JOYous CHAI LIGHTS

2009-10-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS, October 2009, Tishrei, Cheshvan 5770

CHEVRA, I'm having edit problems with this current web and it is not fully updated. Sorry, I've lost my colorful formatting... and photos ....so I created a NEW SITE for October, Sukkot issue 2009 5770. (Each month I will have to rename with new month.)
PLEASE READ:
http://joyous-chai-lights-october2009.blogspot.com/
BlesSings,
Joy

Dear Chevra,
G'mar Tova and a Chag Sameach
PLEASE READ JOY-BLESSINGS FOR MY EXPANSIVE GREETING TO YOU
http://joy-blessings.blogspot.com/

BlesSings, Joy

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Shofar and Pomegranates (c) Joy Krauthammer

Like pomegrante seeds, I am planting seeds within this blog, every day. .

MY REGULAR READERS: SKIP & SCROLL down to * * * HAPPENINGS

.ar Chevre,
"Chai Lights" was birthed in the "Jewish Calendar Magazine" in 1983 and my spiritual ARTS monthly column lived there in hard copy for about a dozen years.

A benefit to JOYous CHAI LIGHTS blog format vs. my e-mailing form for the past years, is that I can add to it during the month, so if YOU want something included, feel free to let me know. In blog form, the benefit is that you can also access this info at any time.

You are welcome to "COMMENT" at end of this long POST or else write directly to me. I always love reading what YOU write and then delete them. (My other BLOGS (PR memos mostly, not diaries) are visible by clicking MY PROFILE at top left, or listed at end.)

Feel free to use any of the info in CHAI LIGHTS for your shul's website info. Let's JOYOUSLY bring "Community into Unity."

I am happy to share with you my JOYous CHAI LIGHTS of upcoming Shabbats, Chagim/holidays, mostly LA Jewish RENEWAL and post-denominational spiritual events, classes & the ARTS, plus...I only write about the events that I know and love. Not the shuls I used to go to, nor the ones I haven't yet gone to, nor the ones I intentionally don't go to. Thus mine is a partial listing and not 'impartial'. They are where I love to be, and invite you to join me there in joy along the Four Worlds path to The Tree of Life.

In the merit/zechus and light of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, I love helping to make our universe a smaller world, one with more spiritual consciousness, connection, and chesed/lovingkindness. With spiritual Guidance, I make instinctual connections for people. I believe that music helps to cross boundaries and brings us closer to the Holy One, so I emphasize here those events, as well as learning and prayer opportunities. Please see my Reb Shlomo story at the end.

Monthly, I write this large mailing, my gift to Chevra, from my Porter Ranch kitchen table looking East to Jerusalem, and no one but I proof it. I hand click each recipient, no lists. UNSUBSCRIBE-- Let me know. Information is subject to change. Please call event to confirm specific locations, times, fees and accessibility. If you see an error that would be continued, please let me know.

PLEASE FORWARD JOYous CHAI LIGHTS TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY so they, too, can enjoy with you, spiritual Renewal Judaism. Most of what I include here is NOT included in other local media. This is the only Jewish spiritual Renewal oriented LA events list. Click on underlined LINKS below for full updated stories of events & some photos. I love it when at an event I meet someone and they tell me they are present because a friend had forwarded CHAI LIGHTS to them.

CONTENTS: Exceptional Chai Lights HAPPENINGS (i.e. spiritual retreats, festivals, ARTS, and books are mostly at beginning of this list and some are at the end, and ongoing Chai Lights events (i.e. SHULS, MINYANS, museums, classes) are mostly in the middle, then, HOLY GATHERINGS, ARTS, and OUTSIDE LA, and my PERSONAL NOTE near end of JOYous CHAI LIGHTS to learn of my mamash gevaldt /truly glorious rabbis and other teachers or teachings that I love, as well as videos, reviews, musings, etc. More PRESS at end.

Having Publisher's privilege, I invite you to my many activities, and share them here. You can even hire me to play passionate percussion and Miriyahm HaNeviah for Rosh Chodeshes, Women's Passover Seders, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l concerts or other spiritual events. I play for shuls and events throughout LA.

Contact me if you want to invite KINDRED SPIRITS, my 18 member percussion group of REMO friends to join you, or if you want OPEN TO WONDER, my divine band, http://www.opentowonderband.blogspot.com/ for your spiritual services.
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If your community/shul desires a sound healer, I'm available-- Sounds of Joy. http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/

I travel with my crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, bells and gongs that I brought back from Tibet. I love playing them for meditation, vibrational massage, yoga, dance, and homeopathic healing.
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JOY SHAKERS. As percussionist for LA synagogues and events, I'm offering a little workshop on small percussion. See PR at bottom. Please contact me, Joy, for bookings. http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/
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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/

AriellaShira Lewis and I loved offering SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH at ALEPH's week-long KALLAH retreat in Ohio. I loved giving the workshop also to Makom Ohr Shalom members this summer. Call me to book a workshop.

In addition, I, Joy, continue to offer Kabbalistic Four World workshops on "Joy ." See list at very end.
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When I am drumming, connecting to the Source of All BlesSings, I love seeing YOUR smiling hearts radiating from Hashem and illuminating and reflecting Divine light, and then mine drums in joy with yours. I always love hearing from YOU and hearing about your spiritual path.
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Please ask The Compassionate One for healing blessings / MiSheberach for all those you love, for healing comfort in Four Worlds of spirit, mind, body and soul. (Especially at this time of LA fires.) Remember to try to use the Hebrew name both of the one in need, along with the mother's Hebrew name. Torah.org offers MiSheberach lists you can use and you can pray for those listed. http://torah.org/services/cholim/

Another source I like for Jewish prayer community is, "Daven For Me And I'll Daven For You". info@davenforme.org http://www.davenforme.org/ 718 437-8812. No charge.

BlesSings of love, Shabbat shalom, prosperity, health and joy (of course).

See you in shul,
Joy Krauthammer
"Ivdu Et HaShem B'Simcha" Psalm 100:2
Serve G*D in Joy

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"Then Miriam the Prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels & dances." Exodus 15:20

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* * * * * * * HAPPENINGS

ARTS, Movies, Festivals, Retreats, Mazal Tovs.
Jewish Women's Theatre offers salon theatre, conversation & fabulous desserts at a beautiful home & garden in Brentwood. Sunday, October 18th. Doors open at 3 p.m. Program begins at 3:30 p.m.
Learn about the 2010 season of At-Homes: A Salon Theatre Series and our New Play Series at the American Jewish University.
RSVP for event address:Deena@Jewishwomenstheatre.org call 310.592.7749
I participated in this event last year and it was wonderful and fun filled with many friends. Try to go.
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Here's a really important listing to share with your family and community. How about including it in your shul's newletter:
Community Action Alert, Ways You Can Help or Get Help in the face of the Economic Crisis, compiled by Ann Sturman 818 464-2853.
http://www.jewishla.org/evites/14479.htm
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STEFANI VALADEZ sings in enchanting voice, including Ladino at many venues around town. http://www.stefanivaladezmusic.com/
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RUTH FOGELMAN's newest book, "Cradled in God's Arms," is listed under Personal Notes at end.
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JEWISH ARTISTS INITIATIVE, JAI. Read web site for exciting LA artists' shows.
http://www.jaisocal.org/
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INVITATION from Joy, and the Daniel Pearl Foundation
It is important to me, through music, to celebrate the life of Daniel Pearl, z'l as part of Daniel Pearl World Music Days - Oct. 1-31, 2009. Each year I participate as percussionist in synagogue memorial concerts. We invite YOUR participation.
SAVE THE DATES:
Erev Shabbat at Makom Ohr Shalom, Oct. 16. 7:45 pm.

Shabbat morning at N'Shama Minyan, Oct. 31. VBS. See web or under shuls. for full info.

Erev Shabbat, Nov. 13, 8 pm. Valley Beth Shalom. See Daniel Pearl website for full details.

http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/events.php?SearchArtist=1431

Last year, more than 1,000 events in 59 countries commemorated the life of journalist/musician Daniel Pearl. This is the 8th year that musicians around the globe use their talents to inspire audiences and spread “Harmony for Humanity". Create a concert.

Please visit www.danielpearlmusicdays.org to register your upcoming October music events. If you experience any difficulties registering, Paul will be happy to register them for you. Send a list of participating event details you would like registered.

There is no financial obligation. Your participation in World Music Days requires only that you make a customizable dedication from the stage or in the printed program to the values by which Danny lived.

Contact: Paul Karlsen, Operations and Program Manager, Daniel Pearl Foundation (310) 441-1400 paul@danielpearl.org http://www.danielpearl.org/ http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/

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For your childrens' free BIRTH RIGHT trip to Israel conatact:
http://taglit.israelexperts.com/
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*GOLDSTAR*: To sign up for FREE info on half-price ARTS tickets for events, theatre, music, etc. write:
http://www.goldstar.com/?p=f563067ff27
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* * * * * * * SHULS, MINYANS

mostly Aleph, Renewal, alternative, egalitarian, women's, some traditional

Contact each shul for their High Holiday schedules and locations.

(Other small LA minyans can be found on web: National Havurah Committee)

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We in LA are mamash / truly blessed with our minyanim.
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"And I have loved you with an eternal love; therefore I have extended loving-kindness to you. I shall yet rebuild you and you shall be rebuilt, O Maiden of Israel; you will yet adorn yourself with drums and go forth in the round-dance of the joyful." (Jeremiah 31:2,3)

Challah and Chevra (c) Joy Krauthammer

THIS SHABBAT:

LEV EISHA (Heart of a Woman) monthly Shabbat service, Sat. Oct. 3, 9:30 A.M. Next month, Nov, we meet an hour earlier for the extra blessed breakfast teaching. The women literally "look forward to" these Shabbats and drive in from Palm Spring, Orange County, etc. LEV EISHA meets at new location in the beautiful sanctuary at Vista Del Mar with lots of parking, through June 2010. Come and stay for Kiddish, blesSings, schmoozing, feasting and joy. It is FIRST DAY OF SUKKOT. 3200 Motor Ave, LA. 90034. North of National and the 10. There is a map on the website. The new grounds are filled with trees; an oasis in the city. http://www.leveisha.org/
http://www.leveisha.org/archive/latest.htm

http://www.leveisha.org/ and or read ads in the LA Jewish Journal paper edition.

LEV EISHA is where I love to be. My heart and soul soar davenen at Lev Eisha.

Come say hi. We are:

* a monthly creative prayer service for women by women, led by Rabbi Toba August & cantorial soloist - Cindy Paley accompanied by us ruach-filled global world-beat music percussionists - Joy Krauthammer and Chris Gacsi, violinist - Chaplain Ruth Belonsky, and soloists - Robin Winston, Mollie Wine & Toby Schwartz (who also beautifully chants Torah). We have some great new songs for you!

* an exciting, innovative Shabbat service that offers a warm welcoming environment for women seeking to connect with their Judaism. Men are welcome.

* a joyous, spiritual sanctuary for women of all ages and affiliations to come together in enthusiasm, heart, energy & intellect: in song, praise, prayer, study, dance, meditation and spiritual growth.

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* The first Saturday /Shabbat of every month your other rabbis know where you are! Join us and play timbrel in praise for the Source of All BlesSings.

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MAKOM OHR SHALOM EnCHANTing Erev Shabbats in Valley, Fridays Oct. 2, and Oct.16 we have the memorial Shabbat for Reb Shlomo Carlebach and Daniel Pearl, z'l, 7:45 pm. Join me, and a few Kindred Spirits visit. Other dates in LA. See Website. Rabbis Debra Orenstein & Monty Turner. Theresa Nivon, choir director and soloist. Dana Stone-Goldberg and Alula are soloists. Guest musicians include: Alan Klein, horn, David Platus, clarinet, Joy Krauthammer, percussionist, Eli Lester, drummer & Steve Berman, harmonica.

5619 Lindley @ Burbank, NW corner in host church, Tarzana. Shabbat dinners, Havdalahs, Havurahs, healing services.

Dana and Makom members greet all the people at the door and it feels good to be welcomed. When I'm there early, I too greet Shabbat guests.

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CARTOON that I love by Steve Greenberg

(Jewish Journal award-winning cartoonist)

Transcending Tradition: illustrating Jewish Spiritual Renewal. Cartoon musicians include: flutist, Richard Hardy, and myself-- Joy Krauthammer, timbrel player in purple, both of us Reb Shlomo, zt"l musicians, and Alula (from Ethiopia), and Cantorial soloist Mark Bachrach on shofar; all of us from Rabbi Stan Levy's congregation B'nai Horin during the High Holidays at AJU's Brandeis Bardin. (It was Divine.)

B'NAI HORIN -Children of Freedom, once monthly intimate Shabbat services, 10 am - 1:30 pm, Rabbi Stan Levy, Rabbi Laura Owens, Marc Bachrach, cantorial soloist. As a member for two decades of this 40 year old shul, you may find me there with my timbrel in hand, or Tibetan singing bowls, and with an open heart, dancing in the garden. THIS MONTH: Sukkot, Oct. 3 at the Rabbi and Lynda's home, and Simchat Torah, Oct. 10 at the rabbi's home. Maybe I'll see you there for Simchat Torah.

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Regular Contribution: $15 B'nai Horin members, $20 guests. First-timers: no charge. Please bring a salad, dessert or drinks to share or contribute $5 toward the main dish. A blesSing to be in Carole Foley's home garden, 11040 Queensland, West LA, one light south of National, 1 1/2 blocks east of Sepulveda Blvd.

http://www.bnaihorin.com/ . (310) 441-4434.

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AHAVAT TORAH Congregation. Weekly, lively Shabbat service and pot-luck buffet luncheon. Every Sat. 9 AM Israeli-born Rabbi Miriam Hamrell (AJR ordained) teaches Mussar/Pirkey Avot-Ethics of our Father, and 10 AM Shabbat service with Rabbi Miriam Hamrell and Gary Levine (opera-trained)- cantorial soloist and others accompanied by Joel Warren, pianist. Guest Torah teachers. Participatory musical worship service.

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Held at the Village Glen Lutheran Church, 343 Church Lane, LA, 90049, 5-6 blocks south of Sunset, north of Montana, just west of the 405 Freeway. Brentwood, LA. Park in the South parking lot or on the streets. I love it that member Sherry loans me her timbrel when I show up. I love attending the participatory early teachings in the intimate room. I love receiving Torah aliyahs. I love feeling winged angels flying high from the sweet sounds.

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This is a social-action community and they warmly greet you at the door, and offer Torah honors which feel really good. They offer important evening classes. http://www.ahavattorahcongregation.org/

Member, Len Felder, Ph.D. writes the blog: http://www.creatingsacredcommunity.blogspot.com/

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N'SHAMA MINYAN, Rabbi Nina Bieber Feinstein & Cindy Paley Aboody - cantorial soloist and guitarist, Joy Krauthammer - world music percussionist, and guest musicians & soloists. Service in the artistic stained glass Lopaty Chapel, prayer, song, dance, spirit, study. Sisterhood minyan led by and for women and all are invited. Summer hiatus. Check the VBS website or call the shul to confirm dates & time for the next Women's Shabbat service. (Not always Sat. AM, some Rosh Chodeshes and holidays)vbs.org/

Join us. Meets at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 91436. (818) 788-6000 or Susan: (818) 343-3078

Oct 31, with special musical guests from Columbia University, Pizmon.

This Shabbat is in memory of slain journalist, Daniel Pearl, z'l, for World Music Days.

http://www.vbs.org/

While at VBS, check out all their daily many varied fantastic spiritual offerings with many wonderful rabbis and cantors.

REB SHLOMO, z'l memorial FARBRENGEN, erev Shabbat, Nov. 13, 8 pm. I perform with the Chassidic Orchestra at VBS with Cantor Herschel Fox. This is a wonderful annual Shabbat. Join me.

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METIVTA, Friday, and Sat. services. Lay led meets both in LA and the Valley for Shabbat services, Shabbat dinner, meditations and classes. Fills quickly. Call for dates TBA and events. I love their Contemplative intimate Kabbalat Shabbat service; candle lighting, prayer, chanting, niggunim, a pot luck dinner and a discussion of the weekly parsha.

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It is a gift that Metivta Valley members like Gilla Nissan and the Glasers and Morgensterns offer their homes for spiritual Services. Founded by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man. I enjoyed recently serving as their percussionist. RSVP to Gilla at gilla@metivta.org or call (818) 990-7942.

Metivta@metivta.org (818) 654-9293. http://www.metivta.org/

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MALIBU Jewish Center & Synagogue. Weekly Shabbat services with Rabbi Judith HaLevy & (Argentinean) Cantor Marcelo Gindlin. Chaplain Ruth Belonsky plays exquisite soulful violin. Go early for Rabbi Judith's deep Torah teachings. Sarah's Tent people study & davven at Malibu and love the rabbi who co-founded Sarah's Tent. If I didn't live so far, I'd be learning there all the time. Torah study 9:30 am, Service 11:30. 310 456-2178 (It was a Divine blesSing to share 2nd day Rosh Hashana with my Sarah's Tent friends at Malibu.)

http://www.mjcs.org/

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THE ONE SOUL MINYAN, Monthly Saturdays, 10 am, with Rabbi Mark Borovitz of Beit T'Shuvah (addiction rehabilitation center), exhilarating musical service held at Valley Beth Shalom location and most months, third Shabbat. VBS Rabbi Ed Feinstein and other visiting rabbis participate in service.

. 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino 818 788-6000 http://www.

I truly appreciate this intimate meaningful service and when I don't bring my timbrel the pianist loans me hers. I wish we had more Shabbats each month so I can davven everywhere. They Meets regularly at 8831 Venice Blvd. LA

http://www.beittshuvahla.org/ 310 204-5200 This organization collects for their thrift store.

