Why I Joined the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys

By Lawrence Lurvey

I enjoy comedy in a scientific way. I like to see the sausage made and really understand what makes people laugh. The great Gilda Radner once said, “Humor is truth, only faster”. But mostly I have been intimidated to explore comedy basics like stand up and improv myself. A few weeks ago, I went to a really great small group podcast session as part of our Jewish Federation’s Ladies of Laughter Comedy Fest event. There was something about coming to our Jewish Federation offices that made me comfortable to explore my interest. And even though I was an outsider to that interest, I knew that I was part of a community, which provides strength. Comedy, I think, like community can lead to truth and meaning, only faster.

I’ve also struggled with finding the right religious community. Some congregations are too big, some too small. Everyone is certainly nice enough, but I just wasn’t feeling it. Being part of our Jewish Federation keeps me connected to the Jewish community, and all of its history and tradition.

Right now, I think it is hard to find community in general. The feeling of isolation is very high in this post-Covid, social media driven, politically chaotic world. I do believe people fundamentally need community. Simply, no one does better alone. The question is how do you find and nurture that community. And although I’m not entirely sure the answer, I wanted to be part of a group asking the same question. The mission of our Jewish Federation is to strengthen and enhance our community by promoting and advocating for Jewish values and Jewish life in the greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. If there is an answer to how to find community, linking to two thousand years of evolving values and traditions is a great place to look.

I’m proud that our Jewish Federation offers programs in the arts and culture, Jewish history, childhood education, scholarship, summer camp, community security initiatives, anti-hate speech response, disaster relief, social services and most importantly a place to find what brings us together. Judaism has an inclusive history even when the world is sometimes isolating. From 12 disparate tribes comes one people with a mandate of tikkun olam, making the world a little better. I joined the board of our Jewish Federation a few years ago, and I am continuously impressed by the dedication and commitment of everyone I come across to making things a little better by bringing people together and building community. There is nothing funny about that mission, but it does bring a smile to my face.