & Senior VolunteerProgram (RSVP).

As you can see, the Alpert Jewish Community Center is here for this year’sgoals and for your continuing goals in the future. I wish you all a very happyNew Year and hope you find your success in 2015 at the Alpert JCC,Your Center For Life.

L’ShalomJeffrey Rips

AJCC Executive Director

ADULTSAJCC Poker Club

Tuesday, January 20, 6:30-10:30pmJoin our friendly Texas Hold’em Poker Club.Poker will be played, snacks and beverageswill be served, and cash prizes will be won.$25; $20/MVP (Cash Only)

Bring a new player and your buy-in is on us!!New player will receive half-price buy-in.

Limit one new player bonus per game.Katie Clowdus, [email protected], (562) 426-7601, ext. 1024.

GESHERCITY YOUNG ADULTSSponsored by the Alpert JCC and Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach

Susanne Katz, [email protected] • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1625

GesherCity ShabbatFriday, January 9, 7:30pm

Experience Shabbat with great music, food and friends. If you’ve never been toa GesherCity event before, now is the perfect time! Our events are fun andcasual. So don’t be shy… give us a try.

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The Barbara & Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center www.alpertjcc.org

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SENIORSDr. Susan Mathieu, [email protected] • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1721

Happiness & Humor GroupFriday, February 6, 11am • No Happy Group in January

This FREE ongoing monthly group, led by Dr. Susan Mathieu, will help you findthe positive side of life. You’ll learn how to deal with difficult people andsituations, steps to increase happiness in your own life, and the secret to ahappy life. All senior adults are invited, so bring your friends and be ready tolaugh. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. RSVP to Dr. Susan Mathieu.

Ongoing Alpert JCC Senior Activities Knit Wits: Mon, 1-3pm • Senior Lunch: Wed, 12-2pm

Bridge Lessons: Wed, 1:30pm • Mah Jongg: Thurs, 11:30-3pm

JEWISH LIFE & CULTUREZena & Pauline Gatov Gallery presents31st Annual Norman Gottlieb

Youth Art Exhibition and Awards ReceptionJanuary 1-30

Awards Reception: Thursday, January 22The Norman Gottlieb Annual Youth Art Show and Competition is an annualshowcase that celebrates and rewards the talent and vision of the studentartists and educators of the Long Beach Unified School District.

For 31 years, the Zena and Pauline Gatov Gallery, in conjunction with theLong Beach Unified School District, has brought together a sampling of thebest artwork that Long Beach middle and high schools have to offer. Thisannual show provides a unique opportunity for students to participate in ajuried art show, sponsored by the Alpert Jewish Community Center through aspecial fund established 31 years ago by its Past President Norman Gottlieb,and currently subsidized by Nicole and Dr. Daniel Honigman. The GottliebYouth Art Show would also not be possible without the efforts of ChristineWhipp, Visual Arts and Curriculum Leader for the LBUSD. Christine sharesthat, “The AJCC Gottlieb Youth Art Show is the capstone of our schooldistricts’ artwork, representing the best work from our students.”

Change your Breakfast, Change your Life!Thursday, January 15, 6pm

Led by Janel Cruz. Learn healthy meal options. Call for price.RSVP to Shlomit Jackson, [email protected], (562) 426-7601, ext. 1067.

Holocaust Survivor WorkshopMonday, January 19, 1-3pm

At the Alpert Jewish Community CenterThe Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance is working together withThe Human Element Project to develop an art exhibition for Yom Ha’Shoah2015. Participants are invited to a hands-on workshop where they will create acollage documenting their memories and stories from WWII. Only 118 survivorstories will become part of the art exhibition that will be displayed at theMuseum of Tolerance.

RSVP to Ronnie Levine, [email protected], (562) 426-7601 ext 1521.

Rosh Chodesh Holiday TableWednesday, January 21, 9am & 1pm

Join us in the AJCC Promenade for a healthy treatcelebrating the new Hebrew month of Shevat.

Kabbalah ClassWednesdays, 12pm

Rabbi Abba Perelmuter teaches this ongoing class where you'll add a newdimension to your life, renew your spirituality, and learn something new. FREE

Weekly Shabbat Candle LightingFridays, 3:30pm

Join Shlomit Jackson, AJCC Jewish Educator, and the AJCC community forShabbat candle lighting, Kiddush and HaMotzi. Grape juice & challah provided.

Year-Round Youth Swim Team with Rafe MontesAges 6-14

Monday-Thursday, 5-6:30pm • Friday, 4:30-5:30pmThis is a competitive swim team, so all participants must try out

and be able to swim 25 yards with all four swim strokes.

Prep Swim Team with Rafe MontesAges 5-12

Tuesday & Thursday, 4:30-5:15pmThe goal of this program is to get kids ready for a swim team,

water polo, or Junior Lifeguard program.

Masters Swim with Coach Rafe MontesMonday & Wednesday, 6:30-7:30pm • Saturday, 9-10am

Ages 14+

Private Swim LessonsOne-on-one instruction for all ages with a Swim University instructor.

