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Adult Learning
- Hazak
- Sayva: A New Approach to Positive Aging
- EFSHAR presents The Mystical Journey: A Month of Learning
- Talking Torah with Rabbi Lebovitz
- Weekly Torah Study with Rabbi Feinstein
- Thinking Aloud with Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz
- Discovery Circle
- VBS College of Jewish Studies
- Miller Introduction to Judaism (AJU) at VBS
- VBS Book Club
- Lunch and Learn
- The Inner Life of Men
- Adult B'nai Mitzvah Program
- OurSpace: The Artistic Spectrum of Jewish Learning for Adults
- Melton School
- Harold M. Schulweis Institute
- VBS YouTube Video Archives
- VBS Digital Media Projects
- Pray
- Volunteer
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Hazak Senior Community
Welcome to Hazak!
HAZAK CALENDAR
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Hazak Monday: December 2 (10am-2pm). See below. Join in person or on YouTube.
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VBS Hazak Trip to Santa Susana Railroad Depot & Museum: Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00am. RSVP HERE
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Special Hazak Hanukkah Monday: December 16 (10am-2pm). RSVP for Hanukkah Luncheon HERE. Join in person or on YouTube.
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HOLD THE DATES - First Semester Hazak Monday Schedule
- December 2, 16
- January 13, 27
Hazak Monday
VBS Hazak First Semester Program
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December 2 at 10:00am: Hazak Monday. "Banned in the USA: PEN America and Defending the Freedom to Read" with Nicholas "Niko" Perez; and "Innovations in Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Supportive Services for Child Holocause Survivors" with Charles D. Kaplan, PhD. Followed by Torah Study or Hot Topics Discussion Group (Sign-up Information for Hot Topics Discussion Group below.)
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In person and available streaming on YouTube.
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December 16 at 10:00am: Hazak Monday. "Intro to Great Decisions in US Foreign Affairs" with Brian Link; and "The Life and Times of the Spanish Converso, Pablo de Santa María" with Judith Krieger MacPherson, PhD. Followed by Torah Study or Hot Topics Discussion Group (Sign-up Information for Hot Topics Discussion Group below.)
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In person and available streaming on YouTube.
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RSVP for Hazak Hanukkah Lunch / Party HERE
Must preregister by 12/9 at Noon
Upcoming Events
Click Flyer to RSVP
SAYVA Events
Go to sayva.us for more information
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Read Hebrew America: Learn Hebrew in Three Weeks
Want to read Hebrew with your grandchildren or become more comfortable reciting the Mourners Kaddish? This three week session, led by Lynn Bernheim, a retired director of Temple Ramat Zion's religious school, aims to teach or enhance Hebrew reading skills over six lessons. Lynn experienced in teaching adults Hebrew, will facilitate the sessions, which will be held at Chatsworth from 2:00 to 3:30 pm on the following dates: Mon., Nov. 18; Thurs., Nov. 21; Mon., Nov. 25; Mon., Dec. 2; Thurs., Dec. 5; and Mon., Dec. 9. REGISTER HERE
SCHULWEIS INSTITUTE INTRODUCES
A NEW PODCAST SERIES
Moral Courage: From the Study of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
This series shares Jewish ideas and conversations --inspired by the works of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis—that make Jewish wisdom more accessible, inclusive and relevant to today’s complicated world. Rabbi Schulweis made Judaism approachable and accessible. He believed that humanity could do divine work in the world, trying to make it a better place. He was a co-founder of the anti-genocide program Jewish World Watch, and said that Jews have a moral responsibility to help those who are suffering, wherever they are. He was also the founding Chair of the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, recognizing Christians who saved Jews from the Holocaust. His is a voice that we need now, as the world is fraught, in constant conflict, with suffering and irresponsibility both in abundance, to give us direction and hope.
An introductory trailer to the series, as well as our first conversations, are now online, featuring an introduction by Mayim Bialik
Listen wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, etc.)
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RENEW YOUR VBS HAZAK MEMBERSHIP NOW
- If you are a VBS member, be sure to check the Hazak box to renew your Hazak membership in your VBS Membership Renewal Packet at $36 per person for the year.
- If you are not a VBS member, please renew now online at https://www.vbs.org/form/Hazak-Membership-2024-2025 at $50 per person for the year.
- If you are a VBS Premier member over age 65, your Hazak membership is included by request as part of your Premier membership. Please make that request.