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ONE SHABBAT MORNING (OSM) with Craig Taubman & wonderful musicians at Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. Sat., Oct. 31, Feb. 6, 2010, April 17. Call or google to confirm date of musical 10 am service with 9 am guest shiur. I love this service and the special themes. This is one of the minyans (like Lev Eisha) which attract other shul congregants from all over the greater LA area.

The congregants are given colorful egg shakers to use to enable greater musical participation. I love it when percussionist Jeff loans me his dumbek.

Lev Eisha 'poet in resident', SARAH BARASH , reads her spiritual poetry with OSM, Oct. 31.

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Check out Craig's other Shabbats at Sinai Temple. (and his web site for terrific Jewish music.)

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HAPPY MINYAN meets regularly for all Jewish observances and classes in the 'Hood'. We founded this Orthodox minyan when our beloved Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt"l died 14 1/2 years ago. The chevre continues to meet and learn in Shlomo's light. It was the greatest blesSing in the universe for me to be Shlomo's percussionist and personal chauffeur.

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Meets 9218 Pico Blvd. in a karate studio (across from Pat's). Visiting scholars. Musical Havdalahs. Yehuda of Moshav Band davvens with Happy Minyan. MOSHAV - does many Melave Malka Concerts, Sat nite, Happy Minyan, Mitzvah g'dola lihiyot b'simcha Tamid. It's a big mitzvah to be happy. Mazal Tov to founding member, Stuie Wax, for his 14 years of service to Happy Minyan.

http://www.happyminyan.org/

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SHTIBL MINYAN, lay-led, meets weekly, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico) at Workman's Circle location on Sat. Mornings.

http://www.shtibl.com/

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* * * * * * * HOLY GATHERINGS

Shabbats, museums. concerts, more ARTS, workshops, classes, etc.

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OPEN DOOR SHABBAT, with the Owens and Lesters on alternating months. Celebrate and welcome the Sabbath Queen monthly 2nd Erev Shabbats, Fridays, 6:30 PM. Shayna & Eli Lester or Linda & Gerry Owens host each monthly Open Door Shabbat. Call them to confirm time, date, location in Santa Monica. Oct. at the ___'s home___.

Wonderful musicians and friends from all Renewal chevre including Sarah's tent. RSVP and advise what potluck vegetable, salad, fish or dessert you will share. Parking permits needed at Owen's home, so come by first to get permit. What a mamash holy gift to us that our blessed friends open their doors for Shabbat to create sacred space for us all.

RSVP. RevShayna@roadrunner.com 310-650-8808. Both Linda and Shayna serve as Spiritual Directors, and may be hired, along with other divine LA Jewish women for this holy work.

Blue Open Door- Sante Fe (c) Joy Krauthammer

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CHAI CENTER. Shabbat dinners for 60 !!! Schwartzie and Rebbetzin Olivia open their doors to strangers, holidays, giant Sukkot, Pesach events and women's events. Send them my love.

http://www.chaicenter.org/ info@chaicenter.org

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Please Come In (c) Joy Krauthammer

Sante Fe OPEN DOOR.

Red Chile mezuzah covers?

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Jewish Learning Exchange. So many great visiting scholars from Israel teach daily at JLE. 512 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 857-0923. Can we have this in the Valley? Ask to receive their mailings.

info@jlela.com http://www.jlela.com/

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OHR HAMAKOR / Light from The Source, A Home for Holistic Kabbala with Rabbi T'mimah Ickovits (Aleph graduate) deciphers essential wisdom from Kabbalistic traditions, showing its relevance for today. Serving as a teacher, Mashpia Ruhanee; Spiritual Guide, Rabbi T'mimah leads custom ritual events and serves as a prayer leader. CALL for new classes or contact: RebbeT@KabbalahTmimah.org http://www.kabbalahtmimah.org/ 310 450-8808

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BAIS CHANA women's LA school is run by Orthodox rebbetzin Yehudit Eichenblatt. Wonderful teachers learned with the finest Kabbalah teachers. Single lectures, Rosh Chodeshes, farbrengens for The Rebbe, z'l. I first met Yehudit when Reb Shlomo, z'l used to stay in her parents' LA home and I loved learning with her chevre. http://www.baischanaca.com/

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ARTS LA

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LACMA. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

I had decided that because I'd been to Pompeii, near Naples, Italy, I had no need to go to the current big show at LACMA. Thankfully I went to the big ticket show and loved all the sculptures and frescos including the several timbrel playing ecstatic women. This one exhibit took me 3 hours.

Show ends in Oct. (Watch the 4 pm parking limit on Wilshire Blvd.)

I shlep to NY to play tourist; I can do the same here in the Big Orange.

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SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER. Enjoy the Jewish exhibits, wonderful multi-ethnic concerts, theatre, dance, film, lectures, Passport Screenings, events. Great Adult Learning program. Tasty "Cart" sandwiches/salads sold at events and buffet dinner for some concerts.

http://www.skirball.org/ 310 440-4500 Sepulveda Pass @ Skirball Drive (Mulholland Drive) Free on Thursdays. Check out the Fall schedule.

Oct. 28. Yasmin Levy, Sephardic singer in concert.

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From Our Family Album to Yours: Tel Aviv 100, Sept. 8 - Oct. 14. Finegood Art Gallery, Milken JCC, West Hills

Exhibition of Tel Aviv 100 photographs of first 100 years. Interactive exploration of Tel Aviv’s history through photos. Opening reception, Sun., Sept. 13, 2-5 pm No charge gallery or reception. Gallery hours: visit JewishLA.org and type in “Finegood Gallery” in the search box.

rsvp reception: Patty Bellovin 818-464-3219 or PBellovin@JewishLA.org.

Group tours: contact Stacy Orbach, JCC at Milken: 818-464-3287.

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The Art of Bernard Baruch Zakheim (1896-1985) Ends Oct. 23. Gallery: Mon.-Thurs, 10-5, and Fri., 10-3. 310.552.2007. 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., (south of Pico) LA 90035. A More Beautiful World (Shenere Velt) Gallery is part of the national Arbeter Ring (Workmen’s Circle), which has been active in Southern California since 1908, dedicated to Jewish culture and social justice. (I'm partial to this organization because since my Grandma, z'l immigrated here, she was a member.)

Bernard Baruch Zakheim was recognized as a talented artist before the age of fifteen in Warsaw, Poland. He created works in many media for the next seven decades. After multiple escapes from German prison camps during World War I, he journeyed from Paris to San Francisco in 1920. In 1930 he worked with Diego Rivera in Mexico City. Back in California, he won a competition in 1931 to create the first public mural in the state, a fresco at the Jewish Community Center, San Francisco.

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He also designed and built a fountain at the Center. Other public works include: two WPA murals in Texas, the San Francisco Coit Tower murals (with other artists, 1933), ten murals at the University of California Medical School, San Francisco (1934 –38), the Jewish Historical Museum, Warsaw, Poland (1961), and very familiar to Angelenos, the six large wood sculptures forming a monument to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Six Million, on view at Mount Sinai Memorial Park (1969).

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REMO Music Center is offering the best! KIDS free drum circles monthly on first SUNDAYS, from 11 - 11:45 AM. Check first before going. http://www.remo.com/

Adult drumming every week night. Check web for amazing activities. Drums provided at every event and circle. Summer there are a few hundred drummers at REMO's drum circle and friends shlep from LA to the Valley. 818 982-0461, 7308 Coldwater, North Hollywood.

Say hi to facilitators Mike & Jerry from Joy. REMO's Women's Drum Day coming. Spring DATE TBA.

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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ Joy of Wisdom is the spiritual journey and ritual celebration on turning at least 60 years. Continue to consciously envision your dreams, transform age-ing beliefs into blesSings, and strive toward attaining greater spiritual heights. How do we face our 'next' era, and then mortality, and redefine values in our lives in desiring to meet our highest potential, and leave our legacy? Become a "wisdom keeper" in a Jewish Eldering rite of passage ceremony.

I would love to offer this workshop to your spiritual community. Write to me ( joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com )to book a workshop, or if you have questions. http://www.simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/

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Joy , MBA (UJ) Serving G*d With Joy, artist, poet, percussionist, sound healer, Chai Lights publisher, PR consultant, workshop leader, ritual guide, gardener. (I'm a Gemini.)

AriellaShira , MA, SLR, Speech Language Therapist. Facilitator, healing circles, angel on earth.

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Both Joy and AriellaShira were students of Savina Teubal, z'l (creator of the Joy of Wisdom ritual), and have studied with Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's Spritual Eldering Project / Aleph Sage-ing Project, as well as with Marcia Cohn Spiegel, # 2 Simchat Chochmah. Many Wonderful Women With Wisdom joined us at Sarah's Tent, LimmudLA, Wagner Women Retreat, Jewish Federation, Aleph's KALLAH, Makom Ohr Shalom, and AJU workshops and are ready for part II. If you've had part I, let's prepare for part 2.

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JOY SHAKERS with Joy Krauthammer

Take a sound journey with Joy Shakers.* Learn to creatively play EGGS and small, shaken percussion instruments from indigenous world cultures. Explore shaker rhythms, tempos, patterns. Shape sounds, and experiment with body and shaker movements and positions. Shake, swing, swirl and shuckle your shakers in the Four Worlds--spirit, mind, heart and body. Booking for Joy Shakers workshop, please write to me either at my personal address or

joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/

Upcoming session in Fall 2009 with One Shabbat Morning.

JOY is available for all your spiritual percussion needs.

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* * * * * * * OUTSIDE LA

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Going to Jerusalem? The ultimate Jerusalem e-calendar of events is published by Rabbi Yaacov Fogelman. Subscribe at: top@actcom.co.il Say HI from Joy in LA.

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Elat Chayyim at Isabella Freedman Center. Experience weekly/Shabbat year-round Jewish Renewal retreats with wonderful teachers by a lovely lake in the Berkshires. I love this retreat center. http://www.isabellafreedman.org/elatchayyim

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* * * * * * * JOY's PERSONAL NOTE

Writings, Torahs, Elul, Videos, Links, Rebbes, Teachers, etc.

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THE DERONDA REVIEW, a journal of poetry and thought. I am pleased to announce that the newly released summer 2009 issue once again includes my poetry, "Flight of the Sephirot." The journal, co-edited by Esther Cameron and Mindy Aber Barad, is a bridge between the poets of America and Israel. I look forward to again doing a skpe reading with poets in Israel.

To subscribe: The Deronda Review, P.O. Box 55164, Madison, WI 53705.

In addition, I'm thrilled that my poetry and photography are included in Israel's current 14th edition, KOL CHEVRE.

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KOL CHEVRE, The Voice of the Chevra of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, z'l, has printed the 15th Issue for 15th yahrzeit. Theme: Moments, Tikun, Vision. Memories, stories, Your Torahs, Reb Shlomo Torahs, poetry, Reb Shlomo photos. Edition in memory of Rabbi Aryeh Hirschfield, z'l.

My story about Reb Shlomo, and photos of both rebbes are included.

Donations welcome.

Thank you, Emuna emunawitt14@yahoo.com emuna.witt@rebshlomo.org 050-862-9040 kolchevra@rebshlomo.org The Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach Foundation info@rebshlomo.org Jerusalem, Israel http://www.rebshlomo.org/

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Reb Shlomo, z'l (c) Joy Krauthammer

"Your hands are the holiest part of your body because they reach the highest." - Reb Shlomo

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RUTH FOGELMAN's newest book of poetry and photographs is: "Cradled in God's Arms ."

“…much of the poetry in this collection deals with Ms. Fogelman’s moving descriptions of the Old City of Jerusalem, of which she is a resident - its sights, smells, people, flowers, its special joining of earth and heaven…. Ruth’s work makes an immediate direct connection to the soul and heart of her readers, ties their hearts to the stones of Jerusalem along with hers. Her poetry is… eminently readable and not just for literary specialists. It can be read by and touch anyone…."

- Prof. Susan Handelman, Bar Ilan University . Co-Editor, Torah of the Mothers: Contemporary Jewish Women Read Classical Jewish Texts, and Wisdom From All My Teachers.

I have been reading Ruth's poetry for years, and have her photos of the Old City on my eastern wall serving as mizrachis. Ruth's writings from the Jewish Quarter are for me an umbilical cord through the heart and soul to holy Jerusalem; My neshama/soul deeply connects. She is my drumming, purple loving, soul sister. Ruth taught me how to tie my tichels / head scarves. - JOY

http://www.geocities.com/jerusalemlives/

Ruth Fogelman is the author of "Within the Walls of Jerusalem - A Personal Perspective." Her writing and photography have appeared in numerous anthologies and other publications in Israel, the USA and India (including The Deronda Review.) Ruth is a facilitator of the Pri Hadash Women’s Writing Workshop in Jerusalem and has her Masters Degree from the Creative Writing Program at Bar Ilan University.

Here are links to Ruth reading from her new book at the release party:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NSJ9UxvqTk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93j42TUDK-I&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLgesDkRbqQ&feature=channel

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The family of REB DAVID ZELLER, z'l, have added an AFTERWARD to the book which his family and friends wrote about him, published before Reb Zeller died.

http://davidzeller.org/book/afterward.php

This Afterward is extremely touching, sharing with us the prior year before David's death. It is concerned especially with chaplaincy and being with the sick.

Reb Zeller was my very first Rebbe and it means so much to me to read the new words about my rebbe. Please open all the links on the website and listen to Reb Zeller sing and speak in angelic voice. It was the biggest blesSing to have Reb Zeller in our lives.

Reb Zeller, z'l and Joy Krauthammer

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Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) produced a one-hour documentary "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World," which argues that the application of Jewish values is essential to respond to global warming and other environmental threats and to help shift our imperiled planet to a sustainable path. "A Sacred Duty" http://www.asacredduty.com/ Complimentary copies of DVDs. Many articles at JewishVeg.com/schwartz. Shown at Kallah and Limmud.

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Torah Teachers directory, Local & International mostly. We have so many DIVINE JEWISH TEACHERS who are accessible to us. Write them to receive their weekly mails, or tune in their live webcasts. Who are your favorites?

Torah parsha teachings from Academy of Jewish Religion, LA http://www.ajrca.org/parsha_of_the_week.shtml

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Read Sarah's Tent and Malibu's JC&S member Gerry Owens' Torah parsha commentary. I love his psychological direction. http://web.mac.com.gerrylinda/

/ for Reflections from Above . Write and ask Gerry (gracious Open Door Shabbat host) to be on his list.

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To receive weekly deep Chassidic Torah Parsha teaching, contact Rachel Elana from the Happy Minyan. tikkunrachel@gmail.com

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My orthodox chareidi rebbe, YOSEF BEN SHLOMO HAKOHEN, sends out his Hazon - Our Universal Vision Torah teachings. Ask me for his e-address or click the link. For years I study with this Jerusalem based teacher and continue to be deeply inspired and supported in my spiritual growth by chesed -filled Reb Yosef. www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon

Read his Elul note at top of JOYous CHAI LIGHTS.

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I love receiving the teachings from MIRIAM (AKA Mindy) RIBNER. Write to Miriam and ask for her deep holiday teachings. Mindy is a disciple of Reb Shlomo, z'l, and she has been journeying around the world sharing her Kabbalistic meditations and counsel.

http://www.kabbalahoftheheart.com/For more information call 646-382-4696 or email Miriam@kabbalahoftheheart.com

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I really resonated with this teaching from Rabbi Laibl Wolf of Australia.

http://www.laiblwolf.com/

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A SIMPLE JEW. A blog I've discovered http://asimplejew.blogspot.com/

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Use this link to connect to video teachings from Rabbi David Ingber, Romemu, NY.

I have greatly enjoyed learning with him at Elat Chayyim and LimmudLA and loved being at his NY Romemu Shabbat service with him this summer. "Be your note!", he said. Sounds a little like Reb Zuscha. http://www.romemu.org/

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http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/ with Rabbi Arthur Segal. RabbiASegal@aol.com to subscribe at no fee to his Torah and Talmud teachings.

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Rabbi Sholom Brodt. I love the mamash gevaldt deep teachings from his Jerusalem's Reb Carlebach Yeshivah

http://www.shlomoyeshiva.org/

http://www.oneg.tv/video/homepageshulim26@shlomoyeshiva.org

Write to Rabbi Sholom Brodt to receive his weekly teaching and see their video class schedules. Invite him to your community. "To gather the holy sparks, is a task that we are all engaged in. Each time you drink some water or eat some food, if you do this in a holy way and then use the energy of the food and drink to do good deeds, to study Torah, to pray and to do acts of loving kindness, you are gathering and elevating the holy sparks that were 'trapped' or contained in the food and drink.

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"The four corners of the Tallis teach us that it is our responsibility to reach out to all four corners of the world - whichever direction we are walking in, wherever we may be at the moment, there are sparks of holiness that are waiting to be gathered and elevated. Each time we do so we are affirming and strengthening the unity of the worlds." - Rabbi Sholom Brodt

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Go to http://rebshlomo.org/ to read REB SHLOMO'S TORAHS and STORIES.

Reb Shlomo Carlebach, Shirley Perluss, Joy Krauthammer

1994 (c) Shira Solomon

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My Shabbat Story with Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l.

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When I would slowly walk to shul on Shabbat in Jerusalem with Reb Shlomo, zt'l, I mamash deeply felt that Shlomo was pulling in "all four corners of the world" just like tzitsit on a tallit. At each intersection, people increasing in number came to Shlomo to greet him and ask for his bruchot / prayers and mitzvot, which he later delivered. I told Shlomo he was the "Pied Piper." He was cute and said that I was "the Pied" and he was "the Piper". I know that Shlomo's kavenah / intention of "uniting the worlds" was met when the chasidim with black hats and peyis / side curls would recognize and greet me at other times, when Shlomo was not present.

