Welcome to Hazak!
Hazak Calendar
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August 13 (Wednesday): NEW HAZAK SUMMER PICNIC IN THE PARK. Join Hazak friends at Encino (Genesta) Park (northeast corner) at 10:30am for fun, conversation, and camaraderie. Bring a lunch, a chair, and yourself. RSVP HERE.
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September 8: OPENING DAY HAZAK MONDAY! Stay tuned for details later in the summer.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION:
Hazak Annual Membership Fee
$36 for VBS Members
$50 for Non Members
Upcoming Events
RSVP HERE
SAYVA Events
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF IN YIDDISH
Sunday, September 14 at 3:00pm
Go to sayva.us for more information
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.)
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:
Sharon Bressler, Chair
Art Cohen, Treasurer
Eileen Sudeck, Programming Chair
Brian Link, Communications & Marketing Chair
Louise Spitzer, Membership Coordinator
Roz Ross, Activities Coordinator
General Members:
Joel Hyatt, Advisor
Bill Green, Advisor
Lina Carmely
Helen Dosik
Gail Gold
Loren Kleinrock
Judy Geller-Wollstein
As of July 1, 2025
Hazak Calendar
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Hazak Summer Picnic
Wednesday, Aug 13th 10:30a to 12:30p
