The Februrary Edition Includes:

"Save The Date" May 5, 2024 -"Blintzes & Burritos Brunch",

Meet: Mark Shpall, de Toledo High School; Meet: Shelly Melcer; Macabbi 2024

Youth and Adult Basketball, Readers Club, Learn to play Bridge

Letter From Jeff Rubin

Executive Director, Valley JCC

Happy February!

Embracing Competition and Collaboration

Competition and collaboration are often misunderstood concepts, leading to unnecessary fear and hesitation. Let's shed some light on their true value.

Competition is not inherently bad. In fact, it can be a catalyst for growth and innovation. It pushes businesses to constantly improve, adapt, and deliver better products or services. Embrace competition as an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths, stand out in the market, and attract more customers.

Similarly, collaboration should not be feared or avoided. Collaboration fosters synergy and allows businesses to combine their strengths to achieve greater success. By working together with like-minded individuals or organizations, you can leverage collective expertise, resources, and networks for mutual benefit.

So why do some shy away from competition or collaboration? Often it stems from a lack of confidence or a fear of the unknown. However, by embracing these concepts with an open mind and strategic approach, you can unlock immense potential for growth.

Remember: competition fuels progress while collaboration amplifies success. Don't let fear hold you back from embracing these powerful drivers of business advancement.

If you have any questions or need further guidance on how to navigate competition or foster collaboration effectively with Valley JCC, feel free to reach out anytime.

Warm regards,

Jeff

Letter From Ollie Haas

President, Board of Directors



Hello Valley JCC Members and Community Friends!

It’s Leap Year once again! This means an extra day in February and an important election in November. It also means that this year the Jewish Holidays line up very differently. For example, Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day, December 25th, and ends on January 1st. 

There is also a primary election on Tuesday, March 4th and just about all of us in California receive mail-in ballots. Remember to VOTE. 

Hopefully, everyone received the Save-the-Date email advertising the Valley JCC’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This year the “Gala” will be a delicious “Blintzes and Burritos Brunch” on Sunday, May 5th from 11am to 2pm. It promises to be a lovely day with a presentation by our 2023 Honoree, John Paul Thornton, the award-winning artist and art historian. He’ll be talking about Jewish and Mexican art and artists. The fully catered Brunch will include a margarita cocktail or mocktail (your choice), as well as dessert. There will also be drawings and surprises. And, early registration ensures a seat at the table as well as a less expensive event ticket.

Please plan to join the fun and support the Valley JCC!

Tickets will be for sale on the website in the very near future. We’re seeking Sponsors and Tribute Journal ads now. Simply call (818) 360-2211 for further information or check out the website valleyjcc.org

Warmly,

Ollie

Valley JCC President

Meet:

Mark Shpall,

de Toledo High School

Mark Shpall serves as Head of School, de Toledo High School, and has been with the school for 22 years. Located in West Hills, de Toledo educates the whole student by cultivating the habits of heart, mind, and spirit so that students become excellent, ethical and educated citizens of the world.

At de Toledo, the vision celebrates academics, the arts, athletics, and Judaism. Wisdom is considered the combination of contemporary thought and the ideals of the Great American Experiment taught within the context of 3,000 years of Jewish history, culture, ideas, and religion.

Although Mark was born in El Paso, Texas, where his father was stationed with the United States Public Health Service, his roots are in the Los Angeles region. He went to high school in the Claremont area, followed by college at the University of California Santa Barbara and USC Law School. Mark practiced law as a litigator for 9 years before he decided to become an educator. He taught at New Community Jewish High School (later renamed de Toledo High School), first serving as an athletic coach, then as a history teacher, followed by being named a Dean. 

“We’re all about community at de Toledo,” Mark states. “We provide an environment where American democracy and Jewish tradition are united.” Students’ relationship with learning doesn’t end with graduation. At de Toledo, the next generation of Jewish leaders is nurtured. Many alumni return to the school to speak, teach or coach.

“Speaking as head of a Jewish high school, there’s not a more important time to embrace a Jewish education and give our Jewish children an understanding of history and knowledge of Israel, along with confidence in our heritage, than now,” Mark says.

Mark’s wife, Tammy, teaches at de Toledo, and is the 9th grade Dean. All three of their children are attending, or have graduated, from the high school. Mark and his family live in West Hills, and he enjoys USC football, LA Dodger games, and summers at Camp Alonim. 

Still Traveling: Scotland’s Great Glen

Four Mondays, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024

11am-12:15pm (PT) on Zoom

Save! Register before February 3 for “Early Bird” pricing!

For details & tickets, click here.

Music & Morsels: Songs from Israel

Wednesday, February 7

1-2pm (PT) on Zoom

Save! Get “Early Bird” pricing; purchase before Feb 5.

For details & tickets, click here.

Exploring Opera: Two’s Company – Part II

Three Thursdays, February 8, 15 & 22

1-2:15pm (PT) on Zoom

Save! Purchase “Early Bird” ticket before Feb 6th.

For details & tickets, click here.

Basketball

The Wayne League

by

Jason Moser

What a great start to the new year! It may be cold outside but the heat is on in our gyms.

Now that we have partnered up with The Loot and Valley Stars for our adult and youth leagues respectively, we have nearly 150 teams between the two entities.

Communicating among so many different captains and coaches was getting tedious so we now have a wonderful Instagram account with a full link tree we use to check schedules, get updates, interactively chat, and even order uniforms.