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Years ago, I once heard Malavah Malkah dancers in Berkeley call out loud, "Shlomo is not even here and we continue to dance." We dance in Shlomo's zechut / merit. May we be blessed to dance. Reb Shlomo would share, "Our feet can take us where our minds can not go," and "Dance your way into the Book of Life."

with love, Joy

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Read Jerusalem Rabbi Yaakov Fogelman's amazing Torahs, A Jerusalem Jewish Voice, short or long versions filled with eclectic wisdom. Contact:

top@actcom.co.il . www.israelVisit.co.il/top Latest e-mail studies archived at http://www.shamash.org/.

I have been blessed to meet Rabbi Fogelman and have Shabbat in his home in the Old City. I LOVE HIS FAMILY.

Ruth Fogelman is a divine poet. http://www.geocities.com/jerusalemlives/

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Former LA teacher now living in the desert, fine Judaic artist, Michael Jacobs, for years has written a weekly Torah commentary. Interesting points and gematria from a scribe's point of view. Michaelojacobs@roadrunner.com

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Knowing Heart, Daat Tevunos by Ramchal with Yad Avraham's Rabbi Kalatsky. LIVE, Wednesday 10 am LA, 1 pm NY. Torah live, Tuesdays 9 am LA time. Rav translates all the Hebrew. I love learning with him. The Rav translates all his Hebrew. Watch live video broadcasts online at: http://www.yadavraham.org/Default.aspx?

http://www.yadavraham.org/asx/live.asx&tabid=62

To download this week's commentaries please go to: http://www.yadavraham.net/documents/Korach2009.doc

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I love DAILY DOSE from http://www.chabad.org/ . You too can subscribe to this daily teaching of the Rebbe, revised by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman.

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For wonderful writings by Jewish women, also read:

http://www.thejewishwoman.org/ edited by Sara Esther Crispe, on Chabad's web site. They include my writings.

I've been a Chabadnic ever since I met The Rebbe, zt'l, in 1970, and he gave me a dollar.

I was blessed to be able to davven for the first time at The Lubavitch Rebbe's kever in Queens, N.Y. I made prayers for all our chevra. This was a mamash, deeply moving experience for me. I gave tzadakah at the grave site.

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Learn HEBREW and B'nei Mitzvot studies with Israeli metaphysical teacher, Gilla Nissan, privately in her Valley home. You may know Gilla from AJU/UJ or Metivta. I love accompanying Gilla at special Metivta services.Info: Gilla29@msn.com or 818 990-7942

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Cantor Michael Russ teaches B'NAI MITZVOT privately in the Valley. http://www.lchayimservices.com/ 818 360-3468

Michael tutored me to read my Torah birth parsha for my Simchat Chochmah.

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CD

"Morning I Will See You: Awakening to the Beauty of the Day", is a new CD by Rabbi Shawn Zevit,

"Blessings when we live in our power. Blessings when we live in holiness."

Full review by Joy in Sept. Elul issue of joyous Chai Lights.

SZevit@comcast.net http://www.rabbizevit.com/ www.cdbaby.com/zevit4

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* * * * MORE PRESS

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Tablet Magazine ( http://www.tabletmag.com/), a daily online magazine of Jewish news, ideas, and culture, launched June. Tablet Magazine offers up-to-the-minute reactions to the day’s news, sophisticated cultural coverage, and in-depth investigations of broad trends in Jewish life. It combines a newspaper’s skepticism, a journal’s thoughtfulness, and a blog’s immediacy. Marissa Brostoff, daughter of LA's Marlene & Neil Brostoff, is staff writer. Yasher Koach

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JConnectLA weekly Jewish calendar for my daughter's generation. http://www.jconnectla.com/

Please direct your 20 and 30 year olds to this e weekly.

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A Jewish paper that I was reading today: http://forward.com/current-edition/

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JEWISH WORLD REVIEW is another daily web journal that I am partial to because my cousin is the publisher. http://www.jewishworldreview.com/

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Read the LA Jewish Journal web calendar for LA listings and news. http://www.jewishjournal.com/

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See what LA's Samuel K. puts in his website, http://www.sacredfriends.com/

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Shalom and BlesSings to you for joy (gila, rena, ditza, simcha, chedva, sasson, tzachala),

JOY

JOY IN NEW YORK Shades of Joy

by Joy Krauthammer

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My story is available still in the last Joyous Chai Lights in the Sept. .Elul issue. (I think listed as August post.)

I LOVE NY (c) Joy Krauthammer

sticker found on a New Mexico car

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JOY OF MOVEMENT

I think I first learned biblical biblical movement drash from Torah movement woman, Andrea Hodos, at National Havurah Institute in 1994. I like going further and dressing up in the part and making it 3D along with the movement. I had another opportunity to dance the Parsha during Shabbat service this summer at Kallah in Ohio with choreographer, Julie Leavitt, where I studied Movement Torah With Mind & Body. Truth is that every summer I study with another movement mavin at my spiritual retreats.

One of my favorite teachers for a couple summers was with master, Liz Lerman. I cried while dancing the part of Jacob. I loved Biblio-drama with Peter Pitzele. I think my passion for this began with Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi in 1991 when we danced the Sephirot on Simchat Torah, and I still dance them with Reb Zalman, as I did at Elat Chayyim in 2007 for Shavuot. Each time I learn so much from these challenges. In 1993 I danced the Hebrew Alep-Bet with Yehudit Goldfarb at Aleph's Berkeley Kallah. It took me two decades to figure out that I have a pattern: that is to study every summer with another Torah movement mavin.

One book I see on my shelves is "Torah in Motion, Creating Dance Midrash." I have used this when I have offered on special occassions, Torah in Motion, as drash to my shuls. I am grateful that Rabbi Stan Levy of B'nai Horin has allowed me to do this. I remember when meditation Rabbi David Cooper said to me, "You're Betzalel," when I had dressed up for Shabbat in the colors, images, bells and pomegranates, and textiles of garments of the Temple, per that week's Parsha. I responded, "Maybe Betzalel's helper." I had a lot of experience doing this for years in all of Reb Judith HaLevy's Rebbe Nachman, and Sacred Stories experiential classes in Sarah's Tent. Ah, another favorite was becoming Yetzirah and flowing water, and another time, A Holy Vessel.

Mamash, one of my favorite movement drashes was when I made (with artist GG's help) finger puppet flames for the 150 women of Lev Eisha when I was chanting BaHa'alotecha as a Simchat Chochmah. When I read about the Temple Menorah's flames, ALL THE WOMEN danced their fingers as holy Temple Menorah flames. I also dressed up as a flame... Ah, on Shabbat on Chanukah, I wear a menorah on my chest... Yes, this all gives me pleasure, and others receive the JOY, and permission to play and connect with the Divine in radiant dance..

Each Shabbat that I am dancing with the women, with my timbrel in hand, I know that biblical sister Miriyahm HaNeviah is not far behind, but in front, leading.

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KABBALISTIC WORKSHOPS WITH JOY

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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM

http://www.simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/

JOY SHAKERS

http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/

SOUNDS OF JOY

http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/

MIRIYAHM HaNEVIAH

http://www.miriamhaneviah.blogspot.com/

G*D'S HOLIEST #

http://www.holiestnumber7.blogspot.com/

SEPHIRAT HaOMER

http://www.sephirathaomer.blogspot.com/

JOY

MENORAH

http://www.templemenorah.blogspot.com/

HIGH HOLIDAYS - FAVORITE TORAHS

http://highholidays-favoritetorahs.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO WONDER BAND

http://http://opentowonderband.blogspot.com/>

THE KINDRED SPIRITS

http://thekindredspirits.blogspot.com/

Joy -- a percussionist, and her bands, OPEN TO WONDER, and KINDRED SPIRITS are also available for musical and spiritual gatherings.

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS

http://www.joyouschailights.blogspot.com/

JOY BLESSINGS

www.joy-blessings.blogspot.com

BlesSings for a Chag Sameach

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS, Sept. 2009 High Holidays, Elul, Tishrei 5770

2009-08-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS, September 2009, Elul, Tishrei 5769 - 5770

Dear Chevra,

May The Divine One bless you with a "Shana Tova U'Metuka", a good sweet year and
a "Ketiva V'Chatima Tova", a good inscribing and sealing.

I enjoy blowing my shofar (which I bought in the Old City) each week day morning.
PLEASE READ JOY-BLESSINGS FOR MY EXPANSIVE GREETING TO YOU
http://joy-blessings.blogspot.com/
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BlesSings, Joy

From my Jerusalem rebbe Yosef Ben Shlomo HaKohen, editor Hazon – Our Universal Vision: www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon A Letter to My Visionary Friends:

Dear Friends,

The new month of Elul began on August 19th. During this month, we prepare for Rosh Hashana – the New Year. This is a season of “teshuvah” – spiritual return; thus, during Elul, it customary to blow the shofar at the end of the weekday morning service. The sound of the shofar serves as a reminder to all of us to begin the journey “home” – to our Creator, to our own souls that were created in the image of the Creator, and to the Torah path of our Creator which enables us to fulfill the life-giving purpose of the Divine creation.

The sound of the shofar is a wake-up call, and it is not just a wake-up call to become aware of our personal and collective weaknesses which are preventing us from fulfilling our mission on this earth. The sound of the shofar is to also serve as a wake-up call to become aware of our personal and collective strengths which can enable us to fulfill our mission on earth, as individuals and as a people.

To read the rest of my rebbe's Letter, contact me to send his address to you. See Reb Yosef's info below under Personal Note.

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High Holidays - Shofar and Pomegranates (c) Joy Krauthammer

Oy vey. Look. Like pomegrante seeds, I am planting seeds of wisdom every day, within this blog.

More ELUL, High Holidays, Yamim Noraim - Days of Awe:

*See 60 Day Journey under Happenings.

*See Jewels of Elul under Personal Note.

*See Elul by AriellaShira under Personal Note.

*See Elul by Reb Shlomo, zt'l under Personal Note.

*See Elul by R. Simon Jacobson under Personal Note.
*Forgiveness by Joy in Personal Note

*My Favorite High Holiday Torahs: Joy's new blog in process.

http://highholidays-favoritetorahs.blogspot.com/

*By Len Felder, Ph.D. for High Holidays:

http://www.creatingsacredcommunity.blogspot.com/

MY REGULAR READERS: Skip & SCROLL down to * * * HAPPENINGS

Dear Chevre,
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"Chai Lights" was birthed in the "Jewish Calendar Magazine" in 1983 and my spiritual ARTS monthly column lived there in hard copy for about a dozen years.

A benefit to JOYous CHAI LIGHTS blog format vs. my e-mailing form for the past years, is that I can add to it during the month, so if YOU want something included, feel free to let me know. In blog form, the benefit is that you can also access this info at any time.

You are welcome to "COMMENT" at end of this long POST or else write directly to me. I always love reading what YOU write and then delete them. (My other BLOGS (PR memos mostly, not diaries) are visible by clicking MY PROFILE at top left, or listed at end.)

Feel free to use any of the info in CHAI LIGHTS for your shul's website info. Let's JOYOUSLY bring "Community into Unity."
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I am happy to share with you my JOYous CHAI LIGHTS of upcoming Shabbats, Chagim/holidays, mostly LA Jewish RENEWAL and post-denominational spiritual events, classes & the ARTS, plus...I only write about the events that I know and love. Not the shuls I used to go to, nor the ones I haven't yet gone to, nor the ones I intentionally don't go to. Thus mine is a partial listing and not 'impartial'. They are where I love to be, and invite you to join me there in joy along the Four Worlds path to The Tree of Life.

In the merit/zechus and light of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, I love helping to make our universe a smaller world, one with more spiritual consciousness, connection, and chesed/lovingkindness. With spiritual Guidance, I make instinctual connections for people. I believe that music helps to cross boundaries and brings us closer to the Holy One, so I emphasize here those events, as well as learning and prayer opportunities. Please see my Reb Shlomo story at the end.
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Monthly, I write this large mailing, my gift to Chevra, from my Porter Ranch kitchen table looking East to Jerusalem, and no one but I proof it. I hand click each recipient, no lists. UNSUBSCRIBE-- Let me know. Information is subject to change. Please call event to confirm specific locations, times, fees and accessibility. If you see an error that would be continued, please let me know.
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PLEASE FORWARD JOYous CHAI LIGHTS TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY so they, too, can enjoy with you, spiritual Renewal Judaism. Most of what I include here is NOT included in other local media. This is the only Jewish spiritual Renewal oriented LA events list. Click on underlined LINKS below for full updated stories of events & some photos. I love it when at an event I meet someone and they tell me they are present because a friend had forwarded CHAI LIGHTS to them.
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CONTENTS: ELUL. Exceptional Chai Lights HAPPENINGS (i.e. spiritual retreats, festivals, ARTS, books AND JOY OF MOVEMENT) are mostly at beginning of this list and some are at the end, and ongoing Chai Lights events (i.e. SHULS, MINYANS, museums, classes) are mostly in the middle, then, HOLY GATHERINGS, ARTS, and OUTSIDE LA, and my PERSONAL NOTE near end of JOYous CHAI LIGHTS to learn of my mamash gevaldt /truly glorious rabbis and other teachers or teachings that I love, as well as videos, reviews, musings, etc. Read JOY IN NEW YORK. More PRESS at end.
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Having Publisher's prerogative, I invite you to my many activities, and share them here. You can even hire me to play passionate percussion and Miriyahm HaNeviah for Rosh Chodeshes, Women's Passover Seders, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l concerts or other spiritual events. I play for shuls and events throughout LA.

Contact me if you want to invite KINDRED SPIRITS, my 18 member percussion group of REMO friends to join you, or if you want OPEN TO WONDER, my divine band, http://www.opentowonderband.blogspot.com/ for your spiritual services.

If your community/shul desires a sound healer, I'm available-- Sounds of Joy. http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/

I travel with my crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, bells and gongs that I brought back from Tibet. I love playing them for meditation, vibrational massage, yoga, dance, and homeopathic healing.

JOY SHAKERS. As percussionist for LA synagogues and events, I'm offering a little workshop on small percussion. See PR at bottom. Please contact me, Joy, for bookings. http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/

SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/

AriellaShira Lewis and I loved offering SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH at ALEPH's week-long KALLAH retreat in Ohio. I loved giving the workshop also to Makom Ohr Shalom members this summer. Call me to book a workshop.

In addition, I, Joy, continue to offer Kabbalistic Four World workshops on "Joy." See list at very end.
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When I am drumming, connecting to the Source of All BlesSings, I love seeing YOUR smiling hearts radiating from Hashem and illuminating and reflecting Divine light, and then mine drums in joy with yours. I always love hearing from YOU and hearing about your spiritual path.

Please ask The Compassionate One for healing blessings / MiSheberach for all those you love, for healing comfort in Four Worlds of spirit, mind, body and soul. (Especially at this time of LA fires.) Remember to try to use the Hebrew name both of the one in need, along with the mother's Hebrew name. Torah.org offers MiSheberach lists you can use and you can pray for those listed. http://torah.org/services/cholim/
Another source I like for Jewish prayer community is, "Daven For Me And I'll Daven For You". info@davenforme.org http://www.davenforme.org/ 718 437-8812. No charge.
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BlesSings of love, Shabbat shalom, prosperity, health and joy (of course).

See you in shul,

Joy Krauthammer

"Ivdu Et HaShem B'Simcha" Psalm 100:2

Serve G*D in Joy
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"Then Miriam the Prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels & dances." Exodus 15:20
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* * * * * * * HAPPENINGS

ARTS, Movies, Festivals, Retreats, Mazal Tovs
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MAZAL TOV on the chuppah of JOCELYN & DAVID ABRAMS. I loved celebrating at their Long Island wedding! (Hesha & Jeff Abrams used to live in LA.)

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PERSONAL ENCOUNTERS WITH GOD, with Rabbi Debra Orenstein: Weds, Sept. 2 and 9, 7:30 – 9:30 pm, Adat Ariel, Dieber Chapel, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village, CA 91607. Two-session class is a group laboratory and experience. Review sacred texts and our own life experience for encountering the Divine in ourselves and one another. Tuition: $36; $18 for Makom Ohr Shalom non-members who have purchased Makom High Holiday tickets and for Makom members. 818 725-7600.
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JOY HONORS TORAH AT MAKOM OHR SHALOM
I, Joy, invite you to join me, the first Erev Shabbat, Fri., Sept. 4, 7:45 pm at Makom Ohr Shalom, as I honor the Torah by carrying it and loving it. One is not allowed to turn down a Torah invitation, so I'll be there. Rabbi Jane Litman is guest rabbi from Berkeley. I am excited about this since I first learned with Rabbi Jane in the mid-eighties and then at the LA Jewish Feminist Center a couple decades ago. She offered a workshop on non-orthodox mikveh, so we could all go in spiritually. I think Rabbi Jane offered the first Rosh Chodesh celebrations in LA. http://www.mos.org/ (That Divine Torah energy will carry me over to the early morning when I play for Lev Eisha at our brand new location. Join me there also...)

Parshat Ki Tavo, Deut. 26:2. "...You shall take of the FIRST FRUIT of the ground that you bring in from your land that Hashem gives you and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that Hashem will choose, to make The Name rest there."

Appreciating the words of Parshat Ki Tavo, I brought filled baskets of fruit from my garden to the bimas of shuls on this Shabbat. See http://www.serveg-dwithjoy.blogspot.com/ . It gives me great pleasure to spiritually play out scenes in the Torah.

JOY OF MOVEMENT
I think I first learned that from Torah movement woman, Andrea Hodos, at National Havurah Institute in 1994. I like going further and dressing up in the part and making it 3D along with the movement. I had another opportunity to dance the Parsha during Shabbat service this summer at Kallah in Ohio with choreographer, Julie Leavitt, where I studied Movement Torah With Mind & Body. Truth is that every summer I study with another movement mavin at my spiritual retreats.

