As we settle into the rhythm of summer, I am grateful for the simple moments that happen every day on our campus Children racing between activities at camp Friends catching up after a workout Families gathering at the pool. Members and neighbors who stop me to talk about what matters to them or share the joke of the day. These moments are the threads that weave our community together.
This month also brings Tisha B'Av Jewish tradition teaches that the destruction of the Second Temple was not only the result of forces from outside our community The rabbis tell us it was also rooted in the ways we became divided from one another. Relationships broke down. Distrust replaced understanding. The connections that sustained us weakened.
In a world where many people experience loneliness and disconnection, our tradition reminds us that gathering matters It reminds us that communities are built through relationships, shared experiences, and the daily choice to see one another. The Alpert JCC matters because it provides a place for everyone to gather together.
At Jewish Long Beach, our purpose is to bring Jewish culture to life by creating spaces where we share in one another’s stories and where everyone feels at home in community. We believe Jewish wisdom has something meaningful to offer not only to the Jewish community but to the broader Long Beach community as well It teaches us how to gather, how to care for one another, and how to build lives grounded in responsibility and belonging.
Our community itself reflects the many ways people experience Jewish life today. We are lifelong Jews and newcomers We are interfaith families, Jews by choice, and people from every background and denomination We are neighbors and friends who come together with different stories but a shared desire to connect. That diversity does not diminish who we are. It enriches us.
The Alpert JCC is where many of those connections begin. It is where children discover confidence, where families build friendships, where older adults find companionship, and where people of every faith and background encounter Jewish culture It is a place where relationships are formed that extend well beyond our walls
I believe the future we hope to create depends on those relationships. When we build gathering places rooted in Jewish wisdom and that reflect our shared values, we strengthen both Jewish life and the civic life of our city We create a community where every person can find connection, purpose, and belonging
I hope to see you on campus this summer. If you do, stop me and share your story. I'd love to hear it.
Warm regards,
CHRONICLE
MeettheJborhoodLBCTeam
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus One Sommer Way
OntheCover Team Long Beach is heading off to Toronto this August for the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games®. Wish our teens good luck and see the full team on page 16. 7 COMMUNITYINFULLSWING
3801 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90815-1791
562.426.7601 | jewishlongbeach.org Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Member
Jewish Long Beach is a 501(c)3 with tax I.D. 95-1647830
Jewish Long Beach board member, attorney, LGBTQ+ advocate, and civic leader Evan Anderson Braude was honored on June 4 by the Historical Society of Long Beach (HSLB) for his lifetime of public service and the launch of the Anderson Braude Collection, a permanent archival collection housed at the HSLB
“This project will ensure that future generations students, researchers, policymakers, and residents have access to the firsthand accounts that illuminate Long Beach’s progress and challenges,” HSLB shared in a press release.
Braude is a licensed California attorney, who previously served as Special Assistant City Attorney in Los Angeles, worked in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation in Washington, D.C., and represented the 1st District on the Long Beach City Council. Braude is a founding member of Bet Tzedek (House of Justice) Legal Services. He was the first elected representative to march in the Long Beach Pride Parade
Braude played a meaningful role in shaping Long Beach’s governance, housing policies, tobacco controls, and nonprofit leadership. Throughout his career, he advanced antidiscrimination protections, affordable
housing initiatives, and inclusive civic engagement, while also serving in leadership roles across numerous nonprofit organizations, including Jewish Long Beach, Temple Israel, and the Union for Reform Judaism
For Braude, civic leadership is a family affair In his interview with HSLB, he reflected on his early beginnings in politics, which started as young as four, accompanying his father while canvassing. His long-term partner, Bonnie Lowenthal, also served on the Long Beach City Council prior to her service in the CA State Assembly. His son, Jayson, is an accomplished lawyer in his own right, and advocates for the interests of over 30 California municipalities in Washington, D C
The Jewish Long Beach community extends a heartfelt Mazel Tov to Braude and family for this historic accomplishment, and for his decades of service to the local Jewish and broader Long Beach communities.
