The Beit HaLev community continues prayers for Israel, the Israel Defense Forces, the safe return of all hostages and a swift end to the Israel-Hamas war. The Torah reading this week is “Chayei Sarah” (The Life of Sarah) from Genesis 24:10-54; the Maftir (the end of the Parashah) is Genesis 25:16-18. Abraham’s beautiful wife and the mother of his beloved son, Isaac, has died. Abraham sends

Bishop Finck will preside over Redeemer Lutheran’s service on Sunday, Nov. 12, with an inspiring message. The Gospel lesson on the 24th Sunday after Pentecost is from Matthew 25:1-13, where Jesus tells a parable about his own second coming, emphasizing the need for readiness at all times. The choir, under the direction of Sharon Heck, will sing “Come, We That Love the Lord.” The Congregational

First Christian Church of Leisure World teaches from God’s word, the Holy Bible, most often verse by verse. It is a friendly church that welcomes all visitors to join in worship and explore God’s word together, “That we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” Romans 1:12. Pastor’s Message Genesis 22:1-12 is a story of how Abraham’s faith was tested

SANTA ANA LIFE CENTER Holy Family Catholic Church members celebrated life on Oct. 22. With the support of its parishioners and good friends, the church was able to put together baby supplies to donate to Santa Ana Life Center. Church members also enjoyed time together with a little reception outside the church, where the director of the Pro-Life Center and a mother came to receive the gifts.

GRF BOARD HIGHLIGHTS by Ruth Osborn communications director The Golden Rain Foundation Board of Directors deferred a report on the 1.8-acre site, approved several capital projects and tweaked policy revisions in a marathon 3.5-hour meeting Oct. 24 in Clubhouse 4. Among the highlights was a report by Victoria Batistelli, the director of group operations at Optum, who told the board

OC VECTOR CONTROL West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitos in Leisure World. People may notice Orange Mosquito and County Vector Control District signs on their daily walks, reminding them how to mitigate mosquito production and protect themselves from infection. The District has collected six positive samples of West Nile virus in Seal Beach mosquitos so far this year, with no reports

GRF STAFFING by Ruth Osborn communications director The Golden Rain Foundation welcomed Dave Potter, CCAM, CMCA, AMS, as the executive manager of Mutual Services starting this week. He was brought on board to fill the position vacated by Mallorie Hall, who was senior director of Member Services. After a year of dedicated service to the GRF, Hall stepped down to pursue new opportunities.

I-405 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Travelers on one of the nation’s busiest highways are about to see their drive improve as two new regular lanes and the 405 Express Lanes are expected to open to traffic Dec. 1, as part of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s I-405 Improvement Project. In advance of the opening, crews have begun testing the 405 Express Lanes. Testing requires closures