Guardians

RECENT EVENT:

On a warm and lovely Sunday evening, October 20, more than 50 Guardians gathered just before sunset in the spacious back yard of Doug and Keri Axel's Pasadena home for our annual Guardian cocktails and dinner event. It was also the night of Game 6 of Dodgers v. Mets, and there happened to be a big screen TV in the back yard so it's no surprise that some of the crowd seemed to gravitate closer to that section of the yard (Dodgers won!). But the wine and drinks were there too, so it's hard to say for sure what the specific geographic was. Yet, despite the lure of baseball, soon after their prompt arrival at 5 pm, many folks stood together, mingled, had some delicious appetizers and drank some of the aforementioned wine. 

As we stood closer to the Axel's backyard sukkah (assembled with the help of PJTC's USY group), we heard from Jack Singer about the Temple with an update on the Rabbi Search (it's ongoing!), and we heard a lovely story from Cantor Ruth about the meaning of sukkah. Then it was time for a fantastic salmon and couscous dinner (with a tasty lemon vinaigrette sauce), home-made marinated carrot strips on the side, and cherry tomato and mozzarella mini brochettes. Dessert was a selection of brownies, cookies, and coconut dream bars (courtesy of Porta Via). The event was planned to end at 7 pm, but the majority of folks were still sitting and talking (and a few were watching the Dodgers dominate the Mets), past 7:30 pm. A great time was had by all. 

Anyone can become a Temple Guardian by pledging or donating a minimum of $1,000 to the Temple general fund. Donating more is fine and encouraged! Guardians are mainly a donor group (which started more than 40 years ago), with 2 events per year traditionally. Our next event is a State of the Temple bagel brunch, to be held Sunday Feb 2 at 10 am in the Social Hall. 

PAST EVENT:

On Sunday February 25, 2024, we had our annual business meeting and bagel brunch. We enjoyed a fabulous buffet catered by Nancy Carlton and her crew. Piles of lox; fresh bagels; home cooked spinach, egg, and potato pie; fresh fruit; and scrumptious coffee cake. All free if you were a Guardian. Thank you also to Marcia Alper and Ellen Knell, our greeters, Ira Blitz, our intrepid photographer, and to Melissa Levy and Jack Singer for their time and presentations.

At our meeting, our visiting guest, Rabbi Beals, presented a D’var Torah and led the motzi prayer before we ate. We heard from Executive Director Melissa Levy about membership and engagement, with some great news and some challenges they are tackling. Our membership is growing—we have 49 new member families since last year, the Religious School enrollment has reached 141 kids, and there are 26 stundents becoming B’nai Mitzvah next year. President Jack Singer shared extensive and detailed information about the State of the Temple. According to Jack, “we are in the midst of some major changes, but change is also an opportunity.” He shared some future plans including some planned facilities upgrades.

PLEDGE FORM: 
To fill out the pledge form online for 2024-2025, click here. 
To print a PDF of our 2024-2025 pledge form, click here. 

Please Return the Signed Pledge to the Temple office:
1. Fax the signed pledge to: (626) 798-8410
2. Scan and e-mail it to melissa@pjtc.net or theresa@pjtc.net.
3. Mail it to or drop of at the Temple:
          Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center
          1434 N. Altadena Dr.
          Pasadena, CA 91107-1489

TESTIMONIALS: 
Stay tuned for testimonials from a few of our Guardians! 

Thank you for choosing to support us in our sacred commitment to sustain a vibrant Jewish community for years to come.  Your generosity will allow us to continue to provide loving kindness, spiritual meaning, pastoral support, educational excellence, religious celebration and family enrichment to our members and to the greater community. 

If you have any questions, please contact the office at 626-798-1161 or info@pjtc.net.