Spots fill quickly, so call today! Visit website for more info.

AQUATICSPE Courtesy Desk (562) 426-7601, ext. 1051

SPORTS & RECREATIONPE Courtesy Desk (562) 426-7601, ext. 1051

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MVP: The MVP price is the "Member Value Price" that gives our members an automatic discount to the fee we charge for our programs and events.If you’re not a member of the AJCC, speak with one of our Membership Services specialists and learn how you can start benefiting from MVP pricing today.

YOUTH & TEENSNatalie Chernik, [email protected] • (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205

Kids’ Night Out: Game NightSaturday, January 10, 5-10pmGrades K-8

We will be playing all of the classics:Monopoly, Sorry, Checkers, Chess, Uno,Heads Up & more. The kids will also have a

chance to create their own board games.Price includes dinner, movie, games and snacks. Drop-ins will not be admitted.

You must register by Wednesday, January 7. First Child: $35; $30/MVP • Second Child: $30; $25/MVP

Third Child: $25; $20/MVPFor more info, visit our website or contact Natalie Chernik

(562) 426-7601, ext. 1205 or [email protected].

Teen ShabbatonFriday, January 16, 7pm - Saturday, January 17, 1pm

Grades 6 -12The AJCC & BBYO are partnering up for a mini Shabbaton! Join us for an eventfilled with fun programming, old and new friends, and a great way to involveyourself with the Jewish community. This event is open to any member of thePacific Western Region (BBYO) or any Jewish, non-BBYO member. Invite yourfriends, your siblings, your friends' siblings... anyone who is Jewish and ingrades 6-12 is welcome.

$18/AJCC Members & Greater Long Beach area teens (L.B. & West O.C.)$35: Visiting Teens (outside of the Greater L.B. area)

For more info, visit our website or contact Natalie Chernik


MLK Jr Day CampMonday, January 19

Grades K-8We will be honoring Dr. King’s memory by working on a project to benefit our

community and learning about his heroism and leadership.9am-4pm: $45/MVP; $55/Public7am-6pm: $55/MVP; $65/Public

For more info, visit our website or contact Eric Feldman at


Teen Snowboarding/Ski Trip to Mt HighMonday February 9, 2015

6th Grade & UpHit the slopes with the J Crew! It doesn’t matter if you’re a skier, a snowboarder,or a hot chocolate sipper, we know you’ll have a blast! Different packagesavailable for all levels and abilities. Space is extremely limited.

For more info, visit our website or contact Natalie Chernik(562) 426-7601, ext. 1205 or [email protected].

Stories From Around the JECE Part One: Mina RoadesBy Erika HillingerMina Roades knew that the Alpert JCC EarlyChildhood Education (ECE) program was perfectfor her son the moment she saw the nurturingenvironment and wonderful playground: “Whenwe were searching for a preschool, we saw tons,narrowed it down to three, and as soon as wetook the ECE tour, we knew that nothingcompares to the JCC.”

Although neither Mina or her husband are Jewish, she had friends who wereat the Merage JCC, and so she Googled JCC in Long Beach. “When this is thefirst time you’re putting your kids in school,” she explains, “safety is huge, andthe JCC facility is a standout. On the tour, we could see that everything aboutthe J was quality. The classrooms were the best I had seen. Really open, withlots of room for the kids to play. As an architect, I’m sensitive to space, butanyone could see how much better this is.”

“It is also a wonderfully nurturing environment, and that’s exactly whatI wanted from a preschool. Learning and interaction are important, of course,but a loving environment is equally important to me, especially when they arethis young,” explains Mina. This is Mina’s third year as an ECE mom. Her olderson, Dariush, started at three and is now in Kindergarten. Her second son,Navid, just turned three and started preschool this year.

Mina has been an active parent since her first year at the J, when she wasRoom Mom and did cookie baking, but it wasn’t until ECE Director LindaKeiles asked her to be on the ECE Committee that she got very involved.“The ECE Committee is great for new people to get involved and meet peopleand actively participate. There are lots of subcommittees and lots ofvolunteer opportunities,” Mina explains.

Mina was particularly involved in rebuilding the playground and the garden. Being a landscape architect, these were two areas she felt she couldparticularly help. “It was great,” she says, “Building the planters, then addingall the plants was a true group community project. We all got together, and somany parents helped out. ECE Teacher Mrs. Grayson does all the work withme, and it was all super fun. This is definitely my pet project. Now we’re tryingto get trees and irrigation. Everything is volunteer-based, and that’s what is soawesome here.”

“The staff and teachers are amazing. Linda and Alayna [Cosores, AssistantECE Director] make it such a wonderful place. They really make all thedifference. It’s a fantastic volunteer environment, and it’s just so much fun.I love the Shabbat singing and all those traditions. One of the things I didn’tknow about but love, love, love, is the Judaism.”