JborhoodLBC was formed by Jewish Long Beach in 2025 to reach and connect even more individuals and families across Long Beach through arts & culture, neighborhood exploration, and community service Leading this important effort are four Community Connectors, hired by Jewish Long Beach to facilitate grassroots community-building through free and low-cost programs for those who are new to Long Beach or interested in making new connections. Each connector has a unique programmatic approach to JborhoodLBC Together, they build a warmer and more inclusive Jewish community in our backyard, thanks to the courage capital of Dr Joel & Edie Brodsky
One connector, Renee Barot, has dedicated her JborhoodLBC involvement to connecting willing volunteers to service opportunities in and around Long Beach. “I’ve found that volunteers are interested in specific needs, such as children & families, food insecurity, or other causes,” Renee explains “I’ve been working like a broker, so to speak, and connecting them with different organizations.” Since its formation, JborhoodLBC has participated in service events including the Belmont Heights Make a Difference Day in March and a pet food drive for SPCA-LA in April.
Our other connectors have been hard at work creating groups that celebrate the rich diversity of Long Beach through food, arts,
and family-friendly activities. Helaine Cira Levinson connects interfaith and multicultural families across Long Beach Recently, she coordinated a visit to MOLAA to participate in the children & family Banjee Ball in celebration of Pride Month, a great outing for families. For those looking to explore more of Long Beach, Mary Sramek is your guide to all the best eats and activities in East Long Beach. Mary has hosted a few happy hours and even a pickleball social. If you’re a lover of the arts, Kati Szeker has been sharing one of a kind cultural experiences with our community and has even welcomed JborhoodLBC into her home for several musical evenings
There’s no wrong way to Jborhood! Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make new friends, JborhoodLBC is a great way to build lifelong connections wi out to ors to
Meet Our Connectors
ReneeBarot
rbarot@jewishlongbeach.org
Volunteers & Community Service Enthusiasts “Seeking like-minded individuals who get satisfaction and fulfillment from giving back to their community, especially helping those less fortunate ”
HelaineCiraLevinson
hciralevinson@jewishlongbeach.org
Interfaith & Multicultural Families
“Let's connect over fun events with food, arts and culture I'd love to celebrate the incredibly special and diverse city that we live in!”
MarySramek msramek@jewishlongbeach.org
East Long Beach Community
“I want to get to know my East LB neighbors better and share fun things to do that are at our fingertips!”
KatiSzeker kszeker@jewishlongbeach.org
Arts & Culture Lovers
“My goal is to bring the richness of music, art, dance, and theater that I grew up with into our Long Beach community ”
Ah summer, when the kids are out of school, playing around outside, where the trees are in full bloom, and I am mostly sneezing Despite this, I love these summer months It’s like the entire earth is taking a deep breath and then letting it out. The days are longer and so many of us take the time to visit family or go on trips we’ve been putting off during the year. It’s very much an if-notnow-then-when kind of time and quite honestly, it’s fun I love the quieter days when I can go on a walk with my family, dig into projects that don’t get attention during the busier times of the year, and something about the sunshine, the brightness of this time, literally sheds light on things I might have otherwise not noticed.
The ancient Israelites would have had a similar experience. Not just because we share the same Hebrew calendar but literally the feel of the sun through the months of the year We live in what is called a Mediterranean climate because...
you guessed it, it’s the same climate as Israel. We have sabras growing on our hikes out here, Tu Bishvat is actually a good time to plant a tree (as opposed to my Tu Bishvat hike in Brooklyn years ago through six inches of snow), and the same summer sun shines down on us in the later months of the Jewish year. Around the 15th of Av (if you’re counting) the sun gets really bright and might even get shiny enough to illuminate that person standing next to you, yeah that one, your spouse, your beloved Tucked into the month of Av, around the end of the calendar year there’s a quaint little holiday called Tu B’av, brilliantly titled after the date it falls on (we need to get some better names for things)and it’s the Jewish day of love, a time to recognize the people in our life that make it so much better because they put up with us
out of that busy summer schedule and take your spouse, your friend, someone you love out to a special walk, a dinner, tell them you love them You’ll be in cahoots with thousands of years of other Jews who also thought it was a good idea, and plus it’s easier to get a table reservation than on Valentine’s Day.
Happy Tu B’av everyone, to you and your beloveds.
