9th Annual Jewish Community Fair

To celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, the Jewish Community Center of Orange County's fair committee is hosting the Jewish Community Fair, the biggest Jewish community event of the year.

Hosting Organization: Jewish Community Center of Orange County, 250 East Baker Street., Suite C, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Phone (714) 755-0340, fax (714) 755-0370.

This year's theme: Chai 2K (Chai is Hebrew for life).

Date & Time: Sunday, May 7, 2000, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Jewish Federation Campus, corner of Baker and Redhill, Costa Mesa.

Ticket Prices: Adults $7, Seniors and children 12 and under $4.

Parking: Parking is available at adjacent lots at Baker and Redhill. Shuttle parking is available.

Entertainment: Popular entertainer Pini Cohen and his ensemble headline an afternoon of Israeli, Yiddish, and Ladino favorites plus popular American standards.

David Lisker, the 14-year-old violinist who brought the audience to its feet for a standing ovation at a JCC Orchestra Concert, will return.

The colorful Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble will demonstrate the fast-moving footwork of traditional Israeli and Middle Eastern folk dances.

May Highlights in OC

Old Business

* The Jewish Federation of Orange County raised $160,587 from 936 community supporters in a single day, Sunday, March 26.

Just Under the Wire

April 30, Sunday

* University Synagogue, Irvine, presents "The Long Way Home," a 1997 Oscar winner for best documentary. It is an account of Holocaust survivors forced to face the reality of displaced person's camps as they tried to make their way back to their homes. Part of the 10th Annual Orange County Jewish Film Festival. At 9 a.m. Discussion afterward led by Michael Berlin, film critic, producer and screenwriter. At AMC 30@The Block, 20 City Boulevard West, Orange. For information call (949) 553-3535.

* A memorial service in memory of individuals and communities lost during the Holocaust will be part of the community-wide Remembrance Day observance at the Jewish Federation Campus, 250 E. Baker Street. For information call (714) 755-5555, ext. 236.

May 2, Tuesday

* Holocaust Remembrance Day: reflections by Rabbi Elie Spitz of Congregation B'nai Israel, Tustin, and the documentary, "The Last Days" by Bill Basch. The evening is sponsored by Chapman University's Barry and Phyllis Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education, The JCC of OC; and Hillel Foundation of OC. 7 p.m. Memorial Hall Auditorium, Chapman University. For information call (714) 628-7377.

May 5 & 6, Friday

and Saturday

* The OC Performing Arts Center will close its 1999-2000 Jazz Club season with flutist James Newton making his Center debut in Founders Hall. Performances at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at The Center Box Office and by phone through Ticketmaster, (714) 740-7878 or (213) 365-3500.

* Leon Leyson, the youngest survivor on Schindler's List, will speak at a Yom HaShoah service at 8 p.m., University Synagogue, 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine. For information call (949) 535-3535.

May 8, Monday

* The community observance of Yom HaZikaron, a memorial to individuals who lost their lives in the Israeli struggle for independence, will be held at the JCC at 7:15 p.m. For information call (714) 755-0340, ext. 122.

May 9, Tuesday

* A special performance of the Don Sheni Song and Dance Troupe from Israel will be held at the Jewish Federation Campus at 7 p.m. to support the "Mother to Another" program for Israeli children whose lives have been shattered by abuse, violence and neglect. Tickets are $100 for patrons; $18 for general admission. Call (714) 755-5555, ext. 224.

May 12, Friday

* A Yom HaAtzmaut family service will take place at 7 p.m. University Synagogue, 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine. For information call (949) 535-3535.

May 13, Saturday

* Temple Ner Tamid of Downey will hold its annual Grand Casino Night from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 10639 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey. For information call John Bornstein, (714) 441-1888 or the temple office (562) 861-9276.

* University Synagogue will also host a Bar/Bat Mitzvah dinner and dance at 6 p.m. at the Irvine Marriott. The synagogue is celebrating its own 13th birthday. Three past presidents will be honored: Hinda Beral, Carol Richmond and David Sandor. For more information call (949) 535-3535.

May 21, Sunday.

* Morasha Jewish Day School will honor Michael S. Gordon at its annual luncheon at the Hyatt Newporter in Newport Beach, 11:30 a.m. With his support, the Community Foundation of the OC Jewish Federation recently granted $250,000 to Morasha's capital campaign for its new campus in Rancho Santa Marga-rita. For more information call (949) 362-6500.