Sunday, April 22, 2018

What a busy weekend at HTBE!



We have had a triple -header this weekend at Hollywood Temple Beth El

I. The Sheriff's Election Campaign Forum, Thursday evening, April 19

We had two of the three candidate for the office of Los Angeles County Sheriff attend.The incumbent Sheriff, James McDonnell, was out of town, but the other two candidates showed up, Commander Robert Lindsey and Lieutenant Alex Villanueva. It was a spirited and lively presentation and highlighted for all of us how  critical this Sheriff's Department is, the largest in the entire US and the one responsible for safety at HTBE ( West Hollywood. Station). Two key issues emerged: a rising crime rate in LA County ( as opposed to a dropping rate in the rest of the state) and morale and hiring issues at the Department.  I am asking the three candidates for their suggestions for enhanced security for Jewish institutions in the light of the primacy of our institutions being the #1 target of hate incidents in the US.

 From left of image to right, Dr. Allen Zuckerman, moderator, Commander Lindsey, and Lieutenant Villanueva. From facebook page of Candidate Villanueva

Here are the websites of the candidates, in alphabetical order
http://alexvillanueva.org/about.html
https://sheriffboblindsey.com/
http://sheriffjimmcdonnell.com/

II. Israel's 70th Birthday- Saturday, April 21

We had a joint service with our Iranian counterparts. It's good that we can get together, two different historic Jewish traditions, and worhship and celebrate together, as we did. 
We were happy to welcome Roy Stein, Director of Video Production for Stand With Us, together with Rebecca Sacher, who helped coordinate our event. Roy spoke of the work of Stand with Us in combating Antisemitism and anti-Zionism on college campuses today.( See their website for more information:http://www.standwithus.com/).
Our Cantorial Solist, Bryce Emily Megdal, joined us to lead  a round of popular Israeli songs and hora dancing.We don;t have any images from Saturday, but you can enjoy her music at http://brycemegdal.com/



III. Tree of Life Workshop: A Journey into the Inner World. Sunday. April 22

We held our workshop under the leadership of Gilla Nissan, teacher of Jewish meditation and Yuval Ron. accomplished musician today.
Participants explored the mystical Tree of Life, a system of ten energy centers, which exist in our bodies as well in the world around us. "Attunement of these energy centers may lead to mindful and wholesome way of living, improving health and well-being and will lead to a quick and light yet, deep and transformative, experience."


 This was done with a grant from Jewish Wisdom & Wellness, a biennial Festival of Learning, where Jewish wisdom reveals new perspectives on life’s challenges.  http://jewishwisdomandwellness.org/ Programs continue throughout LA this week.









Enjoy a video clip of "Olam Chesed Yibaneh"
Our presenters, Gilla Nissan, on the floor,left, and Yuval Ron, on the floor, right

Center, a wood carving of the Ten Sefirot of Jewish Mysticism


 

No comments:

Post a Comment