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INTERNATIONAL An Israeli professor offers a critique of American society ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem The United States has all that power, and is so cumbersome in the world. It is a leader in science, technology, education, and medicine, yet many of its people are poorly educated and lack access to medical care. READ MORE
Love and tension greet Pope Benedict XVI on Israel visit ... by Judy Lash Balint in Jerusalem At a briefing on Monday for journalists at the Jerusalem press center set up for the visit of the pope, an Israeli newsman demanded to know who had come up with the message that was found in every press packet. "Israel Loves You" read the heart shaped magnet in English.READ MORE
Text of Pope Benedict XVI's comments at airport arrival ceremony in Tel AvivREAD MORE
Text of President Shimon Peres' welcome to Pope Benedict XVI at the President's residence in Jerusalem READ MORE Spain's chutzpadik claim of worldwide judicial authority... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C. Spanish courts function in a way not well understood by Americans. To begin with, prosecutors and judges are on the same team. There is no Grand Jury before which evidence is presented and charges brought or dropped. READ MORE
C0-PUBLISHERS MAILBOX Scholars for Peace in the Middle East agree inquiry into UCSB professor's actions necessary READ MORE
Student immigrants to Israel learn of Israeli commemorations READ MORE
JFS Hand Up Youth Food Pantry Wins Goodman Award READ MORE
Israel Film Festival tells Los Angeles lineup of feature films, honorees READ MORE
Klein gives Israeli-African concert tonight at Lawrence Family JCC; Provides audioREAD MORE
Park Avenue Synagogue cantor praises God in recording ... by Cantor Sheldon Merel in San Diego, with audio recording of Cantor Lefkowitz of New York I am pleased to welcome another distinguished colleague to this online newspaper. I have followed his career for many years and admired his innovative programming of new and old Jewish music.READ MORE
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
March 6, 1953; Southwestern Jewish Press
News of the Fox READ MORE
Stalmaster Fund Of $15,000 Sought Here READ MORE
Pioneer Women READ MORE
Busy Season Planned By City of Hope Aux.READ MORE
Deceased {Jacob Berwin}READ MORE
Young Jewish Couples READ MORE
City of Hope Jrs. Plan Card Party READ MORE
Israel Benefit Dinner To Be Sponsored READ MORE
Historic Ad: UJF-Cecil Brown Rally SEE AD
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES We continue our examination of Jewish entertainers
Judith Light on "Tony Danza Show" with a clip from "Who's The Boss" VIEW VIDEO
Maureen Lipman plays Lillian Spencer in "Coronation Street" VIEW VIDEO
Richard Lewis and Larry David argue about David's bathroom habits in "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (Warning: Language) VIEW VIDEO
Peggy Lipton plays Julie in "The Mod Squad" VIEW VIDEO
STAFF BOX
Besides the YouTube videos featuring Jewish entertainers, we also provide audios on San Diego Jewish World--including two in this issue. One is Cantor David Lefkowitz of New York City's Park Avenue Synagogue chanting V'Al Ku-lam (in connection with Cantor Sheldon Merel's column); the other is jazz musician Omer Klein, who appears tonight at the La Jolla JCC, performing Kavana. (See Co-Publishers Mailbox)
JERUSALEM—
The United States has all that power, and is so cumbersome in the world. It is a leader in science, technology, education, and medicine, yet many of its people are poorly educated and lack access to medical care.
Among the wonders of America is its consumerism. By the standards of other civilized countries, American houses are huge. Garages, basements, and spare rooms overflow with no longer used remnants of shopping sprees. Americans save at half the rates of Europeans and Japanese.
Some calculations from the eve of the recent crisis showed the American rate of saving below zero. The entire population was spending more than it was earning.
Envy among some, and ridicule among others turned to worry with the rapid decent of the economy. Without the bloated shopping of Americans, the rest of the world was in trouble. China and other countries could not keep developing if Americans stopped buying all those clothes, shoes, and electronic gadgets. Europeans would buy less if they would be selling less of what they produce to the Americans. Sales dipped precipitously for Japanese, European, and Korean car manufacturers. Israelis are selling fewer diamonds, fruits and vegetables to Europe, Asia, and America, its systems analysts and programmers have less work for American and European firms, and its start-ups are attracting fewer investors.
The consumer spending of Americans has dipped with the economic crisis, unemployment, and insecurity among those still working. There is ambivalence among economists who follow the trends. A number of them welcome the possibility that Americans will be spending less and saving more. Others are concerned that if Americans do not get over their personal depression and return to the malls, then economies will continue to suffer.
Explanation of the crisis begin with Americans' penchant to borrow and spend, and the actions of businesses to encourage them. What were the sub-prime mortgages, widely viewed as the start of the problem, if not the provision of homes and loans to people who could not afford them?
Extremes of wealth and poverty, and a lack of saving are only one cluster of the traits where Americans are different
than others. They are more likely than others to be religious. Americans take pride in their tradition of personal
freedom, which affects opposition to taxation for medical care and other services. Americans are more likely than other people to be incarcerated, which has something to do with personal freedom, firearms, and violence. Incarceration also has a connection with religiosity, via puritanical attitudes about drugs and long sentence mandates.
The United States is also less of a country than others. The condition begins with it name (United States), and the first sentence of the Constitution: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union . . ." The union was not meant to be perfect, only more unified than 13 sovereign states. The autonomy of the states is still viable enough to work against the fullness of nation-wide rights and privileges. Variations appear in health and safety regulations, welfare benefits, the quality of education from pre-school to university, regulations about what must be included in health insurance policies, procedures permitted to physicians (such as abortion and assisted suicide), economic rights and marriage opportunities for gay couples.
American assertions of individual freedom and democracy have produced an excessive concern with choosing officeholders by election, and an annual blizzard of referenda. The results are amateurs who make decisions that are left to professionals in other democracies, demagogues who limit the capacity of state and local governments to raise taxes that would support services at levels enjoyed elsewhere, and limit education with their attitudes about religion, science, and sex.