Mina didn’t grow up Jewish, but she adds, “I love what the ECE teaches thekids here. It really shows you that all religions are the same. Be good toothers. Be kind to a friend. It’s beautiful. Especially at this age. The kids arelearning all the stories, which are the same as if I were taking them to Sundayschool. It’s so nice. It’s just beautiful, really.”

“Discover CATCH [the AJCC’s child wellness program] is also great. My kidsare coming home and saying, ‘I can’t eat more than one of those cookies.’It’s so cute—they have this inner turmoil about eating another marshmallow.Other schools probably have gardens, but it’s really wonderful that they plantand grow, and then eat their own food here and then learn about that.

“It’s a great community center, and it’s wonderful to see people of all agestogether in one place— all the kids together with the seniors. I hope to findways of staying involved when the kids are out of preschool.”

Linda Keiles has nothing but praise for Mina: “We have an incredible group ofECE parents here, and Mina is such a big part of that. She’s got a warm,almost tangible energy that makes everything she does so positive and sofun. She can mobilize other parents to jump on the bandwagon with her,whether it’s to build garden boxes, bake Chanukah cookies, or plan futureprograms. I’ve worked with volunteers at the AJCC for over 16 years, and Minais definitely one of the most committed… I can’t wait to see what she does next!”

Visit www.alpertjcc.org/preschoolto learn more and schedule a tour of our facilities.


of experiences, new energy and fresh perspectives. They are Melissa Selmanson, Judith Hardaker, Fernando Calderon, Gael Libby, Henry Matson, Mark Dressner, Mark Rapp, Martine Korach and Carol Leitner. I’m excit-ed about working with this group in the coming year as we continue to grow and strengthen JFCS. We also say farewell to three Board members this month. They are Devorah Allen, Lauren Reiser, and Christal Dunn. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with each of them and JFCS is a better place be-cause of the time and effort they devoted to the organi-zation. As I begin my second year as President of the Board of JFCS, I look forward to working with our new and returning board members as we fulfill our newly revised mission: to empower people to make positive changes through professional, afford-able counseling and support services.

Last June, just a month af-ter Race With A View 2014, event chair Deb Feldman was already at work with committee members and JFCS staff to begin plans for Race With A View 2015. A fresh message and an op-portunity to involve children were at the top of the list for the coming year. “Race With A View 2014 was the most success-ful ever, raising more than $80,000 for JFCS. These funds provide many in our community with the oppor-tunity to access affordable, professional counseling and support services that they would not otherwise have,” noted Feldman. “This year, we hope to raise more mon-ey but we also want to call attention to the importance

that mental health plays in overall wellness, so we are adding the tagline ‘Move for Mental Health Awareness’ to the event name.” “To be sure, 2014 was a year where mental health issues were at the forefront of the media. With the death of Robin Williams and the ex-posure of many domestic vi-olence cases in professional sports, the underpinnings of these events speak directly to the mission of JFCS. We feel that the addition of this new tagline will remind the com-munity that JFCS provides vital mental health services and support to everyone in the greater Long Beach area,” noted Kathryn Miles, JFCS Executive Director. A Kids’ Fun Run will be an additional feature of this

year’s event. Children of all ages can participate in a 1K walk or run that will begin at the 5K/10K starting line at Ocean and Granada, and head east, turning around at the Bayshore parking lot. Kids who register in advance will receive a colorful kid-sized T-shirt to commemorate their participation. Race With A View will be held on Sunday, April 26 at 8 am on the bike path along the Long Beach Shore-line. The starting point will be at Ocean Boulevard and Granada Street, and partici-pants will choose between a 5K and a 10K walk or run. For more information, visit our website at www.race-withaview.com or call Pattie Davidson.

JFCSCall Today! We’re Here to Help!

3801E.WILLOWSTREETLONGBEACH,CA90815

WEB:www.jfcslongbeach.orgEMAIL:[email protected]

PHONE:562-427-7916

From Our President: Board Members Make a Difference

Race With A View 2015 Taking Shape with New Message, New Feature

Food Drive Helps Hundreds in Long Beach

OUR MISSION: Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Long Beach/West Orange County is a nonprofit agency that provides a wide range of professional counseling and support services to assist all individuals regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation in facing life’s challenges.

Rob FeldmanJFCS President

Like most nonprofit or-ganizations, Jewish Family & Children’s Service relies heavily on the commitment, passion, knowledge, skills, and drive of our Board mem-bers. They wear many differ-ent hats throughout the year – they are asked to be fund-raisers, event planners, am-bassadors, teachers, market-ers and donors. The success of any nonprofit is depen-dent upon Board members who show up, work well with the staff and each other to ultimately fulfill the mission of the organization. No lead-er can achieve this on their own. It is truly a team effort. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented people during my tenure on the JFCS Board, especially during this last year as President. This month we welcome nine new members to the Board who bring with them a wide array

In the early morning hours of November 23, volunteers were gathering at Performance

Joyce & Hank Feldman, owners of Performance Plus Tire and Automotive Superstore, stand near the over 1800 boxes of non-perishable food items for their annual food drive

adjudicated display of clas-sic cars, the sale of oppor-tunity drawing chances, and live music provided this year by the Jazz Angels. These elements lighten the load of the enormous task, and with many hands helping, the boxes are ready to go in less than four hours. “JFCS is so very lucky to have been selected as the recipient of 70 food box-es for 35 families, and the proceeds from the sale of opportunity drawing chanc-

es made it possible for us to also receive $1,000 in gift cards from Ralphs,” noted JFCS Executive Director Kath-ryn Miles. “The boxes and gift cards will help us provide food for some of our clients who, for a variety of reasons, find themselves unable to put food on the table for their families. We are so grateful to Joyce and Hank and all of the volunteers who gave their time and talent to make it all happen.”

