DECEMBER 2014 l KISLEV•TEVET 5775
The T e ARTS issue Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 1
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BIRTHDAY BIOGRAPHIES ANNIVERSARY FESTIVITIES CORPORATE EVENTS A Juilliard graduate, Jacqui worked with Leonard Bernstein, Luciano Pavarotti, at Carnegie Hall, and on Broadway! Jacqui also has a teaching studio for both piano and voice, and is an award-winning professor of music, who welcomes her students, both children and adults, with her special teaching techniques.
We are
ARTISTS We know that arts education, including a hands-on music program, is critical to ensuring a well-rounded student. SDJA students not only enjoy themselves, they attain academic achievement as well as social and emotional development.
OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, January 14, 2015 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am. Registration is required. Space is limited.
CALL OR EMAIL JACQUI FOR YOUR NEXT HAPPENING! 858-412-5858 • jsilver@san.rr.com 2 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
The pluralistic community day school
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“...Charming and surprisingly inventive...”
THE NEW YORKER MAGAZINE
Artwork by Jonathan Hudak
ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
“...Intelligent, witty and uplifting...”
December 10 – 28 BY Steve STARRING
Murray James Leaming DIRECTED BY Carmen Roman
January 14 – February 8 BOOK BY Scott
Wentworth
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY Craig Bohmler AND Marion DIRECTED BY Andrew
James Leaming returns to North Coast Rep with the San Diego premiere of his dazzling one-man tourde-force based on the perennial favorite, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In an amazing display of physical and verbal virtuosity, Leaming brings to life over 32 familiar people...his Jimmy Stewart-inspired George Bailey leads the impressively portrayed cast of characters from Bedford Falls. Come see why Leaming leaves audiences cheering across the country.
Adler Barnicle
A San Diego premiere, this wildly entertaining musical spoof of 1940s film noir is laced with mystery, music and demolished dreams. In the best Raymond Chandler tradition, the scene is set in the seedy, smoky Red Eye Lounge, where we meet a tough, trench-coated private eye, blondes and more blondes, henchmen and a jaded piano player who sends up complicated plot concoctions. Fresh, funny and thoroughly inventive, GUNMETAL BLUES is not to be missed.
BOOK NOW! (858) 481-1055 • NorthCoastRep.org NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE, A Not-For-Profit Regional Theatre 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Ste D, Solana Beach, CA • David Ellenstein, Artistic Director
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 3
CONTENTS
December 2014 Kislev/Tevet 5775
36
COVER STORY: Get your 2015 calendars ready, our annual arts preview is here with details on live entertainment in every corner of this county.
30
HANUKKAH: Getting gelt may never get old.
34
HANUKKAH: Our special recipe for dreidel doughnuts will keep the kids smiling this holiday season.
82 4 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
FOOD: Try this easy recipe for a succulent roast duck.
Illustration by Pepe Fainberg.
Income Generation in Retirement Our conversation on retirement income can help you move from “Can I retire?” to “How can I make the most of my retirement?” While most people understand the importance of saving for retirement, the concept of retirement income planning may be less familiar. Retirement income planning is a holistic process to help address key retirement decisions, effectively manage risks, and efficiently provide ongoing income to meet both the clients’ current and long-term retirement needs. We can support you by providing the guidance needed to make better, more informed choices to help provide a retirement as flexible as you are. As experienced advisors, we take the time to understand your unique goals to help create a plan tailored for you – one that will modify and change over time.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 28 OP ED:
Why Jews should care about Azerbaijan
32 HANUKKAH:
Ways to beat the Christmas blues
90 BUSINESS:
Have you called Todd Frank yet?
Around Town 10 Mailbag 12 Our Town 14 Event Recap 84 What’s Goin’ On 92 Calendar
In Every Issue 8 The Starting Line 18 Parenting 20 Israeli Lifestyle 22 Dating 24 Aging 26 Spirituality 87 News 91 Diversions 97 Desert Life
Buying or Selling a Home? Call us Today!
Matt & Michelle Kolker: 858.386.4524 Giving back to the community through real estate • Donation program • Honest transactions • Strong negotiations • Insider school information Learn more at:
KolkerJewishDonationProgram.com CalBRE 01422991 & 01955415
14677 Via Bettona, San Diego, CA 92127 KolkerRealEstateGroup.com
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 5
DINA FAINMAN, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist SPECIALIZING IN: • Adolescent Gynecology • Contraceptive Options • Pregnancy & Natural Childbirth •Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery • Alternatives to Hysterectomy • Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Menopause
Fluent in Hebrew www.encinitasobgyn.com 477 N. El Camino Real, Ste. C304 Encinitas (760) 635-3777
CALL RABBI BEN LEINOW
PUBLISHER • Dr. Mark S. Moss CO-PUBLISHER • Mark Edelstein EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Natalie Jacobs CREATIVE DIRECTOR • Peter Talhamé ASSISTANT EDITOR • Tina Eshel ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • Eileen Sondak ADVERTISING DIRECTOR • Mark Edelstein CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tori Avey, Betsy Baranov, Linda Bennett, Abby Walker, Leah Singer, David Ebenbach, Judith Fein (Senior Travel Correspondent), Michael Fox, Jennifer Garstang, Amanda Kelly, Brie Stimson, Miki Lamm, Pat Launer, Curt Leviant, David Ogul, Pamela Price, Sharon Rosen Leib, Nikki Salvo, Andrea Simantov, Jon Schwartz
WHEN YOU NEED A RABBI Congregation B'nai Tikvah, Carlsbad
www.sdjewishjournal.com December 2014 • Kislev/Tevet 5775
Ben Leinow Rabbi, PhD
“A RABBI WHO CARES”
Counseling & Ceremonies for:
Weddings (for all couples) Baby's Naming and Funerals CELL: 619.992.2367 760.727.5333 email: rabbiben@email.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/ARTISTS Vincent Andrunas, Ediz Benaroya, Leigh Castelli, Leetal Elmaleh, Pepe Fainberg, Steve Greenberg, Pat Krause, Paul Ross (Senior Travel Photographer), Angela Sissa, Daisy Varley, Nicholas Patton, Sheri Liebovich ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Ronnie Weisberg (Account Executive), Jack Nathan (Account Executive) Alan Moss (Palm Springs) SAN DIEGO JEWISH JOURNAL (858) 638-9818 • fax: (858) 638-9801 5665 Oberlin Drive, Suite 204 • San Diego, CA 92121
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EDITORIAL: editor@sdjewishjournal.com ADVERTISING: sales@sdjewishjournal.com CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS: publisher@sdjewishjournal.com ART DEPARTMENT: art@sdjewishjournal.com LISTINGS & CALENDAR: calendar@sdjewishjournal.com SDJJ is published monthly by San Diego Jewish Journal, LLC. Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Send subscription requests to SDJJ, 5665 Oberlin Drive, Suite 204, San Diego, CA 92121. The San Diego Jewish Journal is a free and open forum for the expression of opinions. The opinions expressed herein are solely the opinion of the author and in no way reflect the opinions of the publishers, staff or advertisers. The San Diego Jewish Journal is not responsible for the accuracy of any and all information within advertisements. The San Diego Jewish Journal reserves the right to edit all submitted materials, including press releases, letters to the editor, articles and calendar listings for brevity and clarity. The Journal is not legally responsible for the accuracy of calendar or directory listings, nor is it responsible for possible postponements, cancellations or changes in venue. Manuscripts, letters, documents and photographs sent to the Journal become the physical property of the publication, which is not responsible for the return or loss of such material. All contents ©2014 by San Diego Jewish Journal. The San Diego Jewish Journal is a member of the American Jewish Press Association and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 7
THE STARTING LINE by Natalie Jacobs Editor of the San Diego Jewish Journal editor@sdjewishjournal.com
Arts Abound
W
hen I got the email about this year’s ArtSD event – a four-day exhibition where contemporary art galleries, dealers and individual artists come in from around the world – I was ecstatic. It will be like our own little Art Basel! I thought. Incredible contemporary galleries from L.A. and New York will be here! Maybe, maybe, there will be something I can afford to buy and my life as a person who collects art can finally get begin... I didn’t know about ArtSD last year and I was living out of town the six years prior to that, so I was a little out of the loop on this one. I had high hopes and while the large exhibition held at the Balboa Park Activity Center didn’t completely disappoint, it wasn’t the wacky, avant-garde, glittering contemporary art show I had imagined. No one was suspended from the ceiling or dressed in outrageous fluorescents and I only found one or two galleries with work I could get into (but definitely could not afford). People with much different tastes than mine, though, seemed to be rushing around, speaking with exhibitors to get their names attached to little red dots in a hurry. If San Diegans are buying contemporary art at a show like this, then things can’t be that bad around here. While no one would argue that San Diego is a bastion of contemporary art like Los Angeles or Oakland or New York City, there are other art forms that we’re very good at around here, mainly, live theater. Our venerable theater companies, large and small, premier new works that go on to live successful lives on Broadway, they bring adventurous plays to town, and some even offer excellent programs to nurture young playwrights. Incredible talent comes here to perform and 8 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
While no one would argue that San Diego is a bastion of contemporary art like Los Angeles or Oakland or New York City, there are other art forms that we’re very good at around here, mainly, live theater. enthusiasts with big ideas are encouraged to branch out onto stages of their own. This is exciting and something in which we as a city should take pride. The rest of the arts, well, San Diego’s working on it. For our part here at the Journal, we launched the annual Arts issue four years ago mainly to highlight the live theater that was taking off in San Diego. But each year we expand the arts groups that we feature, adding dance and music to the mix in past issues. This year, in an attempt to up our visual arts game, we’re including a couple of museums and some photographs from local (Jewish) visual artists who have some pieces we think you’ll enjoy. Coverage starts on page 36 and continues for a whopping 25 pages. If what Pablo Picasso said is true, that the purpose of art is to “wash the dust of daily life off of our souls,” then think of this issue as your Old English furniture polish. Dab a little here, a little there and it’ll keep things looking shiny and new. A
FYI
Gingerbread isnt’ just for Christmas anymore. Two California moms recently opened Sweet Thrills Bakeshop and their first product is a chocolate gingerbread menorah decorating kit. They’re adroable, kosher and available online. Visit sweetthrillsbakeshop.com.
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Dear Editor: I was absolutely taken aback by Rabbi Alexis Pearce’s letter in the October issue [Mailbag]. She talks about “an increasing hatred of Arabs among Israeli Jews.” Since she holds the title of “Rabbi” and considers herself so knowledgeable, she should be aware that no one hates the Jews more than the Arabs. She talks about “good will?” There is no good will on the part of the Arabs. They have proven they cannot be trusted. They themselves have said there is no place in this world for the Jews, and their ultimate goal is to back Israel into the sea. They have said it and they mean it! Shall we just make it easier for them by allowing the Palestinians to occupy land that Israel fairly won in a war (and she calls “illegal occupation”), and to bring in more and more of their people so that the Israelis are surrounded, and no longer the predominant ones in their own country? Once again, is she kidding? Additionally, I do not believe for one moment that, as she said, “many Jews refrain from a closer connection with the organized Jewish world in part because they are offended by the pro-Israel, pro-AIPAC party line.” Neither this inane statement, nor her aforementioned rabbinical credentials, help in pleading her case. The Jews have always lived as a peaceful people, but after the atrocities of World War II,
we say: NEVER AGAIN! She says, Listen to the Arabs. Listen to what, their ongoing lies?? She says, Share the country. Agree to share so they can displace the Israelis?? She says Israel does not reflect Jewish values? How does protecting themselves, their people, and their country not reflect Jewish values? Once again, she has got to be kidding! And yes, Israel privileges Jews above others. In case she didn’t know, after experiencing the horrors of World War II, Israel was built as a home for Jews. The Arabs have plenty of land. Why aren’t the Palestinians offered some of that barren desert? They can build it up the way the Israelis built up the dry desert land of Israel. But the Palestinian’s brethren are not that generous. Hmmm, I wonder why. After reading Rabbi Pearce’s letter, I don’t at all blame her for feeling out of place in the Jewish world. She does not think like a Jew! She has no sympathy for what the Israelis are fighting for. Obviously, she does not fear for the Israelis, nor does her heart go out to the families of the Israelis or American Jews that have been killed, but it sure seems she has plenty of empathy for the Palestinians. How very sad. Sondra Burke San Diego Dear Editor: As sure as the sun rises in the east, I knew that when Rabbi Alexis Pearce wrote her letter to the editor having the audacity to criticize Israel, that numerous voices in protest
would ensue, not with reasoned argument but with vitriol. God forbid that someone would dare criticize Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians without being accused of being a self-hating Jew or a lackey for Palestinian interests. The funny thing is that in Israel, criticism of the government’s policies regarding Palestinians is varied and all over the board. Reasoned debate on the matter here in the U.S. is nearly impossible because of the visceral reactions that follow. While I’m sure everyone who cares about Israel wants a peaceful resolution to the problems that exist between Israel and the Palestinians, attacks on those who may see things differently than the standard “Israel can do no wrong,” does no favors to Israel itself. American Jews should weigh in on the matter and if they don’t like the way things are going with the current Israel government policies, they should be able to express themselves and not automatically be branded negatively. One question to the anti-Pearce group: Do you favor the annexation of the West Bank? If your answer is “yes,” then you are pretty much in line with the current Likud government as more territory is being given over for the settlement project which would seem to make a peaceful solution less likely. If your answer is “no,” then let’s debate it civily and without fear that somehow certain opinions make us defective Jews. Rob Cohen Kensington
CORRECTIONS In “Connecting People Through Music” [Oct. 2014], it was incorrectly noted that Daniel Pearl was the London Bureau Chief at the time of his death. Pearl was in fact the South Asia Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal. That and other edits to the article can be found on our website. In “The Scene” in the Nov. 2014 issue, it was incorrectly noted that writer Eileen Sondak attended the Las Patronas “Jewel Ball.” She attended a luncheon with the group where they discussed the funds that were raised despite the cancellation of August’s event. Also in the Nov. issue, Sharon Rosen Leib’s name was spelled incorrectly in her story “Connecting with European Jewry.” The SDJJ regrets these errors.
10 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
Your donation to Jewish National Fund helps build Israel for the next generation to call home.
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jnf.org Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 11
our
TOWN
BY LINDA BENNETT & BETSY BARANOV l BETSY1945@COX.NET PHOTOS BY EDIZ BENAROYA
20th Annual Jewish Book Fair
The 20th Annual San Diego Jewish Book Fair was held in November at Temple Solel in Cardiff and at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. Many interesting authors spoke to robust audiences. Some we heard were Carol Leifer, Bernd Wollschlaeger, Stephen Smith and Ari Shavit. Among the crowds seen throughout the Fair were Steve Gaffen, Lesley Davis, Hannah Schlachet, Yossi Yedid, Hugh and Shelley Samuels, Barbara and Larry Sherman, Earl and Sarah Feldman, Paul and Ruth Jacobowitz, Sonia and Andy Israel, Joan Schultz, Joe and Ann Stein, Steve and Toby Krause, Leslye and Scott Lyons, Linda and Dennis Glazer, Ron Zollman, Bob and Laurie Steinberg, Eric Whinston, Irene Borovitz, Glenda Sacks Jaffe, Ellen Rofman, Nancy Calderon, Carol and Stephen Baird, Judy Feldman, Lillian Scharlin, Gloria and Rod Stone, Renee Feinswog, Susan and David Kabakoff, Carolyn Melman, Jody Roseman, Rabbi Hillel and Roberta Silverman, Gayle and Don Slate, Marcia and Don Wolochow, Adina Wollner, Morris and Barbara Winicki, Betty Fain, Myra Greenberg Glassman, and Brenda Mann. Kudos to chair persons Phyllis Epstein and Susan Levin and their committees, and all the hard working volunteers and staff!
Birthdays...
Happy 98th birthday to Blanche Weiss! Happy 94th birthday to Lillian Mallen!
Mazel Tov...
Julie Glazer, daughter of Jeff and Lisa Braun Glazer, married Mark Scher, son of Jane and Colin Scher, on Sept. 13 in Hollywood, Calif. Native San Diegan Jordan Stolper and Laura Leffler of Cincinnati were married in New York City on Oct. 11. Happy grandparents are Natalie Stolper and Michael Stolper. It’s grandchild number six for happy grandparents Dick and Byrne Eger! Christopher George Kaloudis was born to Jasmine (Patty) and Michael Kaloudis on Nov. 2 in Philadelphia.
Top: Ellis and Bonnie Diamond. Clockwise from middle right: Amnon Ben Yahuda, Jacqueline Gmach, Si Coleman • Phyllis Epstein, Sonja Saltman, Karen Kessler, and Warren Kessler • Hillary Liber, Jeff Liber, Anita Lawson, Rabbi Marty Lawson, and Rabbi David Kornberg • Mathew Loonin, Barbara Loonin and Susan Levin.
12 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
1444_RAOCJ
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©Copyright 2014 by Ralphs Grocery Company. All Rights Reserved, Ralphs CARD prices may remain in effect longer than the time period indicated. We reserve the right to correct all printed errors. All items may not be available at all stores. We reserve the right to limit quantities for retail sales only while supplies last. Prices may vary depending upon local competition, cost factors of geographic location. Manufacturer’s coupons will be redeemed at face value. Applicable sales tax will be charged on Manufacturer’s coupons. We reserve the right to accept, limit or refuse manufacturer’s coupons issued by other Supermarkets. Minimum card savings shown, check store shelf price tag for actual savings. All Buy One Get One Free items are taken from regular shelf retail. Rewards excludes alcohol, tobacco, money orders, postage stamps, gift cards/certificates, lottery, promotional tickets, tax, CRV, fluid milk products, fuel, pharmacy and all other purchases prohibited by law.
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Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 13
Monday 12/01 Orange County Jewish Life & San Diego Jewish Journal 1444_RAOCJ
be SEEN MIKI LAMM l MIKISDJJ@GMAIL.COM l PHOTOS BY EDIZ BENAROYA
YAD Happy Hour
“That event was dope” was the reaction from many guests of the Oct. 22, YAD Happy Hour. After a few month’s hiatus, the group returned with a 1990’s-themed gathering, dubbed “Way Back Wednesday.” Held at En Fuego Cantina & Grill in Del Mar, young Jewish professionals had the opportunity to relive their favorite memories with friends, as well as catch up on current happenings. The evening featured free drinks for the first 50 guests, decorate-your-own slap bracelets, and the “flyest” hits of the bygone decade, spun by DJ Mada. Attendees could be heard singing along and dancing to the songs that defined the ’90s, such as Sheryl Crow’s “All I Wanna Do,” Hanson’s “MMMMBop” and Blackstreet’s “No Diggity.” The event also benefitted Breast Cancer Awareness month, with proceeds from the all-night happy hour donated to breast cancer research. For more information on upcoming events for young Jewish professionals, visit the new NextGen calendar at nextgensandiego.org/young-adult-division/ upcoming-events.
Top: Victoria Zambrano and Robert Schavitz. Clockwise from middle: Benji and Mara Ostrove • Yoni Levinger, Sara, Zolott, and Amanda Wachter • Janesse Cassel and Samantha Fink • Ryan Lebowitz and Brandon Leibel.
14 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
the SCENE BY EILEEN SONDAK l NSONDAK@GMAIL.COM l PHOTOS BY NICHOLAS PATTON
Symphony Gala
The San Diego Symphony party-planners took their cues from “The Rat Pack” era when they designed “Opus Gala 2014” – the organization’s major annual fundraiser. They dubbed it “Come Fly With Me” and even had an airplane parked on B Street for the occasion. In total, the Symphony raised $840,000 that evening. George and Helene Gould chaired the elaborate event, which included a cocktail hour under the stars, an elegant sit-down dinner at the University Club, a performance in Symphony Hall, and an after-party that had guests returning to the University Club for dancing and gaming, after indulging in heavenly desserts. The centerpiece of the celebration was a concert, conducted by Maestro Jahja Ling, with pianist Lola Astanova as guest artist. The audience was delighted with the eclectic mix of dance episodes from “On the Town” and excerpts from “L’Ariesienne,” and with Astanova’s fleet-fingered keyboard gymnastics in “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.” The black-tie crowd included Barbara Bloom, Robert Kaplan and Carol Randolph, Karen and Don Cohn, Valerie and Harry Cooper, Phyllis and Dan Epstein, Diane and Elliott Feurstein, Reena and Samuel Horowitz, Joan and Irwin Jacobs, Karen and Warren Kessler, Jay Kovtun and family, Elaine Galinson and Herbert Solomon, Stuart Landersman, Sandra and Arthur Levinson, Jane Ottenstein, Margie and Robert Schneider, Miriam and David Smotrich, Dave and Phyllis Snyder, and Iris and Matt Strauss.
Top: Joan and Irwin Jacobs. Clockwise from middle: Helene and George Gould • Robert Kaplan, Sherry DeJong, and John Zygowicz • Herbert Solomon and Elaine Galinson • Alisa Diomin and Laura Gill.
16 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
WE SERVE HEALTHY MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT Harry meets his friends at the College Avenue Center to catch up over coffee, exercise, and take computer classes. And all morning he looks forward to lunch.
EATING WELL never gets old
Harry’s wife passed away a few years ago. He still lives in the home they shared, but he is finding it more challenging these days. Harry has mastered making breakfast, but preparing a nutritious homecooked meal—he wouldn’t know where to begin. At the Center, he can count on hot and delicious kosher lunches. He chooses fruits and vegetables from the salad bar and takes home free produce from our new Fresh Market. Wholesome food. Rich friendships. Fuel for a healthy, independent life.
Food assistance often leads to a wider range of services that address clients’ physical, financial, social, spiritual, and emotional health. We support the whole person. And it often starts with that first well-balanced meal. To learn more about our Aging & Wellness Services, call (877) 537-1818 or visit www.jfssd.org.
WE’RE WITH YOU
JOIN US. SUPPORT HEALTHY LIVES. AND SAY WE’RE WITH YOU. (858) 637-3000 • Donate online or volunteer: www.jfssd.org
Self-Sufficiency Seven Years in a Row — Only 2% of charities nationwide can make this claim
Aging with Dignity Community Connection & Engagement
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 17
parenting
MUSINGS FROM MAMA by Sharon Rosen Leib srleib@roadrunner.com
Tough Neighbor Love
T
hroughout our combined 110 years, my husband and I have always enjoyed friendly, supportive relationships with neighbors. Unfortunately, our luck seems to have run out. We’ve been “bamboozled” by new neighbors. You may dismiss my tale of neighborly woe as a privileged person’s problem. Believe me, I get it. I used to roll my eyes when friends told neighbor war stories. Some of their issues sounded so trivial, so bourgeois, so two-children-in-a-sandbox-fightingover-a-shovel. My husband and I consider ourselves to be enlightened, fair-minded people who would NEVER engage in anything so base. But now we’re sitting in that sandbox tussling away – feeling more empathy for embattled neighbors everywhere. Neighbor disputes drill down to our emotional depths – touching our bedrock needs for kindness, compassion and security. They shock and dismay when we realize some neighbors are unrepentant schmucks. They teach us the hard lesson that sometimes being easy-going equates with getting screwed. And finally, they can make us feel out of control and helpless. I don’t want to bore you with details – so here’s a thumbnail sketch. Five years ago, we purchased a home with partial ocean views. After we moved in, our neighbors to the west demolished their old one-story house and rebuilt a two-story. When they returned to their spiffy, brand-new home, they planted a wall of timber bamboo along our shared fence. The bamboo shot up to 60 feet high and obstructs 75 percent of our once lovely ocean view. We’ve made several friendly overtures offering to split the cost of trimming the bamboo to their roofline to both protect their privacy and preserve our view. Nothing doing. For the past year, they’ve claimed the bamboo isn’t mature enough to cut. Now they just ignore us. Last time I ran into the 18 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
lady of the house walking her golden retrievers, I told her the bamboo depressed me. She told me we had no rights, turned on her heels and headed home. At least her dogs were nice. The bamboo has become a malevolent force – encroaching onto our property and threatening to engulf us. To ward it off and maintain composure, I started repeating Jesus’s mantra, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But I’m just not Christ-like enough to sustain that full time. I’ve since discovered that, although widely attributed to Jesus, this line comes from the Old Testament, Leviticus 19:18. Furthermore, the Talmud considers being a good neighbor to be a Jewish obligation. Bottom line, loving thy neighbor is one of the most fundamental Judeo-Christian values. My husband and I concluded we have every right to expect our bamboozling neighbors, whatever their creed, to be decent human beings. But just what were our legal rights? Thanks to tips from other, kinder neighbors, I learned we have rights aplenty. I researched spite fence laws, buildingpermit clauses and our city’s Kafkaesque municipal code. Both our city and California’s vegetation laws need trimming, shaping and clarification. Where are our legislators when we need them? I discovered a great print resource – Nolo’s book, “Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise,” by attorneys Emily Doskow and Lina Guillen. You can find Nolo, a Berkeley-based publisher specializing in self-help law books, online at nolo.com. Check out Nolo’s books before you hire a lawyer for anything! They’re well written and chock full of practical advice. As we approach the secular New Year, I’m learning new lessons about tough neighbor love. Stay tuned, if we make peace pipes out of their bamboo, I’ll let you know. A
FYI
There has been an update to the StandWithUs annual celebration. The event, taking place Dec. 7 at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, will now feature M. Zhudi Jasser, author, speaker and international authority on radical Islam. Purchase tickets at standwithus.com.
