June 15, 2018

When it Comes to Justice for Israel, I Cry for You Argentina

Leave a Comment / Columnists, Opinion / Emiliano Calemzuk

This past week, anti-Israel bias prevailed again on the global stage. As Argentina cancelled a sold-out game in Jerusalem due to Palestinian protests, the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement claimed another victory in the Israeli-Argentinian relationship.

As an Argentinian, I still remember the shock of the Israeli Embassy attack in Buenos Aires. On March 17, 1992, I was in Buenos Aires when I felt the earth shake. As the streets turned to mayhem, I soon discovered that the Israeli Embassy, only 15 blocks away, was destroyed in a suicide bombing attack killing 29 civilians and injuring more than 250 others.

On July 18, 1994, my grandfather picked up his pension check at the AMIA Jewish Community Center and headed back home. Three minutes later, Iran and its terror proxy Hezbollah carried out a terrorist attack in which a suicide-bomber drove an explosives-filled Renault Traffic van into the building. Narrowly missing the attack, my grandfather was shaken and marked forever. Killing 87 people and injuring more than 100 others, it was Argentina’s deadliest bombing of all time.

Alberto Nisman, a heroic prosecutor working to clarify these two vicious attacks, was murdered in 2015 on the night before his testimony to Congress. Nisman was allegedly killed by a team of Iranian agents and Argentinean government accomplices to prevent him from testifying. He was planning to expose former President Cristina Kirchner and cabinet members’ suspected plot to exonerate Iran’s role in the attack. Her cabinet also wanted to lift Interpol arrest warrants against key Iranian figures. Allegedly, the Argentinian government was set to receive lavish oil contracts in exchange for recusing Iran from the attacks.

Iran’s terrorism has left a permanent scar on Argentina. These attacks have already claimed hundreds of lives and injured even more innocent victims of all races and creeds. In addition, Iran continues to serve as the leading state sponsor of terrorism. The Iranians continue to prop up its terrorist proxies Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as provides arms, personnel and funding to the brutal Assad regime in Syria.

This week, Palestinian supporters demonstrated in front of the Barcelona hotel where the Argentinean soccer team was lodged. Protestors chanted and displayed blood-stained Argentinean soccer jerseys, urging Lionel Messi and the rest of the team to support the Palestinian’s “fight for freedom.” This was a great opportunity given to Argentina to take a public global stance against terrorist intimidation.

Hillel said: “Do not judge your fellow until you are in his place”. I am not going to argue the decision of Messi and other key players if they received direct threats to their lives or safety, but the threat scenario would not surprise me if it were true. Jibril Rajoub, Head of the Palestinian Soccer Federation is a former Deputy of Yasser Arafat for decades, both very well versed in the tactics of terrorism, intimidation, and bloody murder.

Unfortunately, the Argentinean Soccer Federation (AFA) announced the immediate and final cancellation of the highly anticipated game. AFA President Claudio Tapia went to argue that the “gesture to cancel” would advance understanding between the Israelis and Palestinians. Adding salt to the wound, Iranian-backed terrorist organization Hamas congratulated the Argentinean team on Twitter for its “courage” to cancel the game with Israel. Unlike its neighbors, Israel stands alone as a beacon of freedom and justice in a destabilizing and dangerous Middle East.

This week’s events mark yet another slap in the face for justice in Argentina. Whether on Iran, Nisman, or a friendly soccer match, Argentina chose, again, to turn the other cheek and accept defeat. While the BDS movement won this friendly game, I hope that eventually Argentina will stand with Israel on the next match against terrorist intimidation.

Emiliano Calemzuk was a Fox executive for 15 years and is currently Founder and CEO of Raze, a media company focused on the Hispanic space.

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Fashion a Father’s Day Suit Card

Leave a Comment / Culture / Jonathan Fong

It’s funny how the suit-and-tie motif is so ubiquitous for Father’s Day, yet I don’t know many dads who actually wear suits and ties unless they’re going to a wedding, bar mitzvah or funeral. Still, it’s a natty theme, perfect for a card to give all the fathers, brothers, sons, uncles and zaydes in your life.

1. Starting with an 8 1/2-by-11-inch piece of colored cardstock or construction paper, trim it with scissors or a paper cutter to 7 by 10 1/4 inches.