One of my favorite teachers for a couple summers was with master, Liz Lerman. I cried while dancing the part of Jacob. I loved Biblio-drama with Peter Pitzele. I think my passion for this began with Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi in 1991 when we danced the Sephirot on Simchat Torah, and I still dance them with Reb Zalman, as I did at Elat Chayyim in 2007 for Shavuot. Each time I learn so much from these challenges. In 1993 I danced the Hebrew Alep-Bet with Yehudit Goldfarb at Aleph's Berkeley Kallah. It took me two decades to figure out that I have a pattern: that is to study every summer with another Torah movement mavin. One book I see on my shelves is "Torah in Motion, Creating Dance Midrash." I have used this when I have offered on special occassions, Torah in Motion, as drash to my shuls. I am grateful that Rabbi Stan Levy of B'nai Horin has allowed me to do this. I remember when meditation Rabbi David Cooper said to me, "You're Betzalel," when I had dressed up for Shabbat in the colors, images, bells and pomegranates, and textiles of garments of the Temple, per that week's Parsha. I responded, "Maybe Betzalel's helper." I had a lot of experience doing this for years in all of Reb Judith HaLevy's Rebbe Nachman, and Sacred Stories experiential classes in Sarah's Tent. Ah, another favorite was becoming Yetzirah and flowing water, and another time, A Holy Vessel.

Mamash, one of my favorite movement drashes was when I made (with artist GG's help) finger puppet flames for the 150 women of Lev Eisha when I was chanting BaHa'alotecha as a Simchat Chochmah. When I read about the Temple Menorah's flames, ALL THE WOMEN danced their fingers as holy Temple Menorah flames. I also dressed up as a flame... Ah, on Shabbat on Chanukah, I wear a menorah on my chest... Yes, this all gives me pleasure, and others receive the JOY, and permission to play in radiant dance..

Each Shabbat that I am dancing with the women, with my timbrel in hand, I know that biblical sister Miriyahm HaNeviah is not far behind, but in front, leading.
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Bais Chana of California Women’s Yeshiva invites you to a Chai Elul Farbrengen Hakhel gathering with live music, Mon. Sept. 7, 8 pm. The birthday of the Ba'al Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe. "Create and Choose Simcha." www.baischanaca.com/
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THE MISER by Moliere at the WILL GEER THEATRICUM BOTANICUM is ending Sept. 27. Enjoy the comedy and location, and read my review below under HOLY GATHERINGS.

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Shaarei Am, the Santa Monica Synagogue, is performing a staged reading of Rabbinic Intern Susan Nanus' play, "Ne'illah in Gehenna" at backyard Slichot service Sept. 12, 10 PM. Find out what Satan does when he discovers that nobody from Cantor Steve's synagogue has ever been sent to Gehenna. For info: office@TheSMS.org (310) 453-4276.

MOS and Songmaker's member, Steve Berman, offers his ghoulish laugh as Satan, and also the introduction to The Rolling Stone "Sympathy for the Devil" on his D-harp.
(It's always fun to find Steve and Sandy at our local music festivals, volunteering and/or enjoying.)
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CD Review by Joy: Rabbi Shawn Zevit's ":Morning I will See You." See under Personal Note at the very end after Joy's NY Story.
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Here's a really important listing to share with your family and community. How about including it in your shul's newletter:
Community Action Alert, Ways You Can Help or Get Help in the face of the Economic Crisis, compiled by Ann Sturman 818 464-2853.
http://www.jewishla.org/evites/14479.htm
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STEFANI VALADEZ sings in enchanting voice, including Ladino, at B'nai Horin during High Holidays & and at many venues around town. http://www.stefanivaladezmusic.com/

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RUTH FOGELMAN's newest book, "Cradled in God's Arms," is listed under Personal Notes at end.

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JEWISH ARTISTS INITIATIVE, JAI. Read web site for exciting LA artists' shows.
http://www.jaisocal.org/
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INVITATION from Joy, and the Daniel Pearl Foundation
It is important to me, through music, to celebrate the life of Daniel Pearl, z'l as part of Daniel Pearl World Music Days - Oct. 1-31, 2009. Each year I participate in synagogue memorial concerts. We invite YOUR participation.
Save the DATE: Erev Shabbat, Nov. 13, 8 pm. Valley Beth Shalom. See Daniel Pearl website for full details.
http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/events.php?SearchArtist=1431
Last year, more than 1,000 events in 59 countries commemorated the life of journalist/musician Daniel Pearl. This is the 8th year that musicians around the globe use their talents to inspire audiences and spread “Harmony for Humanity". Create a concert.
Please visit www.danielpearlmusicdays.org to register your upcoming October music events. If you experience any difficulties registering, Paul will be happy to register them for you. Send a list of participating event details you would like registered.

There is no financial obligation. Your participation in World Music Days requires only that you make a customizable dedication from the stage or in the printed program to the values by which Danny lived.
Contact: Paul Karlsen, Operations and Program Manager, Daniel Pearl Foundation (310) 441-1400 paul@danielpearl.org http://www.danielpearl.org/ http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/
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For your childrens' free BIRTH RIGHT trip to Israel conatact:
http://taglit.israelexperts.com/
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*GOLDSTAR*: To sign up for FREE info on half-price ARTS tickets for events, theatre, music, etc. write:

http://www.goldstar.com/?p=f563067ff27

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* * * * * * * SHULS, MINYANS

mostly Aleph, Renewal, alternative, egalitarian, women's, some traditional

Contact each shul for their High Holiday schedules and locations.

(Other small LA minyans can be found on web: National Havurah Committee)
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I have returned from davvening at my favorite New York upper west side shuls: Carlebach, B'nai Jeshurun, and Romemu. We, too, in LA are mamash / truly blessed with our minyanim.

"And I have loved you with an eternal love; therefore I have extended loving-kindness to you. I shall yet rebuild you and you shall be rebuilt, O Maiden of Israel; you will yet adorn yourself with drums and go forth in the round-dance of the joyful." (Jeremiah 31:2,3)
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Challah and Chevra (c) Joy Krauthammer

THIS SHABBAT:

LEV EISHA (Heart of a Woman) monthly Shabbat service, Sat. Sept. 5, 9:30 A.M. The women literally "look forward to" these Shabbats and drive in from Palm Spring, Orange County, etc. LEV EISHA meets at new location in the beautiful sanctuary at Vista Del Mar with lots of parking, beginning Sept. 5 through June 2010. Come and stay for Kiddish, blesSings, schmoozing, feasting and joy. It is parsha Ki Tavo. 3200 Motor Ave, LA. 90034. North of National and the 10. There is a map on the website. The new grounds are filled with trees; an oasis in the city. http://www.leveisha.org/

http://www.leveisha.org/archive/latest.htm

http://www.leveisha.org/ and or read ads in the LA Jewish Journal paper edition.
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LEV EISHA is where I love to be. My heart and soul soar davenen at Lev Eisha.

Come say hi. We are:
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* a monthly creative prayer service for women by women, led by Rabbi Toba August & cantorial soloist - Cindy Paley accompanied by us ruach-filled global world-beat music percussionists - Joy Krauthammer and Chris Gacsi, violinist - Chaplain Ruth Belonsky, and soloists - Robin Winston, Mollie Wine & Toby Schwartz (who also beautifully chants Torah). We have some great new songs for you!
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* an exciting, innovative Shabbat service that offers a warm welcoming environment for women seeking to connect with their Judaism. Men are welcome.
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* a joyous, spiritual sanctuary for women of all ages and affiliations to come together in enthusiasm, heart, energy & intellect: in song, praise, prayer, study, dance, meditation and spiritual growth.
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* The first Saturday /Shabbat of every month your other rabbis know where you are! Join us and play timbrel in praise for the Source of All BlesSings.

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MAKOM OHR SHALOM EnCHANTing Erev Shabbats in Valley, Fridays Sept. 4, 7:45 pm. On this Shabbat, I am given the opportunity to honor the Torah. Join me. Other dates in LA. See Website. Rabbis Debra Orenstein & Monty Turner. Theresa Nivon, choir director and soloist. Dana Stone-Goldberg and Alula are soloists. Guest musicians include: Alan Klein, horn, David Platus, clarinet, Joy Krauthammer, percussionist, Eli Lester, drummer & Steve Berman, harmonica. For High Holidays, pianist Sterling, and mandolin player, Steve Moos join us.
5619 Lindley @ Burbank, NW corner in host church, Tarzana. Shabbat dinners, Havdalahs, Havurahs, healing services.
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REB ZALMAN SCHACHTER-SHALOMI visits for Rosh HaShanah, We in LA and Makom Ohr Shalom have a great honor to have Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi with us as he celebrates his 85th birthday. Mazal tov. Join MOS for Rosh Hashanah Shabbat services for the birthday of the world, and Reb Zalman's birthday.

"Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi has been hailed by Time Magazine as 'one of the most influential spiritual leaders in the world.'" Reb Zalman has been close to the Dalai Lama, Ram Dass, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, zt'l and Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l. In past years at MOS, wife, Eve, shares a meditation, and I also love it when Reb Zalman's European friend,Theodor Bikel, shares with us a Yiddish song.

This year MOS meets at CSUN and UCLA. http://www.makom.org/ 818 725-7600.

Rabbi Orenstein teaches for Elul. See above, under Happenings.

Dana and Makom members greet all the people at the door and it feels good to be welcomed. When I'm there early, I too greet Shabbat guests.

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CARTOON that I love by Steve Greenberg

(Jewish Journal award-winning cartoonist)

Transcending Tradition: illustrating Jewish Spiritual Renewal. Cartoon musicians include: flutist, Richard Hardy, and myself-- Joy Krauthammer, timbrel player in purple, both of us Reb Shlomo, zt"l musicians, and Alula (from Ethiopia), and Cantorial soloist Mark Bachrach on shofar; all of us from Rabbi Stan Levy's congregation B'nai Horin during the High Holidays at AJU's Brandeis Bardin.

B'NAI HORIN-Children of Freedom, once monthly intimate Shabbat services, 10 am - 1:30 pm, Rabbi Stan Levy, Rabbi Laura Owens, Marc Bachrach, cantorial soloist. As a member for two decades of this 40 year old shul, you may find me there with my timbrel in hand, or Tibetan singing bowls, and with an open heart, dancing in the garden. Selichot, Sept. 12, 7 pm.

High Holidays we are at AJU's BRANDEIS-BARDIN as usual. I hope to see you there for Yom Kippur.
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http://www.bnaihorin.com/ . (310) 441-4434.

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AHAVAT TORAH Congregation. Weekly, lively Shabbat service and pot-luck buffet luncheon. Every Sat. 9 AM Israeli-born Rabbi Miriam Hamrell (AJR ordained) teaches Mussar/Pirkey Avot-Ethics of our Father, and 10 AM Shabbat service with Rabbi Miriam Hamrell and Gary Levine (opera-trained)- cantorial soloist and others accompanied by Joel Warren, pianist. Guest Torah teachers. Participatory musical worship service.
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This is a social-action community and they warmly greet you at the door, and offer Torah honors which feel really good. They offer important evening classes. http://www.ahavattorahcongregation.org/

Member, Len Felder, Ph.D. writes the blog: http://www.creatingsacredcommunity.blogspot.com/

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N'SHAMA MINYAN, Rabbi Nina Bieber Feinstein & Cindy Paley Aboody - cantorial soloist and guitarist, Joy Krauthammer - world music percussionist, and guest musicians & soloists. Service in the artistic stained glass Lopaty Chapel, prayer, song, dance, spirit, study. Sisterhood minyan led by and for women and all are invited. Summer hiatus. Check the VBS website or call the shul to confirm dates & time for the next Women's Shabbat service. (Not always Sat. AM, some Rosh Chodeshes and holidays) Join us. Meets at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 91436. (818) 788-6000 or Susan: (818) 343-3078 Save date: Oct 31, with special musical guests from Columbia University.

http://www.vbs.org/

While at VBS, check out all their daily many varied fantastic spiritual offerings with many wonderful rabbis and cantors.
Hold Date: REB SHLOMO, z'l memorial FARBRENGEN, erev Shabbat, Nov. 13, I perform with the Chassidic Orchestra at VBS with Cantor Herschel Fox.

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METIVTA, Friday, and Sat. services. Lay led meets both in LA and the Valley for Shabbat services, Shabbat dinner, meditations and classes. Fills quickly. Call for dates TBA and events. I love their Contemplative intimate Kabbalat Shabbat service; candle lighting, prayer, chanting, niggunim, a pot luck dinner and a discussion of the weekly parsha.
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It is a gift that Metivta Valley members like Gilla Nissan and the Glasers and Morgensterns offer their homes for spiritual Services. Founded by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man. I enjoyed recently serving as their percussionist. RSVP to Gilla at gilla@metivta.org or call (818) 990-7942.

Metivta@metivta.org (818) 654-9293. http://www.metivta.org/

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MALIBU Jewish Center & Synagogue. Weekly Shabbat services with Rabbi Judith HaLevy & (Argentinean) Cantor Marcelo Gindlin. Chaplain Ruth Belonsky plays exquisite soulful violin. Go early for Rabbi Judith's deep Torah teachings. Sarah's Tent people study & davven at Malibu and love the rabbi who co-founded Sarah's Tent. If I didn't live so far, I'd be learning there all the time. Torah study 9:30 am, Service 11:30. 310 456-2178 (You'll find me here 2nd day Rosh Hashana with my Sarah's Tent friends and later for Tashlich.)
Friday, Sept. 4 is the last Shabbat at the beach at Westward Beach, 7 pm.

http://www.mjcs.org/

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THE ONE SOUL MINYAN, Monthly Saturdays, 10 am, with Rabbi Mark Borovitz of Beit T'Shuvah (addiction rehabilitation center), exhilarating musical service held at Valley Beth Shalom location and most months, third Shabbat. VBS Rabbi Ed Feinstein and other visiting rabbis participate in service.
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15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino 818 788-6000 http://www.vbs.org/ I truly appreciate this intimate meaningful service and when I don't bring my timbrel the pianist loans me hers. I wish we had more Shabbats each month so I can davven everywhere. They may be on summer hiatus(?). Meets regularly at 8831 Venice Blvd. LA

http://www.beittshuvahla.org/ 310 204-5200 This organization collects for their thrift store.

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ONE SHABBAT MORNING (OSM) with Craig Taubman & wonderful musicians at Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. Sat., Oct. 31, Feb. 6, 2010, April 17. Call or google to confirm date of musical 10 am service with 9 am guest shiur. I love this service and the special themes. This is one of the minyans (like Lev Eisha) which attract other shul congregants from all over the greater LA area.

I am offering my Joy Shakers workshop at a Fall 2009 OSM service. DATE TBA. The congregants are given colorful egg shakers to use to enable greater musical participation, and I'll share a few techniques. I love it when percussionist Jeff loans me his dumbek.
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Check out Craig's other Shabbats at Sinai Temple. (and his web site for terrific Jewish music.)

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HAPPY MINYAN meets regularly for all Jewish observances and classes in the 'Hood'. We founded this Orthodox minyan when our beloved Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt"l died 14 1/2 years ago. The chevre continues to meet and learn in Shlomo's light. It was the greatest blesSing in the universe for me to be Shlomo's percussionist and personal chauffeur.
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Meets 9218 Pico Blvd. in a karate studio (across from Pat's). Visiting scholars. Musical Havdalahs. Yehuda of Moshav Band davvens with Happy Minyan. MOSHAV - does many Melave Malka Concerts, Sat nite, Happy Minyan, Mitzvah g'dola lihiyot b'simcha Tamid. It's a big mitzvah to be happy.

http://www.happyminyan.org/

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SHTIBL MINYAN, lay-led, meets weekly, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico) at Workman's Circle location on Sat. Mornings.

http://www.shtibl.com/
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* * * * * * * HOLY GATHERINGS

Shabbats, museums. concerts, more ARTS, workshops, classes, etc.
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OPEN DOOR SHABBAT, with the Owens and Lesters on alternating months. Celebrate and welcome the Sabbath Queen monthly 2nd Erev Shabbats, Fridays, 6:30 PM. Shayna & Eli Lester or Linda & Gerry Owens host each monthly Open Door Shabbat. Call them to confirm time, date, location in Santa Monica. Sept. 11 at the Owens' home___.

Wonderful musicians and friends from all Renewal chevre including Sarah's tent. RSVP and advise what potluck vegetable, salad, fish or dessert you will share. Parking permits needed at Owen's home, so come by first to get permit. What a mamash holy gift to us that our blessed friends open their doors for Shabbat to create sacred space for us all.

RSVP. RevShayna@roadrunner.com 310-650-8808. Both Linda and Shayna serve as Spiritual Directors, and may be hired, along with other divine LA Jewish women for this holy work.

Blue Open Door- Sante Fe (c) Joy Krauthammer

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CHAI CENTER. Shabbat dinners for 60 !!! Schwartzie and Rebbetzin Olivia open their doors to strangers, holidays, giant Sukkot, Pesach events and women's events. Send them my love.

http://www.chaicenter.org/ info@chaicenter.org
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Please Come In (c) Joy Krauthammer

Sante Fe OPEN DOOR.
Red Chile mezuzah covers?

Jewish Learning Exchange. So many great visiting scholars from Israel teach daily at JLE. 512 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 857-0923. Can we have this in the Valley? Ask to receive their mailings.

info@jlela.com http://www.jlela.com/

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OHR HAMAKOR / Light from The Source, A Home for Holistic Kabbala with Rabbi T'mimah Ickovits (Aleph graduate) deciphers essential wisdom from Kabbalistic traditions, showing its relevance for today. Serving as a teacher, Mashpia Ruhanee; Spiritual Guide, Rabbi T'mimah leads custom ritual events and serves as a prayer leader. CALL for new classes or contact: RebbeT@KabbalahTmimah.org http://www.kabbalahtmimah.org/ 310 450-8808

High Holy Day Services Ohr HaMakor services combine innovative and traditional approaches, including participatory liturgy, music, chanting, meditation, and movement flavoring Jewish tradition with wisdom from classical kabbalah. .

