A long-standing controversy involving the legality and esthetics of a sexually segregated beach was at least temporarily settled over the July Fourth weekend when the fences dividing the area were washed away by the tide barely two hours after they went up. The barrier was put up by a Long Beach Orthodox community with the approval of City Manager Laurence Farbstein to provide a special swimming area in accordance with strict Orthodox Jewish law.
Despite criticism of the concept by City Council members and Councilman Robert Leslie’s charges that Farbstein was “courting the Orthodox vote” and had acted illegally in granting permission without the authorization of the City Council, Farbstein maintained that his actions were neither political nor illegal. He said he had consulted informally with members of the City Council and had found almost unanimous approval.
Rabbi Lazar Kahanow of the Young Israel of Long Beach synagogue had requested that the beach be segregated, as the 1000 Orthodox Jews in this city of 35,000 could not take full advantage of the waterfront because of religious beliefs, according to Farbstein. “We hope to try again next year,” the rabbi said. “But we’re going to build a sturdier fence.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