2. Make two folds on the paper — one at 2 1/2 inches from the right edge, and one at 2 3/4 inches from the left edge. This will leave a 5-inch-wide section in the middle.

3. On each of the smaller panels, fold back the paper into a narrow, triangular shape to form the lapels of the suit.

4. Cut a piece of patterned paper to 5 by 7 inches. Adhere it to the center panel of the card with a glue stick or double-sided tape. Cut out a tie shape in a coordinating paper and adhere it to the center of the panel.

5. Cut two triangles out of white paper for the collar and adhere them to the top of the center panel.

6. Glue two buttons to the panel that is 2 3/4 inches wide. This panel overlaps the 2 1/2-inch-wide panel to close the suit.

Jonathan Fong is the author of “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.

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I Knew He Loved Me, But He Never Said So

Leave a Comment / Community / Ari L. Noonan

On the day before starting college, my parents and I were quietly picnicking in a lonely corner of campus. Pop, a small-town boy, had wandered away to explore the first university grounds he ever had seen.

A son of the Depression, he had to quit junior high school and go to work to help support the family that included his prematurely retired father, mother and four younger siblings.

Pop practiced moral behavior, honesty and linguistic purity every day of his 94 years. By inference rather than overtly, he passed these values to his seven children. I learned a work ethic, unstinting honesty and loyalty from my father.

Although he did not verbally instruct us how to live, he was verbose at all other times. There were no strangers in his universe. His four favorite words everywhere he went were, “Hi, I’m Dick Noonan.”

I knew he loved me. I sensed it. But he never said the words,

He kept so much inside.

Laughter did not come naturally to Pop. Conversely, I never saw him cry, even when Mom died after two years with cancer.

I learned one Noonan family rule early: Neither Pop nor his four siblings would brook a critical comment about their father — especially about Grandpa Noonan’s early disappearance from the work force.

Family lore holds that in the early 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan rode into the small Midwestern community where Grandpa was teaching in a one-room schoolhouse.

The KKK – historically anti-Jewish, anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant — demanded that Grandpa, who was religious, leave teaching immediately.

Frightened for the safety of his young family, Grandpa obeyed and retreated. Whether Grandpa ever worked again, despite having small children, has been a family secret for the last 95 years.

But the incident may have inspired Pop’s work ethic.

My father probably is the only man I have known who never cursed.

Oh, he had a temper. And he displayed it. As the oldest, I was a target.

Whenever we were leaving home for a local or out-of-town trip, I would be last to reach the car. I had to go to the bathroom.

When I climbed into the car, Pop would be annoyed. “Boy, if you don’t change,” he would say, “you will go to h.e.l.l.” He always spelled it. He never uttered a cussword aloud.

When he became angry with me, he would swear this way: “Boy, I am going to tan your hide.” He did.

Down to the basement he and I would go – into my early teenage years. Pop would reach for a paddle and smack a few memories into me.

He loved cars. Typically, his cars were 10 years old because that was what he could afford.

A blue-collar worker all of his days, he loved dressing up in his only suit and shined shoes, Pop took the same kind of pride in his automobiles. He would wash his car as often as he would bathe.

When Pop’s jobs dried up, he would hit the sidewalks immediately to find work. Within two or three days, he would be hired.

Because he worked so hard, Pop would be fatigued when he arrived home in workshirt and jeans, empty thermos and lunchbox in hand.

After supper, Pop would reach for our hometown newspaper and head for his favorite living room chair. Within minutes, though, his eyes would close, leaving the paper to fall from his lap.

My father was frugal.

About twice a year, gingerly, he would approach Mom when (almost) nobody was around. In an undertone, he would ask if she thought they could afford for him to purchase a 5-cent Payday candy bar the following day. Mom never disappointed him.

While Pop was candid at all times, Mom was diplomatic. One of her main roles was smoothing over Pop’s rough edges, which she did quietly and firmly.

Mom died a few weeks after their 43rd wedding anniversary.

Since her stepmother and Pop’s mother were sisters, my parents knew each other nearly all of their lives. He called her “Hon.” She called him “Dick.” They had their rituals. Every Tuesday night, they shared one beer and homemade popcorn in our living room.

