What does it mean to grow up with a profound sense of Jewish identity, values, and history? For Chaya Leah Sufrin, an alumna of Hebrew Academy in Orange County, this question has guided her life’s work. In an exclusive feature for The Jewish Long Beach Chronicle, Chaya Leah shares how her personal roots—as a child of Holocaust survivors and a student at Hebrew Academy—instilled in her the strength and resilience she now brings to Jewish advocacy.
Growing up in Long Beach, surrounded by a community committed to Jewish values and education, Chaya Leah saw firsthand what it meant to carry forward her family’s legacy. Her years at Hebrew Academ, coupled with the guidance and support of her family, shaped her as a proud Jew, equipped to face adversity and stand up for her beliefs. Today, as the Executive Director of Beach Hillel and a powerful voice for Jewish education and continuity, Chaya Leah is on the frontlines, empowering the next generation to stay connected to their heritage and lead with pride.
In the article, Chaya Leah reflects on the lasting impact of her Hebrew Academy education, the guidance of her family, and the values that continue to inspire her advocacy. She shares heartfelt advice for parents, students, and community members who want to ensure a strong Jewish future—grounded in identity, tradition, and resilience.
Read the full article in The Chronicle to follow Chaya Leah’s inspiring journey from student to leader and learn how Jewish education, a cornerstone in preserving our identity, can create lifelong connections, reinforcing the importance of our collective role in this mission.
