DAVID

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FROGGY & THE SHIKSA

THE STONES

ITZHAK PERLMAN 1/21/13 8:42 AM

PADDY MOLONEY AND THE CHIEFTAINS

Ireland’s official music ambassadors perform century-old Irish tunes along with reimagined modern hits to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

MONDAY, 2/18 AT 7:30PM

BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Tickets starting at $29

Called a “triumph” and “breathtaking,” the BBC Concert Orchestra and famed Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart present an evening of Walton, Haydn and Mendelssohn. Featuring renowned cellist Sophie Shao.

MONDAY, 2/11 AT 7:30PM Tickets starting at $39

“The foremost creative ballet troupe in the world.”

– The New York Times

NEW YORK CITY BALLET MOVES TUESDAY, 3/5 & WEDNESDAY, 3/6 AT 7:30PM Tickets starting at $26

CIRCUS OZ

Australia’s national circus bounds into Las Vegas with high-flying stunts, family-friendly hilarity and their own live band.

THURSDAY, 2/21 & FRIDAY, 2/22 AT 7:30PM SATURDAY, 2/23 AT 2:00PM & 7:30PM Tickets starting at $24

KURT ELLING QUARTET

Friday, 2/8 & Saturday, 2/9 – 7:00pm

AN EVENING WITH THE YELLOWJACKETS

Friday, 2/15 – 7:00pm | Saturday, 2/16 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm

VISIT THESMITHCENTER.COM TO SEE THE FULL LINEUP TODAY. 702.749.2000 | TTY: 800.326.6868 or dial 711 | For group inquiries call 702.749.2348 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106 SEASON PARTNERS

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Aveda H&M bebe Charming Charlie Steve Madden GUESS Sephora A|X Armani Exchange Juicy Couture Victoria’s Secret

shop dine unwind

Aldo Lucky Brand Jeans Abercrombie & Fitch The Container Store Yard House Texas de Brazil Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Whole Foods Market Brio Tuscan Grille Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar Blue Martini Ranch House Kitchen i v burgers Meatball Spot OPENING SOON Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Bonefish Grill

www.mytownsquarelasvegas.com

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OVER 100 STORES | 15 RESTAURANTS | 18-SCREEN THEATER | INTERACTIVE CHILDREN’S PARK

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February

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explore The month’s event listings to help plan your day or your stay

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Daredevil Dating Break the mold. Get creative with your dating.

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devour Where to find some of the best eats, drinks and foodie happenings in the Valley

speak In the shadow of the Holocaust... a Jew and a shiksa walk into a bar....

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know Leonard and Judy Stone provide the perfect template for Las Vegas power couples.

Eat, Love, Sculpt Dorit Schwartz’s art, philanthropy and gastronomy exemplify the principle of living life with passion.

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taste Strawberry fields forever supply berries for our tables year round. Once thought by the French to be an aphrodisiac, chocolate dipped or au natural their sweetness is sure to enhance a romantic interlude.

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Love Bytes Long distance relationships in the digital age.

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discover Places to go, cool things to do, hip people to see in the most exciting city in the World

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A Diamond and Strawberry Valentine. Model: Rachel Victoria Williams, Photograph: Steven Wilson. Platinum ring with 3.09 cushion shaped VS2 stone and 1.46 pave marquise, designed by Jewels by Star, supplied by T-Bird Jewels

Copyright 2013 by JewishINK LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. DAVID MAGAZINE is protected as a trademark in the United States. Subscribers: If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we are under no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements. Submissions will not be returned unless arranged for in writing. DAVID MAGAZINE is a monthly publication. All information regarding editorial content or property for sale is deemed reliable. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.

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mingle Snapshots of the latest, greatest events

on the cover F E B R U A R Y 2013

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desire Sin City abounds in world-class shopping ... these are a few of our favorite things

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Itzhak Perlman, Violinist The month’s spotlight on a person of interest

FROGGY & THE SHIKSA

THE STONES

ITZHAK PERLMAN

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Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

EDITORIALllllllll

Editorial Assistant

Brianna Soloski

Copy Editor

Pat Teague

Jeremy Leopold a

Contributing Writers

brianna@davidlv.com

Christina Beresniova Marisa Finetti Jaq Greenspon Marilyn LaRocque Christina Parmelee Pat Teague Lynn Wexler-Margolies

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Art Director/ Photographer

Steven Wilson

Contributing Photographers

Tonya Harvey Paul Sleet

steve@davidlv.com

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Advertising Director

Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS 702-254-2223 | subscribe@davidlv.com

Volume 03 Number 10 www.davidlv.com DAVID Magazine is published 12 times a year.

Copyright 2012 by JewishINK LLC. 1930 Village Center Circle, No. 3-459 Las Vegas, NV 89134 (p) 702-254-2223 (f) 702-664-2633

To advertise in DAVID Magazine, call 702-254-2223 or email ads@davidlv.com To subscribe to DAVID Magazine, call 702.254-2223 or email subscibe@davidlv.com

DAVID Magazine sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This copy of DAVID Magazine was printed by American Web in Denver, Colo., on paper from well-managed forests which meet EPA guidelines that recommend use of recovered fibers for coated papers. Inks used contain a blend of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards and is a certified member of both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. When you are done with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.

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THANKS TO YOU...

WE’RE PROVIDING HER WITH HELP. With many still out of work, many people in our community are forced to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. The JFSA provides social services to clients in our Jewish community including the elderly, families, and homeless adults and adolescents. JFSA provides financial support to those who have lost their jobs, are unable to pay their bills and provides counseling right here in our Jewish community.

More people are turning to us for assistance than ever before. By contributing to the 2013 Jewish Federation Campaign you help ensure that no one is turned away.

Your new contribution or increase to last year’s gift will be matched “dollar for dollar” by the generosity of the Adelson Challenge.

To learn how you can make a difference or to make your generous pledge please contact the Jewish Federation at 732-0556 or visit jewishlasvegas.com.

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contributors

Christine Beresniova is a PhD Candidate in Education Policy at Indiana University. Recently, she was awarded a Fulbright Grant sponsored by the US Department of State and the Institute for International Education to conduct dissertation fieldwork on tolerance and Holocaust education in Lithuania.

Christine received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, and her MA in International Education from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Jaq Greenspon is a noted local journalist, screenwriter and author with credits on The New Adventures of Robin Hood and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

He also is a literary and movie critic, has taught and written about fi lmmaking but is most proud of his role in the fi lm, Lotto Love. A Vegas resident for most of his life, his native language is Hebrew, but he doesn’t speak it anymore.

Marilyn LaRocque is Contributing Editor for Gastronomique en Vogue and former Senior Food and Wine Editor for LUXURY Las Vegas.

She’s traveled extensively around the world, visiting great wine regions and enjoying fantastic food. She’s also Vice Chargée de Presse Nationale des Etats Unis for Chaîne des Rôtisseurs USA.

Christina Parmelee originally aspired to be a physical therapist, needing to graduate from college, she changed her major to English. In 2005, after writing jobs in numerous publications and ad agencies in Metro Detroit, she moved to Sin City. The frigid Michigan winters gave way to the Vegas climate she now adores. She has held copywriting positions on the Strip and is presently a freelance writer moonlighting in outside sales. Her hobbies include travel, watching football and trying to get through “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Pat Teague has been a practicing journalist, manager and editor for international and regional wire services, and has worked for several metropolitan daily newspapers. He also has worked for one of the world’s largest corporations and was one of five Southern Californians in the Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists honored in 2000 for career achievement.

Lynn WexlerMargolies has been a feature writer and contributor for magazines and newspapers, locally and nationally, for over 20 years. She writes a monthly online column entitled Manners in the News, which comments on the behavior of politicians, celebrities and others thrust in the public arena.

She is the Founder and President of Perfectly Poised, a school of manners that teaches social, personal and business etiquette to young people.

She is a former TV Reporter and News Anchor. Of her many accomplishments, she is most proud of her three outstanding teenaged children.

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feedback Joanne & Max: It was GREAT seeing the both of you and I applaud you for putting on the very best Bagel Ball with the JCC at the end of last year. The “Community Wide” event took place at Marquee, one of the hottest nightclubs in Vegas; it was marketed very well and was of tremendous social value. There really should be more events that cater to everybody and not just the select few.

It is also nice that DAVID Magazine is focused on involving our younger generation; this was most evident in the turnout. The 2013 Bagel Ball was truly a win for everybody!!!

Both of you have always been extremely supportive of the JCC and the many programs it provides to our Jewish community. Your commitment to our community was only strengthened with the launch of DAVID, which is greatly appreciated by us all.

I also want to mention how amazing it was that DAVID Magazine sponsored a fundraiser for our local Camp K’hela. The evening’s success was in no small part due to the very reasonably priced tickets, with proceeds going to such a great cause. As a previous camp director, I understand the importance and long-term influence of children’s involvement with Jewish camping, and I’m glad the both of you do as well.

Keep up the GOOD work and I look forward to reading DAVID Magazine for years to come.

Matt Horelick Las Vegas

We want to hear from you!

Compliments and complaints are welcome, but only if we get them. Send them to the editor at editor@davidlv.com with “Letter to Editor” in the subject line or mail them to DAVID, 1930 Village Center Circle, No. 3-459, Las Vegas, NV 89134 10 DAVID SHEVAT / ADAR 5773

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from the publisher How long does it take to establish a tradition? Last month as we were adjusting the lighting for the photo shoot of our Valentine’s Day issue cover, I could not shake the sense of déjà vu. Could it already be as long as a year ago that we had the studio covered in rose petals and a gorgeous young model posing with that intriguing Mona Lisa-esque smile on the floor?

He loves me … He loves me not. He loves me … He loves me not. This year the color scheme is the same, with red roses swapped out for juicy red strawberries. The only addition to the formula was the aroma of chocolate dipping sauce being prepared in the kitchen. Oh, yes, another tweak to the production design, goodbye and much thanks to Lucy and hello to Rachel.

With covers like these, this has to be our LOVE issue. My original response when presented with this publication theme was “How Cheesy.” Upon further reflection (and stealing a line from Forrest Gump, “cheesy is as cheesy does”), I have modified my views. These Valentine’s issues have reinforced in me the notion that no more powerful force for good exists than love. We celebrate Eros’ gift in all its glory, as we profile individuals and couples catalyzed into creative action by this powerful emotion.

Christine Beresniova, a self-proclaimed shiksa (non-Jewish female), has devoted her academic life to the study of the Holocaust.

It is abundantly clear when talking to her and upon reading her thought-provoking piece, from whence her passion emanates. She is a lover of humanity and treats the subject of her research with the utmost care and respect. We all should be so lucky as to walk into a bar and meet someone like her. Cheers, Froggy, whoever you are.

Judy and Leonard Stone’s youthful demeanor belies a sophisticated life view. Their ability to balance the drive for material success with a burning zeal to do tikkun olam (healing the planet) should be mandatory study in the field of behavioral sciences.

I have been acquainted with Dorit Schwartz for more than a decade. Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir Eat, Pray, Love makes me think of Dorit. She lives her life with undeniable passion.

Her gastronomy, sculpture and philanthropy individually are remarkable. It is, however, the artful combination of them all, along with her role as Schwartz family matriarch, that is her ultimate creation.