Rabbi Scott Fox
So, this summer (July 28th) take a minute
JamareHarris|CampKomaroffManager
Camp Komaroff is proud to continue the tradition of welcoming a new shlichah (camp counselor from Israel) this summer This special counselor brings a unique life experience and special skills to camp They are integrated into all aspects of camp life and weave Israeli culture and Jewish advocacy into the campers’ experience. Their dedication and enthusiasm often make their programming the most memorable of the summer.
This year, we are pleased to welcome Shani Ben Harrous as our shlichah for the summer Through a partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel, Israeli camp specialists, counselors, and educators like Shani are dispatched to Jewish day and sleepaway camps across North America. This program reaches tens of thousands of campers, providing them with a human connection to Israel Out of hundreds of shlichim, Shani was matched with Camp Komaroff based on her skills and expertise
“I’m super energetic and always looking for my next adventure. I love singing, sewing and exploring new ideas and places. I’m naturally curious, love meeting new people and get excited about pretty much everything. I am beyond excited for the camp and cant wait to meet your community and create an unforgettable summer for everyone!” -Shani
The Camp Komaroff Shlichim program is made possible in part by the Jewish Long Beach R & E Temkin Family Fund, dedicated to fostering Jewish peoplehood in every generation
Please join us in giving Shani a warm Camp Komaroff welcome: Shalom Aleichem, we are so glad to see you!
If you are interested in supporting our shlichah and her adjustment to SoCal life, please contact Kevin Giser at kgiser@jewishlongbeach org
ROUNDEDINPURPOSE
WE’VE EXTENDED OUR HOURS
NOW ENROLLING 18M - PRE-K
Quality NAEYC play-based early learning
2, 3, or 5-day schedules with full and half-day options
Extended hours: 7 am - 6 pm with flexible pick up/drop off
Scholarships available and childcare subsidies accepted
Ask us about Parent & Me classes for ages 0 - 24m
*Select options only available for certain age groups
In the heart ofWestminster, Beth Davidhas completed a transformation years in the making. Aftermore than four decades,the congregation’s3,500-square-foot sanctuaryhas been fully reimagined, emerging as a space that reflects both the richness of tradition and the needs of a modern, connected community
Designed in collaboration withBerliner Architects, the renovation represents far more than a visual update. While earlier efforts, including a 2005 “extreme makeover” and subsequent lighting improvements, enhanced the sanctuary in stages, this project offered a rare opportunity to rethink the space in its entirety The result is a sanctuary that feels at once contemporary, inviting, and deeply rooted.
Central to the redesign is a thoughtful interplay of light, space, and warmth. The new lighting design elevates the atmosphere, creating a sense of openness while supporting the varied rhythms of worship, from quiet reflection to joyful celebration A modernized layout encourages connection, drawing congregants closer together and reinforcing a sense of shared experience.
One of the sanctuary’s most striking artistic features remains the magnificent stained-glass creationbyLeonardo Nierman, which is prominently displayed above the ark The vibrant work continues to serve as a visual centerpiece of the sanctuary, inspiring awe and reflection while beautifully complementing the renovated space.
Another deeply meaningful element of the redesign is the incorporation of authentic Jerusalem stone, imported fromIsrael. Long
associated with sacred architecture and deeply symbolic in Jewish tradition, Jerusalem stone brings a tangible connection to the land of Israel into the sanctuary itself. Its presence adds both physical beauty and spiritual resonance, linking the congregation’s daily worship with centuries of history and heritage
The renovation also includes an all-new upgraded sound and video system, significantly enriching the sanctuary experience for congregants and guests alike. Enhanced acoustics and modern visual capabilities help create a more immersive and accessible worship environment, ensuring that music, prayer, and spoken word can be experienced more fully throughout the sanctuary
Music itself plays a central role in the spiritual life of Temple Beth David. On the second Friday of each month, the sanctuary comes alive with the voices of the congregation’s outstanding all-volunteer choir, whose music brings warmth, beauty, and inspiration to Shabbat worship The third Friday of every month features “Shabbat Alive!,” an uplifting and energetic service filled with live music and an upbeat atmosphere that invites participation from all generations. Together, these musical experiences reflect the congregation’s commitment to creating worship that is both meaningful and engaging.
