June 12, 2008
Calendar Girls picks and clicks for June 14-20
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regular contributor to The Jerusalem Post, brings light to a gloomy picture with his cartoon "Dry Bones," poking fun at the media and politics. In a multimedia presentation, co-sponsored by the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America, Kirschen will discuss how Israel is portrayed in the media and share stories behind his cartoon, which has gained worldwide popularity since its inception in 1973. Tue. 7:30 p.m. $5 (suggested donation). Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 788-6000. (BOOK TALK)
Acclaimed author Andy Bostom is not satisfied with simply making presumptions about Islamic anti-Semitism. Instead, he will introduce well-researched evidence on its historic legacy in his newly published book, "Jihad and Islamic Anti-Semitism: Conjoined Threats to Life, Liberty, and Human Dignity." Learn about the link between Jihad and Islamic anti-Semitism relating to current, pressing situations in the United States and the Middle East in an event put together by the Zionist Organization of America, Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Temple Ner Maarav. 7 p.m. Free. Temple Ner Maarav, 17730 Magnolia Blvd., Encino. (818) 342-3363 or tsalama@zoa.org.
(BOOK TALK)
Debra Winger's acting career started after a nearly fatal accident that left her in a coma. Her thirst for life and drama lead to a television and film career that continues to flourish. The three-time Academy Award-nominated star has recently released her memoir, "Undiscovered," which features a series of vignettes from her life. Winger will share a deeply personal glimpse into what it takes to succeed -- and continue to do so in an age- and beauty-obsessed world. Tue. 7:30 p.m. $20 (JCC member), $24 (general). Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. (858) 362-1348. http://www.lfjcc.org/.
WED | JUNE 18
(DOCUMENTARY)
Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning writer Tony Kushner's play-turned-HBO-mini-series "Angels in America" touched the lives of countless people for its bold willingness to grapple with issues of lesbian and gay relationships and AIDS in America. Kushner, who co-authored and received an Academy Award nod for the Steven Spielberg's "Munich," has a fascinating story of his own. "Wrestling with Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner," documents his life and work, starting with his defining childhood growing up gay and Jewish in the Deep South. Get together with friends for a potluck dinner and screening of the documentary made even more relevant in light of recent developments in the struggle for gay rights. Bring a main entree, side dish or drinks, but if you come empty handed, don't fret -- no one will be turned away. Wed. 6:30 p.m. (dinner), 7:30 p.m. (film). $5-$8. The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 552-2007. http://www.wrestlingwithangelsthemovie.com.
(THEATER)
Sexual desire is a theme that has been explored by many great thinkers and writers in American history. Tennessee Williams, one of the greatest American playwrights, delivers yet another steamy work of fiction in "Summer and Smoke," an L.A. Theatre Works audio performance for The Play's the Thing. In the production recorded live for radio broadcast, Alma Winemiller, the sheltered daughter of a Mississippi minister, desperately longs for the love of Dr. John Buchanan. He, however, is only interested in her sexual offerings. As Winemiller continues to yearn for his affections, see if her love or his temptation will prevail. Wed. 8 p.m. Through June 22. $20-$47. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 827-0889. http://www.latw.org.
THU | JUNE 19
(THEATER)
If Jewish playwright Martin Sherman could have communicated with his Yiddish-speaking Ukranian grandparents as he grew up, perhaps he would have written plays about their journey to America. Instead, the boy who wasn't
allowed to learn his family's native tongue penned a play about a steadfast and plucky woman who survived a tiny Russian shtetl, the Warsaw Ghetto, a ship called The Exodus and finally arrived on the sunny boardwalks of Atlantic City. "Rose," a one-woman performance, stars veteran actress Dorothy Sinclair, who describes the play as a perfect fit for her. "We were born at roughly the same time, though I had the good fortune to be raised in Chicago rather than a shtetl." Thu. 8 p.m. Also, Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m.; and Sun., 2 p.m. $25. Theatre 40, Beverly Hills High School Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 364-3606. http://www.theatre40.org. (ART)
Israeli-born artist Nathan Slate Joseph binds East and West together in the exhibit "Spices and Silk." Heavily influenced by countries along the Silk Road including Morocco, India, China, Indonesia and Mongolia, Joseph uses steel, pigment reliefs and vessels in his artwork. Creating abstract pieces by treating metal plates with pigments and acid, which are then left outdoors for the elements to oxidize, Joseph has made his mark on the New York City art scene, where his works grace the walls of many of the city's trendy galleries. Travel to the most exotic regions of the world, losing yourself in his universal, eclectic creations. Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Through June 29. Sundaram Tagore Gallery, 9606 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 278-4520. http://sundaramtagore.com.
(NETWORKING MIXER)
Bring as many business cards as you can carry to the Jewish American Chamber of Commerce's Speed Networking and Business Mixer. The newly formed organization aims to help Jewish business owners and professionals connect to each other outside of a religious setting. Discover shared interests, exchange business ideas and enjoy hors d'oeuvres poolside at this unique social gathering. Thu. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $15 (members), $25 (nonmembers). Radisson Hotel Westside, 6161 W. Centenila Ave., Culver City. (866) 257-6117. http://www.lajewishchamber.com/.
FRI | JUNE 20
(DIALOGUE)
The Sephardic Temple Young Leadership group has dished up exciting, interesting speakers throughout the years. Young leaders and members of several local Jewish