And, finally, a word about Bagel Ball 2012. It was an honor and privilege to partner with Marquee, The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas and the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada.

We had fun, learned a lot and, most importantly, raised close to $5,000 for Summer Camp scholarships for local kids. Not bad if I say so myself.

Max Friedland max@davidlv.com FEBRUARY 2013 DAVID

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THE 18TH ANNUAL KOMEN SOUTHERN NEVADA RACE FOR THE CURE速 Saturday, May 4, 2013 | Fremont Street Experience Register Online at www.komensouthernnevada.org 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Be Aware. Get Screened.

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Christian Steiner

pulse INSIDE explore @14 devour @ 19 desire @ 20 discover @ 22

SOPHIE SHAO @ THE BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA 2.11 pg. 16

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eXplore L A S

V E G A S

FOR THE JOY OF THE STING BY MICK AXELROD: Through Feb. 17, times vary, $11$12. Las Vegas Little Theatre, 3920 Schiff Drive, Las Vegas. 702-362-7996. lvlt.org AND NOTHING ELSE BY JAMES MCGUIRE: Through Feb. 5, times vary, free. Spring Valley Library, 4280 South Jones Blvd., Las Vegas.

702-507-3820. lvccld.org TALENT AND TREASURES: MASTERWORKS & COMIC CLASSICS OF DB DONOVAN: Through Feb. 12, times vary, free. Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive, Las Vegas. 702-5073860. lvccld.org LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU ARCHIVES: Through Feb. 3, times vary, free. West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3980. lvccld.org R SPACE STUDIO: A WORKING GALLERY BY SUSANNE FORESTIERI: Through Feb. 9, times vary, free. Rainbow Library, 3150 North Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas. 702-507-3710. lvccld.org AS I SEE IT - THE ART OF PEG LOZIER: Through Mar. 5, times vary, free. West Charleston Library, 6301 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3940. lvccld.org WANDERINGS OF WESTERN DESERT AND MOUNTAINS BY JOYCE BURKE: Through Mar. 14, times vary, free. Mesquite Library, 121 West North First Street, Mesquite. 702-3465224. lvccld.org

LINKIN PARK: 9 p.m., $75.50-$89.50. Planet Hollywood, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-785-5555. planethollywoodresort.com

February 1

EGO SUM BY BENJAMIN ENTNER: Through Mar. 2, hours vary, free. Contemporary Arts Center, 107 East Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas.

702-382-3886. lasvegascac.org DANA CARVEY: Through Feb. 2, 8 p.m., $54.95. Orleans Showroom, 4500 Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-365-7075. orleanscasino.com KODO: 7:30 p.m., $29. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-7492000. thesmithcenter.com CLINT HOLMES: Through Feb. 3, times vary, $35. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com DAVID COPPERFIELD: Through Feb. 20, times vary, $69.99-$99.99. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-891-7777. mgmgrand.com

DREW CAREY: Through Feb. 2, 11:30 p.m., $49.99-$69.99. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-891-7777. mgmgrand.com DANIEL TOSH: Through Feb. 2, 10 p.m., $65.99-$95.99. The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-792-7777. mirage.com “SECOND WIND” EXHIBITION BY ARTIST ROBIN STARK: Through Feb. 14, times vary, free. Las Vegas City Hall Grand Gallery, 495 South Main Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-1012. artslasvegas.org “NARRATIVES OF PROGRESS” BY ARTIST ARMIN MÜHSAM: Through Mar. 16, times vary, free. Charleston Heights Art Center, 800 South Brush Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-6383. artslasvegas.org FIRST FRIDAY: 6 p.m., free. Various locations downtown. firstfridaylasvegas.org

EXPRESSIONS IN TIME WITH METAL BY MAURO DEL MASTRO: Through Mar. 10, times vary, free. Windmill Library, 7060 West Windmill Lane, Las Vegas. 702-507-6030. lvccld.org GLIMPS BY SONYA YOUNG: Through Mar. 12, times vary, free. Whitney Library, 5175 East Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-507-4010. lvccld.org THE GALAXY AND MORE BY DANNY MASRI: Through Mar. 19, times vary, free. Enterprise Library, 25 East Shelbourne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-507-3760. lvccld.org SIX BY SIX SERIES BY IVAN LOFSTROM: Through Apr. 3, times vary, free. Laughlin Library, 2840 South Needles Highway, Laughlin. 702-507-4060. lvccld.org GERALDINE ZARATE, THE ARTIST: Through Mar. 3, times vary, free. Centennial Hills Library, 6711 North Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas.

702-507-6100. lvccld.org ECHOES OF WAR: THE MIND OF CHRISTIAN GABRIEL: Through Mar. 17, times vary, free.

Sunrise Library, 5400 Harris Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-507-3900. lvccld.org

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PJ HAVDALLAH: 6 p.m., free. Congregation Ner Tamid, 55 North Valle Verde, Henderson.

702-632-2250. jewishlasvegas.com JAZZ ROOTS: A TRIBUTE TO ELLA, JOE & BASIE FEATURING JANIS SIEGEL, KEVIN MAHOGANY AND THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NIKKI YANOFSKY AND NICOLE HENRY 7:30 p.m., $26. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com

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ART OF CONSCIOUSNESS BY HAROLD BRADFORD: Through Apr. 23, times vary, free.

West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3980. lvccld.org

Kodo 2.1

ROD STEWART: Through Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., $89+. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-731-7110. caesarspalace.com

TOMB CULTURE OF ANCIENT CHINA: 11 a.m., free. Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Library, 888 W. Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas.

702-493-6023. keepmemoryalive.org

TIM ALLEN: Through Feb. 2, 10 p.m., $65.75$175.75. Venetian Hotel & Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-414-1000. venetian.com

TUESDAY AFTERNOON AT THE BIJOU: MR. & MRS.: Through Feb. 26, 1 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3459. lvccld.org

ALBERT INNAURATO’S “GEMINI”: Through Feb. 10, times vary, $20-$30. Judy Bayley Theater at UNLV, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-895-2787. pac.unlv. edu

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SEATED YOGA: 2 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas.

702-507-3459. lvccld.org BIG WORDS BY ERIC BURWELL: Through Feb. 23, times vary, free. Brett Wesley Gallery, 1112 S. Casino Center Blvd., Las Vegas. 702443-4433. brettwesleygallery.com

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ANYTHING GOES: Through Feb. 10, times vary, $24. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com

THE STARS OF THE RUSSIAN BALLET: 8 p.m., $35-$75. UNLV, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-895-2787. pac.unlv.edu GEORGE STRAIT & MARTINA MCBRIDE: 8 p.m., $72.60-$133.45. Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-891-1111. mgmgrand.com SHABBAT SHALOM CLUB: 10:30 a.m., free.

Midbar Kodesh, 1940 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson. 702-454-4848. jewishlasvegas.com SHABBAT KATTAN: 10:30 a.m., free. Temple Beth Sholom, 10700 Havenwood Lane, Las Vegas. 702-804-1333. jewishlasvegas.com

THE COMPOSERS SHOWCASE: 10:30 p.m., $20. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com JEWISH SENIOR SINGLES: 6:30 p.m., free. JCC of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org

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YESHIVA DAY SCHOOL ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET: 6:30 p.m., $300.

Congregation Ner Tamid, 55 N. Valle Verde, Henderson. 702-838-8003. ydlv.org

Fall in Love With Bagels!

301 N. Buffalo Drive

THE ART OF EBRU & SUMINAGASHI BY MUSHEERA NAGAZI: Through May 7, times vary, free. Spring Valley Library, 4280 South Jones Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-5073820. lvccld.org

255-3444 www.thebagelcafelv.com

VOLUNTEER TAX ASSISTANCE: Through Feb. 28, 2 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-5073459. lvccld.org ARCHEOLOGY IN ISRAEL TODAY: 7 p.m., free. Congregation Ner Tamid, 55 North Valle Verde Drive, Henderson. 702-733-6292. lvnertamid.org

WhereTheLocalsEat.com

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KURT ELLING QUARTET: Through Feb. 9, times vary, $39. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-7492000. thesmithcenter.com JAY LENO: 10 p.m., $59.99-$79.99. The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-792-7777. mirage.com WARHOL OUT WEST: Through Oct. 27, times vary, costs vary. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-6937111. bellagio.com USA SEVENS INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Through Feb. 10, times vary, $33-$61. Sam Boyd Stadium, 7000 East Russell Road, Las Vegas. 702-895-3761. unlvtickets.com ROMEO & JULIET: Through Feb. 9, 7:30 & 2 p.m., $10-$12. CSN Cheyenne Campus, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-6515483. csn.edu/pac GREEN DAY: UN DOS TRES TOUR: 8 p.m., $32.15-$72.15. Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-891-1111. mgmgrand.com LAS VEGAS CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATER: Through Feb. 9, 7 p.m. & 1 p.m., free. West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3991. lvdance.org

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KEVIN JAMES: 7:30 & 10 p.m., $65.99-$95.99.

The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-792-7777. mirage.com INTERNATIONAL MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Through Mar. 23, times vary, $3. Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art, 450 Fremont Street, Las Vegas. 702-3822926. snmfa.com OUT OF DARKNESS 5K WALK TO PREVENT SUICIDE: 9 a.m., free. Centennial Hills Park, 6690 North Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas.

760-459-9959. http://afsp.donordrive. com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=1896 IMAGINE DRAGONS: 8 p.m., $21-$26. The Joint at Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-693-5000. hardrockhotel.com MORRISSEY, WITH KRISTEEN YOUNG: 8 p.m., $84.40. Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com BILL BELLAMY: Through Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m., $15.95. Suncoast Showroom, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas. 702-636-7075. suncoastcasino.com

SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE: TED: 2 p.m., free.

Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3459. lvccld.org

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SUPER SUNDAY PJ LIBRARY PROGRAM: 11 a.m., free. Adelson Educational Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-732-0556. jewishlasvegas.com NEVADA CHAMBER SYMPHONY’S “FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC: A CHILDRE N’S CONCERT”: 3 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3459. lvccld.org

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BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA: 7:30 p.m., $39. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com SWEETHEART BLOOD DRIVE: 12-5 p.m., free.

Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3459. lvccld.org

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SPILLOVER HEAVEN BY ORLANDO JAVIER MONTENEGRO-CRUZ: Through Apr. 7, times vary, free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3400. lvccld.org

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LEWIS & ROCA LLP PRESENTS ITZHAK PERLMAN: 7:30 p.m., $39. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702749-2000. thesmithcenter.com ART & WINE: A PERFECT PAIRING: 5 p.m., $30-$38. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-693-7111. bellagio.com DIAOYUTAI STATE GUESTHOUSE CULINARY FESTIVAL: Through Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., $500.

Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-693-7111. bellagio.com DATELESS VALENTINE'S BALL 2013: 11:30 p.m., $25. Riviera Hotel & Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-734-5110. rivierahotel.com HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: 7:30 p.m., $22$116. Thomas & Mack Center, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-895-3761. thomasandmack.com POMEGRANATE DINNER: 6 p.m., $65. Tableau at Wynn, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-732-0556. jewishlasvegas.com UNLV JAZZ CONCERT SERIES: JAZZ ENSEMBLE II AND THE CONTEMPORARY

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JAZZ ENSEMBLE: 7 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas.