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BAIS CHANA women's LA school is run by Orthodox rebbetzin Yehudit Eichenblatt. Wonderful teachers learned with the finest Kabbalah teachers. Single lectures, Rosh Chodeshes, farbrengens for The Rebbe, z'l. I first met Yehudit when Reb Shlomo, z'l used to stay in her parents' LA home and I loved learning with her chevre. http://www.baischanaca.com/

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ARTS LA

THE MISER by Moliere at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum

The MISER, from 1668, is a comic, farcical satire about a man whose greed, lust and "love for his money is greater than his love for his children." I loved laughing throughout the play and was surprised at the ending which I didn’t see coming, and I won’t tell you either. The acting from all the characters was fun with great timing, and I loved the natural stage setting and period costumes. One actress appeared to be floating in her red dress. I have not read Moliere in French since college, so this was a treat in English. Ellen Geer composed the songs with lyrics written by her and Peter Alsop.

My experience being at the WILL GEER THEATRICUM BOTANICUM under the Topanga Canyon hillside trees in a rustic amphitheater setting was delightful and relaxing, and enjoying an entertaining play makes it even more so. This 299 seat theatre is intimate in its Southern California casual outdoor style as was the audience. In fact, the MC invited us to greet our neighbors. Showing up to eat a picnic dinner an hour early in the park setting, made it feel like a summer back yard party in the country.
Line up for the unreserved seats when done dining. I didn’t have to drive the freeways in a rush to get downtown. The Theatricum is midway between the Valley and the Ocean. It was wondrous to see the Valley lights from the Santa Monica Mountain as I drove north at night. Weather was perfect, warm. Experienced people had seat cushions to sit on the theatre’s benches. Parking is easy on the road or in the small parking lot. I’ve accompanied people in walkers to their seats along a smooth path but ask for front reserved seats. This unusual theatre is in our 'back yard' and I for one, have taken it for granted. Consider it like a vacation and book your date. My sister was my date. (Since I was a tourist in NY a coupld weeks ago, it's easier to be a tourist here.
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Theatricum Botanicum's entertainers and owners have an illustrious history for the last half century. Read about it: http://www.theatricum.com/ 310 455-3723.

The Miser is in Repertory with CYMBELINE, JULIUS CAESAR, THE CHERRY ORCHARD AND A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, so if you can’t make it to THE MISER, enjoy one of the other plays which rotate through the week.

Some of the shows are already sold out so don’t wait. There was a Havurah social group present enjoying The Miser.

Ends SEPT. 27.

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LACMA. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

I had decided that because I'd been to Pompeii, near Naples, Italy, I had no need to go to the current big show at LACMA. Thankfully I went to the big ticket show and loved all the sculptures and frescos including the several timbrel playing ecstatic women. This one exhibit took me 3 hours.

Show ends in Oct. (Watch the 4 pm parking limit on Wilshire Blvd.)

I shlep to NY to play tourist; I can do the same here in the Big Orange.

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SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER. Enjoy the Jewish exhibits, wonderful multi-ethnic concerts, theatre, dance, film, lectures, Passport Screenings, events. Great Adult Learning program. Tasty "Cart" sandwiches/salads sold at events and buffet dinner for some concerts.

http://www.skirball.org/ 310 440-4500 Sepulveda Pass @ Skirball Drive (Mulholland Drive) Free on Thursdays. Check out the Fall schedule.

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From Our Family Album to Yours: Tel Aviv 100, Sept. 8 - Oct. 14. Finegood Art Gallery, Milken JCC, West Hills

Exhibition of Tel Aviv 100 photographs of first 100 years. Interactive exploration of Tel Aviv’s history through photos. Opening reception, Sun., Sept. 13, 2-5 pm No charge gallery or reception. Gallery hours: visit JewishLA.org and type in “Finegood Gallery” in the search box.

rsvp reception: Patty Bellovin 818-464-3219 or PBellovin@JewishLA.org.

Group tours: contact Stacy Orbach, JCC at Milken: 818-464-3287.

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The Art of Bernard Baruch Zakheim (1896-1985) Ends Oct. 23. Gallery: Mon.-Thurs, 10-5, and Fri., 10-3. 310.552.2007. 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., (south of Pico) LA 90035. A More Beautiful World (Shenere Velt) Gallery is part of the national Arbeter Ring (Workmen’s Circle), which has been active in Southern California since 1908, dedicated to Jewish culture and social justice. (I'm partial to this organization because since my Grandma, z'l immigrated here, she was a member.)

Bernard Baruch Zakheim was recognized as a talented artist before the age of fifteen in Warsaw, Poland. He created works in many media for the next seven decades. After multiple escapes from German prison camps during World War I, he journeyed from Paris to San Francisco in 1920. In 1930 he worked with Diego Rivera in Mexico City. Back in California, he won a competition in 1931 to create the first public mural in the state, a fresco at the Jewish Community Center, San Francisco.

He also designed and built a fountain at the Center. Other public works include: two WPA murals in Texas, the San Francisco Coit Tower murals (with other artists, 1933), ten murals at the University of California Medical School, San Francisco (1934 –38), the Jewish Historical Museum, Warsaw, Poland (1961), and very familiar to Angelenos, the six large wood sculptures forming a monument to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Six Million, on view at Mount Sinai Memorial Park (1969).

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REMO Music Center is offering the best! KIDS free drum circles monthly on first SUNDAYS, from 11 - 11:45 AM. Check first before going. http://www.remo.com/

Adult drumming every week night. Check web for amazing activities. Drums provided at every event and circle. Summer there are a few hundred drummers at REMO's drum circle and friends shlep from LA to the Valley. 818 982-0461, 7308 Coldwater, North Hollywood.

Say hi to facilitators Mike & Jerry from Joy. REMO's Women's Drum Day coming. DATE TBA.

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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ Joy of Wisdom is the spiritual journey and ritual celebration on turning at least 60 years. Continue to consciously envision your dreams, transform age-ing beliefs into blesSings, and strive toward attaining greater spiritual heights. How do we face our 'next' era, and then mortality, and redefine values in our lives in desiring to meet our highest potential, and leave our legacy? Become a "wisdom keeper" in a Jewish Eldering rite of passage ceremony.

I would love to offer this workshop to your spiritual community. Write to me ( joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com )to book a workshop, or if you have questions. http://www.simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/
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Joy, MBA (UJ) Serving G*d With Joy, artist, poet, percussionist, sound healer, Chai Lights publisher, PR consultant, workshop leader, ritual guide, gardener. (I'm a Gemini.)

AriellaShira, MA, SLR, Speech Language Therapist. Facilitator, healing circles, angel on earth.
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Both Joy and AriellaShira were students of Savina Teubal, z'l (creator of the Joy of Wisdom ritual), and have studied with Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's Spritual Eldering Project / Aleph Sage-ing Project, as well as with Marcia Cohn Spiegel, # 2 Simchat Chochmah. Many Wonderful Women With Wisdom joined us at Sarah's Tent, LimmudLA, Wagner Women Retreat, Jewish Federation, Aleph's KALLAH, Makom Ohr Shalom, and AJU workshops and are ready for part II. If you've had part I, let's prepare for part 2.

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JOY SHAKERS with Joy Krauthammer

Take a sound journey with Joy Shakers.* Learn to creatively play EGGS and small, shaken percussion instruments from indigenous world cultures. Explore shaker rhythms, tempos, patterns. Shape sounds, and experiment with body and shaker movements and positions. Shake, swing, swirl and shuckle your shakers in the Four Worlds--spirit, mind, heart and body. Booking for Joy Shakers workshop, please write to me either at my personal address or

joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/

Upcoming session in Fall 2009 with One Shabbat Morning.

JOY is available for all your spiritual percussion needs.

* * * * * * * OUTSIDE LA

Going to Jerusalem? The ultimate Jerusalem e-calendar of events is published by Rabbi Yaacov Fogelman. Subscribe at: top@actcom.co.il Say HI from Joy in LA.

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Elat Chayyim at Isabella Freedman Center. Experience weekly/Shabbat year-round Jewish Renewal retreats with wonderful teachers by a lovely lake in the Berkshires. I love this retreat center. http://www.isabellafreedman.org/elatchayyim
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* * * * * * * JOY's PERSONAL NOTE

Writings, Torahs, Elul, Videos, Links, Rebbes, Teachers, etc.
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THE DERONDA REVIEW, a journal of poetry and thought. I am pleased to announce that the newly released summer 2009 issue once again includes my poetry, "Flight of the Sephirot." The journal, co-edited by Esther Cameron and Mindy Aber Barad, is a bridge between the poets of America and Israel. I look forward to again doing a skpe reading with poets in Israel.

To subscribe: The Deronda Review, P.O. Box 55164, Madison, WI 53705.

In addition, I'm thrilled that my poetry and photography are included in Israel's current 14th edition, KOL CHEVRE.

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KOL CHEVRE, The Voice of the Chevra of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, z'l, is NOW accepting articles (2-3 pages) for the 15th Issue for 15th yahrzeit. Theme: Moments, Tikun, Vision. Send memories, stories, Your Torahs, Reb Shlomo Torahs, poetry, Reb Shlomo photos. Edition in memory of Rabbi Aryeh Hirschfield, z'l. If you have photos, stories, please send as I did.

Donations welcome for mazal tov announcements (with photos, especially babies!!!), condolences, ads, artwork. Add a little blurb about yourself, so we all get connected!! Don't hold back, give nachos to the Rebbe!!

Thank you, Emuna emunawitt14@yahoo.com emuna.witt@rebshlomo.org 050-862-9040 kolchevra@rebshlomo.org The Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach Foundation info@rebshlomo.org Jerusalem, Israel http://www.rebshlomo.org/

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ELUL
ELUL. Partake in a powerful 60 Day Journey Toward a Better Life. Subscribe http: index_60days_subscribe.php="" subscribe="" http://www.meaningfullife.com/

to our 60 Days Daily E-mail. We begin an extraordinary 60 days which can change your lifeforever -- the two powerful months of Elul and Tishrei. This special time period, which includes Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, embodies the energy of renewal after destruction, rebirth after loss, the energy of love and forgiveness, of empowerment and joy.
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For the next 60 days, receive at no charge, a daily e-mail which will guide you along this fascinating 60 day journey and energize your high holiday experience. Each daily posting will contain an inspirational thought and a practical exercise for the day-- excerpted from Simon Jacobson's classic: 60 Days: A Spiritual Guideto the High Holidays. There is no better time than now to embrace this 60 days journey, a journey that helps us find comfort in uncertain times, strength amidst adversity and fortitude and direction to face the challenges ahead of us.

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JEWELS OF ELUL, inspirations for the High Holy Days, compiled by Craig Taubman. This year 29 contributors share their Inspirations on the Art of Forgiving; their wrestling with reconciling, moving forward and returning. The Jewels is available online beginning August 21, at http://www.jewelsofelul.com/. Jewels of Elul books is available in bulk quantities for Temples and organizations to share with their communities. Order books or sign up for the daily Jewel email HERE. Craig asks that donations for the book be made to Jewish Family Service. Each year I mamash enjoy the delights in this small booklet.

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ELUL Letter from AriellaShira

Dear Ones,

We begin to prepare for the High Holy Days. Elul is an acronym for Ani L'dodi V''dodi Li/I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine. This is a time of heightened awareness of our relationship with our Divine Source. The sign for Elul is Bethulah, the Virgin, in it's original sense of meaning "independent of a man". A time for women to grow free of the rules, traditions and values of men so that we can embody the Divine Feminine/Shechina and bring the world back into balance.

The tradition of blowing the shofar every morning of Elul is to wake us up to where we are in our lives individually and collectively, to do a spiritual accounting and then make conscious choices to redirect our lives to the path of blessing. Collectively, we are in a time of paradigm shift, the Exodus from duality and separation consciousness into Oneness and unity consciousness and the Oneness has begun. As we rise up in consciousness the negativity of Humanity's abuse of power and lack of reverence for all Life, is being pushed to the surface for purification and healing. As we are shaken into higher awareness and consciousness by the shofar blasts of Elul, may we remember who we are beyond our individual selves and join together across the world to bring into being the profound changes that are wanting to manifest.

Blessings, Love & Light, AriellaShira

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Reb Shlomo, z'l (c) Joy Krauthammer

"Your hands are the holiest part of your body because they reach the highest."

ELUL by Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l.

http://rebshlomo.org/torahs/elul-redemption-through-responsiveness/

Elul is the twelfth month of the Jewish civil year and the sixth month of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. Reb Shlomo taught us that Elul is a time of repentance in preparationfor the High Holy Days. In Aramaic (the language of the Talmud), the word “Elul” means “search.” The Talmud writes that the Hebrew word “Elul” can be expanded as an acronym for “Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li” - “I am to my Beloved and my Beloved is to me.” Elul is seen as a time to search one’s heart and draw close to God in preparation for the coming Day of Judgement, Rosh Hashanah, and Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. Read on http://rebshlomo.org/:Elul : Opening the GatesKi Va Mo’ed: When the Time Comes. Elul: Redemption Through Responsiveness

Reb Shlomo, z'l (c) Joy Krauthammer

"Your hands are the holiest part of your body because they reach the highest." - Shlomo

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Len Felder, Ph.D. writes on Elul:

"What are my deepest longings this year? Where am I missing the mark on following through with my soul's current purpose? What are the hurt feelings and miscommunications I carry inside that need to be cleared up? Who do I need to forgive? And is there someone I need to ask for forgiveness?"

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Elul is a serious spiritual time for CHESHBON HANEFESH, an accounting of one's soul.

If I have done anything this year to disturb or hurt you in any way, please, I ask for your forgiveness. Sincerely, Joy
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RUTH FOGELMAN's newest book of poetry and photographs is: "Cradled in God's Arms."

“…much of the poetry in this collection deals with Ms. Fogelman’s moving descriptions of the Old City of Jerusalem, of which she is a resident - its sights, smells, people, flowers, its special joining of earth and heaven…. Ruth’s work makes an immediate direct connection to the soul and heart of her readers, ties their hearts to the stones of Jerusalem along with hers. Her poetry is… eminently readable and not just for literary specialists. It can be read by and touch anyone…."

- Prof. Susan Handelman, Bar Ilan University . Co-Editor, Torah of the Mothers: Contemporary Jewish Women Read Classical Jewish Texts, and Wisdom From All My Teachers.

I have been reading Ruth's poetry for years, and have her photos of the Old City on my eastern wall serving as mizrachis. Ruth's writings from the Jewish Quarter are for me an umbilical cord through the heart and soul to holy Jerusalem; My neshama/soul deeply connects. She is my drumming, purple loving, soul sister. Ruth taught me how to tie my tichels / head scarves. - JOY

http://www.geocities.com/jerusalemlives/

Ruth Fogelman is the author of "Within the Walls of Jerusalem - A Personal Perspective." Her writing and photography have appeared in numerous anthologies and other publications in Israel, the USA and India (including The Deronda Review.) Ruth is a facilitator of the Pri Hadash Women’s Writing Workshop in Jerusalem and has her Masters Degree from the Creative Writing Program at Bar Ilan University.

Here are links to Ruth reading from her new book at the release party:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NSJ9UxvqTk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93j42TUDK-I&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLgesDkRbqQ&feature=channel

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The family of REB DAVID ZELLER, z'l, have added an AFTERWARD to the book which his family and friends wrote about him, published before Reb Zeller died.

http://davidzeller.org/book/afterward.php

This Afterward is extremely touching, sharing with us the prior year before David's death. It is concerned especially with chaplaincy and being with the sick.

Reb Zeller was my very first Rebbe and it means so much to me to read the new words about my rebbe. Please open all the links on the website and listen to Reb Zeller sing and speak in angelic voice. It was the biggest blesSing to have Reb Zeller in our lives.

Reb Zeller, z'l and Joy Krauthammer

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Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) produced a one-hour documentary "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World," which argues that the application of Jewish values is essential to respond to global warming and other environmental threats and to help shift our imperiled planet to a sustainable path. "A Sacred Duty" http://www.asacredduty.com/ Complimentary copies of DVDs. Many articles at JewishVeg.com/schwartz. Shown at Kallah and Limmud.

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Continuing Directory of Torah Teachers, Local & International mostly. We have so many DIVINE JEWISH TEACHERS who are accessible to us. Write them to receive their weekly mails, or tune in their live webcasts. Who are your favorites?

Torah parsha teachings from Academy of Jewish Religion, LA http://www.ajrca.org/parsha_of_the_week.shtml

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Read Sarah's Tent and Malibu's JC&S member Gerry Owens' Torah parsha commentary. I love his psychological direction. http://web.mac.com.gerrylinda/

/ for Reflections from Above . Write and ask Gerry (gracious Open Door Shabbat host) to be on his list.

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To receive weekly deep Chassidic Torah Parsha teaching, contact Rachel Elana from the Happy Minyan. tikkunrachel@gmail.com

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My orthodox chareidi rebbe, YOSEF BEN SHLOMO HAKOHEN, sends out his Hazon - Our Universal Vision Torah teachings. Ask me for his e-address or click the link. For years I study with this Jerusalem based teacher and continue to be deeply inspired and supported in my spiritual growth by chesed-filled Reb Yosef. www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon

Read his Elul note at top of JOYous CHAI LIGHTS.

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http://www.kabbalahoftheheart.com/For more information call 646-382-4696 or email Miriam@kabbalahoftheheart.com

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I really resonated with this teaching from Rabbi Laibl Wolf of Australia. It is me, and maybe you too. Better than a fortune cookie. Met Rabbi here in LA. Excerpts:
5. Share and contribute. You are a conduit for sublime energies that course through your being. Channel your potential to facilitate the growth and wellbeing of those who have been chosen to enter your domain.

