The February edition includes:

Save The Date: "An Evening With John Paul Thornton",

Winter Basketball Youth & Adult Leagues, Valentine's Facts and Recipe,

Maj Jongg, Men's Club, Readers Club,

Profiles of Stephanie DuCaine and Brent Peskin, Brent's Deli

Letter From Jeff Rubin

Executive Director, Valley JCC



Sports have played a major role in my life either participating as a player, organizing for our community, being a referee/umpire or scorekeeper, attending a game or watching a game with friends and family. I previously explained that sports helped shape who I am by providing discipline, teamwork, camaraderie and friendships. So much in life centers around sports! Some of the most watched or attended events today are sports related. The World Cup that concluded in December was the second most watched soccer match ever in the United States. Last year’s Super Bowl game between the Rams and the Bengals was watched by 99.18 million viewers in the United States. Sports bring people together from all over the world, all walks of life, whether as participant or spectator.

I have friends who have used sports not only as a connection with their children but also as a learning experience. I’m not just talking about coaching but as a life learning activity. My buddy Eric has taken his two sons to one football stadium each year since the boys were 6 and 8. They are now 30 and 32. As cool as that annual trip has been, Eric had the boys take turns selecting which stadium to visit each year. He added an educational component to this special time. Since most games take place on Sunday, Eric and his sons fly out on a Thursday and designate Friday as the educational component. For example, on a trip to Green Bay to see the Packers, their first stop on Friday was to a major paper company and a packaging plant. Eric’s goal is to teach his boys about the important industries in each city they visit, how they stimulate the economy, and how people provide for their families. 

For our youth athletes, 2023 is going to be something truly amazing. This summer our Maccabi Delegation will be taking a group of teens ages 14-17 to Israel. During this three-week immersive experience, more than 1,000 Jewish teens from across North America, Israel, and the globe, representing 50+ delegations, will experience the magic of JCC Maccabi in Israel. 

This transformative experience will begin with an 8-day Olympics-style JCC Maccabi Games experience in the Haifa area. JCC Maccabi delegations will then hit the road for an action-packed and fun-filled tour across the country including visits to Israel’s most cultural, religious, and historical sites. There will be opportunities to continue their JCC Maccabi journey with old and new friends as they explore Israel through the lens of sports. This will culminate in an ultimate JCC Maccabi Shabbat and final program days in Jerusalem. 

In 2022, we saw the return of the Maccabi Games (held in San Diego) after being shuttered for two years due to the pandemic. Our players, along with players from all over the country, missed out on a once in a lifetime experience. What are the Maccabi Games? The JCC Maccabi Games are an international athletic competition for Jewish teenagers run much like the Olympics. Athletes can compete against Jewish teens from all over the United States as well as delegations from Israel, Great Britain, Mexico, Canada, and more. The Games are played with a focus on “rachmonus” (compassion) and sportsmanship with the intent to foster long-lasting friendships, memories and connection to Judaism and Israel. This unique event is not only about being a part of the Jewish people; it comes with a mission – to make the world a better place and to make ourselves better people. We express these values or middot to help us remember the greater mission of the Games and Judaism. We emphasize Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Kavod (respect), Rina (joy), Ga’ava (pride), Lev Tov (big hearted), and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish peoplehood). The Games also promote community involvement, and teamwork.

The Games are one of the largest Jewish teen events in the world; each summer over 3,000 Jewish teens participate. Over 100,000 teens have benefited from the JCC Maccabi Games since 1982. At this Jewish Olympic style event, each athlete participates in one of fifteen sports, social events, and an opportunity to give back to the community during this week-long experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Please get involved in any way you can. Whether it’s participating in a program, becoming a member, or renewing your membership, signing up for our many fundraising opportunities, sponsoring a program or making a donation. 

Today we have hope - help spread the word. 

Thank You,

Jeff

Message From Ollie Haas,

Valley JCC President, Board of Directors

Valley JCC is planning several new activities and events for 2023. February finds our Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee members working diligently and creatively as we plan for these special in-person gatherings.

Please make a note on your calendars for Saturday evening, May 20th, for our gala event, “An Evening With John Paul Thornton: From The Artist’s Studio. This unique celebration will be held in Woodland Hills at the Rose Goldwater Community Center. You will have an opportunity to mingle with renowned artist and educator John Paul Thornton, walk through a gallery of his curated artwork, listen to his personal presentation, and enjoy light fare including dessert, and wine. There will also be entertainment and a silent auction. A beautiful Program Journal will be available to show our appreciation to you for your support. 

