Chag Pesach Sameach!
Visions 2026
Honoring
Yom HaShoah
Arlene Solomon
AMESSAGEFROMOURCEO
we carry ome of my emories are of th aunts and ents who lived e Seder table ories, , j y ection.
In my family’s Seder table today, we carry on those traditions and create new ones. We celebrate Ethiopian Jewish traditions alongside Ashkenazi ones, honoring both the shared heritage of my Ethiopian children and the many journeys that make up the Jewish people Perhaps that is why Passover remains one of the most widely observed Jewish practices today. Across backgrounds and levels of practice, the Seder table continues to be a powerful place where history, values, family, and hope come together.
Passover also deepens and complicates our understanding of identity, and here Moses becomes central As biblical scholar Everett Fox notes, Moses is a liminal figure shaped by more than one world, “Egyptian by upbringing, Hebrew by birth.” He lives between cultures, carrying one foot in each world. He speaks with an accent, navigates divided loyalties, and must choose who he is before he can lead others toward who they might become
physical bondage is one thing, while disentangling identity, memory, and habit is another. Moses must learn to release the privileges and assumptions of Egypt just as the Israelites must learn to let go of the reflex to return there For many of us as Jewish Americans, and at different moments in life, we live in a similar in-between space. We may feel deeply at home in the broader culture that has shaped us, offering language, opportunity, and belonging, while also carrying the responsibilities and gifts of Jewish peoplehood with its own history, values, and moral demands At Jewish Long Beach, the work of holding identity and belonging together comes to life every day We nurture growth and connection through meaningful Jewish experiences, from our Early Childhood Education Center and Camp Komaroff to senior lunches, cultural programs, and even simple moments of friendship by the Mary Alpert Pool. Like Moses, we often carry more than one inheritance at once, and our community institutions help us live both with intention and purpose
Sustaining this sacred work requires collective generosity. When we give to Jewish Long Beach, we directly support scholarships for early childhood education and camp, meaningful Jewish learning and cultural programs, wellness and senior engagement, and community celebrations that bring
tangible act of building community, turning values of freedom, responsibility, and belonging into daily reality.
As we head into the Passover season, I invite you to please join me and many others in giving to the Annual Community Campaign through our Passover appeal. Together, our generosity makes it possible for Jewish Long Beach to continue serving, connecting, and strengthening our community for today and for generations to come
Passover reminds us that this liminal space is not a failure of clarity but part of the sacred work itself. From the place between worlds, we are invited to ask which values guide us when they come into tension, and how our personal and collective journeys can prepare us to build a future that is more intentional.
From my family to yours, Chag Sameach,
CHRONICLE
TempleIsraelHonorsNancy&JimLinden
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus One Sommer Way 3801 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90815-1791 562.426.7601 | jewishlongbeach.org Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Member
OntheCover
The mobile matzah factory gives our Early Childhood Education classrooms an immersive Passover experience.
Photo ©2025: Eugene Bennett/Jewish Federations of North America 5 LAUDINGTHELINDENLEGACY
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Editorial and advertising queries, please call 562.426.7601 x1314 or write chronicle@jewishlongbeach.org. Ad & Copy deadline for May/June 2026 issue: April 6, 2026 Chronicle ©2026 Jewish Long Beach. All Rights Reserved.
Kathryn McDermott
President, Board of Directors
Susan Paletz
Chief Program Officer
Amanda Morell Chiu
Marketing Coordinator & Co-editor
BethDavid 6100HefleySt.Westminster,CA92683 RabbiNancyMyers 714.892.6623|templebethdavid.org tbdavid@templebethdavid.org
ChabadofLosAlamitos&Cypress 12340SealBeachBlvd.
B-219SealBeach,CA90740 RabbiShmuelMarcus 714.828.1851|chabadlosal.com smarcus@jewishcypress.com
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Linden Legacy ofLeadership Laudingthe
WrittenbyTempleIsraelLongBeach
Sometimes a move for a job or a relationship impacts a community for decades.
When Jim Linden left Michigan in 1968 to begin his 35-year tenure in the Psychology Department at CSULB, it was not just the University and its students that would benefit. Rabbi Wolli Kaelter at Temple Israel quickly urged him to help with the Temple’s Confirmation students. And so began Jimmy’s foray into service to the Long Beach Jewish Community.
Nancy was still living in Detroit when introduced to Jim in 1976 He was immediately smitten and proposed marriage less than two weeks later They were married in 1977, and soon Nancy also began to leave her mark on the Long Beach Jewish community.
