OCTOBER 2008 HOME
Federation’s King
David Society Hosts
On September 11, more than 80 King David
Society members attended an intimate gathering, an “Evening
of Inspiration” featuring Ruth and Judea Pearl in conversation
with Rabbi David Woznica of Stephen S. Wise Temple.
The Pearls are the parents of slain journalist Daniel Pearl, who was murdered by terrorists after uttering his last words, “I am Jewish.” During their conversation with Rabbi Woznica, the Pearls spoke openly about the tragedy and the important work that came of it, including their book and nonprofit organization, The Daniel Pearl Foundation, founded in memory of their son.
The King David Society is a devoted
group of community leaders dedicated to ensuring a strong Jewish
future. The generous donors of the King David Society contribute
a $25,000 minimum family gift to The Jewish Federation’s
Annual Campaign. Members are recognized for their philanthropic
achievements and provided with unique opportunities to visit
the programs they support in order to learn first-hand how their
efforts help repair the world.
For more information about the King David Society, please contact Lori Tessel at (323) 761-8313 or LTessel@JewishLA.org. Legal Division Holds Mitzvah Mixer to Help Holocaust Survivors Honor the High Holidays Nearly 100 members of EMET, the Young Legal Division of the Federation, came out for the second annual Mitzvah Mixer: “A Party with a Purpose” to support and help Jewish Family Service (JFS) expand their Holocaust Survivor High Holiday gift basket program. The group helped raise enough money for JFS, a Federation beneficiary agency, to fund more than 150 extra baskets for Holocaust survivors living beneath the poverty line in Los Angeles.
At the event, which was held at Trader Vic’s on September 11, guests, including members from the Federation’s Financial Services Cabinet, mingled and enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Paula Fern, JFS’s Director of Holocaust Survivor Programming spoke at the event, where she highlighted the longstanding commitment by the legal community to the care of Holocaust Survivors. “Given that the Holocaust took place over 60 years ago, the reality of the situation is that our ability to help our survivors will only extend to the very near future,” said Shiva Delrahim, who co-chaired the event along with fellow EMET member Jason Barkham and Financial Services Cabinet chair Barack Raviv. “All of the people who supported our Mitzvah Mixer can say that with their help, one more Holocaust survivor will feel special and cared for at Rosh Hashanah,” she added. “There is no greater mitzvah than to feed those who have no food, to cover those who have no clothes, and to provide for those who need providing. The Holocaust survivor gift basket program does just that.” For more information on EMET and the Legal Division, please contact Gwenn Drucker-Flait at (323) 761-8297 or GDrucker-Flait@JewishLA.org. For more information on the Financial Services Division, please contact Adam Lubin at (323) 761-8301 or ALubin@JewishLA.org.
A group of Federation donors recently had a unique experience at Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate. More than 100 Tekiah Circle members spent the afternoon touring the grounds, enjoying hors d’oeuvres, and tasting several different Rosenthal wines at the event, which was held on September 14 on the 240-acre ranch and vineyard in Malibu.
The guests were surprised and delighted to
find that their tour was led by none other than owner George I.
Rosenthal himself,
who, along with his wife Karen and colleagues Jason Powell and
Neil McNally, took the group around the grounds of the estate,
sharing with them his vast knowledge on both the wines he creates
and the art he collects, which appear throughout the ranch.
After welcoming remarks by Laurie Cohen, who chaired the event along with her husband Mark, Tekiah Circle chairs Heidi and Jon Monkarsh presented Rosenthal with a plaque thanking him for his generosity. Federation President John Fishel also spoke at the event, where he thanked the gathered group for their generosity in the recent months, especially during the time of the Russian/Georgian crisis. “It was wonderful to have Mr. Rosenthal with us,” said Laurie Cohen. “We know that opportunities to spend time on his property are few and far between and we were so honored that he opened his doors to us. “ “Being here for the Federation is what we are all about,” said Heidi Monkarsh. “Soon, we’ll hear the tekiah blasted on the shofar during the High Holidays as a call to action for our community. Tekiah Circle members are already answering that call.” The Tekiah Circle is a new initiative created to acknowledge donors who make a minimum household gift of $10,000 to the Annual Campaign, and aims to offer Federation donors and their families unique social, spiritual, and educational opportunities within the community. For more information on the Tekiah Circle, please contact Breena Gold at (323) 761-8247 or BGold@JewishLA.org.
On September 21, the Young Entertainment and Young Real Estate Divisions hosted a "Senior” Prom/Rosh Hashanah Dance for senior citizens in our community.
Wanting an opportunity to interact with Jewish seniors, the
volunteer committees from both divisions created an incredible
afternoon where two separate generations came together for a
whole lot of fun. More than 150 seniors and over 30 volunteers
danced the afternoon away to the music of Harold Kaye and the
Sophisticated Swingers.
The seniors noshed on kosher goodies, drank sparkling apple cider, and had their pictures taken and printed on the spot to take home as souvenirs. A member of the Entertainment Council who works as a professional swing dancer surprised the crowd by performing two amazing dances with her partner. “I was so proud to see this event all come together. Everyone was dressed to the nines and prepared to boogie!” said event chair Mark Miller, a member of the Entertainment Division’s Volunteer Committee, which came up with the Senior Prom idea. “My favorite moment of the day was learning the foxtrot with a woman named Diana. In between my fumbled dance moves, we shared personal stories and lots of laughs.” Danielle Chayot, REC Volunteer Committee chair, added, “The seniors were filled with joy as they danced the afternoon away with spouses, friends and Federation volunteers. They were so proud to connect with the future of the Jewish community.” Mark Miller can’t wait for next year’s affair. “This was such a sweet time for everyone involved and a true gift to the community!” For more information about the Young Entertainment Division,
please contact Libby Shani at (323) 761-8371 or LShani@JewishLA.org.
For more information about the Young Real Estate & Construction
Division, please contact Jillian Spencer at (323) 761-8357 or
JSpencer@JewishLA.org.
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