Resiliency to thrive

Most people can’t begin to imagine what the Van Beeks went through on their road to creating Temple Isaiah.

The Holocaust survivors had their lives threatened with gas chambers.

Then, during their escape, they once again faced death when their ship exploded after connecting with an underwater mine. Covered in oil and fire, the pair found a way to survive.

After they established a life for themselves in America, their adopted son contracted brain cancer and later died after a long battle.

But Flory and Felix Van Beek carried on, somehow finding a way to survive through all their hardships.

It is only fitting the temple they started with the namesake of their lost son would show just as much resiliency.

The temple, which is led by Rabbi Marc Rubenstein and shares space with Harbor Christian Church on Irvine Avenue, was on the brink of clearing out earlier this year. Attendance was nonexistent, religious activities were pared down to one service a week and board members spoke of its ominous future, according to new board President Michael Jablon.

But it is back and, Jablon hopes, on its way to being stronger than ever.

“We are going to dust off the chair, wipe the calendar clean and then fill it,” said Jablon, who took office this spring.

But it hasn’t been easy.

The Van Beeks, closing in on a century of life, stopped attending the temple due to health issues last year. When their handshakes and gentle greetings ceased, so did attendance. The life of the church, some would say, was held together by the Van Beeks, and without them, it started to fade.

“When they were taken out of the picture, it was almost like someone took the spirit out of it,” Jablon said. “It has been slowly deflating.”

Attendance was down to single digits at times, making it impossible to even celebrate minion at the Friday night services. Minion is a prayer service said in remembrance for the deceased and requires 10 people.

But then Jablon met with Flory.

She placed her hands on his shoulders and told him something he hasn’t been able to strike from his mind.

“‘You have my blessing to make this temple thrive,’” Jablon remembers her saying. “‘In honor of my son.’”

Jablon was inspired. His uncle moved to the area from Florida to help him rebuild the sense of community and bring back those who once frequented the temple and attract some new members. They have plans for a full choir and orchestra, Jewish history and culture classes, Hebrew classes, Saturday morning services for children and adults, guest speakers and the centerpiece — fully attended Shabbat services on Friday nights.

“He has a vision, and it is going to come into fruition. I know it,” Jablon’s uncle, Jeff Stern, said.

But Jablon and Stern need help.

They are asking for assistance from the Jewish community — singers for the choir, musicians for the orchestra, volunteer speakers and financial backers — to help move their plans for change forward.

“We want the temple to become a beacon of light,” Jablon said.

Jablon’s wife, Yvonne, has helped by cooking at the Shabbat dinners that are now seating 40 to 50 people at the table.

In hopes of fostering a full orchestra and choir, they have world-renowned singer Svetlana Portnyansky performing at the services every week.

Jablon believes the temple can fill a void for the community, much like it did for the Van Beeks, who dedicated their lives to their faith.

He wants to bestow that same dedication onto the children of today so they can do the same in the future.

“Thrive from generation to generation,” he said, quoting a Jewish prayer.

— Jack Salisbury contributed to this story.

ABOUT TEMPLE ISAIAH

 Temple Isaiah was founded in the early 1970s.

 It is the second oldest temple in Orange County.

 A conservative worship is held every Friday night; Torah classes are offered Saturday mornings.

 An average ceremony attracts about 50 people.

 The temple is putting together an orchestra and choir open to the public.

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at [email protected].