Both Nancy and Jim were inspired to help others through their professional careers She was an Early Childhood Special Education Consultant in numerous Southern CA school districts from 1977-2012 In later years she also would use her expertise to help families at the ECE program at the AJCC. In 1970 Jim founded and was the first Director of the CSULB Community Psychology Clinic, and in 1971 he began a private practice as a licensed clinical psychologist that would continue for more than 50 years The pleasure they took in helping others carried over to their volunteer work as well
Temple Israel is honoring them on May 16th for their decades of leadership both at the synagogue and throughout the Jewish community. There is insufficient space to recount all their contributions. Here are just a few: Jim was instrumental in helping to obtain HUD funding to build Federation
Tower to provide low-cost senior housing. Nancy was President of the Federation’s Women’s Division and chaired the first Visions event (“Hats Off to Women”) which still draws hundreds of attendees annually They were among the first honored with the Federation’s Young Leadership Award Both served on the Federation Board, Nancy also on the JFCS Board, and Jim on the Alpert JCC Board and always actively!
At Temple Israel, Nancy co-chaired the first Mitzvah Day. Jim was Temple President as well as President of the Temple Foundation Nancy has served many years on the Temple Sisterhood Board Both were active on the Torah Center Committee, various fund (and fun) raisers, and myriad committees. And their skills are still sought today. Nancy enjoys reading to Torah Center students, and Jim's wise advice and exceptional skills in facilitating difficult discussions remain a valuable Temple asset.
What is most remarkable though is the warmth and caring that emanates from them in all they do As Jim likes to say, “Nancy came out of the womb smiling ” In recognizing the Lindens, we extend our deepest gratitude for their decades of joyful and compassionate leadership. Please consider joining us as we honor them at a fun-filled evening on May 16th at the Long Beach Yacht Club for Simcha in the Tropics To receive an invite or send a tribute to them, contact Temple Israel at 562-434-0996 or info@tilb org
Make the Mary Alpert Pool Your Spring Destination
What are your warm weather plans?
There’s no better place to spend your spring break than at the Pool! Alpert JCC Members are invited to take advantage of all the amenities available for the perfect Long Beach retreat
Did you know?
Kosher BBQ Poolside Grills are available to rent!
Members can rent the entire pool for their special pool party event!
All memberships include guest passes so you can share the oasis with your friends and family
Save the Date! We have some exciting poolside activities coming up.
Sunday, April 26 - SummerFest at the J Live entertainment & summer program fair
Tuesdays, June 30 - August 18 - Summer of Fun
Get ready for another beautiful summer of poolside games, pizza and relaxation!
Premier Aquatics: A Legacy of Water Safe and Community Partnership
Premier Aquatics, a division of The Safer Swimmer, was founded with a clear purpose: to create safer experiences in and around the water. What began as a commitment to improving aquatic safety has grown into a trusted organization providing professional pool management, lifeguard services, and swim instruction across Southern California, Arizona, and Utah
A key part of that mission is partnering with community-focused organizations like the Alpert JCC Long Beach. By working closely with the AJCC, Premier Aquatics helps support a safe, welcoming aquatic environment where families of all ages can learn, grow, and enjoy time in the water These partnerships allow Premier to tailor programs to each community while maintaining consistent, high safety standards.
Premier Aquatics’ safety-first approach begins on deck. Every lifeguard earns StarGuard Elite Lifeguard Certification and participates in ongoing, in-house training led by experienced leadership staff In addition to exceeding state requirements, lifeguards complete in-service training during every shift, reinforcing skills, improving response times, and staying prepared for emergencies of all kinds.
Equally important is Premier Aquatics’ commitment to swim education. Teaching swimmers how to move confidently and safely in the water is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents before they happen
Learn-to-swim programs awareness into every lesson children, teens, and adults b foundational skills.
All swim instructors com Aquatics’ proprietary traini maintain current CPR, AED, certifications Lessons are a engaging, and skill-focused swimmers progress at a pac both learning and safety.
Together, Premier Aquati services and swim instructi comprehensive approach to Through strong community like the AJCC Long Beach, Premier Aquatics continues t water skills environme community
Spring is into the po lineup of le programs a swimoc com offerings an receive 15% team fees.
Happy Passover
WishingYouand YourFamilya
HappyPassover
Don&Andrea
Kaiser&Family
HappyPassover
YolandaandVictor
Placencio
ChagSameach!
