In May, we put the values of community and heritage in action when we mobilized our collective civic voice to combat antisemitism, honored our legacy during Jewish American Heritage Month, taught our children the importance of inclusion, and instilled courage in kids at our NuBloom Family Camp Retreat.
RAISING OUR VOICE AT THE JPAC CAPITOL SUMMIT
We pursued justice, leading the state’s largest delegation at the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) Capitol Summit. Over 100 passionate Jewish Angelenos were part of the over 600 dedicated members of our state’s Jewish community and allies advocating for several significant legislative initiatives to protect the vulnerable, support Holocaust survivors, and help address food insecurity. We strongly advocated for a landmark bill (AB715) to keep antisemitism out of California’s K-12 schools. The legislation passed a critical mid-May vote in the Assembly Education Committee, thanks largely to JPAC’s efforts. Also, our most recent Rautenberg New Leaders Project (NLP) cohort was honored on the floor of the State Senate by NLP alum and State Senator Ben Allen, affirming the impact of our civic leadership.
To learn more about our advocacy efforts, visit our Community Engagement website at JewishLA.org/CE.
CELEBRATING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is a nationwide celebration of our culture, history, and resilience. This year, Los Angeles was JAHM’s featured city. JAHM opened with MUSE/IQUE’s Welcome to the Dream Factory, a moving tribute to the Jewish immigrants who helped build Hollywood. At City Hall, we partnered with the L.A. City Council for an uplifting program honoring the Jewish musicians behind some of the most iconic moments in American film, From the Wizard of Oz to Wicked: Jewish Composers Who Shaped Hollywood.
Check out the panels we displayed at the MUSE/IQUE event, which capture how our community has evolved over the decades at JewishLA.org/History.
BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY AT SHEMESH FARM
Our inaugural LA Families cohort — families with school-aged kids in our 18-month-long program — came together for a joyful and meaningful day at Shemesh Farms. Operated through the Shalom Institute, Shemesh Farms provides employment and personal development opportunities for young adults with diverse abilities, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the community while cultivating a strong sense of purpose and pride. Throughout the day, families immersed themselves in the vibrant rhythm of the farm, sorting herbs harvested by the Farm Fellows, crafting nature-inspired art, and planting marigolds to take home as living reminders of their experience. These hands-on activities were enriched by powerful conversations with the Shemesh Farm Fellows and their parents, who shared stories about how this inclusive environment has transformed their lives by offering dignity, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. As the cohort came together
to learn, share, and serve, they witnessed firsthand how Shemesh Farms cultivates more than crops. It nurtures a vision of a more compassionate and inclusive Jewish future.
To learn more about the vital work of Shemesh Farms or to plan a visit, go to JewishLA.org/ShemeshFarms.
CELEBRATING COURAGE AND COMMUNITY AT NUBLOOM’S RETREAT
Community begins with our youngest members, and at our 19th Family Camp Retreat — the first under our new NuBloom banner — 32 families with young children came together to build it with joy, courage, and intention. In partnership with Shalom Institute, and held at Camp Ramah in Ojai after being postponed due to the wildfires, the weekend was filled with connection. Centered on the theme of courage, the retreat blended Jewish learning with play. There were musical Shabbat services, a “Courage Crawl” of hands-on activities, and cherished traditions like tie-dye and Israeli dancing. Parents recharged and reflected, while their children engaged in values-based fun with expert staff. A spirited Havdalah bonfire and drum circle captured the magic of a weekend that nurtured a palpable feeling of belonging.
to learn, share, and serve, they witnessed firsthand how Shemesh Farms cultivates more than crops. It nurtures a vision of a more compassionate and inclusive Jewish future.
NuBloom organizes many empowering and inclusive programs and events for families with young children. Check us out at nubloomla.org.