702-507-3459. lvccld.org

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ZEPHYROS WINDS: 7:30 p.m., $25. UNLV, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas.

702-895-2787. pac.unlv.edu THE TALKING MACHINES BY RICHARD D. RAMSDELL: Through Mar. 30, times vary, free.

Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive, Las Vegas. 702-507-3860. lvccld.org

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BILLY GARDELL: Through Feb. 16, 8 p.m., $39.95. Orleans Showroom, 4500 Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-365-7075. orleanscasino.com LAS VEGAS PROSOCCER CHALLENGE: 7:30 p.m., $20. Sam Boyd Stadium, 7000 East Russell Road, Las Vegas. 702-895-3761. unlvtickets.com AN EVENING WITH THE YELLOWJACKETS: Through Feb. 16, times vary, $36. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com RON WHITE: Through Feb. 16, 10 p.m., $59.99-$79.99. The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-792-7777. mirage.com THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE: Through Mar. 3, times vary, $21-$24. Las Vegas Little Theatre, 3920 Schiff Drive, Las Vegas. 702362-7996. lvlt.org DAVID SPADE: Through Feb. 16, 9 p.m., $65.75-$175.75. Venetian Hotel & Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-4141000. venetian.com P!NK: 8 p.m., $59.50-$139.50. Mandalay Bay Events Center, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-632-7777. mandalaybay.com DOWNTOWN CULTURAL SERIES EMANUEL SCHMIDT QUARTET “THE MUSIC OF MILES”: Noon, free. Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas. 702-2293515. artslasvegas.org THE POETS’ CORNER: 7 p.m., free. West Las Vegas Arts Center Community Gallery, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-229-4800. artslasvegas.org RAINBOW COMPANY YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS “ACROSS THE TRUCKEE”: Through Feb. 17, times vary, $3-$7. Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth Street, Las Vegas.

702-229-3515. artslasvegas.org

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LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC — POPS III — MARDI GRAS IN LAS VEGAS: 8 p.m., $46. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com LINKIN PARK: 9 p.m., $75.50-$89.50. Planet Hollywood, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-785-5555. planethollywoodresort.com

105.7 THE OASIS LOVE AFFAIR: 6:30 p.m., $27.50. Orleans Arena, 4500 Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-284-7777. orleansarena.com MICKEY GILLEY: 8 p.m., $49. Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-8947722. treasureisland.com LISA LAMPANELLI: 8 p.m., $56+. Pearl at the Palms, 4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas.

702-942-7777. palms.com SHABBAT KATTAN: 10:30 a.m., free. Temple Beth Sholom, 10700 Havenwood Lane, Las Vegas. 702-804-1333. jewishlasvegas.com GUY DAVIS IN CONCERT: 7:30 p.m., $10$15. Charleston Heights Arts Center, Jeanne Roberts Theatre, 800 S. Brush Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-6383. artslasvegas.org ALL-4-ONE: Through Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., $15.95. Suncoast Hotel, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas. 702-636-7075. suncoastcasino.com RAPTOR PLAY PARK GRAND OPENING: 10 a.m., free. Thunderbird Family Sports Complex, 6105 North Durango Drive, Las Vegas. artslasvegas.org

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THE LIFE OF A BOOK: 2:30 p.m., free. Barnes and Noble, 8915 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-732-0556. jewishlasvegas.com THE ARTISTRY OF GOSPEL CELEBRATION CONCERT: 5 p.m., $23. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-7492000. thesmithcenter.com 11 FUNNY VALENTINE'S FOR YOU: 2 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3459. lvccld.org

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PADDY MALONEY & THE CHIEFTAINS: 7:30 p.m., $29. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com

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KABUKI SUSHI 101: 6:30 p.m., $60-$100.

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant at Tivoli Village, 440 South Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas. 702685-7776. tivolivillagelv.com FEBRUARY 2013 DAVID

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Candlelighting SHEVAT / ADAR 5773 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, SHEVAT 21 Light candles at 4:50 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, SHEVAT 22 Shabb at ends at 5:49 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, SHEVAT 28 Light candles at 4:57 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, SHEVAT 29 Shabbat ends at 5:55 p.m.

Blessing of the New Month SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, SHEVAT 30 Rosh Chodesh Adar MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, ADAR 1 Rosh Chodesh Adar TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, ADAR 2 Rosh Chodesh Nissan FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, ADAR 5 Light Candles at 5:04 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, ADAR 6 Shabbat ends at 6:02 p.m.

2013-02-21 Fast begins at 4:49 a.m.

Fast of Esther THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, ADAR 11 Fast ends at 5:59 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, ADAR 12 Light candles at 5:11 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, ADAR 13 Shabbat ends at 6:09 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, ADAR 14 Purim MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, ADAR 15 Shushan Purim

GODS & HEROES OF INDIA: 11 a.m., free. Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Library, 888 W. Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-493-6023. keepmemoryalive.org TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM ACTIVE ADULTS: ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUM TOUR: For more information and to register, call Adele at 702384-6456.

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CIRCUS OZ: Through Feb. 23, times vary, $24. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com PHIL VASSAR: 7 p.m., $25-$65. Silverton Hotel & Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas. 702-263-7777. silvertoncasino.com

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JUST THE TWO OF US: KEVIN EUBANKS & STANLEY JORDAN: Through Feb. 23, times vary, $36. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com HANDS ACROSS THE ARTS: TAP IN TIME: 7 p.m., $20-$25. CSN Cheyenne Campus, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-6515483. csn.edu/pac BONNIE RAITT: 8 p.m., $56. Pearl at The Palms, 4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas.

702-942-7777. palms.com AN EVENING WITH PETER YARROW: 8 p.m., $10-$15. Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-3515. artslasvegas.org

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HANDS ACROSS THE ARTS: TAP IN TIME: Through Feb. 24, 7:30 & 2 p.m., $12$15. CSN Cheyenne Campus, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-6515483. csn.edu/pac THE PIPES & DRUMS OF THE BLACK WATCH: 8 p.m., $30-$55. UNLV, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-8952787. pac.unlv.edu NATALIE COLE: Through Feb. 24, 8 p.m., $71.95. Orleans Showroom, 4500 Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-365-7111. orleanscasino.com THE JESTER HAIRSTON MUSIC ASSOCIATION, INC. PRESENTS “WHY DO WE SING - THE EVOLUTION OF AFRICANAMERICAN MUSIC”: 3 p.m., free. West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3989. artslasvegas.org

Andy Warhol 2.8

SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE: BOURNE LEGACY: 2 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702507-3459. lvccld.org

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SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY BALLROOM DANCE COMPANY’S SIMPLY BALLROOM 2 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3459. lvccld.org

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WEST SIDE STORY: Through Mar. 3, times vary, $24. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com ILLUSTRATIONS BY HERB RUSSELL: Through Apr. 16, times vary, free. Sahara West Library, 9600 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas. 702507-3630. lvccld.org

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DAVID COPPERFIELD: Through Mar. 6, times vary, $69.99-$99.99. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-891-7777. mgmgrand.com JFLV MAJOR GIFTS DINNER: 6 p.m. For more information and to register, call Jay Steinberg at 702-479-4433. jewishlasvegas.com

To submit your event information, email calendar@ davidlv.com by the 15th of the month prior to the month in which the event is being held.

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devour Sugar Factory @ Paris

Valentine’s Day conjures up visions of Cupid and hearts and love for most people. But not everyone has a better half to celebrate the day with. Sugar Factory American Brasserie is offering a twist on the traditional romantic dinner, for couples and non-couples: Love Bites Valentine’s Day Dinner. Starting off with a creamy garlic soup will certainly prevent any romantic urges for after-dinner make out sessions. Soup is followed by bleeding heart arancini: fried risotto balls, with a smoked salt beet gelée. For the main event, dig into braised ribs with candied fennel and crispy potatoes. Finally, enjoy a cold-hearted repast of vanilla semifreddo, topped with pistachio butter and burnt cherry compote.

Grab your significant other or your best friend and put a different spin on Valentine’s Day this year. Dinner is $40 per person and is served from 4-11 p.m. on Valentine’s Day only. Sugar Factory at Paris, MonSun. Always open. 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-331-5100. sugarfactory.com/restaurant

Cantina Laredo @ Tivoli Village

Tivoli Village is adding another type of cuisine to its repertoire: Mexican. With the recent opening of Cantina Laredo, visitors to the shopping area can now enjoy authentic, modern Mexican food after a few hours of shopping. Unique to Cantina Laredo’s menus are a number of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The lunch and dinner menus also feature a variety of tacos and enchiladas. However, Cantina Laredo is best known for its top shelf guacamole, which is made tableside. Another unique menu item is the Cantina Roll, which has tuna, jalapeno, avocado and cream cheese. The roll is fried and served with chipotle aioli. Cantina Laredo at Tivoli Village, 430 S. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-202-4511. Visit cantinalaredo.com

Jean-Philippe Patisserie @ Aria & Bellagio Early memories of making cakes with his aunt led Jean Philippe Maury to L’Ecole Hôtelière du Moulin à Vent in France, where he studied pastry, ice cream, chocolate and confections. Many years and many adventures later it brought him to Las Vegas in December 2009, where he became the executive pastry chef at Aria. His shops pride themselves in having the largest chocolate fountains, as certified by the book of Guinness World Records. Besides chocolates and other bite-size treats, Chef Maury offers a diverse range of cakes perfect for all occasions, from birthdays to weddings. With Valentine’s Day approaching, be sure to check out the Patisserie’s online catalog for the perfect gift for that special someone. Jean Philippe Patisserie at Aria, Mon-Sun, 6 a.m.-12 a.m. 3730 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702590-7227. Jean Philippe Patisserie at Bellagio, Mon-Thur., 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sun., 7 a.m.-12 a.m. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

Visit jpchocolates.com FEBRUARY 2013 DAVID

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desire

Seeing Red Red hearts scribbled en masse on this adorable scarf will show your playful side. $15. Charming Charlie at Town Square, 6521 S. Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-269-5342.

A key pendant accented with a butterfly of fancy pink and white diamonds unlocks the poetic spirit that flourishes in your heart. $7,500. Tiffany & Co. at Crystals, 3720 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-545-9090.

Charms are a must for delicious arm candy, and for heart’s day, there are many to choose from. $40-$48 (each charm), with bracelet $176. Swarovski at Town Square, 6643 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-269-9508.

From Morgenthal Frederics’ Sex Symbols Collection, the “Brigitte,” inspired by one of the hottest sex symbols of the 50s and 60s, Brigitte Bardot, will make any woman feel the love in her new shades. $395.

Optica at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd., S., Las Vegas. 702-733-7624.

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Be ritualistic with chocolate and celebrate love under the light of the full moon each month. The chocolate collection, which varies from month to month, arrives with details of the significance of each lunar cycle and chocolate ritual. $562. Vosges at Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-866-9866.

Slip into a shoe that showcases your endless love and charming sense-of-style, like this Charlotte Olympia “Love Me” pump. $1,495. Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd., S., Las Vegas. 702-731-3636.

