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Sunbelt authors to be featured at
Aug. 29 East County celebration
EL CAJON, California (Press Release)--San Diego Jewish World editor Donald Harrison will be among a group of authors whose books published by Sunbelt Publishing explore a wide range of places and cultures present today in San Diego's East County. Harrison, author of Louis Rose: San Diego's First Jewish Settler, will join the other authors on Saturday, August 29, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Heritage of the Americas Museum on the campus of Cuyamaca College, 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon.
Featured activities include food and wine tasting, live music, an art show, a museum scavenger hunt, a curator-led tour of the museum, drawings for prizes, a silent auction, and book signings by such Sunbelt authors, in addition to Harrison, as Bette Blaydes Pegas, Leland Fetzer, Lowell Lindsay, Donald Harrison, Joey Seymour, Richard Carrico, Gary Mitrovich, and Richard Halsey. Here is a link to a page describing them and their books.
“This event is an opportunity to discover some of East County’s best-kept secrets,” said Miriam Raftery, editor of East County Magazine. “Heritage of the Americas Museum is one of the finest university museums in the Western U.S. We will also have artwork by talented local artists, appearances by authors of local books on East County attractions such as our many wonderful hiking and cycling trails, wines from local vintners, fabulous food, fine musical entertainment, prizes galore, and much more.”
Co-sponsors include East County Magazine, Sunbelt Publications, the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Heritage of the Americas Museum, Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Festivals Music, Gio’s Wine Bar Bistro, Taste of Italy, Spinners Salads & Mediterranean, La Serenissima Winery, Schwaesdall Winery, and San Pasqual Winery.
Auction and drawing prizes include Padres tickets and a baseball autographed by Adrian Gonzales, a private wine tasting party for 10 at a local winery, dinner with firefighters at a fire station, a Trinity River vacation home stay, dinners at local restaurants, YMCA memberships, art classes, hand-crafted items, a “Curator’s Choice” museum gift basket, and artwork including a signed print by famed Western artist Olaf Wieghorst.
Tickets for the August 29 event are $25, or $20 for members of sponsoring organizations. To RSVP, please call (619)698-7617 or email leon@eastcountymagazine.org. Proceeds will benefit East County Magazine, a nonprofit community publication covering news, views and events east of the I-15 in San Diego County. East County Magazine also powers the Viejas Wildfire & Emergency alert service.
30 Jewish women artists share Sept. 10-Oct. 30 JCC exhibit
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– The Gotthelf Art Gallery, part of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS, is pleased to announce the new exhibition Like Water on Rock: Exhibit by the Jewish Women Artists’ Network, running September 10, 2009 – October 30, 2009. Art is for sale, with all proceeds benefiting the artists and the Gotthelf Art Gallery.
An opening night reception with several artists in attendance will be held on Thursday, September 10th at 7:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.
The title of this exhibit relates the phenomenon of the soft continuous drip of water that eventually erodes a hard rock to personal, familial, communal or global challenge and change. The poetry and image of Like Water on Rock provoke a variety of responses and suggests a relationship between time, the human process, the persistence of change and the many layers of meaning that speak to each artist in her own way
Dr. Barbara Gilbert, Senior Curator Emerita of The Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, selected the work for this exhibition. Dr Gilbert points out the great diversity in this exhibition as well as the wide range of personal expression: “Beginning in the nineteen-sixties when artists in greater numbers began to explore the potential of their Jewish heritage, most efforts were identity-based. Like Water on Rock provides an opportunity for artists to transcend this earlier approach, challenging them to think expansively and take ideas and values inherent to Jewish tradition, adapting them to concerns of the larger society.”
The participating artists are: Linda Arreola, Ruth Askren, Madeleine Avirov, Helene Aylon, Carol Buchman, Emily Corbato, Anne Doris-Eisner, Harriet Finck, Karen Frostig, Teresa Gale, Sari Gilbert-Batchelor, Fay Grajower, Beth Haber, Katherine Janus Kahn, Rachel Kanter, Julie Klaper, Wendy Sue Lamm, Elaine Langerman, Aline Mare, Freyda Miller, Priscilla Otani, Margaret Parker, Roxanne Phillips, Cindy Rinne, Launa D. Romoff, Dawn Saks, Masha Schweitzer, Margaret Silverman, Simone Soltan and Marian Yap.
Thirty artists from across the United States were selected to comprise this exhibit. "To have thirty talented Jewish women artists exploring the theme of change is exciting to see, "says Randy Savarese, Gotthelf Art Gallery Committee Chair. "We are excited to give these artists a platform to exhibit their diverse work and the San Diego community an opportunity share art from around the country."
The Jewish Women Artist’s Network is a special interest group within the National Women’s Caucus for Art (WCA) and is the only organization of professional Jewish women artists in the United States.