There is much speculation, but no firm conclusions about why the United States is so different. The themes include the many sources of immigration and the lack of a common culture; the religious origin of early settlers; political and cultural rebellion against more regimented Europe; the wealth of natural resources plus the ethos of the frontier that emphasized something for nothing, low levels of taxation, regulation, and law enforcement; slavery and the treatment of the Indians that worked to lessen the humane element in the American spirit. The importance of the states began with 13 separate rebellions, reinforced by the insistence of the southern half to protect slavery.
Some of the Americans who see these columns will accuse me of blasphemy, or being a traitor to my roots. I spent my formative years as an American, but most of my adult years elsewhere. I view my former homeland as an intriguing and creative society that is also troubling. For those who see unbalanced criticism, I will claim the right of free expression. I perceive it is still available, despite what some of you have written about George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.
Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University. Email: msira@mscc.huji.ac.il
JERUSALEM—At a briefing on Monday for journalists at the Jerusalem press center set up for the visit of the pope, an Israeli newsman demanded to know who had come up with the message that was found in every press packet. "Israel Loves You" read the heart shaped magnet in English. This, after Stas Mezeshnikov, the new tourism minister, had definitively stated in his opening remarks that Pope Benedict XVI is a true friend of Israel. "Certainly not everyone in Israel loves the pope," the Israeli reporter exclaimed.
In answer to the journalist's question, the minister said that the message applied to the army of pilgrims and media people who are accompanying the pontiff, as much as to the pope himself, "who is more than a wanted guest."
The incident highlighted what promises to be a far more contentious visit than that of Pope John Paul in 2000. A few demonstrations are planned, and commentators are wondering how the pope will handle questions about Vatican participation in Durban II; the pope's treatment of Holocaust-denying Bishop Richard Williamson; various recent statements about Israel's conduct and the fact that he was a member of the Hitler Youth Movement in the 1940s.
Add that to the draconian traffic rearrangements published in the weekend papers that will make everyone's life miserable in a city not designed to accommodate normal vehicular traffic, let alone papal levels of security and you have a recipe more inclined to exacerbate rather than improve Vatican-Israeli relations.
Balint is a freelance writer based in Jerusalem
--------------- Text of Pope Benedict XVI's comments at airport arrival ceremony in Tel Aviv
TEL AVIV (Press Release)--The following transcript of Pope Benedict XVI's arrival comments in Tel Aviv was released by the Vatican's press office:
Mr President, Mr Prime Minister, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for your warm welcome to the State of Israel, a land which is held holy by millions of believers around the world. I am grateful to the President, Mr Shimon Peres, for his kind words, and I appreciate the opportunity that has been offered to me to come on pilgrimage to a land that is hallowed by the footsteps of patriarchs and prophets, a land that Christians hold in particular veneration as the setting for the events of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I take my place in a long line of Christian pilgrims to these shores, a line that stretches back to the earliest centuries of the Church’s history and which, I am sure, will continue long into the future. I come, like so many others before me, to pray at the holy places, to pray especially for peace – peace here in the Holy Land, and peace throughout the world.
Mr President, the Holy See and the State of Israel have many shared values, above all a commitment to give religion its rightful place in the life of society. The just ordering of social relationships presupposes and requires a respect for the freedom and dignity of every human being, whom Christians, Muslims and Jews alike believe to be created by a loving God and destined for eternal life. When the religious dimension of the human person is denied or marginalized, the very foundation for a proper understanding of inalienable human rights is placed in jeopardy.
Tragically, the Jewish people have experienced the terrible consequences of ideologies that deny the fundamental dignity of every human person. It is right and fitting that, during my stay in Israel, I will have the opportunity to honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Shoah, and to pray that humanity will never again witness a crime of such magnitude. Sadly, anti-Semitism continues to rear its ugly head in many parts of the world. This is totally unacceptable. Every effort must be made to combat anti-Semitism wherever it is found, and to promote respect and esteem for the members of every people, tribe, language and nation across the globe.
During my stay in Jerusalem, I will have the pleasure of meeting many of this country’s distinguished religious leaders. One thing that the three great monotheistic religions have in common is a special veneration for that holy city. It is my earnest hope that all pilgrims to the holy places will be able to access them freely and without restraint, to take part in religious ceremonies and to promote the worthy upkeep of places of worship on sacred sites. May the words of Isaiah’s prophecy be fulfilled, that many nations shall flow to the mountain of the house of the Lord, that he may teach them his ways, that they may walk in his paths – paths of peace and justice, paths that lead to reconciliation and harmony (cf. Is 2:2-5).
Even though the name Jerusalem means "city of peace", it is all too evident that, for decades, peace has tragically eluded the inhabitants of this holy land. The eyes of the world are upon the peoples of this region as they struggle to achieve a just and lasting solution to conflicts that have caused so much suffering. The hopes of countless men, women and children for a more secure and stable future depend on the outcome of negotiations for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In union with people of good will everywhere, I plead with all those responsible to explore every possible avenue in the search for a just resolution of the outstanding difficulties, so that both peoples may live in peace in a homeland of their own, within secure and internationally recognized borders. In this regard, I hope and pray that a climate of greater trust can soon be created that will enable the parties to make real progress along the road to peace and stability.
To the Catholic bishops and faithful here present, I offer a special word of greeting. In this land, where Peter received his commission to feed the Lord’s sheep, I come as Peter’s successor to minister among you. It will be my special joy to join you for the concluding celebrations of the Year of the Family, due to take place in Nazareth, home of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. As I said in my Message for the World Day of Peace last year, the family is the "first and indispensable teacher of peace" (No. 3), and hence it has a vital role to play in healing divisions in human society at every level. To the Christian communities in the Holy Land, I say: by your faithful witness to him who preached forgiveness and reconciliation, by your commitment to uphold the sacredness of every human life, you can make a particular contribution to ending the hostilities that for so long have afflicted this land. I pray that your continuing presence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories will bear much fruit in promoting peace and mutual respect among all the peoples who live in the lands of the Bible.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, once again I thank you for your welcome and I assure you of my sentiments of good will. May God give his people strength! May God bless his people with peace!
Text of Shimon Peres' greeting to Pope at the presidential residence
JERUSALEM (Press Release)--Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released this transcript of President Shimon Peres as he greet Pope Benedict XVI at the presidential residence:
Your Holiness; The State of Israel greets you today most warmly, and welcomes you with an open heart. We, in the homeland of the Jewish people, are delighted to host you and your delegation on your journey to the Holy Land. In keeping with the tradition of hospitality from the days of Abraham, it is with deep appreciation that we welcome you.
