As I walked through the grounds at the Jewish Home for the Aging (JHA), I noticed a man in a wheelchair reading a magazine. It was called “Life Extension.”
I had to laugh. Someone must have strategically placed this magazine, like a prop, for the interview I was about to conduct. Talk about life extension! My subject, Sylvia Harmatz, could be the poster child. She’s 107 years old.
And for the sixth year in a row, Harmatz will be grand marshal of the Dec. 4 Walk of Ages, a 5K walk/run to raise funds for the JHA’s vital services.
She called JHA “a haven for people who have nowhere’s else to stay, like me. I sometimes wonder how in the world can they like so many people? They are so good to everyone!”
Since so many people seem interested in living forever, Harmatz is, of course, repeatedly asked: “What’s your secret?”
She smiles sweetly, showing great patience: “I don’t know.”
She doesn’t eat meat, but she does like candy, “because I need something to replace the meat.”
I told her my 14-year-old son would like that strategy. She laughed.
We sat a moment, and then Harmatz said, “You know, my husband lived to 104.”
In fact, Sylvia and Louis Harmatz were married for 80 years.
“He was very much in love with me,” she told me, with a smile.
I said maybe it was love, not a special diet, that contributed to their longevity.
“I think so,” Harmatz agreed. “We were very close. He wanted to be with me all the time. He never walked with me that he didn’t hold my hand. He was afraid I was going to run away from him, because I always walked so fast!”
The couple, who met at a dance in Brooklyn, married in 1921. They continued to love dancing and had a chance to waltz together after they moved to the JHA in 1994.
“We were always together,” Harmatz recalled. “He used to get up at night and cover me [with a blanket], to make sure I wouldn’t catch a cold. He took care of me. And I don’t know why, because I was always very strong and independent. I guess he noticed that I needed to be taken care of. When he passed away, I reassured him that I wouldn’t be long, that I’d be coming to meet him soon. But it hasn’t been that way.”
Harmatz laughed, but looked a little sad.
Born in Hungary in 1898, her earliest memories are of her father, a rabbi.
“He took me everywhere with him,” she said. “And I remember him teaching the children who couldn’t speak Hungarian, so they could learn too. I loved to sit and listen to him.”
Harmatz had her fourth birthday on board the ship to America.
Life was hard in this new country, says Harmatz, but she has fond memories of her parents’ relationship.
“My mother was very beautiful and they were very much in love. I used to know when they were going to have relations because [my father] used to leave his yarmulke on the bed.” Harmatz said with a laugh. “He was telling my mother, ‘Don’t forget, I’ll be there tonight!'”
Her father died at 42, leaving his wife with nine children. Harmatz started working at 13 to help out, then went to night school to become a nurse.
After marriage, she became a homemaker, raising the couple’s two daughters. There are now five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
In 1935, Sylvia and Louis decided to come West, and settled in Hollywood. “I used to go downtown for seven cents on the Red Car!” Harmatz said.
Her political involvement as an avid Democrat goes at least as far back as Franklin Roosevelt. “Politics was my piece de resistance!” said Harmatz, who would go door-to-door seeking donations. “I knocked at a door once and [asked for] a dollar. The woman says, ‘No I’m a Republican.’ So I said, ‘You don’t have to apologize to me, all you have to do is change your affiliation!'”
One thing that pleases Harmatz about being the grand marshal is riding in a convertible. In fact, last year when it rained on the parade, someone suggested they put up the top, but Harmatz wanted it left down.
“I’m not a fussy person, but I do like a red convertible,” she said, laughing. I asked her if red is her favorite color. “Yes, I like red. In fact, I’m going to be buried in a red dress with polka dots.”
Harmatz has been interviewed by CNN, local newspapers and radio stations. I asked if she likes being a celebrity.
“It’s not important to me,” she said. “I like it because it’s helping the Home. I want the Home to have everything they need. They asked me, ‘What do you want for all your trouble?’ I said, ‘I want a little plaque that says: You too can be involved.'”
For registration and sponsorship for Walk of Ages VI, call (818) 774-3100 or visit www.walkofages.kintera.org.
It’s unfortunate that David Klinghoffer sets up a number of straw men in his condemnation of my speech warning about certain efforts to Christianize America.
By pointing out the various Muslim anti-Jewish activities during the week I made my remarks, Klinghoffer suggests I’m focusing on the wrong threat.
In fact, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has been at the forefront of efforts to expose Islamic extremism, if only Klinghoffer were interested. The very week that I spoke, ADL ran advertisements in The New York Times and The Hill calling on the world to stand up against Iran and take concrete steps against its Islamic government in light of the call by Iran’s president to “wipe Israel off the map.”
