Dec. 8-14

By Ryan Torok
Published on December 5, 2012

Calling all kugel aficionados! Whether it’s sweet or savory, the kugel is the ultimate in Jewish-American culinary creativity when it comes to the holiday or family gathering. Today, bring your best kugel (or your favorite tasting fork) to Yiddishkayt’s third quadrennial Kugl Kukh-Off. Part of the Silverlake Independent JCC’s annual Festival of Lights, which features live entertainment and fun for the entire family. Kugel drop-off and registration starts at 11 a.m. and tasting begins at noon. Sun. noon-3 p.m. Kugl Kukh-Off: $2 (all the kugel you can eat and judge).

Calendar Picks and Clicks: Sep. 15-21, 2012

By Ryan Torok
Published on September 12, 2012

The best-selling author of “Tuesdays With Morrie” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” sits down with Rabbi David Wolpe to discuss his new book, “The Time Keeper.”

Calendar Picks and Clicks: Sep. 9-13, 2012

By Ryan Torok
Published on September 5, 2012

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" and "The Yiddish Policemen's Union" appears in person to read passages from his new novel "Telegraph Avenue." Set in Berkeley at the end of the summer of 2004, record store co-owners Archy Stallings and Nat Jaffe and their midwife wives, Gwen Shanks and Aviva Roth-Jaffee, face personal and professional problems that test the strength of their relationships and businesses. Writer Mona Simpson ("My Hollywood") leads a post-reading discussion and Q-and-A with Chabon and his wife, author Ayelet Waldman ("Red Hook Road"). Thu. 7:30 p.m. Free. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 443-7000.

Nov. 11-19, 2010

By Ryan Torok
Published on November 10, 2010

Chasidic pop star Matisyahu, best known for his hit “King Without a Crown,” blends reggae with Middle Eastern rhythms and American pop, conjuring up a fresh medley of unique and powerful beats. Sat. 8 p.m. $25-$45. The Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 343-6610.

Calendar Girls Picks and Clicks August 9-15: Tisha B'Av, music, opera, comedy and Brad A. Greenberg

By Dikla Kadosh and Danielle Berrin
Published on August 7, 2008

There's nothing like a heated, intelligent political debate to get Jews' social synapses firing. Jewish Journal staff writer, Brad Greenberg, a.k.a. The God Blogger, will be holding the reins of "The Young Jewish Vote," where Republican Jewish Coalition Director Larry Greenfield will face Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Pasadena) in a battle to win the hearts and educated minds of young Jewish professionals between the ages of 21 and 39

Southland Olympians go for the gold

Published on July 31, 2008

Perhaps the most famous Jewish competitor with ties to the Southland this year is swimmer Dara Torres, who is competing in an unprecedented fifth Olympiad at age 41

Market maven enjoys love affair at the farm stand

By Danielle Berrin
Published on April 10, 2008

More than chef or author -- both of which she is -- Amelia Saltsman is an advocate for the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, a doyenne of good taste whom everyone here seems to know. The farmers invite her judgment on their best produce; the chefs ask for advice on recipes.

R.E. Hard Crash? Soft Landing? Bursting Balloon? Leaking Balloon?

By Marc Ballon
Published on August 31, 2006

The Jewish Journal spoke to Cohen about the recent reversal in the local housing market.

Cozy Kosher Surf Shack—Observant Oasis in the ‘Bu

By Adam Wills
Published on August 31, 2006

Situated a quick jaywalk across Pacific Coast Highway from Surfrider Beach and the Malibu Pier, Malibu Beach Grill is a kosher oasis in a town renowned for breathtaking seaside vistas, A-list celebrity sightings and new-age crunchiness.

7 Days in the Arts

By Keren Engelberg
Published on July 19, 2006

7 Days in the Arts

By Keren Engelberg
Published on July 13, 2006

7 Days in the Arts

This Week - The Silent Minority

By Rob Eshman
Published on April 20, 2006

According to the Pew study, illegal immigrants add 700,000 new consumers to the economy every year, while legal immigrants account for 600,000. As these illegal immigrants move up economically -- 84 percent of them are ages 18 to 44, as compared to 60 percent of legal residents -- their spending on credit cards, loans and mortgages will help boost the economy.

