Pico-union hope

By Susan Freudenheim
Published on March 21, 2013

A shofar blasted as Cantor Tannoz Bahremand of Stephen S. Wise Temple stepped into the historic downtown sanctuary, raising her voice in prayer as she walked from the back of the pews, down an aisle packed with people, toward the bimah of the newly founded Pico Union Project. The cantor’s haunting song was answered by the equally vibrant chant of a Muslim call to prayer, sung from the front of the sanctuary by Ben Youcef of the Islamic Center of Southern California.

‘Because You Suffer…’

Published on March 7, 2013

There was a moment that took place last week in this community that, if you didn’t witness it, you need to hear about it.

Finding holy ground in Pico-Union

By Ryan Torok
Published on February 6, 2013

With the purchase of the Welsh Presbyterian Church in Central Los Angeles’ Pico-Union neighborhood, Craig Taubman said he is keeping in mind the words of a poem by Rabbi Harold Schulweis, “Thinking Ought,” which urges one to look not at what is but what could be.

Multifaith concert to express ‘Unity’

By Ryan Torok
Published on November 8, 2012

Craig Taubman, the singer/composer/maestro known for bringing large-scale cultural events to synagogues and other venues across town, is hoping for an audience of 2,000 for his upcoming interfaith concert at Sinai Temple on Nov. 15.

A Mid-summer Night Shabbat, at the Ford, draws 1,000

By Ryan Torok
Published on August 27, 2012

Friday Night Live’s Road to the Ford

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 28, 2011

A bona fide institution in Los Angeles’ Jewish community, Friday Night Live is one of the biggest Shabbat celebrations in town. Blending the religious with the musical and offering an environment conducive to socializing, Sinai Temple’s monthly service regularly attracts up to 1,000 people.

‘Sing’ festival extols diaspora diversity

Published on March 8, 2011

“I’m a nonprofessional dreamer,” said singer/composer/producer Craig Taubman, who is in the midst of staging his sixth annual “Let My People Sing,” a 24-hour festival taking place March 11 and 12 at Sinai Temple in West Los Angeles. The event features Jewish performers from around the world and includes music, dance, food and a host of activities.

Community Briefs: Greek and Jewish Concert, British Chief Rabbi Address Jews, Solar Power

Published on March 25, 2009

Man of Joy

By David Suissa
Published on December 11, 2008

Craig Taubman is a very happy guy, but on Yom HaAtzmaut last spring, as Jewish communities around the world were celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary, he
wasn't a happy camper

Calendar Girls Picks and Clicks Nov. 1 - 7: Dry Bones, Striped Pajamas, Homeless Art

By Dikla Kadosh and Danielle Berrin
Published on October 31, 2008

‘Jewels of Elul’ offers candidates’ wisdom

By Tom Tugend
Published on August 21, 2008

What is the dream of the future president of the United States? For the answer, check out your e-mail or a pocket-sized, 36-page booklet called "Jewels of Elul IV," which is subtitled "29 Dreamers and Their Dreams." Among the dreamers who sent in their thoughts and hopes are the presumed presidential candidates, Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama.

Debating Presidential politics, Chanukah in August

Published on August 14, 2008

The Iranian-American Jewish community is avidly following the presidential election scene, and Craig Taubman taped a Chanukah show.

Interfaith and intercultural festival to benefit Darfur

By Robert David Jaffee
Published on March 1, 2007

The "goal is to use the entire event, not just a seder" to raise awareness and funds for Darfur, Jewish World Watch Executive Director Tzivia Schwartz-Getzug said.

Music: Shabbat joins ‘Lounge’ lineup

By George Robinson
Published on December 28, 2006

Listening to "The Shabbat Lounge" (Craig N Co.), the latest album in Craig Taubman's "Lounge" series, your first thought is, "Gee, this is such a natural, why didn't he begin the series with this one instead of shuffling through the holidays?" The answer, I suspect, is that the songs for Shabbat are so familiar that Taubman felt on surer ground tinkering with less well-known material.

Make An Oyful Noise

By George Robinson
Published on August 24, 2006

OySongs.com is the first music download site dedicated exclusively to Jewish music and, with the Web site about a month old, its founder, Joe Eglash, is still breathless from excitement.

Voices of Hope

By Diane Arieff
Published on June 19, 1997

Chances are, there are not many singer-songwriters whose oeuvre contains subjects as disparate as the "Shecheyanu" and a visit to the dentist. But such is the nature of Craig Taubman's career.