Fall in love with Viva la Juicy - an enticing mélange of wild berries, mandarins, honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine - bottled in a gold decanter decorated with Juicy charms. This set includes an eau de parfum spray, body lotion, and the perfect white cosmetics bag lined in Juicy pink terrycloth. $95. Bloomindales at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd., S., Las Vegas. 702-784-5400.

She’s third generation in her family to carry on the art of stone wheel engraving. Jennifer Fillinger will engrave the lovebirds’ initials for the wine or beer lover. Order early. $85. www.uncommongoods.com. 888-365-0056.

Behind that perfect pucker and 1940s siren red hue is Lydia Mondavi’s 29 Cosmetics’ long-lasting grape seed anti-oxidant enriched moisturizing lipstick with SPF 20, which nourishes and protects the lips. Color: Call Me a Cab. $20 Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd., S., Las Vegas. 702-731-3636.

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discover Las Vegas City Hall In most cities and towns, City Hall is where people go to pay bills, attend meetings involving the administration of local government — and a few other things. But Las Vegas takes City Hall to a whole new level. Not only can you take care of whatever business you may have, you can admire some amazing artwork in the Chamber Gallery, the Grand Gallery and in many other locations throughout the building. New works are featured regularly, and the exhibits are free and open to the public during normal business hours. Beyond that, the Las Vegas City Hall building has several architectural features not typically found in city halls. The lobby is home to a backlit, sculpted glass waterfall staircase. There are also 33 solar trees throughout the campus, and the building itself has LED lighting that can display artistic patterns. It’s worth checking out next time you’re downtown. Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S. Main Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-6011. lasvegasnevada. gov

USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament @ Sam Boyd

The USA Sevens International Rugby Team will be invading Sam Boyd Stadium this month with its annual tournament. Rugby, one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, is bringing fans from all corners of the city. Attendance records were broken during last year’s tournament and spectators can expect more of the same this year. Fans who need a break from watching the game can explore the festival that goes with the tournament. It features entertainment, food and kids activities. Youngsters will especially love the rugby clinics happening throughout the festival. There will be 45 matches over the weekend and fans will have a chance to watch future Olympians in action, as rugby is now an official Olympic sport, debuting in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro games. Feb. 8-10, times vary, $10-$33. USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament at Sam Boyd Stadium, 7000 E. Russell Road, Las Vegas. 702-895-3761. http:// www.usasevens.com/las-vegas/tickets/

It’s every woman’s dream: a museum dedicated to shoes. But the ShoeZeum is geared to the male market, housing the largest collection of sneakers in the world. This curated compendium features thousands of pairs of Nikes, organized into categories with displays built around themes such as back to school and holidays. Even the bathrooms and employee break room have shoe displays. Rooms are dedicated to the history of basketball; Michael Jordan’s famed kicks are all over the place, and there’s even a video game-themed room. A quick glance at ShoeZeum’s Facebook page gives you an idea of what to expect. If you’re looking for a unique tourist attraction, ShoeZeum’s the place. $10. Thurs.-Sun., 4 p.m., ShoeZeum, 450 Fremont St., Las Vegas. sneakskicks.com

Steve Marcus

ShoeZeum @ Freemont Street

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mingle

(left to right) Bernice Friedman, Norma Friedman and Jackie Greenberg with guest

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SOUHERN NEVADA & DAVID MAGAZINE: BAGEL BALL

Tonya Harvey

MARQUEE @ THE COSMOPOLITAN MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

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CONGREGATION NER TAMID DINNER CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF RABBI AKSELRAD’S SERVICE

David Weinstein

CONGREGATION NER TAMID SATURDAY, JANUARY 12

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mingle

(left to right) Renee Goldman, Shayna Bock and Rebettzin Helene Wyne

(left to right) Dassi Lefkowitz, Jessica Stockman and Morian Yifrach

(left to right) Amy Henry, Andreah Werner (left to right) Bernice Friedman, Norma Friedman and and Diane Cacciopo Jackie Greenberg with guest

(left to right) Dr. Adam Milman, Mrs. Gissling and Dee Milman

Donna and Peter Dubowsky

YOUNG ISRAEL AISH LAS VEGAS: MILMAN’S YEAR END COCKTAIL PARTY AND FUNDRAISER PALMS PLACE PENTHOUSE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 (left to right) Howard Perlman, Brian Stockman and Rabbi Yitzchak Wyne

Simon S. Abraham

(left to right) Rabbi Asher Finsley, Ahuva Finsley, Dee Milman and Dr Adam Milman

(left to right) Tracy Banner, Gary Banner and Ilan Banner

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COMMUNITY KOLLEL GREATER LAS VEGAS: 5TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF JEWISH LEARNING

Paul Sleet

ADELSON EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS THURSDAY, JANUARY 10

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Froggy & the Shiksa In the shadow of the Holocaust … a Jew and a shiksa walk into a bar…

R

ecently, my friend (let’s call him ‘Froggy’) told me that I was pretty “Jewy.”

Chewy?

No, “Jew-y.”

Now, I’ve studied the Holocaust for 16 years, but, even so, I am not entirely sure what his comment meant. My poorly rounded Jewish education consists of Chaim Potok novels, a production of Fiddler on the Roof I was in when I was 14, the collection of Jewish boyfriends I had in my teens (all with utterly disapproving parents), Passover Seders at friends’ houses and the weekly Shabbos prayers that I now seem to be getting from some organization called “Shabbat Shalom Vilnius.” (I have no idea how I got on this mailing list.

Maybe Froggy signed me up as a joke?)

Hardly a Jewish education you can hang your hat on if you ask me. Oh, and also, I’m not Jewish.

Still, as the newly self-appointed expert of all things Jewy, Froggy proclaimed me to be “the best Jewish non-Jew” he had ever met, and then he sat there looking at me for a response. I was vaguely aware this wasn’t intended as a compliment, as Froggy doesn’t compliment me about anything ever, so I took his resounding silence to be an expectation to explain myself.

Should I apologize for being “Jewy”?

I showed Froggy my right forearm, which bears the word Invictus (for the William Ernest Henley poem), and I said, “but I have a tattoo.” A pretty good argument, I thought, as tattoos are forbidden by Jewish law.

“So?” he said. “My brother has a tattoo.” (*Mental note: the brother is the cool one.)

“But I eat bacon,” I said.

“So?” he said. “A lot of Jews eat bacon.”

“Oh yah,” I snarked. “I remember that you ate bacon when we went to Poland.”

I got the look. (Aha. So, it was secret bacon.)

Then I said, “but the Finnish Jew that we met the other day said that my hamsa necklace isn’t in the traditional style of Judaism.”

Froggy sighed with exasperation and said, “Christine, you are still wearing a freakin’ Jewish hamsa.”

Hmm. Point taken.

I struggle with this a lot.

Whatever it means, I’m too Jewy.

I get it from all sides.

Some people try to make me Jewish. People who dislike my research on Holocaust education in contemporary Lithuania (controversial due to issues of Lithuanian collaboration) will accuse me of being “a Jew,” as if that’s the only possible explanation for studying this topic.

Other people have doubts about the appropriateness of my affinity for Judaism. People like Froggy aren’t always comfortable with a nonJew chasing ghosts across a homeland that isn’t theirs, to bear witness for a people to which they don’t belong. I remember one night in Lithuania last winter; Froggy was driving me home from a play about the Holocaust written by a non-Jewish Lithuanian. As he sat there, overfilling the silence with rambling conversation, one thing struck me. He said he wished he “knew why this woman had written a play about the Holocaust, seeing as how she’s not Jewish and all.” When I told him someone had suggested the topic to her, and the more she read about it, the more interested in it she became, he said: “But it really makes you wonder why, doesn’t it?”

No, it does not make me wonder why, Froggy, I thought, but didn’t say. Look at who you’re talking to. I know better than anyone how this topic can come to fill a place in your soul in a way you can’t explain, even though people like Froggy keep expecting you to.

Still others think I dwell too much on the Jews. My very proper Catholic grandmother thought it was nothing more than an unladylike cry for attention to be trotting out the Holocaust in all its awfulness during ladies’ lunch. Even those who are basically neutral about what I study don’t always quite know what to do with it. This summer, after a trip to Israel, I told my mother that I wanted to live in Tel Aviv someday. She replied, “Oh, you found Zionism over there, did you?” (Find it? I didn’t even know it was lost.) Even more recently, during a drive through a Dallas suburb, I made an offhand comment to a friend about the considerable size of a high school we were passing. “Oh, you’d like it there,” she replied innocently. “That’s where all the Jews go.”

Yup. That’s me: Jewish Jewy lover of the Jews.

Interestingly, in Israel, the Jewish state, 40 percent of the Jewish population reports itself on the census as being secular. The “black-hatted Jews” known for their devout religiosity (the haredi) represent fewer than 10 percent of the Israeli population. Generally, the remaining Israeli Jews fall across a broad spectrum. Sometimes culture and religion intertwine, sometimes not.

If asked, I actually identify myself as Catholic – but no one ever asks. Furthermore, the thing that defines me the most is not religion, but the fact that I am an anthropologist. Symbols, rituals, relationships, making meaning — these are my heart and soul. It also happens that my research is in a part of the world where Judaism is short on people to value the beautiful, world-changing, cultural traditions that existed there during a thousand years of Eastern European Jewish life. Because of the massive devastation the Holocaust wrought, there aren’t many people left in modern Lithuanian towns to remember, let alone esteem, the cultural traditions that once took root on its soil. Once the Jerusalem of the North, Lithuania was FEBRUARY 2013 DAVID

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home to myriad Jewish traditions, religious and political rivalries, thriving intellectual communities and dynamic cultural worlds.

Holocaust history may have robbed us of this experience now, but I don’t understand how anyone can avoid having this past seep into her soul. Jewish culture is still part of the air we breathe, the rituals we practice, the vocabulary we use, the buildings we touch in Lithuania. This history — the good and the bad — is not just Jewish; it is humanity’s …

From now on, I think I’m going to start calling myself “Jew-ish,” not because I am in any way religious or culturally Jewish, but because I cherish the thousand-year-old awesomeness that comprises the language, rituals, beliefs and practices of Jewish communities across Eastern Europe. (Plus, it will have the added bonus of rankling Froggy, who deserves to be rankled every now and then.)

In fact, I wonder why Froggy, whose family left the small Lithuanian town of Žagare before World War II, isn’t perpetually awed to be living in place where so much Jewish culture was born and made.

Aha, Froggy. You should apologize to me for not being more Jewy!

Still, to be fair to my belovedly patronizing Froggy, it’s because of him that I learned “Jewy” is a real word. In fact, many Jews seem rather taken with determining their own level of Jewy-ness.

Yet, the question underlying all of this is not whether a Catholic girl can wear a hamsa, or whether a conservative Jew should be seen eating bacon 40 miles away from the most notorious killing factory For Catering Call 702-327-5074 or in Poland; the question is what is the obligation of a Jew in the postemail desiree@OriginIndiaRestaurant.com Master 5X6 Bottom_Layout 1 11/13/12 9:19 AM Page 1 Holocaust world? And what is the obligation of humanity?

