Sinai Temple Gala, New JFSLA Board Chair

Sinai Temple held its “Come Together” gala on June 12. 

The evening honored Jamie and Joel Berman. The Bermans are longtime leaders at the Conservative congregation and in the community. Jamie served as board president from 2019-2021 and led the Westwood-based community through the pandemic lockdown. 

“What Jamie was able to accomplish in the midst of all of this tumult and difficult was quite remarkable,” Sinai Temple Senior Rabbi David Wolpe said. “She was able to provide leadership to a community that felt at times alone, afraid, fractured – all the things that people felt through a worldwide pandemic.”

In pre-taped remarks, Sinai Temple Rabbi Nicole Guzik called Jamie Berman a “visionary.” Meanwhile, Sinai Rabbi Erez Sherman said, “When the pandemic hit, Jamie Berman sought a vision of Judaism that would continue beyond.”

The celebratory evening in the congregation’s Barad Hall, marking the community’s return to in-person events, featured international cuisine from Pat’s Restaurant and Catering, dancing and more.

Jewish Family Service Los Angeles (JFSLA) has appointed Randy Magnin as chair of the organization’s board of directors for the 2022-2024 term. 

“I want to thank the Jewish Family Service LA Nominating Committee for selecting me to be Chair,” Magnin said in a July 21 statement. “When I look at the unbelievably high-quality names on the list of past Chairs of this Board, it’s hard for me to believe that I’m here as Chair of this great Agency. I will work hard to and sincerely hope that I live up to the faith that has been placed in me.”

Magnin joined JFSLA more than 30 years ago as a member of the JFSLA Young Leaders group. A longtime board member who has also served as the agency’s treasurer and chair of the finance committee, he is a graduate of the University of Southern California and a certified public accountant in Beverly Hills. 

At JFSLA, he has helped ensure the funding has become more secure and better administered. 

He and his wife, Kim, have been married for more than 30 years and have two young adult children. 

The agency also announced six new members of the board, including Michael Gendler, Monique Maas Gibbons, Rachael Kallick, Georgette Morrow, and Dustin Rosen.

JFSLA provides a comprehensive network of social services to people in need, including individuals and families of all ages and identities. Its programs serve Los Angeles’ aging population, survivors of domestic abuse and their children, those suffering from mental illness as well as at-risk children and their families.