Ryan Torok

A teen’s good deed restores faith

Published on May 15, 2012

Ethan Youssefzadeh had just run in a track meet held at West Los Angeles College when, while walking to his car, he saw a wallet lying on the grass. The YULA senior picked the wallet up and opened it to look for the name of the rightful owner.

ADL offers free trip to Washington, D.C., for High-School students

Published on May 15, 2012

This November, approximately 100 high-school students from around the country will participate in the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Grosfeld Family National Youth Leadership Mission, an annual three-day trip to Washington, D.C., for students, with all expenses paid for by the ADL.

May 19-25

Published on May 15, 2012

Days after the election that brings Hitler to power, a Jewish couple — an acclaimed physicist and his unfaithful wife — contemplate whether to seek an unknown future outside of Germany or stay put in Berlin. Written by playwright Iddo Netanyahu, brother of Israel’s prime minister, directed by Ami Dayan, and featuring award-winning actor Bruce Davison, this staged reading is the play’s West Coast premiere. Part of the California International Theatre Festival. The Museum of Tolerance hosts an additional performance on May 21. Sat. 8 p.m. Free (first come, first served). Founder’s Hall, 100 Civic Center Way, Calabasas. (818) 783-3576. citfestival.org.

May 12-18

Published on May 8, 2012

Journal president and columnist David Suissa debates Peter Beinart, author of the controversial book, “The Crisis of Zionism,” about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Temple Israel of Hollywood’s Rabbi John Rosove moderates the discussion on the lack of progress in peace talks — Beinart acknowledges acts of violence on the Palestinians’ part but faults Israeli policies; Suissa ascribes blame to the Palestinian Authority’s use of incitement against Jews. Wed. 7 p.m. Free. Temple Israel of Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 876-8330. tioh.org

LAG B’OMER 2012 EVENTS CALENDAR

Published on May 3, 2012

Hike Griffith Park and relax in Amir’s Garden (amirsgarden.org) with the young professionals of Valley Ruach. A barbecue and picnic with kosher and veggie hot dogs and salads follows. Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat. The easy hike lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. Sun. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $4 (members), $6 (general). Meets at: Mineral Wells Picnic Area, Griffith Park Drive (near Harding Golf Course), Los Angeles. (818) 835-2139. valleyruach.org.

Big Sunday weekend’s bar mitzvah year

Published on May 3, 2012

Its thirteenth year, Big Sunday, the Mitzvah Day that has grown into a full weekend of volunteer opportunities, takes place this weekend, May 4, 5 and 6. Last year some 50,000 people showed up to participate in community service projects throughout California, according to Big Sunday organizers, and a similar number are expected to participate again this year.

May 5-11

Published on May 2, 2012

Volunteers are needed to participate at community service projects, including gardening, feeding animals and painting at the Shalom Institute in Malibu; feeding the homeless at Venice Beach; a picnic for Israeli-Americans with cancer and their families at Woodley Park; a creek cleanup in Compton; and a tour at the Museum of Tolerance with members of the Substance Abuse Foundation of Long Beach.

Israel Festival: dancing with Eyal Golan

Published on April 30, 2012

At the end of a long day of festivities Sunday, the crowd screamed as Israeli singer Eyal Golan wrapped an Israel flag around his body onstage at Rancho Park’s Cheviot Hills Recreation Center.

The soul of Monique Benabou

Published on April 25, 2012

Monique Benabou might be a guy’s ideal woman. The 23-year-old former contestant on NBC-TV’s reality singing competition show, “The Voice,” handpicked by pop star Christina Aguilera, is beautiful and equipped with soulful pipes, along with being adventurous, compassionate and proud of being Jewish.

Anti-Defamation League honors actress Mayim Bialik

Published on April 25, 2012

Actress and scientist Mayim Bialik, communications strategist Renee Fraser and former U.S. Attorney Debra Wong Yang all were selected as honorees for the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 18th annual Deborah Awards on April 26, which recognize women who are “unspoken heroes in a lot of ways,” said Amanda Susskind, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League.

