Introducing Erik Ludwig
What an inspiring start to 5786!
On behalf of the Jewish Long Beach Board of Directors, we are thrilled to announce that Erik Ludwig will join Jewish Long Beach as our permanent CEO!
Our vision was bold: to bring together the Alpert Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Federation of Long Beach and West Orange County, and the Jewish Community Foundation into one unified, thriving organization dedicated to engagement across our entire community, providing a strong central address for Jewish life, Jewish representation in the broader community, and financial sustainability, l’dor, v’dor. Thanks to the extraordinary transitional leadership of Zach Benjamin, the interim leadership of Deborah Goldfarb and Mark Rothman, and the dynamic and dedicated staff, we have achieved that vision. Today we stand on solid ground. We are strategically focused, mission-driven, financially strong, and no longer three separate agencies. We are one institution, one powerful engine for program integration, leadership development, community engagement, fundraising, and philanthropic stewardship.
One team. One vision. One future.
Erik’s record of achievement is recognized throughout national Jewish community leadership. Upon hearing the news, Zach exclaimed “What a great fit for the community! If the mission of any Jewish institution is ultimately to ensure the continuity of Jewish community, identity, and peoplehood, then Jewish Long Beach has achieved a moment to be savored and celebrated, and I feel honored and fulfilled to have played a small role in helping it reach this era of strength.”
Deborah echoed that enthusiasm: “Erik brings vast experience, skills, and the expertise needed to run a complex organization, and his commitment to the Jewish people’s future will be a great asset in helping Jewish Long Beach to continue to thrive.”
And Mark reflected: “It has been a highlight of my career to support Jewish Long Beach during its transition. I am particularly excited that Erik Ludwig will be that leader. He possesses a profound and exciting vision for how he will guide Jewish Long Beach to be an even bigger and more vital organization, and one that will be sustainable unto the next generation.”
Erik comes to us with deep roots in Jewish communal leadership and a personal connection to Long Beach. He currently serves as CEO of the Jewish Federation of Orange County. He was the longtime Director of the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, COO at the United Jewish Federation of Utah, and program director at JCCs in Utah, Arizona, and the Bay Area. Long Beach has been home to Erik and his family for the past decade, making this new role especially meaningful.
In Erik’s words:
“Long Beach has been home for our family for the past decade, which makes it a special honor to join Jewish Long Beach as its CEO. This season in the Jewish calendar calls on us to reflect and embrace new beginnings, and I am excited to work in partnership with our Board, professional team, and entire community. Together, we can dream, innovate, and nurture a Jewish renaissance—one that honors our traditions, strengthens our connections, and builds a vibrant, enduring future for Jewish life here in Long Beach, in Israel, and around the world.”
On this 11th day of Tishrei, we stand 5,786 years into the song of our peoplehood. After the intensity of Yom Kippur, when we confront our flaws, we begin to flourish again. We embrace all that we have learned and accomplished, start to build the sukkah, gather the community, prepare for joy. It is such an honor for all of us on the Board of Directors to be a part of that joy and share in it with the community that we love.
Erik will officially begin his role in November, with Mark Rothman continuing to guide us as Interim CEO during this transition.
L'Shalom,
Richard R. Marcus, Ph.D., President
Lynne Kass, President-Elect