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The first public meeting to explore the idea of a forming a Jewish congregation was held on June 8, 1968, in a room at Security Pacific Bank. Nick and Erika Schwartz were among the few founders who joined forces and efforts to form Temple Beth Sholom, now Congregation Beth Shalom. Over the years, Nick and Erika served as Men’s Club and Sisterhood presidents, respectively. Both served many years on the Board of Directors - Nick as President and Erika as Treasurer. They have both been quite active in all aspects of the congregation as well as within the Corona community.
The first 18 years:
“To be a practicing Jew in Corona is something like being a
rancher in Manhattan.” As the managing editor of Corona’s
main newspaper continued to write in 1981. "...not outcasts,
certainly, but still an uncommon environment.”
This situation didn’t phase a handful of Coronans who, way back in May of 1968 felt it was time to be uncommon together. Jerry and Sylvia Tarshis, Nick and Erika Schwartz, and Stuart and Joan Halperin were done with traveling to other cities for their spiritual and educational needs. By mail they contacted Jewish acquaintances and those listed in the phone book with Jewish sounding names, stating their intention to form a Conservative congregation in affiliation with United Synagogue of America.
Backing up some, thanks go to Jerry Tarshis’ dogmatic optimism. When Jerry and his family first moved to Corona from Chicago 34 years ago, one of the first things he did was to go to a Jewish-sounding furniture store, introduce himself to the owner, Nick Schwartz, and then immediately inquire as to where one buys kosher meat in this town.
Within three years, Jerry was insisting to Nick and Erika Schwartz that if only 10 families were wiling to form a congregation; it would be worth the effort. (Erika was all for it. Nick, a former president of Corona’s Optimist Club, was hard-pressed to believe it could happen.) They nevertheless joined forces along with the Halperins and conducted a public meeting to explore the idea on June8, 1968, in a room at Security Pacific Bank.
Nearly 70 people attended. The excitement in the air was almost palpable but as what usually happens in a group of strong-willed, verbal people there came an impasse. Jerry pushed through it by stating, “Give us a month and we’ll have Shabbat services. I don’t know who will conduct or where it will be. If you’re interested leave your name; if God wants it, a temple will be in Corona.”
A month latter a triumphant group of people worshiped at Southwest Savings and Loan meeting room with Rabbi Marcus Simmons, father of Grace Fax, who ignored his retirement to volunteer as our first spiritual guide.
After a few articles
and probes, St. Edwards Catholic Church offered us a more convenient place
to grow in one of their classrooms. Especially for those of us who lived
for years in Corona as the “uncommon” element surrounded by
the town’s nisht Yiddishe perceptions and traditions, our first
HIgh Hoy Day services, held at St. Edwards, were an absolute joy and treasure.
In spring of ‘69, Obby Agins found a building and property which
was previously the Free Methodist Church, located at 9th and Sheridan.
The next site took great courage and commitment; the handful of governing
families took the plunge and purchased it in August, 1969, just one year
after the first Shabbat Services.
With the speed and spirit of an Amish barn-raising the families went to
work. The newly formed Sisterhood koshered the kitchen, made curtains,
decorations, created a giftshop, and maintained the social hall to balibatishe
standards. The men held a painting/fixing party where witty Sol Karl handed
out tools, Nick told his latest jokes, George Fox (who became our second
president) painted himself in a corner, Stuart creatively supervised,
etc., etc., etc., and then they rested - except for Obby. He had unceremoniously
become our on-call plumber.
Meanwhile necessary religious articles were donated (many handmade) from the Eternal Light, Torah and Ark to the pews and their cushions. We finished in time for our second High Holy Day services where we maintained the unbelievable awe and joy felt the year before, this time with a synagogue and a name.
That year, members were so bound to each other that it was only natural to celebrate New Year’s Eve together. Quality socializing has continued throughout the 18 years; congregational Shabbat dinners; fundraising rummage sales, a swim party and kosher luau; visits to instituationalized sick and elderly; and educationaly events such as Jewish Book Review Month, University of Judaism Lecture Series, Bible Study, Youth Groups, the ongoing Chavarium (study of ethics) with Orange County Chabad; Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, a wedding, a bris, and baby namings.
The most unusual aspect of this congregation has been our nearly constant rabbi-less status and as such, our reliance on each other’s talents and time... not only to administrate a complex organization, but also to distribute the role of a rabbi - to organize and conduct group worship, education and celebrations while remaining sensitive to the changing needs of all congregants.
Roles have evolved. Henri Sinasohn had been a lay leader of worship at March Air Force Base. After Rabbi Simmons soon went back into retirement, Henri led services while other members contributed readings and D’var Torah interpretations. Henri’s love for smirres, stories and Jewish learning have made him a colorful facilitator. The quality of education, intellect and diversited amongst the rest of the congregants completes the picture.
