San DiegoJewish World San Diego's Online Jewish Newspaper

By Shoshana Bryen

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Out of the 2006 Lebanon War and the 2008/9 Operation Cast Lead (the IDF against Iranian proxies Hezbollah and Hamas) coalesced the Middle Eastern anti-Iran axis of Israel plus Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf States except Qatar. The Sunni Arab countries greeted President Obama's early overtures to the Iranian government with such alarm that Secretary of Defense Gates and then President Obama himself dashed off to Egypt and Saudi Arabia to reassure them. [Egypt, of course, was already on the President's schedule, but Saudi Arabia was a late addition.]

So one might think the new Iranian revolution would make the axis happy. At its best, it could remove the Shiite clerical rulers, upsetting Iranian funding and the influence of some of the most malign forces in the region, changing the balance in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and the Palestinian territories just for starters. It would discomfit Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. It is unlikely that a new Iranian government would pursue nuclear weapons, Shiite triumphalism or the harassment of Hosni Mubarak by Hezbollah.

But among the axis members, only democratic Israel has unmixed feelings as it watches the people of Iran trying to make themselves heard and their influence felt against their repressive government.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf States including Qatar are all, themselves, repressive governments. They may well hate the Iranian government as Shiite, Persian and expansionist - but in their heart of hearts they identify with a government that controls the levers of power in the government, media and security forces. Popular revolution terrifies them all because the next one could be against them, especially now.

The ability of people to network means pro-democracy forces around the Arab world are watching and rooting for the people against the government. Inside Iran, the uprising is now less about the election than about throwing off dictators, repression and fear. Win or lose for the Iranians, how long will it be before small-d democrats in Egypt and Saudi Arabia turn their anger against their own dictators?

The djinni is out of the bottle, so to speak.

If the region's secular Arab dictators fear revolution, the United States apparently fears that Sunni fundamentalists would win open elections. But there is no reason to think people in the Arab world crave to make the mistakes of the Persians. In the last parliamentary election in Jordan, Islamists received 5.5% of the vote.

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In American policy there is - or should be - a difference between undermining a friendly dictator (Mubarak, for example) and giving him tools to try to prevent his overthrow by his own people. The elements of consensual government - not quick elections among anti-democratic groups, but the freedoms that permit free and fair elections: a free press, free association and free speech; and the protection of minorities and women - could help open the pressure release valve and permit the maturation of both the government and the citizenry. The only other way to release that pressure is on view in Tehran.

If President Obama and Secretary Clinton could only find their pre-election voices, they could provide succor to the Iranian people and hope to the people of the Arab world at the same time.

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 JINSA supporter and national board member.

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The Jews Down Under ... Roundup of Australian Jewish News by Garry Fabian

Second Generation Survivor's
one-woman play a hit

MELBOURNE - Jewish comedian Rachel Berger's story is not unlike that of many Australians.

The daughter of struggling immigrants seeking to make a better life for their child, Berger grew up in her parents' delicatessen shop in iconic Acland Street, St Kilda.

It is this story that Berger recounts in her self-written, self-produced one-woman show, Hold the Pickle, which is back after unprecedented success for its third season.

For Berger, the success of the show came as somewhat of a surprise.

Though Berger has been a stand-up comedian for two decades, when Hold the Pickle opened in 2008 at Carlton's La Mama Theatre, it was her first-ever theatrical performance.

It is the universality of her story that Berger believes has contributed to her show's success.

"At a time when there is more migration around the world, perhaps the most since World War II, I wanted to deliver a play about them and survival to convey that you can't always control what happens to you in life, but you can control how you feel," Berger says.

"Lots of people stayed after [the performance] and told me their stories. That's really a privilege to hear. What has been said to me, especially by Holocaust survivors, is that they
never realised their children understood. That has been very validating."

Further validation came when the show received three Green Room nominations, including best female performer and best lighting in an independent show, and new writing for the Australian stage.

"It's affirming because you take this huge leap like Evil Knievel to see if you can jump over all these cars and [when] you get to the other side, you think, 'well I did it and it worked.'"

In this season of the play, Berger is reaching out to a new audience, performing for the first time to school groups -- an audience she previously restricted from seeing the show.

"I had it down for no-one under 18. I didn't want [them] to have to hear this stuff. I am not a parent I don't know what they want to see and I thought it would be boring and way too historical," Berger explains.

The dramatic change came after Berger was approached by the principal of Carey Grammar School, who said she believed years 10 to 12 students would benefit from seeing the show.

Despite being "terrified" by the idea, Berger is staging two performances especially for schools -- one for Carey Grammar and the other for Bialik College.