The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS, is located at 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. Gallery hours are Sunday-Friday, 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
For more information about the Gotthelf Art Gallery and other programs of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture, visit the web site at www.sdcjc.org or call (858) 457-3030.
Seniors should reserve JFS 'On
the Go' trips to High Holidays
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Under Jewish Family Service's ''On The Go" ' transportation program for seniors, door-to-door shuttles to High Holy Day services are free. Seniors (over 60) needing transportation should reserve seats on a Shuttle a minimum of three business days in advance.
The synagogue shuttle serves the following synagogues: Congregation Beth El, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Dor Hadash, Ner Tamid Synagogue, Temple Adat Shalom, Temple Emanu-El, Tifereth Israel Synagogue. For more information, visit the JFS website or call the office at (1-877)-634-6537.
Sept. 17 open house, art show at JFS Patient Advocacy Program
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—An open house and art show of Jewish Family Service's Patient Advocacy Program will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, September 17, at the JFS Patient Advocacy Office at 2710 Adams Avenue in San Diego.
The art show, "Therapeutic Outcomes," will feature paintings, jewelry, sculpture and clothing created by JFS clients and professionals from the advocacy and mental health communities.
Patient Advocates works throughout San Diego Counhty advocating for the right of mentally ill individuals at psychiatric hospitals, Board and Care Facilities, legal hearings and more.
At the open house, Dr. Christopher Morache, a psychiatrist at Sharp Mesa Hospital, will be give the Patient Rights Advocacy Award in recognition of his service and dedication to the rights and dignity of mental health clients.
Reservations are required for this event, and may be made via the JFS website.
Tifereth Israel to observe Selichot with evening of arts
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)--Selichot will be observed as "An Evening of Arts," beginning at 8 p.m., Saturday, September 12. A Havdalah service will be followed by a program of Jewish and Classical Music including works by Bloch, Brahms, two Terezin composers, and Yoav Talmi, performed by Russian-born pianist Irina Bendetsky and the Miryam String Quartet: Eileen Wingard and Myla Wingard, violins; Dorothy Zeavin, viola; and Marcia Bookstein, cello. Visit us to learn more about our musicians.
Next there will be time to browse a display by visiting artist Rachel Rowen who will be available to discuss, display, and offer for purchase, a variety of her Judaica and jewelry pieces. Visit her website for a preview. Wine, cheese and desserts will be served. Finally, At 11:00 p.m. a traditional Selichot service will begin.
One Earth Recycling will accept electronics at Tifereth Israel
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)--In partnership with One Earth Recycling, Tifereth Israel will accept electronic scrap material free of charge, including televisions, computers, cell phones, stereos, and printers from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday, September 13.
One Earth Recycling guarantees data destruction/identity security in the cases of storage devices like hard drives and mobile phones. The organization will also make sure that 100% of the material received is spared from the waste stream.
Tifereth Israel will also accept clean and dry plastic, aluminum, and glass containers including non-CRV containers such as wine bottles, milk bottles, aluminum cat food cans, and food jars.
Tifereth Israel Synagogue will participate in revenues generated by this event. The congregation extends a very special thank you to Josh Turchin and his crew at One Earth Recycling.
Poizner sees increase in car
arsons to collect on policies
LOS ANGELES (Press Release)—California's InsuranceCommissioner Steve Poizner announced on Wednesday that recently compiled Department of Insurance statistics show that financially desperate residents and scam artists may be committing more automobile insurance fraud to cash in on insurance money. The Department of Insurance has seen an increase in suspected auto arson and auto theft fraud referrals last year.
Teens to receive tikkun olam awards in San Francisco ceremony
SAN FRANCISCO (Press Release)--Five Jewish teenagers, including Max Einhorn, 18, of La Jolla, will be presented Helen Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards at noon, Monday, August 31 in the Presidio. They also will receive certificates from a representative of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Einhorn will be recognized for the "Disaster Aware" partnership he formed with the American Red Cross and his disaster preparedness kits in reaction to California wild fires.
Other winners are Erin Schrode, 18, from Ross, who created the "Teens Turning Green" and "Teens Turing Green Dorm Makeovers" programs; Eric Feldman, 18, from Palos Verdes Estates, whose jazz and classical music fundraisers have provided educations for seven Kenyan orphans; Aarn Feuer, 18, of Los Angeles, who has organized students to improve their schools and advocate for legislation in Sacramento; and Jaqueline Rotman, 17, of Santa Barbara, a hip hop dancer who has taught performance arts to kids who might otherwise wind up in gangs.
The five awardees, selected from 135 applicants, will each receive $36,000 at the ceremony.