The completed sanctuary now stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of the Beth David community
Through collective support, including contributions made via the Sanctuary Remodel Pledge initiative and participation in the “Lasting Legacies” campaign,
congregants and supporters alike have helped bring this transformation to life. Naming opportunities, such as the sanctuary pillars and choir loft, offer lasting tributes woven into the very fabric of the space.
Importantly, the sanctuary remains what it has always been at its core: a place of gathering, reflection, and continuity Temple Beth Davidcontinues to hold regular Friday night Shabbat services and Saturday morning worship, now within a setting that enhances and elevates the communal experience.
Located at 6100 Hefley Street, Temple Beth David’s renewed sanctuary stands as both a milestone and a promise, honoring its history while embracing the future It is a space designed not only for today’s congregation, but for generations yet to come
For more information about the sanctuary and ongoing community life, visit: templebethdavid.org or call 714.892.6623.
Jackie Caplan Wiggins is a Beth David congregant and member of the Merger Steering Committee Her parents, Al and Frieda Caplan, were founding members of Beth David, Al being the first Temple President
HEBREWACADEMY
Standing at the OC Fairgrounds on a Sunday afternoon, watching 5th grader Anthony proudly pose beside his first-place ribbon and his Hebrew Academy art teacher, Ms. Coei, it was hard not to feel proud of what our students are capable of when given the space to create, explore, and truly shine. The Imaginology competition brought together students from across Orange County, and seeing Hebrew Academy students recognized on that stage for both Cardboard Engineering and the collaborative “Cube Maze” mural felt incredibly meaningful for our school community.
But honestly, the ribbons were only part of the story.
A few days later, I found myself back on campus watching a completely different moment unfold A parent stopped to photograph the self-portraits hanging around the classroom while their child proudly pointed to his work, a huge smile on his face.
It was such a simple moment, but it stayed with me.
Earlier in the year, these same students had created their first self-portraits Simple drawings Careful lines The kind of artwork that reflects children still getting comfortable with the materials, the process, and, honestly, their own confidence.
By the end of the year, the difference was beautiful to see.
The portraits were fuller, more expressive, more personal. You could see how much the students had grown, not only artistically but in the pride and ownership they brought to their work There was pride in the room, born of growth, ownership, and a profound realization that your ideas matter I think that is what makes the Hebrew Academy art program so special.
Ms. Coei teaches students real artistic techniques and foundations, but the goal is never to have every child produce the same outcome Students are encouraged to experiment, interpret, problem-solve, and bring their own ideas into the process Walking into the Makerspace, you immediately notice that the projects do not all look alike. Some are bold and colorful. Others are thoughtful and intricate. Each piece reflects the individuality of the student who created it.
That individuality is exactly what makes the room feel so alive.
And that same sense of ownership does not stop in the art room. Creativity at Hebrew Academy does not remain limited to a single elective or classroom; it naturally weaves throughout the broader school experience, including Judaic learning. Students create menorahs for Chanukah, design seder plates for Pesach, and use art to conn personally and meaningfully w traditions and values
Creativity is part of how students learn to think, question, communicate, and engage more deeply with what they are learning.
Recently, our second graders completed animal habitat projects that combined research, writing, science, presentation skills, and design Walking through the classroom, you could feel how invested the students were in what they had created Every project reflected personality, thought, and ownership
We want our students to build strong academic foundations and to develop curiosity, confidence, communication skills, and pride in their work. Long before creativity produces awards, it produces something far more important: confident children who trust their ideas
You can feel that when you walk through our classrooms. You see it in the student carefully adding details long after the assignment requirements have been met. You see it in the child eagerly explaining a project to a parent. You see it in the confidence students carry when they realize there is space for their voice, their thinking, and their individuality inside the learning process
At Hebrew Academy, creativity is not separate from learning. It is part of how students experience it.
And over time, that experience becomes something much larger than a ribbon hanging on a wall It becomes students who are willing to think, create, question, communicate, and trust their own ideas.
Connect with Hebrew Academy: HACDS.org/Discover Instagram: @hebrewacademyoc
Established in 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games® is an Olympic-style sporting competition that brings together Jewish teens from across the globe for five unforgettable days each summer. Beyond athletic excellence, the Games are a celebration of Jewish identity, values, and community With vibrant opening and closing ceremonies, meaningful community service, cultural events, and countless social opportunities, the experience leaves a lasting impact on every participant.