As for what's next for Berger, after this season she hopes to take the show on the road, with the ultimate goal of holding the pickle for audiences in New York.

"It will get the audience it deserves there," she says.

Genealogist Sharpe receives
Order of Australia medal

MELBOURNE—Academic, communal worker and genealogist Lionel Sharpe has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday honours.

Sharpe, 77, is currently a research associate at Monash University's School of Historical Studies.

The Caulfield grandfather of three was recognised for his services to Jewish welfare organisations and the Jewish community generally.

"I'm surprised and honoured. What else can I say?" Sharpe said when interviewed

Sharpe was born in Australia and worked in his Russian-born father's Melbourne business before completing a bachelor of arts in psychology. He later joined the Jewish Welfare Society (now Jewish Care).

In 1989, when he had already been a long-time worker for the welfare society, he was approached to join a Mount Scopus Memorial College advisory committee that supported pupils with disabilities.

"At the time, there were perhaps around 10 kids with special needs in our Jewish schools. Today, there is funding for more than 190 children," he said.

After a number of years on the Mount Scopus committee, Sharpe became involved in the Posh Op Shop project, which raises money for special-needs children in Jewish schools.

Through the Posh Op Shop, around $500,000 in funding has been made available annually and is distributed to individual children on a "needs basis," he said.

When Sharpe's daughter Monique brought home a family-tree project during her school years, a dad's helping hand led him to discover one of his great passions, genealogy.

Sharpe attended a lecture by Sophie Caplan, then president of the Australian Jewish Genealogical Society (AJGS), and soon became absorbed in the field.

Today he is secretary of AJGS in Victoria, and one of his many projects was to visit Germany last year with AJGS colleagues to examine a former Nazi archive at Bad Arolsen. The archive
has been digitised and placed on a database for access by Shoah survivors.

Record turnout at Limud Oz

SYDNEY-A record turnout of more than 1100 participants attended Limmud-Oz 2009, held earlier this month at The University of NSW.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout," Shalom Institute's education director Peta Jones Pellach said.

"We had dozens of people coming back and signing up for more. They just couldn't get enough."

This year's festival offered more than 200 sessions over 250 hours, with 180 international, local and interstate speakers. Up to 14 sessions were offered every hour.

"The atmosphere was electric, with people going from session-to-session still engaged in their last stimulating discussion, enjoying the live music and art exhibition, stocking up their
personal Jewish library at the bookstall, or shmoozing with friends, presenters and even with strangers until late into the night," Pellach said.

Popular presenters included Israeli journalist and commentator Ehud Ya'ari, StandWithUs advocate Michelle Rojas, filmmaker and educator Channa Pinchasi, African-American hip-hop artist Y-Love, The Great Synagogue's Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence, Emanuel Synagogue's Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins and psychologist Bettina Arndt.

"The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive," Limmud-Oz coordinator Michael Misrachi said.

"People are saying that this was the best Limmud-Oz ever. Limmud-Oz represents many of the great things about the Sydney Jewish community. Unity, volunteerism, spirited discussion and commitment to learning are some of the many things that make Limmud-Oz the jewel in the crown of our Jewish community."

Limmud-Oz, which was launched in 1999, is a community-wide festival celebrating Jewish learning and creativity.

Bleiberg's new team on a mission

BRISANE- Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg has begun putting his team through its paces for its inaugural A-League season, moulding a side that he says "needs to play good football".

The outspoken Israeli showed off his club's three new Brazilian recruits after saying that he feels the unique privilege of building a team from scratch means there will be no excuses if his side doesn't showcase an attractive style.

"We are in the entertainment business. There's no point winning 1-0. It's no good for football, no good for Gold Coast United," Bleiberg told The AJN.

"We're too preoccupied with English football, but we all saw in the European cup final [where Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0] -- no-one said you can't play good football and still win games."

Bleiberg last appeared in an A-League dugout with the Queensland Roar in November 2006, and he says what he learnt from his first stint in the A-League has helped him as he assembled his brand new squad.

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"I'm happy and excited because we are going to have a good team," he said.

"But I'm also privileged that I can start and mould the club from A to Z as I want it. It's a privilege that others never had, not even Sir Alex Ferguson ... if you're smart you should do
it better than last time and that I believe is the case here."

Gold Coast United seems the perfect mix for the
flamboyant Israeli, who is never afraid to speak his mind.

Bleiberg's boss is the equally forthright Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer, who has boldly declared his side will dominate the league next season.

The glitz and bravado of the Coast has contrasted the relative quiet of fellow new boy North Queensland Thunder, but Bleiberg doesn't understand the fuss over the owner's big plans.