On the subject of the film based on “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” being shown on Arab TV, for two years we have been working with the U.S. State Department and the American Embassy in Cairo to pressure Egypt and other Arab countries to stop airing anti-Semitic TV series. ADL regularly reports on anti-Semitism in the Arab media, keeping our Web site updated daily.
In other words, Klinghoffer is engaging in demagoguery when he suggests we’re ignoring the threats from the Islamic world.
Regarding evangelical support for Israel, the ADL always has encouraged it. When many in our community were raising questions about such support, we asserted that it was important — in a world where Israel has many enemies — to bolster support from evangelical Christians.
We also said all along, however, that in order to achieve that support we would not abandon our principles of keeping America the kind of society in which there is tolerance and in which Jews don’t feel excluded in any way.
My speech had nothing to do with Christians’ right to express their values and religious beliefs or to “influence the culture in what Christians regard as a spiritually healthful direction.” Of course they have such a right.
Indeed, the ADL has been very energetic in advancing that part of the First Amendment that calls for the “free exercise of religion.” We believe religion is a critical institution and value that makes America great, and should be encouraged.
I have no doubt that others, following Klinghoffer’s lead, will accuse me of all kinds of things — being anti-religious, anti-Christian, claiming that evangelicals are anti-Semitic or undermining support for Israel.
None of these accusations is true.
I have worked all my life to improve relations between Christians and Jews. I have not hesitated to acknowledge and comment on the significant reductions in anti-Semitic attitudes and policies by Christian churches. I have encouraged evangelical support for Israel and the free-exercise rights of all religions.
What my speech did deal with, and what I believe is a new development in American life, is a desire by some groups to coerce Americans to subscribe to a narrow religious perspective that will result in exclusion, both practically and psychologically, for Jews, other religious minorities, nonbelievers and even many Christians.
When the Alliance Defense Fund says “court victories are vital steps to … reclaim the legal system for Jesus Christ,” that points to its intention to threaten the pluralistic society that is at the heart of Jewish security in America.
When D. James Kennedy, head of Coral Ridge Ministries, says, “Our job is to reclaim America for Christ whatever the cost and to exercise godly dominion Over every aspect and institution of human society,” that’s not the America that I know.
When the Texas GOP platform says the United States is a Christian nation and that the separation of church and state is a myth, that’s not merely a matter of expressing one’s religious views.
When hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funds are appropriated for religious institutions without prohibitions against proselytizing, or when the U.S. Air Force Academy — a federally funded institution — is a place where Jews and other non-evangelicals feel religious coercion, then something is amiss.
As the head of an organization that fights for free expression of religion, that believes religion is an important part of a healthy American democracy and that has encouraged evangelical support for Israel, I’m very aware of how important these issues are.
In the long run, however, what has made American Jewish life a uniquely positive experience in Diaspora history and enabled us to be such important allies for the State of Israel is a pluralistic, tolerant and inclusive American society. If those who seek a coercive America would have their way, American Jewish life would fundamentally change.
We believe the American people as a whole value such a society. We also believe that to alert the public to gathering threats to that kind of society serves America, the Jewish community and ultimately American Jews’ ability to support Israel in its quest for peace and security.
Finally, it’s sad that Klinghoffer has to resort to the charge that my speech was all about raising money. Disagree with me, make your arguments — but don’t resort to inappropriate accusations.
Abraham H. Foxman is national director of the Anti-Defamation League and author of “Never Again? The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism.”
“The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway. There’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the 24th, and I am longing to be up north.”
While it isn’t likely the above stanza sparks many memories, the next line should: “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas.”
Bing Crosby’s popular version of the song — introduced in “Holiday Inn” (1942) and later sung in “White Christmas” (1954) — cut out the satirical introduction.
The nonreligious holiday song, written in 1940 by Russian Jewish immigrant Irving Berlin (né Izzy Baline), the son of Orthodox Jews, was the best-selling record of all time for more than 50 years.
Ironically, the song was written as a sort of parody to the nostalgic type of Christmas song that “White Christmas” eventually became, according to Jody Rosen, author of “White Christmas: The Story of an American Song” (Scribner, 2002).
This year, despite our city’s lack of snow, Los Angeles will get a white Christmas when the musical — based on “a Russian-born cantor’s son’s ode to a Christian American holiday,” as Rosen puts it — opens at the Pantages Theatre. The show is simultaneously premiering here, in Boston and San Francisco, with no plans yet to mount a national tour.
As in the movie, the stage version tells of two Army buddies/entertainers who have to save a snow-starved Vermont inn run by their former general. At the same time, the duo falls in love with a pair of singing sisters. David Ogden Stiers of the TV show, “M*A*S*H*,” heads back to the barracks in the role of the general.
