The first public meeting to explore the idea of a forming a Jewish congregation was held on June 8, 1968, in a room at Security Pacific Bank. Nick and Erika Schwartz were among the few founders who joined forces and efforts to form Temple Beth Sholom, now Congregation Beth Shalom. Over the years, Nick and Erika served as Men’s Club and Sisterhood presidents, respectively. Both served many years on the Board of Directors – Nick as President and Erika as Treasurer. They have both been quite active in all aspects of the congregation as well as within the Corona community.
The first 18 years:
“To be a practicing Jew in Corona is something like being a rancher in Manhattan.” As the managing editor of Corona’s main newspaper continued to write in 1981. “…not outcasts, certainly, but still an uncommon environment.”
This situation didn’t phase a handful of Coronans who, way back in May of 1968 felt it was time to be uncommon together. Jerry and Sylvia Tarshis, Nick and Erika Schwartz, and Stuart and Joan Halperin were done with traveling to other cities for their spiritual and educational needs. By mail they contacted Jewish acquaintances and those listed in the phone book with Jewish sounding names, stating their intention to form a Conservative congregation in affiliation with United Synagogue of America.
When Jerry & Sylvia Tarshis and his family first moved to Corona from Chicago, one of the first things he did was to go to a Jewish-sounding furniture store, introduce himself to the owner, Nick Schwartz, and then immediately inquire as to where one buys kosher meat in this town.
Within three years, Jerry was insisting to Nick and Erika Schwartz that if only 10 families were wiling to form a congregation; it would be worth the effort. (Erika was all for it. Nick, a former president of Corona’s Optimist Club, was hard-pressed to believe it could happen.) They nevertheless joined forces along with the help of Stuart & Jo-Ann Halperin, they conducted a public meeting to explore the idea on June 8, 1968, in a room at Security Pacific Bank.
Nearly 70 people attended. The excitement in the air was almost palpable but as what usually happens in a group of strong-willed, verbal people there came an impasse. Jerry pushed through it by stating, “Give us a month and we’ll have Shabbat services. I don’t know who will conduct or where it will be. If you’re interested leave your name; if God wants it, a temple will be in Corona.”
A month latter a triumphant group of people worshiped at Southwest Savings and Loan meeting room with Rabbi Marcus Simmons, father of Grace Fax, who ignored his retirement to volunteer as our first spiritual guide.
After a few requests, St. Edwards Catholic Church offered a more convenient place to grow in one of their classrooms. Especially for those of us who lived for years in Corona as the “uncommon” element was the first High Holy Day services, held at St. Edwards, were an absolute joy and treasure.
In spring of ‘69, Obby Agins found a building and property which was previously the Free Methodist Church, located at 9th and Sheridan. The next site took great courage and commitment; the handful of governing families took the plunge and purchased it in August, 1969, just one year after the first Shabbat Services.
With the speed and spirit of an Amish barn-raising the families went to work. The newly formed Sisterhood koshered the kitchen, made curtains, decorations, created a gift shop, and maintained the social hall. The men held a painting/fixing party where witty Sol Karl handed out tools, Nick told his latest jokes, George Fox (who became our second president) painted himself in a corner, Stuart creatively supervised, etc., etc., etc., and then they rested – except for Obby. He had unceremoniously become our on-call plumber.
Meanwhile necessary religious articles were donated and many handmade from the Eternal Light, Torah and Ark to the pews and their cushions. We finished in time for our second High Holy Day services where we maintained the unbelievable awe and joy felt the year before, this time with a synagogue and a name.
That year, members were so bound to each other that it was only natural to celebrate New Year’s Eve together. Quality socializing has continued throughout the 18 years; congregational Shabbat dinners; fundraising rummage sales, a swim party and kosher luau; visits to institutionalized sick and elderly; and events such as a Jewish Book Review Month, University of Judaism Lecture Series, Bible Study, Youth Groups, the ongoing Chavarium (study of ethics) with Orange County Chabad; Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, a wedding, a bris, and baby naming’s.
Roles have evolved. Henri Sinasohn had been a lay leader of worship at March Air Force Base. After Rabbi Simmons soon went back into retirement, Henri led services while other members contributed readings and D’var Torah interpretations.
Each Yom Kippur begins with Stuart Halperin’s deep rendition of the Kol Nidre, his powerful, trained voice setting the ideal mood for the holiest day of the year. Shelly Razin, patiently and lovingly reads the Maftir each year. Each month Moshe Eisen is the Ba’al Torah (Steve Greenspan, alternate) and each week the children sing the Kiddish. . . there seem to be as many children as adults – a beautiful sign of growth for the temple.
Whenever there is a need for it, our Hebrew and Sunday schools are in operation. Noga Peles was our first Hebrew teacher in 1968 and Tali Wallach was the next teacher. Sunday school first opened its doors in 1971 with teachers Barbara Chandler, Sheila Lujan had fifteen 4 to 6 year olds under her supervision. They’ve learned prayers, decorated the Sukkot, presented a Hanukkah play, given a Purim party and model Sedar.
The next 12 years:
For our High Holy Day services we hired “Cantor” Jeff Schwimmer to lead. From the first day we met him he was like family and continued to be our Cantor for special occasions. Lee Lewis chaired a wonderful Break-the-fast, with the baton passed to Karen Spiegel. Everyone looked forward the incredible spread we enjoy after a day of fasting.
In an effort to progress forward, five families (true angels) of our congregation pledged to finance two years of a rabbi’s salary. The search committee forged forward and with about 20 families, we hired a full time rabbi. Rabbi Steve Kaplan came from Florida. With the temple offering a full time rabbi, our membership began to grow.
Following Rabbi Kaplan, Rabbi Steve Schatz, from Fountain Valley, CA accepted our offer to join our synagogue. He increased participation in activities for our members. This includes adult education; weekly assemblies for our children in religious school, community affairs (Chamber of Commerce activities as well as involvement in the Interfaith Association). Rabbi J.B Sacks join us for the next 6 years until his departure in 2008.
An active building committee was formed to find a new facility. Securing property in the beautiful south Corona area did. The Board sold the building at 9th Street and Sheridan in 2000 to acquire 2.2 acres of land in South Corona. The new facility opened on April 5, 2009 on California Ave in South Corona.
However with the downturn of the economy in 2008-2012 time frame it was necessary to give up the building on California Ave. and adjust to the economic conditions of the times without stressing the congregation with a large financial burden.
Currently CBS facility is located at 500 Harrington St. Suite A1 & A2 , in Corona of River and Cota Sts. With about 4400 square feet, this serves the congregation very well and within our budget.
Today, Congregation Beth Shalom thrives with weekly Friday evening services, twice a month Shabbat morning services and a very active Religious School for our youth.
Under the direction of Cantor Bruce Shapiro, the congregation is open to Jewish families who seek to learn more. We have an active Youth Group , Brotherhood, Sisterhood and a membership that is prepared for explosive growth. Some of the names have changed, yet the same intensity of Jewish pride is within.