"It still amazes me that people are so surprised. I believe if you do a survey between the chairmen, I don't believe one will tell you they aren't going to win it."

With the squad they have assembled, they are given every chance of vying for the title.

From former Juventus goalkeeper Jess van Strattan at the back through to reigning A-League player of the year Shane Smeltz up front, the side oozes quality and is almost worthy of being dubbed the competition's dream team.

While Bleiberg stopped short of saying his side would win the league, he believes he's got enough depth to give it a real shake.

"I'm satisfied because if you're smart you realise it's not all about your first eleven it's about the depth of the team from number 12 through to number 20. We have excellent back-up players." Bleiberg said.

Second-stringers, such as former Melbourne Victory squad members Steve Pantelidis and Daniel Piorkowski, "show our strength ... to find them both unemployed is stupidity by other clubs as they are players with a lot to prove".

The other player with a point to prove is the man on every local football fan's lips -- Jason Culina.

Bleiberg managed to prize the first-team Socceroo back and the coach is adamant he'll be "in the top three players in the league".

"He hasn't started to train yet, but he's buzzing around," he added.

"People don't realise, a dollar more, a dollar less, it doesn't matter. It is a lot different to be a fringe player at one club and a main actor at another.

"He's now the main one in Gold Coast United, and it's one of the reasons that brought him back".

Where does he stand alongside Dwight Yorke or Robbie Fowler?

"The fact is, so far all the marquee players that came to our shore were closer to 40 than 20, age-wise.

"Here we got a guy in the prime of his career. You can't quantify it, but by my calculation he should be in the top three players in the A-League."

Access Open for Business

MELBOURNE - Access Inc has officially opened its first shop and community centre in Melbourne.

Premised on promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of the community, Access opened the store to create an integrated environment for people with special needs, teaching life lessons and creating business opportunities.

"This shop is about building self-esteem, creating a retail establishment and hopefully preparing kids for future employment", president of Access Fundraising Group, Lenny Gross said.

Held on Sunday 21st June, the store opening saw hundreds of people turn out to show their support. Access volunteers offered food, played music and performed magic tricks in the lead-up to the formalities. Packaged dried fruit, nuts and candy, potted plants, honey pots and arts and crafts and craft
items, including greeting cards and fridge magnets, Rosh Hashanah plates are currently for purchase in the store. Having recently received kosher certification and a green light from health authorities, freshly-backed kosher biscuits will also be available shortly.

Fabian is Australia bureau chief for San Diego Jewish World. Email: fabiang@sandiegojewishworld.com

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ADVENTURES WITH ULLA

A journey to one of the world's deepest mysteries

By Ulla Hadar

MOSHAV NAAMA, Bekaa Valley, Israel—Only a few days after returning from an expedition to Albania, I found myself travelling again, this time to the lowest place on Earth -The Dead Sea and Jericho. The trip was a result of an invitation to participate in a press tour of a newly discovered cave that served the early Christian church.

Always ready for an adventure and joined by Rafi (my husband) as a companion and photographer off we went. We were met at the entrance of Moshav Naama, situated 16 kilometers north of Jericho by Professor Adam Zertal, who is an archeologist and professor from the Haifa University. He gathered all the media, then conducted the group to a point about a kilometer east of the moshav. With the bare eye you do not notice anything out of the ordinary.

BRIEFING—Professor Adam Zertal, holding map, gives reporters a briefing near the entrance to the cave discovered close to Jericho.

The heat was quite unbearable and I wondered how people live in the Bekaa Valley throughout the entire summer. The temperature had soared well beyond normal limits and it was only 10 a.m.

Zertal, 73, from kibbutz Ein Shemer, is the son of Moshe Zilbertal z"l who was once head of the Shomer Hazair movement. Zilbertal used to send out envoys to meet Jewish youth living in the Diaspora some 60 years ago, and one of the people he dispatched to Italy was my father in law Eldad Hadar.

Adam Zertal is a well known researcher in biblical archaeology; among his findings was the site of the altar on Mount Ebal, the place mentioned in Deuteronomy 11:29: “It shall be that when Hashem, your God, brings you to the Land to which you come, to possess it, then you shall deliver the blessing on Munt Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal.” (Tanach, Stone Edition)

HOLE IN THE GROUND ENTRANCE—Our correspondent Ulla Hadar (pictured) notes that as seen from the desert floor, the entrance to the underground cave does not even hint at the remarkable sights below.