JewishLongBeach
BoardofDirectors
ChagSameach
Susan&MarkPaletz
WishingYouand YourFamilya HappyPassover
Rosecarrieand
AlanBrooks
OnPassover,Mayyou beBlessedwith Happiness Marc,Sybil,Rachael, David,Deborah,Lily &JonathanTamaroff
WishingYoua HappyPassover
Jeffrey,Lauren, Ellie,Joshua, Jacob,andSandy RipsandBobbi Gershon
Wishingallinour communitya HappyPassover
WishingYouand YourFamilya HappyPassover Emma&Kevin HappyPesach! JewishLongBeach Women’sPhilanthropy
HappyPassoverto OurCampFamily! CampKomaroff
WishingYouandYour FamilyaHappy Passover
Wishingyoua
JannKronick-Gath andChanceGath
WishingYouand YourFamilya HappyPassover
ShirleyRoss
Each year on the night of the Passover Seder, Jewish families gather to retell one of the most powerful stories in Jewish history the Exodus from Egypt The rituals are familiar, the melodies timeless, and the Haggadahs is once again opened. Yet beneath the symbols and traditions lies a central truth: the Seder includes the entire community but the focus is on children.
From the Four Questions to the search for the Afikoman, children are not passive observers of the Seder; they are its focus The Torah commands, “And you shall tell your child on that day,” making education the heart of Passover. The Seder is carefully structured to awaken curiosity, invite questions, and ensure that the story of Jewish freedom is passed from one generation to the next.
This focus on children is no coincidence
speaks to them. Jewish education at its best is dynamic and personal It does more than transmit information; it builds identity, values, and connection
Yet as meaningful as the Seder is, it lasts only one night. Jewish continuity cannot rely on a single annual experience, no matter how powerful. A strong Jewish identity is formed through daily learning, consistent practice, and living Jewish values throughout the year. This is where Jewish Day School education becomes essential
In a Jewish Day School, every day is a Seder Each morning begins with questions, learning, and conversation. Torah is studied as a living guide, Hebrew becomes a natural language, and Jewish holidays and history are woven into daily life. Students are encouraged to ask, to think critically, and to see themselves as part of an ongoing Jewish
Academy has embodied this vision.
Generations of students have benefited from an education that nurtures academic excellence alongside a strong Jewish identity. Alumni carry these lessons into adulthood, building Jewish homes, strengthening communities, and passing their heritage to the next generation.
Passover teaches that freedom without purpose is fragile When the Jewish people left Egypt, they began a journey toward meaning and responsibility Education is the bridge between freedom and purpose
As we celebrate Passover, we are reminded that the children at our Seder tables are the future of Jewish life. By investing in Jewish Day School education and supporting institutions like Hebrew Academy we ensure that every day becomes
Never Forget
CommemoratingYomHaShoah
HolocaustRemembranceDay•27Nisan
WrittenbyJFCSLongBeach/OrangeCounty andJewishLongBeach
In the spring, we enter a somber time of year where we reflect and honor the memories of those who perished in the Holocaust. Yom Hashoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, begins at sundown on April 13, 2026 Jewish Long Beach and Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) each take this time to commemorate and observe this occasion
HonoringOurSurvivors
As a long-standing tradition, JFCS has honored the lives of Holocaust survivors who experienced Nazi persecution with an annual brunch event. Cafe Europa, named after the cherished gathering place for survivors after WWII in Stockholm, Sweden, brings together survivors and their families as we continue this symbolic tradition of finding each other.
This year, as our community gathers to observe Yom HaShoah, Jewish Long Beach and the Gerda Seifer Yom HaShoah Fund will partner together with JFCS and the Mira and Zev Hausknecht Memorial Fund to provide a special brunch, observance and artist reception for the community on Sunday, April 12. JFCS warmly welcomes second- and third-generation families as well as their descendants to join the brunch; however, space is limited.
For more information please reach out to Jamie Watson, JFCS Director of Older Adult & Social Services at jwatson@jfcslboc org
“ResilienceandHope”:APowerful ArtisticTributetoSurvivaland Continuity
The Gatov Gallery at the Alpert JCC, in partnership with JFCS, is proud to present “Resilience and Hope,” a deeply moving dual-artist exhibition that brings together the visceral truth of portrait photography with the emotional depth of contemporary
glass art. Together, these works create a shared space for reflection, remembrance, and ultimately, optimism bridging the history of the Holocaust with the lived experiences of modern Jewish identity.