Meanwhile, Back on Campus
On the late summer afternoon my parents and I first picnicked on my college campus, I was planning to be a world-class journalist. I told Mom my goal was to be much more successful than Pop. “If you are half as successful, we will be proud of you,” she said.

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OBITUARIES: Week of June 15

Leave a Comment / Obituaries / Jewish Journal

Lila Beck died May 19 at 87. Survived by daughter Ellen (Bruce) Hadash; son Ronald (Christy Moya); 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. Hillside

Esther Benzur died June 9, 1998, at 63. Survived by sons Guy (Karen) Vidal, Dan Hiuni; 2 grandchildren. Mount Sinai

Robert Berkoff died May 17 at 83. Survived by wife Barbara; daughter Bonnie (Craig) Kronfeld; 4 grandchildren. Mount Sinai

Pearl Brown died May 20 at 95. Survived by daughter Celia; sons Todd (Regina), Jeffrey (Lisa); 4 grandchildren; brother Marvin (Marta) Holen. Hillside

Marian Corday died May 19 at 99. Survived by daughter Joanne Kozberg; son Stephen; 2 grandchildren. Hillside

Gerald Merton Crasnick died May 17 at 89. Survived by daughter Laurie; sons Richard, Michal; 2 grandchildren; brother Donald. Mount Sinai

Reyzya Drubicher died May 16 at 96. Survived by daughter Larissa Gutkin; son Boris (Elena); 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. Hillside

Rae Elster died May 19 at 91. Survived by husband Leon; daughters Fern (Brian) Tobin, Patrice (Robert) Reiss; son Stuart (Rachel); 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Hillside

Daveen Faier died May 16 at 82. Survived by daughters Lieba (Ruben Hickman), Michele; 1 grandchild. Hillside

Miriam Fine died May 14 at 89. Survived by daughter Leslie Leonard; 1 grandchild; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters Anne Chestler, Mickey Reeder. Mount Sinai

Samuel Forusz died May 20 at 82. Survived by wife Judith; daughters Samantha (Anders Jagd), Julian (Fred Houston); 4 grandchildren; sister Sheila Levson. Mount Sinai

William Lyon Furman died May 7 at 96. Survived by son Robert (Gina); 3 grandchildren. Mount Sinai

Shirley Goldsmith died May 18 at 88. Survived by daughter Debbie (Marc) Von Arx; son Marc (Laura); 5 grandchildren; sister Phyllis Wertheim. Hillside

Constance Goodrich died May 17 at 94. Survived by brother Allen Bletz. Hillside

Ruthe Hirschfeld died May 20 at 90. Survived by daughter Randy (Jeurgen) Burkardt; son Jeff (Valy); 4 grandchildren; brother Mel Steinberg.

Amatsia Hiuni died June 2 at 56. Survived by sons Guy (Karen) Vidal, Dan Hiuni; 2 grandchildren. Mount Sinai

Charlotte Hoffstadter died May 24 at 89. Survived by daughter Ann (Eric) Silverman; sons Mark (Gina Rossi), Daniel (Shari); 4 grandchildren. Hillside

Harvey Allen Howard died May 17 at 86. Survived by wife Patti; mother-in-law Jenny Smith; sisters-in-law Carole Wallace, Geneva (Bert) Colopy. Mount Sinai

Rose Kahan died May 18 at 101. Survived by daughters Marcia (Bernard) Kahan-Rosenthal, Francine (Myles) Kahan-Weiss; 6 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. Hillside

Rose Keane died May 18 at 96. Survived by sons James, Richard, Barry; 1 grandchild; 4 great-grandchildren. Hillside

Marilyn Leftgoff died May 19 at 94. Survived by daughter Shelley (Peter Groom) Sechooler; 3 grandchildren. Mount Sinai

Dorothy Lippert died May 20 at 99. Survived by daughter Tina Lituen; son Jonathan; 2 grandchildren. Mount Sinai

Eudice Feder Menkin died May 13 at 99. Survived by daughters Hannah, Sarah Piehl Menkin; son Joseph (Fay); 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. Mount Sinai

