Chabad of the Conejo
On October 7, 2023, Israel and Jews the world over received a harsh wake-up call that rattled our sense of stability and security in a way not experienced in decades. Our collective shock, horror, anger, grief and sorrow in the wake of the savage attacks was further exacerbated by the vile displays of antisemitism by many in their aftermath.
Yet rather than have us cower in fear or surrender to despair, these events have served to reawaken the heart and soul of world Jewry - motivating us to do everything in our power to support Israel in its quest to decisively defeat the forces of evil, to reassert our sense of pride in our identity, and to rededicate ourselves anew to our heritage and tradition.
"Chazak V'amatz - be strong and valiant" means that Am Yisrael, globally, shall emerge from the tragedy of October 7 stronger and more united than ever. It means that our community, locally, can look forward to a yet bigger and bolder Jewish future for the Conejo Valley.
On June 18, 2024, friends and supporters of Chabad of the Conejo will come together at the Four Seasons Westlake to celebrate this spirit and promise - with strength, courage and resolve.
As newspapers, websites and TV news stations blare the latest headlines of acts of terror and anti-Semitism being committed around the world in the name of religion, no less the depth of World Jewry’s sense of identity, solidarity and resolve is being tested in ways that have not been seen in decades.
read moreIt is amidst this unsettling state of affairs that the theme of Chabad of the Conejo’s 2015 campaign will be “Chazak” a galvanizing call to the Jewish community to stand as strongly and as proudly as ever with Israel and for the ideals of goodness, decency and truth that are at the core of the Jewish idea.
The campaign will culminate in “An Evening of Jewish Song and Solidarity” on Wednesday, June 10, at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, featuring Dudu Fisher in concert and a special guest appearance by Tony Orlando.
The event will also pay tribute to Martin Glade, a courageous survivor of the Holocaust, and his wife, Sandi Glade, a distinguished humanitarian and community activist, who will be jointly receiving the “Champions of the Spirit Award.” “The mission of Chabad is to heighten Jewish awareness amongst all segments of the community,” said Rabbi Moshe Bryski, Executive Director of Chabad of the Conejo. “It is because our programs and activities are, by definition, welcoming and accepting of all that the environment we create is one in which every Jewish man, woman and child is proud to stand up and be counted
“Whether it’s a child learning the basics of Judaism and why Israel is so essential to his or her identity; an adult gaining new insights into the moral, ethical or philosophical underpinnings of Jewish theology; a family having the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat or a Jewish festival as part of a warm and dynamic community; a lonely senior being visited with love and good cheer; a child with special needs enjoying social opportunities that were once unconceivable let alone accessible; a person in the throes of financial or emotional crisis getting help; Chabad of the Conejo is bringing out the best of what human beings can aspire to, even as the world is bearing witness to the worst of what human beings can descend to.”
The upcoming Evening of Jewish Song and Solidarity will be taking place as Chabad of the Conejo is seeking to strengthen and broaden the scope of its educational and outreach programs especially those designed to engage the younger generation, bolster Jewish pride and make the case for Israel. In the months ahead, the organization will be opening its newest center in the Conejo Valley’s North Ranch, under the direction of Rabbi Shlomo and Tovi Bistritzky.
Recent events hosted by Chabad’s Conejo Jewish Academy, including a lecture by Dennis Prager on the topic, “Why is Israel so Isolated?” and an encounter with Israel’s Chief Rabbi David Lau, on “American Jewry and the State of Israel” both held at the Westlake Hyatt Hotel were attended by hundreds of participants. Huge numbers from throughout the Conejo Valley Jewish Community likewise turned out to “stand united in sharing the lights” at Chabad’s nightly Chanukah events, including a major festival at the picturesque Shoppes at Westlake Village.
“Every bit of darkness in which the enemies of Israel and of peace seek to engulf our world must be countered with new saturations of light,” said Rabbi Yisroel Levine, Director of Development of Chabad of the Conejo. “For every bit of hate they spew, we must respond with hundred-fold measures of love; for every bit of fear they seek to strike in our hearts, we must embolden our sense of pride, faith and resolve; and for every falsehood they seek to propagate, we must intensify our efforts to educate and disseminate truth especially amongst our youth.”
Chabad’s youth department was recently infused with a fresh boost of energy with the hiring of its two new Co-Directors the newest Shluchim to the Conejo Valley: Rabbi Mendy and Mushka Friedman. While Rabbi Mendy will head up Chabad’s accredited and acclaimed Hebrew High program, his wife, Mushka, a native of the Conejo Valley, will focus her talents on its Hebrew School. Together, the couple will be introducing an entire new slate of youth programs for kids of all ages, including the national “CTeen” program, which provides multi-layered outlets for Jewish teens to meet on a regular basis for ongoing educational, social and humanitarian projects and activities. The program will also offer a college-prep module, designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors for the challenges they’re bound to face in the near future in campus environments that have been growing increasingly hostile toward Jews and toward Israel in recent years.
As Chabad enters its 36th year of strengthening Jewish pride and building Jewish community life throughout the Conejo Valley, some two thousand people are expected to attend its upcoming Evening of Song and Solidarity, highlighted by an entertainer famous for his diverse range of talents and broad crossover appeal. Beyond being captivated, delighted and entertained, all in attendance are sure to be uplifted and inspired to “Stand Strong” and “Stand Proud” now as much as ever!
Sponsors of the evening will be invited to partake in an exclusive pre-concert “Patron’s Cocktail Reception.” Sponsorship levels include orchestra tickets, mention in the evening’s printed program and on the “Scroll of Honor” to be displayed on the theater-screen. For sponsorship categories and packages, please see the journal & reservations.