GivingaFacetoHistory
The exhibition features the work of Jamie Watson, a local portrait photographer whose artistic vision is shaped by years of professional experience as a social worker. Having spent several years advocating for and assisting Holocaust survivors, Watson brings profound insight and sensitivity to each portrait.
Through intimate, dignified portraits, the artist ensures that the individuals who endured the Holocaust are seen, honored, and remembered not as statistics, but as human beings with stories that continue to shape our world.
ShatteredandRebuilt:AGenerational Journey
Complementing the photography is the work of Avima Yaffe, a glass artist who is herself a second-generation (2G) Holocaust survivor Her pieces explore the inheritance of trauma, the fragility of safety, and the strength required to rebuild.
For Yaffe now a mother and grandmother to the third and fourth generations the events of October 7th in Israel stirred deep fears she hoped her descendants would never experience Yet, through her chosen medium, she finds resilience. Glass, though fragile, can be reshaped under heat into forms that are stronger, luminous, and beautifully renewed. Her work acknowledges vulnerability but ultimately celebrates endurance and hope for the future of her family and the Jewish people
ADialogueofSurvival
“Resilience and Hope” represents stories of the Holocaust enduring through the generations through the universal language that art represents. While Watson’s photography preserves the faces of those who survived the darkness of the last century, Yaffe’s glass art gives voice to the emotional landscape of those carrying their legacy forward. We warmly invite the community to experience this profound intersection of memory, art, and collective resilience.
SavetheDate
Sunday,April12,attheAlpertJCC
Cafe Europa
10 AM Invitations Coming Soon
Yom HaShoah Community Observance 12:30 - 1 PM Free & Open to the Public Short community observance and candle lighting
Dessert & Gallery Reception
1 - 3 PM Free & Open to the Public
Resilience and Hope Art Exhibition April 1 - May 18, 2026
Gatov Gallery Free & Open to the Public
Holocaust education programming is made possible by the Mira and Zev Hausknecht Memorial Fund and the Gerda Seifer Yom HaShoah Fund.
To support these funds, contact:
Faith Cohen, fcohen@jfcslboc.org
Mira and Zev Hausknecht Memorial Fund
Kevin Giser, kgiser@jewishlongbeach org
Gerda Seifer Yom HaShoah Fund
Ima
Stained Glass Art by Avima Yaffe
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PassoverMiniSeder
Monday|Apr6|5:30PM
BarbaraAlpertSingingCircle:Wednesdays 10:30AM|Free
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Wednesday|Mar4,18,Apr1,15|12PM
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Wednesday|7PM|Virtual Mar11:TheBattleofAlgiers(1966) Apr8:TheSevenSamurai(1954) Happiness&HumorGroup
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Saturday|Apr18|11AM|Free
CelebratePassoverwithfriends,family,andmatzoball soup!Registeratjewishlongbeach.org
CSULBJewishStudiesFreeLectures
Thursday,Mar5,7PM:“BlackPowerandJewishPolitics” w/Dr.MarcDollinger
Monday,Apr27,6PM,Virtual:“HowJewsandChristiansInterpret theSameScripturesDifferently”w/Prof.Amy-JillLevine
Pre-PassoverStoryWalkandShabbatDinner
Friday|Mar27|5PM
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Monday|Mar30|9AM
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YomHa’Zikaron/YomHa’atzmaut
Tuesday|Apr21|TimeTBD
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FromMarstoVineyardsandFoodSecurity withJNF-USA,ShulbytheShore,andTempleIsrael
Monday|Apr27|7PM
HearMaj(Res.)OrenHefetzdiscusshisworkwithJNFin improvinglifeintheCentralNegevcommunities.
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ReviewthenewNationalMahJonggLeaguecardandlearn somewinningstrategieswithSaraLinden'sMahjClub.
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Oren Hefetz, a dedicated professional with the Jewish National Fund-USA, has been making significant strides in improving the quality of life in the Central Negev communities over the past several years Since October 7, he has also been actively supporting the war efforts. The Jewish National Fund-USA remains committed to ensuring a strong, secure, and prosperous future for Israel and its people. Our daily efforts in Israel focus on enhancing quality of life, fostering economic development, improving infrastructure, advancing education, connecting the next generation to Israel, and preserving ecology and heritage.