Marsha S. Miller died May 12 at 69. Survived by husband Ralph Schub; stepdaughter Jaime Lambert; brother
Allan; sister-in-law Marsha Schub. Mount Sinai

Phyllis Schorr died May 9 at 84. Survived by sons Richard, Michael (Natalie), Alan;
3 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.
Mount Sinai

Diane Pauline Shapiro died May 12 at 83. Survived by husband Leonard; daughter Sandy Ellis; son Larry (Julianna); 4 grandchildren; brother Alan (Edie Sullivan) Donath. Mount Sinai

Linda Dora Slavin died May 19 at 77. Survived by daughters Jennifer (Michael) Robin Singer, Katharine (Marc) Gordon; 5 grandchildren; brother Roger (Linda) Howard. Mount Sinai

Charlotte Stein died May 13 at 95. Survived by daughters Candise, Sheryl (Philip) Snyder, Michele (Howard); 3 grandchildren; sister Chessa Roth. Mount Sinai

Marcia Tracht died May 22 at 98. Survived by daughters Avra, Berna (Peter) Levitan; 2 grandchildren. Hillside

Bertha T. Wintroub died May 9 at 92. Survived by husband Raymond; daughters Frances (Mark) Shrager, Rachelle (Paul) Bale; sons Michael, Seth; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren. Mount Sinai

Anita Zelman died May 18 at 93. Survived by daughter Julia (Ken) Uslan; 2 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Hillside

OBITUARIES: Week of June 15 Read More »

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Gad Elmaleh; Classic Films Discussed

Leave a Comment / What's Happening / Ryan Torok

FRI JUN 15
GAD ELMALEH
The hardest-working Moroccan-Jewish stand-up comedian in the business performs five shows in three nights at the Irvine Improv. Gad Elmaleh started his career performing in small shows for the Montreal Sephardic community and rose to prominence in France after relocating to Paris in the 1990s. His sights are set on winning over American audiences with an observational comedic sensibility similar to that of Jerry Seinfeld. 18 and older. Friday, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m.; Saturday, 7 and 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m. $25. Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine. (949) 854-5455. irvine.improv.com.

FRI JUN 15
SHABBAT AT THE BEACH
Bring a blanket and a dairy/pareve picnic for a Friday night service at the beach, marking a farewell to Sinai Temple Rabbi Jason Fruithandler and Cantor Lisa Peicott and a new beginning for Rabbi Sam Rotenberg. Sinai Religious School Director Danielle Kassin leads the musical service. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Meet at Ocean Avenue and Bicknell Avenue, between lifeguard stations 23 and 24, Santa Monica. (310) 481-3228. member.sinaitemple.org/events.

“JAZZ SHABBAT”
A cool shul with a cool vibe serves up a finger-snapping service with a beat. Kol Tikvah Rabbi Becky Hoffman and Cantor Noa Shaashua introduce a cast of jazz musicians and upbeat personalities as up-tempo jazz sets the mood for Shabbat. Socializing, coffee and sweet treats follow. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Kol Tikvah, 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 348-0670. koltikvah.org.

“WEST SIDE STORY”
Enjoy a classic film, screened outdoors on a late-spring evening in an elegant setting when the Skirball Cultural Center presents 1961’s “West Side Story,” the Academy Award-winning musical directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. The museum opens its doors two hours before the film so early arrivals may visit the exhibition “Leonard Bernstein at 100.” Bernstein wrote the music for “West Side Story.” Oscar-winning actor George Chakiris, who plays Bernardo in the film, participates in a Q-and-A. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Q-and-A 7:30 p.m. Screening 8:30 p.m. $12 general; $9 seniors, students, children 12-and older; $7 children 2-12. Free for Skirball members and children under 2. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

SAT JUN 16
SHABBAT HIKE
With lapping ocean waves in the background, Leo Baeck Temple Rabbi Benjamin Ross leads a beachside Shabbat walk. Spirituality, community and poetry courtesy of Ross highlight the occasion. 10-11 a.m. Free. Meet at Perry’s Café, 2400 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica. (310) 476-2861. leobaecktemple.org.

