The Circuit

A Valley-able Ally

Rabbi Harold Schulweis of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino presented Allyn and Jeffrey Levine with the University of Judaism’s (UJ) Award of Merit, in recognition of their contributions to the community. Rabbi Bradley Artson, dean of the UJ’s Ziegler School, and the honorees’ daughters, Francine and Lauren Levine, led the birkat hamazon. David Kaminer played keyboard at the tribute breakfast.

Prager Meister

Master of Ceremonies Dennis Prager takes the cake at the Late-Onset Tay-Sachs Disease Foundation’s fundraiser at the Woodland Hills Country Club. Also helping raise awareness of the degenerative disease was Bonnie Pastor, president of the Foundation’s Pacific Southwest Chapter. Research has uncovered that one in 25 Ashkenazic Jews carry the disease.

Two Days in the Valley

Young Leadership Division and the Ben Gurion Society of The Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance co-sponsored “Souled Out,” a reception held at the home of Kim and Rob Cavallo. Alternative pop group the Goo Goo Dolls played for 200 people at the private dinner event.

On a separate occasion, Valley Alliance members were also treated to “Viewpoints,” a theatrical performance featuring a troupe of Israeli and Arab performers. The piece, which promoted cross-cultural tolerance, featured a new song by composer Marvin Hamlisch, who played musical accompaniment at the event. Tel Aviv-Los Angeles Partnership, an overseas beneficiary of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, sponsored the troupe’s tour.

Triple Play

The Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance Women’s Department announced its 2000-2001 award recipients. Jill Rosenberg, Ellen Silverman, and Susan Frydrych were all honored for their community activism at the installation meeting of the Women’s Department, held at the El Caballero Country Club.

Winging It!

Former Presidential Press Secretary Dee Dee Meyers addressed an audience of top donors at Valley Alliance’s annual Major Gifts Event. The first woman and youngest person ever to serve as White House Press Secretary, Meyers held the position during the early years of the Clinton Administration. She currently serves as a consultant on NBC’s “The West Wing.”