We are attentive to your message and extend a carpet of friendship as you travel our land. We greet you with a common word in our language which conveys the essence of our dreams:
Your Holiness, Pope Benedict the Sixteenth: SHALOM - שלום.
In you we see a promoter of peace; a great spiritual leader; a potent bearer of the message of peace to this land and to all others. Our history serves witness as much to unity in devotion to the Almighty as to the consequences of earthly divisions. Judaism is built on tolerance of other faiths. In the words of Micah: "For all people walk each in the name of his god. And we will walk in the name of the LORD our God Forever and ever." (Micah 4,5)
Divisions are stubborn, but the peoples of our region have tired of wars. We shall leave the divisions to history, and the new history we shall write in letters of faith and peace.
We have lost our most precious in battle. We have found hope around the negotiating table.
Democracy was never interrupted by war and peace alike. Our people experienced suffering. We knew Holocaust. Our state emerged out of the ashes of our innocent sisters and brothers who were exterminated in Hitler's gas chambers. The smoke of the crematoria became a light that guided our lives.
Our home in Israel is a refuge of life for those who saw only death. As descendents of the victims, our hearts are sensitive to the suffering of others.
Your Holiness, Spiritual leaders can pave the way for political leaders. They can clear the mine-fields that obstruct the road to peace. The spiritual leaders should reduce animosity so that political leaders do not resort to destructive means.
Old divisions have aged and diminished. So more than the need for another armored vehicle, we need a strong, inspiring spirit to instill both the conviction that peace is attainable, and the burning desire to pursue it. Ties of reconciliation and understanding are now being woven between the Holy See and the Jewish people. We cherish this process and your leadership.
Our door is open to similar efforts with the Muslim world. From the day we returned to our homeland after two thousand years of exile, we have been committed to freedom of religion and worship for all in this land, and enable everyone to commune with his God upon his choosing.
All of us: Jews, Christians, Muslims, all people of faith, recognize that today’s challenge is not the separation of religion and state, but the uncompromising separation of religion from violence. Our universal God commanded us not to kill and called upon us to sanctify human lives.
In the past, enmity was tremendous, but the menace of bows and arrows was limited. Nowadays, the danger of modern weapons is unlimited, and any expression of hostility, even if trivial, can serve as a trigger for the destruction of peoples, nations and humanity as a whole.
Your Holiness, This year, the year of your visit here, may reveal an opportunity for us and our neighbors, to attain peace. While many political clouds still darken the horizon; and the voices of incitement obscure the sound of peace; and much violence converged on the crossroads of our lives; most peoples in this region yearn for peace.
Heeding their call, concerted efforts can yet turn this year into a historic one for the benefit of all peoples; all religions; all children. A year of regional peace, not just a local one. From here, from Jerusalem, from this land on which the Prophets walked, I wish to offer a prayer:
That walls of hostility fall, that hatreds of the past disappear, that a new history will bring a new dawn, to permit the coming generations to be born in peace, to live in peace, and to impart a legacy of peace to their descendants.
That we be freed of threats and violence, and that justice is secured for all peoples.
Security for every person.
This prayer, a prayer of man to God, shall reach its destination. Each will deliver it in its own language, each prayer in good faith, none censored, unfettered. We pray that every person will live in tranquility and freedom in his own home, with his family and children. Neither houses of slaves, nor houses of masters. We shall pray together, that mothers, all mothers, regardless of religion or nationality, no longer know hardship or anxiety,
and raise infants who know not the taste of sin, and children whose future will not be curtailed.
With you, Your Holiness, we shall pray, that the Creator gives us the wisdom to be humble; the call not to humiliate others; the remembrance that every man is born in God's image.
And while we are different, the essence of equality is the equal right to be different. Differences should never be addressed with waving swords.
To reinforce our commitment to restore The dignity of men; the freshness of air; the purity of water; the fertility of land; the hope of the young.
Your Holiness, As you stand at the gates of Jerusalem the Eternal, from this place, from the City of God, our blessings shall escort you, with the wish that your prayers shall reach both the heavens and the ears of men.
May the beacons of history illuminate your steps on the soil of the Holy Land. We welcome you in peace. With your departure, may the legacy of peace prevail. May your visit bring peace.
THE VIEW FROM JINSA
Spain's chutzpadik claim of worldwide judicial authority
WASHINGTON, D.C.—
Spanish courts function in a way not well understood by Americans. To begin with, prosecutors and judges are on the same team. There is no Grand Jury before which evidence is presented and charges brought or dropped. In addition, Spain has created for itself "universal jurisdiction" that permits judges to try a case involving any country if the Spanish judge decides the country is either not an "acceptable" democracy or didn't do a "good enough" job investigating itself.
Spanish prosecutors considered the case of Israel's 2002 bombing that killed terrorist mastermind Salah Shehade and the 14 civilians Shehade was using as human shields in his home in Gaza. The prosecutors concluded that Israel is a democratic country with an independent judiciary that had properly investigated the bombing, and they recommended that the Spanish court drop the case. [We can't tell you how relieved we were that Spanish prosecutors consider Israel a democratic country!] But the judge decided the Israeli investigation was insufficient and that Spain will try seven Israelis for "crimes against humanity."
Just in case it wasn't clear, the Spanish deputy prime minister is reported to have said, "Spain is a country ruled by law and the justice system enjoys absolute independence."
Spain is also, of course, pursuing war crimes investigations against four American officials regarding conduct during the Bush Administration.
Should the judge issue an international arrest warrant for any of the Israelis involved, or ultimately any of the Americans now being investigated, they could be detained upon arrival in any EU member state. [Or not, if the EU is like the Arab League that ignored the warrant from the International Criminal Court and welcomed Sudan's chief butcher Omar Bashir, who has been indicted for war crimes in Darfur.]
Israeli officials denounced the Spanish decision; one MK suggested indicting Spanish officials for their role in the NATO bombing of Serbia in 1999, during which hundreds, if not thousands of civilians died. American Attorney General Eric Holder, on the other hand, said, "We would look at any request that would come from a court in any country and see how and whether we should comply with it... to the extent that we receive lawful requests from an appropriately created court, we would obviously respond to it."