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israeli lifestyle
LIVING ON THE FRONT PAGE by Andrea Simantov
andreasimantov@gmail.com
Flickering Candles
A
timeworn joke in the orthodox community: A priest and a rabbi are on the first tourist-rocket to space. Reporters who meet them at Cape Canaveral after reentry note that the priest looks rested and glowing from his journey into “the Heavens.” The rabbi, however, is completely disheveled: yarmulke askew, jacket-crinkled and half-off, he’s a mess. Reporters ask: “How was the journey?” to which the priest answers, “A miracle! Such splendor! A testament to the Creator of the Universe!” The rabbi screams, “What splendor? Exhausting! Tefillin on! Tefillin off! Horrible! Give me a 24-hour day, will you???” For observant Jews, the year moves more 20 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
rapidly than for others. Because the sabbath is an anchor that moors the week, secular pursuits are always peppered with a generous dose of Jewish awareness. No sooner are the sukkah decorations packed away when we haul out the menorahs and wicks. Like the aforementioned rabbi, “Tefillin on! Tefillin off!” Whew... The Middle East has its own clock. War, war, an intifada or two followed by another war, we quickly adapt to whatever uprising is tossed into our laps. In between, we make weddings, go for job interviews, have a couple of moles removed and try to take in dinner and movie. Words like “average” and “normative” don’t figure into our social vocabulary because we try to squeeze real-
life into some non-bomb shelter moments. We’ve only begun to catch our collective breath after this summer’s Defensive Edge bloodbath but the enemy doesn’t believe in “timeout.” If butchery were part of the evolutionary process, the timeline might include knife-attacks (terribly passé, the Fogal family in Itamar a recent exception). Bombs – freely lobbed, strapped to one’s body or on an available donkey – are less personal and make for livelier news coverage. The creative bulldozer method of Jew-killing has proven unwieldy and, consequently, unpopular because terrorists who operate heavy machinery are shot dead before disengaging from the cabin. But just in time for the holiday season, the emerging weapon-of-choice is none-other than the family sedan! Compact, readily available and easy to maneuver, the simplicity of driving into a group of students or families waiting to hop a bus is nothing short of genius. Evil genius? Only to us. The rest of the world understands the attackers; after all, what else can they do? They are exploited, frustrated, principled and brave. Only we-the-oppressors call them terrorists and thugs. We are blinded by arrogance; unappreciative of the martyrs in our midst. Some hold that the miracle of Hanukkah was the discovery of one sealed flask of oil that had not been defiled; many hold that the miracle was that the pure flask – enough for one night’s illumination – burned for eight days. Others insist that the existence of any precious oil in the gutted Holy Temple was, indeed, the miracle. Hedging my bets, I like to think that Israel is a lot like the precious flask of oil; while the Temple around us (the world) might fight for its spiritual, moral and physical life, we continue to flicker, sputter, occasionally burn low but oftentimes swell with brightness. In the end – as in the beginning – we persevere, prosper and remain defiant even when we feel very much alone. A
SUPPORTING JEWISH SINGLE PARENTS AND JEWISH BIG PALS MENTORING PROG RAM INVITE YOU TO
Sunday, December 14 • 2:00-4:00pm
Congregation Beth Israel • 9001 Towne Centre Dr. • San Diego 92122 Join Supporting Jewish Single Parents (SJSP) and Jewish BIGPals at our 6th Annual Hanukkah Party! Indulge at our latke and dessert bar, jam to some beats, and stop by our arts & crafts station!
Com and me celebra Jewis eet oth te er h an BIG P paren d single als New t families ! f welcoamilies me!
$5 per parent/Big Pal • $5 per child
RSVP by December 8 at www.jfssd.org/hanukkah Questions? Contact Sarah Kaplan at (858) 637-3090 or sarahk@jfssd.org Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 21
dating
PLAYING WITH MATCHES by Jennifer Garstang jenscy@gmail.com
How to Win an Argument
T
he holidays are upon us, bringing lights, laughter, dreidels...and drama. Between finding the right presents, braving holiday traffic, and scheduling Hanukkah parties, the holidays are a notorious source of stress for both individuals and couples. No matter how long you’ve been together, there is a good chance that at some point this season, you and your significant other will find yourselves in a fight. Fortunately, arguments don’t spell doom for a relationship. My guy and I have had plenty of disagreements throughout our years together. In fact, our relationship is stronger for it because (not to pat myself on the back) we do it right (pat pat pat). Here are some of the ways we’ve learned to fight the right way, to make the arguments turn into positive change for the both of us. Keep them in mind this holiday season and all year ’round: 1. Make sure you have the proper definition of “winning:” The board game Life may have winners and losers, but in real-life conflict, if both of you don’t win, then you both lose. A relationship is a team, and to make that team work, you both must feel empowered by your partnership. So understand that “winning” in this context means you both walk away knowing you’ve been heard, and that your concerns matter to your partner. 2. Listen and respond to your partner...not the voices in your head: “I don’t have voices in my head!” says the voice in your head. The fact is, as we develop relationships, we form expectations about the future based on our experiences. Then, without even noticing, we start responding to what we expect to happen, and create a self-fulfilling prophecy. For instance, consider the following scenario: Sally and her boyfriend Joe have Hanukkah 22 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
dinner with her family. Sally’s mom asks if Joe likes the latkes. Immediately, Sally’s little-mindvoice starts racing...He’s gonna insult my Bubbe’s latkes like last year. That jerk! Doesn’t he even care about me at all? Joe replies, “Yeah! I’m used to finerchopped latke recipes, so this is nice variety.” Joe may have meant it genuinely, but Sally is primed to hear his voice dripping with sarcasm. Nice variety? What the heck is that supposed to mean?! Jerkface! Battling our baggage is no easy feat. It takes a lot of practice, self-reflection, and ego-taming to be able to tell (and admit) when we’re pre-judging what our partner is saying. But it is doable! Just remember to always take a moment to process what your partner has actually said before responding. 3. Remember, this is someone you care about even when you’re mad. So argue with RESPECT! I’ll never forget the one time I got my boyfriend so mad he shouted at me. It is one of my fondest memories. I’d had a bad day, was unreasonably annoyed by a minor goof on his part, and wasn’t willing to accept his apology right away. The argument built until finally he yelled: “I love you, and I understand why you’re so mad, but I am so frustrated with you right now!” That is the biggest reason our fights make us stronger as a couple. Even at his angriest, my boyfriend never forgets that I am a person he cares about, and I do the same for him. (Oy vey! You want some herring with that schmaltz?) Even if we have no idea how we’ll resolve a particular dispute, we go into that dispute knowing we love each other, and will find a way to work it out together. And that, dear readers, is how he and I have won every single argument we’ve ever had (pat pat pat pat). With that, I wish you all a happy Hanukkah, and a peaceful holiday season! A
FYI
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The Behavioral Health Committee of Jewish Family Service Invites You to an Educational Event in Support of Mental Health Awareness
Putting the Puzzle Together: Mental Health Policy and Community Options WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 Congregation Beth Israel • 9001 Towne Centre Drive • San Diego, CA 92122
FEATURED PANELISTS • Jim Fix, PsyD, Executive Director of Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) • Michael Krelstein, MD, Clinical Director of San Diego Behavioral Health • Jeff G. Elias, Esq., Attorney and Consultant in Criminal & Mental Health Law
Families can offer crucial support for loved ones living with mental illness by advocating with doctors, monitoring a treatment plan, and conveying hope. However, they can also become frustrated when confronted by the obstacles of patient privacy laws and competency standards. Do our mental health policies and laws help or hinder our ability to protect those living with mental illness? Join us for a conversation exploring how the puzzle of mental health policies fit with family and community interest.
5:30-6:30PM • Resource Fair & Light Appetizers 6:45-8:30 • Panel of Professionals THIS EVENT IS FREE OF CHARGE
www.jfssd.org/mentalhealthpolicy • Questions? (858) 637-3268 Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 23
aging
OLDER, WISER, BETTER by Jon Schwartz
jonaschwartz@hotmail.com
Home for the Holidays
A
few weeks ago I was visiting with a good friend. We were out to lunch when we started talking about Thanksgiving. She asked me what my plans were. I reminded her that every year I go up to Orange County to be with my family. She appeared genuinely pleased to hear that I had family to be with on the holidays. I returned the question and asked about her Thanksgiving plans. She told me about a phone conversation she had recently with her nephew, who lives in Boston with his wife and kids. The nephew was going on and on about the wonderful food and family that would enliven his house throughout the Thanksgiving weekend. As my friend was retelling this story, she became emotional and her next words were: “He didn’t even bother to ask if I wanted to come.” My friend is an elderly and disabled woman. As I listened to this story, I couldn’t help but think the schlep out to Boston would be nearly impossible for her. She ambulates, but with great difficulty using a walker. Financially, she is unable to afford a plane ticket, especially at the holiday rates. In addition, the nephew’s house is not equipped for a disabled senior to safely visit. He does not have a seat in the shower, nor grab-bars in the bathroom. Also, hazards such as stairs and rugs are in abundance in his home. My friend and her nephew were both aware of the potential and real barriers that make a visit out to Boston quite difficult and unsafe. Perhaps this is why he did not offer an invitation. I envisioned all the difficulties she would endure traveling alone and found myself actually pleased that her nephew did not offer up his home for Thanksgiving dinner. I feared my friend would have tried to prove that she could still make this trip, not because she terribly wanted to, but more 24 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
so for the pride of saying she can do it. Regretfully, I told my friend that her nephew probably assumed she would have said no as he understands her limitations. Why did I think these thoughts and say that comment to her? My passion and career have led me to think about ways to make successful aging possible. Instead, in that moment, I thought of my friend within a flawed mindset that assumes the aged do not need to be included in plans when modifications would have to be made to ensure their company. Thinking much about my mistake, later that week I called up my friend and invited her to my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. It was too late. She had found another family that wanted to have her for the evening. I was happy that she had somewhere to go, however, I was disappointed that I missed an opportunity to have her at our home. My fear is that we assume that an elderly individual may not be physically able or have the desire to be included in plans. Therefore, at times, we choose not to even ask if they would like to be included. As Hanukkah and New Year’s are fastapproaching, the feeling of loneliness and isolation can become even more pronounced for the elderly. The holidays can trigger memories of the past, which can be very hard on that person, who once had a place to go and people to be with, but who now feels alone. The holidays are a time of family, friends, reflection and even gifts. During this holiday season, perhaps there is no better gift you could give than to reach out to an old family member, friend or neighbor and ask them to simply come spend the holiday with you. A
Did you know?
Each year, Jewish Family Service hosts the “Embrace a Family” program to support families and individuals through the November and December holidays. Learn more at jfssd.org.
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spirituality
THE ARTIST’S TORAH by David Ebenbach ebenbach@netzero.com
Keeping Our Heroes Complicated
I
n Jewish understanding, the Torah means more than it appears to say. We have accumulated centuries of Torah commentary, from the Talmud onward, precisely because of our long-held belief in looking beneath the surface to get the text’s full truth. Again and again we have found that there’s more to our stories and characters than one might at first think. To my mind, nobody in the whole Torah receives more of an assist from this deep-reading process than our forefather Jacob, whom we continue to follow this month. A surface-level reading shows us a wily person who does whatever it takes – right or wrong – to get what he wants, wheedling and tricking his brother Esau out of his birthright and paternal blessing, tricking his father-in-law in order to prosper, manipulating his grown brother in order to avoid conflict, and more. Yet our sages have mined his story for every possible piece of evidence, however oblique, that Jacob was not only justified in his actions but in fact was a paragon of honesty and decency. There isn’t enough space here to even begin to analyze that evidence, but suffice it to say that their version of Jacob is a great man with a sacred mission who works very hard to pursue that mission with unimpeachable integrity. This is one of the beautiful things about our tradition: it gives our seemingly flawed ancestors the benefit of the doubt. That sort of empathy is not only good-hearted but also insightful; most people are more complicated than they appear to be at a glance. Most people (and most groups of people) have a deeper story than their actions alone might tell. Yet in some ways the commentators, as they dig deeper, are actually oversimplifying things. Instead of a Jacob who is both good and bad, we get a 26 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
Jacob who is only good – which I think prevents us from appreciating him fully. The surface reading paints Jacob as wily, sure, but we also see great cleverness, skill, perseverance, fortitude, and hard work. Both bad and good. And allowing him to be complicated allows us to question his questionable actions (and perhaps avoid doing similar things ourselves). Simultaneously, it also shows us that a person can be admirable in many ways without being a saint – and that imperfection makes him a useful model of behavior to the (imperfect) rest of us. We need complicated heroes. This is particularly on my mind each year at Hanukkah. For the most part, the Hanukkah story portrays the Maccabees as perfect heroes, exemplars of everything good. And certainly the Maccabees were admirable for their courage, their determination, their sense of duty, even their prowess in battle. But they were also zealots, as violent toward their somewhat assimilated brothers and sisters as toward the Greco-Syrian forces. They treated anyone with a different point of view as an enemy to be destroyed. We can give them the benefit of the doubt for some of that zeal – they were being harshly oppressed and it makes sense that their reaction would be strong – but that doesn’t mean that their approach was the only one that could have worked, and it doesn’t mean we ought to emulate that belligerent zeal in this day and age. Acknowledging our heroes’ imperfections will keep us from making their mistakes. To my mind, that’s part of what makes them heroic. Despite their flaws, they stand before us as examples of what it can mean to be human. They give us the opportunity to strive toward what we admire, and to reject what we deplore. They give (imperfect) us the chance to be heroes ourselves. A
This
month’s Torah portions Dec. 6: Vayishlach (Genesis 32:3-36:43) Dec. 13: Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) Dec. 20: Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17) Dec. 27: Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27)
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Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 27
OP-ED
IN DEFENSE OF PEACE AND HOPE One Muslim nation stands out as an anamoly BY RABBI ISRAEL N. BAROUK
A
s a Jewish people, there are few happy stories for us to share about our relationship with Muslim countries across the globe. It stands to reason that we would champion our allies, especially any Muslim ally, and hold them dear to our heart as we navigate these uncertain times. There is a lesser known story that plays out today in our sunny state and California has a critical opportunity to champion a great Muslim ally in these tough times. As the story goes, how we treat our friends says everything about our values, and with the stakes of the world waiting on solutions that are deeply challenging to envision, this story has particular meaning. When asked, it is not uncommon for a person to tell me that he has never heard of Azerbaijan. Fewer still know the story of Jews in Azerbaijan. It’s almost impossible for some to understand that a Muslim nation directly neighboring Iran proactively protects and celebrates Jews, 28 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
and has for more than 2,000 years. This reality evades almost every concept associated with the international scope of Jewish and Muslim relations. The Republic of Azerbaijan’s position on Jewry, both domestic and internationally, is unparalleled anywhere else in the world and a sliver of hope for what is possible everywhere. A cooperative and compatible relationship between Jews, Muslims and Christians is an everyday reality in Azerbaijan. The Red City, home to the so-called Mountainous Jews, is one of the largest all-Jewish cities outside of Israel. Chabad boasts three synagogues across the Republic, and the head Chabad Rabbi of Azerbaijan has just applied for permanent citizenship. All of this takes place directly to the north of Iran, in the midst of a most violent and virulent global swing of anti-Semitism that has not been seen since the rise of Naziism. The juxtaposition of narratives is as outstanding as a rainbow at the end of a 40day flood. Which all brings me back to our state. The California legislature just swept through a
resolution (AJR 32) that attacks the integrity of Azerbaijan, an ally and friend to Jews and Israel. The resolution allows California’s legislature to vote on a territorial dispute between Baltic countries (Azerbaijan and Armenia) while simply and unabashedly contradicting U.S. foreign policy. Ultimately, it puts at risk the strong ties between Azerbaijan, the United States, and Israel. Why does this all matter to Jews? In essence, Azerbaijan represents hope for peace in the world and particularly in the Jewish world, both in terms of the future of Israel and the mindset that Jews rely upon for our most basic protection. We are aware that the world is changing. The grip on anti-Semitism is weak and this is playing out internationally. We cannot fight terrorism with non-violent protest. We cannot see an end to terrorism without an end to life, in some way or another. To imagine a future that is not about fighting terrorism, where nations can live peacefully and respect cultural and religious difference, and where this can even be done under the banner of Islam, is not a small thing. It is potentially everything we could ever hope for. So that is why I am ashamed of the California legislature for succumbing to the desires of special interests at the expense trusting constituents and the government. I am appalled that this could happen in a state so heavily represented by Jewish interests, where our say in this should matter. It is our responsibility to share this story, to capitalize on its potential, to hope that other nations will follow Azerbaijan’s lead and champion tolerance above adversity. I believe that any hope for a nonviolent future in Israel relies on using the model of what has been done in Azerbaijan elsewhere around the world. We have seen the alternative to peace more times than we can count, and we have every reason to make this our problem. In the United States, it is the responsibility of Jewish communities to act protectively of our Jewish brothers and sisters across the globe, and to use our collective influence and assert our leverage to protect those who treat us so well. Protecting our closest friends from the abuse of politics is a start. A
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Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 29 SW_CGACowan_SDJJ_3.6x10.indd 1
5/15/14 1:49 PM
HANUKKAH
HANUKKAH MEMORIES: Getting gelt, it used to be as good as gold BY EDMON J. RODMAN, JTA
W
hat can a buck get you on Hanukkah? Maybe a gold mesh bag of chocolate coins or a lighter for your chanukiah. But Jewish continuity through generations? At Hanukkah time, when we get so wrapped up in gift giving, I propose that it’s a single dollar of gelt (Yiddish for money) that has the power to keep on giving beyond eight nights. Hanukkah gelt referred originally in Europe and later in America to coins given as gifts to children and adults. Today, gelt brings to mind the chocolate coins wrapped in gold and silver foil that come in a small mesh bag. But lately, gelt-wise, I’ve been thinking outside the bag and wondering why of all the Hanukkah gifts that I received as a child, it is the shiny silver dollars given by my parents that I remember best. I never even spent them. Was something more than a dollar being given? When I was a teenager and the silver dollars stopped and were replaced by clothes and books, I was surprised by how much I missed the holiday ritual of being handed a dollar. It wasn’t until I was engaged that someone gave me one again. I had been invited to a family Hanukkah party at the home of my fiancé Brenda’s Sephardic grandmother, Grace Hasson, or as everyone called her, Vava. Some three dozen relatives – aunts and uncles, cousins and their spouses – crowded into a small living room. We said blessings for the candle lighting and sang songs before moving on to dinner. The feeling was nice, warm; nothing unusual. After dinner and some buñuelos – sugarpowdered fried balls of dough – someone said it was time for “gelt.” 30 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
I watched as four dining room chairs were lined up at one end of the room and four uncles sat down methodically. One by one, with the oldest going first, the name of each grandchild was called, and each came forward to pass down the “gelt line.” My future mother-in-law, Shirley, knowing everyone’s birthday, kept the chronology straight, and when the time came for Brenda, I was surprised to be included with her. In my late 20s, I thought myself beyond getting gelt. But as I passed down the line, each uncle pressed a crisp $1 bill into my hand (Stanley Berko, my future father-in-law, gave me a $2 bill), and as I shook their hands and wished each a “Happy Hanukkah,” I felt like a million bucks. When Brenda reached the end of the line, her grandmother handed her a white envelope. At Hanukkah, “You got a dollar from each uncle, two from your own parents and two from Vava, plus a birthday bond,” explains Joe Hasson, my fiancé’s brother. I soon realized that one needn’t even be present to be counted. If for some reason you couldn’t make it, someone would be designated to go through the line for you. One of the uncles, Gene Levey, says that “before we gave gelt, each family would pick another family and give them gifts, but it was hard to know what to buy.” As the cousins married and had children, the number of gelt getters doubled to approximately 40. Uncle Berko, who remembers going to the bank to get about $75, recalled that his first gelt line was also the year he married into the family. “I didn’t even know everyone’s name, but I wanted to be part of it, too,” he says, as did the next generation. “It didn’t matter to me if it was a $100 bill or a dollar, I really wouldn’t have cared,” writes Beau Karabel, one of the great-grandchildren, in a text. “I just loved these guys and wanted to be them one day.” Rachel Petruzzi, another great-grandchild, says she remembers “getting together as this humungous unit” at Hanukkah. “Going through the gelt line, I would get a special moment with each uncle and my grandfather,” she says. After some 40 years, however, in 2008, when Petruzzi was 25, those moments stopped with Vava’s passing. She was 104. “I miss it so much,” Petruzzi says. A
Shmaltz Holiday Beer is Back As has become tradition, Shmaltz Brewing Company is out this year with three limited-edition holiday releases from their brewery in Clifton Park, N.Y. On tap this year is Hanukkah, Chanukah: Pass the Beer, a dark ale brewed with eight malts, eight hops and weighing in at eight percent alcohol by volume. The anniversary beer, Jewbelation, with 18 malts, 18 hops and 12.4 percent ABV will also hit shelves again this time of year. Finally, be on the look out for the 5th annual He'Brew Gift Pack, for the beer lover who wants everything. He'Brew Beer is now available in 37 states at nearly 5,000 retailers. We know there are a few in San Diego, including Krisp Markets in Golden Hill and downtown. Find more information at shmaltzbrewing.com/hebrew/ distributors.html.
