Congratulations to Merage JCC members Tobias Averill, Isaac Evans and David Groner on their selection to Team Maccabi USA as part of the World Maccabiah Games in Israel next Summer!
Phung Huynh is hopeful for the future.
As an art professor at Los Angeles Valley College, she is constantly inspired by the next generation. “I feel so lucky for that,” she says. “There’s an exciting new group of artists coming up right now.”
As an educator with previous experience at Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design and Scripps College in Claremont, Huynh continues to encourage budding talent. “I’m getting older,” she says. “I need to give a platform for younger and emerging artists. I try to do that as best as I can and support others.”
One way is through language. L’Héritage Français in La Habra, the International School of Orange and The Language Academy at Aronoff Preschool in Irvine, not to mention the Irvine Chinese School and Chinese Cultural Center, are just a few places in our region offering immersive language classes for younger students. Children spend their school days conversing fully in French, Mandarin, Italian and Spanish. Circle time and songs are taught in foreign languages.
For 29 years, the OC Jewish Arts Festival at the Merage JCC has provided our community with a cultural extravaganza, featuring lauded lineups of authors, filmmakers, celebrities and influencers. In preparation for the 30th year of the Festival, a committee of culture-savvy-enthusiasts comb through films and stories celebrating the rich tapestry of Jewish culture to showcase. Those who are comfortable viewing from home can do so, and people who are excited to gather in the community will be ...
Rosh Hashanah, marking the start of the new year on the Jewish calendar, will be here soon, so it’s time to plan the menu for the annual feast. This year, go beyond the traditional apple-dipped-in-honey! There are plenty of symbolic foods that can help us reflect on the year that has passed and set expectations for the year ahead. Among Ashkenazic Jews, the apple is still the most popular – reminding us of Adam and Eve as we commemorate the creation of the world. But you ...
What should our family do this weekend? I hear this question A LOT—in my own house, walking around the J, and even at our local grocery store. Families have many activities available to them, and at times it can seem like there are TOO many choices. This question and challenge of what to do led our JCC to develop a new summer program for families: Summer Vacay at the J. Taking inspiration from resorts, cruise ships, and our camps, we deliver fun and relaxing experiences for families. ...
Starting October 2021, the Merage JCC will add to its already extensive wellness menu and partner with Mobile Therapy Specialists (MTS) to offer physical therapy at the J! The partnership comes on the heels of an uptick in memberships, and the world returning to some normalcy. As we enter a “post-pandemic” era, the Merage JCC will continue to be a second home for many members to participate in all kinds of activities from basketball, strength training, group fitness, Pilates, ...
Camps are notoriously loud and raucous… Jewish camps especially. From the moment your child steps out of your car at drop-off to the moment they step back in they are Israeli dancing and Shabbos shaking to the beats of Jewish camps’ drums. Our day camp is exploding with Jewish values and Israeli culture everywhere you turn. With directional, program and even the ubiquitous bathroom signs in both English and Hebrew, campers incorporate Hebrew into their everyday activities. ...
For 16 years, our JStage program has introduced young people to the wonders of the performing arts. With top-notch productions, JStage ignites and fosters artistic expression and talent in our kids. Despite pandemic lockdowns and obtrusive safety protocols, they say, “the show must go on!” JStage has continued to be a safe haven and a place for kids to look forward to. We asked Nicole Rosenson, Cultural Arts Assistant Director, to share why JStage continues to be so popular here ...
Operation Guardian of the Walls Editor’s Note: Leah Garber, Vice President, Israel Engagement | Director, Center for Israel Engagement, in Jerusalem, has written this update about the current events in Israel and the various factors influencing these events. She will continue to offer her personal perspectives from her home in Israel as often as warranted, and, of course, we pray that the current violence will end soon. Since last evening, hundreds of rockets have been ...
Camp is raucous fun – days filled with friends, activities, and constant motion. The stereotype is that camp counselors are shirking “real” jobs and internships to enjoy final summers as kids themselves. Conventional wisdom tells us jobs at offices, behind desks, chasing coffee, offer better preparation for the brutal economy than a summer camp. That is not our experience. Yes, our counselors spend their summers wearing pajamas and superhero costumes, playing ga-ga and ...