Who We Are

P'nai Or (" Faces of Light") is a warm and welcoming Jewish community in Long Beach that joyfully embraces Judaism through Torah, prayer, learning and song. We draw on the wisdom from all traditions of Judaism and are not affiliated with any specific denomination or movement.  We are a diverse community, open to all who wish to walk a Jewish path together and to deepen their Jewish spirituality and practice.

Spiritual Leadership 

Cantor Steven Puzarne is a prominent Los Angeles leader in progressive Judaism. Upon graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts  in Sociology in 1973 he went on to receive his Bachelor of Sacred  Music from Hebrew Union College School of Sacred Music in 1982 and later, an Honorary Doctorate from the school in 2009. Over the years, Cantor Puzarne  has been a Cantor, and Educator, both in northern and southern California, at synagogues including Rodef Shalom in Marin County, Sinai Temple in Oakland, Kehillat Israel in Pacific Palisades,and Beth Shir Shalom in Santa Monica.

In addition to his work as a Cantor and Educator, "Cantor  Steve" has held the following positions of distinction:

·        Founder and Executive Director of Breeyah, whose mission is to enhance Jewish life through music and spirituality. Steve plays 12-string guitar, bass guitar, flute, saxophone, ethnic drum and flutes.

·        Co-creator of Nes Gadol which provided Bar and Bat Mitzvah  training to Special Needs Children.

·        Creator and Executive Director of Vision of Wholeness, a spiritually rooted therapeutic program for children with Autism and other developmental challenges.

He is a member of the Los Angeles Chapter and Rabbinic Cabinet of Jstreet; member and convention presenter for the American Conference of Cantors; and member of the Pastoral Advisory Committee , Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. 

On a personal note, Cantor Puzarne dedicates time to Middle East Peace work as well as Interfaith and Community organizations. We can't leave out that he has a  great love for animals (and has recently lost his dog and best friend of 16 years, Buster), that he studies meditation (even silent retreats!), loves to cook, bake and run on the beach.

You can reach Cantor Steve at Cantor@pnaior.org