During a more archeological survey in March 2009 of the lower Jordan Valley, led by Zertal, researchers found a big hole in the ground, some three miles northeast of Jericho. Bedouins living in the area warned the researchers against entering the hole, telling them it was a cursed cave, visited by evil spirits and inhabited by jackals and wolves. Nevertheless, the team did not hesitate and entered the cave where an amazing discovery was revealed in front of their eyes.

Hearing this introduction outside the cave, I found myself greatly anticipating going inside. On one hand, it was very hot

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outside and surely it would be better to be underground. Additionally, I was now quite curious to see for myself the discovery.

The descent to the cave is very steep. My admiration went to Professor Zertal as he walked with his crutches in the most elegant way, moving quickly over the stones and entering.

My breath stopped for a second inside the cave. The view was astonishing. Combined with the fact that for centuries this site had not been used, and that we were among the first groups of visitors to see and tread this ancestral place made it even more unique.

The cave covers a full acre. It measures 100 meters long, 25-30 meters wide and approximately 5 meters high. The cave is situated 10 meters below the ground. This underground structure holds 15 rooms of different sizes and is supported by 22 giant pillars. There are to be found 31 engraved cross markings on the pillars, and furthermore an engraving resembling the zodiac symbol, Roman letters and a marking resembling the Roman Legion's pennant.

Stone carving, possibly a Zodiac sign

The cave is the largest underground quarry in Israel and seems to have been in use from the beginning of the first century. Probably because of the quality of the stones (sand and chalk) this quarry provided building material for houses and churches in the area stretching from Beit Shean to Masada.

The cave is quite a mystery since there are no other similar caves to compare these findings with. But Professor Zertal reckons that the ceramics found and the engravings on the pillars date to between 1 CE and 600 CE. While the cave probably served as a quarry for more than half a millenium, there are indications that the place may also have been used as a monastery and possibly as a hiding place.

An important question was why the quarry was constructed inside a cave, rather than above ground as quarries typically are today. Digging down under the surface and then bringing the stones up to ground level demanded a lot of effort.

For a possible answer Zertal showed us the picture of the famous Madaba map, which is the oldest existing Byzantine map of Palestine. The map is made out of Mosaic stones.

The map pictures larger cities and villages. On the map is a place called Galgala with a Greek decription "Dodekaliton" next to it. This translates to "Twelve stones.” The map indicated that place was about two Roman miles from Jericho, which matches this cave’s distance from Jericho. According to the map there was a church next to Dodekaliton; today one can find two ancient churches near the newly discovered cave.

Zertal hypothesized that the meaning of "Twelve Stones" related to the Biblical verses that describe the twelve stone as the Children of Israel.

"During the Roman era, it was customary to construct temples of stones that were brought from holy places, and which were therefore more valuable stones,” the professor said. “If our assumption is correct, then the Byzantine identification of the place as the biblical Gilgal afforded the site its necessary reverence and that is also why they dug an underground quarry there."

He added :"Much more research is needed."

To view a Reuters video of the cave (preceded by a commercial), click here:

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SARA-N-DIPITY PLACE

WATER TOO—Todd Salovey holds box of knaidlach, Gustavo Bulgach holds his clarinet (a key instrument for klezmer) and
at right, Alexander Gourevitch smiles during Klezmer Festival at San Diego Repertory Theatre.

Klezmer and knaidlach: a stirring and filling combination

By Sara Appel-Lennon

SAN DIEGO- Klezmer music filled the audience's ears and kosher matzo ball soup their stomachs during intermission at the "Klezmer and Knaidlach" event on Monday June 22, at the San Diego Repertory Theatre. The 9th Annual Klezmer Summit was part of the 16th Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival.

To whet our appetites, there was a pre-show discussion between Todd Salovey who is the festival artistic director/producer as well as associate artistic director of the San Diego Rep, and Gustavo Bulgach, lead musician and clarinetist of Klezmer Juice.

Although Bulgach is a second generation Argentine, all four of his Russian-speaking grandparents came from the area around Kiev in the Ukraine. His paternal grandfather emigrated to New York and on to Argentina, where Bulgach was later born and taught to play Klezmer music. His grandfather advised him "Never give it up. Do Jewish music."

Bulgach said, "Klezmer music is folk music with a strong tradition and a contemporary mind…It keeps the spirit of Yiddish strong. Jewish culture separated from religion is alive."

A journalist once asked him what Klezmer music was to him. Bulgach responded that it's like trying to catch a soapy pig that slips out of your hands and runs free when you try to catch it. Salovey, who is an Orthodox Jew, wrinkled his nose at this analogy, and said it was like soapy knaidlach not a soapy pig.

