February 22, 2011 | 1:36 pm

Thursday night with Rhoda

Posted by David Suissa

Follow JewishJournal.com on

I don’t often write pieces for upcoming events. I’m better at writing about them after the fact, when I figure I’ll have more to say. But this year, I have to make an exception and give a plug for a local Jewish woman who is universally loved by the community. How do I know this? I’ve done my research. I wrote a profile of her a couple of years ago, and it didn’t matter who I spoke to—the “Ashkefardicultrarefoconservadox” kaleidoscope of Los Angeles Jewry has a special place in its heart for this woman.

Her name is Rhoda Weisman.

She has devoted most of her life to helping the Jewish community, with a special emphasis on training future Jewish leaders. She could only have done that by being a great leader herself, and now, we have a chance to recognize her for all her contributions to our community.

On Thursday night, at the very cool El Rey Theatre in mid-Wilshire, Rhoda will receive the Jewish Unity Award from unity mavens and self-styled “catalysts for a Jewish renaissance” organizations JConnect and Jewlicious.

Two of my favorite entertainers—comedian Elon Gold and musician Peter Himmelman—will lead the festivities. You can reserve online at nightofunity.com, or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

She’ll probably be surrounded by a mob of admirers, so in case I miss you Rhoda: Thank you for all you do.

Oh, and there’s an open bar.