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We wish you a Happy Hanukkah, and invite you to celebrate with us ! To find out more about us and future events, go to www.jcosd.com or call Rabbis Josh and Gabi at 760.707.7111
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LOSE THE CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDER DURING CHRISTMAS SEASON Resent it, or embrace it, it's not going away BY NINA BADZIN, JTA/KVELLER.COM
W
e Jews have two choices in our approach to the Christmas season: resent it or embrace it. I, for one vote for a big, sloppy embrace. In the name of “love thy neighbor” and tolerance, I say we hug it out with Christmas already and teach our kids to do the same. Why? We expect our non-Jewish co-workers, friends and neighbors to show heaps of interest and concern in all things Jewish. During the High Holidays, we ask our kids’ teachers not to assign big tests after those long days at shul. We offer unsolicited explanations about why Hanukkah is not, despite unfortunate evidence to the contrary, the most important event on our calendar. For the week of Passover, we bore everyone we know with the reasons we’re eating matzah and other weird stuff. Tolerance is a two-way street. So with that being said, here are 10 steps to lose the anitYuletide attitude. 1. Stop lecturing everyone who says Merry Christmas. More than anything it tends to replace “Have a nice day.” Realistically it also conveys, “I’ve been working this shift for nine hours and I could not care less what holiday you celebrate or don’t.” 2. Eat peppermint bark. It’s chocolaty. It’s 32 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
crunchy. It’s minty. It’s joy. 3. Get yourself invited to a Christmas party. Growing up in a heavily Jewish-populated suburb of Chicago, I was unaware of the Christmas happenings sprinkled throughout the month. Now that I’m raising my family in a neighborhood where we are among the few Jews, I love that we get invited to Christmas teas, treedecorating parties, open houses, cocktail parties and more. Show that you’re open to experiencing someone else’s traditions. 4. Appreciate Christmas break. They aren’t canceling school and days of work for Hanukkah and Kwanza, y’all. 5. Participate in the Jewiest Christmas tradition of all – the Cookie Exchange. If you’re not aware of the frenetic cookie baking and eating that happens during the month of December, then you’re missing out. Get thee to a cookie exchange pronto. 6. Take advantage of the small and temporary changes in scenery, tastes and smells. When you’re in the routine of family life with young kids, even the slightest changes can add some pizazz to your day. Enjoy the new cup designs and festive syrups at your favorite coffee joints. Appreciate the brief appearance of gingerbread
offerings everywhere you go. 7. Drive around and look at Christmas lights. It’s dark at 5 o’clock. What’s not to like about added light for the month of December? Sure, some of the neighbors’ decorations are gauche. Make it a family custom to vote on the best and worst ones. 8. Find some Christmas music you can stand. The Alvin and Chipmunks Christmas song makes you want to scream? Some of your favorite artists have probably come up with Christmas albums by now. Michael Buble has one. So does the cast of “Glee.” And you haven’t lived until you’ve heard Barbra Streisand’s rendition of “Silent Night.” 9. Cozy up at home and watch classic Christmas movies. Half of those scripts and scores were written by Jews – consider it an ironic exercise in Jewish pride. Also, any holiday that encourages the lords of cable television to replay “Love Actually,” the greatest Christmas movie of all time, is fine by me. 10. Bargain shop. You know those great “holiday” deals you’re still enjoying on Dec. 20 even though Hanukkah ended? Those are Christmas deals, my friends. Let’s, as they say, not look a gift horse in the mouth. A
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Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 33
HANUKKAH
DREIDEL DOUGHNUTS
A special activity for young readers and their families this Hanukkah BY TINA ESHEL AND NATALIE JACOBS WITH HELP FROM REBBETZIN SARAH FRADKIN
D
oughnuts are a longtime favorite at Hanukkah for kids and adults alike. If you’ve been to Israel during this time of year, you’ll readily recall the amazing spread of color, selection and flavors of the sufganiyot that start to appear in markets this time of year. Sure, we have plenty of doughnut shops here that sell the special breakfast treats all year long, but we contend that you haven’t had a doughnut until you’ve had an Israeli Hanukkah doughnut. Since Israel is far away, we thought the next best thing would be to find a recipe to make the delectable treats right at home, because a hot-out-of-the34 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
pan pastry is pretty hard to beat. Not only were we in the mood for a delicious holiday treat to share with you this month, but we were also on the hunt for a kid-friendly activity to offer during this all-about-the-youngones holiday season. Wanting to stay true to the Hanukkah tradition, we asked Rebbetzin Sarah Fradkin of Chabad San Diego to help us out with her favorite recipe. A mother of three, Fradkin makes challah by hand, despite owning a bread maker, every week. Her dough-kneeding techniques are nothing short of expert, and her tips for kid-crafts are proven to please the little
ones. “Hanukkah is about teaching our children our stories,” she says. The story of Hanukkah – of the Maccabees and their resistance to the ancient Greeks who derided the Israelites for living their faith – is often the first one to be told to young Jews. Hanukkah is a time to remember that since we battled that foe successfully, we can continue to conquer modern foes, like observing our traditions against the backdrop of a society that keeps different holidays. That’s why the story of the oils is also important to teach the next generation. “We cook things in oil to honor the miracle of the oil lasting eight days instead of just one,” Fradkin says. Thousands of years later, we are still lighting the chanukkiot in celebration of our continued freedom and existence. Hands-on projects like this one engage kids in the story in a new way. The spiritual and emotional experiences of our collective past find a place in the physical activity completed in honor of the symbolic meaning of the holiday. Make it
PHOTOS BY NATALIE JACOBS
HANUKKAH
fun and they will come. Make it meaningful and they will stay. Without further ado, we invite you to try this modern twist and make your own dreidel-shaped doughnuts with your family! Allow yourself 2-3 hours from start to finish, and make sure to have plenty of handsoap around for afterward. Important: This project is fun, requires adult supervision and will get a little messy.
with high sides will do; Decorations: Simple syrup glaze (water, powdered sugar, and optional food coloring), sprinkles, frosting or any other fun edibles to put on your completed donuts; Cookie cutters: We used dreidel and Hebrew letter tools but a Star of David works too. Hint: frosting fun can’t be beat, but for flavor, our team preferred the simple syrup glaze (dyed blue).
Dough recipe: 4 ½ cups flour 1/3 cup sugar plus 2 tbsp sugar for the yeast 1 egg 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) quick rising yeast ½ cup orange juice 1/4 cup oil plus oil for frying (lots, depending on the size of your pan) 1/8 tsp salt 1/2 cup water plus 1/4 cup for yeast
Directions: In a small bowl, add ½ cup warm water and 2 tbsp sugar to yeast package. Set aside to activate the yeast, about 15 minutes. Add flour, sugar, eggs, water, and orange juice together. Add yeast mixture and knead. If dough is too sticky, add small handfuls of flour until the dough stops sticking to your fingers. Set aside to rise for about an hour – the longer you allow the dough to rise, the fluffier (and more delicious) the doughnuts will be. When the dough has risen, roll it out to about ½ inch thickness and then cut it with your
You will also need: Pan: If you don’t have a deep-frier, a frying pan
shapes of choice. Set those aside to rise again for approximately 30 minutes. Heat the oil until it is very hot (toss in a test piece of the excess dough, if it rises to the top of the oil and quickly begins to brown, the oil is hot enough). The hotter the oil, the less will be absorbed by the dough as it is frying. Carefully drop the doughnuts into the oil. When they are browned on one side, approximately 1-2 minutes, flip them. Remove doughnuts from oil. Let the doughnuts cool for about 15 minutes. If you frost them too quickly, the decorations will melt and your designs will be destroyed. The doughnuts will keep for a couple of days, but they are best eaten while they are still warm. Special thanks to Chabad and Rebbetzin Fradkin for contributing to this story. From our families to yours, we wish you all a Happy Hanukkah! A
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 35
The T e Welcome back to another seriously stacked Arts issue. Each December, we give you a sneak peek at what to expect from the entertainment scene during the year ahead. This is our fourth Arts issue, and if these 25 pages are any indication, the entertainment calendar for 2015 is going to be bigger and better than any we’ve seen here in a while. For our coverage this year, we’ve split the section into categories so you can easily find the entertainment style of your choice. There are features on live theater (favorites like The Old Globe and community groups like Lamb’s), music (including the newly revived Opera and our potentially Grammy-nominated Jewish Men’s Choir) plus dance and multi-purpose venues like Poway and Escondido’s arts centers. Each section is complete with a schedule containing information on shows from companies and groups in each category throughout San Diego County. This year we’ve also expanded the definition of “Arts” to include museums and San Diegobased visual artists. Since 2015 is the centennial of Balboa Park, we thought it only fitting to highlight just a few of the incredible exhibits on display there. And while the visual artists don’t necessarily have shows coming up, you can always contact the artist directly and we’re sure they’d gladly take you on a private tour through their work. So pull up a chair and grab your calendar, because you’re going to want to make note of all the amazing things going on now through the summer. (Oh and be sure to check back with us in June when we initiate a second Arts issue to cover the summer lineup.) *All photos in this section are courtesy the organization in the article headline. Intro photo from Balboa Theatre.
THEATRE SCHEDULE Broadway San Diego
December
January
12/2-7 Wicked
1/6-11 Dirty Dancing
February
March
April
May
June
4/3-5 Mamma Mia!
5/5-10 Cinderella
6/9-14 Motown the Musical
Cygnet Theatre
1/15-2/15 Sons of the Prophet
3/5-4/26 My Fair Lady
5/14-6/14 The Whale
J* Company
1/16-25 The Pirates of Penzance
3/6-22 Annie
5/8-17 West Side Story
Lamb’s Players Theatre
1/23-3/29 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
2/13-3/22 You Can’t Take it with You
Moonlight Stage
1/15-2/1 The Lion in Winter
2/12-3/1 Sondheim on Sondheim
MOXIE
11/13-12/7 ENRON
1/23-2/22 Trouble in Mind
North Coast Repertory
12/10-28 This Wonderful Life
1/14-2/8 Gunmetal Blues
2/25-3/22 Chapter Two
The Old Globe Theatre
1/24-2/20 Murder for Two
2/14-3/15 The TwentySeventh Man
SD Musical Theatre
2/13-3/1 West Side Story
SD Rep
1/3-25 Steal Heaven
4/10-5/7 Freud’s Last Session
6/12-7/19 West Side Story
3/12-29 Anna in the Tropics
6/10-27 All Shook Up
4/30-5/24 The Anatomy of an Accent
4/15-5/10 Unnecessary Farce
3/31-4/26 The White Snake
4/4-5/3 Buyer and Cellar
6/3-28 Betrayal
5/9-6/14 Arms and the Man
5/22-6/7 Singin’ in the Rain
3/7-29 4/11-5/10 Oedipus El Rey Uncanny Valley
*Full season schedules can be found on the company websites
5/15-6/21 Everybody’s Talkin’
6/21-7/24 Twelfth Night
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE Season 33 permeates with Jewish sensibilities BY SHARON ROSEN LEIB
“W
e present as wide a variety of plays as possible in all genres to surprise audience members every time they come to the theater,” David Ellenstein, artistic director of North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, says. The five shows on deck for 2015 range from a drama exploring adulterous relationships to a zany, full-on farce. The season features the work of three worldrenowned Jewish playwrights/lyricists – Neil Simon, Harold Pinter and Stephen Sondheim. Although none of the shows have explicitly Jewish content, a Jewish sensibility permeates the season. “Putting together an exciting and interesting season is the most challenging thing I do,” Ellenstein says. “I spend three to four months putting the titles together like a jigsaw puzzle.” Ellenstein produces these carefully handpicked works in the North Coast Rep’s 194-seat theater. The theater’s size guarantees audience members an authentic, intimate theatrical experience. Ellenstein chose to get 2015 off to a witty start with the San Diego premiere of “Gun Metal
Blues,” a musical spoof on 1940s film noir. The action takes place in the Red Eye Lounge – a seedy, smoky dive bar – where a tough, SamSpade-like private eye, a few blonde dames, and a jaded piano player invite the audience to share the fun. This campy homage to Raymond Chandler runs Jan. 14-Feb. 8. Next up, NCR presents Neil Simon’s semiautobiographical romantic comedy “Chapter Two.” The play centers on the recently widowed George Schneider and his neighbor, the newly divorced Jennie, as they date, fall in love and rebuild a life together. Simon based the story on his real-life romance with actress Marsha Mason. “He was writing from what he knew. This show is very funny and has quite a bit of heart,” Ellenstein, who will helm the production, says. “Although ‘Chapter Two’ has no explicit Jewish references, it’s the season’s most Jewish show in the sense that it deals with the themes of a Jewish man in mourning and how he reengages with life after a devastating loss,” he says. His choice to include “Chapter Two” this season honors the enduring legacy of North Coast Rep’s
founders as “Chapter Two” was the very first play produced by the theater 33 years ago. The show runs Feb. 25-March 22. Another San Diego premiere, the season’s third play, “Unnecessary Farce” by Paul Slade Smith, runs from April 15-May 10. The show revolves around an embezzling mayor, his female accountant who can’t keep her clothes on, two undercover cops and a couple of hit men. “This may be our wildest show ever. It’s a fullout, over-the-top farce with everything thrown in – including the kitchen sink.” Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter’s masterful drama “Betrayal” will be mounted as the season’s fourth production from June 3-June 28. Pinter, a British Jew, wrote “Betrayal” after ending his own extramarital affair with a journalist. So, in a dark counterpoint to Simon’s comedy “Chapter Two,” Pinter also knows of what he writes. Ellenstein describes “Betrayal” as Pinter’s most accessible play. The work employs an innovative dramatic structure using reverse chronological order to trace the seven-year affair from end Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 39
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to beginning. Along the way, Pinter explores how the characters betray themselves and others. “The play is an interesting look at human behavior and raises many questions which will linger in the audience’s mind long after the show ends.” “Side by Side by Sondheim,” with music by Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne, concludes the season, running from July 15-Aug. 9. The show is a review of Sondheim’s early work through the mid-1970s. Ellenstein describes the production as “a musical theater-lover’s dream.” Sondheim, a Jewish composer, has won almost every award imaginable – including one Academy Award, eight Tony Awards, eight Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Sondheim celebrated his 84th birthday earlier this year, lauded by legions of fans for his 50-plus years of contribution to American musical theater. With a great season on the way, Ellenstein strives to make North Coast Rep accessible and affordable to all. The theater gives special rates for groups of 10 or more and discounts for active duty military, students, educators and seniors older than 65. “We offer a wide variety of price ranges and can make tickets affordable,” Ellenstein says. “We really want students to be able to come and see our shows. “If we indoctrinate our kids into going to the theater now,” he continues, “they will come back to the theater as grown ups – when they have more time and money,” Ellenstein, who sees part of his mission as cultivating the next generation of theater aficionados, says. He encourages you to celebrate 2015 by taking your family to the theater. Purchase tickets and learn more at northcoastrep.org. A 40 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
A Community Wide Holiday Extravaganza WELCOMING OUR SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY & SHALOM BABY FAMILIES
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Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 41
J*COMPANY Family is forever BY TINA ESHEL
A
s the curtain rises and the lights dim, there’s a magical moment right before the start of every production when the audience anticipates what they are about to see. Once the show begins, every connoisseur of the stage knows that the capability of theater to enrich lives cannot be understated. For 22 seasons, the award-winning youth theater program, J*Company, has done just that and more, shining the brightest light on San Diego’s youngest stars who are spreading their creative wings under the guidance of J*Company’s Artistic Director, Joey Landwehr. During his tenure with the Company, Landwehr has brought recognition to J*Company in the form of more than 40 industry awards. We spoke with him about the 2014-2015 season and quickly realized that it is his passion for building a home and community, which spreads among all who participate, that is the foundation of J*Company’s star-quality success. “This is our ‘Forever Family’ season,” Landwehr says. “Each of the shows has something to do with finding your family. It’s about connecting young people with that aspect of their lives. “This is a season I’ve wanted to do for quite a while,” he continues. “Every show and every season, I want an education component for the 42 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
audience and cast. We have children that come here from all kinds of family [backgrounds]. It’s important for all kids to realize that yes, they have a family; it’s important to know that all families are different. They might not be in a traditional family…and they are just as valid as anyone else.” It’s an extraordinary theme for a youth theater group. Landwehr explained that growing up, he had the traditional family and was, “always fascinated when we talked about things in rehearsal, some kids didn’t understand what it’s like for other kids who don’t come from conventional homes.” His aim with “Forever Family” is to create a sense of extended and meaningful kinship for the audience and cast. “We are about more than throwing kids on stage and making sure they don’t bump into the furniture. J*Company creates a family experience for kids, a safe, warm and welcoming place for kids, no matter who they are. We do this better than any production company,” he adds with quiet pride. With that sense of family, J*Company is open to everyone. “Acting classes are available to children ages 4-18. To be in a show, you have to be 7-18. We have a broad reach with children from Tijuana,
East County, Carlsbad,” he says. Interested? Mark your calendar for auditions for “Annie” on Jan. 5-6 with callbacks on Jan. 7 and rehearsal on Jan. 19. For JCC members, the production fee is $215. For nonmembers, it is $255. “Scholarships are available for talented kids who don’t have the family economics,” Landwehr, who is emphatic about charitable outreach to bring more kids to theater and more theater to kids, says. “We’ve started something very important this season,” he explains. “It’s called our Random Acts of Culture program. It is a great way to bring families from underserved areas of San Diego to live theater.” Through the support of corporate sponsors, J*Company designates one performance from each production as a “Random Acts of Culture” performance, during which every seat in the theatre is made open and available to underserved San Diego youth and their families. J*Company is currently soliciting donors to fund this program. Visit sdcjc.org/jc for performance information or to support the “Random Acts of Culture” program. A
The ARTS issue
THE OLD GLOBE A season for every mood BY NATALIE JACOBS
W
e’re in the middle of an incredible season at The Old Globe. November saw the close of “Bright Star,” Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s folkie-fun musical based in the post-war south, and “The Royale,” the gripping tale of an African American in the highly segregated world of boxing in the early 1900s. If you’re pinching yourself for missing these (and no one would blame you), the rest of the season promises to be just as good so pick out your favorites and get tickets now. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will take over until Dec. 27 and then the season will pick back up Jan. 24 with “Murder for Two,” a hilarious and wacky musical with two actors, one who plays the detective and the other who plays all 10 suspects. “The range and variety of the season is enormous,” Globe Artistic Director Barry Edelstein said in a 2014-2015 season announcement earlier this year. Edelstein will direct “The Twenty-Seventh Man,” a powerful story of the final Yiddish writer to be forced into Soviet prison in 1952, running Feb. 14-March 15 in the intimate White Theatre (look for a full feature on this production in our February issue). The season then turns back to musicals with the long-awaited San Diego debut
of the widely known “genius of American theater,” Mary Zimmerman. The play, which NPR called “strikingly beautiful,” is an enchanted staging of a classic Chinese fable where a gentle serpent transforms into a beautiful woman. When she falls in love with a handsome young man, the serpent woman decides to stay human forever, until a wicked monk vows to destroy her. The season brings back the laughs with “Buyer & Cellar” April 4-May 3. This “totally fictional” Off Broadway hit imagines a scenario where Barbra Streisand creates a mini-mall of memorabilia in her basement and hires an outof-work actor to man the shop. As you can imagine, Barbra Streisand is one tough customer (and being that she is his only customer, there’s really no escape for this poor fella). As the actorturned-shopkeeper slowly goes mad, the audience will laugh uncontrollably at the absurdity of it all. The season takes a romantic turn with George Bernard Shaw’s classic “Arms and the Man.” This “most romantic comedy” explores the confusing place where soon-to-be-married Raina Petkoff finds herself – between love for her heroic soldier fiancé or the intriguing possibilities presented when a strange man lands, literally, underneath her bed. Touted as “one of the wittiest and most charming plays of the English stage,” San Diego
audiences won’t want to miss this “smart and silly” tale of love and war. Finishing up the season will be “Rich Girl,” May 23-June 21. Exploring the complicated relationship between mother and daughter, this play, based on the Henry James novel “Washington Square,” gives us Claudine, the awkward and shy daughter of a wealthy and famous woman who casts a very large shadow. Conflict arises when Claudine is swept away by a charming artist. Her mother not only disapproves of the artist but thinks the man is only interested in Claudine for her money. It’s a moving story of love, relationships, money and the difficulties of intertwining the three. Purchase subscriptions or single-night tickets at theoldglobe.org. A
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 43
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I
f you attended the 20th annual Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival, you might recognize the title “Steal Heaven.” Playwright and actor Herbert Siguenza and San Diego Repertory Theatre Artistic Director Todd Salovey staged a reading of the political comedy as part of the annual county-wide theater event back in 2013, all the while thinking ahead to its premiere in the REP’s 2014-2015 season. And without further ado, it has arrived. The show, written by Siguenza and based on the life and writings of the “bad-boy” political and social activist Abbott “Abbie” Hoffman, imagines the man looking down from heaven, dismayed at the state of activism today. With the need to get involved apparently embedded deep into his eternal soul, the dead Hoffman conducts a “boot camp for activists” in Heaven who want to get back down to Earth to shake things up for the better. The play promises to be a hilarious but also critical look at the state of activist affairs today. Catch it at the REP Jan. 3-25. Rounding out the 2014-2015 season are three plays that are also built from stories you may have some knowledge of, but their theatrical reimaginings will have you seeing them from new and different angles. Next up after “Steal Heaven” is “Oedipus El Rey,” an adult look at the classic tale of Oedipus Rex, running March 7-29. Then comes “Uncanny Valley,” April 11-May 10. This is a ripped-from-the-headlines type story that sounds too crazy to be real, but in actuality it is, almost. The play explores challenges of artificial intelligence that make possible the ability to download a human’s thoughts and memories into a computer. The play posits that this computer comes in the form of a human-like robot. Things get complicated from there. Finishing off the season, May 15-June 21 is “Everybody’s Talkin: The Music of Harry Nilsson.” This show explores the special genius of the two-time Grammy Award winner (“and legendary hell-raiser”) responsible for some of the catchiest songs of our generation. Get season details and buy tickets at sdrep.org. A
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 45
LAMB’S PLAYERS THEATRE The lovely local
SAN DIEGO MUSICAL THEATRE Changing time
BY EILEEN SONDAK
BY NATALIE JACOBS
T
he Lamb’s Players put Coronado on the theatrical map when they renovated the theater on Orange Avenue in 1994 and began showcasing highly professional productions. Since then, the plucky organization has had several mega-hits, including a memorable production of “Fiddler on the Roof ” and its most recent blockbuster, “Les Miserables.” The Lamb’s can handle anything from classics to world premieres. Its own family of artists creates annual holiday shows. With 100 associate artists, the Lamb’s prides itself on employing more local actors than any other company. The Lamb’s winter season will kick off Feb. 13, and feature Kaufman and Hart’s masterpiece, “You Can’t Take it With You,” a humorous romp set in the Great Depression. That comic confection will reside in Coronado through March 22. Next on the roster is “Freud’s Last Session,” which had its premiere at the North Coast Rep last month. This exhilarating meeting of the minds between Freud and C.S. Lewis will run at Lamb’s April 10May 17. “West Side Story,” a modern re-telling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” will bring the brilliant music of Leonard Bernstein to the Lamb’s stage June 12-July 19. “The Nerd,” follows Aug. 14-Sept. 20, and to culminate the season on a high note, look for a new musical adaptation of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” This highly-anticipated show will take up residency Oct. 9-Nov. 15. There’s something for everyone in this year’s theatrical potpourri. As Smyth noted, “It’s like trying to put out a good meal. You want a variety of different flavors. In ‘Wizard of Oz,’ we thought, ‘How can we do it a little differently, and we actually went back to the book.’” You can bet the Lamb’s will put its own unique stamp on every show it presents – and that usually translates to a satisfying evening of entertainment for San Diego audiences. Learn more and purchase tickets at lambsplayers.org. A
46 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
S
an Diego Musical Theatre produced their first show, “The Full Monty,” in 2007. At the time, they were performing at the North Park Theatre. The nonprofit company called that space “home” for their first season of four productions. But then they had to re-station to East County for their second season. Like an always-ready gypsy, the company took the moves in stride as they settled into the Lyceum Theatre for a few more seasons and then bounced back to the North Park Theatre for their last three seasons. For 2015, San Diego Musical Theatre will show at their fourth venue in eight years, at the historic Spreckles Theatre on Broadway downtown. “We would love to have our own venue,” says Erin Lewis, producing artistic director for the Musical Theatre. But the right space is hard to find in San Diego. To make all the numbers add up, the theater needs to have 700-800 seats. Without many existing buildings to choose from, SD Musical Theatre would need to build their own, which would require an investor or a committed coalition of people who could go in on it together and share the space. While finding a permanent home is always in the backs of their minds, the show must go on for San Diego Musical Theatre, wherever they may be. The 2015 season at Spreckles will feature four shows: “West Side Story,” Feb. 13-March 1; “Singin’ in the Rain,” May 22-June 7; “La Cage Aux Folles,” Sept. 25-Oct. 11; and “White Christmas,” Nov. 27-Dec. 6. Each show boasts the SDMT’s standard live orchestra (they’re the only musical theatre company to do this in San Diego). Tickets for the 2015 season are on sale now. Visit sdmt.org. A
The Jewish Community Foundation thanks and honors the over
1,000 individuals and families who have contributed to an endowment campaign or plan to leave legacy gifts to
J E W I S H ORGANIZATIONS through the
Program Turn the page for the list of these visionaries who are ensuring a vibrant future for the Jewish community!
