University Synagogue OC

We recently held our 36th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Interfaith Service with IUCC at University Synagogue led by Rabbi Arnie Rachlis and Reverend Sarah Halverson-Cano. It was a heartwarming evening of song, prayers, and togetherness.

The US and IUCC choirs and Cantor Braier sang and Rabbi Rachlis and Reverend Sarah Halverson-Cano spoke on the topic, “Gratitude In A Time Of Anxiety.”

We also dedicated the “Peace Pole” given to us last year at Thanksgiving by IUCC, in honor of Rabbi Rachlis’ retirement.

Join us for a powerful and moving Holocaust Survivor Talk with Dr. Henry Slucki on 12/5 at 1:00 pm.

Together with our friends at The Craig School, we welcome Holocaust Survivor Dr. Henry Slucki who will share his survivor testimony and a timeline of the N**i occupation of France and how it impacted his family. He will also talk about how he came to the United States, his experience learning English, and what we can do to ensure democracy does not become a "spectator sport."

Dr. Slucki was born in 1934 in Paris, France to Polish-Jewish parents. After N**i Germany's initial occupation of France, Dr. Slucki and his family resettled to the south of France, where they remained until 1942. That year, N**i Germany invaded the whole country, and his family escaped through the Pyrenees. They made this dangerous journey on foot and eventually reached Barcelona, Spain. From Barcelona, Dr. Slucki's parents made the difficult decision to send him to the United States by himself as part of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's initiative to save refugee children. After the war, he moved to Los Angeles, where he became a professor of behavioral science at USC.

Register here: https://www.universitysynagogue.org/event/holocaust-survivor-talk-dr.-henry-slucki.html

Our synagogue is a proud supporter of the OC Pride Parade! Several synagogue members came together to participate in this important community-wide event.

Shana Tovah! We wish everyone a Happy Rosh Hashanah, and a happy, healthy, and sweet new year!!🍎🍯

Our synagogue’s Women’s Connection recently held their Annual Summer Party and everyone had a great time! Everybody enjoyed wonderful olive oils and gourmet small plates by NUVO Olive Oil. We look forward to this fun event every year! ✡️😎