Keep the youngest wedding guests happy—and keep your sanity

By Sharon Duke Estroff
Published on June 12, 2008

Fortunately, it's perfectly possible to welcome children at your wedding without compromising the sanctity of the event or the sanity of any involved parties.

Off the page, holidays not on the calendar, cool quiz

By Shoshana Lewin-Fischer
Published on May 24, 2007

Kids page.

Hey, hey! We’re the SqueeGees!

By Shoshana Lewin-Fischer
Published on April 26, 2007

Kids page.

A down-home way to treasure that special day

By Beverly Levitt
Published on March 8, 2007

Consider orchestrating a Bar Mitzvah Treasure Hunt that you can host in your backyard, throughout your house or even in a hall rented for the occasion.

frdy nt efis

By David Suissa
Published on December 14, 2006

Rabbi Effie's specialty is dealing with teenagers. On this night, a happy group of teens is buzzing throughout his modest but welcoming home, and they are filling its many "play areas."

Affordable winter escapes are but a snowball’s throw away

By Adam Wills
Published on December 14, 2006

Now that the holiday season is upon us, it's time to do a little carving -- and we're not talking brisket.

Last chance for ‘Hakuna Matata,‘ and please, try the Hot Pstromi

By Keren Engelberg
Published on November 22, 2006

local events

‘Moishe Houses’ provide post-Hillel hangout for 20-somethings

By Sue Fishkoff
Published on October 12, 2006

Say you're a few years out of college, living with friends and working in a low-paying job for some do-good organization. You don't go to synagogue, but you miss the camaraderie of your college Hillel, and you like to invite people over for Shabbat meals.

Imagine if someone was willing to pay you to keep doing it?

Class Notes

By Julie Gruenbaum Fax
Published on June 22, 2006

$61.8 Billion

By Rob Eshman
Published on May 18, 2006

Each year, The Los Angeles Business Journal uses legwork and a little guesswork to discern who's worth the most in Los Angeles. Once the list comes out, as it did this week, I like to run it through the old "Who's a Jew?" detector.

Keep Kosher, Cool on Alaska Cruise

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on April 20, 2006

Witnessing glaciers calving into crystal blue waters, humpback whales fluking their magnificent tails and clouds weaving cottony billows around the tips of waterfront spruce forests are all in a day's work for the average Alaskan cruise-goer.

Community Briefs

By Amy Klein
Published on April 20, 2006

Community Briefs

PASSOVER: The 11th Plague: Boredom

By Jane Ulman
Published on April 6, 2006

Not all seders are sit-down affairs. When "Dayenu" begins at the home of Simone Shenassa of West Orange, N.J., everyone takes bunches of scallions and hits everyone else, to imitate the whipping of the slaves.

7 Days in The Arts

By Keren Engelberg
Published on March 23, 2006

Hollywood Fight Club's current production "A Lively ... and Deathly Evening With Woody Allen" brings to the stage three written works by the Neurotic One. Woody Allen's "God," "Death Knocks" and "Mr. Big" all deal with existential dilemmas as only Allen can.
Jewish school spirit can be found in abundance on the USC campus this weekend. The Jewish Student Film Festival has coordinated a weekend of Jewish activities, which culminates in today's film fest. Friday evening, attend Shabbat services at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion followed by Shabbat dinner at USC Hillel; Saturday, attend "Jewzika: A Night of Jewish Musicians" featuring Dov Kogen and the Hidden, SoCalled and the Moshav Band.

Pupils Vote Yes on Democratic School

By Dina Kraft
Published on February 23, 2006

The Hadera Democratic School, which receives funding from both public and private sources, was the first of its kind in Israel. Since its founding in 1987 in this city about 60 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, 23 other schools have opened around the country based on its model of democratic education, in which student participation and choice is emphasized.

Big Sunday Gets Big Boost From City

By Naomi Glauberman
Published on February 16, 2006

Corporate, private and organizational donors underwrite the day, including Temple Israel. The budget this year is $450,000. The city's participation will include providing security, busing and street closures. Additional donors are both welcomed and needed, Levinson said.