Jewish Groups Take Pro-Immigrant Stand

By Robert David Jaffee
Published on April 6, 2006

You didn't see many Jews amid the sea of Mexican and American flags during the recent pro-immigrant rallies that filled city streets, but Jews and Jewish groups, in largely liberal Los Angeles, have been advocating on behalf of immigrants, mostly outside the view of television cameras.

Cartoon Riots Spark Sweet Backlash

By David Finnigan
Published on February 16, 2006

Pedersen said that since anti-Danish rioting began, several people have called in long-distance orders and mentioned their desire to "buy Danish." Consumers in heavily Muslim countries, in contrast, are boycotting Danish products, reportedly costing Danish business up to $1 million a day. In response, European and American free-speech supporters have been advocating a less well-known "Buy Danish" campaign.

Art Exhibit Links Trojans, Bruins

By Robert David Jaffee
Published on January 19, 2006

"Makor/Source" marks the first time that the Hillels of the two universities have collaborated on an exhibition. Roughly 20 local artists submitted works to the show, including collages, paintings and photographs.

Singles - Out of the Wilderness

By Steve Greenberg
Published on January 19, 2006

Generally speaking, Ventura County is a lovely place. It has beautiful weather, decent air quality, low crime and renowned surfing spots.

It's a nice place to look for antiques or raise a family.

It's not so hot for Jewish singles.

Zagat for Dating

By Amy Klein
Published on December 15, 2005

Here in Los Angeles, our services are more important than our dates. (I learned this the hard way by dating my mechanic's assistant -- a budding screenwriter -- and soon had to find a new mechanic. Not worth it.)

A Fistful of Scholars

By Rob Eshman
Published on December 1, 2005

Taking part in a local Jewish history conference came with a perk, the chance to tour the Autry National Center after closing. I circled twice through the current exhibit on the films of Sergio Leone, creator of the spaghetti Western. His films informed my fantasy life from the early 1970s until, say, marriage, and getting some alone time with Clint and his squint was priceless.

Activists Strategize on Hotel Contracts

By Bobbi Murray
Published on November 24, 2005

Set in front of the hotel on the Avenue of the Stars, which was blocked off, this banquet-in-the-street supported some 4,000 striking workers at seven Los Angeles hotels.

Teens Team Up for J-Serve

By Julie M. Brown
Published on May 5, 2005

Youngsters across the Southland and beyond banded together April 17 to participate in J-Serve 2005, the first-ever national day of service for Jewish teens. J-Serve, designed to correspond with Youth Service America's National Youth Service Day, offers Jewish teens a way to get involved in tikkun olam projects in their local communities.

Efforts Under Way to Raise Aid Funds

Published on January 6, 2005

Local and national Jewish organizations have mobilized to help tsunami victims and invite the community to participate, as well.

Jewish Poor Fear Stigma of Poverty

By Marc Ballon
Published on November 25, 2004

A recent report by The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles found that nearly one in five local Jews, or 104,000 out of 520,000, earns less than $25,000 a year, with 7 percent living beneath the poverty line. Los Angeles' high cost of living makes it especially difficult on poor Jews, who often go without health insurance and are reluctant to ask for assistance.

Irvine Orthodox Plan to Erect Eruv

By Andrea Adelson
Published on September 2, 2004

Sean Samuels, a Beth Jacob board member, was instrumental in the quest to erect Irvine's eruv, which should be operational by Rosh Hashanah.

King of Hearts Loves to Play Matchmaker

By Karmel Melamed
Published on July 8, 2004

He's not your typical yenta, he's not JDate and he's certainly not your grandmother's cousin once removed, but Asher Aramnia loves making love connections for local Jewish singles.

With countless successful matches to his credit, Aramnia's matchmaking activities through the Iranian Jewish Chronicle (Chashm Andaaz) magazine, which is operated by the Eretz-SIAMAK Cultural Center in Tarzana, has become something of a unique surprise in the local Jewish community, where women traditionally help Jewish singles find their soulmates.