www.jcfsandiego.org • 858.279.2740
Malvina Abbott Glenn & Jodi Abel Irving & Celeste Abel* Shimon & Merav Abergel Leonard Abrahms Trust Clifford Acheatel* Larry & Janet Acheatel Dr. Roger Acheatel & Dr. Ingrid Scharpf Sam* & Mildred Ackerman Loretta Adams BJ & Sybil Adelson Mrs. Cyril (Suzie) Adler Ester Ahronee Joe & Kerrie Aiello Grayton E. Allen* Todd Allen Janet Alliger Alice Alperin* Dave & Annette* Alpert David & Yael Alpert Phillip & Beth Alpert Earl Altshuler & Sandra Teel Betty Amber
Ellen Barnett Laurielynn Barnett Michael & Lori Barnett Michael & Bonnie Bart Michael Bartell & Melissa Garfield Bartell Richard Barton & Elaine Feuer-Barton Selma Baxt* Joan Beber Edmund & Pamela Beimel Leslie Belden Irvin* & Ruth Belenzon Lawrence & Judith Belinsky Fritzi Bellamy* Marlene Bellamy Leo & Barbara Benavidez Simone Bennett* Jacob & Leslie Bercovitz Barry & Marlene Berelowitz Geoffrey & Carla Berg Fred & Donna Berger Mark Berger & Jacquelyn Tolley Norman Berger & Ruth Feldman Rabbis Michael & Aliza Berk
1,400+ Philip & Irma Ames Gertrude Aminoff* Harvey & Judith Amster Stan & Pam Amundson Tibor & Anna Apfelbaum* Irving* & Cecelia Appelbaum Perry & Susan Arenson Jose & Monica* Aroeste Michael & Karen Aron Ruth Aronoff* Daniel & Joyce Arovas Ellis Atkins* Dr. Jerry & Beverly Auerbach Josiah & Katherine Auspitz Reuben Auspitz & Dawn Good Elk Stanley Auspitz Ilan & Lynn Awerbuch Joyce Axelrod Dr. Stephen Baird & Carol Davidson Baird Natan & Raquel* Bakcht David & Joan Banko David Bark Diana Barliant* & Nowell Wisch Ralph & Marian* Barnes
LEGACY GIFTS PLANNED
Robert & Sondra Berk Howard Berkson Marsha Berkson Michael & Carolyn Berlin David & Sharlene Berman Alice Bermanis* Edgar & Julie Berner Sidney & Gloria* Bernsen Steven & Deanna Bernsen Robert & Linda Bernstein Sheldon Bernstein Stanley Bernstein* Raquel Berson* Samuel Berson* Robert Berton Ezra & Lisa Betech Evan & Hollie Bierman Rebecca Bierman Terri Bignell Charles & Susan Bisom-Rapp Alain & Yael Blanc Gayle Blatt Barbara Bloom Leonard & Deanne Bloom John & Shirley Bloomenthal*
Edwin & Adrienne Blumberg Isaac & Marcy Blumberg Robert & Joyce Blumberg Scott & Karen Blumen Roger & Marilynn Boesky Rabbi Avram & Leah Bogopulsky Cynthia Bolker & Greg Rizzi Howard & Lori* Bolotin Peter Bonavich & Sheree Swetin* Stephen & Janice Boner Philip & Sylvia Borkat Brian & Jan Borkum Larry & Sandra Bornstein Jonny Borok Aaron Borovoy Jane Brand Andrew & Jenny Bratt Richard & Lillian* Braun Ira & Sharon Braverman Mark & Gail Braverman Denise Clare Breitbard* Robert & Lillie Breitbard* Shirley Brenner Michael Breslauer & Stefanie Levine Robert Breslauer Jaime & Karen Breziner Kent & Judy Bricker Mitchell & Merle Brodie Daisy Brodsky Dan & Nina Brodsky Arthur & Sophie Brody* Foundation Arthur Brody* & Phyllis Cohn Deborah Broida Hattie Brooks* Steven & Rosalyn Brotman Abraham & Pamela Broudy Charlotte Broussard Rabbi Jeff Brown & Amy Bebchick Barbara Bry Giacomo Bucci & Lori Pivo Todd & Debby Buchholz Gerry & Judy Burstain Donald* & Betty Byrnes Isaac & Liz Calderon Edward & Pamela Carnot Traci and Kim Carnot, Emma and Harley Carpenter Michael & Barbara Carr Ralph Carson* Stephen & Linda Carson Theodore Cashuk & Ella PragerCashuk Tamar Caspi Morris & Doreen Casuto Miriam Chall Louise Chandler Marc Channick Jorge & Celia Chazan Peter* & Elaine Chortek Robert & Kimberly Chortek Janet Clancy Barbara Clark Layne & Melissa Cogan Abraham Cohen* Brian & Liza Cohen Edward & Vicky Cohen Hal & Helen Cohen* Harris & Karen Cohen Hy* & Helen Cohen Jack Cohen Joseph Cohen & Martha Farish Joshua & Lyda Cohen Marilyn Cohen* Michael & Myrna Cohen Page 1
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Michael & Batsheva Feldman Morey & Jeanne* Feldman Michael & Carolyn Felzer Joseph P. Fendrick & Stephen J. Ghio Walter & Pam Ferris Elliot & Diane Feuerstein Charles* & Alberta Feurzeig Matthew & April Fink Raymond & Rhona Fink Robert Fink Phillip* and Nadine Finkel Norman & Susan Finkelstein Joseph Fisch Barbara Fischbein Arnold* & Esther Fischer Jack & Sigrid Fischer* Merle & Teresa Fischlowitz Tom & Judy Fisher Jonathan & Meryl Flam Michael & Susanna Flaster
$200+
Yoel & Sara Galante Gregorio & Melissa Galicot Jose & Ana Galicot Rafael & Karla Galicot Laura Galinson Murray* & Elaine Galinson Joe* & Rona Gallen July Teper Galper Guy* & Joan Gardner Max M. & Jayne V. Gauchman* Trust Franklin & Jean Gaylis Hyman* & Rhoda Gaylis David & Sylvia Geffen Gerald* & Rita Geller Carol Gendel Cristal Ghitman Gerald & Marcia Gilberg Jon & Bobbie Gilbert David & Tammy Gillies Ken & Joanne Gimbel
MILLION IN ESTIMATED TOTAL GIFTS
Martin & Lucille Fleischman Muriel Fleischman* Katherine Fleischner-Burns* Scott & Ethel Fleury Armando Flores & Rachel SwimmerFlores Reuben Fogelson* Richard & Sharon Fogg Pauline Foster Davis B. Fox Ronald & Carol Fox Steve & Ellen Fox Howard & Cynthia Fram Leonard & Marcia Fram Alessandra Franco Gary & Barbara Frank Rabbi David Frank & Davida Shreiber Jeffrey & Rachel Frankel Milton* & Faiya Fredman Mitchell & Jackie Freedman Laura Freeman Michaels & Joyce Freeman Charlotte Freifeld Morris Freifelder* Friedericke Freund* Gertrud Friedburg* Dr. William & Judith Friedel
$39+ C. Hugh Friedman* & Lynn Schenk Dick & Randee Friedman Gary Frost & Linda Fredin Ruben & Tania Fux Graeme & Simone Gabriel Richard & Sharon Gabriel David & Ana Gaistman
Arthur & Ruth Ginsburg* Kenneth Ginsburg* & Bonnie Sowa Phillip & Francine Ginsburg Amnon Gires & Monica Handler Penner Trude Gitler* Jerold Glassman & Myra GreenbergGlassman Jeffrey Glazer & Lisa Braun-Glazer Mark & Hanna Gleiberman George & Sharon Glickman Joseph & Beverly Glickman Jay Glucksman Rabbi Aaron* & Jeanne Gold Irving Gold Morris & Phyllis Gold Ruth Gold Dorothy Goldberg* Frank & Lee Goldberg Jerold & Linda Goldberg Mark & Connie Goldberg Maurice A. Goldberg* Mel & Rory Goldberg Milton & Madeline Goldberg* Roland & Myrice Goldberg Samuel Goldberg* Amparo Goldman
MILLION ALREADY RECEIVED Don & Dale Goldman Harry Goldman* Lucy Goldman Sidney Goldman* Allan & Meg Goldstein Donald & Toni Goldstein Rabbi Lisa Goldstein
rm o r e. ..
Fo
Molly Cohen Rick & Barbara Cohen Aaron Cohn David & Lesley Cohn Melvin & Betty* Cohn Phil & Alice* Cohn Ron & Lupita Cohn Martin* & Marilyn Colby Shaun & Keri Copans Bernard & Rose Corbman* Bard & Pamela Cosman Damon & Susan Couch Joel Craddock & Mark Parker Gertrude Cromartie* Arthur & Eilene Cummins Marvin Cutler Rabbi Ralph & Hedy Dalin Paul & Julie Datnow Clive David Dr. Stuart & Sharon Davidson Thomas & Nadia Davies Jeffrey & Mardelle Davis Russell Davis Deborah DeBow & Herb Weismann Morris & Eveline Derey Neal & Deborah Desind Debbie Deverett Sylvia DeWoskin* Ronnie Diamond Sheldon & Natalie Diamond M. Chris Dickson Foundation Mark & Jeanne* Dillon Sidney Djanogly Patricia Doering Jeffrey & Nancy Dosick Theresa Dupuis & Gary Kornfeld Mike & Amy Durschlag Jeffrey Eaton & Stacey Goodman-Eaton Karen Eddie Mannie & Gail Edelstein Abraham & Rebeca Edid Salomon and Nancy Edid Richard & Jessica Effress Samuel & Monica Efter Carl Eibl & Amy Corton Joan Eichberg Michael Eichler & Patricia Libby Daniel & Emily Einhorn Cheryl Eisen Jim & Marti Eisenberg Norman & Toby Eisenberg Al & Naomi Ruth Eisman Jeff Elden & Estelle Silverstein Mark & Cheryl Ellis David & Claire Ellman Irving & Francine Elson Lee & Maria Elson* Lynne Elson* David Engel* Louis & Adelle Engel* Samuel & Sue Engelman Daniel & Phyllis Epstein Janet Esser Inez P. Exton* Beth Faber-Jacobs Leon* & Judith Faitek Howard Falberg Jane Fantel Lillian Feingold* Ira & Andrea Feinswog Dr. Steven & Karen Feitelberg Franklin & Merrill Felber
Dr. Stuart* & Jo Ann Goldstone Albert & Sharon Goodman Michael & Andrea Goodman Morton & Carol Goodman Murray & Zelda Goodman* Teresa Goodwin* Herman & Jean Gordon* Gideon* & Shelley Goren Joseph* & Helen Gotkowitz Eugene & Dorita Gotlieb Steve Gould & Mary Marshall Rabbi Philip Graubart & Rabbi Susan Freeman Orin & Liora Green Sidney & Bernice Green Lawrence Greenbaum Laurie Greenberg Linda Greenberg Dr. Oscar & Rita Greene Herbert* & Marlene Greenstein Allen & Toni Gruber Sylvan* & Ruth Grunwald Judy Gumbiner Steven Gutenhauser & Anna Newton Dr. Kim Gutner Charlotte Haas* Bryna Haber Noah & Rena Hadas Herbert & Ellen Hafter, Jr. Henry Haimsohn Barbara Haislip Joseph Haleva Jeffrey Hall & Fern Platt Hall Wayne Hamburger Gerald & Judith Handler Judy Hante Helen Harlan* John & Julie Harland Phyllis K. Harris Wayne & Naomi Harris Rae Harvey
Freda Heller Chuck & Lisa Helsel Agnes Herman Brooks & Joanna Herman Michael & Maria Herman Norman & Harriet Herman Peter Herman & Meryl Maneker Ernest & Margaret Heuman* Stanley & Joyce* Heyman Arthur & Hannah Heymann* Betty Hiller Herman Hindel* Samuel Hindel* Beno & Hadassah Hirschbein* Gary & Tracy Hirschfeld Clara Hockmeyer Mark & Cindy Hoffman Gavin & Cheryl Horn Isadore & Betty Horne* Steven & Brenda Horowitz Sylvia Horowitz Rose Howard* Tzvi Hunter Rabbi Mark Hurvitz & Rabbi Deborah Prinz Albert & Leanore Hutler* Rae Marie Ibarra* Dr. Robert & Marie Ilko Shirley Imber* Fredericka Ingham* Selwyn & Hilary Isakow Israel & Jacqueline Ismaj Andrew & Sonia Israel Fanya Jackson* Audrey Jacobs David & Shirley Jacobs Gary & Jerri-Ann Jacobs Irvin & Jacqueline Jacobs Irwin & Joan Jacobs Karl Jacobs Sam & Lois Jacobs
Marsha Janger Edward & Linda Janon Chris & Emily Jennewein Sergio & Sonya Jinich David & Leigh Johnson Harold & Catherine Johnson* Cecile Jordan Anthony & Natalie Josephson Julian & Jenny Josephson Miriam Jubelirer* Myron & Laura Jucha David & Susan Kabakoff Errol & Harriet Kader Joseph Kahl* Adam & Ellen Kahn Lionel & Kim Kahn Vernon & Lillian Kahn* Marjorie Kalmanson Saul & Rita* Kamlet Marjory Kaplan Maurice & Charmaine Kaplan* Robert & Jodie Kaplan Stuart Karasik Lee & Jeri Ann Karlsberg Jerry & Bea Karp Stacey Kasendorf Harold & Ruth* Kass Barry & Avra Kassar Leon & Sofia Kassel Jerald & Margaret Katleman Larry Katz Louis & Rita Katz Michael Katz Norman & Roxanne Katz Hillel Katzeff Jerome & Miriam Katzin* David & Marlene Katzman Nadja Kauder Roberta Kaufman-Fredericks Steve & Ann Kavy Howard & Lori Kaye
These families and individuals have created legacies David & Aniko Hastings Alan & Barbara* Haubenstock Gordon & Barbara Haworth Anne Hayden Marcia Hazan Joy Heitzmann & Jack Cohen Chaim & Michal Heller
Howard Jacoby James & Carla Jacoby Allen* & Emma Jaffe Glenda Sacks Jaffe Irving* & Eleanor Jaffe Richard & Ann Jaffe Michael Jakes & Nikki Winston
Sol & Debbie Kempinski Lillian Kerr* Paul & Guin Kerstetter Stanley & Sherry Kessel Harry Kessler* Alan Kholos & Tina Hirsch-Kholos Rick King & Susan Levine Todd Kirschen Sheila Kirschenbaum Arnold Kisch & Victoria Daubert Reuben Klamer Jane Klein* Selwyn & Barbara Klein Steven Kleinman* Klitzner Family Jerry & Gayle Klusky Joy F. Knapp* Donn & Zena Kobernick* Gerald* & Shirley Kobernick Lois Kohn* Martin & Jill Koller Rabbi David & Debbie Kornberg Martin & Phyllis Kornfeld* Richard & Carol Kornfeld Nancy Kossan Milton & Stephanie Krasner Lawrence & Sallye* Krause Richard & Deborah Kremsdorf Elaine Krieger* David Kroll Page 3
Seth Krosner & Phil Johnson Daniel & Linda Kucinski William & Gaby Kuperman David & Jessica Kupferberg Murray & Flora Kuritsky Michael & Ava Kurnow Adam & Joy Kushnir Sam* & Gabriella Labson Aaron & Bernadette Landau Ruth Landau Robert Landers* Edith Lange Robert & Susan Lapidus Stephen & Sharon Lash Dorothy Last* James & Risa Lauth Eleanor Laverson Steve & Joanne Laverson Arthur & Rhoda Lavine Mark & Lorna Lavine M. Larry Lawrence* Robert Lawrence* & Laurie Black Rabbi Martin & Anita Lawson Robert Lazarus Fanny Krasner Lebovits Matthew Lebovits William & Yvette Lechtner Irving & Regina Lee* Sally Leed* Eric & Emma Lefkowitz Julie Lehrman Rabbi Moishe & Sura Leider Ira & Susan Lerner Joseph & Jennifer Lerner Francis B. Leslie* Lainie Lesser-Mark Terri Levenson Rebecca Kerdie Levine* Arthur & Sandra Levinson Michael Levinson Jean Levitan
Debbie Macdonald Donald Maescher Florence Maio* Alan Maisel Marcy Maisel* Jack Maizel Luis & Sally Maizel Andrew & Tanya Malk Brian & Nancy Heitel Malk Simon & Diana Malk Jim & Gail Malkus Dr. Robert & Marcia Malkus Barbara Mandel Jess & Meg Mandel Melissa Mandel David & Felicia Mandelbaum Ron & Mercy Mandelbaum Barney & Dr. Sandra Mann Mark Mann* Norman & Sivia Mann Walter & Ruth Mann* Brian & Suzanne Marcus Howard* & Lottie Marcus
Lesley Mills Rachel Millstone Silva Missler* Dr. Charles & Ilene Mittman Clive & Tamara Moch Elspeth Momcilovich* Victor & Nehama Moreno Bobbye Morgan* William & Amy Morris Michael & Marjorie Morrison Jerry Morrow Enrique Moscona Elaine Moser Jonathan & Gillian Moss Mark & Ellen Moss Ann Levenstein Mound Nancy Muller & Jeannie Posner Steven & Dina Naiman Jose & Sara Nakach George Nathan* Laurel Nation Jeannette Neeley Jan & Mary Netusil*
that will support Jewish life for generations to come.
Page 4
Sanford Margolies* Elias & Frances Margolin* Greg & Julianne Markow Ellen Marks Nanette Martin* Charlotte Marx Gary & Jayne Marx Ronald & Cathi Marx Michael & Lynn Maskin Lisa Massry & Alexis Massry Michael & Hilary Mattes Andy Mayer & Heidi Gantwerk Hillel Mazansky Phyllis Mazer* Gloria Mazur* Louis Mednicoff* Jane Meis* Eli & Susie Meltzer Rabbi Scott & Jennifer Meltzer Kendall Melville & Sabina Wallach David & Luna Memun Steve & Barbara Mendell Chana Mendez Cantor Sheldon & Marcie Merel Carlos & Esther Michan Michael & Jessica Middleton Joseph & Lauren Milana Lance & Michelle Miller Joshua Mills & Nomi Schalit
Miriam J. Neuhauser* Alan & Nancy Nevin John Newberger* Ronald Newell Eugene & Suzanne Newman Lawrence & Rebecca Newman Michael Newman Newmark Family Trust Harriet G. Newmark* Paul Nierman & Deborah Horwitz Robert Novick Mark & Patricia Nussbaum David Ogul & Sharon Wilson-Ogul Joseph & Sima Oppenheimer Norman Orgel Helen Orin* Daniel & Arlene Orlansky Joseph & Renee O’Rourke Jose Orozco Elaine Orvis* Lawrence & Andrea Oster Robert & Maggie Ovadia Elizabeth Ozer Arnold* & Marilyn Packer Martin & Beverley Pamensky rm o r e. Deborah Pantoni .. Stanley & Roselyn Pappelbaum Fo
Gary & Cheryl Levitt Sam & Helen Levitt* Ruth Levor Jerome & Leona Levy Nathan & Celia Levy Tom & Alina Levy Yiftach Levy & Jennifer Tabak-Levy James Lewis Jeffrey & Hillary Liber Rabbi Avi & Vicki Libman Deena Libman Eleanor Lieb Morris & Zita Liebermensch Bob Lin Miriam Lincoff Tom & Barbara Lincoln Philip & Patricia Ungar Linssen Lipinsky Family Ruben & Susanne Lisker Marshall & Gail* Littman Jaime & Sylvia Liwerant Larry & Marla Lobenstein Frances Lobman Hamilton & Estelle Loeb Ervin London Sharon Losnick Craig & Marty Lotzof Peter & Lynn Louis Herbert & Marsha Lubick Elisa Lurkis
Malcolm Parle* Joan Parry* Max Pawl* Joel & Ruth Perlin Bill & Edith Perlman* Gary & Lisa Perlmutter Judith Persky Sarah Person-Leeds* Lou & Hanka Phillips Harold & Shirley Pidgeon Larry Pidgeon* Hilda Pierce Irving & Anne Pinkel* Jeffrey Platt & Gina Lew Shearn & Linda Platt
Rabbi Yudell & Leeba Reiz Andrew Resnick & Liz Levine Jeffrey & Vivien Ressler Michael & Minna Riber Vivian J. Rich Joshua Richman Lois Richmond David & Gloria Rickerd Art & Jeannie Rivkin Cantor Kathy Robbins Leonard* & Constance Robin Jeremiah & Cassidy Robins Elena Romanowsky David & Arlene Rose Howard & Laura Roselinsky
Shana Saichek Alfred & Teresa Salganick Cecile Salomon* Brett & Nicole Saloner Todd Salovey & Diane Boomer Harriet Salter Eriberto & Stella Salzmann Ed & Rae Samiljan Irwin & Gloria Scarf Howard & Diane Schachat Sanford & Marjorie Schane Ruth Schank* Harriet Schapiro* Sheldon* & Lillian Scharlin Mark Schauder Stephen & Linda Schechner Marilyn Scheininger Frederick & Shari Schenk Colin & Jane Scher George & Mary Ann Scher Arthur & Evalyn Schiff Rose Schiff* Irving & Gloria Schiffman Robert Schimmelfennig*
Š The Program has added over 1,400 legacies to the community. Eli & Anita Plaxe Many of these donors have planned Betsy Polacheck Lorne & Cynthia Polger Raulf & Sharon Polichar Kenneth & Lori Polin Larry & Janet Pollack Rabbi Nathanial & Shirley Pollack* Eli J. Posinoff* Howard Potash Hughes & Sheila Potiker* Seth & Susan Pransky Irv Pregozen* Cheryl Rattner Price Robert & Allison Price Morton & Jana Printz Seymour Rabin* Michael & Naomi Rabkin Robert Radlow* & Janet Esser Ernest & Evelyn Rady Douglas Rafner & Sandy Siperstein Rafner Barry Raskin & Dr. Linda Olafson Ruth Raskin* Abraham & Anne Ratner* Andrew Ratner & Marcie Sinclair Sandford* & Laurayne Ratner Gary Ravet Manny & Shirley Ravet* Michael & Marlene Recht Henry & Barbara Reed* Rocky & Debra Reid Allan & Pearl Reiter* Dr. Stephen & Bobbe Reitman Tabitha Reitman*
Charles & Elizabeth* Rosen Judy Rosen Bernice Rosenberg Donald & Stacy Rosenberg Frieda Rosenberg Ruben & Fanny Rosental Adam & Jami Rosenthal Rabbi Leonard & Judy Rosenthal Hannah L. Roskin* Jeff & Shelley Ross Ivan & Janet Rostovsky Anna Rottenberg* Gary Rotto Bill & Sheryl Rowling Norm & Barbara Rozansky Zev & Edith Rozenberg Howard & Judith Rubenstein Robert Rubenstein Andrew & Lisa Rubin Norman* & Toby Rubin Robin Rubin John Ruden* Steve & Holly Ruderman Alan & Dana Rusonik Nina Madden Sabban Jeremy Sable & Karen Gross Thomas & Helen Sabo Dr. Bruce & Sheri Sachs Ray & Marcia Sachs Anthony & Ellen Sacks Devora Safran & Ron Eisenberg
Contact the Foundation or your favorite Jewish organization to be on this list next year: jcfsandiego.org • 858.279.2740
Craig & Julia Schloss Shawn Schlossberg Beverly Schmier Ben & Brenda Schneider Margerie Schneider* Elliot & Eileen Schubert Benjamin Schulman Jose & Joanna Schulmann Paul & Joan Schultz Joseph Schuman Bob & Judi Schwartz Hyman Schwartz* Rachel Schwartz* Richard & Jacquelyn Schwartz Sigmond Schwartz* Yearl & Rachel Schwartz* Daniel & Lee Fowler Schwimmer SDJA PTO Edward & Melynnique Seabrook May Sebel Myron* & Cynthia Seeberg Harry* & Leatrice Segel Sonya Seiderman* Charlene Seidle Len & Fran Sekela Neil Senturia Rick & Sydney Serwin Shapiro Family Harold & Shirley Shapiro Melvin Shapiro Philip Shapiro Shirley Shapiro* Leah Shapov* Dr. Jacob & Liz Sharp Bette Shatoff Mark & Diana Shatz Hillel & Judy Shear Albert & Marilyn Shelden Tony & Shari Shelton Abe & Belle Sherman* Lawrence & Barbara Sherman Mark & Renee Sherman Blanche Shiller* Shillman Foundation Susan Shmalo Stephen & Denise Shoemaker Page 5
Martin & Roberta Shoman Dr. Sydney & Jane Shore Yaakov & Devorah Shore Morris Showell* David & Reina Shteremberg Norman & Anneliesse Shulman* Thomas & Vera Sickinger Leon & Fern Siegel Robert Siegel & Roslyn Goldstein Mitch & Elizabeth Siegler Jeffrey Silberman & Karen Foster Silberman Russell Silberstein Howard & Beverly Silldorf Patricia Silver Raphael & Kitty Silverman Edward & Zella Silverstein Irwin & Shirley Silverstein Doug Simon Leslee Simon Ronald & Anne Simon Richard & Judy Simons Neal Singer Jerold & Phyllis Siperstein
Jack & Rosalie Star* Steiman Family Trust Yehudah Leib & Chane Steiman Murray & Orah Stein Nate & Lisa Stein Jan Steinert & Richard Bosse Steppat Family Trust Bill Stern Harold Stern* Marty Stern & Marcia Kern Michael Stern Mickey Stern Richard E. Stern* Ruth Stern Dorrit Still* Evan & Jill Stone Rod & Gloria Stone Ryan & Ashley Stone Matthew & Iris Strauss Joseph & Ellen Strum* Mark Stuckelman Max Sturman* Beni & Jackie Surpin Dr. Tom & Lisa Sweet
gifts to multiple organizations.