Apr. 27-May 3

Published on April 25, 2012

Of the more than 25 dramas, documentaries, comedies and shorts at 13 venues from Pasadena to Beverly Hills, highlights at the seventh annual festival include tonight’s star-studded celebration and gala reception with a premiere viewing of documentary “Tony Curtis: Driven to Stardom”; Penelope Ann Miller, co-star of “The Artist,” hosting a viewing of the Michael Curtiz silent classic “The Moon of Israel” (May 6); “Wunderkinder,” the Holocaust drama from the producers of “Europa Europa” (May 5-6); the Los Angeles premiere of “Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story” (May 9), with Consul General of Israel David Siegel and Israeli government officials attending; and “Dorfman,” the closing-night film by director Bradley Leung and writer Wendy Kout, starring Elliott Gould (May 10). A program of The Jewish Journal. Thu. Through May 10. Various times. $40 (opening gala), $6-$12 (films), $12-$15 (closing night). Various locations. (800) 838-3006. lajfilmfest.org.

Los Angeles riots commemoration events

Published on April 19, 2012

Actor, playwright and social critic Anna Deavere Smith offers a rare glimpse into the violent upheaval of the L.A. Riots. In addition to performing excerpts from her Tony-nominated one-woman play, “Twilight: Los Angeles,” Smith discusses the artistic process of looking at a critical issue from multiple perspectives as a way to open up dialogue.

April 21-25

Published on April 18, 2012

Spend Earth Day connecting wilderness, spiritual practice and Judaism on a TorahTrek hike intended for fit and active adults seeking awe-inspiring wilderness adventures.

Koretz expresses regret over response to ‘Hitler’ remark

Published on April 11, 2012

L.A. City Councilman Paul Koretz, who said he was “tempted” to “clock” a commenter who gave a Nazi salute and called out “Heil Hitler” during the April 10 City Council meeting, is now expressing regret over his response.

Yom HaShoah 2012 events calendar

Published on April 11, 2012

This year, more Angelenos than ever get Passover aid from local agencies

Published on April 11, 2012

This year, more than 1,000 Los Angeles families in need received food from organizations that provide assistance specifically for Passover.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: Apr. 14-20, 2012

Published on April 11, 2012

The author of the irreverent “Go the F**k to Sleep,” which wittily captured the irritation felt by parents who have children who become difficult at bedtime, appears at ALOUD, supporting the release of his new book, “Seriously, Just Go to Sleep.” A dramatic reading and conversation centered on the kid-friendly version of his comic bestseller features actor Jenna Elfman (“Dharma and Greg”) and the book’s illustrator, Ricardo Cortés. Author Attica Locke (“Black Water Rising”) moderates. Thu. 7 p.m. Free. Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., downtown. (213) 228-7025. lfla.org

Girls admit to syrup swastikas, mother could face charge

Published on April 10, 2012

Three teenaged girls admitted on April 4 to defacing a Northridge home with swastikas, but will not face criminal charges, according to investigators with the LAPD’s Devonshire Division. However, the mother of one girl could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine for driving the girls to the scene, based on a charge police are recommending to the city attorney’s office.

Girls admit to syrup swastikas, mother investigated

Published on April 5, 2012

Three teenaged girls admitted to defacing a Northridge home with swastikas this week, but will not face criminal charges, according to investigators with the LAPD’s Devonshire Division. However, the mother of one girl could face a criminal charge for driving the girls to the scene.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: Apr. 7-13, 2012

Published on April 4, 2012

Actor-comedian Jeff Garlin (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), who played studio executive Mort Meyers on “Arrested Development,” welcomes series creator and executive producer Mitch Hurwitz to the “Jeff Garlin in Conversation With …” series at the Largo. With a new season of “Arrested Development” slated to air on Netflix in 2013, followed by a feature film, you can bet questions will fly about the Bluth dysfunctional family reunion.

‘Nu’ Way to Fund Jewish Art

Published on April 4, 2012

Artists and musicians, among others, convened in a West Hollywood loft last spring for an event known as SEDER, the Hebrew word for “order” that also refers to the ritual that accompanies the Passover meal. And while they didn’t celebrate Passover that evening, the attendees did contribute to the narrative of the Jewish people.

March of the Living Honors Survivors, Prepares Next Generation to Carry Torch

Published on April 4, 2012

Northridge home defaced with swastikas

Published on April 3, 2012

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Division is investigating the Tuesday morning vandalism of a Northridge home on as a hate crime.