7. Be true to, and honest with, your Jewish soul. Being true to your Jewish notes allows the Cosmic symphony to play the creation of beauty.
May this year bring you inner peace, outer joy and spiritual fulfilllment.
http://www.laiblwolf.com/
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A SIMPLE JEW. A blog I've discovered http://asimplejew.blogspot.com/

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Use this link to connect to video teachings from Rabbi David Ingber, Romemu, NY.

I have greatly enjoyed learning with him at Elat Chayyim and LimmudLA and loved being at his NY Romemu Shabbat service with him this summer. "Be your note!", he said. Sounds a little like Reb Zuscha. Mazal Tov on Nicole reclaiming her birth name. http://www.romemu.org/ It was great seeing Rabbi David's new baby and wife, Arielle, as well as visiting Rabbi Ohad and Dawn Mizrahi.

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http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/ for two books by Rabbi Arthur Segal. RabbiASegal@aol.com to subscribe at no fee to his Talmud teachings.

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Rabbi Sholom Brodt. I love the mamash gevaldt deep teachings from his Jerusalem's Reb Carlebach Yeshivah

http://www.shlomoyeshiva.org/

http://www.oneg.tv/video/homepageshulim26@shlomoyeshiva.org

Write to Rabbi Sholom Brodt to receive his weekly teaching and see their video class schedules. Invite him to your community. "To gather the holy sparks, is a task that we are all engaged in. Each time you drink some water or eat some food, if you do this in a holy way and then use the energy of the food and drink to do good deeds, to study Torah, to pray and to do acts of loving kindness, you are gathering and elevating the holy sparks that were 'trapped' or contained in the food and drink.
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"The four corners of the Tallis teach us that it is our responsibility to reach out to all four corners of the world - whichever direction we are walking in, wherever we may be at the moment, there are sparks of holiness that are waiting to be gathered and elevated. Each time we do so we are affirming and strengthening the unity of the worlds." - Rabbi Sholom Brodt

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Go to http://rebshlomo.org/ to read REB SHLOMO'S TORAHS and STORIES.

Reb Shlomo Carlebach, Shirley Perluss, Joy Krauthammer
1994 (c) Shira Solomon

My Shabbat Story with Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l.

When I would slowly walk to shul on Shabbat in Jerusalem with Reb Shlomo, zt'l, I mamash deeply felt that Shlomo was pulling in "all four corners of the world" just like tzitsit on a tallit. At each intersection, people increasing in number came to Shlomo to greet him and ask for his bruchot / prayers and mitzvot, which he later delivered. I told Shlomo he was the "Pied Piper." He was cute and said that I was "the Pied" and he was "the Piper". I know that Shlomo's kavenah / intention of "uniting the worlds" was met when the chasidim with black hats and peyis / side curls would recognize and greet me at other times, when Shlomo was not present.

Years ago, I once heard Malavah Malkah dancers in Berkeley call out loud, "Shlomo is not even here and we continue to dance." We dance in Shlomo's zechut / merit. May we be blessed to dance. Reb Shlomo would share, "Our feet can take us where our minds can not go," and "Dance your way into the Book of Life."

with love, Joy

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Read Jerusalem Rabbi Yaakov Fogelman's amazing Torahs, A Jerusalem Jewish Voice, short or long versions filled with eclectic wisdom. Contact:

top@actcom.co.il . www.israelVisit.co.il/top Latest e-mail studies archived at http://www.shamash.org/.

I have been blessed to meet Rabbi Fogelman and have Shabbat in his home in the Old City. I LOVE HIS FAMILY.

Ruth Fogelman is a divine poet. http://www.geocities.com/jerusalemlives/

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Former LA teacher now living in the desert, fine Judaic artist, Michael Jacobs, for years has written a weekly Torah commentary. Interesting points and gematria from a scribe's point of view. Michaelojacobs@roadrunner.com

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Knowing Heart, Daat Tevunos by Ramchal with Yad Avraham's Rabbi Kalatsky. LIVE, Wednesday 10 am LA, 1 pm NY. Torah live, Tuesdays 9 am LA time. Rav translates all the Hebrew. I love learning with him. The Rav translates all his Hebrew. Watch live video broadcasts online at: http://www.yadavraham.org/Default.aspx?

http://www.yadavraham.org/asx/live.asx&tabid=62

To download this week's commentaries please go to: http://www.yadavraham.net/documents/Korach2009.doc

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I love DAILY DOSE from http://www.chabad.org/ . You too can subscribe to this daily teaching of the Rebbe, revised by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman.

For wonderful writings by Jewish women, also read
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http://www.thejewishwoman.org/ edited by Sara Esther Crispe, on Chabad's web site. They include my writings. I've been a Chabadnic ever since I met The Rebbe, zt'l, in 1970, and he gave me a dollar.

This August I was blessed to be able to davven for the first time at The Lubavitch Rebbe's kever in Queens, N.Y. I made prayers for all our chevra. This was a mamash, deeply moving experience for me. I gave tzadakah at the grave site.

(I also visited my mom's, z'l, kever in the east coast, and loved the butterfly and the rabbit that crossed my path.)

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Learn HEBREW and B'nei Mitzvot studies with Israeli metaphysical teacher, Gilla Nissan, privately in her Valley home. You may know Gilla from AJU/UJ or Metivta. I love accompanying Gilla at special Metivta services.Info: Gilla29@msn.com or 818 990-7942

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Cantor Michael Russ teaches B'NAI MITZVOT privately in the Valley. http://www.lchayimservices.com/ 818 360-3468

Michael tutored me to read my Torah birth parsha for my Simchat Chochmah.

JOY IN NEW YORK Shades of Joy

by Joy Krauthammer
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I went to all my favorite synagogues for Shabbat: Carlebach, B’nai Jeshurun and Romemu (services held in a century old building). Love that Upper West Side! (Walking alone, following Erev Shabbat service, I noticed a women on the street bring a pizza box to a homeless man on church steps at Amsterdam and 86th. He was still there the next morning.)

I LOVE NY (c) Joy Krauthammer

sticker found on a New Mexico car

I am grateful to beloved ones: Liliane for driving me to The Lubavitcher Rebbe's, zt’l grave, and to cousin Naomi for driving me to my mom’s, z’l, grave, and spontaneously everywhere else. (What other cemetery has butterflies, rabbits and geese?) Thanks to Ida for driving us back to our old Jamaica H.S., and to Suzanne for driving us past our Queens College. And thanks to Bruce and Allen for dropping me off at my PS 178 in Hollis, down memory lane. (Wearing a "Visitor" tag on my chest, as did Ida, visiting her 90 year old hospitalized father, I wondered what it means to be a "Visitor". How do we visit this earth? How do we do Bikkur Cholim?).

It wasn’t hard to figure out how to spend my time in New York on hot August days: find the air conditioning! I just didn’t have enough days to schedule all the loved ones, ARTS and events that I wanted to enjoy. I was armed with maps and money, heavy quarters for the transportation which is up to $2.25 per ride (half for seniors). I was impressed with the wheelchair accessible buses, and ability for people to get on with their open walkers. Each time I saw an elderly person first sit down to get out their exact coins or Metro card (available to all- saves lugging quarters), I’d go over and take their money for them, and put it in the driver’s machine.

I knew that I was back in New York when I heard a powerful female bus driver scream with attitude to the back of the big bus, “Do you just like ringin’ the bell, or do ya want to get off?” I love the clean streets.

When in NY, I usually go to the Upper East Side art museums, and I’m glad I made it to the west side American Museum of Natural History. (I feel like I have my own private museum here at home with lounging foot-long LA lizards that love to live in my porch and sneak into my bedroom to sleep in my slippers. Emes.)

I spent a full day at the American Museum of Natural History; first time since the sixties. It was glorious seeing all the shows and dark dioramas that I remembered as a child, with displays of Indians (love their percussion instruments made from seashells. I'll try that with the ones I picked up at the Atlantic Ocean.) There were live frogs of all sizes, color and camouflage in a huge exhibit with a terrific personal tour guide. Extinct and living EXTREME MAMMALS was fascinating, and Whoopi Goldberg narrating JOURNEY to the STARS was a great space show. Contemporary show was important: CLIMATE CHANGE: The Threat to Life. www.amnh.org/climatechange . I always love IMAX: WILD OCEANS was topical and disturbing with how man treats ocean creatures.

My first stop is always at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Made it more fun with LA friends, Suzanne and Alan, accompanying me. It does not matter what I see here, I LOVE IT ALL. MMA is a passport into other worlds. Clearly, I have favorite huge halls and my soul resonates deeply with other primitive cultures and their spirits. (I get some of that feeling in LA's Fowler museum.)

Museum of Modern Art, MoMA, has had a major face-lift, and I loved being in the new brightly lit museum (and their gift shop). I had so much fun at the Ron ARAD exhibit with his distorting, deceptive reflective surfaces that reminded me of Coney Island decades ago. I loved my own disembodied head, and also the lush round purple something. (Does it matter what it is as long as it is purple?) Photos to follow. Arad's a fantastic artist from Tel Aviv! It is Tel Aviv's 100th birthday this year!!! Yom Huledet Sameach.

Summer time outside at Lincoln Center is always terrific, and former LA friend, Maya, met me there. Maya and I ate from the veggie salad bar at the new Whole Foods, underground at Columbus Circle. It’s the size of a football field with matching check-out cashier long lines. (We gave up on getting dessert.) We then moved into front center 2nd row seats for a free dance concert at Lincoln Center.

After I stopped and rested my weary walking feet on the massive steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral which took up a full square Manhattan block, I was grateful that my young NY friend, Elchanan, saw me standing on Fifth Ave and 50th and called out to me from his moving car, and I jumped in.

Elchanan took me to the world premiere of a new fun musical with talented musicians and actors, The Secret of Our Souls, A Kabalistic Love Story about the 18th Century spiritual master, The Ba'al Shem Tov and wife, Chana. By Goldstein and Namanworth. In Greenwich Village on tiny Minetta Lane at MacDougal and 6th. Beshert because Elc didn’t even know that I wanted to see it, part of the NY Fringe Festival. http://www.fringenyc.org/ .

(I waited on the street while Elc went up alone, THREE flights of stairs, to a Village apt. to davven mincha.) I bought myself a new t-shirt. I (HEART) NY, just not 'heart' the straight up stairs. When I was a medical social worker in NY, I walked those stairs. (Before then, I used to teach ceramics at an adult art school in the east Village.)

I totally loved the wedding cruise up and down the East River under all the familiar lit up old bridges on the way to the Statue of Liberty. (the day of the Hudson River air tragedy.)

In my life, I never saw so many world tourists in Manhattan. NY is starting to look more like CA-- laid back and casual, but with a lot of French and Italian spoken, not Spanish.

I loved seeing cousins and old friends.

I was amazed to see adjacent to a Women's room, within view, that at the front of an airport MEN's room there was a CHANGING STATION for babies. The Big Apple was great, and I'm grateful to be back in the Big Orange.

NY Advice: If you don't want LOUSY, annoying, unethical rides to and from the airports, stay away from Super Shuttle...
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CD REVIEW by Joy Krauthammer

"Morning I Will See You: Awakening to the Beauty of the Day", is a new CD by Rabbi Shawn Zevit, whom I know from the Renewal Movement; which means that Shawn is conscious in his prayer, of the Kabbalistic Four Worlds--Spirit, Mind, Heart, and Body.

Every day, I have been singing along with "Awakening". Listening to Shawn's Shacharit morning prayers, I feel wrapped in warmth as Shawn sings with sweet guitar, to the Holy One, in # 9 Amidah (The Great Prayer.). The song repeats on my CD player and I feel the prayer more deeply each time I hear it. The messages are powerful and thought provoking, as I listen to the slow chanting.

Shawn writes in his abundant, well written, informative notes that, "I did a version of this meditation prayer in the Galilee in Israel in the summer of 1997 at a retreat that Gabi Mayer organized."

I relate. That very same 1997 summer, I attended the Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp in the Mendocino Woodlands (drumming with world masters from morning into night. I loved being in Palestinian, Nabil Azzam's ensemble.). At 2 AM, a few of us sitting informally outside in the dirt, in a small dark clearing in the forest of trees, I was listening to a visitor reciting his poetry. (A Persian woman sat next to me. I thought I was the only Jew at the camp--building bridges--ala Reb Shlomo, z'l.) I was taken with the fiery words, also in Spanish, by the same Gaby Meyer. The next day I bought Gaby's poetry book from him. I had NO idea at 2 AM who Gaby was, and didn't realize that he was the son of Argentinean Rabbi Marshall Meyer, z'l, whom I had known. (Last week I went to R. Meyer's shul in NY.) In 2000 I journeyed with Rabbi Aryeh Hirschfield, z'l to Tsfat, and our travel chevra sang with Gaby late into the night.

Reading Shawn's liner notes is meaningful to me. Shawn dedicates this CD to the memory of R. Hirschfield,z'l, Rabbi Zeller, z'l (my rebbe) and Cantor Susan Wehle, z'l, and his grandfather. Because of this, the CD is brought closer to my heart. There is much love in Shawn's music. The last piece, # 10, Ya'aseh L'Kha Shalom (May you have peace: Priestly Blessing), is another gentle prayer with clarinet and vocals added to guitar. The first # 1 title piece, Morning I Will Seek You / Modeh Ani, Shawn accompanies himself on Indian Shruti box, similar to a harmonium in the drone sound "carrier wave"; very soft and sweet. I appreciate the subtle small shaker and ting shas percussion accenting sounds, giving the song an other-worldly feel, found more in Hindu and new age music, and I am grateful for this sound in Jewish music. (On the fringe in the college days' sixties, I followed Hare Krishnas for their chanting music and joy, and also Swami Satchinandanda, before I lovingly embraced my own Judaism. http://www.joyouschailights.blogspot.com/ )

I loved hearing Shawn sing at 2009 Kallah. I listen to Shawn's Zevit's CD not only for myself in meditation, but for the temples where I pray, and serve G*d as musician for others to come to prayer. I love # 6, Psalm 150 Hallelu, Kol Han'shamah and it's upbeat tone, which I have played at my shuls (Open To Wonder) with melody of Sufi chant-master, Ali Khan. I'd like to hear Lev Eisha sing # 2 Elohi Neshama (God of My Soul). The energy of # 3, Barukh She'amar (Blessed is The One), is powerful, starting off slowly and quietly with little bells that crescendo into drumming joyful gratitude. I recall that I created a dance to Barukh She'amar in Shawn Zevit's 1994 class at Elat Chayyim by Woodstock. That was a leap of faith for me.

Many musicians and rabbis wonderfully accompany Shawn in this soothing, gentle gift, bathing our souls, offered for the Shacharit morning prayers.

"Blessings when we live in our power. Blessings when we live in holiness."
SZevit@comcast.net http://www.rabbizevit.com/ www.cdbaby.com/zevit4
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* * * * MORE PRESS

Tablet Magazine (http://www.tabletmag.com/), a daily online magazine of Jewish news, ideas, and culture, launched June. Tablet Magazine offers up-to-the-minute reactions to the day’s news, sophisticated cultural coverage, and in-depth investigations of broad trends in Jewish life. It combines a newspaper’s skepticism, a journal’s thoughtfulness, and a blog’s immediacy. Marissa Brostoff, daughter of LA's Marlene & Neil Brostoff, is staff writer. Yasher Koach

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JConnectLA weekly Jewish calendar for my daughter's generation. http://www.jconnectla.com/

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A Jewish paper that I was reading today: http://forward.com/current-edition/

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JEWISH WORLD REVIEW is another daily web journal that I am partial to because my cousin is the publisher. http://www.jewishworldreview.com/

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Read the LA Jewish Journal web calendar for LA listings and news. http://www.jewishjournal.com/

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See what LA's Samuel K. puts in his website, http://www.sacredfriends.com/

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Shalom and BlesSings to you for joy (gila, rena, ditza, simcha, chedva, sasson, tzachala),

JOY
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KABBALISTIC WORKSHOPS WITH JOY

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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM

http://www.simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/

JOY SHAKERS

http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/

SOUNDS OF JOY

http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/

MIRIYAHM HaNEVIAH

http://www.miriamhaneviah.blogspot.com/

G*D'S HOLIEST #

http://www.holiestnumber7.blogspot.com/

SEPHIRAT HaOMER

http://www.sephirathaomer.blogspot.com/

JOY

MENORAH

http://www.templemenorah.blogspot.com/

HIGH HOLIDAYS - FAVORITE TORAHS

http://highholidays-favoritetorahs.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO WONDER BAN

http://http://opentowonderband.blogspot.com/>

THE KINDRED SPIRITS

http://thekindredspirits.blogspot.com/

Joy -- a percussionist, and her bands, OPEN TO WONDER, and KINDRED SPIRITS are also available for musical and spiritual gatherings.

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS

http://www.joyouschailights.blogspot.com/

BlesSings for the sweetest, best most joyous year,
Shana Tova U'Metuka

JOY Krauthammer

2009-07-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS, Aug. 2009, Av, Elul 5769

From my rebbe Yosef Ben Shlomo HaKohen, editor Hazon – Our Universal Vision: www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon

A Letter to My Visionary Friends:
Dear Friends,

The new month of Elul begins on Wednesday evening, August 19th. During this month, we prepare for Rosh Hashana – the New Year. This is a season of “teshuvah” – spiritual return; thus, during Ellul, it customary to blow the shofar at the end of the weekday morning service. The sound of the shofar serves as a reminder to all of us to begin the journey “home” – to our Creator, to our own souls that were created in the image of the Creator, and to the Torah path of our Creator which enables us to fulfill the life-giving purpose of the Divine creation.

The sound of the shofar is a wake-up call, and it is not just a wake-up call to become aware of our personal and collective weaknesses which are preventing us from fulfilling our mission on this earth. The sound of the shofar is to also serve as a wake-up call to become aware of our personal and collective strengths which can enable us to fulfill our mission on earth, as individuals and as a people.