The new 1950s-looking musical is sort of a love letter to Berlin, with songs from the film, like “Blue Skies” and “Count Your Blessings,” plus gems added with permission from the Berlin estate, like “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and “Happy Holidays.”
While at first glance, “White Christmas” might look Christian, Berlin’s timeless homage to glistening treetops is really about winter — and a longing for a more innocent time where the right lyric could work magic.
“White Christmas: The Musical” plays through Jan. 1 at Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre. For more information, visit An X-Mas Like No Other Read More »
Artist Joyce Weiss’ paintings may give you that déjà vu feeling for a couple of reasons. Her latest works, showcased in her “Dreamscapes” exhibition at the Alpert JCC’s Gatov Gallery, are meant to evoke “the fantasies that elude us in our waking hours.” Or, it could be that you’ve seen similar works of hers on “Friends” or “NYPD Blue.”
3601 E. Willow St., Long Beach. (562) 426-7601.
Sunday, November 27
A two-fer worth checking out today is Laurelgrove Theatre Company’s “States of Mind,” a production of two Yale Udoff plays titled “Nebraska” and “The Little Gentleman.” The plays shed light on mankind’s selfish tendencies, whether in the scope of world politics, or the family home.
3 p.m. (Sun.), 8 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.). $20. Hollywood Court Theatre, Hollywood United Methodist Church, 6717 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles. R.S.V.P., (323) 692-8200.
Monday, November 28
In an oil on canvas titled, “Red Heifer III: The Presenter (We Come in Peace),” a woman sits, with an olive leaf in her mouth, astride a red heifer. It’s a thought-provoking and provocative image, and the one the artist Karen Leibowitz, chose to represent her latest exhibition of paintings and drawings. It, as well as her other images of women in Jewish mythology, can be seen at UCLA Hillel’s Dortort Center for Creativity in the Arts.
To hear works of L.A. Jewish composers exclusively, attend the Jewish Music Commission of Los Angeles’ “A Little Jewish Night Music” this evening. The classical music of Aminadav Aloni and Robert Strassberg, as well as a world premiere of composer, producer and symphonic conductor Michael Isaacson’s “The Shul in My Right Mind,” will be performed.
The 21st Israel Film Festival’s opening gala happens tonight, with the showcase of Israeli films continuing through Dec. 15. Attend this evening’s festivities, honoring important contributors to Israeli cinema, then catch the screening of “What a Wonderful Place,” Israel’s official entry for best foreign language film at the 78th Academy Awards.
Michael Raynor’s acclaimed one-man show, “Who Is Floyd Stearn,” has returned to Hollywood. Follow Raynor’s journey as he seeks answers about the biological father who died before he had a chance to know him. Was Floyd a brilliant engineer or a bum, a loving father or a deadbeat dad?
Released the same year as Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” the documentary “Sister Rose’s Passion” tells the lesser-known story of Dominican nun Sister Rose Thering, who battled anti-Semitism in the church her whole life, and played an integral role in the drafting of Nostra Aetate, the document that positively changed the Catholic Church’s position on Jews. The film’s director, Oren Jacoby, presents a screening as part of ALOUD at the Central Library.
7 p.m. Free. Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, Fifth and Flower streets, Los Angeles.