Plus and Automotive Superstoreto assemble, pack, seal, and crate over 1800 boxes of

non-perishable food itemsfor distribution just in time for Thanksgiving to 14 qualified non-profit organizations in the Long Beach area. This monumental undertaking is the work of Joyce and Hank Feldman, owners of Perfor-mance Plus Tire and Auto-motive Superstore, who for the past 17 years have pur-chased numerous pallets of nonperishable food items, hustled donations from a vari-ety of sources, and recruited volunteers from among their employees, the devotees of their car show events, and other service organizations to help with packaging and organizing. The event itself has a party atmosphere, with an


HILLELATCSULBFORMOREINFORMATION:

WEB:www.beachhillel.orgEMAIL:[email protected]

PHONE:562-426-7601ext1424

Hasbara Fellowships and Beach Hillel

This winter two Beach Hillel students will have the amazing opportunity to travel to Israel with Hasbara Fellow-ships, a pro-Israel advocacy organization that helps stu-dents find their voice when addressing Israel on campus. Hasbara Fellowships puts together an amazing trip to

and Jenna Jacoby, will be joining other young student leaders from around the coun-try to share this experience to-gether. They flew to Israel on an El Al flight, the foregoing Israel airline, into Ben Gurion airport. The trip is comprised of strategic touring of the country, meeting with Israel experts, and receiving train-ing in tactical advocacy skills that include speaking, de-bate practice, phrasing/mes-saging, and social media. The trip further includes the rare opportunity to meet with Israeli parliament members (members of the Knesset), and journalists from The

Israel for students who have a working knowledge of the country, so they may gain firsthand experience and knowledge into the dilemmas facing the country and how they can use their student leadership skills to help ed-ucate the campus on Israel. Our students, Tali Shaddaie

Jerusalem Post, including correspondents Gil Hoffman and Khaled Abu Toameh. Both Jenna and Tali are excited to come back to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) to share their unique experiences in the city under fire of Sderot and at Rachel’s Tomb in Hebron with the campus; thereby helping students at CSULB become more aware of the Jewish contextual ties to the land of Israel. We encourage all stu-dents who have a passion for advocating for Israel on cam-pus to seek out the Hasbara Fellowship by speaking with a Hillel professional on cam-

pus and to take advantage of these unique opportunities. It is important for Beach Hillel to sponsor students to attend these trips so that they may help create a positive Israel atmosphere on campus. Through student leadership, we can begin to help educate the campus about the chal-lenges that Israel faces, the im-portance for the state of Israel and self-determination of the Jewish people. In addition to funding from Hillel, these tripswere made possible in part through a grant from the JewishCommunity Foundation’s Israel Experience Endowment and a private donor.

What is Beach Hillel’s Simchah?? The January 2015 aca-demic semester will mark the first full semester that Beach Hillel will be functioning with its newly renovated Hillel House. Beach Hillel has ex-panded in size over the past few years, resulting in the need to revamp our space to better accommodate the growing number of students that seek out our services. Deanna and Allen Alevy graciously donated the reno-vations on the Hillel House. As a result of the renova-tions, Beach Hillel was able to host a wide array of pro-grams with ever increasing

participation on behalf of stu-dents. Soon after renovations were completed, Beach Hillel successfully hosted its first Greek Shabbat Dinner, spon-sored in part by the historic

Jewish Fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau. Over 120 students were accommodated at the Hillel House, enriching their spiri-tual growth with Jewish con-tent and increasing aware-

ness of Beach Hillel’s mission on campus. The enduring support that Beach Hillel enjoys from our generous Jewish community will further allow us to host a wide array of programs that have the potential to reach out to diverse niches of students found on campus today. Such programs that Beach Hillel will plan to host include Taco Tuesday social outreach programs, which will allow students to claim the space that is meant for them as their own, and monthly movie nights to increase Jewish stu-dents’ social interactions.

We are also excited to expand our partner programs with on-campus organiza-tions, demonstrating Beach Hillel as a viable campus organization that can add to campus diversity and help create quality student expe-riences. Hosting additional partner programs in the Hillel house, as we have done through Rainbow Shabbat and Greek Shabbat, will further increase Hillel’s expo-sure to the students on cam-pus, allowing us to deliver more Jewish experiences to more Jewish students.

