On any given Sunday, there are more community-bonding events going on than you can shake a lulav at. Take June 10, when The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and Anti-Defamation League (ADL) buzzed with activity.
At the Federation, Fashion Division and KOCHAV events took place simultaneously. Camp Max Straus Clothes Day attracted a block-long line of Latino and Africa American families with children spending the summer at the Jewish Big Brothers’ camp. The giveaway offered free uniforms, Beanie Babies and kaleidoscopes, donated by various sponsors. Manning the tables at the Fashion Division event were volunteers from all Federation departments. Radio Disney AM 710 kept spirits high by blasting pop music.
"Every year I’m [doing] socks," said Shawn Mendel, only half joking about his annual beat. Jeff Mirvis — whose father, Bob Mirvis, started the giveaway — said, "When I found out that these kids dream of going to summer camp, it moved me."
Steve and Pam Hirsh, Brian Weitman, Maxine Meyer and Fashion Division Chair Howard Gillman participated.
Inside the Federation building, KOCHAV and Synagogue 2000 members rehearsed Adat Ari El’s One Shabbat Morning. Rabbi Mark Diamond, Rabbi Moshe Rothblum and Cantor Ira Bigeleisen gave the new monthly service a dry run.
An ideal morning overall for Federation President John Fishel, who felt the events symbolized "the two polarities of our Jewish community — the social justice and the spiritual."
At the ADL’s Westside headquarters, public school students gathered for the culmination of their two-year program Children of the Dream (initiated by Marjorie Green and Bette Weinberg), which fosters tolerance through dialogue and creativity. A mural they collaborated on with artist Todd Becraft was unveiled.
"They care a lot about what’s going on," said George Hill, director of operations at L.A. Works, which dispatched Becraft. They’re not cynical."
David Lehrer, ADL’s Western Region director, added: "These children are the future."
On display on the ADL building’s western wall, the mural depicts Angelenos smashing through a "wall of hate," the flying bricks bearing the words "bigotry" and "discrimination."