Thanks in part to the generous donation from Jewish Connection Network, 30 athletes from Team Long Beach will proudly join 3,000 Jewish teens from across the U S , Canada, Israel, and Ukraine at the JCC Maccabi Games in Toronto, Canada this August. Competing in events including 3v3 basketball, baseball, dance, flag football, golf, tennis, soccer, and swimming, our athletes will represent Long Beach with spirit, pride, and rachmanus (good sportsmanship).
In addition to their sporting events, our teens will take part in JCC Cares the Games’ community service initiative giving back to local Toronto organizations. These meaningful service projects allow athletes to embody the Jewish value of tikkun olam repairing the world while making a difference in the host community
Since its inception, the JCC Maccabi Games® have impacted more than 130,000 Jewish youth worldwide, building friendships, strengthening Jewish identity, and inspiring future leaders. This year will be no exception, and Team Long Beach is proud to be part of this life-changing experience
“The Maccabi Games hold a very special place in my heart. In my opinion, they represent the finest Jewish teen program in the country and provide an experience unlike any other.”
-Howard Weiss
Special thanks to the staff and volunteers leading Team Long Beach to victory!
ngful way for support the Jewish to come Through ment funds, and help ensure that ducation, and in strong long into Weiss are proud e the importance of e honoring the ommunity responsibility that are central to Jewish life.
One of the greatest benefits of legacy giving is the opportunity to create a lasting impact A legacy gift helps provide financial stability for synagogues, Jewish community centers, educational programs, scholarships, social service agencies, and other organizations that serve the community. By making a planned gift, donors help guarantee that future generations will continue to benefit from the institutions and programs that have enriched their own lives
Legacy giving can also offer significant financial and tax advantages. Depending on the type of gift and an individual’s financial situation, donors may receive income tax deductions, estate tax benefits, or other financial advantages Many donors find that planned giving allows them to make a substantial charitable contribution while preserving assets during their lifetime. Consulting with financial and legal advisors can help donors determine the most effective giving strategy for their personal circumstances
Another important advantage is the ability to see the results of one’s generosity while still living. Many legacy donors choose to establish endowments or make commitments that allow them to witness firsthand how their gifts support programs, assist families, educate young people, and strengthen Jewish life. For Howard and Ava Weiss, legacy giving provides the satisfaction of knowing that their contributions are making a difference today while also securing resources for tomorrow
Ultimately, legacy giving is about leaving more than financial assets it is about leaving values, vision, and a commitment to community By making a legacy gift, donors create a permanent connection between their family’s story and the future of the Jewish community Howard and Ava Weiss’s commitment as legacy givers reflects a belief that each generation has a responsibility to help sustain and strengthen Jewish life, ensuring that future generations will continue to thrive and benefit from the institutions and traditions that unite us
What’sHappeninginYourCommunity
BethDavid
Saturday July 11, 9 am
Torah Study with Rabbi Nancy Myers
Sunday, July 12, 2 pm
Come join us for an afternoon of Comedy Starring Sheba Mason (Jackie Mason's daughter), Ian Wehrle (Jackie Mason Impersonator), Mindy Rickles (Don Rickle’s daughter) and Ed Mann
General admission $36 00, $46 after July 7 Desert reception to follow Friday, August 7, 7 pm
Disney Shabbat Service on the patio Disney costumes welcomed Thursday, August 13, 12 pm
Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Nancy Myers
Friday, August 14, 7:30 pm Beatles Shabbat Service on the patio 1960’s attire welcomed
Saturday, August 15, 9 am
Torah Study with Rabbi Nancy Myers
Friday, August 21, 7:30 pm
Beach Boys Shabbat Service on the patio Open House for Potential New Members 1960’s surf attire welcomed
Saturday, August 29, 9 am Body, Mind, & Spirit Shabbat with Rabbi Nancy Myers
Sunday, September 6, 8 am-1:30 pm Blood Drive
Sign up atredcrossblood.org sponsor code TBD, or contact Cathy Niederman atcathbowls@gmail.com
TempleBethShalom
Sunday, August. 30, 2 pm
Cantor’s Concert: A Time to Laugh-A fun musical experience to uplift our spirits Come meet our new Rabbi Concert features: Cantor Judy Sofer and Cantor Paul Buch, Cantor Kelly
Cooper, Cantor Nancy Linder, Cantor Jenna Sagan, Cantor Toby Schwartz, Cantor
Jennifer Bern Vogel, Cantor Raymond Zachary, and with members of the Mostly Kosher Band led by Leeav Sofer. Registration required.