Where the Boys Aren’t

By Nancy Sokoler Steiner
Published on January 26, 2006

"Looking at what's happening locally and nationally, we've found that fewer teen boys enroll in informal Jewish activities than they did in previous years," said Lori Harrison Port, senior associate director for planning and allocations at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

Abramoff Linked to Jewish Ventures

By Matthew E. Berger
Published on January 12, 2006

Specifically, Abramoff allegedly using money from a Washington charity he oversaw to fund military-style programs in the West Bank. Indian tribes donated money to tax-exempt charities, believing they were supporting anti-gambling foundations, but the money was redirected to help a "sniper school" in the West Bank, operated by a friend of Abramoff.

Families, Singles Get Ready to Set Sail

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on December 15, 2005

The leaves have turned, the days are shorter and Chanukah, the holiday of lights, glimmers ahead. With the winter looming, juicy possibilities await, with plenty of exotic, warm weather options. So go ahead and plan your first big escape of 2006. Or surprise a loved one by booking a post-Chanukah adventure. This might just be the trip of a lifetime.

L.A. Enters the Season of Mitzvot

By David Finnigan
Published on December 15, 2005

This year, traditional Christmas Day volunteering is being spread out across December. The shul's ATID young adult leadership group's annual Dec. 25 Mitzvah Day is being merged with templewide volunteering on Dec. 18, the formal start of Sinai's yearlong centennial anniversary.

Agencies Join to Aid Special-Needs Kids

By Marc Ballon
Published on December 15, 2005

In November, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles brought together seven other agencies, including, the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles, the Jewish Free Loan Association and Etta Israel Center, to create Hamercaz, a central resource for Jewish families raising special-needs children under 22.

Choose Your Own Cruise Adventure

Beth D'Addono
Published on December 1, 2005

Cruising isn't what it used to be. And to the more than 10 million people who took to the high seas last year, that's a good thing.

Hillel Readies Plan of Attraction

By Sue Fishkoff
Published on November 17, 2005

It was in the summer of 2004 that Hillel began work on a five-year plan to attract the two-thirds of Jewish college students who say they don't go to Hillel activities. That troubling statistic has been one of the most talked-about findings from the 2000-2001 National Jewish Population Survey (NJPS).

A Face in the Internet Crowd

By Jane Ulman
Published on November 17, 2005

As soon as incoming freshman Chana Ickowitz received her UC Berkeley e-mail address, she registered on the online directory facebook.com. There, on her personal profile, she described herself as someone with moderate political views who likes sushi, rainy days, Urban Outfitters and "Jane Eyre" ... and who is a member of a group called Jew Crew.

Get Enraptured With the Central Coast

By Jewish Journal Staff
Published on November 3, 2005

Mental Workouts Keep Your Brain Fit

By Sophia Dembling
Published on November 3, 2005

Teaching your brain new tricks is like a workout for the mind. It's never too early to start, and you don't have to ante up tuition to start your brain fitness program

AIPAC Is Guilty—But Not of Spying

By Michael Berenbaum
Published on October 27, 2005

Rosen recognized that he ruffled too many feathers to be out front. So he groomed protégés to assume that role. He mentored one so well that he became the head of AIPAC; another became the first Jew to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

Teshuvah for Tots Sets Right Tone

By Julie Gruenbaum Fax
Published on October 6, 2005

While projects like tempera-painted honey dishes and party-whistle shofars are de rigueur, preschool and elementary school teachers take seriously the idea of having the High Holiday message of personal accountability set the tone for the whole year

Give Some Honey to Apples of Your Eye

By Sharon Duke Estroff
Published on September 22, 2005

It starts with a tireless trek to the mall in search of that stylish synagogue suit. Next comes the culinary juggling act, simultaneously preparing Aunt Sophie's tzimmes, Bubbe's killer kugel and a 22-pound turkey, dressed and trimmed. The last step is grooming an entire family and shuffling the whole gang out the door and into the synagogue in under an hour.

Youth Groups Are Worth the Fight

By Lisa Greengard
Published on August 25, 2005

Here is a dreaded conversation familiar to most parents of Jewish teens: Them: "Hi, this is your synagogue youth adviser calling to make sure you received the flyer about our upcoming youth group event. Will your child be joining us?"

Families Find Magic in ‘Miracles’ Musical

By Beverly Gray
Published on May 26, 2005

"Everyday Miracles" is an original musical about four Hebrew school students who travel back in time to interact with their biblical heroes.

