Since 1948, Jewish Long Beach has worked to preserve Jewish life and strengthen Jewish advocacy, while also assisting people in need and at risk, wherever they are. Collaborating with individuals and across the community, we connect those who want to help to those who need it most. More than fundraisers, we are expert facilitators who identify, convene, and nourish the critical partners, programs, and services that touch thousands of lives every day. In your neighborhood, your country, and around the world.
Our
Mission
Guided by Jewish values and culture, we seek to inspire community by improving lives, building bridges of understanding and inclusion, and supporting the Jewish people here, in Israel, and around the world.
Our
Vision
To build and sustain, now and for future generations, a vibrant Jewish community committed to fostering tikkun olam (repairing the world) and the well-being of all people through visionary leadership, giving, and meaningful experiences for all.
Support of Israel
Jewish Long Beach supports the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. We believe that the Jewish state must be inclusive, plural, and democratic to serve the whole of the Jewish people and their expressions of their individual identities in their diverse forms. As part of a broader global community of active, engaged, passionate Jewish people, we are dedicated to the promise of Israel’s founding document:
“The State of Israel will … foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education, and culture….”
Our
Story
For nearly a century, the Jewish Federation has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in our region. Our roots trace back to 1929 when Jewish Welfare Funds were created to support Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Europe.
Likewise, the Alpert JCC has been enriching lives in Long Beach for 75 years by offering meaningful programs and services that contribute to the sound development of people of all ages and the creation of opportunities for connection.
The Jewish Community Foundation has sustained Jewish life for generations by stewarding nearly $30 million in legacy funds entrusted to us by our community. This enables us to invest wisely in our community's future.
Today, our three organizations form the integration of Jewish Long Beach, a vibrant and growing organization dedicated to enriching the entire community. We have evolved to meet the changing needs of our community - providing social services, Jewish education, advocacy against anti-Semitism, connections between Long Beach and Israel, and fostering relationships between the Jewish community and our broader community.
Partnership is central to all we do. That's why the time has come to unite these three pillars of our community into one strengthened organization - Jewish Long Beach. We are your philanthropic network, your gathering place, and your trusted partner in empowering Jewish life. Our new logo and name represent our vibrant future and renewed commitment to enrich the present while building for tomorrow. We are an open tent welcoming all who seek community and human connection.
Find what you're looking for at the new Jewish Long Beach.
Our
Values
Jewish Long Beach creates meaningful spaces and programs to connect you with our community. We aim to bring your family a genuine bond within our inclusive tent.
When crises happen, Jewish Long Beach responds immediately to support the world. We are built to act in times of disaster through our global aid and outreach.
Our diverse programs represent all walks of Judaism. We strive for vibrancy, inclusivity, and relevance in our community offerings.
We evolve to meet our community's needs, guided by study results. Our experiences are unique and tailored to those seeking them.
We inspire all ages through motivating fitness, thoughtful education, and celebrations. See yourself belonging in our lively Jewish Long Beach community.
We safeguard Jewish life for the future through foundations, grants, and security. Our robust programs ensure a vibrant, protected future for our community and beyond.
Our
Leadership
Board of Directors
Staff Directory
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Mark Rothman | Interim Chief Executive Officer
Ray Brown | Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Giser | Chief Development Officer
Amy Lakin | Chief Community Impact Officer
Emily Gould | Executive Director for Children, Youth & Family
Susan Paletz | Chief Programs Officer
SENIOR STAFF
Elsie Bennett | Director of Fitness and Wellness
Pedro Cebrero | Maintenance Director
Natalie Chernik | Director of Operations
Cecelia Danziger | Program Administrator
Sandra Oliva | Human Resources Manager
Susan Paletz | Senior Program Director
Yolanda Placencio | Development Administrator
Rachel Roberts | Marketing Manager
Dana Schneider-Chanzit | Director of Jewish Life and Culture Programs