Eruv Update
The Jewish Link has just confirmed that the Los Angeles Eruv has modified the path of the Eruv to fix the problems which brought down the eruv last week.
There are still five or six hours of repairs to which they will be working on this evening.
ETTA & JEWISH BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES An Innovative Partnership to Mentor People with Disabilities
LOS ANGELES – Etta, a Los Angeles nonprofit organization that serves people with special needs, and Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA), a nonprofit that enriches lives through professionally-supported mentoring, have joined forces to provide a site-based mentoring program for Etta’s group home residents.
JBBBSLA volunteers receive comprehensive training and then meet with group home residents twice a month as peer mentors. In the context of fun, interactive games, activities, conversation and occasional outings/events, residents and mentors form friendships that are beneficial to all involved. The focus may range from purely recreational to social action and often includes Jewish cultural themes and traditions.
During a recent Memorial Day group discussion, residents and mentors remembered loved ones who had passed away, and then enjoyed working on a project together. (Various photos attached)
“Part of a healthy adult life is having friendships with peers you enjoy, respect, and share with — and JBBBSLA is one way group home residents can forge those relationships,” says Dr. Michael Held, Etta’s Executive Director. “The mentors are wonderful, caring people and Etta is very happy that our clients can receive the benefit of their commitment.”
The program was launched in early April and JBBBSLA’s Program Director, Megan Koehler, is thrilled with its immediate success. “Our primary goals for the residents are new friendships, social connections and interpersonal skills, along with opportunities for stimulation and inclusion. Mentoring helps facilitate these goals through trusting, committed and supportive relationships that are rewarding for both parties.” Koehler also notes: “Ettaresidents are absolutely delightful. The laughter and enthusiasm they share with our volunteers also gives us confidence that the foundation is being laid and we anticipate very positive outcomes as the program unfolds.” Agencies serving adults with developmental disabilities need strong support from external resources, as funding is generally channeled toward programs for minors. “We are so pleased to be supporting this significant need,” Koehler adds. “The partnership is a great fit and our vision is to keep expanding.”
Etta Israel Center (Etta), founded in 1993 in Los Angeles, California, embraces people with special needs and offers services that enhance self-sufficiency, increase independence, and facilitate integration into the Los Angeles community. Etta provides a wide array of residential, life skills and educational programs that have helped thousands of people experience the benefits of inclusion.
The Mission of JBBBSLA is to assist children and young adults in achieving their full potential through innovative, impactful programs that facilitate lasting mentoring relationships and support positive development. JBBBSLA runs both community-based and site-based programs and also owns and operates Camp Max Straus (CMS), a 112-acre residential camp and retreat center in the Verdugo Hills of Glendale.
The Big Show’ Comes to LA –
This Thursday June 20th, Los Angeles will experience possibly the greatest Jewish Concert to ever hit the West Coast!
Congress Honors Harvey and Gloria Kaylie in Tribute to American Jewry
On Wednesday, May 22, the United States government held a Tribute to American Jewry, as part of its celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month.
May has been proclaimed by President Obama and the United States Congress as Jewish American Heritage Month. The tribute to American Jewry was intended to celebrate the numerous contributions that Jews have been making to American culture for over 350 years, including advances in the arts, science, medicine, sports, business, government, and military service.
There were many illustrious Senators and Congressmen in attendance, including Bob Casey (D-Pa), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), and Joe Kennedy III (D-Ma-4).
Among the honorees were Harvey and Gloria Kaylie, who since OHEL’s establishment in 1969, have been advocates and supporters of all of OHEL causes. The Kaylies provided OHEL with everything they needed to open the groundbreaking Camp Kaylie- the first of its kind integrated summer camp for kids of all abilities. Additionally, the Kaylies have been stalwart supporters of OHEL and its many program, and in its vision to break down stigma in the community.
Since its inception, OHEL has been a dependable haven of individual and family support, helping people of all ages surmount everyday challenge, heal from trauma, and manage times of crises with strength and dignity.
For more information about OHEL’s numerous programs and services from which you can benefit, please contact OHEL today at 1800-603-OHEL, askohel@ohelfamily.org or www.ohelfamily.org
A Voice of Hope After the Ashes
Rabbi Yossy Goldman spoke for 1000 people at Chabad of California’s Valley about a voice of hope after the Holocaust.