2012 Passover Calendar

Published on March 29, 2012

For the second consecutive year, Stephen S. Wise Temple’s Women of Wise, an intergenerational social action group, and the Dolores Mission Church and School, a Boyle Heights social service organization, hold a women-only, pre-Passover lunch. Led by Stephen S. Wise’s Rabbi Lydia Medwin. Chicken and soup served. Wed. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $36. Stephen S. Wise Temple, Hershenson Hall, 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 476-8561.

March 1-Apr. 6

Published on March 29, 2012

After pleading guilty in an Indian lobbying scandal, powerful GOP lobbyist Abramoff spent more than three years in federal prison for tax evasion, mail fraud and conspiring to bribe lawmakers. Join Robert Wexler, president of American Jewish University, for a discussion with Abramoff, author of “Capitol Punishment:

Teachers learn lessons on Holocaust, genocide

Published on March 21, 2012

Speaking on the Holocaust and 20th century genocides, Mark Gudgel, executive director of the Educators’ Institute for Human Rights, began his March 12 lecture at American Jewish University (AJU) with a declaration.

Shabbaton examines health care, from beginning to end of life

Published on March 21, 2012

People spend more on medical care in the last six months of their lives than they spend the entire rest of their lives — this is just one reason end-of-life care is so divisive, said Rabbi Elliot Dorff, American Jewish University’s rector and its Sol & Anne Dorff Distinguished Service Professor in Philosophy.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: Mar. 24-30, 2012

Published on March 21, 2012

What happens at TribeFest stays at TribeFest.

Swastikas marked on three Sherman Oaks homes

Published on March 15, 2012

At 11: 30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14, Jennifer Niman pulled out of her driveway on Leghorn Avenue in Sherman Oaks. Talking on her cell phone, the longtime San Fernando Valley resident was heading to her job as a real estate agent at Prudential California Realty.

Young entrepreneurs earn gelt for the community good

Published on March 15, 2012

"We call these tchotchkes," Keith Wasserman says, examining a snow globe. The 27-year-old founder and president of Gelt Inc. talks into a video camera as he walks around the furnished unit in a Bakersfield apartment complex, which the company purchased in 2009.

Award to recognize Jewish Journalist’s 50-year career

Published on March 14, 2012

The year was 1960. Tom Tugend, living in Israel and working as the temporary head of the Weizmann Institute of Science’s public relations department, had to make a choice: keep his job or return to Los Angeles to a UCLA job he’d had before moving to Israel.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: Mar. 16-22, 2012

Published on March 14, 2012

Actor Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”) and musician Yuval Ron appear at this interfaith concert and fundraiser, which features performances by Riad Abdel-Gawad, Ali Amr, Ahmed El Asman, Rabbi Hagai Batzri, Cantor Rita Glassman, Chazan Danny Maseng, Noor, Rowan Storm, Craig Taubman, Hillel Tigay and Judeo, the Yuval Ron Ensemble and the Temple Emanuel Choir with Cantor Yonah Kliger. Proceeds benefit reGeneration projects in the Middle East. IKAR, Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center co-sponsor, among many others. Sun. 7-9 p.m. $20 (advance, general), $25 (door, general), $100-$1,000 (VIP packages). Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, 300 N. Clark Drive, Beverly Hills. (818) 305-6847. regenerationedu.org

PJA and JFSJ head Elissa Barrett moves to Bet Tzedek

Published on March 8, 2012

Elissa Barrett is leaving Progressive Jewish Alliance and Jewish Funds for Justice (PJA and JFSJ) to become vice president and general counsel of Bet Tzedek.

Anti-Semitic flags found near Milken Campus

Published on March 8, 2012

A Milken Community High School official reported the discovery of anti-Semitic renderings of the Israel flag in front of and near its middle school campus on March 1.

ADL prepares students to face campus anti-Semitism

Published on March 8, 2012

A group of students received their task during a recent workshop at New Community Jewish High School: Craft a response to college students who liken the Israeli occupation to Nazi Germany.

Mar. 9-15

Published on March 8, 2012

“SHATNER’S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT ...”
He’s been a starship captain, a hard-boiled cop and high-powered attorney. William Shatner’s career and his willingness to poke fun at himself has culminated in this one-man show, which just wrapped on Broadway. Through anecdotes, jokes and songs, the 80-year-old renaissance man traces his career, starting with his beginnings as a classically trained Shakespearean actor. Sat. 8 p.m. $40-$105. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 468-1770. shatnersworld.com.