A patron asked about the difference between Klezmer and Jazz. Bulgach said, "Klezmer is theme and variation, Jazz is theme and improvisation."

South Americans are receptive to Klezmer music partly because Bulgach recruited from their ranks many of the Klezmer musicians during the past five years.

Klezmer Juice is comprised of Bulgach,band leader and clarinetist from Argentina, Antonio de Santanna, bass guitarist from Brazil, Nicole Falzone, drummer from Brazil, and Ken Rosser, acoustic guitarist, from Baltimore, Maryland.

The band starts all their concerts with the song, Oseh Shalom because it creates conscious peace. The band also played the first song Bulgach's grandfather taught him, "Yoshke, Yoshke."

The band played an original song of Bulgach's, "Librescu Tango." It was a memorable yet sad moment since Bulgach wrote it in tribute to Professor Liviu Libresco, the professor who gave his own life to protect that of his students in the April 2007 Virginia Tech Massacre in which 32 persons were killed before a gunman took his own life.

While researching Librescu's life, he learned that not only was Librescu a Holocaust survivor from Romania, but that he only received permission to leave Romania in 1976 after Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin created a bond with Romania.

Klezmer Juice played "Hava Nagila," which they played in the movie, Wedding Crashers, other Jewish hand clapping songs, and ended with Dona Dona.

Opening the concert were The Freilechs, from Tijuana

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Mexico. The group was led by clarinetist Alexander Gourevitch, and included his violinist daughter, Natalia Vostriakova; pianist Pavel Getman, and percussionist Juan C. Maria Sanchez. Gourevitch, originally from Russia, was trained as a classical clarinet player since Klezmer music was forbidden at the time.

The tone of the concert changed when the band played a song in memory of Gourevitch's late wife and Vostrakova's late mother. This is a tribute that they perform at every concert to keep her memory alive.

Freilech means happy in Yiddish. Gourevitch epitomizes freilech as he moves his whole body as he plays clarinet and he walks up and down the aisles while performing some of his upbeat melodies. Daughter Vostriakova occasionally smiled endearingly, lighting up the stage.

Klezmer Juice and The Freilechs provided upbeat as well as serious Klezmer melodies to an audience who wanted even larger portions of Klezmer music and knaidlach.

Appel-Lennon's email: appels@jewishsightseeing.com

*
Here are some responses to the author's recent column on meditation instructor Jeff Zlotnik:

Great article. I've know the "MAN" in the article for about thirty plus years. Absolutely a super young man. (and a great ball player)

Len Hoisman, San Diego, CA

I'm truly in tears. This is beautiful and so strange to read, but I love it. I can not thank you enough for this, as I know it will lead to more people sitting and being still with their thoughts. Thank you ...

Peace and l ove,
Jeff Zlotnik, San Diego, CA

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MUSIC NOTES

Talent? That's only a small part of success formula

By David Amos

SAN DIEGO—As a continuation of last week’s article, the story of the legendary pianist Simon Barere is a true puzzle. How could it be that a performer of his stature, recognized by the press and by his peers among the most celebrated of their time as the greatest, could never rise to what we call “superstar” status, and became virtually forgotten only fifty years later?

After all, he did perform 22 hugely successful concerts and 16 sensational recitals at Carnegie Hall between 1936 and 1951.

Impresario Jacques Leiser’s interview with Barere’s son, Boris, revealed some interesting insights.

In Chicago in 1941, Simon Barere and Rachmaninoff were having lunch. Rachmaninoff commented, “Simon, you are aware of the fact that your pianistic genius is the least contributing factor to your success." To which Barere replied, “Yes, I am beginning to realize it, but, what do you want me to do, quit?” Clearly, the business angle was the problem.

Lady Luck sometimes does strange twists and turns. Around 1932, when the Jewish persecution started and the Bareres were still in Germany, Simon B. lost over sixty concerts, which were canceled because he was Jewish. He found some casual work playing for films in Hamburg and in a vaudeville show. Although he was a success in his London debut, his manager died suddenly, and again he found himself out in the cold. He tried booking concerts in the U.S., but it coincided with the Depression, and again, his timing was off.

Curiously, Barere’s acrobatic technical ability, practically flawless memory and his uncanny ability to interpret well known piano music with such freshness permitted him to practice very little for upcoming recitals even when the music was horrendously difficult. His strictly intuitive facility and natural talents made him the envy of his piano virtuoso contemporaries. There were some people in medicine who thought that he was a neurological accident, in his ability to play so fast when needed, or the way he manipulated his fingers with extraordinary coordination.