SUN JUNE 17
ROEY VICTORIA HEIFETZ
Israeli transgender artist Roey Victoria Heifetz, who is based in Berlin, discusses her recent works, including the ongoing “The Third Body,” which combines large-scale drawings and videos of confessions by and conversations with women of the transgender communities in Berlin and Israel. She also speaks about her own process of transitioning and the history of the queer Jewish community in Berlin. 3 p.m. Free, RSVP at arts@aju.edu. American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 440-1246. arts.aju.edu/event/talk-heifetz.

FATHER’S DAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
Rabbi Robert Elias of Temple Knesset Israel leads a service that reflects on fathers and how they shape their children’s lives. Featuring Cantor Jay Frailich (University Synagogue), Cantor Lonee Frailich (Temple Akiba), storyteller Michael Katz and harpist Jill Risigari-Gai. Refreshments served. Please contribute canned or dry goods, eyeglasses or hearing aids for the Hillside Chesed Project. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, 6001 W. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 641-0707. hillsidememorial.org/events.

“UNDER THE JELLO MOLD”
In her award-winning one-woman show, “Under the Jello Mold,” actress Jennie Fahn embarks on a humorous and heartfelt exploration of her relationship with her late mother. Fahn’s comedy examines how she dealt with her mother, a former dancer who was never content to merely rehash her past, during what turned out to be the final act of her mother’s life. Fahn tells her story in anecdotes, characters and song. Through Aug. 26. 5 p.m. $30. The Pico, 10508 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (800) 838-3006. underthejellomold.com.

MON JUNE 18
“WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR SCHOOL?”
Join an interactive briefing on the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA) monograph that examines a prestigious school’s curriculum as a case study of the way the Arab-Israeli conflict and Islam are portrayed in public schools nationally. Featuring CAMERA Executive Director Andrea Levin and Director of Communications Jonah Cohen. 7 p.m.
coffee and dessert reception, 7:30 p.m. briefing. $10 pre-registered, $20 at the door. Parking at hotel, $18. InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, Glass Lounge, 2151 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles. Register at schoolbiasca.eventbright.com.

TUE JUNE 19
“LA RAFLE”
The 2010 film “La Rafle” recounts the true story of the infamous Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup of July 1942 in Paris, when the Nazis forced 13,000 Jews into an indoor velodrome before deporting them to Auschwitz. The film, screening at American Jewish University, focuses broadly on the Nazis and their collaborators, including the Vichy government and the French police. Jean Reno, Melanie Laurent and Gad Elmaleh co-star. Historian Michael Berenbaum and Consul General of France in Los Angeles Christophe Lemoine participate in a post-screening discussion. 7:30 p.m. $8. American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 440-1572. aju.edu.

WED JUNE 20
NEXUS SPEED NETWORKING
Meet like-minded, ambitious business professionals at Beth Jacob Congregation’s speed-networking. The gathering for entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and professionals in the legal, medical, finance, real estate or entertainment fields offers the perfect occasion to expand a business and make crucial contacts. Geared for members of Beth Jacob Congregation. 7:30–9 p.m. $20 for Nexus-enrolled participants, free for Beth Jacob members. Beth Jacob Congregation, 9030 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 278-1911. bethjacob.org.

THU JUN 21
KOSHA DILLZ
Prolific Jewish hip-hop artist Kosha Dillz, who is adept at freestyle rapping
and rhyming about everything from Israel to what he did with his day, performs on the 2018 Vans Warped Tour’s Full Sail Stage. Doors 11 a.m. $45. Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. vanswarpedtour.com

“HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER!”
Professional comedians come together for “Hot Fun in the Summer! Saucy Stories From Sassy Jewish Writers.” Performers include Wendy Hammers, Sy Rosen, Rena Strober, Carlos Kotkin, Pam Levin and Monica Piper. Drinks, wine and refreshing summer treats served. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10. Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 766-9426. adatariel.org.

“SACRED RESISTANCE”
Writer and performer Vicki Juditz charts her journey from nice Christian girl to Jewish activist in her humorous and heartfelt one-woman show. Presented by Jewish Women’s Theatre. Directed by Susan Morgenstern. No children under 16 admitted. Previews begin June 21.
Through July 29. 8 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. $30 preview ticket, $45 opening night ticket/party, $35 regular admission. The Braid, 2912 Colorado Ave., No. 102, Santa Monica. (310) 315-1400. jewishwomenstheatre.org.

