The Circuit

Legal and Regal

So what took them so long? Perhaps it was all that time they spend in court.

Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA) finally held its very first black-tie gala to celebrate the association’s 70th anniversary. The evening, at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, presented a unique opportunity for the organization to reflect on its rich history of raising the professional and ethical standards of the legal field, and helping to facilitate access to justice.

Attorney David Boies and Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, the man behind the “Law & Order” television franchise, were honored. Comedian Garry Shandling served as master of ceremonies, and actor Warren Beatty and former L.A. District Attorney Ira Reiner attended as presenters. More than 500 members of the legal community turned out for the Dec. 5 event, which raised $100,000 for the organization. The money will go toward law scholarships and interest-free loans for disadvantaged law school students, as well as toward a public high school program.

The association was founded by Westside attorneys in 1931, a clutch of whom were Jewish, Executive Director Bert Tigerman told The Circuit.

Brewery Mixes With Jewry

This year, the Anheuser-Busch Corp. has once again demonstrated its support to The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles by making a grant of $95,000 to The Federation’s United Jewish Fund.

For the Arts

Community leaders Herb and Beverly Gelfand hosted a reception at their Beverly Hills home for the Los Angeles chapter of America-Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF), an organization that provides support for the arts in Israel. Concert pianist Avner Arad performed selections by Mozart, Schubert and Schumann. Helen Prinz, AICF chapter president, was among those present.

PJC’s Potato Pancake Patio Party

Pacific Jewish Center (PJC) members and friends of the “Shul by the Beach” celebrated the close of Chanukah and the opening of the seaside synagogue’s new patio space. Lots of latkes, pasta, sufganiyot, and (need we say it?) libations were devoured. The party was made possible through the efforts of various PJC personnel, including happy hosts Harry and Michele Medved, Senior Rabbi David Lapin and Associate Rabbi Avi Pogrow. The party boasted The Simcha Orchestra, a lot of festivities, and a good time had by all. Among the people who have helped renovate the shul, David Bass, Bryan Goldsmith, Michal and Lea Geller, Alan and Rachel Risch, Mildred and Maish Wilson, Gabriella Scholnick, Sarah Izzard and Joe and Betty Cahn.