Anti-Semitic flags found near Milken campus

Published on March 2, 2012

A Milken Community High School official reported the discovery of anti-Semitic renderings of the Israel flag in front of and near its middle school campus on March 1.

March 3–9

Published on March 1, 2012

Between IKAR’s social justice carnival, ATID-LA’s yacht party, Friendship Circle’s concert for special-needs families and Temple Beth Am’s casino night, there’s something for everybody looking to celebrate Purim. Parties, carnivals, megillah readings and more take place this weekend, next week and the following weekend across Los Angeles. Sat. Through March 11.

Catching up with Matisyahu (and his beard)

Published on March 1, 2012

Like many artists, Matisyahu resists personal praise. Instead, the 32-year-old singer saves it for others — and his music. He described Youssoupha Sidibe, a musician he performs with, as “a very spiritual being … a very incredible musician,” and said their music was “next level” in a Tweet that linked to a recording of their recent jam.

Purim Calendar 2012

Published on February 29, 2012

Purim parties, festivals and carnivals around Los Angeles.

Mount Sinai gives away tzedakah boxes

Published on February 29, 2012

Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries is recognizing the importance of traditional charitable giving. Los Angeles’ largest Jewish funeral home has begun offering free, limited-edition tzedakah boxes to California, Arizona and Nevada residents, hoping they’ll give to charities of value without being told where to give.

Jewlicious offers pluralistic fun aboard the Queen Mary

Published on February 29, 2012

“The Reform service is going crazy, the Conservative service is going crazy. Orthodox [service] is huge,” Josh Kaplan, a Jewlicious board member, said as he walked past the concierge to the Jewlicious merchandise booth.

El Al employees share brighter side of Israel

Published on February 23, 2012

As most people who care about Israel know, it’s difficult to have conversations about the Jewish homeland without broaching the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Feb. 25-Mar. 2

Published on February 23, 2012

Gabler, author of “An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood,” is joined by a star-studded panel that includes actor-director Carl Reiner, Leonard Nimoy (“Star Trek”), Jeff Garlin (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Marta Kauffman (co-creator, “Friends”) and Philip Rosenthal (creator, “Everybody Loves Raymond”). Tue. 7 p.m. Free (Temple Israel of Hollywood members), $10 (general). Temple Israel of Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. RSVP by Feb. 27. (323) 876-8330. tioh.org.

LimmudLA draws about 600, offers flavors of Judaism

Published on February 21, 2012

“Must I suffer the indignity of being the only pornographic lecturer?” said Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, kicking off the annual LimmudLA learning conference this year with a decidedly risqué bang.

Feb. 18–24

Published on February 16, 2012

Traditional Eastern European masters Michael Alpert (accordion, vocals) and Julian Kytasty (bandura) perform a special concert that blends the musical traditions of the Pale of Settlement. Part of the YidARTS 2012 season, the program features lyrical love songs, ballads of courting, and melodies of marital mayhem and tragic separation.

Examining unconventional Judaism at UCLA

Published on February 15, 2012

American Jewry is in transition, 20 speakers argued during “Looking for Judaism in [Un]Conventional Places,” a symposium at UCLA on Feb. 12-13. Scholars and academics discussed what Jews value, Jewish identity and which organizations are relevant today.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: February 3-February

Published on February 9, 2012

Journal bloggers Ilana Angel (Keeping the Faith) and Elliot Steingart (Some Reservations) join singles columnist Seth Menachem (My Single Peeps) and Hollywood Jew scribe Danielle Berrin for an irreverent discussion on dating in Los Angeles, dishing on the rules, sex, faith, hope.

Proposition 8 overturn prompts hundreds to celebrate in West Hollywood [VIDEO]

Published on February 7, 2012

LimmudLA, Jewlicious: Two gatherings, one goal

Published on February 1, 2012

Over Presidents Day weekend last year, nearly 500 Jews of all affiliations holed up at the Hilton hotel in Costa Mesa to attend virtually round-the-clock lectures, workshops, musical performances and more. Volunteers serving as speakers covered the growth of European Jewry, alternative Jewish travel in the West Bank and whether morality can be achieved without God, among other topics. They were all participants of LimmudLA, the annual Jewish conference for study and community.