Practically 25 Jewish educators—together with three from the Los Angeles space representing Valley Beth Shalom synagogue, the Israeli Jewish Neighborhood Middle (ISJCC) and California State College Lengthy Seaside—lately returned from Jewish Nationwide Fund-USA and Alexander Muss Excessive College in Israel’s Educators’ Mission to Israel, the place contributors spent eight immersive days exploring the realities of Israel and strengthening their means to encourage the subsequent technology of Zionists. 

By means of visits to JNF-USA initiatives throughout Israel’s north and south and experiential studying, the Los Angeles contributors gained new views and sources to deliver Israel training again to their colleges and communities.

The annual mission was organized in collaboration with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL-JNF) as a part of its Worldwide Schooling Seminar, which introduced collectively greater than 200 academic leaders. All through the week, contributors skilled JNF-USA’s impression in motion, exploring how initiatives throughout Israel strengthen communities and improve high quality of life. The educators examined these efforts by means of the lens of Jewish values, exploring how Jewish duty, neighborhood, resilience, service, Zionism and high quality of life are put into motion and might grow to be significant classes for his or her college students.

As summer time attracts to an in depth, Camp Alonim introduced adults again to camp for “Wine and Tune,” a feel-good out of doors gathering of Alonim alumni households held at American Jewish College’s Brandeis-Bardin Campus in Simi Valley.

The Aug. 23 night of music, laughter and neighborhood introduced collectively these with firsthand data of the distinctive magic of Camp Alonim, AJU’s beloved pluralistic summer time camp. Showing on the camp’s Alonia Stage, collaborating musicians and neighborhood leaders included Mishkon Tephilo Rabbi Josh Katzan; Leo Baeck Temple Senior Rabbi Ken Chasen; and Rabbi Karen Beder.

This system featured a kosher wine tasting and reside music. Attendees turned out with picnic dinners and settled in on blankets and garden chairs as they loved the efficiency of husband-and-wife musical duo Jamie and Jared Stein and others.

In the end, those that attended stated it felt good to see acquainted faces in a setting the place they really feel a shared love, bond and attachment—a spot the place so many constructive early reminiscences had been shaped.

“The night offered a uncommon alternative to reconnect with alumni, camp households and buddies who know there’s nothing fairly like coming again to Alonim,” an occasion organizer stated. “There’s nothing fairly just like the camp spirit that brings us all collectively once more.”

The occasion was organized by members of the Camp Alonim alumni committee, together with Alissa David, Lisa Niver, Ari Bloom, Alisha Pedowitz, Annie Austin and Aliza Sokolow. 

Greater than 700 neighborhood members got here collectively in Jewish pleasure for Shabbat within the Park, on Aug. 14, below an open Valley sky at de Toledo Excessive College. The night was a strong celebration of Jewish unity, neighborhood and custom, in partnership with greater than 25 Valley Jewish organizations and synagogues. It included an interdenominational Kabbalat Shabbat service, a candle lighting ceremony, a vibrant drum circle, reside music, arts and crafts and actions for youngsters and households.