We cried, we laughed, we were all kinds of frustrated in 2023. But still, there was a sense of community in Laguna Woods last year.
On Oct. 9, residents of all religions and ethnicities came together to mourn the victims of the brutal Hamas attack on Israel just two days before. As the shock reverberated through the community, nearly 300 residents gathered for a prayer vigil outside Clubhouse 1 hastily arranged by Rabbi Joe Mendelsohn of the Reform Temple of Laguna Woods.
Resident Paula Kruger expressed what no doubt many at the vigil thought: “I felt anger. I kept asking myself, ‘For what purpose was this done? Why? What did they hope to accomplish?’”
Vigil speaker Rebeca Gilad offered a prayer for peace and God’s compassion not only for Israel, but throughout the world.
“May we see the day when war and bloodshed cease … when the human family will not know war,” she said, tears filling her voice. “Enough is enough. What is happening to the world?”
The sense of community was evident, too, at year-end celebrations. A diverse crowd of residents gathered for the tree lighting ceremony at Clubhouse 1 to hear Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs.
Same with the menorah lighting, which came exactly two months after the attack on Israel. Marking the start of Hanukkah, the ceremony brought pride, hope and traditions to Clubhouse 1.
“The holiday involves God’s intervention – a miracle, so we must be proud and hopeful,” said resident Margot Gilison.
The African American Heritage Club saw its biggest and most diverse crowd yet at its annual Kwanzaa celebration at Clubhouse 5, with more than 80 people in attendance, said club President Annie McCary, adding she was amazed by the turnout.
Esther Wright, a member of the Reform Temple who was celebrating Kwanzaa, perhaps said it best: “This event sums up the diversity of this community and the beautiful relationship people have with each other and the fact that so many here are sharing a…
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