It is hardly obvious. One could argue that the Spanish court is not "appropriately created" because "universal jurisdiction" by an uninvolved country is actually "unilateral
jurisdiction," and, on its face, inappropriate. Further, the criminalization of military activity is a double-edged sword. To some countries, including but not limited to Spain, all military activity by the United States and Israel is potentially criminal.
The idea that a new Spanish Inquisition will be kinder in the future to officials of the Obama Administration, currently pursuing military operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, than it is to Israel or Bush Administration officials is naïve and dangerous.
Bryen is special projects director for the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. (JINSA). Her column is sponsored by Waxie Sanitary Supply in memory of Morris Wax, longtime JINSAsupporter and national board member
The Co-Publishers' Mailbox...Notes from advertisers and others Items for us? Please send them to editor@sandiegojewishworld.com
Scholars for Peace in the Middle East agree inquiry into UCSB professor's actions necessary
CHICO, California—The Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME) Board of Directors has been asked by many colleagues to issue a statement about the email that Professor William Robinson at the University of California at Santa Barbara sent to the students in his course on The Sociology of Globalization, in which he dispatched paired photographs of atrocities committed by the Nazis with photographs from the recent Israeli operations in Gaza.
The allegations, and reactions to them, have been widely reported in the media and are being reviewed by the Academic Senate of the University of California at Santa Barbara.
As an organization of 27,000 academics worldwide, SPME takes the position that the primary responsibility for adjudicating allegations of unscholarly behavior or violations of academic standards and codes of conduct, including allegations of anti-Semitic and other racist expressions, falls on the institution where the events in question occurred. Some commentators have claimed that academic freedom protects Professor Robinson’s right to send such emails. However, according to the Revised Academic Personnel Policy 010, Academic Freedom and the Policy on Course Content of The Regents of the University of California, approved June 19, 1970 and amended September 22, 2005:
· Teaching and scholarship (must) be assessed by reference to the professional standards that sustain the University’s pursuit and achievement of knowledge.
· Misuse of the classroom by, for example, allowing it to be used for political indoctrination… constitutes misuse of the University as an institution.
We therefore support the university’s decision to initiate the review, and we encourage the Academic Senate to address the following questions:
1. Was Professor Robinson’s email an attempt at political indoctrination of his students? Did he invite student discussion and critical evaluation of other information and alternative views?
2. Does Professor Robinson have academic expertise regarding the issues in the email, specifically, the conflict in the Middle East and the life and beliefs of Martin Luther King?
3. Did Professor Robinson’s email meet standards of scholarly competence in that the text was factually accurate?
4. Was Professor Robinsonn’s email anti-Semitic? According to both the U.S Department of State in its Report on Global anti-Semitism and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in its Public Education Campaign to End Campus Anti-Semitism: An important issue is the distinction between legitimate criticism of policies and practices of the State of Israel, and commentary that assumes an anti-Semitic character. The demonization of Israel, or vilification of Israeli leaders, sometimes through Comparisons with Nazi leaders, and through the use of Nazi symbols to caricature them, indicates an anti-Semitic bias rather than a valid criticism of policy concerning a controversial issue.
Contrary to what a number of academics who should know better have asserted, academic freedom does not mean that material that is introduced to a curriculum, class, or academic forum should be protected from collegial and peer review and discussion, conducted in a civil and constructive manner. Where peers find scholarship or pedagogy to be substandard, they are entitled, indeed obligated, to say so. As a leading expert on academic freedom recently wrote: “The pursuit of truth in universities requires adherence to fundamental principles of intellectual integrity and responsibility.” (Donald Downs, Academic Freedom: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How to Tell the Difference, http:www.popecenter.org/inquiry_papers/article.html?id=2164)
We trust that the University of California Academic Senate will uphold its principles of academic freedom and responsibility.
Student immigrants to Israel learn of Israeli commemorations
IBIM, Israel (Press Release)—In a time of economic distress, invisible threats of viral pandemics, and uncertainty as to our future in this changing and dynamic world, I would like to present you with an array of programs from the Ibim-San Diego Student Village which should warm your heart. We are confident that a secure and bright future awaits us and our students. Amen.
During the difficult week between Holocaust Remembrance Day and Memorial Day, we held ceremonies in the Village. Our Clubhouse was transformed into an educational corner which each group would visit with a counselor to understand the atmosphere of the commemorations, and to learn of their significance to the Jewish people and to the Israeli nation. Through small, familiar groups, each individual could sense the pain and understand communal suffering in these remembrances. The week ended with a no-holds-barred celebration of Independence Day completing the narrative on an upbeat note.
The end of the month saw the visit of an energetic Keren HaYesod group of French Jews who came to Ibim to put their Zionism "to work". They graciously and cheerfully painted the apartments on Ibim in preparation for our group of FSU families this summer. After a short presentation on the Village, including the bouts with rockets, our guests rolled up their sleeves, put on some good Israeli and French music, and began to paint.
Wishing you a happy and invigorating Lag Baomer, Soni Singer, Director, Ibim-San Diego Student Village
Preceding from Ibim-San Diego Student Village, which is sponsored by the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County
JFS Hand Up Youth Food Pantry Wins Goodman Award
SAN DIEGO—Jewish Family Service (JFS) of San Diego’s Hand Up Youth Food Pantry recently received the prestigious Goodman Award for most innovative programming. Named after AJFCA Honorary Board Chair Henry Goodman, The Goodman Award is presented every two years by the Association of Jewish Family & Children's Agencies (AJFCA) to a replicable program that responds to a community problem through outreach and community-building. The Fifth Goodman Award was presented to the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry on Monday, May 4, 2009 at the AJFCA 37th Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois.
The Hand Up Youth Food Pantry was created in January of 2007 by JFS Board Member, Marsha Berkson and with the help of several teens from the San Diego Jewish Community. Teens were instrumental in every aspect of creating the food pantry, from designing a brochure and organizing food drives, to creating a website and motivating other teens to participate. Today, the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry is run by a dedicated committee of more than 35 dynamic teenagers along with parent volunteer coordinators and Jewish Family Service staff.
