Individuals with diverse abilities are among the most preyed upon in our community. The Jewish Federation hosted a Los Angeles Jewish Abilities Center (LAJAC) Cyber Security Workshop in partnership with Yachad Los Angeles. Led by an LAPD officer, adults with diverse abilities learned how to navigate cyberspace and add to their knowledge as savvy digital citizens. The class covered the best tips and practices when using social media and managing phone calls from fraudsters claiming to be from the IRS or Social Security. “Thieves are sophisticated; anyone can be tricked,” Officer James Lavenson told the crowd. “Scammers use technology and common information to sound legitimate.” The officer also covered topics like personal safety, vaping, and identity fraud. The class was one in a series to educate and empower individuals with special needs to make informed decisions. The Federation’s Los Angeles Jewish Abilities Center is a central resource for Jewish individuals of diverse abilities and their families to access services through case management and workshops.

Many parents seek ways to assist their teens in the face of trauma. In November, Harvard- and UCLA-trained clinical psychologist Dr. Bonnie Goldstein shared tools and wisdom for responding to life’s challenges with a greater sense of stability. Parents relayed that they walked away from the workshop equipped with great information, a sense of validation, and comfort. Reducing stress for our community is central to the Los Angeles Jewish Teen Initiative (LAJTI), and our Focus on Teen Wellness is full steam ahead planning our January Parent Workshop on Teens and Technology.

On December 3, 2019, the Federation relaunched our Finance & Business Professionals Network with an event honoring Allison and Bennett Rosenthal at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. More than 400 industry professionals attended an inspiring evening of connection that raised $1.2 million. Thanks to the generous sponsors — including City National Bank, who also serves as a presenting sponsor of all of our professional networks — and our committed donors who made the night a success.

The Rosenthals are active and enthusiastic advocates of the Federation’s work. As part of Allison’s community involvement, she is a member of the Federation’s Board of Directors and serves as Committee Chair of our Federation’s NuRoots. A prominent businessman and community leader, Bennett is a co-founder of Ares Management Corporation and co-managing owner of the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC).

Generously named by the Rosenthals and opening in 2020, The BAR Center at the Beach will be an intergenerational activity center on the Venice boardwalk that engages young adults, families and seniors in Federation programs to help ensure a vibrant Jewish future.

Superstar Rachel Blooms sits down for a riveting conversation on Jay’s 4 Questions! The multi-talented actress, singer, writer, and comedian talks to Jay about growing up Jewish in Manhattan Beach, her early influences and rise from YouTube viral star to Golden Globe award-winning actress, and her deep connection to Yiddish theater and culture.

Rachel and Jay also address how she is preparing to raise a Jewish child and the power of being vulnerable when dealing with issues of mental health. Tune in to find out whether she prefers rugelach or babka — and why kugel is one of her favorite foods!