What will your legacy be? Michael & Deena Swidler Charles* & Carol Swimmer Michael & Anita Szawielenko Isaac & Anita Szmuilowicz Mel & Bonnie Tabak Charles & Paula Tannen* S. Mark Taper Foundation Jeanne Tayler Robert & Mary-Stuart Taylor* Martin & Angelica Teal David & Joan Tedlow Sydell Templin* Susan Ten Eyck Mallory Joshua Lane Tennenbaum Gertrude Thaler* Nessim & Sarah Tiano
WAYS TO WORK WITH THE FOUNDATION:
• Confidential conversations to create your legacy plan • Coordination with your professional advisors • Fully documented plan that can be revised at no cost • Opportunities for tax advantages Page 6
David & Sharon Wax Steven & Laurie Wax Zelda Waxenberg Kevin & Jamie Wechter Annette Kaplan Weil James & Ellen Weil John & Cathy Weil Dr. Alfie Weinbaum & Dr. Eva Leitman Daniel & Sheila Weinberg Harry & Jeanette Weinberg* Sidney Weinberg* Rabbi Simcha & Betty rm Weiser o r e. .. Dr. Robert Weisgrau Eric Weisman & Susan Chortek Weisman Fo
Steven & Anna Siperstein Arnold* & Lucille Sirk Robert & Debra Skomer Donald & Gayle Slate Phil* & Ruth Slonim Mildred Small Stan & Mal Smiedt Alex & Evelyn Smotkin* David & Miriam Smotrich Phil & Sheryl Snyder Henry Soille* Elyse Sollender Herbert & Elene* Solomon Herbert Solomon & Elaine Galinson Howard & Debra Solomon Steven & Esther Solomon Florence Somerman* Howard & Jean Somers Soontup* Family Trust Alan & Nancy Spector Sidney* & Penny Spector Sherman & Harriett* Sperling Sperling Family Fund Dr. William & Barbara Sperling Jodie Spiegel Leo Spiegel Edward & Victoria Spilkin Mark & Jill Spitzer Faith Stagg
Rabbi Yossi & Rochi Tiefenbrun Stanley & Janet Tiger Robert* & Celia Tingley Steven & Sharon Tradonsky Eva Trieger Robert & Nancy Tuggle Jerry & Carole Turk Jan Tuttleman* Richard & Susan Ulevitch Simon & Laura Vainer Louis & Tammy Vener Rick & Yvonne Venger Lainy Vinikow Lawrence Vinikow Alan & Caryn Viterbi Alexandra Viterbi Andrew & Erna Viterbi Audrey Viterbi Smargon Danielle Viterbi Samantha Viterbi Valerie Viterbi Morton Vogelson* Bennett & Diane Voit Steve & Gerry Voit Babs Walden Clive Walden Michael & Maureen* Wallace Jeffrey & Barbara Wasserstrom Charles & Randi Wax
WAYS TO LEAVE A LEGACY: • Bequest in will or trust • Appreciated assets • Life insurance policy • IRA or pension plan • Charitable remainder trust • Charitable gift annuity
Shana Weisman Dr. Stuart Weiss Nancy Weissberg Jule* & Esther Weissbuch Idelle Weissenberg* Harry & Jo Ann Weissman Clara Weitz* Fred & Arlene Weitzen Steven & Ava Weitzen Carlos & Fanny Wellman Gerald & Esther Wellman Howard & Dianne Wertheim David & Marty* Wertlieb Eric & Irene Wetsman Alan Wexler* Sydney & Cynthia Wexler Gidon & Marilyn Williams Teri Wilner David & Elaine Wilson Joseph & Louise Winicki* Martin & Olivia Winkler Mort Winski*
Rachel Winsten* Stanley* & Dorothy Winter George Wise Edith Wiseman* Stephen & Deborah Wismar David Witkowski Rabbi Jeffrey & Shoshie Wohlgelernter Allan & Rochelle* Wolf William & Irma* Wolf Lt Col (ret) Hubert & Geraldine Wolff* Abbe Wolfsheimer* & David Stutz Dr. Donald & Marcia Wolochow Gertrude Womark* Gary & Illana Woods Bertram & Jacqueline Woolf Philip & Missy Wrotslavsky Allen & Melinda Wynar Yosi Yedid Ann Youngwood* Henry & Helen Zaguli* Marvin & Judith Zaguli Joan Zak
Leonard & Ruth Zanville* Jane Zeer Robert & Karen Zeiger Charles & Leah Zibbell* Manuel Zichlin Lillian Zilbercweig* Alan Zimmelman Brian & Celena Zimmerman Charles* & Eleanor Zion Jeanne Zlotnick Lois Zlotoff Norman & Jane Zmora Josef Zoldan Greg & Francine Zweibel Anonymous (83)
* Of Blessed Memory
If we have inadvertently omitted your name or if your name is not shown correctly, please contact us at 858.279.2740 or info@jcfsandiego.org.
65
The following
JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS
are in the legacy plans of donors to receive contributions in the future.
American Friends of SHALVA American Israel Education Foundation American Jewish World Service American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee American Red Magen David of Israel American Society for Technion Anti-Defamation League Ben-Gurion University Beth Jacob Congregation B’nai Brith Beber Camp Camp Mountain Chai Center for Jewish Culture Centro Primo Levi Chabad Hebrew Academy of San Diego Chabad of University City Congregation Adat Yeshurun Congregation Beth Am Congregation Beth El Congregation Beth Israel Congregation Dor Hadash Cottage of Israel Elijah Minyan Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Friends of Yad Sarah Hadassah Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
Hebrew University Hillel of San Diego Israel Air Force Center Foundation Jewish Community Foundation Jewish Family Service Jewish Federation of San Diego County Jewish Gift Closet - San Diego G’mach Jewish National Fund Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lawrence Family JCC, Jacobs Family Campus Los Angeles Jewish Home Marjory Kaplan Foundation Fund Mazon Ner Tamid Synagogue New Israel Fund Ohr Shalom Synagogue ORT America PARDES Ramapo for Children Reconstructionist Rabbinical College Religious Action Center of the URJ River Garden Hebrew Home San Diego Jewish Academy Seacrest Village Retirement Communities Sh’ma Institute
Simon Wiesenthal Center Soille Hebrew Day School Tel Aviv University Temple Adat Shalom Temple Emanu-El Temple Solel The Forward Association The Jewish Theological Seminary The Schechter Institutes, Inc. The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Tifereth Israel Synagogue U.S. Committee Sports for Israel/Maccabi U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Washington, DC Union for Reform Judaism Camps University Jewish Studies Programs US/Israel Woman to Woman Weizmann Institute of Science Currently participating in the Jewish Community Foundation’s Endowment Leadership Institute in San Diego to build Jewish legacies
While you and your family are at home lighting the menorah, the gelt you give to Federation is also providing light. Brightening lives around the world. Your gelt is bringing food and comfort to our elderly in Eastern Europe, trauma counseling to families in Sha’ar HaNegev, Jewish education for children from everywhere from Minsk to Mumbai. And much more. Your gelt helps the vulnerable in our community, in hundreds of cities and towns around the globe—as well as right here at home. So this Chanukah give what gelt you can to Federation. It will brighten your holiday to see how far it goes.
Give a little gelt at
www.jewishinsandiego.org/gelt and see how far it goes!
20th ANNIVERSARY
CALIFORNIA
CENTER FOR THE
ARTS ESCONDIDO
PINK MARTINI SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 BUY TICKETS:
ARTCENTER.ORG | 800.988.4253
STEVEN SCHICK conducts
BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 9 plus WILLIAM GRANT STILL
Nutcracker The
Local kids participate in the inaugural "Little Menches" event on Sept. 7 at the JCC.
“Best ” acker Nutcr iego D in Sany Dance
Afro-American Symphony
at Spreckels Theatre with the City Ballet Orchestra
WITH GUEST ARTISTS
Natalie Mann, Peabody Southwell, Enrique Toral, Ron Banks
Tomm rds Awa
12 Performances December 12-24
800-745-3000
Commission for Arts and Culture City of San Diego
Tickets: $29 - $79
Photo by Chelsea Penyak
Tickets $18 - $36!
Call 858-272-8663 or online www.cityballet.org 56 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
December 12 & 13 @ 7:30pm December 14 @ 2pm Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD Free pre-concert lecture one hour before performance.
858-534-4637 www.lajollasymphony.com
MUSIC SCHEDULE December
January
February
March
April
May
1/25 Jiayan Sun, piano
2/13 Rotterdam Philharmonic
3/20 Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea
4/25 Michael Feinstein
5/3 Malandain Ballet Biarritz
La Jolla Symphony and Chorus
2/7-8 on the nature of democratic impulse
3/13-15 the nature of renewal
Mainly Mozart
2/6 Erin Keefe, Ronald Thomas and Adam Neiman
La Jolla Music Society
June
5/2-3 on the nature of the space between us all
5/16 New York Philharmonic with Shai Wosner
SD Opera
12/11 We’ll Meet Again
1/24-2/1 La Bohème
2/14-22 Don Giovanni
3/14-22 Nixon in China
4/25 The Past is Never Finished
SD Symphony
12/16 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
1/25 Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant
2/14 Nathan Pacheco
3/15 Trinity Academy of Irish Dance
4/17 Lila Downs
6/6 Mainly Mozart Festival 2015 kickoff show
5/8-9 Light, Shadow, Wonder
*Full season schedules can be found on the company websites
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 57
SAN DIEGO OPERA Back on its feet and rarin’ to go BY PAT LAUNER
Y
ou’ve heard of “A Night at the Opera.” How about “A Year at the Opera?” This year, 2014, was such an emotional (and financial) roller coaster for the venerable San Diego Opera that the story itself is worthy of an opera. Last March, General Director/Artistic Director/CEO Ian Campbell announced that he was shutting down the company, because the future looked bleak (though there was actually no debt, and money in the bank). The Board hadn’t been notified of the vote to close. A majority of those present at the announcement supported the leader. Then, Carol Lazier (now Board President) came forward and insisted on saving the Opera. Some Board members walked out with Campbell. But Lazier kicked in $1 million of her own money and the community positioned itself strongly behind her. Through a crowdfunding 58 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
campaign, the Opera raised another $2.1 million dollars (half from first-time donors, hailing from six countries and 36 states). With that, the 2015, 50th anniversary season was back on track. Though we’re only just barely out of the woods, nobody at the Opera is dwelling on the past. They’re all upbeat, forward-looking, and ready to face the future, already working on booking the 2017 season. A national search for an artistic director is well on its way. The Opera lured William Mason, long-time General Director of Lyric Opera Chicago, out of retirement to serve as Artistic Advisor during this transitional period (his 6-month contract terminates at the end of the month). Meanwhile, an executive search company is spearheading the quest for new artistic leadership. Mason noted that, “given the history of the company, the Board was not as active as it could have been.”
Now, however, thanks to Lazier, the 26 members are “bright, involved, interested and dedicated. They believe in the company and want it to succeed.” In tinkering with the 2015 season, Mason helped fill in some singers (“a handful of people had already taken other engagements”). In costcutting measures, the company laid off 13 fulltime staff (now down to 30), reduced the annual budget from $17 million to $10.5 million, and reduced the number of operas from four to three (there were six a year in the late ’70s), and moved their corporate offices out of Civic Plaza, which alone saved the group $400,000 a year. “In some ways,” says the low-key, laid-back Mason, “it’s the best thing that could have happened. It revitalized the company. Some people are calling it SDO 2.0. I feel very good about what’s happening.” He’s excited about the intimate concerts that
have been added. Stephen Costello and Aylin Pérez were a sellout in September. Stephanie Blythe (Dec. 11), doing a Kate Smith tribute, presents “a terrific entertaining concert; she has a sensational voice and an outsized personality.” Opera leaders are not forever “There is a shelf-life [for opera management],” Mason says. “I think 10-15 years for running an opera company is enough; time to let someone else do it. Music is a whole different world now, and the opera needs people of that world. It needs to change with the times.” For example, he notes that “Nixon in China,” the still-relevant 1987 John Adams opera, a San Diego debut that’s third on the 2015 bill, was written to be amplified. “The [important] thing is to keep opera alive,” Mason continues, “because music and theater are terribly important to us. They’re in our genes.” In response to the naysayers who think the company is moving away from traditional opera, he asserts, “we’re dedicated to grand opera, but we also want to have recitals and other smaller productions, to bring opera to the community.” This year, there are two recitals and one mariachi opera. In 2016, a family-friendly, one-man “Christmas Carol” will play in North County and at the Balboa Theatre. Mason, whose father is Jewish, mentions that the New Israeli Opera in Tel Aviv is one of his favorite companies and cities. Though not Jewish, SDO executive Keith Fisher grew up in Jewish neighborhoods – from Newton, Mass., a suburb of Boston, to North
Miami Beach. “I love hamantashen,” he says, “and I make a pretty mean kugel.” The Fisher-man of SDO Fisher has been at San Diego Opera for 12 years, moving up to executive director and now, chief operating officer. His background was in the Internet/startup world. “I knew nothing about opera,” Fisher admits. “But Ian wanted an MBA from the business world. Ian mentored me about opera, voice, productions. He loved sharing his knowledge. I’m very grateful. I was able to experience opera around the world. “We’re really happy in our new offices,” the affable Fisher adds. “It may be 50 percent smaller, but it’s part of a new, fresh start. It fits us.” Fisher had been “pushing to move here for years” – to the fifth-floor offices on A Street, a few blocks from their old administrative home at the Civic Theatre. It makes sense, since the costume shop is just one flight up from the new digs. “Everyone’s feeling very optimistic, but we can’t fool ourselves. We’re all concerned about the certainty of the future – but aren’t all arts organizations? “The crucial next step is the naming of our next general director,” Fisher says. “We hope to be able to announce the choice during the 2015 season. “What we need is not only an executive who’s excellent and enthusiastic, and can fuel the
fundraising fire, but someone who can work well in the American opera model. We don’t have endless budgets, six-week rehearsal periods or a national subsidy, like in Europe. “I’m excited that all three productions in the 2015 season have never been seen before in San Diego. In times past, it would be the same production we’ve had for the last 20 years. This time, the productions will be fresh and new: ‘Bohème’ from the English National Opera, ‘Don Giovanni’ from Cincinnati and ‘Nixon’ from Houston, where it premiered.” Campbell’s “formula,” Fisher says, “was to present the top 10 operas every 10 years, in the same production, that we [the SDO] owned. That’s hard for our audiences, because we remember with our eyes as well as our ears.” Despite all the turbulence of the year, Artistic Advisor Bill Mason reiterates, “morale is very good. We remain hopeful, optimistic and excited about the future of the company.” The San Diego Opera 2015 season opens with the beloved classic, Puccini’s “La Bohème” (Jan. 24-Feb. 1), followed by Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” (Feb. 14-22) and John Adams’ “Nixon in China” (March 14-22). There will also be a 50th anniversary concert (April 18-19) and two performances of a mariachi opera, “El Pasado Nunca se Termina,” by José “Pepe Martinez (April 25). A Performances are Saturday, Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets available at (619) 232-7636; sdopera.com. Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 59
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Course meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00−11:30am JFS Turk Family Center • 8804 Balboa Ave. San Diego 92123 60 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
Graduates of this course will be eligible to receive one-on-one Job Coaching with a professional expert, free access to the Career Connections Job Club, and job referrals throughout San Diego County.
Space is limited! Register online at: www.jfssd.org/careerkickstart Questions? Contact Kasey MacNair at (858) 637-3360 or kaseym@jfssd.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY New CEO, new plans, new ideas PAT LAUNER
S
he’s only been on the job for 2 ½ months, but she’s settled in quite comfortably. She’s already extremely knowledgeable about the history and the needs of the San Diego Symphony. She’s Martha Gilmer, the new CEO of the Symphony, who began her 3-year term on Sept. 24. Her predecessor, Edward “Ward” Gill, stepped down after a decade of achievement that culminated with the orchestra’s successful 2013 debut at Carnegie Hall and in China. Gilmer has a music degree, specializing in piano, from Northwestern University. She spent 35 years with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, one of the world’s greatest. In 1976, she started as a student intern, working her way up to vice president for artistic planning and audience development. Gilmer hits San Diego running “After meeting Board members, musicians and staff leadership, including beloved Music Director Jahja Ling,” says Gilmer from her attractive new office, “I felt a shared passion for continued artistic growth.” On first hearing the Symphony perform last May, she exclaimed, “I was blown away. I thought the orchestra was fantastic.” As for her plans, Gilmer humbly says, “I hope what I bring is leadership – by motivating and bringing staff and musicians on board as a team
and listening to them. There are lots of people with lots of ideas, but listening is what makes real leadership. I think I’m a good listener. And I love collaborating.” When she arrived, Gilmer found “a very generous community of support, and a kind of openness in-house, a spirit that moved me, that said, ‘Come and take us in new directions.’” The Board struck Gilmer as “devoted omnivores of culture: symphony, opera and theater.” For her part, she played classical piano since the age of 4 ½. “But now, my preferred seat is in the audience.” Her three sons, ages 26, 23 and 20, are all musically inclined, though none works professionally in the field. As are all arts leaders, Gilmer is anxious to encourage young people to attend the Symphony. “This will be a program for first-timers, people who think classical music is too high-brow...I really think it’s ‘I don’t know how to listen to it. I don’t want to feel dumb.’ “If you give people tools, they don’t have to worry about the technical musical terms. Introduce them to something about the composer and what they were thinking at the time they wrote the piece. Introduce a musical theme and show how it comes back again, modified. We need to be able to talk to young people about the music.” She’s “really committed to reaching out to
the community. I want to shine a light on the Symphony. I want them to perform in the Central Library, an office plaza, a youth or community center, so people can see the musicians in an intimate environment, then come and see them here. We want the Jacobs Music Center/Copley Symphony Hall to be a gateway. “You enter this beautiful 21st Century lobby, and you suddenly go back in time to this jewel of a building, originally built for movies. There’s so much architectural detail that was being missed in the darkness. I requested some lighting, so you can see the arch around the stage and the main chandelier of dancing girls, and the amazing colors of the cornice. The new lighting completely changes the look of the theater.” Gilmer considers the Symphony musicians to be “a very cohesive ensemble, made up of very talented musicians. There’s a rich amateur musician community, too. In many ways, but most prominently musically, I’m very very happy to be here. In this crazy world, music really has the ability to center you, feed your soul.” Among the upcoming performances this season are special concerts and guest artists, including world-renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman in three different appearances during his two-week residency (March 21, 24, 27-28). San Diegans will also enjoy local Christian Hoff and the rest of the original cast of the La Jolla Playhouse-launched musical megahit, Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 61
15498 ESPOLA ROAD
F
POWAY CA
A Tribute by David Benoit SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2014 at 8 pm Presented by
Leah McBride of “Jersey Boys,” in “The Midtown Men” (March 6-7), as part of the City Lights series. Gilmer is looking forward to the celebration of acclaimed film composer John Williams, with Williams conducting (Jan. 30-31); and as part of the Family Fest, “Girl Power,” a kid-friendly Mother’s Day concert honoring women in music (May 10). And, as part of the Jacobs Masterworks series, acclaimed violinist Gil Shaham will play “Fragile Light,” a world premiere concerto by David Bruce, with SDS Music Director Jahja Ling conducting. Gilmer loves to spotlight musicians. “He’s one of the best,” she says of Shaham. “So unprepossessing, so down-to-earth; and that comes through in his playing. How exciting to play a new piece by a living composer!” The Bruce violin concerto is the third world premiere the composer has created for the San Diego Symphony in the past year. Acclaimed violinist Gil Shaham and a new concerto “I’m super-excited about being there at the birth of a new work,” says the youthful and delightful Shaham. “I find [Bruce’s] music very beautiful and kind of mesmerizing. I think audiences will find it readily accessible.” Though he was born in Illinois, Shaham grew up speaking Hebrew; his parents are proud 10th-generation Israelis (they came to the Midwest for post-doc science work). Gil moved to Israel when he was 2, but returned to the U.S. at age 11, to attend the “pre-college” program at Juilliard. The family initially intended to stay for a year, “but 33 years later, we’re still all in New York. For music, it’s incredible.” Shaham is known for his flawless technical skill and the warmth and generosity of his spirit. In 2008, the multi-Grammy Award winner was named Musical America’s “Instrumentalist of the Year.” On the subject of his 1699 Stradivarius, he claims, “all violinists are a little neurotic. If we cross the street and a car hits, it’s you first, not the violin.” He remains appreciative of those who helped him along the way. “I try to help young musicians. Tikkun olam helps others, and it makes us feel good, too.” Shaham’s wife, Adele Anthony, is a pianist. Their 12- and 9-year old children play music; the 3 year-old hasn’t yet declared herself. “There’s something about the music bug that’s very contagious,” Shaham says. “One becomes infected.” Both Gilmer and Shaham hope that you, too, get bitten this Symphony season. A The extensive San Diego Symphony season continues through April 2015. Pricing: $20-$96, available at (619) 235-0804; sandiegosymphony.org.