Students enjoying another fun night at the newly renovated Hillel House

(L-R) Tali Shaddaie and Jenna Jacoby will be joining other young student leaders from around the world on a Hasbara Fellowship trip to Israel

FEDERATION TOWER

APARTMENTSFREE Alpert

JCC MembershipSeniors 62+ pay only 30% of your income for rent!(562) 426-84043799 E. Willow Street, Long Beach.

Next to the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus


HEBREWACADEMYAward Winning Academics in a Genuine Jewish Environment

14401WILLOWLANEHUNTINGTONBEACH,CA92647

WEB:www.hebrewacademyhb.comPHONE:714-898-0051

CAMPSILVERGANISRAEL:www.campsgi.com

Preschool Director Perelmuter Exceeds Expectations

Here at the Hebrew Academy, we are continu-ally striving to improve our preschool, a partner of the Orange County Department of Education in the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) program. Our award-winning director, Chanie Perelmuter, has been teach-ing at the Hebrew Academy preschool for the past 25 years and has been Director for over a decade. Chanie is always taking classes and learning new techniques to better herself in this fast-paced, changing world.

Immediately after Chanie accepted the position of Director, the accolades were higher and better than ever. In 2007, she was the recipi-ent of the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children (OCAEYC) Outstanding Early Childhood Education Director award. Parents felt, and still feel, that Chanie exceeds all expecta-tions of a preschool Director. She ensures that each child has a safe, loving environ-ment and treats them as if they were her own. She also helps students reach their full potential by creating a stimu-lating and enriching educa-tional environment for each and every child. During Chanukah, Chanie was able to share her talents with the community by telling the story of Chanukah in her special way to young children.

She hosted a Chanukah story time at the Huntington Beach Central Library as well as two at the local Barnes & Nobles in Long Beach. There, she read Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story to the children, who were en-grossed by the humorous tale of generosity and greed. For this reason, Chanie Perelmuter and our teachers are an unusually dedicat-ed group of professionals whose level of commitment to each child does not stop at the classroom door, and whose commitment to early childhood education is truly a calling. They bring to their jobs a unique and special blend of professional skills and personal experience. The children and their par-ents couldn’t be happier as a result!

Auction Royale – Benefiting the New Outdoor Library Plaza This year’s Auction Royale was a huge success! More than 250 people gathered on Sunday, December 7th at the beautifully decorated Sycamore Plaza. The guests mingled while enjoying a wonderful array of delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by L’Chaim Kosher Caterers. There was a silent auction showcasing Judaic jewelry and accessories, toys, his/her bicycles, iPads, laptops, and more. After the silent auction, everyone was welcomed into the social hall where they enjoyed their salads. During this time, Rabbi Newman welcomed everyone and thanked our generous spon-sors. Our third grade choir, directed by Revi Elbez who we are thankful to have, per-

formed and did a great job, as always. There was a video presentation showcasing our students and all of the won-derful things currently hap-pening at the award-winning Hebrew Academy. We then had a live auc-tion which was lots of fun. Some of the items won were tickets to Magic Castle, Dodgers games, a tap-ing of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Disneyland and a Sam Smith concert. The evening ended with delicious desserts while the guests enjoyed comedi-enne Sundra Croonquist. We thank all of you who were able to join us and sup-port us. We will be putting the money raised towards our new outside library plaza.

WE ARE THE HEBREW ACADEMY

“We wanted to give our son the strongest and most passionate Jewish foundation in Southern California. We believe that would be the Hebrew Academy.” - Lisa & Ash Dimant

Pretend City Showcases Hebrew Academy Family

We were so thrilled when we heard that Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine showcased one of our own families, The Dimants, for their fall 2014 interactive exhibit. The “Our Home” exhibit is where the Dimant Family shared their family values, traditions and activities which are deeply rooted in their very strong passion for the

Jewish religion. Today more than ever, children interact with people of different eth-nicities, religions and cultures. Teaching tolerance and ap-preciation for differences be-gins in the home. During this Jewish Home exhibit, they taught and ex-plained why they do Shabbat dinner every Friday, how to

make homemade challah, and provided visitors with a take home recipe card. The Dimant’s strong family tie to their heritage and mainte-nance of Jewish traditions will inspire families to begin traditions of their own. We are honored that the Dimant family has chosen to be part of our Hebrew Academy

Community. Pretend City Children’s Museum features a small, interconnected city designed to “build better brains” through purposeful play, hands-on learning experienc-es, role playing, and educa-tional programming. Through 17 interactive exhibits and

activities guided by a highly trained professional staff, chil-dren learn foundational math, reading and science skills, while fostering curiosity, cre-ativity, critical thinking, prob-lem solving, organization, teamwork, self-confidence and socialization.


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ITY Nothing Held Back: Why Hasidism Is Both Loved and Feared

CCEJ’s 24th Annual “Under One Sky” Interfaith/Intercultural Breakfast

The CSULB Jewish Studies Program is pleased to again host a talk by Orange County’s One Month Community Scholar on Wed., January 7 at 7:30 pm.

