The mood in the Jewish state may not be one ofcelebration at the moment, but plans to commemorate the country\’supcoming 50th birthday continue, both in Israel and right here in LosAngeles. One of the more unique cultural offerings to be presentedlocally will be \”Jerusalem — A Mystical Journey,\” a newdance-theater piece to be performed by the Keshet Chaim DanceEnsemble on Feb. 21 and 22.
In 1948, the world agreed to the creation of the State of Israel in a moment of stricken conscience over its outrageous failure to stop or even attempt to mitigate the effects of the Holocaust.
My daughter flew home for Thanksgiving with two college friends in tow. At the dinner table, the conversation revolved around computers and the antics of the Stanford Band. At some point in the course of that whirlwind four-day visit, Hilary informed me that, though she\’s been diligently studying Hebrew since she started college, a Junior Year Abroad at Hebrew University is no longer part of her plans. It\’s not that she\’s changed her mind about someday returning to Israel, where she spent an amazing summer two years ago. But she\’s convinced that, given the stringent requirements of the high-tech major she seems to have settled on, even a semester in Jerusalem would derail her progress toward her degree.
Attention,anyone who was ever married or bar mitzvahed at Etz Jacob Congregation at 7659 Beverly Blvd.: The shul wants testimonials, photographs and memorabilia for an exhibit honoring its 80thanniversary. The temple is the oldest in Beverly-Fairfax, and, according to Rabbi Rubin Huttler, it\’s in large part responsible for creating the Jewish enclave around Fairfax Avenue.
When Sanford Gage was asked to be general chair of the JewishFederation Council of Greater Los Angeles\’ United Jewish Fund, hewanted to know one thing: Could he make a difference?
\”That was the burning question for me,\” he said during a recentinterview at a restaurant near his law offices in Beverly Hills. \”IfI couldn\’t contribute something of value, why would I do it?\”
My 25th wedding anniversary iscoming up fast. Wish me luck.
The reluctance of the popular comedian and others to lend their talents to the event reflect the growing strains between large segments of the American Jewish community and Israel, centered on the legitimacy and treatment of non-Orthodox Jews in Israel.
The Federation had received only four cancellations — a total of seven people who decided not to go because of the twin blasts — according to Evy Lutin, mission co-chair. More than 350 people are signed up for the 10-day mission, which celebrates the kickoff of Israel\’s 50th-anniversary year. About 500 people are expected to make the trip.
Another Melee Erupts as Women Pray with Men at Western Wall.\n
We are rapidly approaching a momentous occasion — the 50th anniversary of Israel. It should be a time for unquestioned Jewish pride and Jewish unity. Yet this may not be the case.
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