Let me begin this week’s column by congratulating each and every one of us for making it to the end of the latest election cycle. After today, at least for several months before the 2028 Presidential campaign begins, our mailbox will no longer be inundated with postcards and flyers, promotin…
When our founding fathers established the United States of America to be a democratic society, they wanted to ensure that every person had the opportunity to choose their leaders by voting. And while, sadly, it took a very long time for every citizen, no matter their gender or race, to be gr…
While I know it may not be popular, I feel I need to get something off my chest. Unlike some people, I like meetings. In fact, meeting with someone or a group of people is something I truly enjoy and look forward to doing. I am thankful for how I feel, especially in my role as Executive Dire…
One of my proudest professional accomplishments has been leading our Jewish Federation in combating hate locally… not only antisemitism, but all forms of hate. And I feel we have had success in doing so – from getting 29 of our 48 cities' city councils to adopt resolutions in Spring 2023 con…
Today marks the 53rd anniversary of Syria and Egypt launching a surprise attack on Israeli forces in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights, starting what would become known as the Yom Kippur War. I had forgotten about this, and how close these events are to what transpired three years ag…
As I sat in Rosh Hashanah services this year, memories of services I have attended in the past came to mind. One was as a teen, when my synagogue friends and I sat in the way back at Temple Isaiah and sort of paid attention to the service as we talked and caught up. The service when my oldes…
One of the things I have come to appreciate most about leading our Jewish Federation is the advocacy work we have been able to do on behalf of our community. In that role, we have had many major successes that have benefited not only our local Jewish community, but also Southern California, …
I always find this time of year to be a little strange. On the one hand, we are still in the throes of summer (hope everyone is staying hydrated and finding ways to cool down), and on the other, we're in the midst of the start of the school year. Speaking of, it has been a lot of fun (and so…
Like many in our community and around the world, I was horrified to see that another attack on a synagogue took place this past Shabbat. As the community of Central Synagogue was gathered in prayer, an attacker barged into the sanctuary, shouted obscenities, spat, punched a congregant in the…
Over our Jewish Federation’s 30+ years, the work we do has shifted. While our mission has always focused on strengthening and enhancing Jewish life in our community through the programs we provide, you have probably noticed a shift toward greater emphasis on advocacy in recent years. Even wh…
Have you spent time recently thinking about your identity? You know… what makes you…you? Or more specifically, the various aspects or traits in your life, let alone the experiences that have shaped who you are today?
Over the last several years, as we have seen a prominence of antisemitism’…
I had a chance to catch up with two of my cousins yesterday. During our visit, I was listening to him talk about the volunteer work he is doing and the life-changing impact it is having on the program participants. Of course, this got me thinking about the impact each of us has on the people…
With so much attention last week on our country’s 250th Anniversary celebration and the World Cup, you may have missed two news stories that have, or will have, a direct impact on our local Jewish community.
In a July 1 Jewish News Service (JNS) article about California’s 2025 Hate in Calif…
One of my favorite things about social media is seeing photos posted by people I have had the privilege of knowing throughout my life. Pictures from graduation, playing sports, on vacations… you name it…. I enjoy staying connected and seeing how they are doing, even if we don’t speak or see…
