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AT A GLANCE
October 25, 10 am
Mini Mensches
Music and Play with PJ Library
Temple Sinai of Glendale
October 25, 10 am
28th Annual Jewish Book Festival
Kick-off Event
Temple Sholom of Ontario
Jean-Yves Pitoun
October 27, 7 pm
28th Annual Jewish Book Festival
Hillcrest Meeting House (La Verne)
Annabelle Gurwitch
| | Our 28th Jewish Book Festival begins in less than 2 weeks! | |
Join us for our first event with Jean-Yves Pitoun, author of The Three Partisans, a novel inspired by true stories from his father’s experiences in the French Resistance.
Sunday, October 25 | 10:00 a.m.
Temple Sholom of Ontario
Bagel Brunch
| | | If you experience (or witness) an antisemitic (or hate) incident, or have a security concern, click the respective image below to make a report: | | A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | | |
While I know it may not be popular, I feel I need to get something off my chest. Unlike some people, I like meetings. In fact, meeting with someone or a group of people is something I truly enjoy and look forward to doing. I am thankful for how I feel, especially in my role as Executive Director of our Jewish Federation.
I bring this up as I reflect on an important meeting we held here at our Jewish Federation yesterday. Over the last couple of years, we have organized a meeting for all of our community's Jewish Professionals (i.e., our Rabbis, Cantors, Educators, Synagogue Administrators/Executive Directors, as well as our Jewish Federation staff) to come together twice a year. The goal of these meetings is fourfold: 1) hear from speakers from programs like Community Security Initiative (CSI) or the Anti-Defamation League (ADL); 2) discuss issues affecting our local community; 3) share ideas of ways our institutions can work more closely together; and 4) build camaraderie with one another. As you might imagine, scheduling a meeting for over 20 people can be difficult, and I'm proud that our community's professionals make a point of attending.
Click here to continue reading
| | 28th Jewish Book Festival | | |
Finding humor in the unfunniest of circumstances.
Join us for an evening with Annabelle Gurwitch, author of The End of My Life is Killing Me, as she brings her signature wit and honesty to the unexpected joys—and absurdities—of life as a cancer “success story.”
Tuesday, October 27 | 7:00 p.m.
Hillcrest Meeting House (La Verne)
Wine & Cheese Reception | $25 per person
Come for the conversation.
Stay for the laughs.
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28th Jewish Book Festival
KRISTALLNACH MEMORIAL EVENT
Sunday, November 8, 4 pm
University of La Verne
Join us for the University of La Verne’s Kristallnacht Commemoration featuring author Janet Bond Brill and Little Edna’s War, the remarkable true story of a young Jewish girl who became the youngest member of the Polish Resistance. The presentation will be followed by a light reception, book sales, and signing.
| | | Click here to view the 2026 Jewish Book Festival brochure. | | Jewish Federation's upcoming events | | |
EVERY PERSON HAS A NAME
Saturday, January 23, 7 pm - Sunday, January 24, 8 pm
Help keep memory alive, volunteer to read names at our 25-hour Every Person Has a Name Holocaust commemoration. Whether in-person or virtually, your voice makes a powerful difference.
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Jewish Music Youth Orchestra
Young musicians are invited to explore Jewish music from around the world with the Jewish Music Youth Orchestra at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Led by Dan Cantrell, this multi-age ensemble introduces students to Klezmer, Ladino music, Israeli folk music, Yiddish theater tunes, and more while building musical skills and cultural connections.
Sundays | 2:00 – 3:30 pm
October 11, 2026 – January 24, 2027
For questions or more information contact Janice Markham.
| | | For families with young children | | | | |
Mini Mensches:
Music and Play with Temple Sinai of Glendale
Sunday, October 25, 10am
Join PJ Library and Temple Sinai of Glendale for a joyous morning of music and merriment for our littlest mensches.
We'll have playtime, snacks, and schmoozing afterwards for all to enjoy.
Suggested for ages 0-3.
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28th Jewish Book Festival presents:
SOSHANA NAMBI
Slow Down, Soshi!
It's Shabbat in Uganda
Sunday, November 1, 10 am
Join us and author Shoshana Nambi for a read aloud of Slow Down, Shoshi! It's Shabbat in Uganda. Afterwards, we'll participate in an author's Q & A, a craft, and book signing -- all part of this year's PJ Library event for the 28th annual Jewish Book Festival.
Suggested for ages 4-9.
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STUDENT TO STUDENT...
Fights Antisemitism
Demystifies Judaism
Builds Bridges
Creates Leaders
Student to Student (STS) trains Jewish high schoolers to share their personal stories with non-Jewish peers, sparking real conversations that break down stereotypes and build understanding in 50 communities nationwide.
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Applications are now open for the Jewish Federation SGPV High School Junior Scholarship!
A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a current high school junior graduating in 2028 who demonstrates academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in the Jewish and greater community.
Apply by Friday, November 6, 2026
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2026 Kimberly Dawn Ellis Memorial Scholarship
Know a graduating high school senior who makes a difference in their community?
The 2026 Kimberly Dawn Ellis Memorial Scholarship is now accepting applications.
A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior who demonstrates academic achievement and a commitment to leadership, community service, and involvement in the Jewish community.
Apply by Friday, November 6, 2026
| | | Community Events and News | |
BEHIND THE SCREEN:
Understanding and Countering Online Extremism Among Teens and Young Adults.
Wednesday, October 22, 1 pm | Via Zoom
A webinar presented by ADL Southern California
Join ADL Southern California for United Against Hate Week as we discuss online radicalization in teens and young adults.
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Afterlife and the Renewal of Jewish Mourning Customs: Stages and Tasks of the Grief Journey
Reb Simcha Raphael, PhD.
October 27, 7:00 pm
Via Zoom | Presented by Temple Sinai of Glendale
Drawing on Jewish mystical teachings that affirm the continuity of consciousness beyond bodily death, this talk will blend spiritual, psychological, and traditional Jewish teachings to offer renewed perspectives on Jewish death rituals and the stages of the grief journey. This is a sequel to Rabbi Rick’s afterlife class this past February - no prior attendance required to fully appreciate this session.
Click here for the Zoom link.
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JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE GREATER SAN GABRIEL AND POMONA VALLEYS
www.jewishsgpv.org
626.445.0810
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