Pitfalls of Making Playdate Plans

By Sharon Duke Estroff
Published on May 26, 2005

Brandon was 3 the first time another mother called me to schedule a playdate.

"A playdate," I giggled. "That's so clever! Did you make that up yourself?" (The dead silence on the other end of the phone clued me in that I had just made a monumental maternal faux pas that could potentially rival my last monumental maternal faux pas of offering up a bag of artificially colored/flavored Cheetos -- rather than the au natural variety -- to my son's playgroup.) The other mother suddenly had a dire emergency and promised to call back. She didn't.

Afikomen, Afikomen Wherefore Art Thou?

By Shoshana Lewin-Fischer
Published on April 14, 2005

The afikomen: dessert or simply a ploy to keep children -- and some adults -- awake through most of the seder? Most people probably favor the latter, and tend to choose one of two techniques to make finding the half-piece of matzah interesting:

Holiday Frivolity for Young at Heart

By Jane Ulman
Published on March 24, 2005

At every age, we must be connected to life's fun side, and Purim, the boisterous and tumultuous holiday that begins this year at sundown on March 24 and celebrates the triumph of the Jews in ancient Persia over enemies determined to destroy them, gives us that opportunity.

Forgo Rainy Day Woe With Spa Trip

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on March 3, 2005

When the torrential winter rains take a reprieve, don some wings and head south. This three-day itinerary for rest, relaxation and kosher cuisine creates sunny inspiration even on the cloudiest days.

Jerusalem’s Old City Finds Twin in Girona

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on February 3, 2005

With their narrow passageways and cobblestone streets, picturesque Girona and Jerusalem's Old City share more than just a certain outward appearance.

Reach Out and Touch Faith

By Julie Woldow
Published on December 23, 2004

When Elizabeth Cobrin goes to Israel this winter break with Birthright Israel, she and her friends have devised a plan to find each other when participants in all the different Birthright trips get together.

Teens Gear up for Bicycle Tzedakah

By Julie M. Brown
Published on December 23, 2004

The goal of the Arachim program is to help teens discover the opportunities that exist in their neighborhoods and communities, where their contributions make a significant difference in the lives of other people. The unique project is being observed by numerous synagogues and may serve as a model for communities trying to develop similar programs.

Tropically Together in Club Med

By Tom Tugend
Published on November 4, 2004

In its early days, Club Med catered mainly to single swingers, but when business dropped, the management wisely turned some of its resorts into family destinations.

Study Points to Big Church-State Shift

By James D. Besser
Published on August 26, 2004

A new study reveals that the Bush administration is succeeding beyond the most optimistic projections of supporters -- and the most pessimistic fears of critics -- in funneling government social service dollars to religious groups, despite the refusal of Congress to pass most of its faith-based initiative.

Last week the Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy issued an exhaustive report indicated that religious groups "are now involved in government-encouraged activities ranging from building strip malls for economic improvement to promoting child car seats."

Back to the Desert

By Shelly Malmon
Published on July 1, 2004

The weekend was spectacular, not only from an intellectual standpoint, but as a Jewish parent and communal professional. It was refreshing to see so many generations of Jewish families -- some with children, some without -- learning together, singing together and laughing together.

Sweet Days of Summer at Day Camps

By Stefanee Freedman
Published on July 1, 2004

Local synagogues, Jewish centers and other cultural organizations are holding day camps throughout the summer months that expose children to Jewish culture, popular culture and even pre-Columbian culture.

Short-Term Help, Long-Term Effects

By Carin Davis
Published on May 20, 2004

Michael Borkow had done the Israel tourist thing before, and wanted to spend his week's vacation volunteering in Israel.

Exile the So-So Seder

By Sandee Brawarsky
Published on April 1, 2004

Some people like their Passover seders just as they remember them: the same lines recited by the same relatives with the same emphasis, the same songs, jokes and foods, the same delicate glassware that picks up the light in a certain way, reflecting past and present.

Transition to New Center Under Way

By Andrea Adelson
Published on March 4, 2004

The facility still under construction in Irvine is expansive and includes an infant-care facility, preschool, fitness center and gymnasium large enough to accommodate two basketball games. There are areas designated for workout classes, adult education and massage. When completed, there will be lockers for swimmers, space for an art exhibit, playground and Holocaust memorial.

