Obama conference call with rabbis covers education, the meaning of the shofar, support for Israel

Published on September 18, 2008

Barack Obama told a conference call of rabbis this morning that he supports government funding for after-school and mentoring programs in faith-based schools

Podcast: Iranian Jewish professionals make waves with new mentoring program

By Karmel Melamed
Published on March 25, 2008

Get ready Jewish leaders, the Next Generation is here

By Julie G Fax
Published on November 8, 2007

If the group of Gen Y-ers -- also known as Millenials or NextGens or iGens -- who gathered for a Jewish leadership conference in Santa Monica last week are any indication, it seems that parents who did everything to build their children's resumes and self esteem may have been on to something. This handpicked group of Jewish leaders in their 20s and early 30s have the self-confidence to think -- to actually believe -- that if the old people would just make some room for them, or maybe get out of the way altogether, they could fix this mess of a world. They are committed to social justice; they are willing to get their hands dirty; they have great ideas, time to volunteer, and they have the arrogance, self-centeredness and technological savvy to bring their ideas to fruition. The question is how to channel all that into the Jewish community.

Sulam Summer Service Corps puts Jewish learning into play

By Anita K. Kantrowitz
Published on August 2, 2007

As part of Sulam Summer Service Corps, the teens, who come from Jewish day schools and public schools throughout Los Angeles, have been spending their days with local kids who attend the center's day camp. The emphasis for the day camp's elementary school kids is on sports, teamwork and friendship; for the mentors, on giving back.

Rebecca Levinson: Born to Be a Volunteer

By Jane Ulman
Published on December 28, 2006

Rebecca Levinson grew up always doing things for the community.

"This is what you do," the 17-year-old junior at North Hollywood's Oakwood School, said matter of factly.

A Mind-Opening Experience

By Ezra Werb
Published on August 10, 2006

Last fall, I started working with Franklin, a 7-year-old autistic boy. My job was to help shape the child's behavioral and social patterns, promoting ones healthy to his development, while curbing ones that hinder him.

New Hadassah Chief Does Balancing Act

By Carin Davis
Published on October 27, 2005

As a mother of two grown children, Morlie Hammer Levin knows the challenges of balancing family, career and spiritual life. But factor in the L.A. native's recent New York move, a high-pressure job with a high-profile organization and finding a new religious community and you have the makings of what would be a well-deserved nervous breakdown for anyone else.

Jewish Aid Sought on Gang Problem

By Idan Ivri
Published on September 16, 2004

"I'd love to tell you I'm some brilliant mastermind that chartered this treaty, but the reality is that week by week, we're still working the streets," William "Blinky" Rodriguez said about the gang treaty he helped broker to bring rival groups together to talk. "We'd be out until 2, 3, 4 in the morning."

A Mother’s Reward

By Phyllis Folb
Published on September 9, 2004

Normally, a parent might agonize over her teen's decision to defer her freshman year of college. But when my 18-year-old daughter Lauren left recently on a flight to Israel -- deferring her first year at college for yet a second time -- I was thrilled.

Community Briefs

Published on April 10, 2003

Community Briefs

Jews in South Need Rabbis’ Resources

By Andrew Muchin
Published on January 16, 2003

For Jewish life in the Deep South to overcome the twin plagues of attrition and assimilation, American Jewish culture must change, argues Macy Hart, executive director of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute for Southern Jewish Life.

Backstage Beshert

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on April 26, 2001

When USC freshman Cynthia Gross asked professional director Anthony Barnao to mentor her new L'Chaim Theatre Ensemble, he was blunt.