Whether it be the string of unfortunate events that worked against him, or his lack of attention to the business side of his career, Barere was constantly in financial trouble.

But, I have personally seen the exact opposite. There are many famous and nearly famous musicians amongst us (not in San Diego, of course!), or others whom I have known in the past, that with the most marginal music abilities, are so good at selling themselves through self promotion, vanity projects and choreographed praise, that have been able to carve for themselves a fairly good career in music. And with the right reviews, support from other musicians, a few successful competitions and good managements, most music lovers can hardly tell the difference between “OK” and truly great.

There are countless musicians today who keep winning competitions by wowing the judges and the public by playing simply loud and fast, without as much as an artistic brain cell in action. But, many get away with this and some of them have spectacular careers.

And, of course, other contributing factors to success and fame, as it would be in any field, are the individuals' burning desire to be successful, an obsession to reach one’s goals, vanity, a certain degree of risk-taking, arrogance, charisma, personal connections, luck, a sponsor, a mentor, and in many cases, money.

What was wrong with the Barere formula? The elements were: A phenomenal talent, early discrimination (being in the wrong place at the wrong time), unfortunate timing, poor business and

self-promoting instincts, and possibly lack of drive and vanity. Or, he could have been stereotyped by agents and managers by the

kind of music he made, even part-time. “If he plays cocktail lounge and music for movies, how good can he really be?” How wrong can this be!

Maybe he could not get past the very snobbish, self appointed short-sighted pseudo-visionaries, living in their own bubble of comfort and clueless as to their own vision of what good music is all about.

All these interesting facts are now public record thanks to Jacques Leiser’s energy and enthusiasm for Simon Barere’s playing, which inspired his research and interviews.

Amos is conductor of the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra and guest conductor with orchestras around the world.

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Bible in Pop Culture: Products of heaven and earth...

Genesis 2:4

These are the products of the heaven and the earth when they were created on the day that Hashem God made earth and heaven.

In Gateshead, United Kingdom, the Ethical Superstore markets products from all over the world reflecting the need to protect the earth's ecology. At left is "Heaven On Earth," an organic wine from South Africa.

Do you have a photo that you think illustrates how a biblical verse has worked its way into pop culture. Please send it to us for possible publication in this series, "The Bible in Pop Culture."

You may send your jpg photo for posting online to us at San Diego Jewish World, emailing it 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.

For our growing "Pop Bible" collection please see Bible in pop culture index

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San Diego County Jewish news and publicity

Torah portion for this Shabbat

Parshat Korach from G-dcast.com More Torah cartoons at www.g-dcast.com. To see the San Diego Jewish World list of San Diego County synagogues, click here

J*Pride moves from LFJCC to Hillcrest; hires program director

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) - The Board of Directors of J*Pride San Diegoannounced several major enhancements that will transform the seven year-old organization into a vibrant and active part of the LGBT Jewish Community.

In addition to the appointment of Floridian Mickey Stone as full-time Program Director, J*Pride will relocate from its former home at the Lawrence FamilyJewish Community Center and be housed in Hillcrest with the San Diego
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community Center.

The organization will also launch an inclusiveness training initiative designed to provide resources and strategies for Jewish educators. “We were founded in 2002 to help
empower LGBT Jews and provide opportunities to connect with each other andthe Jewish community at large,” explained Board Chair Seth Krosner, M.D. “We truly appreciate the support of the staff and board of the JCC, and we have
grown to the stage where it is of greater benefit to be geographically connected to the LGBT community and our core constituents.”

By physically basing its offices within the LGBT community, J*Pride leaders hope to connect more with their core audience and increase their visibility and involvement. “The Center is just that - a community center,” explained Dr.Delores A. Jacobs, The Center’s Chief Executive Officer. “We share J*Pride’s passion for inclusiveness, advocacy, service and community, and are happy to be able to provide space for them to continue their work in Hillcrest.”

Newly appointed program director Mickey Stone (at left) comes to San Diego from Orlando, Florida where he was Regional Director for the North Florida Region B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. His skills and responsibilities included
convention planning, leadership training, community outreach and fundraising.

“Being Gay and Jewish, I am thrilled to be able to work for an organization that is comprised of two demographics I am passionate about. It inspires me to want to plan top-notch programming that provides a premier destination for San
Diego’s LGBT Jewish community.”

While in Orlando, Stone attended a Facilitator Training Conference with Boston-based Keshet (rainbow in Hebrew) and worked to build a “Safe Space” policy for his organization. Keshet is a grassroots organization dedicated to creating a fully inclusive Jewish community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews. They offer resources, training, and technical assistance for creating change in Jewish communities nationwide.