Teen’s Loss of Sister Spurs Charity Efforts

By Andrea Adelson
Published on March 4, 2004

Seventeen-year-old Megan Knofsky keeps alive her sibling's memory by sustaining a teen support group that raises money for research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, the genetic disorder that affects 30,000 people and claimed her sister, Sarah, in 1997.

Purim Celebrations to Kick It Up a Notch

By Andrea Adelson
Published on March 4, 2004

The calendar is doing for Purim this year what Emeril suggests is good for any recipe: Kick it up a notch.

7 Days In Arts

Published on December 18, 2003

7 Days In The Arts

Turkish Jews: We’ll Carry On

By Yigal Schleifer
Published on November 20, 2003

The recent bombings of two Istanbul synagogues won't end the tradition of openness in Turkey's Jewish community -- and it could even make the community more cohesive, leaders say.

Cal State Bridges Culture Gap

By Tom Tugend
Published on November 20, 2003

The Los Angeles campus of California State University hardly seems fertile ground to introduce studies on Jewish culture and history.

Kids Page

By Abby Gilad
Published on November 6, 2003

Kids Page

Valley Festival Draws Thousands

By Michael Aushenker
Published on September 11, 2003

"More booths, more vendors, more of everything" is how festival co-chair Nancy Parris Moskowitz described this year's Los Angeles Jewish Festival.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Rules at 2003 Valley Fest

By Michael Aushenker
Published on September 4, 2003

The Los Angeles Jewish Festival, known until recently as the Valley Jewish Festival, originally began as the Exodus Festival to drum up support and awareness for the rescue of Soviet Jews, under the leadership of The Federation's Jewish Community Relations Committee.

Israel Fest Expands Celebration Borders

By Wendy J. Madnick
Published on May 8, 2003

UCLA Hillel special events coordinator Guy Kochlani was born in Tel Aviv, but he was never actively involved in supporting Israel -- until the day three years ago when a group of Palestinian students interrupted the Yom HaAtzmaut celebration on campus.

A Big Sunday

By Rachel Brand
Published on April 30, 2003

Renamed Big Sunday to represent the eclecticism of its volunteers, the fifth annual day of community service will take place this year on Sunday, May 4.

Bush Names Friend to Museum Council

By Tom Tugend
Published on April 24, 2003

Century City lawyer Donald Etra has been appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council by President Bush, a close friend since their undergraduate days at Yale.

Eight Days in Exodus

By Mark Stone
Published on March 20, 2003

Several companies, based both out of the United States and Israel, will be offering kosher-for-Passover luxury holiday vacations in exotic locales worldwide.

Fear & Duct Tape in Los Angeles

By Wendy J. Madnick
Published on February 20, 2003

Although the orange security alert may be downgraded to yellow -- an elevated threat with significant risks of terrorist attacks -- the likelihood of an impending war with Iraq and the continued North Korean nuclear standoff mean that most Jewish organizations in Los Angeles are investigating and/or implementing increases in security and taking other precautions.

Sadness and Joy Mix on Mitzvah Day

By Julie Brown
Published on February 6, 2003

It was supposed to have been a happy day. Strangely enough, it was.

Listening to Needs

By Wendy J. Madnick
Published on November 28, 2002

When kids from Sinai Temple celebrate Chanukah with the members of Temple Beth Solomon (TBS) in Tarzana on Friday night, Dec. 6, they'll notice that the service is slower and streamlined, but that the singing is performed with every bit as much gusto as a "Friday Night Live" service.

The Lure of Extremism

By David A. Lehrer
Published on November 14, 2002

For a man who was rational, and with whom one could discuss cause and effect and the logic of doing things one way (the non-inflammatory way) as opposed to another, it always amazed me how he would invariably choose the wrong path.

Eat, Read and Meet Gary

By Journal Staff
Published on November 7, 2002

The following events are part of The Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys' Jewish Book Festival.

Singles Fall in Love With Israel

By David Margolis
Published on September 12, 2002

Luckily, the lure was Israel, not pairing up.

Summer Fun For Kids

By Sharon Schatz Rosenthal
Published on June 27, 2002

School's out and the kids are home. Unless you happen to run a summer camp, chances are you're in need of some serious kid-friendly activities. So, before your child memorizes the daytime line-up on Nickelodeon, check out these low-cost summer events for families.