62 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
FELIX CAVALIERE’S RASCALS SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2015 AT 8 PM
ls a c s a R DINNER on the plaza
NOW AVAILABLE
WITH EVERY SHOW!
BUY TICKETS AT www.powayarts.org or 858.748.0505
LJ SYMPHONY AND CHORUS
SAN DIEGO JEWISH MEN’S CHOIR
BY NATALIE JACOBS
BY NATALIE JACOBS
T
“W
Studying the nature of things
he 60th anniversary season of the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus got underway in November but you’ve only missed one performance if you haven’t yet purchased a subscription. Each season, the music company chooses a theme to explore through a series of performances held November through June. This year, they’re looking at “The Nature of Things.” December’s performance is “on the nature of the democratic impulse and the effacement of obstacles” with a musical tour of the ruins of the Berlin Wall through Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” and an African American declaration of freedom with William Grant Still’s “AfroAmerican Symphony of 1930.” In February, LJSC tackles “the nature of reflection,” with cellist Maya Beiser. Tenor John Tiranno of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will accompany the LJSC in March to explore “the nature of renewal” and Hector Berlioz’s “Requiem.” Both shows will be conducted by LJSC Musical Director Steven Schick. The final two performances explore the ever esoteric “nature of the space between us all” and “the nature of utterance,” in May and June, respectively. “Space” will feature Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphony No. 1 ‘Jeremiah,’” Yeung-ping Chen’s “The Moon in La Jolla” (commissioned for the Symphony Chorus) and Charles Ives’s “Symphony No. 2.” “Utterance” will close out the anniversary season with Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto,” and Jonathan Dove’s “There was a Child.” Priti Gandhi, soprano, Annelle Gregory, violin, and Edward Mout, tenor, will guest star with the company. Tickets are available at (858) 534-4637. View more details at lajollasymphony.com. A
Consistently going above and beyond
e started out thinking we are just these guys who are going to do a couple of old liturgical pieces here and there together,” says Shaun Edelstein, Board Director and original member of the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir. What started 16 years ago with a group of seven men looking to use their gifted voices to preserve traditional Jewish music has morphed into something much larger. Now there are 25 active members who sing to audiences large and small throughout San Diego County, and last year saw the release of their first record. The record, “Heritage,” was released to such critical acclaim (including a Global Music Award) that the group was encouraged to submit it for a number of different categories in this year’s Grammy Awards. “Heritage” has been officially accepted into the first round of the Grammy competition. Through that process, the group has been offered many other wide-ranging opportunities they could never have dreamed of. “I think that is the beauty of our choir,” Edelstein says. “We have been able to morph ourselves into a group that is capable and up to participating in incredible wide-ranging projects and keep to our goal and our inspiration.” In addition to concerts, weddings, ceremonies, shows at nursing homes and in synagogues, the Jewish Men’s Choir will have a song in a new documentary called “Forever Strong,” about the survivors of the U.S.S. Indianapolis. The group is also in talks with a Bollywood filmmaker to create songs that mix traditional music with ancient instruments like sitar. On top of all that, the group is working toward their second album, “Legacy,” which they hope to release in Dec. 2015. Visit sdjmc.org for details on upcoming shows and to order a copy of “Heritage.” A
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 63
2ND AVE. KLEZMER
MAINLY MOZART
BY TINA ESHEL
BY NATALIE JACOBS
Revival going mainstream?
Newly appointed music director leads 27th season
S
ince its reintroduction into the Jewish music scene of the 1970s, klezmer has entertained audiences with its “old world” harmonics. Klezmer is the music of Central and Eastern European Jewry, the songs of a time forgone but not forgotten, and thanks to bands like Second Avenue Klezmer, a local group that has entertained San Diegans since 1991, the music continues to delight. “Tradition has never been so much fun,” says lead singer, Deborah Davis. The band plays a lot of concerts, weddings and bar and bat mitzvot. Surprisingly perhaps to some, klezmer’s appeal extends outside the tribe. “We’ve been performing for many years and are established. A third of our client’s aren’t Jewish. We play a lot of multi-cultural festivals and at many churches.” The band recently received the California Arts Council touring grant, testament to their universal appeal and to the importance of klezmer to the world music scene. The response from first-time listeners to the unique sounds of Second Avenue Klezmer is always favorable, says Davis, who is classically trained and can sing in 12 languages. “People love to clap their hands and stomp their feet to the great rhythms. Many tunes are cross-cultural and people are often surprised when they hear familiar tunes such as swing music and learn that the origins are Jewish.” The quintet, which includes Davis on vocals, Robert Zelickman on clarinet, Jiri Fvoboda on guitar, Bob Weller on drums and Bert Puretzki on bass, specializes in the Judeo Spanish sounds of ladino music. Besides bringing musical joy to its listeners, Second Avenue Klezmer wants to leave a legacy for future generations. “We have kids in the audience, sometimes teenagers and little ones,” Davis says. “I want them to hear the gift of the music that their parents and grandparents heard.” For more info and public show dates, visit secondavenueklezmer.com. A
64 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
N
ormally, anniversary celebrations are saved for the half-decades. Something about numbers in multiples of five calls for honor and prestige, but Mainly Mozart is bucking the trend with a 27th season of musical fireworks. And why not celebrate every year with equal vigor? Part of the reason Mainly Mozart is pulling out all the stops now is because they’re welcoming a new music director. Maestro Michael Francis joined the team “where genius lives,” in October but the 2015 season marks his musical debut with the company. There are special shows scheduled all year long – about five per month – but the music really pops off during the orchestral season in June. “Through a brilliantly curated selection of both favorites and works that have never been performed during the Festival, the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra will both pay homage to what Founding Music Director David Atherton achieved and offer a hint to future programming in the next era,” Mainly Mozart said in their season announcement. Orchestra lovers will have plenty of extraordinary concerts to choose from, starting on June 6 with a three-part show featuring “Mozart Symphony No. 35 in D Major ‘Haffner’ K. 385,” “Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467” and “Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92.” The Festival continues with different concerts and guest artists on June 10, 13, 17 and 20. All shows take place at the Balboa Theatre. To purchase tickets and read up on the whole Mainly Mozart season, visit mainlymozart.org. A
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY Experience Excellence.
2014-15
JACOBS MASTERWORKS
QUINT PLAYS KHACHATURIAN December 5 & 6, 8pm December 7, 2pm Philippe Quint
Jahja Ling, conductor; Philippe Quint, violin San Diego Master Chorale RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Overture to May Night KHACHATURIAN: Violin Concerto HAYDN: Mass in C Major: Paukenmesse
JACOBS MASTERWORKS
BACH AND RACHMANINOFF December 12 & 13, 8pm December 14, 2pm
Jahja Ling, conductor; Gil Shaham, violin Gil Shaham
J.S. BACH: Three Chorale Preludes BRUCE: Violin Concerto “Fragile Light” (world premiere) Concerto Commission: Mr. Sam B. Ersan and Mr. Gordon Brodfuehrer Premiere performance made possible by: Raffaella and John Belanich and the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation RACHMANINOFF: Symphony No. 2
Double your gift through the 2014 Maestro Challenge! 1 donation = 2 donations Online: sandiegosymphony.com/donations • Phone: 619.615.3908 A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SERIES SPONSORS:
Financial support is provided by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.
ALL SINGLE TICKET FULL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UP UNTIL SHOWTIME WITHOUT ANY GIVEN NOTICE. All artists, programs, dates and times subject to change. All sales final, no refunds.
For complete season information: CALL 619.235.0804 or VISIT sandiegosymphony.com Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 65
CATHY BRESLAW Playing with light BY NATALIE JACOBS
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athy Breslaw just completed her show “Contemplation” at the Gotthelf Gallery where she presented an array of pieces made with materials like layered mesh, paint, wire and fabric. “I have always been fascinated by the concept of light as it is expressed in art but also how it is perceived in our physical environment,” Breslaw says in her artist statement. “Radiance, translucence, and luminosity are all words that come to mind when describing thoughts behind the intent of my work. Just as natural light can warm and enlighten us, I think of the various layers of color and transparency experienced in the materials I use to create my work.” These two pieces, “Metamorphosis” (RIGHT), and “Spirit Moves” (BOTTOM) were featured in the Gotthelf show. Breslaw works out of San Diego and has had exhibitions around the country. See more of her work at cathybreslaw.com. A
66 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
YAEL GMACH The newcomer BY NATALIE JACOBS
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ew to the art of painting but not to the joys of creating, this piece, measuring 5’x5,’ is only the second work completed by Yael Gmach. It is called “My Moons” and is signed with its message instead of the standard signature in the bottom right. Regularly in the business of custom framing, Gmach has long
been an appreciator of art and those who collect it. The mood of her Solana Beach shop, Once Upon a Frame, is one of adventure where true expression thrives. “Anyone can put a white mat and a black frame around something they admire, but to find what it is that makes their art and its presentation
custom to their taste is one of our jobs,” Gmach, who has run her business for 15 years, says. A multi-faceted artist, Gmach is also a singer in a gypsy musical ensemble, Big Boss Bubeleh. Visit onceuponaframce.com for more information on Gmach and her work. A Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 67
GOTTHELF GALLERY MCASD The gallery at the JCC will no doubt surprise you
Feats of contemporary proportions
BY NATALIE JACOBS
BY NATALIE JACOBS
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T
ehind an unassuming door on the ground floor of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center lives the Gotthelf Gallery, a big white room reserved for Jewish artists from a variety of disciplines. Just like any major gallery you’d find downtown or along Prospect St. in La Jolla, Gotthelf Gallery curators host one show for a couple of months at a time, with an opening reception to kick everything off. The Gallery just wrapped up “Contemplation,” a showcase of San Diego artist Cathy Breslaw and her imaginative abstract forms of painting, sculpture and installation. Opening this month at the gallery is “Hanan Harchol: Jewish Food for Thought,” running Dec. 10-Feb. 25. Harchol is a multimedia artist, born in Israel, who moved to the U.S. as a child. Attendees of the San Diego Jewish Film Festival may recognize Harchol from his animation “The Nuclear Physicist Sings to the Seventies” which won an audience favorite award at the 2004 festival. While Harchol is a multimedia artist who paints, draws, animates and creates videos, this solo exhibition will focus on his animated series. Seven large vertical “tapestries” of stills will be arranged into comic strips and projected into the gallery. The works explore big questions discussed between himself and his father, an Israeli nuclear physicist. The panels touch on apology, forgiveness, gratitude, love, fear, and humility, among other things, and all with a healthy sense of humor. Later in 2015, look for “Seeing is Believing: A Reinvention of Articles of Faith,” a rare group show that asks artists to contemplate how faith meshes with contemporary life, the role of ritual and symbolism, and the metamorphosis of traditional symbols as they become immersed in popular culture. Get information on past, present and future shows at sdcjc.org/gag. A
68 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
he 2015 exhibition schedule at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is huge, literally. With 16 shows at two locations, the main focus of the year is to devote significant space to feats of scale, time and material. That means the works will not only be physically giant, they’ll also be intricately detailed and/or made from unusual materials. The Jack Whitten retrospective, which covers his 50 years of painting, runs on through Jan. 4 in La Jolla, and the Rita McBride installations will stay put downtown until Feb. 8. But after that, 2015 is in full swing for the Museum. “Laugh-in: Art, Comedy, Performance” will be a huge group show (more than 20 artists and collectives) that studies comedic performance as contemporary art. “Gifts from Robert and Dorothy Shapiro” will technically be a group show too, highlighting the expansive collection of these long-time museum supporters. The other group show for the year, the annual “Prospect” exhibition will run May 9-Sept. 6, 2015, also in La Jolla. The rest of the MCASD 2015 calendar will feature individual artists from a broad range of specialties. “Dear Nemesis” will feature the midcareer works of Nicole Eisenman, American printmaker, painter and drawer known for her expert ability to oscillate between the high and low brows. “Monumental Works” by El Anatsui will transform found materials such as printing plates, milk tin lids and aluminum liquor bottle caps into large installations at the downtown location March 5-June 28. Anya Gallacio’s site-specific installations will pick up where Anatsui leaves off downtown July 16-Nov. 1. Instead of found objects, Gallacio will use organic materials like flowers and fruit, sugar and even ice to explore the spatial and geological properties of Southern California’s rugged terrain. For information on all of the exhibits scheduled for 2015 at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, visit mcasd.org. A
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 69
SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART The Monuments Men BY BRIE STIMSON
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mong the San Diego Museum of Art’s expansive permanent collection, two paintings currently on display highlight the tragic history of the Holocaust. An Italian Renaissance painter, under the pseudonym Pseudo Pier Francesco Fiorentino, completed the first of the two, “Madonna of the Roses,” in the late 15th Century. Auguste Lederer, a wealthy Jewish man from Vienna, who owned the largest distillery company in Europe, purchased the painting sometime before the War. After Lederer died in 1936, his wife Serena inherited the collection. In 1938, the Nazis began passing laws which required all Jews living within the Reich to register their property and then the Nazis went to work confiscating everything they could get their hands on. Serena Lederer’s paintings were seized, intended for Hitler’s super-museum in his hometown of Linz, Austria. “As the war started turning against Germany and there was bombings and the Russians were coming from the East and the allies from the West, [Jews] started stashing all of their art collections in safe places ... the most popular ones were salt mines, which, because of the low ground, were safe from bombing,” Dr. James Grebl, associate curator of research, archives, and provenance at the SDMA, says. “They established several of those and one of the biggest … was outside of 70 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
Salzburg, Austria, called Altausse. It was up in the mountains and truly remote. So over time they amassed about 5 to 6,000 artworks there. They stashed it in a very deep set of caverns where they had been mining salt for centuries,” Grebl continues. Many important works including ones by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Rubens were stored in the salt mines. The Monuments Men, a small group of historians, architects, professors, and museum curators in a special allied military unit, discovered the paintings in the salt mines in 1945. “Some local people, former miners who dug salt and other people in the village – kind of resistance fighters – led the allies to it and rescued it,” Grebl explains. The Monuments Men then shipped the paintings back to Munich to be inventoried and returned to the countries of origin. By this time, Serena Lederer had died, and her son Erik was identified as the owner. It took until 1954, however, for him to retrieve “Madonna of the Roses” because the Austrian government tried to hold many of the works hostage. Erik had fled to Switzerland during the war, and the government claimed the pieces could not leave Austria. Lederer chose to stay in Switzerland. Not fond of old paintings, he sold
the piece to the founder of Time magazine, Henry Luce, who bought it for his wife. After Henry died, his wife sold the painting to Armand Hammer who eventually donated it to the San Diego Museum of Art. The second painting rescued by the Monuments Men, now housed at SDMA is “Cardinal Étienne-René Potier de Gesvres,” by Pompeo Girolamo Batoni. Painted in 1758, it was purchased legally by Hitler in Paris. The painting found its way, as well, to the Altausse salt mine where the Monuments Men recovered it and sent it back to France. “[The French] don’t know who to give it back to because it was legally bought by Hitler. Hitler’s dead so they auction[ed] it,” Grebl says. Eventually the SDMA purchased “Cardinal” at another auction. Somewhere between five and six million artworks were recovered by the so-called Monuments Men, but unfortunately many of the paintings have not been retuned to the owners due to lack of documentation or governments claiming patrimony. “There’s still a lot of loose ends,” Grebl says. These two rare pieces are on display on the second floor of the SDMA. They are part of the permanent collection but may rotate in and out of showing. Visit sdmart.org for more information. A
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Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 71
SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM King Tut and the art of the ancient world BY NATALIE JACOBS
T
he San Diego Natural History Museum is not an art museum. Its mission is to explore and understand the natural world and yet there are two exhibits currently on display that put art front and center. The results are beautiful representations of nature and history portrayed in ways that only artists can execute. First, the “Best of Nature Photography Show” presents, as the title suggests, the “best” in amateur and professional nature photography from San Diego and around the world. That show stays on view in the Ordover Gallery until Feb. 1. The big one that explores natural history through an artistic lens is “The Discovery of King Tut” which is spread out through two distinct areas of the museum until April 26, 2015. This show features exquisitely crafted artistic renderings of the artifacts found in the storied tomb of King Tutankhamun. Equally as interesting as the artifacts found in the tomb is the story of the man who discovered it, himself originally an artist, Englishman Howard Carter. “He fell in love with Egypt as a very young 72 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
boy,” says David Silverman, an Egyptologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania who worked with Premiere Exhibitions to ensure the accuracy of the traveling “King Tut” exhibit. “But [Carter] was an artist and so he went to Egypt as a teenager and hired himself out to do drawings. He was so gifted that they began to train him as an archaeologist.” And with that, Carter became obsessed with the idea of finding King Tut’s tomb. He was hired to lead excavations in the Valley of the Kings, where all Egyptian royalty of the time were entombed. After years of little success, Carter’s funder was growing tired of the expense and in 1922 informed Carter that he would support his work for only one more season. Then on Nov. 4, almost literally at the last possible moment, Carter discovered steps, a sealed door and a secret chamber. He knew it belonged to King Tut even before he made it to the innermost chamber where the sarcophagus rested, on Feb. 26, 1923. For Silverman, the story of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb is one of perseverance and determination, of one man’s unflinching belief in
the existence of something extraordinary. “He took every opportunity to do what he wanted to do,” Silverman says of Carter. “In most cases, if you do that, you’re going to have a happy life. … Do what you want to do and it will lead to good things. I think that’s part of the message of the exhibition.” The last time the real artifacts from King Tut’s tomb were allowed to leave Egypt was in 2005. During that exhibition, 50 pieces were toured throughout the United States. Prior to that, a smaller exhibit was toured throughout the world from 1976-1979. “The ideal place for historic objects is in a dark room that nobody ever goes into,” says Mark Lach of Premiere Exhitions, producer of the “King Tut” exhibit. “But then, of course, nobody ever sees them. “With the ability now to scan objects, to do high resolution digital printing, 3-D printing, you hear more and more about [exhibitions of artistic reproductions]. And maybe five, 10 years ago we would have thought that was crazy, but objects can’t tour forever. Nothing
can truly replace going to Egypt and seeing the real objects,” he adds, “but if we’re able to bring reproductions of a high quality then I think we’re doing a good thing.” The Ancient Egyptians ruled for approximately 3,000 years and had many more influential and powerful rulers than King Tut. And yet, King Tut’s story is the one we learn most about in school, the one we flock to at musuems. That’s partially because the tomb was the most in-tact tomb ever found in the Valley of the Kings (because he was so young when he died, King Tut’s tomb was finished in a hurry and therefore built in a much different style and thus hidden from robbers, and archaeologists). But Egyptologist Silverman believes that there’s something more that we can relate to in King Tut. “It has all the elements of a good story,” he says. “There was this little-known king whose tomb, burial and life story isn’t known for thousands of years. And it was found through luck, mostly. “When you hear about the story of Tutankhamun,” he continues, “he was a very young boy who was in a place where he probably
never expected to be, at the center of a religious revolution. … His father made a change in a religion that had already existed for over 1,500 years and changed the capital, changed the art, actually changed the way the language was written as well. “When you think about everything that he [King Tut’s father] did, concepts of kingship, religion, art, the architecture, all in a period of about 17 years, and then if you give him a couple on either end and then add the period of Tutankhamun, it should come out to a period of about 30-some-odd years of religious revolution. And then in days it goes back. “In a modern-day analogy, it’s like what happened in Russia. Communism came in, churches were closed, religion wasn’t allowed to be mentioned … [then] everything changed [back].” The incredible thing about exploring the artifacts on display at the Natural History Museum is that they put a lot of the story into perspective. Even though they are not the actual items, the sheer volume is incredible, and then
when you think about the detail, the minutae that was found with the tomb, it’s mindboggling. Add to that the idea that each of these pieces was recreated by contemporary Egyptian artists and there’s plenty to chew on long after you finish walking through the exhibition. “Artifacts tell us something about the people of Egypt,” Silverman says. “We no longer think of them as a dead society. We realize they had a real purpose, a religion, a government,” love and social lives, wars and domestic disputes – all the trappings of modernity, minus the cell phones and the Internet. Of all the pieces in the exhibit, more than 1,000 in total, Silverman’s favorite piece is the torso of the King, a nondescript and largely unexplained piece found in one of the outer chambers of the tomb. The torso has no arms and is one of the only pieces that contains no gold. “It’s the closest you get to the human side of King Tut,” he says. Visit sdnhm.org for tickets and hours. A
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 73
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DANCE/MISC. SCHEDULE December
January
February
March
April
May
CA Center for the Arts, Escondido
1/11 Jeffrey Siegel
2/5 Garrison Keillor
3/6 Kathleen Madigan
4/7 Quartetto Gelato
5/12 A Civil War Story
Poway Center for the Perf. Arts
1/24 Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
2/28 Ballroom with a Twist
3/7 The Little Mermaid
4/12 The Romeros
City Ballet
12/12-13 The Nutcracker
3/6-8 Balanchine Spectacular
Malashock Dance
1/15 2/28 Series 2, Series 3, Tour de Dance: Whose Dance Time and Again is This Anyway?
Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater
1/16-1/18 Dances of Love, Loss and Laughter
Balboa Theatre
12/13-14 SDGMC Holiday Spectacular
1/30 Wendy Whelan
2/26 Celtic Thunder Tour
June
6/20 Taste of Our Towne
5/8-10 Don Quixote
3/14 Series 4, On the Spot
4/18 Series 5, A Night to Remember
3/3 Don Williams
4/11 Buddy Guy
5/3 Once Upon a Tiempo
*Full season schedules can be found on the company websites
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 75
CA. CNTR FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO Keyboard conversations and the joys of classical music BY AMANDA KELLY
O
n Jan. 11, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents as part of its “Intimate Classics” series, “Keyboard Conversations” with acclaimed pianist, Jeffrey Siegel. The program is all about bringing audiences together to discover a little bit more about classical music. What makes a composition most indelible to an audience is the manner in which that particular piece speaks to our human experience. It’s not only about how it makes us feel, but also about what it draws from our psyche. As is the case with most classical compositions, it’s hardly possible to sit by and not experience something profound in the story that unravels in the music. This intimate engagement is in part what motivates Siegel to perform his world-renowned program. “I should be the first to defend the principal: music does not need anybody to say anything about it … and that is the challenge if somebody is going to say something before a piece of music is played. It should make for a much more enriched listening experience,” he says. 76 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
But what does one say about something that can speak for itself? “Every piece of music is different in this regard,” Siegel articulates. “With ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ what is there about the piece that makes it sound jazzy? How did Gershwin end up putting it all together in three week’s time? What do we mean when we say bluesy music?” These are just snippets of topics that might come up in the conversation that will take place before Siegel performs a section of the program. The title of January’s program is “Gershwin and Friends.” Audiences can expect to hear not only “Rhapsody in Blue,” but also music by other great Jewish-American composers who were inspired by Gershwin such as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. Siegel considers very carefully not only why he is speaking about a particular piece in a program, but also what he’s going to say about it. “You must consider what language you are going to use to describe something that’s happening in the music and to remember basically that the audience is coming to hear the
music,” he says. In his last conversation with Leonard Bernstein, who was a significant inspiration to Siegel and the construction of the upcoming program, Siegel discussed how one should talk engagingly about music to an audience. “A friend of mine calls it a gentle inoculation into the joys of listening to classical music.” Ultimately, the program seeks to enhance the music for enthusiasts while making it simultaneously accessible to new listeners. The variegated performance is certain to solicit engagement in lieu of idle listening. But all of this brings back one central question, why the piano? “Once again, it’s the fact that we have this great piano literature, some of the greatest pieces of music ever written were written for the piano,” he says. “It is such a privilege to play and share with my audiences. It is a motivation that increases with time for me.” Purchase tickets and view all of the shows on tap for 2015 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido at artcenter.org. A
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CITY BALLET High honors
BY EILEEN SONDAK
C
ity Ballet is celebrating its 22nd year of performances and community outreach in San Diego – a milestone few companies can equal in the precarious world of ballet. What makes a composition most indelible to an audience is the manner in which that particular piece speaks to our human experience. It’s not only about how it makes us feel, but also about what it draws from our psyche. As is the case with most classical compositions, it’s hardly possible to sit by and not experience something profound in the story that unravels in the music. The acclaimed company was founded by artistic director Steven Wistrich (a dancer with an enviable career on the international stage) and his talented wife Elizabeth Wistrich (City’s awardwinning resident choreographer). Together, they have forged a ballet troupe with top-notch dancers and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of performance, including the allimportant elements of music and technical support. While most ballet companies have to scramble for performing space, City Ballet has its own home – the Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego. It’s a venerable old house that makes an excellent backdrop for dance. “We feel [Spreckles] is the perfect venue for presenting dance,” Steven Wistrich says, “and its acoustics are the best in San Diego to hear our City Ballet Orchestra.” 78 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
As usual, this year City Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at Spreckels. This holiday classic will feature a live orchestra and chorus (with Maestro John Nettles conducting the City Ballet Orchestra). You can catch a performance Dec. 12-24. Looking ahead to 2015, mark your calendar for March 6-8 if you want to immerse yourself in the choreography of one of ballet’s greatest geniuses. The troupe will perform a “Balanchine Spectacular” – accompanied by their full orchestra. The program will feature “The Four Temperaments” with music by Paul Hindemith. City Ballet hasn’t danced this magnificent piece since 2009. Also on the program is “Rubies.” This little “jewel” is set to the music of Igor Stravinsky and like all Balanchine works, it is a taxing piece that has challenged the athleticism and performing brio of the world’s leading dancers. “Walpurgisnacht Ballet” – a Balanchine delight, set to the music of Charles Gounod, will complete the “Spectacular” concert. The prestigious Balanchine Trust carefully monitors “Mr. B’s” masterworks and rarely allows regional companies to perform them. Giving City Ballet their stamp of approval speaks volumes about the quality and high standards the troupe has attained. Also on tap for balletomanes is a production of “Don Quixote,” a full-length ballet with a score
by Ludwig Minkus. This classic work will be danced May 8-10 at Spreckels. City Ballet hasn’t performed “Don Quixote” since 2008. As Steven explained, “‘Don Quixote’ is very thrilling. We have incredible scenery and costumes, and this time we’re doing it with a full orchestra.” There are two alternating couples in the lead, but the nicest surprise in the cast is a rare appearance by Wistrich himself. “I’m doing the title role, and there’s more acting than dancing in it. It’s really a character part.” Watching Wistrich at work is reason enough to buy a ticket to this vibrant dance drama. Above all, he is excited about the virtuosity of the troupe – especially the new crop of male dancers added to the fold. “They’re the best we’ve ever had,” he enthuses. City Ballet has earned a strong following in the community. In fact, last month supporters swung into action to raise funds for the criticallyacclaimed dance company. They threw a “Swinging Big Band Gala Celebration” at the U.S. Grant Hotel that culminated in a miniperformance by some of the dancers. Thanks to the City Ballet’s savvy direction and dedicated donors, ballet is alive and well in San Diego. To view the full 2014-2015 season and purchase tickets, visit cityballet.org. A
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Kislev â&#x20AC;˘ Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 79
POWAY CENTER
BALBOA THEATRE
BY TINA ESHEL
BY TINA ESHEL
Announcing “Dinner on the Plaza”
F
or close to a quarter century, the Poway Center for the Performing Arts has transformed what it means to experience art in this north county enclave, bringing concerts, dance and theater productions to its first-rate stage. We spoke with Executive Director Michael Rennie to learn what San Diego can expect in 2015, including some newly announced offerings. “Our mission is to put together an eclectic array of performances to challenge and entertain our community,” he says. “You’ll see a lot of music and dance with a nice mix of shows. “We are adding a performance by Colin Hay, the lead singer for the ubiquitous ’80s band Men at Work. He’s a master troubadour able to hold the attention of the audience with just a guitar and great stories.” Hay will perform Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m. with ticket prices ranging $25-$45. “Our big shining jewel for 2015 is our ‘Ballroom with a Twist’ show on Feb. 28,” Rennie explains. This production combines professional dancers from “Dancing with the Stars” with finalists from “So You Think you Can Dance” and “American Idol.” “Fans of reality talent shows will love this,” Rennie says. Ticket prices for this dance extravaganza are $74. Come early and enjoy dance lessons with local dance studio instructors on the plaza. And if you are the kind who likes to make a date night out of an evening, the Poway Center now offers dinner before each show. Catered by Café Merlot, a gourmet buffet-style meal is served on the plaza for $35 per person. Reservations are required and can be made up to 48 hours prior to any performance. View the full season calendar and purchase tickets or make dinner reservations at powaycenter.com. A
80 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
Historical context
I
n 2002, restoration on the historic Balboa Theatre began to the tune of $26 million and when it was complete, an elegant masterpiece rose from the disrepair. Fast-forward to today, the Balboa Theatre was recently named one of the 15 most spectacular theaters in the world by CNN. The building is listed on the National Registrar of Historic places, and the fully restored venue enriches the community with a performing arts experience that values diversity, inclusiveness and excellence. Venue-goers rave about everything from the acoustics, to the sense of awe that comes from watching a performance on a stage that has literally housed history. They also gush about the intimacy of the 1,600 seat venue. On top of all that, many may not realize that when they hear the organ play, they are experiencing a real marvel. The restored 1929 Wonder Morton organ is only one of four left in the world. It’s one of San Diego’s most invaluable treasures to say the least. The 2015 season at the Balboa Theatre has something for all theatrical and cultural tastes. From Patti Smith (Jan. 31) to Dancing with the Stars (Feb. 9) to Abba Mania (March 4), this incredible space will house some of the most eclectic and highly anticipated performances of the year. With the stated restoration mission “to transform the Balboa Theatre into a contemporary performing arts venue treasured by patrons, producers, presenters, performers, and San Diego’s regional community while contributing to redevelopment and the advancement of a vital downtown theatre district,” the theatre is well on its way to many more vibrant years here. Like the website says, “the historic Balboa Theatre [is] again … a venue of preference.” For the full 2015 season, visit sandiegotheatres.org. A
Kislev â&#x20AC;˘ Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 81
in the kitchen WITH
TORI AVEY
ROAST DUCK
I Tori Avey is an awardwinning food writer, recipe developer, and the creator of the popular cooking website toriavey.com. She writes about food history for PBS Food and Parade. com. Follow Tori on Facebook by searching for “Tori Avey” and on Twitter: @toriavey.
t was a sunny afternoon in September. I’d just attended my friend’s bridal shower in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles and I had a few spare hours to walk around. I live in the city, but like many Angelinos I rarely make it to downtown proper. The chance to explore was a treat, and I knew exactly where I wanted to start – a small vintage bookshop called Caravan. The store was established in 1954 and is one of the few vintage and antiquarian bookshops in Southern California, owned and run by a second generation bookseller named Leonard Bernstein (no, not that one). Caravan just celebrated its 60th anniversary, and Bernstein continues the proud bookselling tradition that his parents established decades before. The store is small, crowded, cozy. In every nook there is something to see, from gently used books to antique treasures, sculptures and model ships, clocks and documents, maps and portraits and paintings. There is a varied selection of books to choose from, including special sections for early Los Angeles history, Abraham Lincoln and maritime history. Of course, I made a beeline straight for the culinary section. I’ve been collecting antique and vintage cookbooks for several years now. I have quite a library going, with hundreds of old books and magazines lining the shelves of my office. As far as books go, cookbooks lead interesting “lives.” The majority of books sit on the shelf, only to be read once or twice (maybe more if it’s a favorite). Cookbooks, especially the good ones, are opened on a regular basis. They are used and sometimes abused. They are splashed on and mucked up, tattered and annotated. They have personality. Holding a wellused cookbook feels intimate to me, like I am somehow cosmically connected to the people who have owned it. While visiting Caravan bookstore, I came across “Through Europe with a Jug of Wine,” a cookbook written by Morrison Wood, published in 1964. The title seduced me. It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Europe and I’m missing it fiercely. My grandparents spent their senior years traveling the world; they took
82 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
every opportunity to share their love of European history and culture with me. There is nothing my husband and I enjoy more than renting a car and driving from country to country, exploring little villages off the beaten path and discovering hole-in-the-wall restaurants that turn out to be gems. It seems that Morrison Wood and his wife were also enamored with exploring Europe’s lesserknown local delights. “Through Europe with a Jug of Wine” follows Wood and his wife as they travel across Europe through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France and the British Isles. They visited 156 cities and towns, collecting hundreds of recipes along the way. Wood hoped that the book might serve as “gastronomic guide” to Europe, which is why most of the recipes are accompanied with an origin story from their trip – where they first tried it, who cooked it for them, etc. Though it is a cookbook, it is also very “readable.” I found myself curling up on my living room couch and reading through the book like a novel, imagining myself in all of the places that Woods and his wife traveled together. As Forrest Gump might say, vintage cookbooks are like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get. Sometimes I pick up a vintage cookbook and find a fabulous treasure trove of recipe ideas; sometimes the recipes turn out to be unappetizing or just plain weird. I was delighted to find that “Through Europe with a Jug of Wine” is filled with really interesting dishes, many of which I am eager to try. The first recipe that jumped out at me was Roast Duck with Rum. This recipe was picked up during the Woods’ time in England, where they discovered that many folks preferred duck plainly roasted and sometimes basted – nothing fancy. This made sense to me; duck meat is so rich on its own, it really doesn’t need a lot of “dressing up.” Roasting a whole duck seemed like a perfect seasonal holiday choice, and I liked the addition of rum, brandy, citrus and ginger. I adapted the recipe a bit, updating the method and making modifications for my kosher-
PHOTO BY TORI AVEY
keeping blog readers. The resulting Roast Duck with Rum was lightly seasoned, succulent and juicy, with just a hint of sweetness. I garnished with fresh parsley and orange slices, then added a sprinkle of fresh orange juice on top of the duck just before serving. This would make a fragrant and lovely centerpiece for a holiday meal.
ROAST DUCK Ingredients 1 5 lb duck 1 small orange 1 small onion 1 clove garlic ¼ lb salted butter, melted (see optional kosher modification below) ½ cup rum 2 tbsp brandy ¼ tsp ground ginger salt, to taste You will also need: Roasting pan, pastry brush, baster Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes Kosher Modification: use salted margarine instead of butter.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Clean and rinse your duck, then pat dry. Place in a roasting pan. Wipe the cavity of the duck with a cloth soaked in the brandy. With a fork, pierce all around the outside of a whole orange and a whole onion. Place the pierced orange and onion inside of the duck cavity. Truss the duck (you may wish to sew up the skin to help keep the orange and onion in pace), then rub the outside with a bruised clove of garlic. Brush duck with the melted butter. Roast the duck at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and cook for an additional 20 minutes per pound, basting several times throughout. During the last half hour of cooking, take the duck out of the oven and remove the fat that has accumulated at the bottom of the roasting pan. Add the rum to the bottom of the pan and baste. Roast for remaining 30 minutes. Remove the duck from the oven and baste one final time. Sprinkle with the ¼ tsp of ginger. For added sweetness you can drizzle with freshly squeezed orange juice. A
IKWTA Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 83
D
WHAT’S
GOIN’
ON?
All That Glitters
D
PHOTO BY CHELSEA PENYAK
by eileen sondak • nsondak@gmail.com
"The Nutcracker" returns to California Ballet Dec.13-14.
‘T
is the season of “The Nutcracker,” “The Grinch,” and other Yuletide bonbons. Serious entertainment seekers can still catch “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at the La Jolla Playhouse, “Wicked” at the Civic Theatre, performances by the San Diego Symphony, and other non-holiday treats throughout December. 84 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
As usual, there are different versions of the ever-popular “The Nutcracker” coming to local stages. City Ballet’s production will be performed at the Spreckels Theatre Dec. 12-24. The dancing will be accompanied by a live orchestra, conducted by John Nettles. Lunch with Sugar Plum Fairy and Friends is available prior to each Saturday matinee (at the Grant Hotel). The
troupe will also present Handel’s “Messiah SingAlong” Dec. 16. Meanwhile, the California Ballet will present its production of “The Nutcracker” on the Civic Theatre Stage Dec. 13-14 (with accompaniment by the Classics Philharmonic) and Dec. 17-21 (accompanied by the San Diego Symphony). San Diego Musical Theatre has a holiday show
PHOTO BY JENNIFER TAYLOR
D
Jahja Ling will conduct a series of concerts for the San Diego Symphony this month. the San Diego premiere of Steve Murray’s “This Wonderful Life,” a one-man stage adaptation of the classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” James Leaming returns to NCR to perform this tourde-force Dec. 10-28. The Lamb’s is in full holiday mode this month too. Their Coronado theater is doing “Northern Lights,” a Festival of Christmas show that has become a favorite with Lamb’s audiences. It will continue through Dec. 28. The annual “American Christmas” evening of feasting, song, and dance, will replicate a Victorian Christmas at the Hotel del Coronado Dec. 15-27. Welk Theatre’s new celebration of the holiday season plays on through Dec. 28. “Winter Wonderettes” – set in the 1960s – was created by Roger Bean. Mira Costa College in Oceanside will showcase the work of student dancers in concerts featuring contemporary and traditional dance styles Dec. 5-7. The Art Department’s “Spectrum: Investigations into Contemporary Ceramics” winds down on Dec. 4. The San Diego Museum of Art is highlighting a major exhibition this month. Titled “Gauguin to Warhol: 20th Century Icons,” this comprehensive show is highlighting a who’s who of powerhouses from the art world, including Picasso, Van Gogh, and Roy Lichtenstein. It features more than 70 works, from Post-Impressionism through Pop. You have until Jan. 27 to admire it – and remember, this is the only West Coast stop for the show. Mingei’s newest exhibition, “Three on the Edge,” showcases designs by Kellogg, Hubbell,
and Cunningham. It will be on view through March 15. “In the Realm of Nature” displaying one-of-a-kind furniture from Bob Stocksdale, and complex weave structures by Kay Sekimachi, will stay on until March 15. The Oceanside Museum of Art is featuring “Neil Shigley: Invisible People” through Feb. 15 and “My Sister’s Voice” through Feb. 8. “Omar Lopex: Rilampago” will stick around through Feb. 8, while “Naked: 20th Century Nudes from the Dijkstra Collection” is on display through March 8. “The World Through the Tapestry of our Lenses” (San Diego Airport Exhibition) will stay on through the end of January. The San Diego Air and Space Museum’s “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” exhibition – with its kid-friendly activities – will be on view until the end of December. The San Diego History Center is focusing on “Presidio to Pacific Powerhouse: How the Military Shaped San Diego.” It will remain through 2015. “Placed Promises” is a permanent exhibition chronicling the history of the San Diego region. The Birch Aquarium continues to display the world premiere of a photographic exhibit dubbed “Mexican Seas.” This display of marine life from off the coast of Mexico should continue at the Aquarium through the end of December. La Valencia Hotel designed a new cultural program that brings together artists, designers, authors, and of course food- and wine-makers. These weekly events take place every Thursday 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and are free to the public. They are slated to take place until the end of December. A
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on tap. It’s Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas the Musical,” a show based on the classic movie. You can see this musical comedy (which has become an annual tradition for the troupe) at the North Park Theatre Dec. 11-21. Broadway San Diego’s production of “Wicked,” a musical sensation with more than 50 major awards to its credit, continues at the Civic through Dec. 7. The musical – set in Kansas long before Dorothy ends up in the Land of Oz – takes a different view of the “good” and “bad” witches of Oz. The Old Globe’s 17th annual staging of Dr. Seuss’ whimsical “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” has settled into the Globe’s Main Stage, and will continue to amuse the small-fry set (and their parents) through Dec. 27. The San Diego Opera will return to the Balboa Theater on Dec. 11 for a concert by Stephanie Blythe and Craig Terry. The pair will perform the songs of Kate Smith. The San Diego Symphony will present “Quint Plays Khachaturian” Dec. 5-7, with Jahja Ling on the podium and violin virtuoso Gil Shaham performing – along with the San Diego Master Chorale. The program will feature works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Khachaturian, and Haydn. Philippe Quint will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence” on Dec. 9. It’s part of an all-Russian program at The Auditorium at TSRI. Shaham and Maestro Ling will team up again for a world premiere violin concerto by Bruce at Symphony Hall Dec. 12-14. Works by J.S. Bach and Rachmaninoff will complete the program. “Home for the Holidays,” a VIP concert and military support event, is planned for Dec. 18. “Holiday Pops with Eileen Ivers” will celebrate Celtic music, with Matthew Garbutt conducting Dec. 19-20. The Family Festival Series continues on Dec. 21 with “Holiday Pops,” a program that includes a sing-along to favorites like “Jingle Bells.” The La Jolla Playhouse continues to feature the highly-anticipated musical, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at the Mandell Weiss Theatre, through Dec. 14. With songs by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, book by Peter Parnell, and direction by Scott Schwartz, this should be a must-see show for local aficionados. The story is based on the novel by Victor Hugo, of course, and many of the cast members are Broadway veterans. The Playhouse is also hosting The Second City’s “Nut-Cracking Holiday Review.” That side-splitting comedy (with original songs and sketches) will be at the Playhouse through Dec. 21. North Coast Repertory Theatre will unveil
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 85
sports
After a harsh month the Chargers are still just one game out of first place By Peter Talhamé
T
he NFL season is an unforgiving one. In the MLB, losing four in a row can be written off as an unlucky series and forgotten, but in the NFL that is a quarter of the season lost. Going into their BYE week, the Chargers had lost three straight and the conversation surrounding the fate of their schedule had changed. It was less about how much of the season had been lost, but more so the manner in which a team that had just stood atop the entire AFC had fallen. It started with a tough loss to the Chiefs — just by a single field goal scored in the last seconds. The game against the Broncos was not pretty, but the Bolts were not the first team to get torched by Manning et al. Then came the game in Miami. The Chargers went from the first team to win a shutout in the 2014 season to the second team to lose one in the span of a month.
PHOTOS BY PETER TALHAMÉ
S
PLAYING WITH PRIDE
During the BYE the forecast did not improve much. The Chargers were sliding in the Power Rankings faster than they had lost the games. The news was that the myriad injuries the team had sustained was just too much to overcome in the long haul and that they had lost pivotal games to two strong divisional rivals. To Philip Rivers and company, the news didn’t matter though. They had a job to do back home. The Raiders were headed into town and there was more than a divisional win on the line, this was the “Salute to Service” game. In a town where spotting fighter jets in the sky is a normal occurrence, military appreciation is not to be taken lightly. After a visit with the Amphibious Assault School Battalion at Camp Pendleton, the Chargers headed to Qualcomm to avoid a 0-4 streak. When the dust settled, the Chargers emerged victorious in a hard-fought game, 13-6. Even at one game out of first, the story shifted
onto Rivers’ ribs and Matthews’ knee, on how the offense was in trouble. Maybe. There were, however, better stories on the field that day. There was the story of the team fighting to stay alive and the energized crowd that was there to honor the men and women who serve our nation. There was the QB who was literally doubled over in pain after a punishing hit, but then brushed himself off and got right back in the game, and the member of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Black Knights in the endzone who seemingly gave a stoic nod of affirmation when he did so. What was evident after the game was that the Chargers aren’t playing to avoid losses. They are playing each and every game to win and with the previously winless Raiders beating the Chiefs, the playoff race just got a whole lot more interesting. It took three losses to take the Chargers out of the conversation, but with just one win and some help from the Raiders, they are right back in it.
THROWING A SIMCHA? WE CATER ANY EVENT! • BAR/BAT MITZVAH PARTIES • WEDDINGS • GRADUATION PARTIES • CORPORATE EVENTS • 30-5,000 PEOPLE • KOSHER PLATTERS • BARUCHA LUNCHEONS
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86 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
7313 Carroll Road • 92121 www.rotisserieaffair.com
N news
Jewish Collaborative Grows Into New Home
The Jewish Collaborative of San Diego moved into a permanent site recently. “We felt pretty passionate about finding a space,” said Rabbi Josh Burrows. “A couple of things helped us [grow quickly]. The most essential piece is that we are extremely lucky with the people who’ve come on board. The leaders who’ve plugged into JCo bring an amazing wealth of knowledge and wisdom.” The new location is at 5927 Balfour Court in Carlsbad. Get details at jcosd.com.
Todd Gloria to Speak at Dinner Forum
The Beth Israel of San Diego Men’s Club will welcome San Diego’s City Council President and Council District 3 Representative, Todd Gloria, as their guest speaker for their next dinner forum. To be held on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 6:308 p.m., this program is open to the entire San Diego community. Councilman Gloria, who served as Interim Mayor of San Diego before Mayor Faulconer was elected, will share his views and plans for the future of San Diego. R.S.V.P. at cbisd.org/event/mcforum-gloria.
Bronfman Youth Fellowships Accepting Applications
The Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel (BYFI) is now accepting applications for the program’s 29th year. Annually, Bronfman Fellowships selects 26 North American teens for a rigorous academic year of seminars including a free, five-week trip to Israel between the summer of Fellows’ junior and senior years of high school. The program educates and inspires exceptional young Jews from diverse backgrounds to grow into leaders grounded in their Jewish identity and committed to social change. Upon returning home, Bronfman Fellows are asked to devise and lead local Jewish or social action projects. Applications for the 2015 Fellowship are available online at bronfman. org and must be submitted by Jan. 6, 2015. High school students in the United States and Canada who self-identify as Jewish and who will be in the 12th grade in the fall of 2015 are eligible to apply. BYFI is a pluralistic program for Jews of all backgrounds; prior Jewish education is not required. Students are chosen not on the basis of financial need but on merit.
Tarbuton Wins Slingshot Award
Tarbuton has been named one of North America’s top 82 innovative Jewish organizations in the 10th annual Slingshot Guide. The Guide highlights the best of the Jewish nonprofit world and has become a go-to resource for volunteers, activists and donors looking for new opportunities and projects. Tarbuton was selected from among hundreds of finalists reviewed by 112 professionals with expertise in grant-making and Jewish communal life. Tarbuton was recognized for being “at the center of immense Jewish experimentation, creativity and collaboration that is happening in San Diego.” Tarbuton excels at creating new entry-points to the Jewish community for local Jews and Israelis through Israeli cultural, non-denominational youth and adult Jewish programs. Founded in 2006, it reaches more than 1,500 households, bringing the Jewish community together to celebrate Israeli culture and modern Hebrew. Learn more about Tarbuton at tarbuton.wordpress.com.
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N news
Mission Trails to Feature Student Art Exhibit
Shiley Musculoskeletal Center Opens at Scripps
The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation is pleased to present an exhibition featuring art by students from the Grossmont Union High School District. The exhibit will be on display in the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center Art Gallery from Dec. 6 until Jan. 2, 2015. The public is invited to a reception in honor of the artists on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1-4 p.m. For park and gallery hours and trail information, visit mtrp.org.
RCA to Review Conversion Standards
The Rabbinical Council of America, established in 1935 to represent Orthodox rabbis around the globe, announced the members of a committee who will review its current conversion process and suggest safeguards against possible abuses. The RCA formed the committee following the arrest and alleged abuse of power and improprieties of Rabbi Barry Freundel, of Washington, D.C. Rabbi Leonard Matanky, President of the RCA, said in a statement: “Our hearts continue to go out to those victimized by the unconscionable actions of a rabbi they trusted in the conversion process. "The RCA recognizes the inherent sensitivities and vulnerabilities involved in the conversion process and will do all it can to ensure that such victimization will never be repeated. We believe the formation of this committee, reflecting a cross-section of our community, is an important first step in this regard.” The committee includes women, men, converts, mental health professionals and rabbis. Deliberations are underway with recommendations to be presented to the RCA Executive Committee by Jan. 31, 2015.
