Melissa Minkin

The Identity Dance

Published on October 10, 2002

Four years ago, Sherman Alexie's film, "Smoke Signals," became the first movie written, produced and acted by Native Americans. Today, Alexie's new film, "The Business of Fancydancing," might be the first to feature a character who is both Native American and Jewish.

Celebration of ‘Life’

Published on June 27, 2002

The year was 1972. Sally Preisand became the first woman rabbi, the Lakers won their first national championship, and the most welcoming congregation for gay and lesbian Jews ... was a church.

Trading Up

Published on May 16, 2002

Investment banker Adlai Wertman was fed up with Wall Street -- so he moved to Los Angeles, took an 85 percent pay cut and got a job on Skid Row. Two years later, he says he's never been happier.

Training for Life

Published on February 21, 2002

Dave Rabb is a personal trainer with a few secrets: bring balloons to class, reward genuine efforts with cookies and make sure all clients use the potty before climbing the equipment.

Where Worlds Collide

Published on February 7, 2002

There were no books about Jewish children when writer Lesléa Newman was growing up.

"I was hungry for a book with characters like [me] to make me feel valid and normal, and to make me think there wasn't something wrong with my family," because it lacked Christmas trees and Easter egg hunts.

The Rav Revs Up

Published on January 24, 2002

If you missed the alternative-fuel vehicles at the L.A. Auto Show -- and with just a dozen exhibited, they were hard to find -- don't despair. Check out the one on display at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, in Rabbi Harvey Fields' parking space.

Torch Song Trilogy

Published on January 17, 2002

Linda Gach Ray has been carrying the torch for years. This week, she made it official by running the Olympic flame down a stretch of Figueroa Street as the torch was relayed through Southern California on its way to the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, which begin Feb. 8.

Open Door

Published on June 14, 2001

UCLA Hillel recently held one of its first gay-themed programs in years. But with the initiator of the program about to depart, the effort to reach out to gay students may lose steam.

In Search Of Home

Published on June 14, 2001

When 20 artists with developmental disabilities began talking about the idea of home and community, they never expected to land their first major exhibition. But the Skirball Cultural Center is now featuring their work in an exhibit called "In Search of Home."

California’s New Energy Chief

Published on May 10, 2001

The day after Vice President Dick Cheney said the best way to meet the country's energy demands was to increase fossil fuel production, reconsider nuclear power, and soften environmental laws, S. David Freeman went to Sacramento to prove him wrong.

Jewish Giving is Still Looking Good

Published on May 3, 2001

When the stock market entered bear territory last month, individual investors weren't the only ones taking note. The continued softening of the market can also have a major effect on nonprofit organizations, many of which have benefited greatly from an exceptional run during the past five years.

While it's still too early to tell how the recent changes will affect Jewish nonprofits in Los Angeles, fundraisers at some of the city's largest philanthropic organizations say they're not worried yet.

Young Hero Sets Example

Published on February 8, 2001

Nothing seemed unusual to sixth-grader Alexandra Coffey when she and nearly 300 classmates filed into the auditorium at Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy last week.

Connecting Generations

Published on January 25, 2001

When Florence Hoffman, 76, says, "my children are very well-behaved and very intelligent," she sounds like any other Jewish grandmother, brimming with pride.

Care for the Soul

Published on April 13, 2000

While Dr. Remen spoke about doctors specifically, she stressed that "caring for the soul of all caregiving professionals" is critical in a time of cynicism, professional burnout, numbness and depression.

Personal Exodus

Published on March 30, 2000

When Evan Ross hosted his first Seder five years ago, his headaches had already started. He was growing concerned about other things he couldn't explain: bottles fell out of his hand and sometimes he couldn't hold down the clutch of his car with his foot. "I thought I was just being a klutz," he said.

Higher Ground

Published on February 24, 2000

Take nearly 100 people training to be rabbis, priests, pastors, ministers, nuns and religious educators. Put them together for 24 hours at a Jewish summer camp. Add a torrent of rain, and stir in several inches of thick mud. What do you get? You never know.