Theodore Allan Benaron died Oct. 25 at 76. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Ruth (Frank) Rodriquez, Marsha and Judy; and one grandchild. Malinow and Silverman
Beatrice Clara Boyer died Oct. 27 at 88. She is survived by her sons, Mark and Richard; daughter, Sharon Kline; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Groman
Lillian Eva Cooper died Oct. 22 at 94. She is survived by her sons, Steve (Donna) and Philip; and granddaughter, Nicole. Mount Sinai
Maurine Cowan died Oct. 26 at 75. She is survived by her husband, Robert; sons, Eric, Jeff, Howard and Barry; 10 grandchildren; and sister, Ruth Sigman. Groman
STEVEN ALAN DAVIDSON died Oct. 26 at 55. He is survived by his mother, Ann; sister, Linda (Gary) Goldfein; niece, Courtney; and nephew, Kevin. Hillside
Phyllis Ann Dembicer died Oct 22 at 74. She is survived by her husband, David; sons, Daniel and Dr. Joshua; daughters, Robin (Dr. Reynold) Stein and Melissa (William) Hargiss; nine grandchildren; and brother, Michael Kahn. Chevra Kadisha
STELLA DERSHEWITZ died Oct. 26 at 91. She is survived by her daughters Enid (Igo) Kantor and Gail; and three grandchildren. Hillside
Bernard Finkle died Oct. 26 at 84. He is survived by his daughter, Claudia. Mount Sinai
Shirley Fischer died Oct. 22 at 84. She is survived by her son, Sam; daughter, Keri (Stan) Hausner; and granddaughter, Danielle Hausner. Mount Sinai
Rosanne Begard Foster died Oct. 25 at 93. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Kennedy; and two grandchildren. Groman
ALLEN FOX died Oct. 27 at 70. He is survived by his wife, Jeanine; son, Richard; sister Sybil Fein; and cousin, Ginette Mizraki. Hillside
Murray Gesshel died Oct. 24 at 68. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughters Nancy (Marcello) Rachilewski and Diana; son, Dan (Arcy); and four grandchildren. Malinow and Silverman
EDITH GINSBURG died Oct. 22 at 99. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Gootkin, three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Hillside
Edith Gitelstein died Oct. 25 at 91. She is survived by her daughters, Ruth (Ron) Amen and Brooke Lefferts; and one grandchild. Malinow and Silverman
Anne Gleimer died Oct. 27 at 87. She is survived by her son, David; brothers, Harry and Simon Hershfeld; and sisters, Sylvia Frank and Leona Slater. Groman
ABRAHAM GOLDBERG died Oct. 26 at 82. He is survived by his wife, Alice; son, Mitchell (Miriam); daughter, Cheryl Schmidt; and six grandchildren. Sholom Chapels.
Barbara Hamer died Oct. 25 at 77. She is survived by her husband, William; sons, Jeff (Deborah) and Marc; and three grandchildren. Mount Sinai
JUNE ORAH HAASE died Oct. 22 at 71. She is survived by her son, Tom Troccoli; and mother, Jean Desmond. Sholom Chapels.
Minnie Horowitz died Oct. 25 at 84. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth and Gerald (Jaime); daughter, Doris (Stephen) Finestone; and six grandchildren. Mount Sinai
Minnie Jaffee died Oct. 21. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Lee; sons, Howard (Suzie) and Bruce (Ann Rogers); seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother, Bernard Wenst. Mount Sinai
Lucian Karp died Oct. 24, at 81. He is survived by his son, James (Vivien); daughter, Sandra; and grandchildren, David and Jennifer. Mount Sinai
Katie Korman died Oct. 26 at 82. She is survived by her husband, Jerry; and daughter, Sherrie. Mount Sinai
Ruth Goldschmidt Kunzer died Oct. 9 at 90. She is survived by her sister, Miriam Solomons; nieces; nephews; cousins.
Robert Ellis Levin died Oct. 27 at 76. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter Victoria Zito; sons, Steven (Robyn) and Ira (Kelly); and one grandchild. Malinow and Silverman
DR. KLAUS LEWIN died Oct. 25 at 69. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Dr. David, Dr. Nicola and Dr. Bruno; and five grandchildren. Hillside
Ellen Litsky died Oct. 25 at 94. She is survived by her daughter, Paula (Dr. Alan) Kanter. Malinow and Silverman
Sedal Lurie died Oct. 25 at 81. She is survived by her sons, Jeff and Rick; and two grandchildren. Groman
ARNOLD LUBIN died Oct. 24 at 79. He is survived by his wife, Elsye; sons, Jeff (Barbara) and Dean (Adriane); four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sister, Shirley Polier. Hillside
Michael Marker died Oct. 25 at 70. He is survived by his wife, Honey; sons Richard and Kenneth; daughters-in-law, Kathy and Cindy; sister, Betty (Al) Haagen; five grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bill (Bobbie) Porter; sisters-in-laws, Barbara and Dorothy Porter; four nephews; and three nieces. Hillside
IRWIN MASON died Oct. 25 at 82. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Randy; and one grandchild. Hillside
Mildred Miller died Oct. 22 at 89. She is survived by her son, Harvey; daughters, Jan Greif and Beverly Morhaime; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Groman
Albert Murray died Oct. 26 at 89. He is survived by his daughter, Sheila (Elliott) Lokitz; son, Ken; three grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Mount Sinai
ROBERT NINBERG died Oct. 26 at 80. He is survived by his wife, Sue; daughters, Naomi (Jeff) Kalvin and Karen (Roy) Schwartz; son, Darrell; and six grandchildren. Sholom Chapels.