The Hand Up Youth Food Pantry is dedicated to alleviating hunger in San Diego County. With the current economic crisis, the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry has more than doubled the number of food bags distributed and the number of people helped from the same period last year. In the last three months (1/1/09-3/31/09), Hand Up served 4997 food bags to 2367 unduplicated clients compared to 2381 food bags to 1172 unduplicated clients during the same timeframe during the previous year (1/1/08-3/31/08).
Due to an increased community need Hand Up has recently grown from 10 food distribution locations to 12 distribution locations throughout San Diego County. Food is distributed once a week at Ohr Shalom Synagogue downtown, once a month at Camp Pendleton and Murphy Canyon Military Housing, and as needed to clients at various JFS locations. By including a case manager at each distribution, the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry helps people get back on their feet and return to self-sufficiency.
For more information about the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry and ways to get involved, visit www.jfssd.org or call (858) 637-3088.
Preceding was provided by Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Israel Film Festival tells Los Angeles lineup of feature films, honorees
LOS ANGELES (Press Release)--The 24th Israel Film Festival, the largest showcase of Israeli films in the United States, announced Monday its most dynamic program since its founding. Encompassing over 30 movies, including award winning features, documentaries and student films, the Festival runs from June 3rd – June 18th, 2009 in Los Angeles.
The gala Opening Night festivities will include the West Coast premiere of Lost Islands, the highest grossing and most honored film in Israel last year, and the Festival’s highly-anticipated awards presentation will take place on Wednesday, June 3rd at the legendary Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
The 2009 IFF Awards will be bestowed on: John Fishel (President of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles), Robert Lantos (prolific Hollywood producer), Branko Lustig (two time Academy Award winning producer) and Diane Warren (Grammy Award winning songwriter), it was announced by Meir Fenigstein, the Founder/Executive Director of the Israel Film Festival.
A portion of funds raised from the Opening Night and Awards Gala will support scholarships for Israeli students to study cinema in six major film schools in Israel. From the 30 films submitted for consideration for this year’s film scholarships, six filmmakers will be selected and each will be awarded cash and prizes valued up to $2,500. The winners will also be flown to Los Angeles for premiere showings of their films at this year’s Festival. The student filmmaker awards will be presented at the Opening Night Gala. IFF’s goal is to award the cash prize to filmmakers as an incentive to make their next feature film in Israel thus continuing the long heritage and enrichment of Israeli Cinema. This program is also sponsored by the Israel Lottery for the Arts and Cellcom.
“This year’s Festival celebrates very talented and unsung Israeli filmmakers who are poised to be recognized on the world stage,” noted Fenigstein. “There is something for everyone, from family films that will screen on Sundays and lite comedies to enthralling dramas and rich documentaries that recognize the 100th anniversary of Tel Aviv. We also acknowledge the contributions of this year’s esteemed honorees and welcome from Israel the young winners of Festival scholarships who took their money to make films that will premiere at this year’s Festival.”
The Festival this year will also be making headline news with Opening Night’s Lost Islands, a multiple Israeli Academy Film Awards winner. The Israel Film Festival will theatrically self-distribute the movie in a platformed release in major markets after the close of the Festival – the very first time a festival has ever directly distributed a theatrical film.
Directed by Reshef Levy and starring Michael Moshonov (Best Actor Winner), and Shmil Ben Ari (Best Supporting Actor), this autobiographic drama set in the 1980s centers around the Levis, a large family with a unique lifestyle. Mr. Levi lectures his children daily on the importance of fulfilling their dreams, while his wife preaches absolute family loyalty. When twin brothers, Erez and Ofer, fall in love with the same girl, they must choose between family loyalty and love. Neither boy finds comfort in their self-inflicted situations and later learns one must pursue his heart’s desire without taking his family into account.
In its grand tradition of showcasing the finest of Israeli films, this year IFF will screen the best films produced within the last year and new, crowd pleasing titles never before shown. Due to popular demand, the Festival is proud to present the award winning Academy Award nominated Waltz with Bashir as part of its spotlight on the best of Israeli film industry. This screening will allow audiences to experience the film back on the big screen. This special encore showing will only happen once at the Fine Arts Theater ( Beverly Hills) and once at Laemmle’s Fallbrook 7 ( San Fernando Valley).
All other films in the Festival will screen at two locations: Fine Arts Theatre ( 8556 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills) and Laemmle’s Fallbrook 7 ( 5731 Fallbrook Avenue, San Fernando Valley). The films are in Hebrew with English subtitles.
To purchase tickets for screenings or for further information, please call 1-877-966-5566 or visit www.israelfilmfestival.com. Tickets are available for advance purchase online and at theatre box offices beginning May 18th. Ticket prices are: $12 for general admission, $10 for senior citizens (62 and older), children (under 12) and students with proper ID. Weekday matinees (shows before 6:00 p.m.) are $9 for all filmgoers. A Festival Pass (buy five, get one free) is available for $60.00 (restrictions apply – vouchers must be exchanged at the box office a half-hour prior to showtime and are not available for sold-out screenings). Tickets for Opening Night Screening and Awards Presentation are $125. Tickets can also be purchased at the Fine Arts Theatre box office and the Laemmle Fallbrook box office.
Under the expert supervision of Founder/Executive Director Meir Fenigstein, The Israel Film Festival is presented by IsraFest Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) created in 1982, in association with the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles. The Festival, celebrating its 24th anniversary, is one of the oldest film festival in Southern California, and the only film festival that will visit three American cities: Los Angeles, June 3 – 18; New York, October 21 - November 5; Miami; and December 8 – 17, 2009. The Festival has been responsible for introducing Israeli life and culture to American audiences through the powerful medium of film, providing a comprehensive intercultural exchange and has brought more than 350 Israeli filmmakers to the United States to share their art over the years. Through the years, more than 900,000 filmgoers have experienced the best of Israeli cinema by showcasing more than 800 feature films, documentaries, television dramas, short films and student shorts.