MAY THE FAITHS BE WITH YOU
Join a panel of Jewish, Muslim and Christian “Star Wars” fans to discuss the spirituality, theology and humanity of a galaxy far, far away. Panelists include writer Esther Kustanowitz, communications consultant Marium Mohiuddin and rapper and poet Jason Chu. 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd. (310) 652-7354, ext. 215. tbala.org.

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Gad Elmaleh; Classic Films Discussed Read More »

MOVERS & SHAKERS: Israel’s 70th Birthday, Rabbinic Chair at Wise

Leave a Comment / Moving & Shaking / Ryan Torok

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – JUNE 10: (L-R) Guri Weinberg, Sherri Shepherd, Eric Dickerson, Consul General of Israel, Los Angeles Sam Grundwerg, Yael Grobglas, Billy Crystal, Kelsey Grammer, David Blu, Noa Tishby, Mayim Bialik, Elon Gold, Mike Burstyn, Liel Kolet and Gilat Rapaport attend the 70th Anniversary of Israel celebration in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 10, 2018. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Israeli Consulate, Los Angeles)

Angelenos invited in past years to the annual Independence Day reception by the Israel Consulate have known pretty well what to expect: greetings from local political and civic dignitaries, a couple of acts by visiting Israeli musicians, heavy schmoozing with friends — and lots of hummus.

This year, on June 10, the event took a radical turn with the presentation of a slam-bang “Hollywood Salutes Israel” show in seven acts — one act for every decade since the birth of the State of Israel.

The impresario was Sam Grundwerg, consul general of Israel in Los Angeles.

The show was held not at a synagogue or community venue but at Soundstage 4 on the Universal Studios lot. The audience was warmed up by video greetings from actors Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Barbra Streisand, Gal Gadot and Bill Maher, with lots of hearty “mazal tovs” to Israel.

Each decade of Israel’s development had its own theme and big-name narrator, from “The Rebirth of a Nation” (1940s) through “A Water Superpower” (1960s) and “An Innovation Nation” (1990s) to “A Hub for Culture (2010s).

Other performers who participated included actress Mayim Bialik, comedian Elon Gold, football great Eric Dickerson and actor Billy Crystal.

— Tom Tugend, Contributing Editor

Avi Lerner, 2018 IFF Achievement in Film Award Winner Producer Ram Bergman, Mark Hamill and Executive Director/Founder of IFF Meir Fenigstein

Ram Bergman, producer of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” received the Israel Film Festival (IFF) Achievement in Film Award on May 31 at the Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills. Actor Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” films, presented the award at the 32nd annual IFF sponsor luncheon.

Additional honorees were Larry Tanz, vice president of global television at Netflix, who received the IFF Achievement in Television Award; and Stanley Black, founder and partner of Black Equities Group, who received the 2018 IFF Humanitarian Award.

Bergman, a native of Israel, moved to the United States in 1991. He has since built an impressive career in Hollywood as a producer or executive producer of 33 films.

Also attending the event were Meir Fenigstein, founder and executive director of the IFF; Adam Berkowitz, IFF chairman and co-head of the television department at Creative Artists Agency; and Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles Sam Grundwerg.

The 32nd annual festival, which will take place Nov. 6–20 in Los Angeles, introduces American audiences to cinema and television from Israel. The festival is the self-described “largest showcase of Israeli films in the U.S.”

The 21st annual JVS Strictly Business L.A. Awards Luncheon was held May 24 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

The gathering brought together hundreds of business leaders and raised more than $541,000 for JVS SoCal, formerly known as Jewish Vocational Service.

“The JVS Strictly Business luncheon is a networking and outreach event for the business community that also honors employers and JVS clients,” the JVS website says.

Keynote speaker Art Bilger, founder and CEO of WorkingNation, discussed the future of workforce development.

“This time it’s about the heart of America,” Bilger said of the importance of retraining workers for new positions. “JVS is doing exactly the types of things we’re trying to identify and tell in stories.”

Steve Solk of OneWest Bank accepted the Corporate Partnership Award for his company’s support of the JVS BankWorks program.

“By providing job training, mentoring and education, and employment opportunities, JVS sets individuals on a path for economic independence and a better life,” said Solk, president of consumer banking for OneWest Bank.