Nearly 1000 people from all walks of life gathered at Chabad of the Valley’s Tarzana Headquarters on Tuesday evening, Gimmel Tammuz to pay tribute to the Rebbe commemorating his 19th hilulah.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Rabbi Mordy Einbinder, Associate Director of Chabad of the Valley. Also addressing the gathering was Rabbi Yehoshua B Gordon, Executive Director of Chabad of the Valley.
Among those gathered at this auspicious event were many South African Jews who now reside in Southern California, who came especially to listen to their Landsman who was the guest speaker.
Rabbi Yossy Goldman, flown in especially for this event from Johannesburg, spoke brilliantly, keeping the audience spell bound.
The evening was sponsored by Gary and Rochelle Finder and a full course meal was served to all of the attendees.
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Western Kosher’s 2nd Annual Rodeo & Kobe Burger Eating Contest – Picture Gallery
On Sunday, June 16, well over 1500 people attended the 2nd annual Western Kosher’s Rodeo & Kobe Burger Eating Contest. The all-day rodeo celebration held hourly Kobe burger eating contests for kids and adults. “Once again the event has far surpassed our expectations,” says Owner David Kagan.
Dedication Ceremony for Fallen Officer Mario
Today at 10 a.am. LAPD held a Dedication Ceremony for Fallen Officer Mario at Officer Mario Navidad Square,
The corner of Whitworth Drive and Fairfax Avenue. In attendance were Los Angeles City Councilmember Herb Wesson Jr., District 9, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz, District 5, LAPD Deputy Chief Terry Hara, Commanding Officer, Operations West Bureau, LAPD Assistant Commanding Officer Captain Dennis Kato, Operations West Bureau, LAPD Captain Eric T. Davis, Commanding Officer Wilshire Area, LAPD Captain Lillian L. Carranza, Commanding Officer, Wilshire Patrol, Sandra Navidad, Wife of Officer Navidad, Brandon Navidad, Son of Officer Navidad, Melissa Navidad, Daughter of Officer Navidad
On December 22, 1996, Officer Navidad and his partner were flagged down by a convenience store clerk who told the officers a man had stolen a pack of beer. The officers spotted the suspect in an alley and as they approached the suspect, he pulled out a gun and fatally wounded Officer Navidad.
Photos by mp
First Aid Skills in Action: IDF Soldier Saves 18-Month-Old
For Sergeant Galia Tzuker, a 21-year-old photographer in the IDF’s Medical Corps, photography is only part of her military service. It was a different part of her training – a first aid course offered by the IDF – that recently allowed her to save her young neighbor’s life.
Last Tuesday (June 11), while at home in Yehud, she heard screaming outside. Running to see what the matter was, she found her neighbor, Itzik Cohen, holding his unconscious 18-month-old daughter, Roni.
Sgt. Tzuker knew she had to act quickly in order to save Roni’s life. “I told [her father] that I am a paramedic and immediately took the child with me,” she recounted.
Sgt. Tzuker carried Roni to a neighbor’s apartment, where she began working to resuscitate her.
“She was completely blue and a bit yellow. She had stopped breathing and I couldn’t even find a heartbeat. By this point, a few minutes had already passed and I had to work fast to open her airways,” Sgt. Tzuker said.
“I tried with all my strength to open her jaws. Meanwhile, her father was yelling for somebody to save his daughter. I saw I wasn’t succeeding and almost started crying myself.”
Despite her fear, Sgt. Tzuker persevered.
“I told myself I am the most experienced one here and I can’t break down,” she recalled. “I started performing CPR on Roni. I remembered that on children, CPR is done with two fingers and not with the whole hand. The CPR needed to be done over the whole mouth and nose. The breaths must be half-breaths in order to transfer the right amount of air. I did this and suddenly something opened up and was freed.”
As Sgt. Tzuker’s steps worked, Roni’s situation improved.
Sgt. Tzuker with her neighbor Itzik Cohen, holding his 18-month-old daughter, Roni.
“Roni started to breathe and snort. Her color began to change, and suddenly I saw how from the brink of death she returned to life,” Sgt. Tzuker recounted. “I know that had I waited one minute, she wouldn’t be alive.”
Paramedics of Magen David Adom then arrived on the scene and put Roni in an oxygen tank.
“I went to visit Roni a couple of days later and she is completely fine now,” Sgt. Tzuker said.
Roni’s father expressed his appreciation for Sgt. Tzuker’s life-saving first aid. “She saved my daughter,” he stated. “Because of her, I am the happiest father in the world.”