To read the rest of my rebbe's Letter, contact me to send his address to you. See Reb Yosef's web site below under Personal Note.

I look forward to blowing my shofar from the Holy Land. BlesSings, Joy)

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More ELUL:

See Metivta's Elul Retreat info under Happenings.

See 60 Day Journey under Happenings.

See Jewels of Elul under Personal Note.

See Elul by AriellaShira under Personal Note.

See Elul by Reb Shlomo, zt'l under Personal Note.

http://highholidays-favoritetorahs.blogspot.com/
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Feel free to use any of the info in CHAI LIGHTS for your shul's website info. Let's JOYOUSLY bring "Community into Unity."
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Please ask The Compassionate One for healing blessings / MiSheberach for all those you love, for healing comfort in Four Worlds of spirit, mind, body and soul. Remember to try to use the Hebrew name both of the one in need, along with the mother's Hebrew name. Torah.org offers MiSheberach lists you can use and you can pray for those listed. http://torah.org/services/cholim/

For new readers, the next six paragraphs are the same as last month. I am happy to share with you my JOYous CHAI LIGHTS of upcoming Shabbats, Chagim/holidays, mostly LA Jewish RENEWAL and post-denominational spiritual events, classes & the ARTS, plus...I only write about the events that I know and love. Not the shuls I used to go to, nor the ones I haven't yet gone to, nor the ones I intentionally don't go to. Thus mine is a partial listing and not 'impartial'. They are where I love to be, and invite you to join me there in joy along the Four Worlds path to The Tree of Life.

In the merit/zechus and light of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, I love helping to make our universe a smaller world, one with more spiritual consciousness, connection, and chesed/lovingkindness. With spiritual Guidance, I make instinctual connections for people. I believe that music helps to cross boundaries and brings us closer to the Holy One, so I emphasize here those events, as well as learning and prayer opportunities. Please see my Reb Shlomo story at the end.

Monthly, I write this large mailing, my gift to Chevra, from my Porter Ranch kitchen table looking East to Jerusalem, and no one but I proof it. I hand click each recipient, no lists. UNSUBSCRIBE-- Let me know. Information is subject to change. Please call event to confirm specific locations, times, fees. If you see an error that would be continued, please let me know.

PLEASE FORWARD JOYous CHAI LIGHTS TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY so they, too, can enjoy with you, spiritual Renewal Judaism. Most of what I include here is NOT included in other local media. This is the only Spiritual Renewal oriented LA events list. Click on underlined LINKS below for full updated stories of events & some photos. I love it when at an event I meet someone and they tell me they are present because a friend had forwarded CHAI LIGHTS to them.

CONTENTS: Exceptional Chai Lights HAPPENINGS (i.e. spiritual retreats, festivals, ARTS, books) are mostly at beginning of this list and some are at the end, and ongoing Chai Lights events (i.e. SHULS, MINYANS, museums, classes) are mostly in the middle, then, HOLY GATHERINGS, ARTS, and OUTSIDE LA, and my PERSONAL NOTE at end of JOYous CHAI LIGHTS to learn of my mamash gevaldt rabbis and other teachers or teachings that I love, as well as videos, musings, etc.
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Having Publisher's prerogative, I invite you to my many activities, and share them here. You can even hire me to play passionate percussion and Miriyahm HaNeviah for Rosh Chodeshes, Women's Passover Seders, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l concerts or other spiritual events. I play for shuls and events throughout LA. Contact me if you want to invite KINDRED SPIRITS, my 18 member percussion group of REMO friends to join you, or if you want OPEN TO WONDER, my divine band, http://www.opentowonderband.blogspot.com/ for your spiritual services. If your community/shul desires a sound healer, I'm available-- Sounds of Joy. http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/

I travel with my crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, bells and gongs that I brought back from Tibet. I love playing them for meditation, vibrational massage, yoga, dance, and homeopathic healing. In addition, I, Joy, continue to offer Kabbalistic Four World workshops on "Joy." See list at end.

"Then Miriam the Prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels & dances." Exodus 15:20

Shabbat Shalom. See you in shul.
BlesSings, Joy Krauthammer

SHALOM CHEVRA,

"Chai Lights" was birthed in the "Jewish Calendar Magazine" in 1983 and my spiritual ARTS monthly column lived there in hard copy for about a dozen years.
A benefit to JOYous CHAI LIGHTS blog format vs. my e-mailing, is that I can add to it during the month, so if YOU want something included, feel free to let me know. In blog form, you can also access this info at any time.

You are welcome to "COMMENT" at end of this long POST or else write directly to me. I always love hearing from YOU. (My other BLOGS (PR memos mostly, not diaries) are visible by clicking MY PROFILE.)
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Read the LA Jewish Journal web calendar for large listings. http://www.jewishjournal.com/
Another calendar site I appreciate for young adults is JConnect LA. http://www.jconnectla.com/
See what Samuel K. puts in his website, http://www.sacredfriends.com/

* * * * * * * HAPPENINGS
Arts, Movies, Festivals, Retreats

MAZAL TOV on the chuppah of JOCELYN & DAVID ABRAMS. I loved celebrating at their Long Island wedding! (Hesha & Jeff Abrams used to live in LA.)

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Here's a really important listing to share with your family and community. How about including it in your shul's newletter!:

Community Action Alert, Ways You Can Help or Get Help in the face of the Economic Crisis, compiled by Ann Sturman 818 464-2853.

Thank you Ann. I think Gladys introduced us at the Wagner Retreat.

http://www.jewishla.org/evites/14479.htm

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SKIRBALL's free outdoor rockin' Thursday night world-music CONCERTS are listed under HOLY GATHERINGS, halfway down. Go early to wait on line, because although free, it becomes sold out and you want a good seat (or else dance!). Balcony outside was filled. Concert have been terrific and museum stayed open til 10 pm to see exhibits. Dinner available.

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Rabbi SHOLOM BRODT from Yeshivat Shlomo, Jerusalem is in CA, Monday, Aug. 3, 6:45pm-9:00pm at the home of Saralie Pennington and Tom Herz, 333 Addison Street, San Francisco, Tuesday, Aug. 4 pm at the home of Michael and Desiree, 12360 Riverside Dr.,apt. #308, Valley Village. R' Sholom at 925-876-2280. Wed. Aug. 5, 7:30pm, 1147 S. Sherbourne (bet. Whitworth & Pico) 917-703-9215.

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MOVIES

Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg and Making the Crooked Straight (Best Short Film, LAJFF) See at LA Jewish Film Festival. www.LAJFilmFest.org info and tix www.laemmle.com
Q&A with Aviva Kempner, director.

Film Summaries: Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg. From Aviva Kempner, award-winning maker of THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HANK GREENBERG, comes this humorous and eye-opening story of television pioneer Gertrude Berg. She was the creator, principal writer, and star of The Goldbergs, a popular radio show about a Jewish family living in New York City which became television’s very first character-driven domestic sitcom in 1949. She combined social commentary, family values and lots of humor to win the hearts of America.

Making the Crooked Straight The story of one man’s journey to save the world by saving one child at a time. Dr. Rick Hodes has dedicated his life to helping heal the sick and poor of Ethiopia. Dr. Hodes arranges for complex overseas surgeries, often paying at his own expense, and has thus far adopted seventeen children, providing them with not only proper medical care, but a home and an education. (Dr Hodes is a friend of a friend and I have heard awesome stories of this hero.)

LA Jewish Film Festival, August 6, 7:30 pm premieres "The Wedding Song", Le Chant des Mariees. Q&A with Director and writter Karin Albou follows screening. Laemmle's Music Hall Theater, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., 9036 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, Arabic, French, German with English subtitles. http://www.lajfilmfest.org/ call 800-838-3006 323-938-2531.

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LimmudLA, Aug. 9, 10 AM - 4 PM . LimmudLA's Make Your Own Sunday is an extraordinary opportunity to share ideas and shmooze with people from across the Jewish communities of LA. Choose from four different sessions each hour led by a diverse group of creative artists, scholars, and community leaders from the greater LA area. Followed by ice cream and open music jam session. Drinks, snacks, and boxed lunch provided. Location:Yitzhak Rabin Hillel Center for Jewish Life at UCLA, 574 Hilgard Avenue, LA 90024. Cost: $50 per person. Please note that, unlike at the LimmudLA Annual Conference, childcare and children's programming will not be provided. Parking fees are not included. Space is limited! Register now for yourself, your family, and your friends at http://www.limmudla.org/! I've gone to all the LimmudLA Shabbatons and I love them!

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TOPANGA WORLD MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL. Aug. 13-16. www.topangaworldfestival.com email topangaworldfestival@gmail.com or call 310-876-8017. Jamie Papish is co-producing. Sounds like fun!

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SIN BY SILENCE. Free Documentry Screening: Aug. 18th, 7:30 PM. Ahavat Torah and Makom Ohr Shalom invite you to the acclaimed documentary "SIN BY SILENCE", A film produced and directed by Olivia Klaus, with guest speakers BRENDA CLUBINE and OLIVIA KLAUS, advocates against domestic violence. Location: Village Lutheran Church, 343 S. Church Lane, Brentwood, 90049 RSVP necessary, space limited. Please reply to: Shayna Lester revshayna@roadrunner.com 310-650-8808

This heart opening documentary is shown nationally and has received wide acclaim. It was filmed during meetings of ‘Convicted Women Against Abuse’ at the California Institution for Women (CIW). Stories of women incarcerated for the murder of their abusers. Brenda Clubine, a major player in the film, established the organization 'Convicted Women Against Abuse' while incarcerated at the California Institution for Women. It is directly because of her work as an advocate against domestic violence that Battered Women's Syndrome became a viable defense in a court of law as well as a mental health designation in the DSM IV, the code book of mental health disorders. Brenda was released after serving 26 years in prison in October, 2008, for the accidental killing of her husband who was physically abusing her. Brenda's mission in life, while in prison, and now in the free world, is to educate audiences about domestic violence. She hopes to reach young people before they become involved in abusive relationships. Go to http://www.sinbysilence.com/ to see about the film and to read a letter from Brenda. Refreshments will be served. Dear chevre, many of our LA friends volunteer at CIW. Please let women know about this important showing and maybe save their lives.

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Salon Film/Discussion. Date TBA Sponsored by The Workmen's Circle & Brit Tzedek v'Shalom,
The Workmen's Circle (310) 552-2007 circle@circlesocal.org1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico) $5 suggested donation, Light refreshments. Call for current schedule. Thank you to Lawrence Feinberg, Renewal member, for regularly arranging the films.
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STEFANI VALADEZ has gigs this summer from the LA Zoo to Venice. Aug. 1, 9, 25. http://www.stefanivaladezmusic.com/ She sings in enchanting voice at B'nai Horin during the High Holidays.

Last night at the Skirball were so many of Renewal's cantorial soloists and hazzans listening to other artists. I enjoyed introducing them all to each other.

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RUTH FOGELMAN's newest book, "Cradled in God's Arms," is listed under Personal Notes at end.

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http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/
AriellaShira Lewis and I loved offering SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH at ALEPH's week-long KALLAH retreat in Ohio. I loved giving the workshop to Makom Ohr Shalom members last week.
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JOY SHAKERS. As percussionist for LA synagogues and events, I'm offering a little workshop on small percussion. See PR at bottom. Please contact me, Joy, for bookings.http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/
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*GOLDSTAR*: To sign up for FREE info on half-price ARTS tickets for events, theatre, music, etc. write:
http://www.goldstar.com/?p=f563067ff27
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When I am drumming & connecting to the Source of All BlesSings, I love seeing your smiling hearts radiating from Hashem and illuminating and reflecting Divine light, and then mine drums in joy with yours. I always love hearing from YOU and hearing about your spiritual path.
BlesSings of love, Shalom, prosperity, health and joy (of course),
Joy
"Ivdu Et HaShem B'Simcha" Psalm 100:2
Serve G*D in Joy

* * * * * * * SHULS, MINYANS

METIVTA's 16th Annual Elul Retreat
Shabbat, August 28-30, Metivta holds its annual Elul Retreat, an opportunity for prayer, meditation and reflection. The month leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Elul, is a precious time. It is said that while we reach out to G*d throughout the year, during Elul, Rachmana, the Merciful One, reaches out to us. Metivta's Retreat is an opportunity to gather together in stillness and community, as we begin our preparations for the High Holidays. The retreat's focus will be on Teshuvah; the personal practice of self-reflection, self-examination, and re-alignment. Elul is a blessed time, a time of grace.

Together, we will begin the 40-day process of cleansing ourselves of this past year's sins that begins in Elul and ends at sundown on Yom Kippur. The retreat includes a variety of contemplative practices. We’ll meditate together every morning, afternoon and evening. Prayer is integral, and we will gather for Metivta’s contemplative prayer chant service on Shabbat and Sunday mornings. The Shabbat service will include a Torah service. Zhikr, the wonderful symphony of chant, breath, movement and meditation, will regularly accompany our meditation sessions. To be held at Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino CA.

To register or read more about the retreat visit our website at http://www.metivta.org/ or contact Lyle@Metivta.org, 424-652-7070.

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ELUL. Partake in a powerful 60 Day Journey Toward a Better Life Subscribe<http://www.meaningfullife.com/subscribe/index_60days_subscribe.php> to our 60 Days Daily E-mail. Today we begin an extraordinary 60 days which can change your lifeforever -- the two powerful months of Elul and Tishrei. This specialtime period, which includes Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, embodies the energy of renewal after destruction, rebirth after loss, the energy of love and forgiveness, of empowerment and joy.

For the next 60 days we will send you, at no charge, a daily e-mail which will guide you along this fascinating 60 day journey and energize your high holiday experience. Each daily posting will contain an inspirational thought and a practical exercise for the day-- excerpted from Simon Jacobson's classic: 60 Days: A Spiritual Guideto the High Holidays. There is no better time than now to embrace this 60 days journey, a journey that helps us find comfort in uncertain times, strength amidst adversity and fortitude and direction to face the challenges ahead of us.
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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH is the spiritual journey and ritual celebration on turning at least 60 years. Continue to consciously envision your dreams, transform age-ing beliefs into blesSings, and strive toward attaining greater spiritual heights.

I have returned from davvening at my favorite New York upper west side shuls: Carlebach, B'nai Jeshurun, and Romemu. We, too, in LA are mamash / truly blessed with our minyanim:

Mostly Renewal, alternative, some traditional
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"And I have loved you with an eternal love; therefore I have extended loving-kindness to you. I shall yet rebuild you and you shall be rebuilt, O Maiden of Israel; you will yet adorn yourself with drums and go forth in the round-dance of the joyful." (Jeremiah 31:2,3)

LEV EISHA (Heart of a Woman) SUMMER HIATUS. monthly Shabbat, Sat. Sept. 5, 9:30 A.M. LEV EISHA will meet at new location at Vista Del Mar (National & Motor with lots of parking) beginning Sept. 5 through June 2010..

For updates on the locations of future services, please visit the Lev Eisha web site newsletter: http://www.leveisha.org/archive/latest.htm
http://www.leveisha.org/ and/or read ads in the LA Jewish Journal paper edition.

LEV EISHA is where I love to be:
* a monthly creative prayer service for women by women, led by Rabbi Toba August & cantorial soloist - Cindy Paley accompanied by us ruach-filled world music percussionists - Joy Krauthammer and Chris Gacsi, and soloists - Robin Winston, Mollie Wine & Toby Schwartz (who also beautifully chants Torah). Chaplain Ruth Belonsky joins us on violin. We have some great new songs for you!
* an exciting, innovative Shabbat service that offers a warm welcoming environment for women seeking to connect with their Judaism. Men are welcome.
* a joyous, spiritual sanctuary for women of all ages and affiliations to come together in enthusiasm, heart, energy & intellect: in song, prayer, study, dance, meditation and spiritual growth.
* the first Saturday /Shabbat of every month your other rabbis know where you are. 310 575-0986 Join us.
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MAKOM OHR SHALOM EnCHANTing Erev Shabbats in Valley, Fridays Aug. 7 and 21, 7:45 pm. Other dates in LA. See Website. Rabbis Debra Orenstein & Monty Turner. Dana Stone-Goldberg, W. Ellen Fleischmann & Mitzi Schwarz & Alula-- soloists. Guest musicians include: Alan Klein, horn, David Platus, clarinet, Joy Krauthammer, percussionist, Eli Lester, drummer & Steve Berman, harmonica. 5619 Lindley @ Burbank, NW corner in host church, Tarzana. Shabbat dinners, Havdalahs, Havurahs, healing services. http://www.makom.org/
Makom members greet all the people at the door and it feels good to be welcomed. When I'm there early, I greet arriving people.
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CARTOON that I love by Steve Greenberg

(Jewish Journal cartoonist)

illustrating Jewish Spiritual Renewal. Cartoon musicians include: flutist, Richard Hardy, and myself-- Joy Krauthammer, timbrel player in purple, both of us Reb Shlomo, zt"l musicians, and Alula (from Ethiopia), and Cantorial soloist Mark Bachrach on shofar; all of us from Rabbi Stan Levy's congregation B'nai Horin during the High Holidays at AJU's Brandeis Bardin.

B'NAI HORIN-Children of Freedom, once monthly intimate Shabbat services, 10 am - 1:30 pm, Rabbi Stan Levy, Rabbi Laura Owens, Marc Bachrach, cantorial soloist. As a member for two decades of this 40 year old shul, you may find me there with my timbrel in hand and with an open heart, dancing in the garden. Summer Hiatus, Selichot, Sept. 12, 7 pm.

Regular Contribution: $15 B'nai Horin members, $20 guests. First-timers: no charge. Please bring a salad, dessert or drinks to share or contribute $5 toward the main dish. A blesSing to be in Carole Foley's home garden, 11040 Queensland, West LA, one light south of National, 1 1/2 blocks east of Sepulveda Blvd. http://www.bnaihorin.com/ . (310) 441-4434.

