July 17, 2003
For the Kids
The Good and the Bad
The Good and the Bad
This year, the 17th of Tammuz coincidentally falls on the 17th of July. The 17th of Tammuz (the 10th Jewish month) is a fast day -- no eating, no drinking. Why? Because on this day, a few thousand years ago, the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem. Three weeks later, the Temple was destroyed.
The rabbis tell us something a bit curious about this day: it is associated with the word tov (good).
Here is a hint: It has to do with the gematria (numerical value) of the word (Remember: alef = 1, bet/vet = 2, gimel = 3, etc.). The rabbis say that what looks bad now can always be turned to good.
Shakespeare Festival/LA
Pershing Square (downtown Los Angeles) and South Coast Botanical Gardens (Palos Verdes).
July 15-20 and 22-26, downtown Los Angeles; July 31, Aug. 1-3 and 6-10, Palos Verdes . Featuring Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor." And if you bring canned food for the Food for Thought Project, you get free admission.
(213) 481-2273, www.shakespearefestivalla.org
Ho'olaule'a 2003
Alondra Park (adjacent to El Camino Community College). July 19-20. All-day entertainment by performing groups representing Hawaii's multicultural heritage. Enjoy highly diverse food that represents Hawaii and its people. A two-day event filled with Polynesian arts, crafts, music, dance and fun. (949) 458-0933, www.hiccsc.org.