Hazak Needs You!!
For the 2024-2025 year ahead, we need your help to participate and contribute to the following Committees in order to continue to see Hazak grow and thrive. Please review and respond for the groups you would like to be part of.
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Member Affairs Team – join the team to welcome and sustain members, greet participants, outreach to possible members, contact members for special events. Leader: Louise Spitzer
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Hazak Monday Programming Committee – come up with topics and speakers and help organize our ongoing Hazak Monday programming. Co-Chairs Sharon Bressler and Eileen Sudeck
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Hazak Events/Activities Planning – help develop a calendar and program of events and activities such as field trips, tours, Hazak dinners, Jazz Nights, Game Days, exercise class, etc. Leaders include: Joel Hyatt, Lina Carmely, Roz Ross
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Marketing & Communications Committee – work together to support and improve Hazak communications (eBlasts, emails, printed materials) and market and promote Hazak within and outside of VBS. Chair: Brian Link
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Hazak SchmoozeLetter Editorial Team – contribute articles, photos, cartoons, memoirs, columns, or your proofreading skills to keep our fledgling newsletter going. Editor in Chief: Brian Link.
Email vbshazak@vbs.org to indicate your interest to get involved.
VBS Hazak (for 60+)
Over 22 years ago, Rabbi Harold Schulweis (z”l) challenged a group of senior VBS members to design a program for seniors that would establish a setting at VBS for learning, socializing, and fellowship.
That pioneering group of volunteers developed the basic structure for the program that continues and grows today.
the VBS Hazak Community at Valley Beth Shalom is a vibrant Jewish community of VBS and non-VBS seniors committed to:
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Lifelong Learning
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Rich array of programs, including Hazak Mondays, Lunch and Learn, small discussion groups, classes, movies
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Building Relationships and Connections
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Social time, Hazak Shabbat dinners, small groups
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Service, Sharing, Caring
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Volunteer activities with Hazak, Early Childhood Center, VBS Schools, Food Bank, Homelessness Task Force
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Active, Positive Aging
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Healthy living programming, Walk with the Rabbi
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We welcome any VBS or non-VBS senior (60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 100’s) to join our active community.
Hazak Steering Committee
Officers:
Joel Hyatt, Chair
Bill Green, Assistant Chair
Art Cohen, Treasurer
Louise Spitzer, Membership Coordinator
Sharon Bressler, Program Subcommittee Co-chair
Eileen Sudeck, Program Subcommittee Co-chair
General Members:
Candace Blaz
Lina Carmely
Helen Dosik
Gail Gold
Loren Kleinrock
Brian Link
Judy Geller-Wollstein
Hazak Calendar
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Monday ,
DecDecember 2 , 2024Hazak Monday
Monday, Dec 2nd 10:00a to 2:00p
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Monday ,
DecDecember 9 , 2024Hazak Memoir Writing Group
Monday, Dec 9th 10:00a to 11:00a
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Wednesday ,
DecDecember 11 , 2024VBS Hazak Santa Susana Railroad Depot & Museum Tour
Wednesday, Dec 11th 11:00a to 2:00p
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Monday ,
DecDecember 16 , 2024Hazak Monday
Monday, Dec 16th 10:00a to 2:00p
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Monday ,
DecDecember 16 , 2024Hazak Hanukkah Lunch/Party
Monday, Dec 16th 12:15p to 1:45p
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Monday ,
JanJanuary 13 , 2025Hazak Monday
Monday, Jan 13th 10:00a to 2:00p
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Monday ,
JanJanuary 27 , 2025Hazak Monday
Monday, Jan 27th 10:00a to 2:00p
Recent Programming
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION:
Hazak Annual Membership Fee
$36 for VBS Members
$50 for Non Members
Hazak members support the VBS Food Bank.
Bring donations to VBS each Hazak Monday.
QUESTIONS? Call the VBS office at (818) 788-6000 or vbshazak@vbs.org for additional information.
Wed, November 20 2024
19 Cheshvan 5785
Hazak Membership
Hazak Membership Fees:
VBS Members: $36
Non-VBS Members: $50
CLICK HERE to register for the First Semester
Membership year is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
If you are a VBS Premier Member over age 65, Hazak membership is included as part of your Premier membership upon request. Be sure to request it.
Contact Hazak
Questions? Email vbshazak@vbs.org
Hazak is funded in part by Mount Sinai Memorial Parks