A New Relationship

By Teresa Strasser
Published on July 1, 2004

It's been six months since I relocated for work, "taking a break" from the love of my life, Los Angeles.

Splintered Persian Groups Merge

By Karmel Melamed
Published on June 24, 2004

The merger of the three groups signifies a desire within the Iranian Jewish community for greater participation in the larger Jewish community and a desire to attract Jewish youth to its cause. After more than two decades in the Southland, Persian Jews are organizing to present a united front for their community.

Jewish Sportsmen?! No Joke

By Carin Davis
Published on June 3, 2004

Why sit home and watch "SportsCenter" on TV when you can take part in a local sports highlight?

On Sunday, June 6, the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame will hold its annual induction banquet. Yes, there are enough extraordinary Jewish sportsmen and women in the Southland for a hall of fame. So wear your tux, but leave your Jewish sports jokes at the door.

To be held at the JCC at Milken, the black-tie optional affair will feature a silent auction and kosher dinner. The event will honor athletes, coaches, media personnel, officials and executives who have made significant contributions to the wide world of sports. Inductees are nominated by the public and selected by the Hall of Fame board of directors.

Buy It Now

By Rob Eshman
Published on May 13, 2004

It continues to baffle me why anybody who cares about the future of Jewish communal life in Los Angeles
would seriously contemplate closing the Valley Cities Jewish Community Center (JCC).

For Many, Israeli Life Just a TV Set Away

By Idan Ivri
Published on April 29, 2004

In Haifa, the smell of frying falafel balls competes with the din of Israelis eating, yelling and slapping each other on the back.

The Network of Terror

By Micah D. Halpern
Published on March 18, 2004

The catastrophic simultaneous terror bombings that rocked Madrid and sent the United States, Israel and other freedom-loving and freedom-seeking countries reeling symbolized more than a small victory of evil over righteousness.

Hello, Israel Calling

By Journal Staff
Published on March 4, 2004

Marc Miller's fundraising goal is to surpass last year's record $2.25 million Federation campaign by 10 percent.

Revitalizing the Core

By John Fishel
Published on September 18, 2003

The Federation is committed to a strong and vibrant JCRC.

Engaging residents of our community to impact the "urban agenda" is the objective. But the agenda of the organized Jewish community must be redefined in a thoughtful, targeted and strategic way to successfully mobilize human resources beyond the core of active, identified Jews.

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.

You Gotta Be in it to Win it

By Jewish Journal Staff
Published on September 4, 2003

Synagogues and Jewish institutions will help sell tickets, which can be purchased via credit card through The Jewish Federation of Orange County.

We Must Share Our Blessings With the Poor

By Rabbi Alan Henkin
Published on April 17, 2003

The very flatness and blandness of the matzah remind us of the empty and oppressed lives of the Israelite slaves -- and of downtrodden people in all places and in all times.

Loco for Local Art

By Michael Aushenker
Published on April 10, 2003

In January, the Los Angeles Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) ended its international search for an executive director and picked an Angeleno: UCLA professor Peter Tokofsky.

What sold CAFAM on Tokofsky was his suggestion that the museum buck the tradition of looking outward to international cultures for exhibit material, and focus on indigenous trends instead.

"It's all right here," Tokofsky said. "This museum is going to be increasingly about L.A."

Tokofsky promises that future exhibits at the Miracle Mile museum will revel in local culture -- ethnic and popular -- and Los Angeles' populace, including the Jewish community. As an appetizer, entertainer Len Levitt will stage a Passover-themed puppet show, part of CAFAM's "Puppets" exhibition, on April 13, and Hebrew University professor Shalom Sabar will lecture on the lore and lure of Hebrew amulets on April 19.

The Many Hats of a Community Rabbi

By Wendy J. Madnick
Published on April 10, 2003

As the community rabbi for the West Valley Rabbinic Task Force, Rabbi Jan Offel has a wide range of responsibilities, from standing in for members of the task force when a visit from a rabbi is needed, to discussing end-of-life issues with families, to running programs for local hospitals -- helping to familiarize their staff with Jewish customs.