October 16, 2026
The Covenant We Carry
Dear Friends,
October 7 has been a meaningful date in my life because it is my wedding anniversary. This year, my wife and I celebrated 25 years of marriage, a milestone that invited us to reflect on the life we have built together, the experiences we have shared, and the people and relationships that have shaped our journey.
Since October 7, 2023, that date has taken on a significance beyond our own family. It is now part of Jewish history, a date that will be remembered and reflected upon for generations to come.
This year's anniversary brought with it a different kind of reflection. As my wife and I looked back on 25 years of building a life together, I found myself thinking about how our personal stories are connected to the larger story of the Jewish people. We often think of Jewish history as something we inherit from generations before us. Yet we are also living that history, making choices and creating memories that will become part of the stories future generations tell. Whether it's the making of our wedding chuppah or our children's b'nai mitzvah.
This week's Torah portion, Noach, offers a meaningful perspective. Following the flood, God establishes a covenant with Noah and all living creatures. For me, a covenant holds its meaning in how we live that promise. I believe the same is true of Jewish Peoplehood. Our responsibility is not simply to preserve what we have inherited, but to help shape what comes next.
On October 6, more than 250 people gathered at Jewish Long Beach to commemorate October 7 and reflect on its lasting impact. While I was unable to attend, I have heard from many in our community how meaningful the gathering was. It was an opportunity to remember those who were murdered, those who were taken hostage, and the families and communities whose lives have been forever changed.
One such person was our speaker, Shye Klein, a Canadian-Israeli photographer and survivor of the Nova Music Festival. He has dedicated his work to preserving memory and sharing the stories of survivors through photography.
He is offering a new narrative. One of hope, healing, and renewal.
I believe Jewish Long Beach has an important role to play in shaping Jewish Peoplehood. We are not simply preserving Jewish traditions or providing programs. We are creating opportunities for individuals and families to experience Jewish life and connect to a shared future.
This is also why I am so excited about our upcoming Long Beach Jewish Film & Arts Festival, November 12–19 at the Alpert JCC.
Film and art are among the ways we tell the story of Jewish Peoplehood. Thanks to this year's sponsors, we can amplify the impact of these stories to a larger audience, celebrating Jewish history, humor, creativity, resilience, and the many ways Jewish life continues to hold meaning in an ever-changing world.
Perhaps the Festival is one way we live our covenant with one another: creating spaces where we share Jewish stories, build relationships, and help the next generation discover meaning in the Jewish life they inherit.
Frequently, I talk about Jewish Long Beach as a platform for connection. Our role is not simply to offer programs, but to bring people, organizations, and ideas together to strengthen Jewish life throughout our community.
I invite you to be a part of that work.
Your support of our Annual Community Campaign is one way we live our shared commitment to Jewish Peoplehood. It sustains programs and services that meet our community's needs, expands access to Jewish experiences for children and families, strengthens our community's security, and connects us to Jewish Peoplehood.
Your generosity helps ensure Jewish Long Beach remains a place where people connect their personal stories to our shared Jewish experience and where we build a future shaped by the possibilities we create together.
Please consider making a meaningful gift to our Annual Community Campaign.
Together, we can strengthen Jewish life today and for generations to come.
I look forward to seeing you at the Jewish Film & Arts Festival.
Shabbat Shalom,
Erik Ludwig, PhD
Chief Executive Officer