I once asked Froggy, “What does it feel like to be a Jew living per4480 Paradise Road, #1200 | Across from the Hard Rock Hotel petually in the shadow of the Holocaust?” I thought he was going to 702.73-INDIA (4-6342) | www.originindiarestaurant.com drop his beer glass in his lap.

“Seriously?”

I could see he was trying to decide on the merits of my inquiry.

Origin_India_07_2012.indd 1 6/21/12 9:29 AM Ceiling Fan Dryer Vent His eyes searched mine, asking: “Is this a real question, or are you just busting my chops in a way I haven’t quite figured out yet?” (A Cleaning Included Inspection Included very legit question as I realized early on that Froggy prides himself with entire air conditioning with entire air conditioning Estimates! on being unflappable, so, naturally, I made it my job to find all the duct system cleaning duct system cleaning ways I could to get a rise out of him. It’s much easier than poor With this coupon. Not valid with any With this coupon. Not valid with any With this coupon. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 2/1/13. other offers. Expires 2/1/13.

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Froggy also learned to tread carefully in conversations with me, because I always drag him into some deeply nuanced and utterly complicated philosophical sticky wicket at the exact moment when he just wants to sit there and drink his beer. Once – because I have virtually no filter and I find it totally commonplace to pepper normal conversations with great moral questions pertaining to the Holocaust – I told the blond haired, blue-eyed Froggy that he easily could have passed for an Aryan in Nazi Germany.

Admittedly, it’s a shocking commentary to offer, but he can’t have not noticed it. The man owns a mirror. Nonetheless, it was pretty audacious, even for me. I expected Froggy to say what he always says in such moments: “You are truly unbelievable, Christine” (and not unbelievable in a complimentary sort of way; more unbelievg Handlints, all eveneddings, ,w caterinngdraising, fu s, birthdasyarys r annivem re. and o

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able in a “You must start a lot of international incidents with that big mouth of yours” sort of a way.) But, this he did not say. Instead, he got quiet, nodded his head slowly, drifted somewhere behind his pale blue eyes, and replied: “I know. I’ve thought about that too.”

We have all thought about such things (even though Yad Vashem explicitly tells us not to).

Would I have helped? Would I have looked the other way? Would I have pulled the trigger? Would I have survived? Of course, we can never really answer these questions. Instead, we have questions of our own. The one that niggles me most is: What responsibility do Jews have to preserve Judaism even if they don’t feel particularly inclined to do so?

In Lithuania, I have been fortunate to meet a young Lithuanian Jewish boy who has taught me everything that I ever (or never) wanted to know about NBA teams. One day, we were wandering through a small Lithuanian town with his parents, talking about everything and nothing in Lithuanian Jewish history. The summer sunshine was pouring down on us as he told me that when he grows up he is going to marry whomever he wants, Jewish or not.

Yes. Good for you. People are people, after all. Marry anyone!

That would have been a great conversation, wouldn’t it, had that actually been what I said. Instead, what came out of my mouth was, “Don’t you think you have an obligation to marry a Jewish girl? You are a Litvak [Lithuanian Jew] after all, and the Holocaust happened here.”

Um. What did I just say?

First of all, the kid is 13. He isn’t marrying anyone anytime soon.

Secondly, what a burden to lay at the feet of a child: Hey, kid! Don‘t forget that no matter what you do, you have a responsibility to 600 years of destroyed Litvak culture. Oh, and while we’re at it, don’t forget that you also personally have to bear the burden of a continent full of murdered Jews. *Sigh.* How much does a soul weigh?

How much do 6 million souls weigh?

What does it mean to live in the shadow of the Holocaust, Froggy?

In the end, Froggy didn’t answer my question. We just changed the subject and sat there drinking our beers, staring into the night. … A Jew and a shiksa walk into a bar… in the shadow of the Holocaust … and neither one could explain themselves to the other one … so they said nothing … and so neither of them ever got an answer about what it means to live in the shadow of the Holocaust … except they both knew that the shadow meant very different things to the other… And it always would … So silence was all they had. ...

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know

Romancing The Stones A Power Couple Who Have Found The Formula For a Balanced Life

M

eet the Stones: Judy and Leonard. By all accounts they are living a charmed life. Married for almost a decade, they have two children, 5 ½-year-old Jonah and 4-year-old Ilana. Both parents work. She is the director of marketing for Crystals at City Center on the strip. He is a personal injury attorney and founding partner at Shook and Stone. They live in a gorgeous home in a prestigious neighborhood, enjoying privilege at a relatively young age. They’re movers and shakers, to be sure: ambitious, achieving the American dream in an economic environment that otherwise threatens it. A beautiful family, building and appreciating a beautiful life. For most, that would suffice.

For Judy and Leonard, however, the dream goes beyond the affluence. At the heart of their ascent is integrity, gratitude and giving, informed by time-honored traditions. They’re building not just personal means, but a future based upon an allegiance to Jewish values – G-d, family, community and tikkun olam (Hebrew for repairing the world). Sitting comfortably and casually in the heart of their expansive home – their kitchen – they shared their inspirational story with candor and humor.

DAVID: Your story is impressive because it’s not driven by tragic events but rather inspired values and mutual respect and love – an example seldom encountered in the media. Let’s start with how you and Leonard met.

JUDY: At the wedding of mutual friends in Miami, where I was born and raised. I was a journalist for a local paper and Leonard was visit-

ing from Vegas where he had already opened Shook and Stone, his law firm. We didn’t connect, however, until months later when I was vacationing on the West Coast and he invited me to visit Vegas. He was the first guy I could easily spend hours talking to. We hit it off. I moved to Las Vegas, worked as a journalist for the Las Vegas Sun and eventually started Vegas magazine as an associate editor. A few years later we got married.

DAVID: Did you grow up with a strong Jewish identity?

JUDY: Identity, yes, but involvement no. I’m what Leonard calls a Jewban (colloquial for Cuban Jew) … my mother and her family came to Miami from Cuba. My father was a Euro Jew. The focus was to rebuild lives in America. I was surrounded by lots of Jews but it was a very different experience from Leonard’s upbringing. I didn’t get involved in community philanthropy until I met him.

DAVID: Leonard, share your background and how it influenced you.

LEONARD: I grew up in Los Angeles around philanthropy. My grandparents were leaders in the Jewish community. I have some of my grandfather’s leadership awards on display around the house.

Giving back, stepping up to lead and contribute. It’s a part of my DNA. It’s tikkun olam. It’s what you do. Judy and I are now on that journey together. I think we both share this pressure to live not just prosperous, but meaningful lives. To just live for ourselves is an empty existence. By example we want to teach our children to do the same.

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DAVID: You’re both involved in leadership roles in the Jewish community. How did you get started?

JUDY: When I met Leonard he was already involved. I got to know and participate in the Jewish community through him. But I’m pleased to say that my involvement with the Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Council was something I came to on my own. I met someone who asked me to come on board and I agreed. Soon I found myself co-chairing the WPC’s United Luncheon. It was a huge undertaking, but rewarding to be a part of something that raised considerable money that would help so many.

DAVID: Have you done anything since?

JUDY: Oh, yes. I partnered Crystals with the WPC to host fashion, shopping and fundraising events. I’m especially excited about our upcoming Pomegranate event that I’m co-chairing with two other WPC members, Lacy Schorr and Ellen Schaner. It’s on Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., at Tableau at the Wynn. We’re so excited to have Mayim Bialik, from The Big Bang Theory, as our special guest speaker. It’s going to be a lot of fun! We hope it will attract a good number of women from the community.

DAVID: What is the significance in calling it Pomegranate?

JUDY: It’s mentioned in the Torah as the only fruit with 613 seeds, said to represent the 613 mitzvot (commandments) that G-d gave to the Jewish people. It symbolizes doing the right things, helping others. Women who attend and contribute the $1,800 donation receive a gold pomegranate pin with a red ruby, added for each year they give, signifying the seeds.

DAVID: Leonard, you recently served as Chairman of the Las Vegas Jewish Federation for two years. You will soon be the President of the JCC (Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada). How did your philanthropic involvement begin?

LEONARD: I did my undergraduate studies at Brandeis University in Boston and law school at Loyola in Los Angeles. My first job was in San Francisco working for the Israeli consulate as assistant to the

consul for economic affairs for the Pacific Northwest. I moved to Las Vegas, wanting to start my own thing, though I first worked for a large law firm in a building where I met my mentor, Neil Galatz, who recently passed away.

DAVID: How did he inspire you?

LEONARD: He taught me how to practice law – litigation – in a professional, ethical and moral way. He always said that whatever you do, make sure you do it well. Don’t be mediocre. “Mean what you say and say what you mean.” I’m a personal injury attorney because of Neil Galatz. I owe him a lot. He was also very involved in charitable giving, along with his wife. That was inspirational to me as well.

DAVID: Is that when you began to get involved?

LEONARD: Not quite. First I opened my own practice with a partner, John Shook. That was in 1997. I was in my mid-20s with a growing practice and a good social life, but realized it wasn’t enough for me to be a happy person. That’s when I walked into the Federation and asked how I could help. A great deal of self-worth is gained from helping others, as are meaningful relationships. When you surround yourself with people who share similar values, you become natural friends, almost immediately.

DAVID: What do you hope to accomplish as JCC president?

LEONARD: I hope to attract more Jews to the Jewish community by creating forums that interest and encourage them to live Jewishly, however that may be. What’s great about the JCC is that it doesn’t seek to define what a Jew is. For some people it’s living Jewishly to play on a Jewish softball league. For others it might be adult Jewish education classes. The JCC has the opportunity to construct a massive tent to welcome people in to participate in whatever might interest them Jewishly. I hope to fill that tent. Some of the challenges will be to develop more programming, raise more money, identify more Jews to reach out to, but we’ll get there.

DAVID: How do you balance marriage and family with such busy lives?

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JUDY: There’s no magic bullet. We talk a lot. We cover for each other and share family responsibilities. We have our moments, though, and I’m the stubborn one. But we use humor to get through. That’s important. We’re both very funny. People will ask, “What do you do when the kids get sick?” And we both respond, “No. It’s what do we do when the nanny gets sick?”

LEONARD: Taking it a step further – and I don’t say this as often as I should to Judy – I am deeply grateful to her for supporting what I am passionate about in life. Now that comes at a price because I’m not always home for dinner. But I’m passionate about helping others through what I do in business and philanthropy. Judy gives me the opportunity to pursue that. I try, in turn, to encourage her similarly.

JUDY: We push each other to be the best we can be. And we respect each other’s advice, even though it can sometimes be hard to hear.

And he’s tough. He won’t let me settle for less. It can be annoying at times, but the result is that we elevate each other.

DAVID: With all of the personal injury attorneys competing for business out there, how does Shook and Stone differentiate itself?

LEONARD: I would have to say we have tons of experience and a lot of integrity. We don’t take short cuts. Our business may grow a little slower than the others, but at the end of the day we give our clients the best representation, even if it means litigating, which is more costly, to get them all they deserve. As a full-service firm with 40 employees and seven attorneys, we don’t just fight for those who have been injured by a third party. We have a large disability and workers’ compensation practice as well. Not all PI firms can claim that. We’re all about helping people. That’s what I learned at a young age, and again later on through Neil. Frankly, it doesn’t matter whether it’s through business or philanthropy. For me it all comes down to doing my best to help people. In addition to Judy and the kids, it’s what gives meaning to my life.