For over a decade, the One Month Community Scholars program has brought dynam-ic and exciting speakers to

A crowd of over 800 is expected to welcome key-note speaker Kevin Hines, mental health advocate, international speaker and author, at the 24th Interfaith Intercultural Breakfast on Thursday, February 19 at 7:30 am at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The event is gener-ously underwritten by Gene

Dr. Hartley Lachter

cal environments. In his talk, “Nothing Held Back: Why Hasidism Is Both Loved and Feared,” he will look at the rise of Hasidism. While Hasidic life today is certainly very conserva-tive, the first generation of Hasidic leaders were any-thing but conventional. Their radical ideas about God, preference for mystical story

Gate Bridge jump survivor who is actively spreading the message of living mentally healthy around the globe. The fall would break his body, but not his spirit. Kevin’s story is a remarkable testa-ment to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder for us to love the life we have. His story also reminds us that living mentally takes time, en-durance, hard work and sup-port. With these disciplines in place, even those living with very difficult diagnoses can achieve better lives for them-selves and those who help to support and care for them. In 2012, he was award-

Southern California. This is one you don’t want to miss. This year’s scholar, Dr. Hartley Lachter, is a profes-sor of Jewish Studies and director of the Jewish Studies center at Lehigh University. His work explores the devel-opment of medieval Jewish mysticism, kabbalah, at its role in constructing Jewish identities in complex histori-

and Ann Lentzner ever since its inception, and is being chaired by City of Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and Mental Health Advocate Nancy Foster. Kevin Hines is a global speaker, author and mental health advocate who reach-es audiences with his story of an unlikely survival and his strong will to live. Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder (at 19 years of age), he attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of only thirty-four (less than 1%) to survive the fall and he is the only Golden

Keynote speaker Kevin Hines

NCJW & Hadassah Shirley Stein Book Review Luncheon

telling as a way of teaching Jewish ideas, and exuberant forms of worship were reviled by many of the rabbinic au-thorities of their day. Over time, Hasidism has been both loved and feared in the Jewish world. This talk will ex-plore how the ambivalent at-titude towards Hasidism is a reflection of Hasidism’s own extremely conservative and

radically innovative spirit. The event will take place at the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus, 3801 E. Willow Street, Long Beach; it is free and open to the pub-lic, there is no need to reserve space. For more information on this talk or spring semes-ter events, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Blutinger, [email protected].

ed a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding work as a suicide preven-tion advocate and speaker by the National Council of Behavioral Health. He has also been recognized by SAMSHA as a Voice Awards Fellow and Award Winner, an Achievement Winner by the US Veterans Affairs, and he has received a Three Star Marine General’s Medal Award in addition to his nu-merous accolades. Kevin’s will to live and stay mental-ly well has inspired people worldwide. Ticket prices are $40 per person; registration will

begin at 6:45 am with break-fast to follow at 7:30 am. To RSVP, please mail reserva-tions to CCEJ, 444 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 940, Long Beach, CA 90802, call 562-435-8184, or email Kmci lquham@caccej .org. Seating is limited and res-ervations must be made by February 09. The California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) is a human relations organi-zation dedicated to eliminat-ing bias, bigotry and racism through education, conflict resolution and advocacy.

book reviewer the inimitable Eugene Lentzner. Eugene will be reprising the reviewer role he performed at this event for over 20 years amid much popular acclaim. The book to be reviewed is Dara Horn’s A Guide for the Perplexed: A Novel, one of Booklist’s Best Books of 2014, now out in paperback as well as hardcover and Kindle. Please mail a $28 check payable to NCJW by Jan. 14, to Judith Leff, 3011 Hillrose Dr, Rossmoor, CA 90720. As part of our Tikkun Olam/Mitzvot activities, please bring a can or two of food for the less fortunate if you are able. For more informa-tion, contact Linda C. Fox at 562-342-6164.

The annual Shirley Stein Book Review, to be held at The Grand on January 20 at 10:30 am, will be joint-ly sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and Hadassah. This year, we have the honor and pleasure of having as our

The Jewish Federation has been supporting, sustaining and revitalizing Jewish life for nearly a century. Today our work is far from finished. And we need your support.

Your contribution helps to care for our entire Jewish community. Enabling us to use your gift wherever it’s needed most, at home, in Israel and around the world.

If you haven’t done so already, please give generously to the Federation’s 2015/5775 Annual Community Campaign today.

Visit us at JewishLongBeach.org or call (562) 426-7601


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NCJW Charter Day Event to Honor Barbara Alpert

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Long Beach Section will hold its annual Charter Day event on Sunday, February 22 at 3 pm at the Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus, featuring a performance by the Mostly Kosher band, a high-energy, Jewish group of young professional musicians who love to interact with their audience while offering a bundle of comedic fun. “Charter Day is always the biggest fundraiser in NCJW’s calendar year,”

State University, Long Beach. Moving to Long Beach was “the best thing we ever did,” says Barbara. The Mostly Kosher band will feature a performance of memorable Yiddish and other Jewish tunes that make for an exciting and happy afternoon. The band has been praised in the media wherever they play, sing and

dance, and as one critic re-viewed, “the performance was designed to make the viewer think they were listen-ing to a Lower Eastside of New York….radio show.” The comedy group, led by Leeav Sofer, performed earlier this year at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, among many other well-known venues.