This year’s Sponsors include The Ant Farm, Clear Channel, Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, The Hollywood Reporter, Israel Film Fund, Israel Ministry of Finance, Israel Ministry of Tourism, EL AL Israel Airlines, Israel National Lottery Council for the Arts and Culture, Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Jewish Journal, The LeRoy and Shoshana Schecter Foundation, Maurice Marciano Family Foundation, Modern VideoFilm, Nu Image/Millennium Films, Panavision, Rabinovich Film Fund Cinema Project, Residence Inn Beverly Hills, Security Couriers, Time Warner Cable, Triange Financial Services, and Ynet among others.
Following is a list of the honorees:
John R. Fishel (2009 IFF Humanitarian Award Honoree) assumed the position of president of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles in 1992, after serving as the top professional executive at the Allied Jewish Community Services (the local Jewish federation) in Montreal, Canada since 1985. Mr. Fishel joined Montreal’s Allied Jewish Community Services in 1982 as director of planning. Previously, he had served as executive director of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) and the Council Migration Services in Philadelphia; as planning associate at the Federation of Jewish Agencies of Greater Philadelphia; and as a resource developer for the Ohio State Department of Health.
Robert Lantos (2009 IFF Lifetime Visionary Award Honoree) who was born in Budapest, raised in Montevideo and educated in Montreal, has produced some 35 films including Eastern Promises; Being Julia; Sunshine, and The Sweet Hereafter, which have garnered Academy Award nominations, won Golden Globes, and the Grand Prix in Cannes. Mr. Lantos' most recently released film is the Cannes Award Winner Adoration, and his next film is Barney’s Version starring Paul Giamatti, based on Mordecai Richler’s novel. He holds an Honorary Doctor of Letters from McGill University, is a Director of Entertainment One, Indigo Books, the Jewish Television Network, and is a member of the Order of Canada. He was the founder, Chairman & CEO of Alliance Communications, the Canadian media empire, which he sold in 1998.
Branko Lustig (2009 IFF Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree), born in 1932 to a Croatian-Jewish family, was imprisoned for three years in Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen during WWII. He began his film career in 1955 working on films like Fiddler on the Roof and The Tin Drum before landing a job on Meryl Streep’s unforgettable Sophie’s Choice. He received his first Oscar for Best Picture in 1993 for Schindler's List and his second for Gladiator in 2000. Lustig’s films include The Peacemaker; Hannibal; Black Hawk Down; Kingdom of Heaven; and American Gangster. He recently received an honorary doctorate from the University of Zagreb and teaches film production at the Academy of Dramatic Art.
Diane Warren (2009 IFF Visionary Award Honoree) is one of the most prolific songwriters of all time. Her songs have been featured in more than 100 motion pictures resulting in 6 Academy Award nominations. She has been nominated for 9 Grammys, 4 Golden Globes and has been named ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year 6 times. Warren has written hit songs for such artists as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Cher, Jennifer Hudson, Elton John, Faith Hill and Aerosmith, among many others. Warren also owns her publishing company, Realsongs, the most successful female-owned and operated business in the music industry. As an avid supporter of Israel, she recently wrote an anthem performed at the Tel Aviv Opera House in honor of The Peres Center for Peace. FEATURE FILMS
LOST ISLANDS, West Coast Premiere, Festival Opening Night Film (2008, 103 minutes) Director: Reshef Levy — The biggest Box Office success in Israel in 2008, this autobiographic drama set in the 1980s centers around the Levis, a large family with a unique lifestyle. Mr. Levi lectures his children daily on the importance of fulfilling their dreams, while his wife preaches absolute family loyalty. When twin brothers, Erez and Ofer, fall in love with the same girl, they must choose between family loyalty and love. Neither boy finds comfort in their self-inflicted situations and later learns one must pursue his heart’s desire without taking his family into account.
** Winner - Israeli Academy Film Awards 2008: Best Actor - Michael Moshonov, Best Supporting Actor - Shmil Ben Ari , Best Music - Asaf Amdurski, Best Costume - Rona Doron** Attending on behalf of the film: Reshef Levy – Director, Mosh Danon, Producer
7 DAYS (2008, 103 minutes) —Director: Ronit Elkabets, Shlomi Elkabetz / The Ohayon’s, seven brothers and two sisters, lose their brother Moris. They will not leave the house for the seven days of mourning. Against their true will, they are forced to spend these seven days together, when each one of them bears a potential of destructiveness towards the family. The story describes the breakdown of the expanded family for personal independence, through the personal story of each one of the nine family members and their story as a group.
** Winner- Jerusalem Film Festival 2008: The Wolgin Award for Best Feature Film & Award for Best Actress - Hana Azulay Hasfary Award of the Israeli Film Academy: Best Supporting Actress - Evelin Hagoel & Best Cinematography - Yaron Scharf **
ADAM RESURRECTED (2008, 106 minutes). Director: Paul Schrader. Adam Resurrected follows former Berlin magician and circus impresario Adam Stein an enthralling, enigmatic patient at a remote Israeli rehabilitation outpost for Holocaust survivors. Entertainer, clairvoyant, sophisticate and lothario, Stein veers from brilliance to eroticism, horror and madness, with flashbacks to the physical and psychological demoralization he endured under Commandant Klein in the Stellring death camp Stein appears to have everyone stymied and overawed, but an unusual new patient seems to have the magnetic power to break him free of the grip of his relentless torment.