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taste

Strawberry Fields These Cousins of the Rose Have Their Own Fragrant Charm

B

ehold the strawberry. If ever a fruit epitomized the aching sensuality of the Valentine season, a voluptuous treat for lips and tongue that should almost be forbidden, this is it. Just to describe its essence invites a blush: Sumptuous. Succulent. Luscious.

Juicy. Sweet. Tart. Plump. Lipstick Red. Never mind that it’s heart-shaped and occasionally draped in a partial shell of decadent, hardened chocolate. To describe it further may border on the pornographic. And, yet, are we making too much of this innocent fruit, this product of a ground-hugging plant, forgetting that long ago some considered it a perfect symbol of righteousness, modesty, purity and humility?

Romans were on to strawberries as early as 234 B.C. (more for medicinal purposes, though, than as food or symbols of love). By the 14th century, the French had begun transplanting them (Fragaria vesca) from the forest to their gardens. Charles V, who ruled France in the late 1300s, is said to have had more than a thousand strawberry plants producing in his royal plot. And 300 years later, at the Palace of Versailles, King Louis XIV would consider les fraise, tended by his personal gardener, his favorite fruit.

History tells us that by the early 1400s western European monks had worked images of the wild strawberry into their illuminated manuscripts. And representations of the tasty fruit show up in

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the art of Italians, the Flemish and the Germans, as well as in English miniatures. After all, the strawberry symbolized perfect righteousness and modesty, growing as it did beneath leaves, near the ground. It was thought to be a curative for melancholia and kidney stones. And medieval stonemasons carved its image into altars and the tops of pillars, references to its pious iconography.

Still, this member of the rose family long has been considered a symbol of Venus, the Goddess of Love, for its heart shape and its red flesh. According to legend, if you break a double strawberry in half and share it with someone of the opposite sex, you will fall in love with each other.

In France, strawberries also are considered an aphrodisiac. To celebrate their love, Gallic newlyweds traditionally were served a breakfast of strawberry soup with sour cream, sugar and borage (an annual herb also known as starflower).

Strawberries – giant ones – show up amid nudes in the center panel of the “Garden of Earthly Delights,” the fantastic triptych by 16th century Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch, who may have used them as a symbol of transient human pleasure.

In the 17th century, the English writer, Dr. William Butler, lauded the tasty fruit European colonists had found proliferating in Virginia (Fragaria virginiana) and brought back with them to the Continent: “Doubtless God could have made a better berry,” Butler gushed, “but doubtless God never did.”

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American Indians were eating strawberries when some of the colonists came ashore. The Natives mixed the fruit with cornmeal to produce a strawberry bread. The colonists altered the recipe, essentially creating the Strawberry Shortcake we know today.

In “Othello,” Shakespeare “spotted” Desdemona’s fateful handkerchief with symbolic strawberries (the Elizabethans knew what he was inferring), so her husband would instantly recognize his first gift to her if it turned up other than in her possession.

And in some parts of Bavaria, farmers still practice the annual spring rite of tying little baskets of wild strawberries to the horns of cattle; it is a bucolic offering to elves – who supposedly are passionate for the crimson treats and can be expected to reciprocate by helping ensure healthy calves for the herd and an abundance of milk.

In Wépion, Belgium, a museum is devoted to the strawberry, which has been a commercial crop in that area for 150 years. In the

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United States, where most of the world’s strawberries are grown, there are hundreds of annual strawberry festivals. The fruit is grown in virtually every state, and in all the Canadian provinces.

But California produces about 2 billion pounds annually on 38,000 acres, more than all the other North American areas combined.

In England, it has been traditional since the late 1800s for patrons at the annual Wimbledon tennis tournament to have fresh strawberries and cream. The matches are held in early summer, just as the plump fruit are being harvested at farms in Kent.

Our English word for “strawberry” may come from the AngloSaxon “streoberie,” meaning strewn berry, a supposed reference to the plant’s tendency to spread its berries via runners. Others, including David Trinklein of the University of Missouri’s Division of Plant Sciences, suggest the modern word “strawberry” could refer to the practice of English youth picking wild strawberries and selling them impaled on grass straws.

But etymologist William Sayers of Cornell University believes strawberry, spelled that way since 1538, likely is related to a Germanic variant that refers to plants growing at ground level, including straw, and to the irregular distribution (or strewing) of its achenes (the roughly 200 “seeds” on the outside of a strawberry) by birds and animals.

What is certain is that the colonists took the smallish North American variety (Fragaria virginiana) of the plant back to France in 1624. A wild and larger species of strawberry native to Chile (Fragaria chiloensis) was brought to France in 1712. Both species from the Americas were grown in French gardens. Eventually

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chance seedlings representing a cross of the two species appeared.

Some were not only vigorous, but they produced large fruit. They are believed to be the ancestors of our modern garden strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa).

Today’s strawberry cultivars are classified as June-bearing, everbearing or day-neutral. The first type yields its crop in two to three weeks. Everbearing cultivars produce a spring crop and a smaller crop in the fall. Day-neutral varieties respond to the temperature, not the length of the day or duration of night.

Strawberries can be grown in the home garden in a relatively small amount of space, and usually produce good yields. They like full-sun in a garden loam supplemented with organic matter. The June-bearers should be spaced a foot and a half apart in rows 2 feet wide. Allow about 4 feet between the rows. Cover the roots and only half of the crown of the transplant with soil.

Most of us don’t have the time or inclination, of course, to grow our own berries. In Nevada, we are fortunate to live relatively close to the world’s largest strawberry growing area. Though the fruit are gorgeous in the market, some commercially grown berries bred for longer shelf life and to tolerate shipping and refrigeration may have less sweetness than some consumers desire. In that case, just add sugar (or Stevia or Splenda)!

When choosing your berries, look for the bright, deep red, glossy ones. Make sure the caps, leaves and stems are fresh and green, and dry. If you see red stains or seepage showing at the bottom of the box, try a different pack. Dull and bluish berries should be avoided.

Once you get the berries home, eat them right away if possible. As with most berries, they won’t ripen any further once they’ve been separated from the vine. And once the cap is removed, the berry will deteriorate rapidly.

If you don’t want to eat them immediately, they’ll hold up for a day or two in the fridge. But don’t wash them and don’t remove the green caps. Store them untouched.

Once you’re ready to consume them, give them a once over with a spray of cool water. Remove the caps only after the berries have drained.

That hands-off rule applies to freezing the berries, too. Put them into a plastic bag, unwashed and uncapped, and slide them into the freezer. Rinse them a bit and remove the caps once you’re ready to serve them – not before.

••• Here’s a quick little recipe for making chocolate-covered strawberries. You’ll need: • 8 ounces of milk chocolate • 8 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips • 3 pints of large, fresh strawberries, with the stems Place the milk chocolate and chips into a small saucepan and stir over very low heat until melted. Dip your strawberries into the mixture one at a time, making sure you don’t cover the stem with chocolate. Place the chocolate-dipped berries on to a greased baking sheet or tray and pop it into the refrigerator. Once the chocolate hardens, dig in!

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Daredevil Dating Chasing the Endorphin Rush on Valentine’s Day

By Christina M. Parmelee

W

ould you risk everything for love? Get engaged in some risky business to impress that special someone? This piece is for the adventure seekers done with the ordinary “dinner and a movie” that comes with traditional Valentine’s Day dates. Think cards, chocolates and flowers are the way to go? This year, try heights, speed and fear to get your endorphins in a tailspin. This is your guide to high-risk dates, guaranteed to create an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. Get ready to don your safety gear and get your hearts pumping.

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Zipping Used for transportation in mountainous countries for centuries, zip lining is now a top choice for adrenaline junkies, with the means and the nerve, on vacation in the jungle. I did it recently in Costa Rica and will never forget the experience. Even our quaint desert town has some choices for those who love speed, heights and the thrill of being hurled at top speeds into the unknown. For dates that are a little more “outward bound,” choose the Boulder City excursion. It consists of a two-hour guided tour, four zip lines spanning a mile and a half of the Mojave Desert and breathtaking views of Lake Mead and Las Vegas at top speeds of 60 mph. Fremont Street also has a fun, and affordable, option to add to a special night on the town. Soar over the tourists who invade the Fremont Street Experience at 30 mph. It’s a quick ride but one you, and your lucky date, will never forget. Just warn her of proper attire before you leave the house.

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Climbing I’ve heard that hiking and rock-climbing groups are a great place to meet that special someone. If you already met and plan to be one of those fit, grinning, beautiful couples featured in an REI ad, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area of Las Vegas is the place to go for some rock-climbing adventure. We are truly blessed that beyond the neon glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, we have a place to escape and truly enjoy the great outdoors. You can choose from thousands of rock climbs, from small cliffs to thousand-foot drops, easy to advanced, with views sure to take your breath away. If you’re an indoor person, try one of the many climbing gyms in Las Vegas. It’s an interesting way to check out your date’s ability to handle sticky situations, and their booty, too. Indoor rock climbing has increased in locations and popularity over the years, and it’s a great cardio workout to boot. A mere 35 miles west of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston also offers some unparalleled places to climb and hike with the one you love.

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Where To Do It! Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon 1512 Industrial Road Boulder City, NV 89005 702-293-6885 Tours start at 7 a.m. daily $159 per person, 10 percent locals discount with Nevada ID Flightlinez at Fremont Street Experience 425 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702-410-7999 Sunday - Thursday, noon - midnight; Friday - Sunday, noon - 2 a.m. $15 per person before 6 p.m., $20 after 6 p.m.

Skydive Las Vegas 1401 Airport Road Boulder City, NV 89005 702-759-3483 Open daily 9:45 a.m.-8 p.m. $199 (sale price) per jumper

Flying I hate the term “bucket list,” but if I was forced to make one, it would have skydiving on it. But, I am also scared to death to take that last step out of a plane. Easier in a tandem situation, I know, but still terrifying. For those who may be a scaredy cat like me, Vegas Indoor Skydiving, built in 1982, simulates the freefall aspect of skydiving without the use of an airplane or parachute. It’s like being weightless and free, without the fear of heights getting in the way. If you do want to take the ultimate plunge, you’ll free fall out of the sky at 120 to 140 mph and enjoy the sights of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Colorado River, the Las Vegas Strip, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston. It’s truly the best way to see Nevada if your eyes aren’t closed the entire time. Dates, engagements, weddings and more ways to show your love at 12,000 feet are available for the ultimate-adventure couple.

However you choose to get your hearts racing, I promise planning an original, death-defying date will make an indelible impression.

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovers!

Vegas Indoor Skydiving 200 Convention Center Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109 702-731-4768 Open daily 9:45 a.m.-8 p.m. $85 per person for first flight Mountain Skills Rock Climbing Adventures 575-776-2222 www.climbingschoolusa.com $125-$270 based on number of climbers Red Rock Climbing Center 8201 W. Charleston Blvd.

