We’re excited to launch our Community Corner—a new space on our website dedicated to sharing events, initiatives, and opportunities happening beyond our regular University Synagogue programming. Whether it’s a volunteer opportunity, community gathering, or a cause close to your heart, this page helps connect our members with the broader community.
Have something to share? Submit your event, opportunity, or information so we can help spread the word through our Community Corner and e-newsletter. Let’s stay connected, support one another, and celebrate what makes our community vibrant and engaged.
Appeal for Jewish Cuba
The small, resilient Cuban Jewish Community is now facing an acute, compounded crisis following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa.
This crisis has been catastrophically worsened by the hurricane's impact on the eastern provinces, home to several of our smaller Jewish populations. This situation has pushed essential services past the breaking point, forcing families to make an impossible choice between securing basic necessities like food, medicine, and maintaining electricity.
We are issuing an urgent call to Jewish organizations, synagogues, communities and partners worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, to provide critical support during this difficult time.
Our immediate objective is to establish new partnerships and humanitarian exchange channels to facilitate the direct and efficient delivery of essential support and relief to those affected.
We are proudly partnering with Jewish Cuba Connection Inc., a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit, to channel support directly to those most in need. Every dollar ensures immediate relief for essential items. For donations please visit: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/1688825
Your engagement and collaboration are vital for sustaining our community and its heritage on the island. For more information on how to get involved beyond financial contributions, please contact us without hesitation.
“Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh”
Todah Rabah and Shabbat Shalom,
William Miller
JFCS Support Team Volunteers Needed
University Synagogue is partnering with Jewish Family & Children's Service to offer a hands-on way to help refugee families in our community.
Join a Support Team
Volunteer 3–4 hours a week to assist with:
- Rides, tutoring & forms
- Cultural support & mentoring
Especially needed now as agencies face budget cuts.
Get Started
Join or form a team (5–8 people), attend an info session, complete brief training and a background check.
Learn More
To learn more about this impactful opportunity and to express your interest, please contact Kaitlyn Siegel, Volunteer & Engagement Coordinator, at ksiegel@jfcslobc.org or call 714.881.8835 Ext. 2238 or visit https://jfcslboc.org/refugee/support-teams/.
This program is partially funded by the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County.
READ MORE ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITYCuba Mitzvah Mission: Travel with Purpose
Join a powerful 8-day journey blending cultural exploration and community service. Connect with Cuba's vibrant Jewish community, support local programs, and enjoy unforgettable experiences. Brought to you by Escapes Unlimited.
Highlights include:
- Meet Cuban Jewish leaders and learn about Jewish life in Cuba
- Deliver aid to senior centers and engage in hands-on service
- Celebrate Shabbat at Beth Shalom Synagogue and Patronato
- Tour historic Havana, visit the Jewish Cemetery, and explore Trinidad
Upcoming Trip Dates:
- Dec 4–12, 2025
- Jan 22–29, 2026
- Feb 19–26, 2026
Price includes luxury lodging, most meals, tours, and visa. Please note: Space is limited to 22 participants.
Be part of this meaningful mitzvah experience. Travel with heart, give back, and discover the resilience of Jewish life in Cuba.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTERNew Israel Fund NIF
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the New Israel Fund (NIF) has launched a global campaign to provide urgent relief. Partnering with trusted organizations—including World Central Kitchen, Clean Shelter, and Standing Together—NIF is helping to deliver food, clean water, shelter, and protection for aid convoys.
While NIF typically funds work within Israel, this exceptional campaign reflects a commitment to Jewish values of compassion, justice, and the sanctity of human life. Learn more or contribute at nif.org.
CLICK HERE TO DONATEUrgent Call for Immigration Attorneys
As you may be aware, ICE has begun deportation efforts in Santa Ana. While educational institutions have not yet been directly targeted, El Sol Science and Arts Academy—an organization with a long and meaningful partnership with University Synagogue—is concerned that schools may soon be affected.
In response, Marshall Kaplan, a longtime advisor to El Sol and a member of our congregation, has assembled a group of pro bono attorneys with immigration law experience to assist El Sol families and students who are living in fear. However, additional legal support is urgently needed.
949-689-5003 or mkaplan@pathopps.org
Your support can make a real difference in protecting vulnerable members of our extended community.
1st Gen American Podcast
In the latest episode of his podcast First Generation American, University Synagogue member Jeff Toporek sits down with fellow member Bonita Jaros for a rich and engaging conversation about her Ladino heritage. Bonita shares memories of growing up in a vibrant Ladino-speaking community in New York and reflects on the language, culture, and traditions that helped shape her identity.
You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
Have a first-generation American story to share? Reach out to Jeff to get involved.
Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring Rabbi George and more—coming soon!
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