We’re proud to introduce our Valley JCC Speaker Series 2023. The Series will consist of three distinct evenings throughout the year. The first, entitled "Women In Business" will be on Thursday evening June 29th, with an inspiring panel of successful women. The second in the series will be an exciting sports personality scheduled to be held in the early fall. The third event in the series remains in the planning stages, but promises to be thought provoking.

In the fall, Valley JCC will host a Community Health Fair for families, children, adults and seniors. It will be fun, educational, provide resources and promote health and safety in our community.

Of course, we’ll continue to have Zoom activities going on. Please refer to the website, valleyjcc.org Our new in-person activities will give us all a chance to re-unite with old friends and meet new ones. Please join us!

 

Best wishes,

Ollie Haas

Meet:

Stephanie DuCaine

Chair, Fundraising Committee

“I’ve always been a Valley girl,” Stephanie said. That’s true, with the exception of her early years in Montreal, Canada, where she was born. With her parents, Stephanie moved to Van Nuys when she was 16 years old. Her family joined an orthodox synagogue in North Hollywood and Stephanie went to Grant High School. 

Stephanie attended California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and studied Sociology. In 1968, she became a social worker for Los Angeles County Children and Family Services. She also worked at the North Hollywood Free Clinic and served on their Board of Directors. While studying at CSUN, Stephanie met three important people: Her future husband Noel, as well as Donna Haas and Susan Menkes. Through the years, the three women became close friends, worked together as social workers for Los Angeles County, and today are active members of Valley JCC. 

Always passionate about politics and volunteer work, Stephanie joined Young Democrats while in high school, and has continued being involved. She is currently active in WALA (Women’s Alliance Los Angeles) and is their Campaign Chairperson. Equally important has been Stephanie’s involvement with Judaism. She has been a member of Valley JCC for years, and became very active once she retired. As Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, Stephanie is facilitating the annual fundraising event: An Evening With John Paul Thornton: From The Artist’s Studio, as well as the three-part 2023 Speakers Series, and the Health Fair.

Along the way, Stephanie worked with the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee and served as Technology Manager of Gymnastics and Tennis at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. When relaxing, she’s an avid reader of mysteries. 

Stephanie and her husband Noel live in Calabasas, and are the parents of two daughters and grandparents of three active grandchildren.

Thank you for all your dedication and accomplishments with the Fundraising Committee!

Meet:

Brent Peskin

&

The Brent's Deli Family

Brent’s Deli, Where Everyone Who Sits At Our Table Is Family…

"At Brent’s Deli, we combine family values with quality ingredients for a recipe of long-standing success", explains Brent Peskin. Voted as one of the best delicatessens in Los Angeles and Southern California, the story of Brent’s Deli begins well before we opened our doors in 1967.

For years, Brent’s Deli founder Ron Peskin had worked behind the counter at various delis throughout the San Fernando Valley, including his uncle’s establishment. When he was offered a position as manager at an established yet declining deli in Northridge, Peskin respectfully turned down the position, but the owner offered to sell him the business. Despite the advice he received against the financial investment, Ron Peskin and his wife Patricia bought Brent’s Deli and forged into the delicatessen and restaurant scene with just one delivery truck and 11 employees. They kept the name Brent’s Deli due to the coincidence of having a son by the same name (i.e. Brent Peskin).

“For the first year-and-a-half of reopening Brent’s Deli, I never took a day off.” Ron Peskin reminisces. “I made every single sandwich because I wanted each one to be perfect.” The rest is history. Famous for our mouthwatering reuben sandwich, hand sliced lox, and rich desserts, Brent’s Deli follows in Peskin’s footsteps–from attention to detail and excellent customer service. These days, Brent’s Deli continues to be a family-run and operated business with Ron’s son Brent, daughter Carrie, and son-in-law Marc working as official members of the restaurant’s management team. Due to the business’ hands-on approach throughout the decades, Brent’s Deli has grown to become one of the best delicatessens in the state–and nation!

A combination of high standards, quality food, and a taste of home is what sets Brent’s Deli apart from other Los Angeles area eateries. Now home to two beautiful Southern California locations, Brent’s Deli serves its original locale in Northridge as well as food lovers in Westlake Village. Led by Marc, the new Westlake location houses Brent’s Bar for specialty cocktails, craft beers, mimosa flights, and small plates. Given our dedication to keeping our customers happy and full, we’re excited to see the Brent’s Deli family grow in the years to come.

