In a move that many see as a turning point for the future of Jewish education in Los Angeles, the Jewish Federation ofGreater Los Angeles board agreed last week to almost double the amount that the Federation gives to Jewish day and Hebrew schools.
Even the Jewish institutional mainstream beganopenly challenging Israel\’s policies, with delegations expressingconcern over everything from peace talks to religiouspluralism.
In 1854, 30 self-described \”Israelites of this city\” founded the Hebrew Benevolent Society to serve their religious,social and philanthropic needs. Not only was the society the city\’sfirst Jewish organization, but it was also the first charitable groupof any kind in Los Angeles.
California\’s insurance commissioner has promised to use the power of his office to help thousands of the state\’s residents collect on unpaid insurance policies stemming from the Holocaust era.
Telescoping a planned two-day visit into one day to keep his datewith the Jordanian monarch, Netanyahu displayed unflagging stamina, aquick sense of humor, and considerable deftness in turning asideunpleasant questions from polite but generally undemonstrativeaudiences.
The big stories of the year were not Jew vs. Black, or Jew vs.Gentile, but Jew vs. Jew — a continual war of words fought overreligion, sex, politics and history. At least we can\’t be accused ofpettiness.
The urgent telephone call came on Monday, Oct. 20, for Rabbi JohnRosove of Temple Israel of Hollywood. A crisis was brewing in Israel,said Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, head of the Association of Reform Zionistsof America.
It is our Jewish concern for human welfare that takes the rabbis where the needs exist. It is the United Jewish Fund\’s concern for justice and human need that directs Federation support to the chaplaincy program.
Mickey Weiss, everybody\’s favorite mensch and philanthropist, diedmore than a year ago, but his good works go on.
The 1997 Community Awards, which recognize outstanding achievementin the Jewish community, were given out during a special meeting ofthe Federation\’s board of directors at Sephardic Temple TiferethIsrael.