The Helen Diller Family Foundation released the following descriptions of the honorees' contributions:
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Max Einhorn (La Jolla): Founder of "Disaster Aware" and La Jolla High School's Entrepreneurs Club.The devastation and destruction caused by wildfires ripping through SanDiego County in 2007, opened Max Einhorn's eyes to an alarming truth: howfew of his fellow San Diegans were adequately prepared for naturaldisasters-and how that lack of preparedness presents a grave danger foreveryone. "I looked into buying a disaster kit for my family, and thenrealized that no one had one," Max said. Max worked entrepreneurially withthe American Red Cross and his high school to start a social businesscalled "Disaster Aware." The group raised more than $10,000 for SanDiego's 2-1-1 service, educated more than 1600 families about naturaldisasters, and has sold more than 300 customized disaster survival kits. Under Max's leadership, a sustainable "Disaster Aware" business model and educational materials have been presented to, and adopted by, many area
groups, businesses and schools.
Eric Feldman (Palos Verdes Estates): "Just One Night" Fundraising Concerts for Orphaned Children in Kenya. By producing Jazz and classical music concerts, coordinating schoolassemblies and pursuing corporate sponsorships, Eric Feldman has raised nearly $40,000 to sponsor the education of seven orphaned children in Kenya. Eric was inspired by his grandfather and other members of his family who taught him about tikkun olam as he "tagged along to see myfather's patients, deliver Meals-on-Wheels, and visit half-way houses."What started as a dream to save just one child after Eric read about the lack of education available to African orphans became "Just One Night," his first fundraiser, reflecting the knowledge that one night of giving would change a child's life forever. He even engaged his nine year old sister and organized a read-a-thon at her elementary school, and arranged for the Kenya Boys' Choir to perform at his high school.
Aaron Feuer (Los Angeles): President, California Association of Student Councils. With new budget cuts of $650 million (added to $11 billion previous cuts) for California public schools, education will depend more and more on compromise and community action. Aaron Feuer recognized the need early on to engage and empower students of all socioeconomic backgrounds and help them to improve their schools and fight for dynamic policy change "from the ground up." He's focused on "reinvigorating our student councils as the vehicles for change, providing leadership training for students from all backgrounds and giving students from across the academic and socioeconomic spectrum opportunities to lead and speak up about important school issues." He initiated and organized the first Los Angeles Youth Summit, doubled participation in the California Association of Student Council's leadership training programs, added 17 new leadership training programs, and coordinated two statewide conferences that resulted in presentations to The State Board of Education and several pieces of new legislation including a pending Senate bill that will enablestudent-teacher feedback.
Jacqueline Rotman (Santa Barbara): "Everybody Dance Now!" Positive Outlets for At-Risk Youth. Inspired to take action at a young age, Jackie was just twelve years old
when her dance group performed a hip-hop routine for eighty teens withdisabilities. When the audio system failed, she instinctively took the lead and adapted the performance "by inviting audience members onstage to have their own opportunity to express themselves freely through movement." Five years later, she hasn't forgotten "the way it felt to see those teenagers full of self-confidence and adrenaline from dancing." Since 2005, "Everybody Dance Now!" has sought to provide a positive creativeoutlet for nearly 2,000 Santa Barbara young people considered destined formembership in gangs. Through this program Jackie helps combat peer pressure, build self-esteem and foster healthy lifestyles, while promoting diversity and global culture by offering world dance classes and communityservice outreach to the elderly, terminally ill and disabled.
Erin Schrode (Ross): "Teens Turning Green" and "Teens for Safe Cosmetics."Erin sees herself as "the ultimate green girl," for whom"eco-consciousness forms the lens through which I view my entire life." This young eco-renaissance woman from Marin County is the founding memberand spokesperson for "Teens Turning Green," a national teen movementfocused on transforming the world by investigating harmful environmental
exposures, advocating for policy and behavioral change and creatingawareness of healthy lifestyle choices. She's as passionate about going to battle with financially powerful companies producing "toxin-riddenproducts," as she is penning her weekly column for the Marin Independent Journal or her "Sustainable Beauty" blog. She's inspired millions of teens about sustainability, race awareness and other issues with national media appearances ranging from E! Entertainment, ABC News and Planet Green, to Family Circle, Seventeen, The New York Times and Teen Vogu
Letter to the Editor
Major donor decries cancellation
of Sept. 13 'Walk for Israel'
Editor, San Diego Jewish World
I was the honorary co-chair for the Walk to Support Israel organized by Dan and Nina Brodsky that was planned for September 13th in San Diego,but which was, unfortunately, canceled.
I just read your article on the walk and I wanted to give you my view on its cancellation.
The walk was canceled because of seeds of doubt that were planted in the minds of some of the major organizations who had previously offered their full support: "What if there is a violent incident" "Who will be liable" "We need more time to prepare." Nonsense! There was plenty of time to prepare for the march, and there was a very good reason for sticking with the September 13th date; Dan and Nina chose that date
because it coincided with The Night to Honor Israel event sponsored by CUFI (Christians United for Israel).