In addition to providing social, community and spiritual opportunities to connect, J*Pride will collaborate with Keshet to initiate a major “Safe Schools” inclusiveness training and advocacy initiative here in San Diego. J*Pride will be working closely with Keshet to replicate key elements of this program and provide leadership and training to educators based on Jewish values. The San Diego Keshet initiative will also include local screenings of the groundbreaking film, Hineini-Coming
Out in a Jewish High School, the inspiring story of one student's courageous fight to establish a gaystraight
alliance at a Jewish high school and the transformative impact on her entire community.

J*Pride will present a full schedule of events and activities with opportunities to connect and engage the Jewish and Gay communities. A complete calendar including upcoming San Diego Pride activities can be found at www.jpridesd.org.

J*Pride's Board of Directors includes Seth Krosner, M.D.,
Chair; Jane Fantel; Debra Stern-Ellis; Rochelle Robins; Brian Schaefer and Michael Sonduck.

J*Pride of San Diego's new address is 3777 Fourth Avenue,
San Diego, CA 92103. Phone 619-497-2920.

Preceding provided by J*Pride

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Donor assures continuance of JFS program for Holocaust Survivors

BIG CHECK—Robert Shillman (center) is surrounded by grateful Holocaust survivors and Jewish communal workers for the presentation of a $25,000 check.

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)— Dr. Robert Shillman, Chairman and CEO of Cognex, presented $25,000 to the Serving Older Holocaust Survivors program of Jewish Family Service through the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County Supplemental Directed Giving Program On June 23. “I get a lot of solicitations, but this one was important,” said Dr. Shillman. “It's a mitzvah to take care of your own family."

At the formal donation presentation, Dr. Robert Shillman met with Holocaust survivors and program participants Livia Krancberg, Marion Syktich, and Jacklyn Lewicki. An emotional exchange ensued as the three participants expressed their gratitude and shared their stories of survival. Jill Spitzer, CEO of Jewish Family Service of San Diego and Director of Planning and Allocations, Lisa Haney and Campaign Director, Miriam Norten of the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County accepted the donation from Dr. Shillman.

Dr. Shillman’s donation enabled the Serving Older Holocaust Survivors to reach their fundraising goal of $216,000. The German government has agreed to match up to $90,000 of this goal, allowing the program to continue providing vital homecare and emergency services to more than 100 clients who depend on the program.

The Serving Older Holocaust Survivors Program of Jewish Family Service serves low-income Jewish Holocaust survivors, providing them with an opportunity to participate in a wide range of educational, supportive, spiritual, and recreational programs. The program provides many vital services including homecare, ongoing care management, advocacy, emergency funds, transportation, and translation. Serving Older Holocaust Survivors is dedicated to ensuring Jewish survivors feel connected and cherished by the San Diego Jewish community and spend their final years living in safe and healthy environments.

Preceding provided by Jewish Family Service

Jewish political scene

SAN DIEGO—Former Congresswoman Lynn Schenk is chairing a fundraising dinner for Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown, who is seeking a return to the governor's office. It will be held at the San Diego home of Marcy and Jeffrey Krinsk on Thursday, July 23. The tab per person is $500. For more information, contact Schenk at (858) 523-6265 or via her email, las@schewnklaw.us

Jewish License Plate

SAN DIEGO—We're not sure what MYD stands for—perhaps initials—but we know that Chai means "life." And it's a good life at Lake Tahoe, pictured on the license plate, which was spotted in San Diego by Melanie Rubin.

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nancy.harrison@americasvacationcenter.com

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History

Marriage Told
{Leopold-Lehmann}
Southwestern Jewish Press May 29, 1953 Page 3

The marriage of Hilde Leopold and Dr. Warner Lehmann has been announced. The ceremony on May 21 was performed by Rabbi Morton J. Cohn in Temple Beth Israel.

The couple will make their home at 740 D. St. in Coronado.

Weinberg-Kaufman
Southwestern Jewish Press May 29, 1953 Page 3

Mr. and Mrs. Max Kaufman announce the marriage of their daughter, Betty Jo, to Sanford J. Weinberg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nat Weinberg of San Francisco on May 19th. The ceremony was performed by Rabbi White in the home of the groom’s parents.

The young couple will make their home in San Francisco where the groom is stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Personals
Southwestern Jewish Press May 29, 1953 Page 3

Edward Buchner, brother of Mrs. John Ruskin, will be graduating from the University of Southern California Medical School on June 13th. Another brother and sister-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Harold Buchner, are flying in from Oklahoma, and an uncle, Mr. S. Buchner of Detroit will be here for the occasion.

Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Karpman wish to thank their many friends for their kind wishes during Mr. Karpman’s recent illness.

Mrs. Jay Levine wishes to thank her many friends for their kindness during her recent illness.

Jeanne Gordon’s selection by Z.B.T. was no surprise. We always knew she was “Queen” material.

Those watching Channel 8 on May 12th saw Paul Kaufman take a positive stand on the negative side of Federated Europe.

If you’ve missed seeing Fran Krone around town lately, it’s because the Krones are enjoying a vacation in the east visiting relatives and friends.

Mary Kantor, Gladys Scott, Hilda Sugarman, Dan Gershon, and Phil Gershon take this opportunity of saying thanks to their many friends for their kind expressions of sympathy during their recent bereavement on the passing of Phil Kantor and Mrs. Sarah Gershon.

Tiny Tots
Southwestern Jewish Press May 29, 1953 Page 3

At a recently held tea, plans to organize a cooperative nursery school were developed and will be discussed at a meeting to be held at the Jewish Community Center—3227 El Cajon on Monday, June 1st—8:00 p.m. All parents who are interested in participating are invited to attend.

Cotton Ball Has Everyone Talking
Southwestern Jewish Press May 29, 1953 Page 3

What is everyone whispering about? What is everyone talking about? What are they shouting about? Why the B’nai B’rith “Cotton Ball.”

Don’t forget the date—June 20th, at the Beth Jacob Center. Tickets are now available from B’nai B’rith members of both lodges and both chapters. Don’t be left out of this gala affair with the Melody Aces giving out with their wonderful music.
Anyone who buys a ticket is eligible for the fine door prize. The winner need not be present. The proceeds will be used for

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our Armed Services and Youth Programs.

Call any of the following committee members for tickets or information: Sid Rose, T.17586; Stan Yikon, R-5362; Evelyn Baranov, R-2777; or Bernice Aved, R-8202.

Correction {Anna Shelley honor}
Southwestern Jewish Press May 29, 1953 Page 3

At the recently held Birdie Stodel Installation Anna Shelley was honored for her 25 years service, not 2 years as published in the last issue.

Cradle
Southwestern Jewish Press May 29, 1953 Page 3

On May 8 Mr. and Mrs. Norman R. Katlan (Dorothy Eisenberg) became parents of a 7 lb. 5 oz. boy. Hunter Norman, born at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles.

Bursting with pride are maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. C. Gilbert Eisenberg of San Diego, and paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Irving A. Kaplan, Westwood Hills.

Variety is the spice of life! This time it is a boy at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney S. Neumann. George Allan, weighing in at 8 lobs. 2 oz., joined sister Linda Elaine, 26 mos., on Saturday, May 16th.

Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nitikman of Winnipeg, Canada; paternal grandparents are Mr. And Mrs. Al Neumann of San Diego.

Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Roper (Jacqueline Hosenpud) announce the birth of their second child, a son, Mark, who was born Sunday, May 24, and weighed in at 8lbs. 9 oz. He joins sister, Sandra, who is now 19 months of age.

Maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hosenpud and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Roper of San Francisco are congratulating each other.

Travel Topics
Southwestern Jewish Press May 29, 1953 Page 3

Mr. and Mrs. David Fishbein and son, Ira, have an interesting itinerary mapped out for them. They headed East on May 21st for a brief stay at the Waldorf Astoria until Sunday, May 24th when they flew to Paris and the French Riviera. The Fishbeins will be in London on June 2nd for the Coronation, plan to attend the world famous show at the London Palladium, and will be back in New York on June 3rd.

The Jay Levines will be winging their way to New York on June 8th after a stopover in Chicago. They will take a two-week holiday which will include stopovers at Puerto Rico and then to the Island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.

Cantor and Mrs. Joseph Cysner and daughter, Charlotte, are leaving May 27th on a trip to England to visit with Mrs. Cysner’s parents and Cantor Cysner’s sister. Before sailing, Cantor Cysner will attend the Cantor’s Convention of the United Synagogues of America, at the Hotel Concord at Kiamesha Lake, which takes place from June 1st to 4th. They will sail on June 5th on the S. S. Italia from New York. The Cantor will return to assume his duties on or around August 1st, whereas Mrs. Cysner and Charlotte will return for the High Holidays. A round of Bon Voyage parties have been planned to keep the Cysners busy before the leave for their journey.

After several send-off luncheons, Gert and Ben Harris were off again on another trek, this time for a month’s visit to National Parks, Texas, New Orleans and other points of interest. They expect to return around June 23rd.

“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.