RENEE PEREZ died Oct. 23 at 49. She is survived by her daughter, Nicole; brother, Alan Nierob; father, Jack Nierob; and sister, Doris Levy. Hillside
Jerry Ravitsky died Oct. 27 at 86. He is survived by his domestic partner, Alfred Gernsbacher; brother, Sherman Ravine; niece, Harriet Margulies; nephews, Sid (Gloria) Kassler and Jerry Mathews; and great-nephew, Bruce (Yvonne) Kassler. Mount Sinai
SARAH BUCHSBAUM RING died Oct. 21 at 85. She is survived by her daughters, Sheila (Andy) Garb and Judy (Richard) Ellis; stepchildren, Jori (Richard) Carmel, Francie Iglow and Robert (Susan); five grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one stepgreat-grandchild; and sister, Eleanor (Leonard) Mann. Hillside
Charlotte Samuelson died Oct 22 at 97. She is survived by her son Albert Selleck. Chevra Kadisha
TED SCHOENBERG died Oct. 12 at 86. He is survived by his wife, Marj; sons, Frank (Claudette), Gary (Laurie), Mark (Robert) three grandchildren; and brother, Bob . Hillside
Alexander Shwarts died Oct. 22 at 83. He is survived by his wife, Tamara; daughter, Anna Goodman; and grandchildren, Eric and Michelle Goodman. Mount Sinai
Rose Sharfstein died Oct. 24 at 97. She is survived by her daughter, Frances Shiffman; grandchildren, Michael Shiffman and Lisa (Mark) Schaffer; and great-grandchildren, Scott and Emily. Mount Sinai
Benjamin Siegel died Oct. 25 at 53. He is survived by his wife, Rachel; sons, Elliot, Joshua and Avi; mother, Annie; and brother, Stanley. Mount Sinai
Marilyn Milou Sorkin died Oct. 24 at 67. She is survived by her husband, Joel; daughter, Jill (Douglas) Lieblein; four grandchildren; and sister, Phyllis Bloom. Malinow and Silverman
Edith Sultan died Oct. 22 at 86. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra; and sons, Gary and Michael. Groman
Seymour Spector died Oct. 21 at 79. He is survived by his son, Gregg (Cora); daughters, Hilary Koloff and Debby D’Innocente; and four grandchildren. Mount Sinai
Lee Weinstein died Oct. 22 at 85. She is survived by her sons, Harvey (Gemma), Frank, and Sheldon (Leslie); eight grandchildren; great-grandchild; brother, Phil Kaminsky; and sister, Hilda (Fred) Michaelson. Mount Sinai
PAUL MAURICE WEINSTEIN died Oct. 24 at 91. He is survived by his wife, Tessie; sons, Stuart and Barry; daughter-in-law, Kathy; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sister, Evelyn Evans. Hillside
Isadore Widre died Oct. 21 at 83. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; son Mark; stepson, Brian (Mary) Jaye; stepdaughters, Karen and Robin Jaye; five grandchildren; and sister, Dorothy Goldsmith. Mount Sinai
Yevgeny Vayngurt died Oct 23 at 81. He is survived by his son, Arkady. Chevra Kadisha
I was really quite shocked at the noose on the cover to illustrate the articles on the [scheduled] execution of Stanley Tookie Williams (“Should Tookie Die,” Nov. 11). Pairing lynching imagery with a discussion about the controversial impending death of a black man is quite crass and inappropriate.
I understand that as a publication you have to try your darndest to put interesting pictures on your covers to attract readership or some type of attention to your magazine. But this is just ignorant and obnoxious.
Seeing this cover does not make me want to read The Jewish Journal; it just makes me question the integrity of it.
Randie Welles Barnard College
Your latest issue, in which a large noose is shown with the words “Should Tookie Die?” is highly offensive. In a city as racially diverse as Los Angeles, I expect more from a publication about Jewish issues. Your cover is insensitive and shows a callous disregard for the feelings of African Americans in your city.
Michael Sales Via e-mail
It never ceases to amaze me how people will fight to save the lives of convicted murderers. As it is, the death penalty in California is practically a joke. Letting Tookie Williams live would do nothing to change this. I have no doubt Williams has changed and repents his former life as a gangbanger, and founder of the most notorious street gang in Los Angeles — too little too late. The fact that he was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize means nothing. After all, Yasser Arafat was awarded this very prize! In addition, the death penalty is not meant as a deterrent. No murderer thinks he will be caught. Executing Williams is the only way to assure justice for the victims, their families, and Californians; so, my answer to Daniel Sokatch’s two questions is a resounding “Yes.”
Amy Schneider Northridge
Larry Greenfield argues, obliquely, that the execution of convicted murderer Stanley Tookie Williams is justified by “the wider evil [Williams] brought into the world” — that is, the “Crips super-gang.” Talk about chutzpah.