TBS Children’s Havdalah Programwill resume in the Fall Shabbat Services-Fridays 6 pm, Saturdays, 10 am
For all special events, please register at least three days prior, contact us atoffice@TBSLB.orgor 562.426.6413 or visit TBSLB.org. Events and services are open to the community For adult learning classes and other events, please see our website and calendar
TempleIsrael
For July - August 2026 events, please see ad on back page.
NCJW-GreaterLongBeach& WestOrangeCounty
Save the Date, Saturday, August 8 NCJW is partnering with the League of Women Voters for a Day of Action
The program will honor the Voting Rights Act in partnership with several otherorganizations.This is a National program for the League of Woman Voters in their work to "get out the vote."
OrangeCountyJewishGenealogical Society
Sunday, July 26,10 am on Zoom
Emily Garber
Town Counsel: Finding Your Ancestor's European Town of Origin
Sunday, August 23,10 am on Zoom Robinn Magid
An introduction to navigating the Polish State Archives website
Register in advance for both events at www ocjgs org Free for members, $5 for non-members
Tributes&InMemoriam
JewishLongBeach
FromJewishLongBeachBoard, Leadership,&Staff
IN MEMORY OF
Regina Turetzky
Beloved Sister & Sister-in-law
To Charlie & Cathy Niederman
Mark Halloran
Beloved husband
To Ellen Halloran
Alan Puzarne
Beloved husband
To Wendy Puzarne
Marilyn Goldfarb
Beloved wife
To Stuart Goldfarb
Beloved mother & mother-in-law
To Mark & Deborah Goldfarb
MAZEL TOV
Rita & Barry Zamost
Happy 50th Anniversary
Liz & Mark Sharzer
On the birth of their granddaughter
Jacyln Aria Sharzer
GeneralFund
IN MEMORY OF
Dr. Philip Danufsky
To the Danufsky/Dornblaser Family
From Ettie Councilman
Marilyn Goldfarb
Beloved mother & mother-in-law
To Mark & Deborah Goldfarb
From Susan & Mark Paletz
HillelKaiserFamilyPassoverDinner Fund
IN HONOR OF
Yetta Kane
On being recognized by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Adele Banner
Happy Birthday
Nancy & Jim Linden
on being honored at the Temple Israel Gala
From Andea & Don Kaiser
IN MEMORY OF
Sharon Lavender
Beloved mother
To Eric Lavender
From Andrea & Don Kaiser
JewishConnectionsNetwork
IN HONOR OF
Rita & Barry Zamost
Happy 50th Anniversary
From Betty Zamost
From Ava & Howard Weiss
From Murray Taubman
Rita & Barry Zamost
For outstanding contributions
to the Jewish community of Long Beach
From Carol & Fred Lerner
IN MEMORY OF
Ray & Barbara Alpert
From the Raymond & Barbara Alpert
Foundation
LynneKassMemorialFund
IN MEMORY OF
Lynne Kass
From Jacob London
From Noreen Keenan
From Shirley Ross
JessieButlerSeniorMealProgram
IN HONOR OF
Adele Banner
Happy Birthday
From Diane & Bruce Switzky
Rita & Barry Zamost
Happy 50th Anniversary
From Gregory Cooper
For Jewish Long Beach tributes call: 562 426 7601 ext 1314
JewishFederationsofNorth AmericaEmergencyIsraelRelief Fund
IN MEMORY OF
Dr. Philip Danfusky
Beloved Father
To Joshua Danufsky
To Shoshana Dornblaser
To Tamar Danufsky
From Harriet Danufsky
To Vivian Gold
From Harriet Danufsky
2026ArleneSolomonVisions
MAZEL TOV
Anna Salusky
In honor of being awarded the 2026 Woman of Impact
From Leah Lieberman
For Jewish Long Beach tributes call: 562.426.7601 ext 1314
