But her instincts were correct. “They’ve all pledged to not reduce…read on in the online JournalRachel Bookstein didn’t realize just how anxious she’d become wondering whether Beach Hillel in Long Beach would be able to raise the funds it needs this year.

Contributions had declined — $500 here, $100 there. Folks had been hard hit by the economic crisis and were paring down their philanthropy; many Bookstein spoke with said they intended to give their limited support to cultural and scientific organizations instead right now.

“For us,” said Bookstein, the Hillel executive director, “losing those small donations makes a big difference.”

The big question was how generous Beach Hillel’s three biggest supporting families — Barbara and Ray Alpert, Deanna and Alan Alevy, Jim and Liz Breslauer — would be this year. Bookstein didn’t consciously consider the question — she believed they would at least maintain their giving, maybe even increase a bit.

Still, in such a tough economic climate, she knew deep down that nothing was certain.


Filed Under (Events) by Rachel on November-19-2008

301695849_2279003019_m_1.jpgChanukah’s most recognized symbol is getting an extreme makeover again!

Just in time for 2008 Chanukah season, Beach Hillel unleashes Monster Menorah V, hoping to find this year’s most outrageous and creative college-student made menorah. Grand prize is $250, which ain’t too shabby either.

The Menorah is a nine-branched candelabra lit during the eight days of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. The Menorah celebrates the light of religious freedom, which pierced the darkness of tyranny and persecution.

Monster Menorah is a student creativity competition open to all students regardless of race, color, faith, sexual orientation, or nationality, sponsored by Beach Hillel. Voting is open to all students at the Beach Hillel Tent on December 4, 2008.

HOW DO I QUALIFY?
To qualify for the competition, menorahs must be delivered to the Beach Hillel table in front of the California State University Long Beach Bookstore by 10am, December 4, 2008. In addition, all entries must follow the competition guidelines below and be accompanied by a registration form on day of competition. Any entry that is deemed offensive by the organizers will be disqualified.

RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. All menorahs must have nine working lights.
2. Eight lights must stand at the same height, and the ninth must be set apart or higher.
3. The menorah can use any form of light source that can burn for 18 minutes or more.
4. It can be made out of any material, and may be any size or shape.
5. It must be made by a student registered at a college or university.
6. Electric menorahs must be able to be operated at 120 volts to be plugged in at the contest site.
7. Employees of Beach Hillel are not permitted to compete.
8. Have fun!

For more information about Monster Menorah and the annual competition, call Monster Menorah Headquarters: 562-985-7068 or email info@BeachHillel.com


Filed Under (Events) by Rachel on November-19-2008

A quick shout out to all of you who have been praying for Leah Fudim (Leah Jacova Bat Dina). Her situation is still very serious, but improving. She is, however, very lonely and would love an old/new friend or two to drop by and say hello.

Please contact Rabbi Yonah for details, or to join him one day. Rabbiyonah@gmailcom.


Filed Under (Events) by Rachel on November-14-2008


Join JWW and its partners in the Long Beach Cambodian community in honoring Socheata Poeuv, award-winning filmmaker of New Year Baby and founder of the Khmer Legacies project, for her outstanding work in educating about and documenting the Cambodian genocide.

When: Sunday, November 16, 2008
5:30p.m. - Screening of New Year Baby
7:00p.m. - Award presentation
8:00p.m. - Reception
Where: Alpert Jewish Community Center
3801 E Willow St.
Long Beach, CA 90815


Filed Under (Events) by Rachel on November-14-2008

Beach Hillel will hit the beach as the sun sets to celebrate the end of shabbat and the begining of a new week together with Chapman Hillel.  S’mores, and snack for all!  Bring a blanket and a jacket and if you are inspired an instrument for the evening.  Contact April at Abetter90@gmail with any questions!


Filed Under (Events, Jews) by Rachel on November-14-2008

We missed you all last week!  This week we are celebrating the life and teachings of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.  Like so many communities around the world, Beach Hillel cherishes the melodies , teaching and spirit R’ Shlomo gave the world.  Rabbi Yonah will be leading a singing and dancing service at the Chabad Shul down on Atlantic Ave, and will return to our home for a dinner to beat the band!

Speaking of bands,  R’ Yonah and Shankbone, and the Long Beach Tribute Band will be playing at the Carlebach Tribute Show in LA Saturday night! Congregation Mogen David, 9717 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035, Happy Minyan Hotline:   (310) 285 7777.

Candles:4:30

Services: 5:30

Dinner: 6:30


Filed Under (Events) by Rachel on November-10-2008

Thu, Nov 13, 9p – Fri, Nov 14, 12am
Where: Cal Bowl Bowling Lanes 2500 E Carson St Lakewood, CA (map)

Beach Hillel invites you to a fun night of College Bowling! Cal-Bowl in Lakewood offers $1.50 College Bowling Nights and we are taking advantage of this and making it a Hillel outing! Please join us for a night of fun, bowling, and yummy, greasy food!! :) The bowling alley is located at: 2500 E Carson St Lakewood, CA 90712 Thursday, November 13th @ 9pm until midnight! Hope to see you there! ****BE SURE TO BRING YOUR COLLEGE ID CARD TO GET THE $1.50 PRICE!**** If you have any questions, please e-mail Rachel Gibbs at redheadrachie@gmail.com


Filed Under (Hebrew Hammers) by rabbi on November-4-2008

  • $100  - Sponsor an After Game Pizza Party
  • $500 - Sponsor new equipment
  • $1000- Sponsor team Jerseys
  • $50 - Show the team you care!

Filed Under (Events) by Rachel on November-2-2008

For the FIRST TIME EVER Beach Hillel will be hosting a shabbat dinner in our campus home office. We will celebrate together in the lounge of the University Interfaith Center aka “The Cave”, which is the located in the CSULB USU room 103.

Wondering what to bring? Check the facebook event here.
and let us know!

***if you can’t bring anything to eat, just bring yourself and a smile!***


Celebrate the release of Cool Jew: The Ultimate Guide for Every Member of the Tribe.  Award Winning Journalist Lisa Alcalay Klug will read from her new book and participate in a panel discussion with acclaimed Israeli Filmmaker Dan Katzir and rabbi Yonah Bookstein.

Evening includes a gala desert reception, martini bar (ID required) and book signing.

November 6th 7-9:30pm
UCLA Hillel
574 Hilgard Ave., LA 90024

Free:
Advance registration required (310) 267-5327
or email cjsrsvp@humnet.ucla.edu.

Sponsored by Beach Hillel, Hillel at UCLA and UCLA Center for Jewish Studies

Paid parking, so carpool!!!!