Many Los Angeles residents have long averted their eyes to the unpleasant realities of life in neighborhoods such as “South Central.” Unlike my siblings, I chose to attend “neighborhood” public schools: Audubon Junior High and Crenshaw High. I saw firsthand the conditions that give rise to “gang activity.” I also witnessed “gang activity” long before 1971 (we called it “juvenile delinquency” back then). Certain teachers worked tirelessly together with parents to break up “proto-gangs” as they coalesced; such little-known efforts delayed the onset of the “Crips” phenomenon by several years. But it is so much easier to blame it all on Williams.
Williams deserves severe punishment for the brutal murders he committed. The families of the victims also deserve to see justice done. “Life without possibility of parole” sounds about right. But that’s not enough for Greenfield: “This just execution will dry some of their tears — and offer some closure and peace.”
The State of California — that is, all of us, collectively — should not take the life of Williams just so that others might feel better.
Leroy W. Demery, Jr. Bainbridge Island, Wa
Where Credit Is Due
In the article “Rescued Souls and Torahs Meet at Shul” a very important fact was missing (Nov. 18). Beth Chayim Chadashim, the original gay and lesbian shul, now an inclusive community, organized the entire event, housing it at Leo Baeck.
Lynn Beliak Temple Beth Am member Los Angeles
Rabbi Tucker’s Death
We wish to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Rabbi Steven Tucker and the members of Temple Ramat Zion. (“Car Crash Claims Beloved Northridge Rabbi,” Nov. 18). Tucker’s death is a profound tragedy as well as a loss to the Jewish community.
Tucker’s untimely death reminds us of the importance of educating ourselves regarding suicide prevention. To this end, we would like to remind the Jewish community about Project Tikvah: Jewish Youth Suicide Prevention Program. This program teaches Jewish educators, clergy, parents, and students to recognize the warning signs of suicide, identify at-risk youth and take effective action toward suicide prevention.
For more information about Project Tikvah, call (310) 446-6625
Jeff Bernhardt Janet Woznica Project Tikvah Co-Directors Los Angeles
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Rabbi Steven Tucker. I was further shocked and terribly disappointed when I read in The Jewish Journal the article regarding Tucker and publicizing facts that should have been kept private with the family. In such a difficult situation regarding a community leader, it was of no benefit and served no purpose to readers, his congregation and especially his family to have made public that he committed suicide and his contract was in question. I found this reporting totally irresponsible. Maybe The Journal should change its name to the Jewish Enquirer.
Melinda Feldman West Hills
Obesity Wars
Instead of task forces and “obesity coordinators”, why not fight the fat with old-fashioned personal responsibility and accountability (“Wanted: A General in the Obesity Wars”, Nov. 18)?
OK, coordinate this: Eat a salad, go for a long walk.
Frederick Singer via e-mail
Corrections
The article “Car Crash Claims Northridge Rabbi” (Nov. 18) included an incorrect date. The funeral service for Rabbi Steven Tucker was held Nov. 15.
The article “A Major Reason to Study at CSUN” (Nov. 18) incorrectly stated that UCLA does not offer a Jewish studies major.
IRS vs. All-Saints
Rabbi Leonard Beerman speculates that the IRS investigation of the Rev. George Regas and Pasadena’s All-Saints Episcopal Church is a “selective application of the law” (“All Saints’ IRS Fight Gets Jewish Support,” Nov. 18). He couldn’t be more right.
While going after All-Saints and Regas, the IRS repeatedly overlooks brazen violations by a number of clergy on the right — even when those incidents are brought to the attention of the IRS again and again. This selective prosecution –and persecution — of Regas is just the latest scary example of the Bush Administration’s un-American tactics in attempting to silence its critics. Whether, rather than challenging content, it’s making ad hominem attacks on a newspaper that editorializes against the war; whether it’s calling elected officials who criticize the war unpatriotic or telling citizens who protest the war that they are hurting the troops; whether it’s implying that those who would protect separation of church and state are somehow ungodly: This concerted attempt to squelch debate, this tyranny of Bush and Cheney is just more of the same from the folks who brought us the Patriot Act and Guantanamo Bay prisoners and is most certainly the greatest threat to the American Way.
One last thing: Regas made himself vulnerable to the IRS when he did not stick to the issue of the Iraq War itself, instead focusing on a rather subjective comparison of presidential candidates, two short days before the election. Because he did not explicitly say, “Vote for John Kerry,” or “Don’t vote for George Bush,” does not get him off the hook. Even a cursory reading of his sermon (at www.icujp.org shows it to be unmistakably about whom to vote against (and tacitly for), even ending with “When you go into the voting booth on Tuesday.”