We are pleased to announce that Maj (Res ) Oren Hefetz, a former Israeli Air Force pilot, will be sharing his remarkable journey with the Long Beach Jewish community on Monday, April 27 at 7 pm at the Alpert JCC. He will discuss his experiences as one of Israel's elite pilots and his eventual involvement with the Jewish National FundUSA. This is an incredible opportunity to gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of his career and his contributions to our mission
To learn more about the impactful work of JNF-USA, visit jnf org
OrenHefetz
EmissaryforJNF-USAand FormerIsraeliAirForcePilot
ARLENE SOLOMON VISIONS 2026
Women of all ages are invited to pull up a seat at our table at the Arlene Solomon Visions Dinner on Thursday, May 28 Visions is the Women’s Philanthropy signature Annual Campaign event, celebrating our collective impact on Jewish life locally, nationally, in Israel and around the world.
Attendees will have the privilege of hearing from Keynote Speaker Julie Platt, Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Ms Platt also serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFedLA), and is immediate past Chair of the Foundation for Jewish Camp.
Prior to serving as Board Chair at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Ms Platt served as their General Campaign Chair, Chair of their Ensuring the Jewish Future Strategic Initiative, and Chair of the Federation’s Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy.
She was honored with the Ruby Award for her commitment to leadership and community service, presented by Women’s Philanthropy Ms Platt’s lifelong connection with the Jewish community began at Camp Ramah in Ojai, and today she is a driving force behind shining a bright light on the transformative impact of a Jewish camp experience and raising funds for the field. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Ms Platt serves on the Board of Trustees as well as Penn Hillel's National Board of Governors
Further details and event registration will be available soon at jewishlongbeach.org. For more questions or to get involved in Women’s Philanthropy, please contact Susan Paletz at spaletz@jewishlongbeach.org
KeynoteSpeaker JulieB.Platt
ImmediatePastChair,Jewish FederationsofNorthAmerica
Background Photo: The Negev Desert in Israel’s South
HEBREWACADEMY
There’s a moment many parents recognize.
A child stands just outside an activity, watching, thinking, deciding whether to participate They glance at the table They look toward the adult They shift their weight. And then, quietly, they step in.
From the outside, it might seem small, but for a young child, moments like these carry real weight.
As parents, we often think about Kindergarten readiness in terms of skills: letters, numbers, following directions, and sitting still. Those things matter, but long before children are asked to meet academic expectations, they’re learning something more foundational, often without words.
Is it safe to try?
Will someone notice if I need help? What happens if I make a mistake?
Readiness isn’t just about what children know. It’s about how they feel as they enter new spaces; whether they feel safe enough to try, supported enough to ask for help, and steady enough to keep going when something feels hard Those early emotional and social experiences quietly shape how children show up to what comes next
TheRoleofTransitionalKindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is often described as a bridge.
In some settings, that bridge moves children quickly into more formal expectations; larger groups, increased structure, and academic pacing that resembles Kindergarten When transitions move quickly, children are asked to adapt to new demands while they’re still learnin rhythms of a new space.
Other TK programs are designed with different understanding of readiness Th intentionally remain rooted in early childhood while gradually introducing
greater responsibility, independence, and leadership, giving children time to grow into the role rather than rushing them into it
That difference matters The TK year isn’t only about what children are exposed to; it’s about how prepared they feel to engage, contribute, and thrive once expectations increase.
TKasaYearofFormation
At Hebrew Academy, Transitional Kindergarten is intentionally designed as the culminating year of preschool, a purposeful final stage of early childhood It’s a year focused not just on preparation, but on formation: helping children build a strong inner foundation before stepping into a more formal academic environment.
When children spend TK as the oldest in a nurturing early childhood setting, something shifts Within that context, they practice leadership in natural, age-appropriate ways They model routines for younger students. They experience responsibility without pressure and begin to see themselves as helpers, problem-solvers, and contributors. Slowly, almost without anyone announcing it, they begin to see themselves as capable, ready to take on more because they’ve had the space to grow into it
“This program has been an extraordinary journey for our family. The intentional, individualized attention gave our child the space to grow and find their own pace ” Sarah N , Long Beach
Skills,Yes!ButSomethingMore
Alongside that growth, the skills are very real
elop early literacy and math ands-on, developmentally eriences that build genuine not just exposure. Equally learn how to manage their emotions, work l
and recover from setbacks. These emotional skills underpin success in Kindergarten and beyond, highlighting the importance of emotional security over rushing.
When children feel grounded in who they are, in their relationships, and in their environment, learning becomes something more profound than progress or achievement.
You can see it:
In the way a child raises a hand without hesitation.
