Welcome to the Greater Long Beach
and West Orange County Jewish Community

With a Jewish Community of nearly 20,000, the Greater Long Beach area
has become a thriving metropolis and a significant part of the philanthropic landscape.

Learn more about what we do in our community and all across the world.

March 10, 2023

From the Desk of Zach Benjamin

CEO, Jewish Long Beach & Alpert JCC

Leadership is not defined by a singular, static set of skills or characteristics, nor does it carry with it a statute of temporal limitations. Indeed, once one accepts the mantle of leadership, even if a given role may expire after a predetermined timeframe, that individual continues to carry the blessings and burdens of leadership, in many cases, for life. A leader’s primary role is to represent the best interests of those whom they serve, modeling behaviors and making decisions that often create a path of significant challenge and resistance for the leader, but which raise the tide for the constituency. Self- and situational awareness are core leadership characteristics, and it is imperative, both for the individual and her or his community, that a leader recognizes when it is necessary to step back and allow the next generation to carry the mantle forward.

It is in this spirit that I announce that I will be stepping down from my role as CEO of Jewish Long Beach and the Alpert JCC at the conclusion of my current contract in June. Read More.