Although I certainly agree that a walk, like any event, needs planning. But, unlike sending a rocket ship to the moon, a walk is quitesimple....you need a permit, you need toilets, you need banners andposters, you need speakers, you need police. And,Dan and Nina had all of those bases covered. Did they have contingencyplans for a bio-terrorist attack or a truck bomb driven into the crowdby angry Palestinians? No...but they had plans in place for all of the reasonable contingencies.
And, in view of that, I am very disappointed that the community didn't simply go forward and support this very worthwhile and necessary endeavor.
The key element to success in any endeavor is PASSION, and that is what Dan and Nina have, and that is what many other people lack....instead, a few people let potential pitfalls and worries about liability get in the way of what would have been a very successful and winning event.
Instead of enhancing the image of Israel in the minds of San Diegans, these nitpickers have tarnished the image of Jews and their supporters.
What a shame!
Robert J. Shillman
Rancho Santa Fe, California
Volunteer hopes Walk for Israel can be reinstated
Editor, San Diego Jewish World:
I have read your article about the cancellation of the Walk for Israel and would like to share excerpts of some letters I wrote, attempting to revive the walk after the UJF withdrawal.
First I wrote to Steve Morris at the UJF requesting that he reconsider their abandonment of support for the September 13th walk. Excerpts from that letter follows:
"I received the UJF announcement of its support that was important, desirable and commendable. I was overjoyed at the outpouring of interest from a remarkably broad spectrum of the San Diego community.
Suddenly, you announced that the event was cancelled. I am now hearing an outpouring of disappointment, discouragement and distress. The\ organization, CUFI, has their beautiful event, A Night to Honor Israel planned for that night. The Israel Walk was an excellent cooperative] opportunity...
Please reconsider your involvement in the outpouring of devotion to Israel that this event affords our community. Let San Diego be the first to piggyback a Walk for Israel on to each and every future Night to Honor Israel."
I did not get a response to my letter so in a desperate effort to rally the community I wrote the following letter via e-mail correspondence to my list.
"Dear Friends,
On August 16th Dan and Nina Brodsky cancelled the walk for Israel "due to the sudden and unexpected withdrawal of UJF sponsorship." The United Jewish Federation did not explain their withdrawal.
The Brodskys and their multitude of volunteers had organized the location, speakers (including from the Consulate General in Los Angeles), route of the walk, parking for participants, San Diego and Harbor Police protection (for the over 1000 expected participants), a protocol for signs, water supplies and all of the key components. The organizing was done efficiently and competently. The Brodsky's are superbly capable supporters of Israel who brought the Friends of the IDF organization to San Diego and grew it to a $2,000,000 (San Diego based) four-star rated charitable organization.
Initially, the UJF executive's committee promoted the event in their August Community ENEWS This contributed to the palpable community-wide momentum. An organization with so much power must be held responsible for canceling a community event to which 37 Jewish organizations and multiple Christian churches were committed. In these difficult economic
times, we should be proud and supportive of community efforts which don't unnecessarily use up UJF resources but which should expect UJF promotion.
The walk presented a unique precedent-setting opportunity for Jews and Christians to cooperatively and publicly display their support of Israel in advance of the 'Night to Honor Israel' event that is sponsored by Christians United for Israel in partnership with the San Diego UJF (sign up now for the September 13 night time event at http://www.cufisd.com/)
On August 17th, I wrote to Steven Morris, the new Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego UJF to request that he reconsider the cancellation of the Walk for Israel on September 13th. I have not received a reply. Time is of the essence. Please call (858-571-3444) and write to Steve Morris, his staff or
the Executive Board at the UJF to express your disappointment, insist the walk take place, and request an explanation including an apology to the many volunteers.
Israel and its supporters are the losers in this sudden turn of events. We live in precarious times; Israel's very existence is threatened by the rogue Islamic Republic of Iran which is on the verge of producing nuclear weapons that will permanently change the balance of power in the world.
The efforts of individuals in our community who work tirelessly with all their heart and soul to positively strengthen Israel should not be dismissed arbitrarily but should be respected and appreciated.
Please contact the UJF immediately."
I did not get the courtesy of a response, from the UJF, to this letter either.
I am alarmed that a powerful Jewish umbrella organization can so easily defeat the plans of 37 Jewish organizations which were led by capable and devoted organizers to publicly support Israel.
The visionary plan to piggyback the Walk for Israel on to the Night to Honor Israel might have caught on in cities across the country. It could have brought Christians and Jews together in the common cause of supporting Israel while avoiding issues of politics and proselytizing.
This was a lost opportunity of significant magnitude. The UJF has a responsibility to support the diverse efforts of great Jewish individuals and organizations. They also have a responsibility to refrain from bullying.
Linda Sax
San Diego
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