We have also added another gym to our portfolio, the DSTRKT (pronounced district) Fieldhouse right in the heart of Chatsworth. We now have the entire valley and beyond represented to accommodate teams from all areas. With facilities in Agoura, Calabasas, West Hills, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park/Winnetka, Sherman Oaks, Northridge/Granada Hills, and Santa Clarita, there is sure to be a spot for all to enjoy.

Please check out the website at https://www.instagram.com/thelootbasketball/  for adult league information in one of our 14 divisions, including our newly added women's division and a 35+ division!

For the younger players, our youth leagues feature games on both Saturdays and Sundays year round with leagues, one off games for practice, double header shootouts, and weekly clinics and after school developmental camps.

We hope that you won't PASS on visiting us, but rather SHOOT us a text, email or message on our board.

Please join us - Shalom!



Valley JCC sports leagues are named

in memory of beloved former

Executive Director Jerry Wayne

February 19, 2024

President’s Day

Fun Facts 

President’s Day Wasn’t Enacted Until Almost One Hundred Years After George Washington’s Death. 

President George Washington died on December 14, 1799, sending the nation into mourning. However, it would be almost one hundred years before congress began enacting federal holidays, with George Washington’s Birthday being one of the first proposed.

President’s Day Goes by Many Names. 

Officially named George Washington’s Birthday, many people began calling the holiday President’s Day as a way to honor the lives of all U.S. presidents. 

President’s Day is Always Celebrated on Monday. 

Did you know that President’s day was initially celebrated on Washington’s real birthday —- February 22nd? It wasn’t until the passing of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act on June 28, 1968, that the country began celebrating President’s Day on the third Monday of February.

A Way to Honor the Birth, Life, and Legacy of the Nation’s First President. 

President George Washington was the country’s highest-ranking official, receiving the only 6-star ranking in American history. As the general who created the first military achievement badge for soldiers, it comes as no surprise that in addition to a federal holiday in his honor, Washington’s picture appears on the Purple Heart medal, which was reintroduced in 1932, marking his 200th birthday. 

George Washington Was the Most Popular President in American History. 

George Washington was so adored that he was the only president to be unanimously elected for his position. This feat was even more impressive, considering he received these votes after successfully passing the Constitution, he was voted for by all the members of the assembly! 

George Washington Was Not the First President to Live in the White House. 

When George Washington was elected as the president of the states, the White House didn't even exist yet. Although he chose the site of the building, his successor, John Adams, was the first to move into the still-unfinished White House in 1797. 

The First American Presidents Were Immigrants. 

The first seven presidents of the United States were born in England and immigrated to the colonies. Martin Van Buren, our 8th President, was the first president born as a citizen of the states! 

Only Two Presidents Signed the Constitution. 

Presidents James Madison and George Washington were the only two presidents to sign the United States Constitution. As part of the Constitutional Convention, both men played a large role in creating the freedoms Americans still enjoy today. 

www.americanflags.com

Chocolate Lave Cake

Valentine's Day or Any Day

"No one, in the history of mankind, has ever lost anything from learning how to make this gooey restaurant dessert at home. From start to finish, this version takes 20 minutes tops"...Food Network

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chocolate-lava-cakes-2312421

Book Recommendation

The Museum of Failures

When Remy Wadia left India for the United States, he carried his resentment of his cold and inscrutable mother with him and has kept his distance from her. Years later, he returns to Bombay, planning to adopt a baby from a young pregnant girl—and to see his elderly mother again before it is too late. She is in the hospital, has stopped talking, and seems to have given up on life.

Struck with guilt for not realizing just how ill she had become, Remy devotes himself to helping her recover and return home. But one day in her apartment he comes upon an old photograph that demands explanation. As shocking family secrets surface, Remy finds himself reevaluating his entire childhood and his relationship to his parents, just as he is on the cusp of becoming a parent himself. Can Remy learn to forgive others for their human frailties, or is he too wedded to his sorrow and anger over his parents’ long-ago decisions?

Surprising, devastating, and ultimately a story of redemption and healing still possible between a mother and son, The Museum of Failures is a tour de force from one of our most elegant storytellers about the mixed bag of love and regret. It is also, above all, a much-needed reminder that forgiveness comes from empathy for others.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/75593884

From Today's Montessori...

Valley JCC Men's Club

Meet and socialize

with other 55+ men in the Valley!

Past outings include special tours of Santa Anita Park, Jet Propulsion Laboratories in Pasadena, experiences at Dodger Stadium, the Getty Museum, and Axe Throwing at Lumberjack's in Northridge.

The Men's Club meets the first Monday of the month

unless there is a national or religious holiday.

February Men's Club Meeting

Monday, Februrary 5th, 6:00pm

Weiler's Deli

21161 Victory Blvd., West Hills

PLEASE RSVP to Sam Goldberg

samagoldberg@yahoo.com

For more information, contact steve@valleyjcc.org or call 818-360-2211

Valley JCC is looking forward to engaging in continuous outreach in the community.

Stay tuned for details...

Fundraising Opportunity

On Your Birthday!

"How To" Use Ralphs To Benefit Valley JCC

1. Go to: www.ralphs.com
2. Click on "Sign in" to the right of the search box. (If you don't have an online account, click on "Register")
3. Click on your name to the right of the search box at the top
4. You will now be on your Account Summary page
5. Scroll down to "Community Contributions" and click on "Enroll"
6. Complete the online form and Click on "Save"
7. Enter organization number SK677 and click on the "Search" button
8. "Valley Jewish Community Center" will be displayed. Click "Enroll"
9. You will see a confirmation at the top of the Account Summary page
10. A percentage of your purchases will be donated to Valley JCC