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Eat, Love, Sculpt

think

By Marilyn Larocque Food photos by Steven Wilson • Sculpture photos by Britt Pierson

T

o paraphrase Johnny Lee’s country music hit, sculptor Dorit Sharoni Schwartz finds love in all the right places … home and family, cooking, community and her consuming passion, art.

“I have a very full, loving life,” she said, her face illuminated with feeling. “The foundation is my family, then our home, which nurtures our family; next, food — which not only nourishes our bodies but brings family and friends together. I devote time to community service to try to improve the quality of life for others. Art, however, is my life’s journey,” she acknowledges, “allowing myself to be a vessel through which creativity flows. It has become an incredible friend who penetrates deeper and deeper into my existence and identity.”

Art has been a love of Dorit’s life since she was a teenager in Tel Aviv. She continued developing her talent after moving to Los Angeles with her family when she was 17. Although she started college at 18, she also got her foot in the door of the kitchen of her parents’ restaurant, which she managed, and became manager of their successful clothing and jewelry store in Westwood. College fell by the wayside.

Real estate developer Ronnie Schwartz entered her life in 1977.

They married in 1980 and eventually had a daughter Shannie, and sons, Yoni and Neiv, now 23, 25 and 21, respectively. When the family moved to Las Vegas in 1996, Dorit abandoned art and put her fashion creativity to work by opening a boutique in Summerlin. (The massive 1994 earthquake in Los Angeles shattered most of Dorit’s sculptures and, at least temporarily, her enthusiasm for art.)

This detour from sculpture ended when she met and started working with Sharon Gainsburg, an artist in the Las Vegas Art Dis-

trict. The experience launched Dorit’s love affair with nature. “Sharon introduced me to stone — marble and alabaster,” Dorit explains.

“I had previously worked in clay, a very different medium. I became passionate about stone as an expression of my artistic soul. Stone gets my creative self out of the box.”

Why sculpting, not painting?

“Sculpting is more challenging than painting,” she says. “I love working with a three-dimensional object. A painting is one-dimensional. It appeals to just one sense, sight. You can’t touch it and bring it into your heart. You can walk around a sculpture, view it from different angles, have a different emotional experience. As the light in the room changes, so does the sculpture. It evokes a different response. Some of my pieces are displayed on rotating stands, so you, essentially, have a new sensual perception as you change their position.”

Always seeking new ways to express her artistic fervor, Dorit has added crystals to her sculpture materials and created a luminous new collection The Light Within. “It, too, is based on nature,” she says. “The pieces explore relationships and organic materials that represent balance, harmony and a sense of connection with nature and one’s self.

“When I go into my studio,” Dorit continues, “I’m in awe of the magnificence that exists within natural elements. Although they’ve been around for thousands of years, through sculpture they assume a different form and become sacred gifts from nature.”

Crystals are “delicate shards, like snowflakes. They differ not just in physical properties but in spiritual aspects. I believe they assist with growth toward your soul’s highest potential, and also the high-

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Dorit Schwartz with her work “Guardian Angels.”

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Top left: Dates add a sweet note to chicken.

Bottom left: A variety of fingerling potatoes with butter gold potatoes is accented with parsley roots, sweet onion, and garlic Right: Dorit sets a bountiful Passover table with a beautifully illustrated Haggadah at each place setting. The food is served “family style.”

est good of all humanity. Before the piece is completed, I place the crystals out in the sun’s rays to incorporate and maintain positive energy. For me, crystals working in harmony with stone and wood create yet another artistic expression from nature.

“My pieces invite a contemplative and reflective mood,” she believes, “distancing the viewer from hectic day-to-day activities. I love to see the expressions on people’s faces when they look at my pieces, how they connect with them, their visual, tactile, emotional responses, their calm when they touch them. The sculptures help them become one with nature and bring nature into their home, and part of me goes with them.”

In her kitchen, Dorit draws on her heritage for inspiration. Sephardic traditions, handed down from generation to generation, traveled with her from Tehran to Israel to Los Angeles — kitchen to kitchen.

Tempo, her family’s restaurant in Encino, put cooking on the front burner. “Both my brother, Ygal Avner, and my dad, Haviv, cooked,” Dorit says. “My mother, Dalia, was bookkeeper, and I managed the restaurant. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen. The IsraelMediterranean food was a magnet, not only for the local Jewish community but also for visitors from Israel for whom it was a ‘home away from home.’ We held services every Friday night and served a special meal,” Dorit recalls. “Entertainers performed. It was a very

special time and place, overflowing with camaraderie and warmth.

“Everyone in our family is passionate about food,” she says, “although some are more interested in cooking while others care more about eating! Because Ronnie is Ashkenazi, I always include customs and foods of his heritage in our meals. There is a difference, you know. Ashkenazi food is not as bold as Sephardic, which stands out with taste and color.”

The Schwartz’s backyard is a veritable Garden of Eden, where herbs, fig, apple and lemon trees, raspberries, grapes and pomegranates grow. “I love cooking for the holidays,” Dorit says. “There will be 20 of us together for Passover in March.”

Preparing for Passover evokes fond memories and emotions for Dorit.

“You experience Passover with all your senses,” she says. “In my family, the night of the first Seder was the accumulation of weeks of work. My mother climbed up on a step stool to bring down the Passover pots and pans. Cleaning the house, shopping for groceries and coordinating the cooking were group efforts. Grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors were all welcome at my parents’ house for the Seder. Our table extended from the end of the living room through the entryway and ended at the kitchen door. I remember wonderful aromas from the kitchen, laughter at the table, voices of old and young, family melodies. It’s the same to-

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Top: Jeweled Rice, a Persian dish with miniature Persian raisins and sliced almonds, green beans with almonds, and cherry tomatoes create a colorful feast.

Bottom left: A magnificent wine fountain centers the table.

Bottom right: Carrots add interest to a roast leg of lamb, a centerpiece of the Sephardic holiday tradition.

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Marc Frye Dorit Schwartz (in the blue dress) at the unveiling of the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s “Heart Sculptures” in Symphony Park @ The Smith Center. March 30, 2012.

day. We continue to have several generations around our Seder table and still continue to teach our children about the Exodus.

“We put a haggadah at each place setting,” she said. “We follow all the rituals — dipping vegetables in salt water and eating ‘bitter herb’ and charoset. The mixture of the charoset resembles the mortar used by the Hebrews to build Egyptian cities. The focal point of our table is a silver wine fountain with small cups. Everyone drinks four cups of wine and eats matzo. There’s a silver bowl to catch the drips of wine to signify the 10 plagues.”

The meal is a collaboration among family members, with each one preparing a favorite recipe. “My sister-in-law Debi makes a special matzo ball soup,” Dorit says. “My sister-in-law Rachel prepares a great vegetable-potato kugel. Gefilte fish is my mother-in-law’s signature dish. I use our fresh garden herbs to stuff a roast boneless leg of lamb that is a centerpiece of the Sephardic holiday tradition. I serve it with Jeweled Rice, a Persian dish with miniature Persian raisins, sliced almonds, salt, pepper and grape seed oil. The Seder brings us all together. Family is like branches on a tree … all going in different directions yet sharing the same roots. That’s what we’re instilling in our children.”

Dorit’s love and caring carries over into community service. In 2009, she and Tanya Amid created the Las Vegas Honors St. Jude Gala, “An Affair of the Art Heart,” a festive evening of food, fellowship and fundraising for the famous ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Highlight of the evening is an auc-

tion of three-dimensional, 5-foot-tall anatomical heart sculptures.

Designed by Las Vegas artist Miguel Rodriguez and molded of white gypsum, they’re transformed into works of art painted by local artists. In three years, the gala has raised more than $1 million. In 2013, the event is scheduled for May 4 at the Cleveland Clinic/ Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. (Contact: Lainie Strouse, lainie. strouse@stjude.org; phone 800-227-6737.)

A heart presented to The Smith Center is permanently displayed in Symphony Park. Two are at City Hall, two more at UNLV. Ten sculptures from the 2012 collection form a “traveling” exhibition, spending two months in various locations. They’re at Jackie Goughan Plaza, adjacent to the El Cortez downtown, until Feb. 6.

Then they’ll move to The District in Henderson.

Dorit and Ronnie blend their philanthropic enthusiasm in AIPAC (American-Israel Public Affairs Committee) and are also involved in fundraising for their temple Chabad. Dorit recently was appointed to the board of the Melton Adult Jewish School, a project of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

To start the New Year, Dorit opened a gallery in her home, where she displays her artworks and pieces by other artists. “It’s a dream come true,” she says, “an opportunity to share my love of art and nature. We welcome visitors by appointment. It’s a very personal space in which to showcase two of my great passions: my art and my home.” (www.DSchwartzsculptor.com; 702.768.4998)

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Top left, “Nature’s Womb.”

Above, “Safety Nest.”

Left, “Meditation”

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think

Love Bytes Relationships in the Digital Age

By Jaq Greenspon

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M

y first semester at university, I stumbled into a cultural anthropology class where I was told people seem to marry people from within 25 miles of where they are. But that radius is predicated on wherever you happen to be; it moves as you do. In effect, the professor was saying, “You’re gonna date people near where you live.” This was 1985 and I thought: “Duh, if you’re not going to be more insightful than that, I’m not going to bother showing up for class.”

Almost 30 years later, I’m wondering what that professor would think of today’s world. What he said back then was true because our long distance communications were fairly limited and expensive. If we met someone special on vacation, or at summer camp, we could spend the money on long distance phone calls or patiently wait for letters that could take days or weeks to arrive. Eventually, no matter how deep your initial feelings, the odds were that those torrid thoughts of romance far away eventually would simmer to feelings of friendship, apathy or lapse completely. And that was once you met in person initially. The opportunity to meet someone beyond your radius was severely limited, outside of friends of friends or via relatives who set you up as pen pals.

Today, things are very different. Thanks to the Internet and inexpensive international travel, it’s incredibly easy to meet and foster relationships with people who live hundreds or thousands of miles away, but also with people you know only through long,

intensive text or Skype conversations or Facebook exchanges. (Ask Manti Te’o.)

When I sat down to write this piece, I asked publicly for anyone who had stories of long distance relationships to share them. The response was overwhelming. So what is it about long distance relationships that attracts us? How do we get into them and why do we leave?

My first Long Distance Relationship was back in the day, when having a girlfriend meant someone your mom dropped you off at the movies with. I had met a girl at a United Synagogue Youth Far West Regional convention in Ojai, a mountain town and retreat northwest of Los Angeles. During the weekend we held hands; we even kissed and promised each other the moon and stars. We were 12, what did we know? As it turned out, not much. We did spend a lot of time on the phone, racking up phone bills that our parents paid. And eventually I was put on a plane from Vegas to go and visit her. We had a nice weekend together and left as friends. We still are: Some 30 years later, and despite the fact we’re separated by thousands of miles, thanks to easy global communication technologies we still exchange greetings on a weekly basis. Maybe because my first one went so well I tried the distance thing a few more times, with varying degrees of success.

