Federation’s Sylva Weisz Luncheon, Purim Parties, FIDF Young Leadership Gala

On Feb. 22, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles brought together more than 170 women at its annual Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy Lion of Judah luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

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Ryan Torok

March 22, 2023

Attendees at the L.A. Federation’s Sylvia Weisz luncheon included Elisa Rubin, Heidi Haddad, Allison Gingold, Deanne Lebowitz, Arlene Bloom, Juju Chang, Linda Schwimmer, Jodi Kirkbride, Janine Kolodny, Laura Ozer, Carin Freeman, Bettina O’Mara and Deedy Oberman. Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

On Feb. 22, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles brought together more than 170 women at its annual Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy Lion of Judah luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Lions of Judah are some of the most dynamic philanthropic Jewish women in the world. They are strong women of all ages, an international sisterhood of thousands of global activists who care deeply about the Jewish future and play a vital role in creating social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity.

At this year’s event, Juju Chang, the Emmy Award winning co-anchor of ABC’s “Nightline” and a regular contributor to “Good Morning America” and “20/20,” was the keynote speaker.

The Federation’s esteemed Leah Rabin Award was presented to Deedy Oberman and the Ruby Award was given to Arlene Bloom.

Young professionals in their 20s and 30s spent Purim partying with Pico Shul, Chai Center and Meet Jew at a hot Hollywood nightlife spot. Photo courtesy of Pico Shul

A March 7 Purim meal at Shaarey Yerushalayim in Valley Village was certainly a high-energy affair. Everyone was in on the fun, eating a huge Ojos de Haman (Eyes of Haman) bread, a fun twist on the Sephardic Purim bread. Only instead of individual breads, this Ojos de Haman was huge—and ugly—enough to feed the whole shul.

It was from far the only Purim gathering in town. Purimpalooza, a young professionals soiree organized by Pico Shul, Chai Center and Meet Jew at Saint Felix in Hollywood, gathered more than 200 costume-wearing partygoers, on March 6.

Elsewhere, community members gathered to hear the Megillah at IKAR’s “Wet Hot IKAR Purim,” and families enjoyed carnivals at congregations including Stephen Wise Temple.

From left: Sgt. Nehora; FIDF Western Region Los Angeles Executive Director Jenna Griffin; FIDF Western Region Board Member Jessica Michalov; Michael Michalov; and Captain Itai.
Courtesy of FIDF

Friends of the IDF (FIDF), an organization dedicated to the well being of the soldiers of Israel, united in a strong show of solidarity for the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces. On March 4, FIDF held its glitzy Young Leadership Los Angeles gala at the Alexandria Ballrooms in downtown Los Angeles.

Shmuly Goldsmith, Robert Roig, Franky Ruzin, and Michael Spector chaired the affair, during which guests mixed, mingled and heard from two courageous IDF soldiers—Captain Itai and Sergeant Nehora—who detailed their experiences in the line of duty.

“While the soldiers are doing everything they can to defend our land and our people, FIDF is doing all they can to ensure that the soldiers’ well-being needs are cared for,” Ruzin, president of FIDF Young Leadership Los Angeles, said.

Shardae Hanookai, Gity Kogan, Eli Lippman, and Jimmy Shomof co-chaired the evening.

Attendees included FIDF Western Region Executive Director Jenna Griffin, who said the program’s strong turnout demonstrated support for Israel is alive and well among young adults in the community.

“It’s incredible to see hundreds of emerging philanthropists come together to ensure the future is bright for the soldiers of Israel and Jews worldwide, especially in today’s world, where it’s clear that without these brave soldiers, we could not embrace our Jewish identities and openly celebrate our traditions, travel to Israel and live vibrant Jewish lives,” Griffin said.