Brent Peskin was recently very gracious to Valley JCC when

he agreed to having our volunteers stand in front of Brent's

for our Hanukkah Candle GiveAway.

Basketball

The Wayne League

by

Jason Moser

I am pleased to announce that our Winter Wayne Youth Basketball League has more teams than anticipated. We currently have eight teams in our 12u division, four teams in our 14u and four teams in our 10u.

Also, our Wayne Adult Basketball League is maxed out with over 50 teams and a handful more on the waiting list. The only thing preventing our youth and adult leagues from getting bigger is the lack of gym time. Thankfully, in the Spring we will have access to at least three more gyms. This should allow us to house more than 30 youth teams and 60 adult teams.

We are very pleased with how big and successful we've become in just under one year of league operation. I cannot wait to see our numbers at the end of 2023!

Please join us - Shalom!

Wayne Girls Basketball

Girls league playing Sundays at A. E. Wright Middle School

Valley JCC sports leagues are named

in memory of beloved former

Executive Director Jerry Wayne

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.

February Men’s Club meeting

Monday, February 6th

Bob's Big Boy

8876 Corbin Avenue

 6:00 to 8:00pm

Please RSVP to Steve

Email: [email protected] 

whether or not you will be able to attend

The Men's Club meets the first Monday of the month, unless there is

a national or religious holiday.

Stay tuned for the next activity...

We are planning trips for 2023

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 818-360-2211

Recipe For February

Celebrate Valentine's Day or any day

with molten chocolate cake and ice cream!



Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients

Baking spray, for spraying custard cups

1 stick butter 

2 ounces bittersweet chocolate 

2 ounces semisweet chocolate 

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar 

2 whole eggs 

3 egg yolks 

1 teaspoon vanilla 

1/2 cup all-purpose flour 

Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray four custard cups with baking spray and place on a baking sheet.
2. Microwave the butter, bittersweet chocolate and semisweet chocolate in a large bowl on high until the butter is melted, about 1 minute. Whisk until the chocolate is also melted. Stir in the sugar until well blended. Whisk in the eggs and egg yolks, then add the vanilla. Stir in the flour. Divide the mixture among the custard cups.
3. Bake until the sides are firm and the centers are soft, about 13 minutes. Let stand 1 minute. Invert on individual plates while warm and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Go to Food Network: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chocolate-lava-cakes-2312421

Five Unusual Facts About

Valentine's Day

Book Suggestion

The Book of Lost Names

by Kristen Harmel

“A fascinating, heartrending page-turner that, like the real-life forgers who inspired the novel, should never be forgotten.” —Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday

Inspired by an astonishing true story from World War II, a young woman with a talent for forgery helps hundreds of Jewish children flee the Nazis in this “sweeping and magnificent” (Fiona Davis, bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue) historical novel from the #1 international bestselling author of The Winemaker’s Wife.

Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books when her eyes lock on a photograph in the New York Times. She freezes; it’s an image of a book she hasn’t seen in more than sixty years—a book she recognizes as The Book of Lost Names.

The accompanying article discusses the looting of libraries by the Nazis across Europe during World War II—an experience Eva remembers well—and the search to reunite people with the texts taken from them so long ago. The book in the photograph, an eighteenth-century religious text thought to have been taken from France in the waning days of the war, is one of the most fascinating cases. Now housed in Berlin’s Zentral- und Landesbibliothek library, it appears to contain some sort of code, but researchers don’t know where it came from—or what the code means. Only Eva holds the answer, but does she have the strength to revisit old memories?

As a graduate student in 1942, Eva was forced to flee Paris and find refuge in a small mountain town in the Free Zone, where she began forging identity documents for Jewish children fleeing to neutral Switzerland. But erasing people comes with a price, and along with a mysterious, handsome forger named Rémy, Eva decides she must find a way to preserve the real names of the children who are too young to remember who they really are. The records they keep in The Book of Lost Names will become even more vital when the resistance cell they work for is betrayed and Rémy disappears.

An engaging and evocative novel reminiscent of The Lost Girls of Paris and The Alice Network, The Book of Lost Names is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of bravery and love in the face of evil.

www.amazon.com

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