The Mostly Kosher con-cert for all ages is open to the entire community and is being co-sponsored by NCJW and Long Beach Jewish Life online magazine. Adults, $36, $40 at the door; $18 for 12 and under, $20 at the door. For more informa-tion, call Tila Carrol at 562-433-7109, or Ann Millman at 562-439-8010.

Women’s PhilanthropyJewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy division promotes women’s leadership, empowerment, and philanthropy through the practice of tikkum olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (justice), rachamlm (compassion), and chesed (loving kindness).

We are dedicated to providing opportunities for women to learn new skills and help women translate their values into actions. We invite all women to join us for unique educational workshops and to join us for ongoing community service projects.

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY!Contact Sharon at (562) 426-7601 x1008

or [email protected]

Women’sPhilanthropy

A Joint Alpert JCC | Jewish Federation/Jewish Community Foundation Trip

SPAIN ISRAEL 2015October 21 - November 5, 2015

INTERESTED? Join us for an informational meeting

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 | 6:30 pm

RSVP 562.426.7601 | Sharon x1008 | Susan x1012

Mostly Kosher band members

NCJW will honor Barbara Alpert with the Hannah G. Solomon Award at their Charter Day Event on Sunday, February 22

remarked NCJW President Ann Millman. “Each year we always honor a special per-son in our community, and this year during our concert, we are proud and pleased to honor Barbara Alpert with our prestigious Hannah G. Solomon Award.” Barbara, who has been deeply involved in Jewish community affairs for de-cades, has served with hon-or on many committees and boards, including the Hillel board, the Jewish Studies Advisory Board and the Jewish Federation. Barbara and her husband Ray, who re-cently passed away, were the donors who named our own Jewish Community Center. Their philanthropy is legion, with their “good fortune,” as Barbara says, spread into various humanitarian Jewish agencies throughout our city and into Jewish organiza-tions around the world. The couple endowed the Chair in Jewish Studies at California


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PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

Send a special gift to honor, memorialize, or congratulate friends & family for all occasions. We will send a card on your behalf.

Jewish FederationGENERAL FUND•To Fern English, wishes for a speedy recovery, from Linda & Sanford Simmons

Jewish Community FoundationGERDA SEIFER YOM HASHOAH FUND•To Eva Schlesinger, wishes for a speedy recovery, from Gerda & Harold Seifer•To Arlene Solomon, in mem-ory of your beloved grand-daughter Katy Felsenthal, from Gerda & Harold Siefer•To Debi & Dan Felsenthal, in memory of your beloved daughter Katy, from Gerda & Harold Seifer

Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 1314

AJCCGENERAL FUND•To the Polacheck Family, in memory of Art Polacheck, from Barbara Alpert•To the Hillinger Family, in memory of Paul Hillinger, from Barbara Alpert•To the Mednick Family, in memory of Judy Mednick, from Barbara Alpert•To the Strelitz Family, in memory of Curtis Blanc, from Barbara Alpert•To Andrea & Don Kaiser, in honor of your anniversary & becoming grandparents, from Barbara Alpert•To Shirley & Eugene Ross, in honor of receiving the Robert Baldwin Community Service Award, from Barbara

Alpert•To Matt Simmons, in honor of receiving the Fred Neuberger Young Leadership Award, from Barbara Alpert•To Eugene Lentzner, in hon-or of your modeling at the Ronald McDonald House Charity Event, from Barbara Alpert•To Brent & Erika Hess, in honor of being some of the nicest people and having the best Animal Inn, from Barbara Alpert•To the Felsenthal & Solomon Family, in memory of Kathryn Ruth Felsenthal, from Barbara Alpert•To Barbara Alpert, in memory of Ray Alpert, from George & Gail Rothman

MICHAEL SEGAL MAIMONIDES FUND•To the MacKay Family, in memory of Nancy MacKay, from Jessie Butler•To the Oster Family, in memory of Samuel Oster, from Jessie Butler•To the Felsenthal & Solomon Family, in memory of Kathryn Ruth Felsenthal, from Jessie Butler•To Susan Mathieu, in hon-or of your Social Security Birthday, from Jessie Butler

PAULA BLUM SENIOR ADULT FUND•To Susan Mathieu, in hon-or of your Social Security Birthday, from:

o Barbara Alperto Susan Bernsteino Linda Braytono Sheila Cabot

o Paula Crosso Herlina Frahero Mary Freshmano Ellen Geffnero Sylvia Goldsteino Lourdes Grayson-Padgetto Ilja Haverkorn-Brejtfuso Arline Hillingero Shlomit Jacksono Iris Katzo Ronald & Patricia Knightso Danny Levyo Tom Longo Miriam Malaskyo Daniel & Joseph