If asked, objective separation experts would certainly have told The Jewish Journal, that whether we agree with Regas or not, whether he’s on the left or right, whether he’s right or wrong isn’t at all relevant. What is, is that as a nation we have decided to give tax-exempt status to religious institutions, and while they are allowed within that nonprofit status to sermonize on issues, they are expressly prohibited from endorsing — even in veiled terms — candidates. Once the line between issues and candidates is crossed, as in this case, the religious institution’s tax-exempt status is at risk. And Regas, as much as I admire him and agree with him, clearly crossed that line.
I am proud of the left, especially the Jewish left, for coming to the defense of the wonderful Regas. At the same time, I worry that we are erring by focusing on whether he did it or not, rather than on the ominous pattern of intimidation that’s behind the IRS investigation.
Joan H. Leonard Sherman Oaks
Tookie: Live or Die?
I appreciate the balanced, if polarized, coverage you gave the tentative execution of Stanley Tookie Williams. I also appreciate seeing the Jewish perspective on both sides of the capital punishment issue. Not being Jewish myself, I would have never imagined the Jewish community cared one way or the other about Tookie’s execution.
What I do not appreciate is the lengths the publication went to get my attention. Admittedly, the cover was a successful eye-catcher, but using a noose to illustrate the execution of a black man, regardless of whether it is justifiable or not, is historically insensitive and tastelessly sensational. As a people who deal with terrorist assault to this day and have a history of genocidal efforts taken against them, one would think the Jewish community would be empathetic with the Black community’s own struggle against the same evils.
Ike Moses Los Angeles
I am troubled by Daniel Sokatch’s substance and style.
He campaigns against lawful state execution of even “the most wicked” because “the divine spark always contains within it the potential for change.” He gets to this conclusion by making up his own religion (“my Jewish values convince me that the capital punishment system… is beyond repair”).
This is illogical. If the legal system were repaired, he would still oppose executing even the most wicked.
He then plays the race card, also disingenuously. If the system were proven to be unbiased, he would still not support capital punishment.
Finally, he states we cannot know if a potential killer might be deterred by the death penalty, yet he claims to know the heart of an allegedly rehabilitated murderer? I call this selective reasoning.
This is a classic case of ideological liberalism, using (poorly) religious and sociological arguments to support his personal preferences. I am unimpressed.
Lawrence Peck Los Angeles
Don’t Fault Sharon
You reported that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pressured Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to ease Israeli controls on the Gaza border (“Sharon Feels Heat From Home, Abroad, ” Nov. 18). Rice’s goal is certainly to increase the likelihood of peace, but in fact, this move may only lead to more weapons being smuggled into Gaza, increasing the likelihood for more terrorism.
To move toward a real peace, pressuring Israel on border issues should not be Rice’s priority. Instead, she should concentrate on pressuring Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, to honor his commitments to the Roadmap, to disarm and dismantle the terrorist groups, arrest the terrorists, and end the anti-Israel incitement in the government-controlled schools and media. If that were achieved, it would be a real step toward a real reconciliation.
Morton A. Klein National President Zionist Organization of America
Welcome. On the last Friday of every month, this page belongs to the kids of Jewish Los Angeles, so we’d like you to name this page. Please send your ideas to kids@jewishjournal.com, with the subject line: New Name. We’ll pick the best one, and you’ll get all the credit.
Kein v’ Lo
Here’s where you get to sound off. This month’s kein v’ lo (yes and no) is about Thanksgiving. Should Jews celebrate the holiday? Is there anything Jewish about Thanksgiving?
Here’s some stuff to think about:
The Kein Side:
• Like many Jewish holidays, Thanksgiving is about family, friends and food. It also is a time for us to remember the less fortunate and thank God for all we have been given. What could be more Jewish?
• The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by people called Pilgrims. They fled Europe because they were not allowed to worship the way they wanted. Jews have had the same problem throughout most of history, so this is a holiday to which Jews can relate.
• The Pilgrims were inspired by the story of how the Jews escaped from slavery in Egypt and named one town in Massachusetts New Salem because they hoped it would be like Jerusalem for them.
The Lo Side:
• The Pilgrims were members of the English Separatist Church (Puritans). Thus the holiday has its roots in Christianity.
• The Jews already have a Thanksgiving — the harvest holiday of Sukkot, which celebrates the end of the Israelites wandering through the desert after leaving slavery in Egypt.
• These days, Thanksgiving is the start of the Christmas season, so it shouldn’t mean much to Jews. Thanksgiving is a day that most people stuff themselves with food and watch football and parades. Then, the next day they go shopping. President Franklin Roosevelt even changed the date of the holiday to make a longer shopping season before Christmas. That’s OK, but there’s nothing Jewish or spiritual about these things.