Scripps Health recently announced the grand opening of the Donald P. and Darlene V. Shiley Musculoskeletal Center at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, Calif. The new center provides patients with access to a wide range of orthopedic and musculoskeletal services in one convenient, specially designed location on the first floor of the Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Anderson Outpatient Pavilion. The center was made possible in large part by a $5 million gift from Darlene Shiley to support advanced orthopedic care and research at Scripps Clinic.
Sharon Stein Joins NCR Board of Trustees
Sharon Stein has been elected President of the Board of Trustees of North Coast Repertory Theatre. She takes the gavel from Dr. Allen Moffson, who served as President for eight years. A founder of the Charter Society at Scripps Clinic, Stein was also a Board member of the Women's Division of the Jewish Federation and has been involved as a Board member and Gala chair with Casa de Amparo. In 2007, she was named a Woman of Dedication by the Salvation Army. In other news from the NCR Board, Jay Sarno and Hannah Step were re-elected as vice presidents. Newly elected officers include Marilyn Tedesco, vice president; Roger Moore, treasurer; and Julia Querin, secretary. Other Board members include: Jenie Dahlmann Altruda, Ken Baca, Steve Chapman, Marion Dodson, David Ellenstein, Ira Epstein, Robert Feldner, Peter House, Holy Smith Jones, Julie Lazar, Lorraine Surnamer and John Weil.
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N news
FIDF Brings Diaspora Group to Israel
Nearly 160 leaders and supporters of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) from all walks of life and communities across the U.S. joined the FIDF National Leadership Mission to Israel in November to show their appreciation for the men and women of the IDF. Mission participants, of which 11 were from San Diego, received briefings by senior military officers, met with state leaders, and toured strategic IDF locations with the goal of creating stronger connections between the IDF and the Diaspora. For more information about the FIDF, visit fidf.org.
New ADL Chief Announced
Camp Gilboa Leader Wins Award
The Anti-Defamation League’s new national director will be Jonathan Greenblatt. Currently at the White House, Greenblatt serves as director of the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation in the Domestic Policy Council. Greenblatt, 43, will succeed Abraham Foxman, 74, who announced in February that he will be stepping down effective July, 2015. Greenblatt interned for the ADL while in college at Tufts University and later participated in an ADL professional leadership program.
Elizabeth Bar-El, president of the Board of the Los Angeles-based Camp Gilboa, received the JCamp180 Outstanding Board Leadership Award at the organization’s annual conference in November. JCamp180, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, honored Bar-El for showing “consistent leadership in guiding the Board toward achieving its goals, and made an important and ongoing impact on a Jewish summer camp’s long-term vitality and sustainability.” In selecting Bar-El, the award jury noted her achievements in improving board governance, long-term planning and in particular, her leadership in the purchase of the state-of-the-art, 40-acre Gilboa campsite in Big Bear, Calif. Liz Bar-El has led Gilboa’s Board since 2009. During that time, camp enrollment has grown more than 50 percent and a new campsite was purchased in what has been touted by the Foundation for Jewish Camp as “the best purchase of a Jewish campsite, in terms of cost per camper and physical condition of facilities, in decades.” Bar-El, a Gilboa alum herself, accepted the award in the presence of more than 400 camp professionals and Board leaders from across North America.
Ohr Shalom Dedicates New Torah Covers
On Sept. 24, the Congregation Ohr Shalom gathered to dedicate two new torah covers during the Selichot service. The design of the custom torah covers focuses around a depiction of the Seven Days of Creation for both the everyday and the Festival mantles. Rich, elegant, and formal metallic neutrals were chosen for the appliqued designs on the Festival covers, while vibrant jewel-toned cottons were chosen for the fabrics of the everyday mantles. Many of the colored fabrics are hand dyed or hand painted, giving and additional level of interest and depth to the color chosen. The new torah was made possible by the members of Ohr Shalom.
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B business
NO SLOWING DOWN With 35 years insurance planning experience, Todd Frank still going strong
By Tinamarie Bernard
Jacquelyne Silver
“I
’m convinced no one ever just goes into this business voluntarily, someone talks you into it,” says Todd Frank of his work as a life, disability and long-term care insurance agent. Since 1976, Frank has been in the business of insuring prosperous futures and he knows a thing or two about making a difference for the clients he serves. At the age of 24, Frank left New York, where he was working as an accountant for a big firm, to move to San Diego. “Back in New York,” he says, “there were thousands of guys like me running around in the business,” he says, but, “when I moved here, I found that there were very few Jewish life insurance agents.” So he got in on the ground floor. He focused his efforts on Jewish doctors, lawyers and small Jewish-owned businesses, and his career has continued on that path ever since. “I feel that my fear of becoming an accountant again really helped me to succeed in my early years,” he says with a chuckle. “I truly enjoy being in this business. My 90 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
passion is talking to people and that is what this business is all about. April of 2015 will be my 39th year and I must say that the time has just flown by.” Often asked when he would like to retire, Frank’s answer is, “retire from what? “A long time ago,” he adds, “I ran across a saying that goes like this: ‘Show me a person who loves what they do, and I’ll show you a person who has never worked a day in his life.’ This is me, to a T.” Frank acknowledges that times have changed for the business of life insurance and the ways in which it is bought and sold. One thing that has remained the same for Frank is his commitment to the Jewish community, and by extension, local Jewish press. “I took out my first ad in the Jewish Heritage newspaper [in 1978]. Having grown up in a home that gave me a strong Jewish identity, I felt it was important to support the paper and also a way to get my name out there. Shortly after, I was asked if I would take out an ad in the Jewish Times, paper number two. Not one to pick
favorites I said, ‘why not?’ “There is a story from when I first started advertising … there was this Jewish lawyer who had an ad next to mine. So I called him up to see if he would buy a policy from me.” Frank’s call was the first that the lawyer had received from his ad. The lawyer, who did end up buying insurance from Frank, later liked to joke that the original ad “cost him a fortune.” All joking aside, Todd Frank’s top priority is to help his clients identify their goals, assess the reality of those goals, and make them happen with the products and services he offers through Mass Mutual. And 35 years in this tough business means he must be doing something right. For more information on how life insurance can be part of your financial planning needs, contact Todd Frank at tfrank@financialguide. com. A ______________________
TODD FRANK tfrank@financialguide.com
DIVERSIONS By Natalie Jacobs “Listen Up Philip” Fans of Wes Anderson classics like “Rushmore” and “The Darjeeling Limited” will rejoice at seeing Jason Schwartzman back on screen sitting comfortably in his signature cloak of droll, pedantic wit. In his latest staring role, Schwartzman plays the young Philip, a neurotic and selfobsessed writer who is waiting, obnoxiously, for the publication of his totally-will-be successful second novel. Creatives are notoriously difficult people, and writer/ director Alex Ross Perry spares nothing when exposing the hard realities that come from caring about an artist. It can be isolating and infuriating, but it can also be hilarious and heartfelt. Supporting actresses Elisabeth Moss (who plays Philip’s girlfriend) and Krysten Ritter (playing Philip’s sister) are also welcome faces that make for interesting counterpoints to the, shall we say eccentricities, of Schwartzman’s character. There are no theaters in San Diego carrying the movie yet, the closest they could come is Santa Ana, Calif., but you can stream it on demand through iTunes, Amazon, Vudu and Google play.
“The Reckoning: Death and Intrigue in the Promised Land” One of Britain’s most renowned military historians revisits the death of Zionist leader Avraham Stern.
“Elisha Davidson and the Letters of Fire” This young adult book takes place in Jerusalem’s Old City where a mysterious school teaches its students powerful ancient secrets.
“Sleeping with the Fishes” When Alexis Fish is left lost and confused after the death of her cheating husband, she goes back to Brooklyn for a distant relative’s funeral and admits to her mother that her life is a mess. In true Latino Jewish fashion, the family takes it from there. The movie is showing on HBO (which is why we’re looping it into the usual tv spot here) and on DVDon-demand platforms like iTunes.
“Sacred Journeys with Bruce Feiler” Travel around the globe with Bruce Feiler in this PBS mini-series exploring spiritual pilgrimages. During two hours on Dec. 16, 23 and 30, Feiler will journey to some of the world’s most meaningful landscapes and rigorous religious pilgrimiges. Destinations include Lordes, France; Shikoku, Japan; Jerusalem, Israel; Mecca, Saudi Arabia; Allahabad, India; and Osun-Osogbo, Nigeria. Check local listings for specific times in your area.
“The Red Magician” You can now get the National Book Awardwinning “The Red Magician” as an ebook.
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TAKE NOTE DEC. 1-31 by tina eshel
BEST BETS
Mark your calendar.
H
old on to your yarmulkas and scarves, December is one entertainment-rich month! Kicking off its centennial year (happy 100th birthday!), Balboa Park invites all residents to th the 36 annual December Nights. From Friday, Dec. 5, to Sunday, Dec. 7, 350,000 visitors are expected to partake in San Diego’s largest free community festival. Enjoy musical and dance performances, delicious food from around the globe (be sure to visit the House of Israel too), shopping and free entrance to participating museums. Discover details on your free wintertime wonders at balboapark.org/ decembernights. That same weekend, family fun continues at the annual JCC Hanukkah Happening, an extravaganza geared toward preschool and elementary school kids (plus moms and dads!) on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. If your little ones enjoy games, crafts, prizes, arcades and more, this low-cost midday affair will delight the whole clan. Learn more at lfjcc.org. Yearning for winter lights and snow? Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden from Dec. 6-23 and 26-30 for the annual Garden of Lights 2014. Transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 100,000 lights, the Garden will also offer horse-drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasting, live music, and snow fall on select nights. In the spirit of transparency: the Santa in the corner might have your children asking some questions, so just be prepared for that. But you’re used to it by now, right? Visit the website for a complete listing of what’s blooming at sdbgarden.org. The young, hip and charitable know there’s only one place to be on Dec. 24. The Jewish Federation’s annual NextGen Hanukkah Party, “Place2Be,” will raise funds for the Jewish Family Service Hand Up Youth food pantry while offering a raucus good time. This bonanza starts at 9 p.m. and parties on until the wee hours of the night, so get your dancing shoes on and eat enough dinner to sustain you for hours. Buy tickets at nextgensandiego.org/place2be. Finally, there are myriad ways to ring in the New Year in San Diego. Since we couldn’t pick just one, let us leave you with some hot options: One of the biggest New Year’s Eve bashes in the country takes place at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. Get all the spectacular particulars for Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve Gala at bignightsandiego.com. If partying like an animal is more your style, make plans to attend Albert’s Mildly Wild New Year’s Eve Dinner at the world famous San Diego Zoo. Details at sandiegozoo. org. The whole family can ring in 2015 at the Legoland Kids’ New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Buy your tickets early at california.legoland. com/knye. Be safe out there! A
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DECEMBER NIGHTS Dec. 5-7, times vary Balboa Park
HANNUKAH HAPPENING Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lawrence Family JCC 4126 Executive Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037
GARDEN OF LIGHTS Dec. 6-23 and 26-30, times vary San Diego Botanic Garden 230 Quail Gardens Dr. Encinitas, CA 92024
NEXTGEN PLACE2BE Dec. 24 Andaz Hotel Night Club 600 F. Street San Diego, CA 92101
SAN DIEGO JEWISH
SENIOR EVENTS DEC. 1-31
Lawrence Family JCC 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla Contact Melanie Rubin to R.S.V.P. (858) 362-1141 Senior Hanukkah Party Thursday, Dec. 11, noon Light lunch and entertainment by Innerdancer Performing Arts. Price: $10, JCC member $6. R.S.V.P. by Dec. 4 with payment. Fun Apps for iPhone and iPad Users Tuesday, Dec. 9, 1:30 p.m. Bring charged iPhone or iPad to class and your Apple ID and password. Price: $10; JCC member $8. R.S.V.P. by Dec. 2. Oceanside Senior Center 455 Country Club Lane, Oceanside Call Josephine at (760) 295-2564 North County Jewish Seniors Club Third Thursday of each month, 12:30 p.m. Join us to hear speakers and/or entertainment at our monthly meetings. Light refreshments served. Visitors welcome. Joslyn Senior Center 210 Park Ave./Broadway, Escondido Call (760) 436-4005 Jewish War Veterans meetings Second Sunday of each month, 11 a.m. Preceded by a bagel/lox breakfast at 10:45 a.m. San Diego North County Post 385. JFS University City Older Adult Center 9001 Towne Centre Drive, La Jolla Call Aviva Saad for details or to R.S.V.P. (858) 550-5998 Hanukkah Celebration Wednesday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. Lunch available at noon with reservations. New Year’s Eve Celebration Wednesday, Dec. 31. 10 a.m. Lunch available at noon with reservations. On the Go excursions A program of Jewish Family Service, On the Go provides transportation to events throughout the county for homebound seniors. For information on any of these excursions, please call (858) 637-7320. Bell, Book and Candle, OnStage Playhouse, Chula Vista Sunday, Dec. 14, bus departs 1 p.m. Cost is $49, pay by Dec. 2. New Year’s Concert 2015: Salute to Vienna, Copley Symphony Hall Thursday, Dec. 31, bus departs 1:30 p.m. Cost is $38, pay by Dec. 13. JFS No. County Inland Center 15905 Pomerado Road, Poway Call (858) 674-1123 for details. Emergency Preparedness with the Poway Fire Department Monday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. Ways to stay safe in emergencies large and small.
SENIOR HANUKKAH PARTY
Thursday, Dec. 11, noon Lawrence Family JCC, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla Light lunch and entertainment by Innerdancer Performing Arts. Price: $10, JCC member $6. RS.V.P. by Dec. 4 with payment. Meditation with Yana Monday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. Yana will teach meditation techniques and guide you through a simple practice. Dreidels, Latkes and Jelly Doughnuts Wednesday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. Lunch reservations required. Laughter Therapy Monday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. Giggles, chuckles and hilarity abound as we unleash our inner joy and let go of stress and anxiety. New Year’s Eve Dance Party with MusicStation Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m. JFS Coastal Club at Temple Solel 3575 Manchester Ave., Cardiff by the Sea Call (858) 674-1123 for details. R.S.V.P. for lunch by Monday at 12:30 p.m. Is There an Elephant in the Room? Tuesday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. How to handle transitions with aging family members with Jami Shapiro of Silver Linings Transitions. Dreidels, Latkes and Jelly Doughnuts Tuesday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. Lunch reservations required. Yochanan Winston Performs Tuesday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. Also known as “The Music Doctor,” Yochanan inspires and delights with flute, sax and more. Acoustic Guitarist Mark Shatz Tuesday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m. Enjoy an assortment of musical styles including jazz, swing, light rock, country, classical, pop and a few Jewish favorites. JFS College Avenue Center 4855 College Ave., San Diego Call (858) 637-3270 for details or to R.S.V.P. What Does Kosher mean? Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 12:45 p.m. Presented by, Rabbi Avram Bogopulsky, spiritual leader at Beth Jacob Synagogue. Hanukkah Party! Thursday, Dec. 18, noon Lunch at noon. A New Year Celebration with The Bob Constantine Band Wednesday, Dec. 31, noon Join us we send off the old year and welcome the New Year; it’s always a blast! A
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 93
THE MARKETPLACE
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Let me help you create a wedding, commitment ceremony or baby-naming that will reflect the beauty and spirituality of your special day. As a Humanist cantor I welcome Jewish and interfaith couples and will honor the customs of both families. I also perform all life-cycle ceremonies. For further information please contact www.deborahjdavis.com Deborah Davis • (619) 275-1539
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94 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
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The Gateway/Gateway Gardens 12751 Gateway Park Road/ 12750 Gateway Park Road Poway, CA 92064 (858)451-9933 x 102 / Fax (858)521-0513 www.rhf.org A Retirement Housing Foundation Community Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 95
Raymond Michael Tandle
Mollie Doman
The San Diego Jewish Journal extends deepest condolences to our assistant editor and long time contributor, Tinamarie Eshel and her family on the death of her father, Raymond Michael Tandle.
Mollie Doman (nee Laffer), 91, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, in Scottsdale, Arizona. A Chicagoan for most of her life, she then moved to Florida, and later resided in Phoenix. She was loved by all for her positive outlook on life, for her loving and fervent devotion to her entire family, and for her authenticity. She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Dora Laffer, and her beloved husband of 29 years, Donald David Doman. She is survived by her daughters, Linda (Elias) and Janice (Barry), her son, Jeffrey (Sue), her grandchildren, Aaron (Jessica) Barzilai, David, Emily, and Andrea Doman, Devin (Brooke) and Jordan Weller, and the late David Barzilai, great-grandsons Matthew and Alex, her sister, Bernice Torch, and extended family. Funeral services were held on Sunday, November 2nd at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, in Arlington Heights, IL. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ, 85014, the American Cancer Society, or the David Barzilai Scholarship Fund at the Greater Seattle Business Association, 400 E. Pine St, Suite 322, Seattle, WA, 98122. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary of Arizona and Shalom Memorial Funeral Home. Visit Mollieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memorial web page at: www.sinaimortuary.net.
A veteran of the armed forces born and raised in New York, he was a long time California resident and earned a reputation as an honorable man in business and personal affairs. Mr. Tandle is survived by his life-partner, Renate Shoemacker, 7 children, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was laid to rest at Riverside National cemetery November 17, 2014. May his memory be a blessing to those who knew him, may his soul be bound in the bundle of life with The Lord, your God.
San Diego JewiSh Community obituarieS arrangements by am israel mortuary
All ServiceS AlreAdy Held
rosenberg; and Son, ilya Okun.
Seymour Goodman - San Diego 11/23/1923 - 8/30/2014 Survivors: Wife, Patricia Goodman; and daughter, Schatzie Gibbons.
Lotte Lehman - San Diego 7/02/1914 - 9/09/2014 Survivor: Son, Michael lehman.
Kurt Oppenheimer - San Diego 6/15/1914 - 9/05/2014 Survivors: Wife, Fanny Oppenheimer; daughters, renee Friedman & Sharon Oppeneimer; Sons- Allen & Brian Oppenheimer & 2 Grandchildren. Murray Sherber - Encinitas 3/19/1918 - 9/05/2014 Survivors: Wife, Harriet Sherber; daughter, Karen Zisook; Son, Steven Sherber; 4 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren. Maria Zusmanovskaya - San Diego 4/14/1919 - 9/08/2014 Survivors: daughter, rimma
Charlotte Horowitz - San Diego 9/22/1923 - 9/23/2014 Survivors: daughters, Judy Glen and Susan Shein.
Gertrude Leskowitz - San Diego 11/11/1922 - 9/13/2014 Survivor: Brother, Murray Schlussel.
Richard Wasserman - Santee 9/13/1950 - 9/24/2014 Survivors: daughter, Amanada Wasserman; Son, Troy Wasserman; Sister, Mariam Wasserman; and 4 Grandchildren.
Bill King - San Diego 4/04/1929 - 9/16/2014 Survivors: Wife, Annette King; daughters, lori, robin & Sherrie King; Son, Mark King; Sister, rustona Feinstein; and 7 Grandchildren.
Dora Mandel - Poway 12/28/1928 - 9/25/2014 Survivors: Husband, Jacob Mandel; daughter, yasmin Kloeffler; Son, Arnaldo Mandel; 4 Grandchildren & 4 GreatGrandchildren.
Helen Weissman - San Diego 12/03/1908 - 9/18/2014 Survivor: Son, Steven Weissman.
Terie Osburn - San Diego 11/06/1946 - 9/28/2014 Survivors: Husband, Guy Osburn; daughter, rina conde; and 1 Grandchild.
Marjorie Fox - San Diego, CA 1/19/1947 - 9/21/2014 Survivor: Husband, dean Fox.
96 SDJewishJournal.com l December 2014
Manoucher Family - San Diego 3/23/1930 - 9/29/2014 Survivors: Wife, Jacqueline Family; daughter, rebecca Simantob; Son, Jack Family; and 4 Grandchildren. Harvey Raider - San Diego 10/01/1939 - 9/30/2014 Survivors: Wife, Barbara raider; daughters, Andrea, Faith and Mara raider; and 6 Grandchildren. Evelyn Bellman - San Diego 5/15/1925 - 10/02/2014 Survivors: Husband, Ben Bellman; daughters, Barbara and Jean Bellman and Sheryll rott; 8 Grandchildren and 12 GreatGrandchildren. Renee Kopel - San Diego 8/16/1916 - 10/09/2014 Survivors: daughter, Pearl Kugel; and Son, Nelson Kopel.
desert life
PALM SPRINGS by Pamela Price
pamprice57@gmail.com
CVRep Begins 2014-2015 Season
PHOTOS COURTESY CV REP
Opener "The Chosen" a perfect choice
The Jewish-themed play "The Chosen" kicks off the Coachella Valley Repertory season dubbed "The American Melting Pot."
“T
he Chosen” just completed its opening run at the Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre at the Atrium in Rancho Mirage and this first of four plays in their 2014-2015 season themed “The American Melting Pot” set the season off wonderfully. This two-act play is based on the successful novel of the same name, by Chaim Potok, published in 1967. It was released as a film in 1980 and later adapted to a play by the author and playwright Aaron Posner. Some critics loved the play more than the movie. “The play was better written than the film,” says Ron Celona, artistic director of Coachella Valley Repertory. Bringing together four critically acclaimed playwrights for this series is “a stroke of genius” says Grace Robbins, local author. Excitement for the season was so high that opening night, Oct. 29, was completely sold out. The story, now a classic, takes places in “various locations” in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The production is mesmerizing from the opening
scene in 1944 when two Jewish teens meet on a baseball field. Reuven Malter (Drew Feldman) is hit accidently (we think) by Danny Saunders (Daniel Seigerman). This triggers an unlikely friendship which began in a hospital where Reuven recovers from a different sport’s injury. The two teenagers discover they are living five blocks apart and have grown up in the same Jewish environment. Despite their instant similarities, Reuven and Danny are not on the same playing fields when it comes to how they interpret their Jewish roots. They have diametrically opposed relationships with their respective fathers, which carries conflict and confusion for the two characters. That is just one aspect of how the story moves through these two characters’ complicated friendship until they develop a deep relationship based on respect and reconciliation. This thread – exploration of culture and how different people relate and react to their G-dgiven communities – weaves through the entire CVRep season, masterfully supporting it’s stated
theme, “The American Melting Pot.” It’s a season that will explore “cultural and distinct ethnic backgrounds in American history.” “The Chosen” closed Nov. 16, but the run was a smash. Debuting the ambitious season with a distinctively Jewish theme has set the stage for their next three productions, opening the door to tolerance, understanding and friendship. The remaining three plays in the season are “Having Our Say,” a play by Emily Mann, Jan. 21-Feb. 8, “La Gringa,” by Carmen Rivera, March 4-22 and “Hold These Truths, the Journey of Gordon Hirabayashi,” a solo play by Jeanne Sakata, April 15-May 3. For tickets, contact the box office at (760) 296-2966. For details on each play in the 20142015 series, access cvrep.org. A
Kislev • Tevet 5775 l SDJewishJournal.com 97
GIACOMO PUCCINI’s
LA BOHÈME DONGIOVANNI MOZART’S
JAN 24 • JAN 27 JAN 29 • FEB 1 • 2015
FEB 1 4 • FEB 1 7 FEB 20 • FEB 22 • 2015
SPECIAL EVENTS: We’ll meet again: The Songs of Kate Smith STEPHANIE BLYTHE & CRAIG TERRY • December 11, 2014 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT • April 18 & 19, 2015
JOHN ADAMS’
NIXON IN
CHINA
MAR 1 4 • MAR 1 7 MAR 20 • MAR 22 • 2015
EL PASADO NUNCA SE TERMINA (THE PAST IS NEVER FINISHED)
SAT APR 25 • 2015 2PM AND 7PM
Tickets Start at $45 sdopera.com • (619) 533-7000 Tickets also available at