CSP – Jewish Settlement in North America & the Importance of Mobility
This four-part series explores how American Jewish life has been built, rebuilt, uprooted, and re-rooted over 250+ years, tracing a story of mobility, reinvention, and opportunity from colonial port cities to today’s suburbs and Sunbelt hubs. On January 4, Pioneers and Port Cities looks at the Sephardic and Ashkenazic families who first established communities in Charleston, Savannah, Newport, New York, and Philadelphia, and how they navigated religious freedom, mercantile networks, early institutions, and legal rights in a Protestant-dominated society; on January 11, Expansion and Upheaval follows the period from the Revolution through the Gilded Age, including Jewish participation in the Revolution, German Jewish migration and economic ascent, Civil War complexities, and the rise of philanthropy and national Jewish organizations; on January 18, From the Lower East Side to Main Street explores mass Eastern European immigration (1880–1924), urban growth, labor and tenement life, the flowering of Yiddish culture, and the push west and south to places like Boston and beyond; and on January 25, From Suburbia to Sunbelt surveys 1924–2024—immigration restriction, postwar suburbanization, the rise of new Jewish centers outside major cities, the growth of communities in Los Angeles, Houston, Phoenix, Atlanta, Boca Raton, Austin and more, and what American Jewish mobility may tell us about the next chapter ahead.
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Contact
Arie Katz
(949)682-4040
arie@occsp.net
https://occsp.net/
Cost: $0.00
When: Sunday, January 4
From 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Every 7 days until January 25, 2026
Where: Zoom
University Synagogue Presents The 36th Annual Orange County International Jewish Film Festival
Now in its 36th season, the OCJFF showcases Jewish-themed feature and documentary films from November through April. Founded by University Synagogue, the festival welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds.
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Next Film
BLISS (2024)
Famous celebrated actors navigate love, aging and family obligations. Sassi and Effi are a happily married hard working couple when an unexpected visit from their grandson, Omri, sets off a chain of unexpected events. A poignant story with moments of humor touching on aging, love, family and the search for happiness. Their love story is both funny and touching. The characters are relatable and nuanced.
“The acting is wonderful, the script is touching and well translated.” -IMDb
In Hebrew, with English Subtitles
When: Tuesday, January 6
Where: To Be Viewed Online
Solomon Society 2026 Member Kickoff
Come meet the dynamic men of Solomon Society, a premier group of philanthropic guys who subscribe to Jewish values and support our Jewish community through Jewish Federation of Orange County. Whether you are a long-time member, new, or thinking about getting more involved, this night is for you! Please bring a friend to join you!
Make your 2026 Solomon Society commitment now with a donation or via pledge here.
The location for the Solomon Society 2026 Kickoff Party will be provided in the confirmation email following your ticket purchase.
Solomon Society members foster camaraderie and fuel their passion for community building by sharing meaningful experiences and taking on the responsibility for making a positive difference in Orange County and around the world. Solomon Society members are leaders and philanthropists who donate $1,250 or more in support of the Jewish Federation of Orange County Annual Campaign.
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When: Thursday, January 22
From 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Muldoon’s Irish Pub
202 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, 92660
Opening the Dor
Teaching out pre-teens about philanthropy, Jewish identity and heritage.
Focused on experiential learning, Opening the Dor engages pre-teens (6th-8th graders) in three learning sessions focused on Jewish exploration, storytelling, and fun. The pre-teens work together to develop an understanding of meaningful leadership tools to share lessons learned with grandparents, family members and seniors.
Building on the Hebrew term dor (generation), Opening the Dor is a philanthropic program for pre-teens (rising 6th – 8th graders) and their families and seniors. The programs provides seniors and families the opportunity to be active participants and contributors to Jewish legacy building and heritage.
Using a Jewish lens, the kids partake in three learning sessions focused on leadership, philanthropy, and nonprofits. The sessions are designed around experiential learning tools, with a focus on storytelling and fun.
“We achieve greatness by handing our values onto the next generation and empowering them to go and build the future.” – Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Grandparents and families are invited to join the final two sessions, where the pre-teens will lead exercises in philanthropy and nonprofits. Together, the pre-teens with their families, will collaborate in a meaningful, collective giving experience facilitated by the pre-teens.
Cost: Children $54.00
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When: Sundays, January 25- February 8, 2026
From 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Merage JCC
1 Federation Way
Irvine, CA 92603