Circuit

Maybe you\'ve heard of \"Haven,\" the epic two-part CBS mini-series starring Natasha Richardson that, in recent weeks, was only plastered on every bus, bus bench and bus passenger in the city?

[additional-authors]

Michael Aushenker

February 22, 2001

Angels from ‘Haven’

Maybe you’ve heard of “Haven,” the epic two-part CBS mini-series starring Natasha Richardson that, in recent weeks, was only plastered on every bus, bus bench and bus passenger in the city? Well, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust threw a corker of an advance screening of the film — which chronicled Ruth Gruber’s real-life experience escorting 1,000 refugees from Europe to America toward the close of World War II. Guests included Manya Hartmayer Breuer, one of the refugees portrayed in the movie (and a museum docent); actress Tamara Gorski, who portrayed Manya; actor Henry Czerny; Peter Sussman, president of Alliance Atlantis Entertainment, which produced the film; philanthropist and Holocaust survivor Jona Goldrich; playwright Arlene Sarner; “Oswego” composer William Goldstein; and Terri Smooke, special assistant to Gov. Gray Davis. Rabbi Debra Orenstein was also there, representing Hadassah Southern California’s MorningStar Commission.

Moderating a post-screening discussion panel was Perla Karney, museum board member and theatrical producer. Representing the museum was Director Marcia Reines Josephy, and Chair Dr. Gary J. Schiller.

A highlight of the evening: Czerny, who played Ernst Breuer in “Haven,” met his real-life counterpart.

Reform Movement

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) hosted a dessert reception to launch its new Coachella Valley Associates. The occasion was held at the home of Sue Rappaport.

Rabbi Paul Citrin addressed the group, and Dr. Lewis Barth, the school’s dean, spoke. His topic: “New Directions in Reform Judaism: the Role of HUC-JIR.” Third-year rabbinic student Sharon Gladstone also made a presentation.

Trail Blazer

Jewish Communal Retirees Award Association presented Phil Blazer with the Dora and Charles Mesnick Service Award for outstanding community leadership.

Viva Rodriguez!

Naomi K. Rodriguez has been installed at the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles as its community affairs specialist. The consulate is actively reaching out to the Latino community.

Props to the Prof

Lucienne and David Soleymani hosted a reception at their home for Prof. Tsvee Lapidot of the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Opening Up Shop

National Council of Jewish Women’s (NCJW) Council Thrift Shops opened a new outlet on 455 N. Fairfax. The shop offers vintage clothing, jewelry, furniture and collectibles, with proceeds providing a major source of funding for NCJW’s community service programs.

‘Labor’ of Love

Labor Zionist Alliance had its gala luncheon, where Arthur Stern was bestowed with the Tzedek Award.

A Class Action

Los Angeles Hebrew High School held its annual Chesed Award Gala at Sinai Temple. More than 350 people attended. For more on Hebrew High, see p. 30.

Boxer’s New Fight

Sen. Barbara Boxer has a new assignment — she is now a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, where she will oversee discussion of Middle East-related issues.

Levin’s New “Home”

The Guardians of the Jewish Home for the Aging of Greater Los Angeles has installed Karen Levin, formerly of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, as its new (and first female) executive director. The Guardians will welcome mayoral candidate Councilman Joel Wachs to its Feb. 28 Signature Series Breakfast, and comedian Robert Klein to its Annual Comedy Night at the Palladium on March 22. For information, call (310) 479-2468.

Ringing in Bellfor a SecondTime

Jacqueline Bell has been reelected chairwoman of Israel Cancer Research Fund’s board of directors.

Teens with Talent and Compassion

University of Judaism (UJ) sophomores met with senior citizens as part of the UJ’s Sid B. Levine Service Learning Program community service initiative, underwritten by the Hyman Levine Family Foundation. The foundation is headed by Dena Schechter, president of the UJ’s board of directors; her brother, Congressman Mel Levine; and their mom, Shirley Levine… Fourteen-year-old piano prodigy Michelle Alpert performed for the UJ’s University Women as part of the group’s Young Artists concert series. The talented Alpert played selections by Beethoven, Chopin, Gottschalk and Eminem… just kidding about that last one.

Hadassah Highlights

Hadassah Southern California welcomed Dr. Dan Gilon, acting director of the Adult Echocardiography Laboratory at Hadassah University Hospital. The reception for the good doctor was held at Betsy Weinstein’s Rodeo Drive abode… Hadassah, through its Nurses Council, will also present “Life Savers: Organ Donation and You” — featuring actor and liver transplant recipient Larry Hagman, best known as J.R. Ewing on “Dallas.” Also joining the March 4 Olympic Collection reception will be Mai Hagman; genetics expert June Levine Ariss; and Michele Machuszek, St. Vincent’s Hospital transplant coordinator. For more information, call (310) 276-0036.

The Last Laugh

Comedian Shelley Berman was the guest of honor at Hillel at Pierce & Valley Colleges when they had their Comedy Nite 2001 Benefit. A moratorium was placed on chicken as a banquet dinner option, for fear that Berman might use one as a comedy prop.