The air starting to warm and traffic patterns changing can only mean one thing — schools are getting out, and summer is upon us.
Many of us want more time to decompress and reconnect with family and friends. In a world where we are chronically online, getting out of the house and off our phones is the greatest way to experience SoCal in its best season.
That’s why we are so excited to announce the launch of our new Events Hub. It’s a single destination where you can discover meaningful ways to engage with Jewish life in Los Angeles, regardless of your age, background, or interests. Bookmark it. Share it. And make sure to check back often because we’ll be updating it all the time.
We’re kicking off the Events Hub by featuring ways you can get out and put your values in action by meeting other people who care about making our city a better place to live. Check out our Community Service Days, organized in partnership with Repair the World LA. In July, you can sign up to clean Manhattan Beach, braid challah while hearing the story of a Holocaust survivor, or prepare and package meals for our neighbors facing food insecurity.
Nothing feels more like summer for our kids than summer camp. It’s where they make lifelong friendships, develop confidence in their Jewish identity, and create memories that stay with them long after the summer ends. That’s why I’m so proud of One Happy Camper, our grant program in partnership with Foundation for Jewish Camp, that helps get any young one, regardless of need, to experience the Jewish joy of camp.
To learn about how we are putting your values in action every day and receive updates like this, join our mailing list.
Speaking of bringing people together, Campers2Gether, our partnership with The Jewish Agency for Israel, brings Israeli teens to Jewish summer camps throughout Los Angeles. This program reflects so many of the Jewish values we cherish: community, solidarity, joy, inclusivity. It helps American and Israeli teens build authentic friendships by learning each other’s stories. The best part is, Campers2Gether grows each year, providing these bonding opportunities to more and more young people every summer.
When the summer’s over, we’re going to rally and party by supporting the work that helps make it all happen. Over the last 14 years, we’ve raised millions of dollars to help send thousands of kids to Jewish summer camp at Tour de Summer Camps, the BEST DAY EVER! I hope you’ll save the date of Sunday, November 8th, when the BEST DAY EVER returns to Simi Valley. We’re bringing back the JFEDLA Camp Cup (when Jewish summer camps compete for bragging rights and glory). There’s also pickleball, riding, hiking, and activities every member of your family will love, all to support giving more young people the best summer of their lives.
Whether you choose to volunteer this summer, attend a Jewish-themed event, or send a child to camp, we’re here to help build friendships and support the joys of Jewish life. Whatever your summer looks like, I hope it includes moments of connection, purpose, and joy that remind you how much sweeter life is when you share it with a loving community.
Have a happy summer,
R’ Noah