Elliot Weissbluth, founder and CEO of HighTower Advisors, presented the JVS Founder’s Award to Jim Hausberg, a member of the JVS SoCal board of directors.

“Jimmy embodies that spirit of generosity and service to others that our clients appreciate so much,” Weissbluth said. “I’m grateful to know him.”

JVS clients Janet Romero, Edgar Rodriguez, Sonie Knott and Erika Crenshaw appeared onstage to share their personal stories of resilience and to thank their supporters.

Nearly 200 people gathered at Tarbut V’Torah (TVT) Community Day School in Irvine for the inaugural middle school Moot Beit Din competition on May 18.

During a Moot Beit Din competition, students use halachah — Jewish law — as the basis for legal decisions.

Five Southern California day schools participated: Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, Milken Community Schools, Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am, TVT Community Day School and San Diego Jewish Academy. Kinneret Day School in New York joined in via video conference.

Participating students prepared for months to debate a fictional case involving Snapchat and lashon harah (gossip). Moot Beit Din participants debated whether Snapchat falls under a medieval edict, which banned opening someone else’s mail. They also discussed whether those involved were guilty of lashon harah and what the proper course of action for the school would have been.

Rabbis, attorneys, professors and community members of different denominations came from Orange
County and the Los Angeles area to serve as judges.

TVT took first place.

“I joined Moot Beit Din because I thought it would be interesting to gain a deeper understanding about Jewish texts and how they work together,” said Ophir Berrin, a seventh-grader at Pressman Academy. “It was a great experience for me. Even though we didn’t win, it was so fun to present our argument and to be able to hold myself under pressure.”

Rabbi David Woznica has been named the
inaugural holder of the Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin Rabbinic Chair at Stephen Wise Temple.

The Stephen Wise Temple board of directors established the position to honor and continue the legacy of Zeldin, the Wise community’s founding rabbi, who died in January at the age of 97.

Senior Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback’s selection of Woznica to become the first holder of the chair was approved unanimously by the temple’s executive committee and board.

“The primary purpose of this chair is to honor the memory and legacy of our founding Rabbi, Isaiah Zeldin,” Zweiback said in a statement. “It is a great pleasure to appoint my colleague Rabbi Woznica as the chair’s first occupant. Rabbi Woznica is a wonderful teacher, pastor and friend, and we are grateful to him for his service to our community.”

The temple is providing funds to support Woznica’s work with the Center for Jewish Life at Stephen Wise Temple and the Wise Melton School for Adult Education.

Woznica joined the Stephen Wise Temple clergy team 14 years ago and has served as a worship leader, speaker, teacher and pastor.

He assumed the chair during a June 8 Friday night service, at which the synagogue community also honored outgoing President Steven Fishman and installed incoming President Janine Kolodny.

MOVERS & SHAKERS: Israel’s 70th Birthday, Rabbinic Chair at Wise Read More »

The Second Election – A Poem for Haftarah Korach by Rick Lupert

Rosner’s Torah Talk: Parshat Korach with rabbi Shawn Zevit

Leave a Comment / Israel, Rosner's Domain, Videos / Shmuel Rosner

Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit, is the lead rabbi of congregation Mishkan Shalom, in Philadelphia, PA, co-founder and co-director of the Davennen Leader’s Training Institute and is a spiritual director and trainer of Jewish clergy in spiritual direction for the ALEPH Hashpa’ah (Spiritual Direction) program. He is also a recording and performing artist with six original CDs and has been an organizer for over thirty years of men’s programming and retreats, and is the author of “Offerings of the Heart: Money and Values in Faith Community” and numerous publications.

This week’s Torah Portion – Parashat Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32) – tells the dramatic story of a mutiny incited by Korach against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Korach is joined by Datan and Aviram as well as by 250 distinguished members of the community who offer incense to prove they are worthy of the priesthood. The earth opens up and swallows the mutineers, and a fire kills the incense offerers. Aaron subsequently stops a plague by offering incense of his own and his staff then brings forth almonds, proving that his designation as high priest is divinely ordained. Our discussion focuses on the purge of Korach’s followers and on Moses and Aaron’s reaction to the episode.