In the way mistakes are met with guidance, not criticism
In the way kindness, responsibility, and respect aren’t lessons, but part of the rhythm of the day
Children aren’t treated as one of many. They’re seen as individuals who matter.
ChoosingWhatTrulyPreparesaChild
Choosing a school isn’t only about curriculum or credentials
It’s about watching how children interact, noticing how adults respond, and asking whether the environment supports the kind of growth that helps children step forward with confidence.
Touring TK isn’t about deciding; it’s about noticing and seeing whether this approach
WHEREJEWISHJOURNEYSBEGIN AND CONTINUEFORLIFE.
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ThiseditionfeaturesPassover!Passover(sundown April1-9,2026)commemoratesthestoryofthe ExodusinwhichtheIsraelitescelebratetheir liberationfromslaveryinEgyptandtheirfreedom asanationundertheleadershipofMoses. Passoveriscelebratedbyhavingaseder,reading theHaggadah,retellingthestoryoftheExodus, singingthefourquestions,drinkingfourcupsof wine,eatingfoodsfromthesederplate,and recitingthetenplagues.Wealsoremoveofallthe chametz,orleavening,fromourhomes,andonly eatmatzah.
PassoverMiniSeder
WanttoexperiencePassovertraditions?Stopby theAlpertJCConMonday,April6,at5:30PMfor acelebrationwithfamilyandfriends.Ifyouhave neverparticipatedinaPassoverseder,comesee howwecelebratewithaminisederfeaturing matzoballsoup,matzah,andmore.
Reserveyourspotatjewishlongbeach.org
HonoringOutstandingCommunityMembers
JewishLongBeachAnnualMeeting
Jewish Long Beach proudly honored outstanding volunteers and leaders and installed the 2026 Board of Directors at the 2025 Annual Meeting on January 7, 2026. Congratulations to all of our award winners and new board members!
JewishLongBeachBoard
Executive Committee
President: Kathryn McDermott
Honorary President: Lynne Kass z”l
Immediate Past President: Richard R. Marcus, PhD
Secretary: Ken Schlesinger
VP Finance: Shmueli Lovitch
VP Governance: Linda Burney
VP Fund Development: Norma Stein
VP Programming: Seth Linden
VP Children, Youth, Family: Pam Keiles
New Board Members
Phil Abramson
Evan Braude
Melissa Newman
Sheila-Marie Singelman
Continuing Officers & Directors
Karen Ben-Shmuel
Shelley Carl
Danielle Erman
Joyce Greenspan
Mulu Skinner-Harrison
Alan Krieda
Beth Lesen, PhD
Michael Newman
Suzanne Perlitch, PhD
Jeremy Scherwin
Vicki Scherwin, PhD
Beth Sterling
Linda Waltzman
Ava Weiss
RobertBaldwinCommunityService Award
Recognizes dedicated volunteers for years of outstanding service through Tzedakah, Responsibility, Support of Community, and Support of Israel
Andrea & Don Kaiser
StanleyGoldinSenioroftheYear Award
Awards a senior adult who displays leadership and commitment to the Alpert JCC senior adult program
Betty Cretara
TessWohlstattarHineniAward
Recognizes a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their role
Edie Brodsky
ChaiAwards
Honors volunteers for exceptional service
Ariella Copeland
Kellie Doeren
Caitlin Glickman
Brad Kachigan
Jennifer Leiter
Eve Lunt
Cindy Mooney
Kylie Nielsen
Alisa Rubin
Andrea Salisbury
Ryann Shibley
Christina Tran
Marla Weisenfeld
Carolyn Wright
Chai Awards for Outgoing Board
Members
Edie Brodsky
Anna Salusky
YourJewishLongBeachMoments
What’sHappeninginYourCommunity
BethDavid
Saturday, March 7, 6:30-9:30 pm
Purim, Olympics style. Partnered with NextGenOC
Sunday, March 8, 2 pm
Free movie Keeping the Faith, Beth David Social Hall, includes munchies, RSVP by March 1 to Cookie Ruby 562 310 0062
Thursday, March 12, 12 pm
Lunch & Learn with Rabbinical Intern Robin Harrison
Saturday, March 21, 9 am
Torah Study with Rabbinical Intern Robin Harrison
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 am
Passover Tot Shabbat
Thursday, April 9, 12 pm
Lunch & Learn with Rabbinical Intern Robin Harrison
Saturday, April 11, 9 am
Torah Study with Rabbinical Intern Robin Harrison
Monday, April 13, 7 pm
Erev Yom HaShoah Service
Saturday, April 18, 9 am
Body, Mind, & Spirit Shabbat Walk in Huntington Beach Central Park Meet behind the library 7111 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 With Robin Harrison & Larry Matalon
Sunday, April 26, Time TBD Young Artist Concert
TempleBethOhr
Thursday, April 2, 6 pm
2 Night Seder nd
To be held at Temple Beth Ohr Social Hall
TempleBethShalom
Monday, March 1, 6 pm
Purim Musical Megillah Reading and Celebration
Please register at least three days prior to the event.