BRURIAH (2008, 90 minutes). Director: Avraham Kushnir. This story infiltrates and creates turmoil in the life of a religious, Jerusalem family in 2008. The heroine of the film, who also bears the name Bruriah, struggles with a childhood trauma: a life of excommunication which was forced on her following the publication of her father’s book on the same subject. Bruriah goes in search of the one copy of the book which may have survived. Her husband opposes her quest. Bruriah’s desire to find that copy represents a threat to the way of life that he has created for his family. But Bruriah is unwilling to give up. The search for the book becomes a crusade during which she faces the compromises she has made in her life, her desires, and her limitations. Her husband Yaacov, faced with no alternative, decides to prove to his wife that really “women are light-minded.” Attending on behalf of the film: Hadar Galron - Actress
ELI & BEN (2008, 89 minutes). Director: Ori Ravid. Eli is 12-years-old and his world is turned upside down when his father, the City Architect of Herzelya, is charged with taking bribes. The father is taken into custody right before Eli's eyes and the news makes its way into the newspaper and the school ground alike. Eli is convinced that his father is innocent. He intends to draw on the full reserves of his innocence and mischief to see to it that his father is released. But the path would not be easy. Eli will have to face injustice, corruption and pretense, among both adults and children. He will have to shape his own principles and stick to them. In the process he will re-discover his father and taste the bitter sting of first love. Attending on behalf of the film: Mosh Danon - Producer
FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS (2007, 95 minutes). Director: Marco Carmel. In the early 70s, Felix and Mireille and their children Eric and Michel move from Israel to the working-glass Parisian neighborhood of Belleville. The family has barely settled in when Felix meets Serve, a local gang leader. Serge leads Felix down the path of organized crime, until his arrest when Felix decides to step into Serge’s shoes as the leader of the gang. The shame is too much for Mireille to bear so she tells the children their father has gone back to Israel to join the army. But tensions between rival gangs and the discovery of the truth about his father lead Michel to experiment with violence and follow in his father’s footsteps. It’s up to Mireille to find the strength to hold her family together and protect them from themselves.
Attending on behalf of the film: Marco Camel - Director
Preceding provided by Israel Film Festival
Klein gives Israeli-African concert tonight at Lawrence Family JCC
LA JOLLA, California—We previously reported that Israeli musican Omer Klein would perform in a trio tonight (May 12) at 7:30 p.m. the Lawrence Family JCC as part of the San Diego Jewish Music Festival.
Since then, we have received from Klein some New York press reviews along with an audio copy of one of his compositions, "Kavana" (click here to hear).
In a review of his first CD, Introducing Omer Klein, The Village Voice praised his originality: "on the new 'Introducing Omer Klein', he indicates that he's arrived without echoing any of the masters - an accomplishment these days".
All About Jazz noted his "tumultuous lyricism" and Jazz Times described his compositions as "folk songs for the melting pot of the new millennium, with strong Middle Eastern and African elements".
Klein's new CD, Heart Beats, was released in March 2009 with a CD release party at the legendary Blue Note club in New York.
Preceding compiled from material provided by Omer Klein
Media Watch
As part of its coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Israel, the Public Broadcasting System's Religion and Ethics shows recently showed the work of an inter-religious committee of Jews, Christians and Muslims in attempting to bridge gaps and promote understanding. Here is a link.
KNSD, as the local NBC affiliate, played up the finale of this season's "Celebrity Apprentice," pitting two members of the Jewish community--comedian Joan Rivers and poker player Annie Duke-- vying not to hear "you're fired!" from Donald Trump. Duke's father, Richard Lederer (who had been the long time host of KPBS' "A Way With Words") also provided the San Diego station with an interview in anticipation of Trump's decision. Eventually it was Rivers who won.
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Don Harrison found these web images on May 11, 2009 of a music recording and a book on trigonometry, each drawing a phrase from the opening sentence of the Bible. Both illustrate how the words of the Bible permeate popular culture, in which they are transformed, re-interpreted and given new meanings.
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning of God's creating the heavens and the earth...
Please share your photo showing a biblical reference in pop culture —Please send your jpg photo for posting to editor@sandiegojewishheritage.com. If possible, please send it at 72dpi resolution and 400 pixels wide. Please include the name of the photographer, the date and place the photo was taken, and any other relevant caption information.
SAN DIEGO—I am pleased to welcome another distinguished colleague to this online newspaper. I have followed his career for many years and admired his innovative programming of new and old Jewish music.
Cantor David Lefkowitz, the son of
chazzan-composer, Jacob Lefkowitz, is a contemporary and traditional cantor, concert artist, and composer. He also enjoys researching and editing rarely-heard and important synagogue works from many periods and styles.
As a composer and commissioner of new music, Cantor Lefkowitz's primary goal is to transmit the grand musical traditions of the past to the next generation, while embracing the evolving contemporary dynamics of synagogue music. Lefkowitz (pictured at right) has recently celebrated his thirtieth year as cantor of the prestigious Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City.
He received his professional training at the University of Pittsburgh, The Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and The Juilliard School. He is a past president of the American Society for Jewish Music, Vice-President and music director of the David Nowakowsky Foundation, and faculty member of the School of Sacred Music at the Hebrew Union College. His recent honors include a Doctorate of Music from the Jewish Theological Seminary (March '06), the David Putterman Award from the Cantors Assembly (May '03) for Lifetime Achievement in the Cantorate, and a 2003-04 appointment to the Rabbinical Assembly Law Committee.
V'al Ku-lam from David Lefkowitz's CD, Song & Celebration, demonstrates his beautiful lyric tenor voice and the broad diversity of his repertoire. The CD is an eclectic compilation with selections from Jewish liturgy, opera, and oratorio.
"For all these acts, thy Name, O our King, shall be continually blessed and exalted forever and ever. And everything that liveth shall give thanks unto Thee forever, and shall praise thy Name in truth, O God, our salvation andour help. (Selah.) Blessed art Thou, O Lord, whose Name is All-good, and You
are worthy of thanksgiving."
This musical version of V'al Ku-lam was composed by Neil Robinson, whose organ accompaniments with David Lefkowitz at Park Avenue Synagogue are legendary. Robinson composed this work in honor of Cantor Lefkowitz's daughter, Aviya's Bat Mitzvah in 1985.
Song and Celebration was released in 2001. Inquiries about availability may be made to Park Avenue Synagogue, 50 E. 87th Street, New York, New York 10128. t. (212) 369-2600 Please click the ad above Please click the ad above
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History With thanks to Gail Umeham for the transcription
News of the Fox Southwest Jewish Press, March 6, 1953, page 6
All members are asked to pledge one new member for our new membership drive, and plans are being made for a gala membership party.
All members are asked to keep March 9 open so that we can greet Grand President Jack D. Israel, of Dist. Grand Lodge 4. This meeting in cooperation with S.D. Lasker Lodge will be held at the Beth Israel Temple, at 8 p.m. We are sure you will have a very interesting evening. We will dispense with our regular meeting on March 10. So remember March 9.
P.P. John Kluchin was appointed U.J.F. chairman and he will soon call on our members for help. Please assist in this worthy cause.
Glad to hear Charles Juster is on the road to recovery after his recent illness.
