From the desk of Scott Braswell

Orange County Community Center Will Deploy Proactive Security Solution to Protect Members from Rising Antisemitic Threats ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced that its AI firearm detection and intelligent situational awareness platform will be deployed at the Merage Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Orange County to protect its members and community from ...

We are thrilled to introduce Zach Guller, our new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Sunrise OC Day Camp Director at the Merage Jewish Community Center (JCC). Zach brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep connection to our community, making him an invaluable addition to our team. Zach's connection to the JCC and the Jewish community is deeply rooted. Having been a member for most of his life, he saw an opportunity to re-connect with his community by relocating back to Orange County. ...

About Spertus: As an institution of higher Jewish education, Spertus believes that the wisdom in Jewish history, thought, and texts has meaning today, not only as an academic pursuit, but as a catalyst for action. The learning they offer are rich, dynamic, and deeply relevant to our lives today — and to building a stronger, more compassionate, more vibrant future. Spertus teaches Judaism and Jewish culture in ways that are accessible and exciting to all students. Because there ...

Huntington Beach resident Julie Holdaway loves to cook. It’s just one of the many ways she gives to others. Holdaway graduated from Edison High School in 1985, and decades later she participates in a cooking club with some good friends who attended the campus with her. The theme at one recent get-together was Mediterranean food. Holdaway didn’t just bring pita bread from the store — she brought the dough so the friends could make their own pitas on the grill. “She ...

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. ...

During the past year, the Merage JCC participated in a JCCA benchmarking study measuring excellence amongst JCCs across the nation. The study focused on financial results, member satisfaction, and governance. Comparing results to previous years’ surveys and peers, the Merage JCC shined! 86% More than 86% of Merage JCC member respondents agreed that our JCC makes an impact in the overall community. 75% Merage JCC maintained a whopping 75% retention rate (pre-COVID). ...

When the Sherman Family moved from their native town of Chicago to Orange County in 2004, they arrived just in time to become inaugural members of the JCC. They felt at home at the JCC, active in every corner and department area. As a family, the activity they enjoyed the most was spinning, so it was not a surprise that they chose to honor the JCC by naming the Sherman Family Spin Room. “We wanted to express our love and support for the J,” explained Julie Sherman. “There ...

Merage JCC’s new Board Chair Entrepreneur and avid golfer, Hal Altman, began his tenure as the Merage JCC’s new Board Chair, in August at the J’s Annual Meeting. Following founding Chair, Irv Chase, Hal has big shoes to fill. With a keen eye for growing businesses, affinity for developing collaborations, and strong connections to community, Hal is posed to develop a legacy around community and Jewish continuity. Joining the board in ...

Irv Chase Retires as Board Chair “Acharai,” the Hebrew word for “after me,” is a popular concept suggesting that one leads and motivates others by jumping in. No word is more apropos of Irv Chase’s leadership. He is the first to jump in, advocate, recruit, and inspire. Prior to 2004, the Jewish community in Orange County was small and spread out, with few connections. Irv’s wisdom of local Jewish life and experiences with his family at the JCC Maccabi ...