Saturday, March 7, 6 pm
Children’s Havdalah Night-K-Pop Themed Let TBS take care of the kids for the evening while you enjoy a night off The kids will enjoy a light meal, programming, and fun This event is sponsored in part by a generous grant from Congregation Shir Chadash. Please register at least three days prior to the event.
Friday, March 27, 6 pm Family Shabbat Family-friendly musical Shabbat experience. Everyone is welcome
Pesach Services at 10 am
Pesach I – Thursday, April, 2
Pesach II – Friday, April, 3
Pesach VIII with Yizkor-Thursday, April 9
Friday April 17, 6 pm
Family Shabbat
Family-friendly musical Shabbat experience. Everyone is welcome.
Saturday, April 25, 6:30 pm
Children’s Havdalah Night-Fairy Tale themed
Let TBS take care of the kids for the evening while you enjoy a night off. The kids will enjoy a light meal, programming, and fun. This event is sponsored in part by a generous grant from Congregation Shir Chadash. Please register at least three days prior to the event
To register for all special events, please contact us atoffice@TBSLB orgor 562.426.6413 or visit TBSLB.org. All events and services are open to the community. For adult learning classes and other events, please see our website and calendar.
TempleIsrael
For March - April 2026 events, please see ad on back page
NCJW-GreaterLongBeach& WestOrangeCounty
NCJW Scholarships for Jewish Students
Applications accepted through Thursday, April 30 Awards this year will range from $1,000-$3,000, all Jewish college, university, trade school students, as well as high school seniors, are encouraged to apply
Recipients will be selected based on: Jewish involvement, personal motivation, past achievements, academic standing, financial need (considered, but not a requirement), previous recipients are not eligible. Saturday, March 7, and Saturday, April 25, 8:30 am-12 pm
Early Learning & Kindergarten Festivals (ELK)
The festivals are for families with children ages birth to 5 years old. The second festival this year is March 7, at Dooley Elementary Festival. The last event is April 25, where we will participate in the Celebration of the Young Child & ELK Fest Collaboration at the Billie Jean King Library and Lincoln Park Volunteers are needed Sign up on our website
Tuesday, March 10, 6 - 8 pm at Alpert JCC
Abortion Comfort Kit Packing
We plan to assemble 400 Comfort Kits for Planned Parenthood and Family Planning Associate Clinics for women coming to California to get Abortion and Health care. You will also be able to write notes of encouragement to place in the kits and hear a great speaker RSVP by March 1
Thursday, April 16, 6-7:30 pm
HugPack packing at the Alpert JCC
Support Kindergarten through High School grade students entering or within the LA County foster care system by assembling backpacks containing school supplies and personal items. RSVP by April 1.
For all programs, register at ncjwlongbeach org or call 657
OrangeCountyJewish GenealogicalSociety
Sunday, March 22, 10 am on Zoom
Steve Jaron
Exploring your Ashkenazi Heritage in the Netherlands
Sunday, April 26, 10 am on Zoom
Risa Daitzman Heywood
They Arrived Via Canada
Register for both events at www ocjgs org Free for members, $5 for non-members
ShulbytheShore
Wednesday, April 1, 7 pm
Community Seder, RSVP required.
Thursday, April 2, 10 am
Passover Morning Service
Thursday, April 9, 11 am
Yizkor Service
Thursday, April 9, 6 pm
Moshiach Meal
With gratitude and oy, the Glatstein family s proud to announce he Bat Mitzvah of Nili Glatstein, who was called to the Torah on February 7th at Temple Beth Shalom in Long Beach Nili was supported in training by both Temple Beth Shalom & Temple Israel of Long Beach. Cantor Judy Sofer worked closely with Nili to prepare her for the shabbat service, and we are deeply grateful for her guidance and mentorship.
This milestone reflects not only years of study and preparation, but the spirited young person Nili has become Known for her love of horses, dancing, and sharing laughter and adventures with friends, she brings enthusiasm, warmth, and curiosity to all she does.