You debate, you decide. Remember, before you offer your opinion, think hard about the other points of view. E-mail your thoughts to kids@jewishjournal.com with the subject line Kein
V’Lo: Thanksgiving.
KidSpeak: Response to Harry Potter Kein V Lo:
Yes, Harry Potter is set in a Christian world, but they do not say Christian blessings, and no one in the story is really dazzled by the way the director puts things like Christmas trees into scenes.
About the magic: We know that magic in the real world is not real. Also, in the Torah, one of the 613 mitzvahs is to respect one another.
Harry tries his hardest to help his friends and to give respect to himself and even to people who aren’t friends yet aren’t enemies. Also, Harry only does things for good. He never would purposely kill a friend or do anything to embarrass a pal.
— Hannah Blume, 8, Wonderland Elementary, Temple Israel religious school
Let’s Give Thanks
“If you can concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.”
–Rabbi Harold Kushner
Here is how “thank you” is said in some places around the world. See if you can match which phrase goes with its corresponding country.
Jewish Book Month in November kicked off with the 2005 Harold U. Ribalow Prize to Jenna Blum, author of “Those Who Save Us” (Harcourt, 2004). Administered by the award-winning Hadassah Magazine, the Ribalow Prize is given annually to an author who has created an outstanding work of fiction on a Jewish theme.
Blum’s debut novel is a mother-daughter drama that chronicles protagonist Trudy Brandt’s investigation into her mother’s wartime experience in Germany. Inspiration for her book included work filming interviews for Steven Spielberg’s Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation. Blum, of German and Jewish descent herself, has traveled to Germany four times with her mother to explore her own heritage, as well as deepen her knowledge of the country and its past.
In accepting the award, Blum said that her novel “examines a crucial time period from a slightly different perspective, from the point of view of how the Nazi regime affected an average German woman,” she said. “My novel explores the gray area between heroism and culpability. When history is lost, imagination steps in.”
Putting Out Fires
Sen. Hilary Clinton (D-N.Y.) called Israeli firefighters “pioneers” when presented with a firefighter’s helmet by Israel’s Fire & Rescue Commissioner Shimon Romach on behalf of the Israel Firefighters. The ceremony was held in Givat Mordechai’s Fire and Rescue Station in Jerusalem. Friends of Israeli Fire and Rescue Services raise money for the crucial need for fire engines in Israel.
For more information, call (310) 777-3177.
A Little Laughter
The evening was upbeat at the Jewish Television Network’s (JTN) Vision Award Dinner at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, honoring Sony Pictures Television President Steve Mosko. “Jeopardy’s” Alex Trebek hosted the evening, while Peter Frampton and comedian Garry Shandling performed.
The array of stars was dazzling at the Regent that night as Kevin James, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were all on hand to support the cause and honor Mosko.
JTN Productions annually honors an industry leader who promotes positive values and diversity through television.
For more information about JTN or future programming, call (818) 789-5891.
Music Sweet Music
Some of the most beautiful voices and unparalleled musical talent joined forces last month to honor Cantor Ilan Davidson of Temple Beth El in San Pedro. In the magnificent Warner Grand Theater, an art deco, historic movie house known as “Pantages South,” Temple Beth El and more than 300 guests celebrated Davidson’s 10th anniversary and his dedication to his community with Seasons of Song, an evening of opera, musical comedy, traditional Jewish liturgy and Israeli songs. Joining Davidson were many friends and colleagues including Cantor Sam Radwine, Congregation Ner Tamid of Rancho Palos Verdes; Cantor Jonathan Grant, Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach; Cantor Patti Linsky, Temple Ahavat Shalom in Northridge; and Dr. Noreen Green, who serves as musical director for both Valley Beth Shalom in Encino and the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony.
Green brought with her the 40-piece Koheleth Orchestra and the 35 member choir from Valley Beth Shalom. Special guests who delivered tributes to Davidson included L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and Dr. Bruce Zuckerman of USC’s Casden Institute.
“Cantor Davidson never fails to delight his congregation, and this time he exceeded every expectation,” said Ronnie Kauffman, event co-chair. “He was at his absolute best, and there is no doubt that our congregation loves him.”
The Mighty Pen
Fifty-three writers were hosted in private homes throughout greater Los Angeles for the Literary Odyssey Dinners coordinated by The Council of the Library Foundation.
All proceeds from the dinners will benefit the Fund for New Information Technologies of the Los Angeles Public Library, which includes the Central Library and 71 branches.
The council is a group of female community leaders who serve as library ambassadors, increasing public awareness of the valuable resources of the Los Angeles Public Library.
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