Keep March 24th open for a very fine brotherhood meeting with Rabbi Monroe Levens and Rev. Peter Samson as guest speakers.
Stalmaster Fund Of
$15,000 Sought Here Southwestern Jewish Press March 6, 1953, page 6
Jacob J. Lieberman, prominent community and B’nai B’rith leader, has accepted chairmanship of the Stalmaster Memorial Fund, it was announced by Julius Fligelman, president of the Western States Region, American Association for Jewish Education and Dr. Philip L. Seman, Chairman of the Executive Committee.
The Fund will be used to perpetuate the memory and ideals of the late Irvin Stalmaster through the establishment of a Stalmaster Memorial Lectureship which will bring outstanding lecturers, scholars and artists to the more than ninety communities in the eleven western states.
A minimum of $15,000 is needed to launch this project and to maintain it over a period of years.
Serving on the Regional Executive committee of the Fund are I. M. Domnitz and Dr. A. P. Nasatir.
Pioneer Women Southwestern Jewish Press March 6, 1953, page 7
A Board Meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Bessie Fink on March 2nd at which time proceeds of the Purim Ball were sent off to be put to use in Israel where the need is great.
“The Queen Esther contest winner was Rosalyn Anfanger and special mention went to the Bond Queen from Tijuana.
Hostesses for the Post-Purim Luncheon were Mrs. Chas. Login, Mrs. David Arden, Mrs. Dena Weissman, Mrs. A. Glosskotter, Mrs. Arthur Gordon, Mrs. Rebecca Wilson and Mrs. Goldie Kitaen.
Busy Season Planned
By City of Hope Aux. Southwestern Jewish Press March 6, 1953, page 7
Mrs. Jerry Aronoff, President of the City of Hope Auxiliary invites members and friends to attend the next regular meeting to be held Tuesday, March 17, 12 noon at the Beth Jacob Center. Rose Tepper and Becky Bard are co-chairmen of this luncheon meeting.
Berwin, Jacob, aged 84, on Feb. 25. Mr. Berwin was born in New York state and was for many years a wholesale candy salesman. He had resided in California since 1943 and was a member of the Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Services were
conducted by Rabbi Monroe Levens at the Lewis Colonial Mortuary on Feb. 27. Burial graveside services will be held at the Washington Cemetery in Brooklyn, N.Y. Survivors include 2 sons, Elias Berwin and Marcy Berwin, and 3 grandchildren.
Young Jewish Couples Southwestern Jewish Press March 6, 1953, page 8
The Young Jewish Club will conduct Sabbath evening services, Friday night, March 6 at 8:15 at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue. The following club members will participate in them: Ralph Kress, Lois Richmond, Joe Finkelmamn, Isaac Lias, and Esther Alpert. The sermon “Religion and Mental and Emotional Health,” will be delivered by Dr. Jack Levitt, Psychiatrist of the California State Mental Hygiene Clinic.
Games, prizes, dancing and refreshments will be in store for participants of a Hardtimes Party, Sunday evening, March 15, at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Members are asked to come in their most comforetable clothes. Jeans and slacks are perfectly acceptable.
City of Hope Jrs. Plan Card Party Southwestern Jewish Press March 6, 1953, page 8
In celebration of the very first birthday of the City of Hope Junior Auxiliary and also to welcomes the Club’s new men members into the organization, an exciting and gay Anniversary Card Party has been planned by Selma Lindenfeld, chairman and her committee for Sunday evening, March 29th at the North Park Lion’s Club, 3927 Utah St.
Israel Benefit Dinner
To Be Sponsored Southwestern Jewish Press March 6, 1953, page 8
All personal friends of Bernard and Bertha Veitzer as well as those having the interests of the State of Israel at heart are cordially invited to attend a public dinner to be given in their honor. This event celebrating the Veitzer’s 25th wedding anniversary, will take place Saturday, March 14th, at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Center.
The group sponsoring this dinner are: Mrs. Rose Brooker, general chairman; Messrs. And Mmes. George Borushek, Isaac Domnitz, Sol Goodman, B. Mallen, M. Schaffer, Ben Segal, Rubin Umansky, and Nathan Winnicki.
Not only a delicious dinner is promised but there will be a delightful program of entertainment by local talent as well as talent from Los Angeles. The genial Leon Elkind will act as master of ceremonies.
It is hoped that the Veitzer’s son, Leonard, will be present at this celebration as he is slated to go overseas very shortly, being in the armed services.
All proceeds from this affair will be turned over to the Poale Zion Labor Fund. Reservations should be made on or before March 10 by calling any of the following numbers: T-1-8236—W.4587—T-5373.
“Adventures in Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our indexed "Adventures in San Diego Jewish History" series will be a daily feature until we run out of history.
JERUSALEM—
The United States has all that power, and is so cumbersome in the world. It is a leader in science, technology, education, and medicine, yet many of its people are poorly educated and lack access to medical care.
JERUSALEM—At a briefing on Monday for journalists at the Jerusalem press center set up for the visit of the pope, an Israeli newsman demanded to know who had come up with the message that was found in every press packet. "Israel Loves You" read the heart shaped magnet in English. This, after Stas Mezeshnikov, the new tourism minister, had definitively stated in his opening remarks that Pope Benedict XVI is a true friend of Israel. "Certainly not everyone in Israel loves the pope," the Israeli reporter exclaimed.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—
Spanish courts function in a way not well understood by Americans. To begin with, prosecutors and judges are on the same team. There is no Grand Jury before which evidence is presented and charges brought or dropped. In addition, Spain has created for itself "universal jurisdiction" that permits judges to try a case involving any country if the Spanish judge decides the country is either not an "acceptable" democracy or didn't do a "good enough" job investigating itself.
LA JOLLA, California—We 
... 
SAN DIEGO—I am pleased to welcome another distinguished colleague to this online newspaper. I have followed his career for many years and admired his innovative programming of new and old Jewish music.
As a composer and commissioner of new music, Cantor Lefkowitz's primary goal is to transmit the grand musical traditions of the past to the next generation, while embracing the evolving contemporary dynamics of synagogue music. Lefkowitz (pictured at right) has recently celebrated his thirtieth year as cantor of the prestigious Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City. 