Each Yom Kippur begins with Stuart Halperin’s deep rendition of the Kol Nidre, his powerful, trained voice setting the ideal mood for the holiest day of the year. Shelly Razin, patiently and lovingly reads the Maftir each year. Each month Moshe Eisen is the Ba’al Torah (Steve Greenspan, alternate) and each week the children sing the Kiddish. . . lately there seem to be as many children as adults - a beautiful sign of growth for the temple.
Whenever there is a need for it, our Hebrew and Sunday schools are in operation. Noga Peles was our first Hebrew teacher in 1968 and Tali Wallach is the current teacher. Sunday school first opened its doors in 1971 with teacher Barbara Chandler, Sheila Lujan currently has fifteen 4 to 6 year olds under her supervision. They’ve learned prayers, decorated the Sukkot, presented a Hanukkah play, given a Purim party and model Sedar. With popsicle sticks they’ve designed their idea of the temple’s future building.
Those kids are clairvoyant.
The adults aren’t using wood and glue yet, but the next step is
clearly to find a new site. (As the joke goes, we can’t rely on
the termites to hold hands much longer.)
Many people’s contributions haven’t been named but the point
is, we have all accomplished a great deal. Our small size hasn’t
exempted us from owning the same problems as do larger congregations,
yet we have maintained an incredible level of excellence for any size
congregation - in worship, education and in the individuals and families
attracted to Corona’s first and only temple.
The next 12 years:
For our High Holy Day services we hired “Cantor” Jeff Schwimmer
to lead. From the first day we met him he has been like family and today
continues to be our Cantor for special occasions. Lee Lewis chaired a
wonderful Break-the-fast, with the baton passed to Karen Spiegel. Everyone
looks forward the incredible spread we enjoy after a day of fasting.
In an effort to progress
forward, five families (true angels) of our congregation pledged to finance
two years of a rabbi’s salary. The search committee forged forward
and with about 20 families, we hired a full time rabbi. Rabbi Steve Kaplan
came from Florida. With the temple offering a full time rabbi, our membership
began to grow. Membership was chaired by Mrs. Rhonda Gilman and her committee
doubled our membership in those two years. We grew in bodies, but financially,
we could not continue full time employment.
During this period of time, two of our spiritual leaders took ill and
passed on, Moshe Eisen and Henri Sinasohn. Their memories will always
be kept close to our hearts as they constantly gave to our congregation.
Our children have fond memories of “Rabbi Henri”. Rabbi Kaplan
left to find full time work outside of California. The search committee
again began their looking.
Rabbi Steve Schatz
accepted our offer to join our synagogue as the Rabbi. He has increased
participation in activities for our members. This includes adult education;
weekly assemblies for our children in religious school, community affairs
(Chamber of Commerce activities as well as involvement in the Interfaith
Association).
Our school has grown, not only in numbers but the spread of ages of our
children. What once was a group of 4 to 6 year olds lead by Pauline Fiardo,
went to a one room school house of kindergarten to six graders under the
supervision of Karen Spiegel to our current ranges of pre-school to pre-confirmation
and several Bar/Bat Mitzvahs on the horizon. Last year our teacher Tammy
Rones combined grades 5, 6 and 7 and this class performed a tremendous
play on Purim. Field trips are a regular part of our curriculum as well
as our children leading our Shabbat services with their classes.
Just 10 years ago, we had 28 children enrolled in our education. Offering Hebrew teachings on Wednesdays by Ms. Jackie Melscher for grades 3, 4 and 5; and Mrs. Rachel Greenspan teaches 6th up to Bar/Bat Mitzvah. On Sundays, there are Pre-K and Kindergarten taught by Mrs. Debora Miller; 1, 2 and 3 taught by Mrs. Sandy Kaye; 4 and 5 taught by Mrs. Inez Trupp; 6 and 7 taught by Mrs. Karen Spiegel.
Our congregation
then faced many of the same challenges that the early years did - including
those thoughts about the termites. An active building committee was formulated
with hopes to enjoy the new facility by the High Holy Days 2000. However
that did not happen. Securing property in the beautiful south Corona area
did.
The Board sold the building at 9th Street and Sheridan in 2000 to acquire
2.2 acres of land in South Corona. This facility will have a shared parking
lot with Corona United Methodist Church.
Throughout the years, many have come to pray with our small group. Memberships in the early days were compiled of Holocaust survivors. Today, the mix is smaller, as many survivors are aged or deceased. The second and third generations of survivors pledge to continue to educate the community to protect and ensure history does not repeat itself.
Today, Congregation Beth Shalom thrives with weekly Friday evening services, occasional Shabbat morning services and a full service Religious School for our youth. Under the direction of Rabbi JB Sacks, the congregation is open to Jewish families who seek to learn more. We have an active Youth Group and a membership that is prepared for explosive growth. Some of the names have changed, yet the same intensity of Jewish pride is within.
Ground breaking for the synagogue’s new home on California Avenue at Chase Drive will begin in spring 2008.
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