For me, no matter how we met, the ensuing relationship became predicated on a bit of a lie … we’re really not entirely ourselves

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in a distance relationship. When we talk on the phone, or share text messages or “like” each other’s Facebook status, we focus entirely on the other person. I could stop what I was doing for the hour or two to have a deep, meaningful conversation. That was the other thing … almost all the conversations we had were deep and meaningful. Since our time together was so limited, we didn’t want to waste it with small talk or useless chatter. And we didn’t have shared experiences. Our private jokes were strictly verbal, so conversations covered our daily activities and really getting to know the other person … warts and all. You’d find yourself sharing the most intimate details of your life, things you wouldn’t think about saying on a third date (when, let’s face it, you’re wearing your best aftershave and hoping to get lucky), let alone during a phone conversation. Result? Intense feelings that are only increased during the several in-person meetings, all of which are treated like vacations. One person traveled, the other took off time from work.

Or you met on long weekends, or both escaped to a neutral corner.

My friend Kevin explains it this way: “With a long distance relationship, every time you get together, there’s the feeling of ‘NEW.’ Then you reluctantly part for however long. Then, it’s NEW again when you reunite. It’s easy to be on your best behavior for short periods of time. It’s when you’re in the same city all the time that you find out what the relationship is really made of.” No matter what, you never got the chance to see the day-to-day workings of the real relationship. When that did intrude, at least for me, is when the relationship (the romantic elements) usually faded in an inverse

ratio.

Often, though, this meant the intense feelings morphed into something else – ironically, something even stronger. To this day, some of my closest female friends are those with whom I started a long distance relationship that fizzled, only to be exchanged for a friendship with someone I’d give a major organ (not sure the same could be said for the ex-wife) to if necessary. But was I alone in this?

What kind of experiences did others have with this?

Take Sut, a 20-year-old musician from Lithuania who met another young Lithuanian in an online blogging forum when she was a teenager. They conversed for more than a year and a half before Sut got up the courage to actually express her love for the other young girl in a letter. It was a risk, certainly, as with any declaration of feelings, but especially for “a ‘non-traditional’ relationship when there’s so much hate going on in Lithuania.” Eventually, their correspondence ended, a bit bitterly, and Sut is loath to take up another long distance relationship. “You find it hard to feel the attention of your partner,” she says. “In general, it’s hard to feel close.”

Viktoria, a photographer from Kiev, got set up by her grandmother. Seems her Gran had a friend who had a son and, well, parents being parents the two figured their respective progeny would hit it off. Viktoria ended up dating the young man for two years. He was living in Vilnius, where she had family, so it was easy to visit several times a year. For him, coming to Kiev was solely to visit her. “It’s difficult to keep the fire with 800-km distance,” she

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says. “Nothing outstanding, anyway.” Curiously, she adds, “Our communication through Skype and letters was easier than live, because he’s not too good in expressing emotions.”

Maybe that’s part of the attraction? It’s hard to look someone in the eye and talk, especially today, when faced with so many electronic distractions. Maybe it’s easier to communicate when you can think about what you “say” before you type it, where you can edit yourself. In a world where the lack of an emoticon in a simple text message can cause a night of sleeping on the sofa, being able to double-check our words before releasing them may be a good thing.

The story of Greta, a beautician from Germany, is another case of long distance love gone wrong. They met while on an assignment and she found herself intrigued. The problem was she had a boyfriend at home.

But after the assignment ended, the new guy, who lived in a different country (happens all the time in Europe) emailed and the two exchanged a number of messages.

Eventually, she went to visit him. Upon her return from having a “wonderful time,” she broke up with the local guy and jumped into a relationship with the new one.

“Big mistake,” she says now.

They saw each other every three weeks or so, mostly when she took the 90-minute flight to his town. He had his own place and work; she was still in school and living with her parents. “Since it was a limited time, it was very intense and we enjoyed every second of it. But also it was difficult to not be able to see each other whenever we wished to.” Finally, they broke up. But Greta attributes that more to jumping into a new relationship rather than the distance. Even now, she’d be open to trying another long distance relationship.

Steve, a sound engineer in Los Angeles, ended up having a relationship with a former client who lived in Washington, D.C. They’d talk on the phone for hours a day, meeting in person four to five times a year. For various reasons, neither could move to the other’s city. They talked about finding neutral locations, where both could relocate. “We’d send little gifts to each other regularly, which I think helped keep things fresh.” Eventually, though, the little cracks began to show in the relationship’s foundation. The differences became too great. It ended badly.

Nigel, from England, has had several distance relationships. He sums them up this way: “Don’t bother. If you can’t see each other easily and spontaneously, if you can’t just get together because it’s a rainy afternoon and you feel like it, then the relationship suffers a lot. It’s great to be in love. But try to be in love with someone

you can get to within an hour or two. It’s much more fulfilling and, in the long run, there’s a much greater chance of the relationship enduring.”

What about happy endings?

Laura met Bruce while living in Phoenix and raising a son on her own. He lived in Vegas but was in Arizona for business and was immediately entranced. He sparked up a conversation with Laura. He was nice, she thought, but “I wasn’t attracted to him in a romantic way at all at first.” They talked well into the wee hours and then he went back to Vegas. Within three weeks, Laura was in love. After three months of back-and-forths, she was making plans to transfer work and move with her son to Vegas.

“That was almost 23 years ago. We are now married and he helped me raise my son into a fine young man.

We are obviously soul mates.” For Laura, the fact they both knew what they wanted out of the relationship was a key element to making it work. “I had no intention of being someone’s girlfriend forever. If that’s what Bruce had wanted, it would not have worked. We both wanted the same thing, and that was to be together. So we made it happen.”

Maybe there’s something in the Phoenix water …

Emily met Ernie when he was visiting some editors in Arizona’s capital. There was an instant attraction (possibly more on Em’s side than Ernie’s) and they began to write letters to each other (“That was back in the days when people typed on those old Victorian gizmos called typewriters. We were sending each other 3 to 5 letters a week. We were both aspiring writers, both sci-fi nerds and monster movie buffs. We always had fun stuff to talk about.”) They spent the first couple of years living apart, and “the early part of our relationship was clumsy, silly, passionate, funny, foolish and utterly satisfying. We visited each other by car and by plane, while our bemused families looked on and wondered when we were going to figure out we needed to get married.” It took them five more years to arrive at that conclusion, but their marriage has lasted 23 years. “We’re both kind of odd, a couple of misfits who have more creativity than common sense.”

Whatever they’ve got, it’s working.

Still other stories have ended happily or with tears and chocolate binges. Close or far, though, a relationship requires communication.

And it’s more than just talk. You need to share your goals and dreams, to make sure the path you’re both following is leading to the same destination. It can work. It does work. And remember this: If and when you find love, don’t let it go just because it might be a bumpy ride.

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Itzhak Perlman, Violinist One of the preeminent musicians of the 20th and early-21st centuries.

Joie de vivre (French for “joy of life”) comes to mind when speaking with the reigning violin virtuoso of the 20th and early 21st century.

Itzhak Perlman’s remarkable artistry has transcended classical music. He is equally beloved for his charm, humanity, master classes, personal views and irrepressible joy in his playing. Perlman was born in 1945 in the British Mandate of Palestine (now Israel). Self-taught on a toy fiddle at age 3, he lost the use of his legs a year later due to polio. He attended the Sulamit Conservatory in Tel Aviv and ultimately the Juilliard School in New York City. His appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1958 propelled the then teenager into the international spotlight. In the decades that followed, he has received more awards and honors than can be mentioned here. He has played for kings, queens and presidents, and has performed a number of movie music scores, including Schindler’s List and Memoirs of a Geisha. He’s appeared with every major orchestra around the world, and has enlightened millions via TV appearances on the Late Show With David Letterman, Sesame Street, the Academy Awards broadcast and even a cooking show on PBS. Perlman lives in New York City with his wife, who is also a classically trained violinist. They have three daughters and two sons.

presented another challenge.

DAVID: You are clearly a musical prodigy.

Do you feel an obligation for having been so touched?

PERLMAN: I’m excited to be promoting and performing music with Cantor Yitzchok Meir Helfgot on our recently released CD called Eternal Echoes: Songs and Dances for the Soul for Sony. I find that there is a real communication between voice and violin.

The songs come from the cantorial-liturgical Jewish traditions, but for me it’s Jewish comfort music. Everything I recognize from my childhood is in this program. Sheyibone Bays Hamikdosh recalls memories from Shabbat morning prayers in Israel. The wellknown Mizmor L’Dovid from Psalm 23. We end with Kol Nidrei (The opening prayer for the Yom Kippur Friday night service.)

PERLMAN: I don’t view myself that way. I played at an age-appropriate level for a young person with talent. I was not ready at 12 for Carnegie Hall!

DAVID: To what then do you attribute your great success?

PERLMAN: Four things, I think. A great passion for what I do; a knowing inside that what I’m doing will become inevitable. It was important that people believed in me. I had very supportive parents. I was fortunate to have the best teachers, which is rare. And practice. Without it you are a talent stuck with unfulfilled promise. Mind you, I hated to practice, but what kid doesn’t?

DAVID: How did having polio affect your progress?

PERLMAN: It didn’t, except that I had to work harder to prove myself. Some were doubtful that I could go the distance with my disability. It never discouraged me. It just

DAVID: You love to teach, in particular the past 15 or so years with your wife at The Perlman Music Program. Can you elaborate on that aspect of your life?

PERLMAN: We’re a mom and pop Perlman production! We work well together and share a lot of humor with ourselves and our students. The program is the dream of my wife Toby to provide a humane music education to help shape future musicians, ages 11 through 18. Teaching is not so much what to say but what not to say. A student with talent has a certain kind of magic, which is precious and fragile in its infancy. You have to guide it carefully until it is strong enough, so that when shaken, it won’t break.

DAVID: What do you enjoy about conducting?

PERLMAN: Conducting has improved my playing. Listening to the orchestra players has changed my point of view about music by enhancing my ability to hear myself when I play.

I now rarely play the same piece the same way twice. And being a guest conductor … well, it’s like being a grandparent. When you are through, you can give them back to their parents.

DAVID: What lies ahead for you?

DAVID: What are some of the highlights looking back and ahead?

PERLMAN: Always enjoying each song, no matter the audience or how many times I’ve played it. Giving my all to everything I do.

Inspiring those with disabilities. Mishpacha (Hebrew for family). My wife is my greatest supporter. Hers is the only critique I will ever trust. And continuing to make music … for as long as I can.

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BE SMART. BE SAFE. BE SEEN. Fact: Nevada is one of the five most dangerous states for pedestrians. Recent painful events in Las Vegas have reminded us of this repeatedly.

Through your emails and calls, you’ve told us you are concerned and are tired of pedestrians, especially our children, dying and being injured on our roadways. Action News wants to change that.

IF YOU ARE DRIVING: Pay attention! Respect pedestrians. Slow down near crosswalks.

Pedestrians do have the right of way in crosswalks and at intersections.

IF YOU ARE A PEDESTRIAN: Pay attention! Look both ways before crossing. Always stay focused on the traffic while you are in the intersection. Don’t assume all cars will stop for you. Wear bright clothing. Don’t wear dark clothing at night.

For the rules of the road regarding pedestrians and driving, go to KTNV.COM.

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Tell us about dangerous intersections or send story ideas to: 13INVESTIGATES@KTNV.COM 1/21/13 8:43 AM

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