We acknowledge & appreciate the Jewish institutions that have shaped her journey and the village of clergy, educators, tutors, camp counselors, mentors, administrators, and supporters who nurtured her Jewish identity and love of learning. Their support, guidance, encouragement, and example have instilled the values of community, responsibility, volunteerism, and joy in Jewish life.
We are blessed by all the family and friends who have supported her on this journey May Nili continue to grow with compassion, purpose, and a deep connection to the Jewish people and may the community that nurtured her continue to thrive in peace & prosperity.
Tributes&InMemoriam
JewishLongBeach
FromJewishLongBeachBoard, Leadership,&Staff
IN MEMORY OF
Raymond Morell
Beloved father
To Amanda Morell Chiu
Mimi Feldman
Beloved mother & mother-in-law
To Rob & Debbie Feldman
MAZEL TOV
To Barbara & Leon Shoag
Happy Anniversary
GeneralFund
IN HONOR OF
Binnie & Jack Berro
From Lora Woo & Heather Kitching
Dr. Marvin Zamost
Mazel Tov on your retirement
From Ben, Barbara, Jay, & Lee Alhadeff
Andrea & Don Kaiser
Mazel Tov on receiving the Robert Baldwin Service Award
From Ben, Barbara, Jay & Lee Alhadeff
IN MEMORY OF
Raymon Roberts
Beloved husband
To Netta Roberts
From Harriet Danufsky
MAZEL TOV
To Barbara & Leon Shoag
Happy Anniversary
From Judy Lorber & Gordon Cohn
LynneKassMemorialFund IN MEMORY OF
Lynne Kass
Beloved wife & mother
To Jonathan Kass & Family
From Emily Knell
Laura O’Sullivan
Daniel & Debi Felsenthal
JessieButlerSeniorMealProgram
IN HONOR OF
Jessie Butler
For her lifetime of giving to our entire community. Kol ha-kavod!
From Jim & Nancy Linden
Mar6:5:36pm Mar13:6:41pm
IN MEMORY OF
Raymond Morell
Beloved husband and father
To Elena, Jacob, Emily, Jonathan, and Ian
From Amanda Morell Chiu
Beloved father
To Amanda Morell Chiu
From Kevin Giser
From Yolanda Placencio
To the Morell Chiu Family
From Rachel and Kyle
Tolerance&HolocaustEducation Fund
IN HONOR OF
Andrea & Don Kaiser
In honor of receiving the Robert Baldwin Community Service Award
From Gary & Joan Einstein
RabbiHowardLaibsonCampership Fund
IN MEMORY OF
Rabbi Howard Laibson
To Laibson family
From Shirley Wheatland
For Jewish Long Beach tributes call: 562.426.7601 ext 1314
JFCSLongBeach &OrangeCounty
GeneralFund
IN HONOR OF
Marvin Zamost’s Retirement
From Gail & Thomas Levy
From Robin & Randy Schafer
From Lea & Dennis Gerber
From Barbara & Leon Shoag
From Ronni & Robert Kaplan
Dima Galkin
From Isaac Weingram
Dara & Charles Schnee
Helene & David Miller
From Joanne & Jerry Levy
IN MEMORY OF George Suranyi
From Jennifer Eng
The Eng Family (Doris Eng)
IN CELEBRATION OF Friends Campaign
Pattie & Marc Davidson
Mar20:6:47pm Mar27:6:52pm
Apr3:6:56pm Apr10:7:02pm
MarcieBalanBlakeyFund IN MEMORY OF
Marcie Blakey
From Gary & April Wayland
BasicNeedsandEmergency Assistance IN HONOR OF
Jeanne Levy
Phil & Jan Levy
Alan & Libby Levy
Benjamin Levy
Gabrielle Levy
Stephanie Levy & Kalim Armstrong
Kate Uyeda
Adam Schnee & Sarah Ballister
Alana Schnee
Rebecca Schnee & Keegan Jones
Howard & Karen Schnee
Anne Schnee
Andrew & Stephanie Schnee
Melissa Schnee
Max Schnee
Lucas Schnee
Ariane Woods & Keith Henry & family
From Joanne & Jerry Levy
RefugeeFund IN MEMORY OF
Sam & Bessie Winer & Frank & Martha
Silver
Tobi Balma
IN HONOR OF
Judy Levy & Mason Uyeda
Ray Uyeda
From Joanne & Jerry Levy
Apr17:7:08pm Apr24:7:13pm