Mathieuo Katie Millero Artero Montes De Ocao Charlotte & Lou

Moskowitzo Larry Rubin & Christian

Nelsono Pearl Parkero Judith Rosso Katie Shoverso Sanford & Linda

Simmonso Bonnie Walterso Elaine & Larry Winner

AJCC tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT1414

JFCSGENERAL FUND•From Margo Hoffer, in hon-or of the 70th anniversary of Myrtle & Jim Pinsky•From Margo Hoffer, in honor of the birth of the 8th great-grandchild of Charlotte Pinsky

SEYMOUR PIZER FUND•From Binnie & Jack Berro & family, in honor of Madge Pizer’s birthday•From Phyllis Spear, in honor of Madge Pizer’s birthday

JFCS tributes: 562-426-7601 EXT 235 or 562-427-7916

Tributes

From the Jewish Federation Board, Leadership & Staff

•Mazel Tov to Becky & Daniel Siskin, on the birth of your son Brady Flaster Siskin•Mazel Tov to Jackie & Philip Fritz, on the birth of your grandson Corey Michael White

•Mazel Tov to Helen Barrad, on the birth of your great grandson David Braxton de Souza•Mazel Tov to Paddy Kaller, on the birth of your great granddaughter Clara Beth Jennings•Mazel Tov to Gail & Tom

Levy, on the birth of your granddaughter Mabel Lilyan Sauro•Mazel Tov Andrea & Don Kaiser, on the birth of your grandson Chase Russell Kaiser

Honors & SimchahsLee & BarBaraShoag

Residential & IncomeOver 1,400 Happy Buyers &

Sellers since 1981

(562) 400-8124www.ShoagRealEstate.com

Rated ‘Highest’ in qualityservice by our customers.

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

ARCHITECTSCherson Weiss ArchitectsErin Cherson, Architect & Ava Weiss, CEOSpecializing in Residential and Commercial Projects

(562) 596-0495www.cwarchitects.net

ATTORNEYSLawrence H. Nemirow, ESQBusiness Law, Insurance Law,Trusts and Estates5242 Katella Ave., Suite 104Los Alamitos, CA 90720

(562) 799-1379www.nemlawyer.com

C.P.A.’SShari D. Nemirow, C.P.A.

Small Business accounting & income taxes for Corporations, Partnerships, Individuals5242 Katella, #104, Los Alamitos

(562) 430-8231

Pamela Schulman-Flores, C.P.A.Master of Science-Taxation, Tax Returns-all types, tax planning & auditsDowney

(562) 803-5324

Zvi Shapiro, CPA, MBA, EADo you owe back taxes to the IRS, California or any other state?Have you not filed tax returns in years?Let me be your David to take on Goliath.Call today to sleep better tonight.

(562) 310-7247GASTROENTEROLOGY

Allan Effron MD FACGStomach Pain, Change in Bowel Habits Colon Cancer ScreeningMost Insurance Accepted

(562) 882-0834

ORTHODONTICSBrodsky Orthodontics

Braces & Invisilign™ for all ages5920 Del Amo Blvd., Lakewood

(562) 496-2000www.drbrodskysmile.com

PEDIATRICS

Add your listing to our Professional Directory

Call Khatera 562-426-7601 EXT 1006 for more information

YOURAD

HEREReach over 40,000

community members by listing your business in the Jewish Community

Chronicle.


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Join Us for oUr shabbat services

temple isr ael long beach

Friday Evening Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Moskowitz and organist, David York Saturday Morning Torah Study and Services conducted by Rabbi Moskowitz

Friday, January 2 7:00 p.m. Family Shabbat ServiceSaturday, January 3 8:45 a.m. Torah Study10:30 a.m. Sabbath Fellowship

Rabbi Rami Shapiro WeekendLapid-Shapiro Scholar-in-Residence Friday, January 9 6:00 p.m. Ruach ShabbatSaturday, January 10 8:45 a.m. Torah Study10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

Friday, January 16 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat 7:00 p.m. Got Shabbat!Saturday, January 17 8:45 a.m. Torah Study10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

Friday, January 23 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening ServiceSaturday, January 24 8:45 a.m. Torah Study10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

Temple Israel • 269 Loma Avenue • Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562.434.0996 • www.tilb.org

Friday, January 30 7:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening ServiceSaturday, January 31 8:45 a.m. Torah Study10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

We Mourn The Loss Of...

Please contact us at [email protected] if you know of someone who has passed and would like them to be recognized.

Karen Dow

Barbara Katz

Dr. Nan Mackay

The Next Generation Insurance Agency

DA N I E L M AT H I E UPERSONAL INSURANCE ADVISOR

10805 Holder Street, Suite 350Cypress, CA 90630Mail Address: P.O. Box 6026, Cypress, CA 90630Direct: 714.733.6284 • Cell: [email protected] License No. 0D79613

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Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law

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