October 21, 2010 | 6:18 pm

Bravo! Israeli Film Festival Celebrating 25 Years

Posted by  Joan Hyler

It is that time of year to once again celebrate Israeli films with the 25th Annual Israeli Film Festival honoring two of my old friends, producer Avi Lerner and actor Richard Dreyfuss who opens off Broadway next month in a two hand play about the great Rabbi and social justice advocate Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.

Dreyfuss, an important advocate for social justice has been embracing his Jewish roots as along as I have known him, almost 30 years. He has also studied with me in a famous class run by Rabbi Schlomo Schwartz which dates back to the mid 80’s. The class in Chassidut brought in many friends from the film and music industry before classes of this nature were as popular as they are now.

It is no surprise that Dreyfuss would be attracted to Heschel, who among other achievements marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in the 60’s. 

A big nod to Israeli Film festival executive director Meir Fenigstein who created the festival and housed it here bringing in some of the most important contemporary Israeli artists. The festival runs through November 4th.

October 14, 2010 | 11:45 am

The 34th Miner and Rebbe Nachman

Posted by  Joan Hyler

I have not blogged since June!  The summer and early Fall got away from me with my first trip to NYC since my accident, and lots of work and life!  Saw the play “Red” on Broadway with client Alfred Molina and helped client Diane Lane open the well-reviewed movie “Secretariat.”

However, yesterday’s spectacular rescue of the 33 Chilean miners reminded me to be publicly grateful for all I have and reminded me that the 34th Miner is Hashem!  It also reminded me to re-read and reflect upon the famous Rebbe Nachman’s books and his saying:  “Gevalt!  Never give up!!”.  I am also inspired to call upon my own LA community with gratitude including Rabbi and Rebbetzim Schlomo and Olivia Schwartz; Rabbi Mendel Schwartz and my friends at the Jewish Journal who lifted me up last year as I was (and am) recovering (well, thank Hashem) from my accident.  More next week….

0 Comments — Leave your comment