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Sharon Schatz Rosenthal

Sharon Schatz Rosenthal

Twinning builds friendships between U.S. and Israeli youth

The goal is to maintain a strong bond between Jews in the United States and Israel. Currently, 18 Los Angeles schools participate in the program. Participating students, or \”delegates,\” range from fifth to 11th grade, depending on the school.

Temple bingo — a gamble if it’s a good way to raise funds

Typically associated with American Legion halls, Elks clubs and churches, the sedentary game that caters to seniors is not often associated with Jewish houses of worship. But a few synagogues across the Southland have offered weekly bingo nights as temple fundraisers for decades

One more time around

Finding love a second or third time is not always so effortless, but 52 percent of men and 43.5 percent of women remarried in 2004, according to a 2007 U.S. census bureau report. And Jews are no exception.

It’s a nice day for a green wedding

With our country\’s growing concern about the environment, many couples are choosing to have eco-friendly weddings. Jewish brides and grooms-to-be in the Southland are no exception.

Looking forward and giving back

When Richard Weiner and Judith Forman geared up for their November nuptials last year, they didn\’t register at Crate & Barrel, Macy\’s or Bed, Bath & Beyond.

\”We\’re 65 years old,\” chuckled Weiner, a Philadelphia lawyer who has become bicoastal since marrying his Manhattan Beach bride. \”We\’re at an age when you start getting rid of stuff, not getting new stuff.\”

Teen makes a difference for orphans in Kenya slum

After Ryan Silver returned home from a trip to Africa with his family, he began preparing for his bar mitzvah. Without hesitation, he knew that his mitzvah project would involve helping the children in the orphanage he visited in a Nairobi slum. Between the guests\’ donations and his own, Silver raised more than $2,700. In addition to completing a Jewish rite of passage, Silver was pleased that his celebration helped educate others about the plight of the children in Africa and to ultimately offer financial support.

How to reduce restlessness among tweens and teens at services

Author Gail Anthony Greenberg attributes the change to a societal trend empowering kids to make their own decisions. \”These days, we give children more latitude,\” she added. As a result, many rabbis, administrators, parents and even bar mitzvah party vendors take preventative measures to quell chatty, restless or precocious preteen guests from being disruptive at bar mitzvah ceremonies and receptions.

Siblings show they have write stuff

For Daniel and Lauren, becoming authors has also meant serving as peer educators.

\”I told my friends that I wrote a book about the Holocaust, and at least three of them didn\’t know what it was,\” said Daniel. Lauren had a similar experience.

How to choose an Israel summer program

After her USY trip last summer, Daniela Bernstein, 16, of Los Angeles is already thinking about returning. \”The trip cultivated my love of Israel and the complete realization of how crucial Israel is to Judaism and the Jewish people,\” said Bernstein. \”I am already planning my next visit.\”

After School Is Prime Game Time for Kids of All Needs

\”I wanted to be a coach because I like sports,\” said Gaskin of her involvement with the Prime Time Games program.

The Pacific Palisades resident initially took on the responsibly to fulfill an outreach requirement for her bat mitzvah last spring. The experience has satisfied more than a ceremonial obligation.

\”I feel good because I\’m helping other people,\” Gaskin said.

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