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AHAVAT TORAH Congregation. Weekly, lively Shabbat service and pot-luck buffet luncheon. Every Sat. 9 AM Israeli-born Rabbi Miriam Hamrell (AJR ordained) teaches Mussar/Pirkey Avot-Ethics of our Father, and 10 AM Shabbat service with Rabbi Miriam Hamrell and Gary Levine (opera-trained)- cantorial soloist and others accompanied by Joel Warren, pianist. Guest Torah teachers. Participatory musical worship service.

Held at the Village Glen Lutheran Church, 343 Church Lane, LA, 90049, 5-6 blocks south of Sunset, north of Montana, just west of the 405 Freeway. Brentwood, LA. Park in the South parking lot or on the streets. I love it that member Sherry loans me her timbrel when I show up. I love attending the participatory early teachings in the intimate room. I love receiving Torah aliyahs. I love feeling winged angels flying high from the sweet sounds.

This is a social-action community and they warmly greet you at the door, and offer Torah honors which feel really good. They offer important evening classes. http://www.ahavattorahcongregation.org/
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N'SHAMA MINYAN, Rabbi Nina Bieber Feinstein & Cindy Paley Aboody - cantorial soloist and guitarist, Joy Krauthammer - world music percussionist, and guest musicians & soloists. Service in the artistic stained glass Lopaty Chapel, prayer, song, dance, spirit, study. Sisterhood minyan led by and for women and all are invited. Summer hiatus. Check the VBS website or call the shul to confirm dates & time for the next Women's Shabbat service. (Not always Sat. AM, some Rosh Chodeshes and holidays) Join us. Meets at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 91436.(818) 788-6000 or Susan: (818) 343-3078 http://www.vbs.org/While at VBS, check out all their daily many varied fantastic spiritual offerings with many wonderful rabbis and cantors.

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METIVTA, Friday, and Sat. services. Lay led meets both in LA and the Valley for Shabbat services, Shabbat dinner, meditations and classes. Fills quickly. Call for dates TBA and events. I love their Contemplative intimate Kabbalat Shabbat service; candle lighting, prayer, chanting, niggunim, a pot luck dinner and a discussion of the weekly parsha.

Metivta annual ELUL retreat last Shabbat in August. See under Happenings.

It is a gift that Metivta Valley members like Gilla Nissan and the Glasers and Morgensterns offer their homes for spiritual Services. Founded by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man. I enjoyed recently serving as their percussionist. RSVP to Gilla at gilla@metivta.org or call (818) 990-7942. Metivta@metivta.org (818) 654-9293. http://www.metivta.org/
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MALIBU Jewish Center & Synagogue weekly Shabbat services with Rabbi Judith HaLevy & (Argentinean) Cantor Marcelo Gindlin. Chaplain Ruth Belonsky plays exquisite soulful violin. Go early for Rabbi Judith's deep Torah teachings. Sarah's Tent people study & davven at Malibu and love the rabbi who co-founded Sarah's Tent. Shabbat at the Beach is offered some summer Friday nights. If I didn't live so far, I'd be learning there all the time. Torah study 9:30 am, Service 11:30. 310 456-2178 http://www.mjcs.org/
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THE ONE SOUL MINYAN, Monthly Saturdays, 10 am, with Rabbi Mark Borovitz of Beit T'Shuvah (addiction rehabilitation center), exhilarating musical service held at Valley Beth Shalom location and most months, third Shabbat. VBS Rabbi Ed Feinstein and other visiting rabbis participate in service.

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ONE SHABBAT MORNING (OSM) with Craig Taubman & wonderful musicians at Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. Sat., Call or google to confirm date of musical 10 am service with 9 am guest shiur sometimes, several times yearly. I love this service and the special themes. This is one of the minyans (like Lev Eisha) which attract other shul congregants from all over the greater LA area. Summer hiatus.

I am offering my Joy Shakers workshop at a Fall 2009 OSM service. DATE TBA. The congregants are given colorful egg shakers to use to enable greater musical participation, and I'll share a few techniques. I love it when percussionist Jeff loans me his dumbek.

Check out Craig's other Shabbats at Sinai Temple. (and his web site for terrific Jewish music.)
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HAPPY MINYAN meets regularly for all Jewish observances and classes in the 'Hood'. We founded this Orthodox minyan when our beloved Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt"l died 14 1/2 years ago. The chevre continues to meet and learn in Shlomo's light. It was the greatest blesSing in the universe for me to be Shlomo's percussionist and personal chauffeur.

Meets 9218 Pico Blvd. in a karate studio (across from Pat's). Visiting scholars. Musical Havdalahs. Yehuda of Moshav Band davvens with Happy Minyan.
MOSHAV - does many Melave Malka Concerts, Sat nite, Happy Minyan, Mitzvah g'dola lihiyot b'simcha Tamid. It's a big mitzvah to be happy.

Tribute event honoring founders, Stuie and Enny Wax.
http://www.happyminyan.org/

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SHTIBL MINYAN, lay-led, meets weekly, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico) at Workman's Circle location on Sat. Mornings. http://www.shtibl.com/

* * * * * * * HOLY GATHERINGS

Shabbats, Museums: concerts, More ARTS, Workshops, classes, etc.

OPEN DOOR SHABBAT, with the Owens and Lesters on alternating months. Celebrate and welcome the Sabbath Queen monthly 2nd Erev Shabbats, Fridays, 6:30 PM. Shayna & Eli Lester or Linda & Gerry Owens host each monthly Open Door Shabbat. Call them to confirm time, date, location in Santa Monica. Aug. at the ___.

Wonderful musicians and friends from all Renewal chevre including Sarah's tent. RSVP and advise what potluck vegetable, salad, fish or dessert you will share. Parking permits needed at Owen's home, so come by first to get permit. What a mamash holy gift to us that our blessed friends open their doors for Shabbat to create sacred space for us all.

RSVP. RevShayna@roadrunner.com 310-650-8808. Both Linda and Shayna serve as Spiritual Directors, and may be hired, along with other divine LA Jewish women for this holy work.

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CHAI CENTER. Shabbat dinners for 60 !!! strangers, holidays, giant Sukkot, Pesach events and women's events. Schwartzie and Olivia (Schwartz). During summer the Schwartzies are in Tzfat at Ascent. info@chaicenter.org http://www.chaicenter.org/

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DANCING WITH the DIVINE Shabbat Morning Prayers & Meditations with Paulette Rochelle-Levy, MFT. Saturday morning, _ _ _ for Dancing with the Divine Shabbat.

Location TBA call (310) 453-4053. Donations. paulette453@earthlink.net http://www.creativepathwithpaulette.com/

Gain new UnderStanding of the meditations of your heart as we embody traditional Shabbat prayers and sacred poetry through movement and stillness, expanding upon dance as a path to God. Author of Dancing with the Divine: Prayers & Meditations for Movement & Stillness and- And You Shall Be a Blessing and the newly released CD Medicine Words.
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Jewish Learning Exchange. So many great visiting scholars from Israel teach daily at JLE. 512 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 857-0923. Can we have this in the Valley? Ask to receive their mailings.
info@jlela.com http://www.jlela.com/

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OHR HAMAKOR / Light from The Source, A Home for Holistic Kabbala with Rabbi T'mimah Ickovits (Aleph graduate) deciphers essential wisdom from Kabbalistic traditions, showing its relevance for today. Serving as a teacher, Mashpia Ruhanee; Spiritual Guide, Rabbi T'mimah leads custom ritual events and serves as a prayer leader. RebbeT@KabbalahTmimah.org http://www.kabbalahtmimah.org/ 310 450-8808
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BAIS CHANA women's LA school is run by rebbetzin Yehudit Eichenblatt. Wonderful teachers learned with the finest Kabbalah teachers. Single lectures, Rosh Chodeshes, farbrengens for The Rebbe, z'l. I first met Yehudit when Reb Shlomo, z'l used to stay in her parents' LA home and I loved learning with her chevre. http://www.baischanaca.com/
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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ Joy of Wisdom is the spiritual journey and ritual celebration on turning at least 60 years. Continue to consciously envision your dreams, transform age-ing beliefs into blesSings, and strive toward attaining greater spiritual heights. How do we face our 'next' era, and then mortality, and redefine values in our lives in desiring to meet our highest potential, and leave our legacy? Become a "wisdom keeper" in a Jewish Eldering rite of passage ceremony.

I would love to offer this workshop to your spiritual community. Write to me to book a workshop, or if you have questions. http://www.simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/
Joy, MBA (UJ) Serving G*d With Joy, artist, poet, percussionist, Chai Lights publisher, PR consultant, workshop leader, ritual guide, gardener. (I'm a Gemini.)

AriellaShira, MA, SLR, Speech Language Therapist. Facilitator, healing circles, angel on earth.

Both were students of Savina Teubal, z'l (creator of the Joy of Wisdom ritual), and have studied some with Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's Spritual Eldering Project / Aleph Sage-ing Project, as well as with Marcia Cohn Spiegel, #2 Simchat Chochmah. Many

Wonderful Women With Wisdom joined us at Sarah's Tent, LimmudLA, Wagner Women Retreat, Jewish Federation, Aleph's KALLAH, and AJU workshops and are ready for part II. If you've had part I, let's prepare for part 2.

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JOY SHAKERS with Joy Krauthammer

joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/
Upcoming session in Fall 2009 with One Shabbat Morning.
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REMO Music Center is offering the best! KIDS free drum circles monthly on first SUNDAYS, from 11 - 11:45 AM. Check first before going. http://www.remo.com/ Adult drumming every week night. Check web for amazing activities. Drums provided at every event and circle. Last summer there were a few hundred drummers at REMO's drum circle and friends even shlepped from LA to the Valley. 818 982-0461, 7308 Coldwater, North Hollywood.

Say hi to facilitator's Mike & Jerry from Joy. REMO's Women's Drum Day coming. DATE TBA.

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SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER. Enjoy the Jewish exhibits, concerts, theatre, dance, film, lectures, Passport Screenings, events. Great Adult Learning program. Tasty "Cart" sandwiches/salads sold at events and buffet dinner for some concerts. Lights, Camera, Action, Comic Book Heroes of Film and Television-- Ends Aug. 9.

http://www.skirball.org/ 310 440-4500 Sepulveda Pass @ Skirball Drive (Mulholland Drive) Free on Thursdays. Summertime means the Skirball's fantastic outside free Thursday sunset concerts are happening.

Skirball's SUNSET CONCERTS, Thursdays, August 6 & 13, 8:00 p.m., Free; no reservations, Limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis, Be on line at 6:30 pm. On-site parking: $5 per car. Celebrating musical traditions from around the globe! I love dancing here every summer.

THE WILD MAGNOLIAS Aug. 6. Mardi Gras in summertime! upbeat music and ornate costumes, the Wild Magnolias are an ebullient example of the mania that envelops New Orleans on Fat Tuesday. Well known for their on-stage flamboyance and funky roots music, the ensemble not only brings fans to their feet but also celebrates the life and culture of the Mardi Gras Indians—originally a secret society of African Americans that battled segregation in the late 1800s and whose name pays tribute to the Native Americans who assisted runaway slaves before emancipation.

Related Film TOOTIE’S LAST SUIT, Wednesday, August 5, 7:30 p.m., $5 General; Free to Skirball Members. Advance tickets: Available on site at the Skirball, online at http://www.blogger.com/, or by phone at (877) SCC-4TIX or (877) 722-4849
On the eve of the Wild Magnolias’ performance at the Skirball, watch this documentary about New Orleans’ vibrant Mardi Gras Indian culture. Produced and directed by Lisa Katzman, the film profiles the late legendary Allison “Tootie” Montana. Long admired for his gorgeously beaded and feathered Mardi Gras costumes, “Tootie” is revered for turning Mardi Gras Indian life away from gang-style violence toward artistic accomplishment and innovation. (2006, 97 min. No MPAA rating.)

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK ENSEMBLE, August 13, master player of various Middle Eastern reed instruments, lutes, and percussion, Omar Faruk Tekbilek is one of the most sought-after Turkish/Middle Eastern musicians living in the United States. Worldwide touring and an openness to music from all cultures position him as a rare artist who transcends political obstacles while maintaining traditional sensibilities.

I won't be in LA for Omar Faruk Tekbilek, but I've been with him at the Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp, Mendocino, where I spent a couple summers learning from the masters of middle eastern sounds, so I know he's the best.

* * * * * * * OUTSIDE LA

Going to Jerusalem? The ultimate Jerusalem e-calendar of events is published by Rabbi Yaacov Fogelman. Say HI from Joy in LA.

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EMUNA Witt HaLevi, a holy sister and Kol Chevra's editor, will be visiting on the East Coast from the Holy Land, Aug. 3 - Aug. 13. 2009 Workshop Tour, Transforming Ourselves and the World with the Rebbe's Torahs. I remember all the holy times that she hosted Reb Shlomo, z'l in her home. I'll be visiting with Emuna in LA, which is always a delight. She is in NY without her 14 children.

Exciting for me while on the plane enroute home to LA from Kallah, was opening up the Kol Chevre that I bought at Kallah, and finding inside of the journal, one of my poems and photos.
Write to Emuna for details. emunawitt14@yahoo.com

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Elat Chayyim at Isabella Freedman Center. Experience weekly/Shabbat year-round Jewish Renewal retreats with wonderful teachers by a lovely lake in the Berkshires. I love this retreat center.) http://www.isabellafreedman.org/elatchayyim

* * * * * * * JOY's PERSONAL NOTE

Writings, Torahs, Videos, Links, Rebbes, Teachers, etc.

THE DERONDA REVIEW. I am pleased to announce that the newly released summer 2009 issue once again includes my poetry, "Flight of the Sephirot." The journal, co-edited by Esther Cameron and Mindy Aber Barad, is a bridge between the poets of America and Israel. I look forward to again doing a skpe reading with poets in Israel. To subscribe: The Deronda Review, P.O. Box 55164, Madison, WI 53705.

In addition, I'm thrilled that my poetry and photography are included in Israel's current 14th edition, KOL CHEVRE.

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KOL CHEVRE, The Voice of the Chevra of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, z'l, is NOW accepting articles (2-3 pages) for the 15th Issue for 15th yahrzeit. Theme: Moments, Tikun, Vision. Send memories, stories, Your Torahs, Reb Shlomo Torahs, poetry, Reb Shlomo photos. Edition in memory of Rabbi Aryeh Hirschfield, z'l. If you have photos, stories, please send as I did.

Donations welcome for mazal tov announcements (with photos, especially babies!!!), condolences, ads, artwork. Add a little blurb about yourself, so we all get connected!! Don't hold back, give nachos to the Rebbe!!

Emuna's coming to East Coast. See OUTSIDE LA for details.

JEWELS OF ELUL, inspirations for the High Holy Days, compiled by Craig Taubman. This year 29 contributors share their Inspirations on the Art of Forgiving; their wrestling with reconciling, moving forward and returning. The Jewels is available online beginning August 21, at http://www.jewelsofelul.com/. Jewels of Elul books is available in bulk quantities for Temples and organizations to share with their communities. Order books or sign up for the daily Jewel email HERE. Craig asks that donations for the book be made to Jewish Family Service. Each year I mamash enjoy the delights in this small booklet.

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ELUL Letter from AriellaShira

Dear Ones,
This evening starts Rosh Hodesh Elul when we begin to prepare for the High Holy Days. Elul is an acronym for Ani L'dodi V''dodi Li/I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine. This is a time of heightened awareness of our relationship with our Divine Source. The sign for Elul is Bethulah, the Virgin, in it's original sense of meaning "independent of a man". A time for women to grow free of the rules, traditions and values of men so that we can embody the Divine Feminine/Shechina and bring the world back into balance.

The tradition of blowing the shofar every morning of Elul is to wake us up to where we are in our lives individually and collectively, to do a spiritual accounting and then make conscious choices to redirect our lives to the path of blessing. Collectively, we are in a time of paradigm shift, the Exodus from duality and separation consciousness into Oneness and unity consciousness and the Oneness has begun. As we rise up in consciousness the negativity of Humanity's abuse of power and lack of reverence for all Life, is being pushed to the surface for purification and healing. As we are shaken into higher awareness and consciousness by the shofar blasts of Elul, may we remember who we are beyond our individual selves and join together across the world to bring into being the profound changes that are wanting to manifest.
Blessings, Love & Light, AriellaShira

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ELUL by Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l.

http://rebshlomo.org/torahs/elul-redemption-through-responsiveness/ Elul is the twelfth month of the Jewish civil year and the sixth month of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. Reb Shlomo taught us that Elul is a time of repentance in preparationfor the High Holy Days. In Aramaic (the language of the Talmud), the word “Elul” means “search.” The Talmud writes that the Hebrew word “Elul” can be expanded as an acronym for “Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li” - “I am to my Beloved and my Beloved is to me.” Elul is seen as a time to search one’s heart and draw close to God in preparation for the coming Day of Judgement, Rosh Hashanah, and Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. Read on http://rebshlomo.org/:Elul: Opening the GatesKi Va Mo’ed: When the Time Comes. Elul: Redemption Through Responsiveness

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RUTH FOGELMAN's newest book of poetry and photographs is: "Cradled in God's Arms."

http://www.geocities.com/jerusalemlives/
Ruth Fogelman is the author of "Within the Walls of Jerusalem - A Personal Perspective." Her writing and photography have appeared in numerous anthologies and other publications in Israel, the USA and India (including The Deronda Review.) Ruth is a facilitator of the Pri Hadash Women’s Writing Workshop in Jerusalem and has her Masters Degree from the Creative Writing Program at Bar Ilan University.

Here are links to Ruth reading from her new book at the release party:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NSJ9UxvqTk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93j42TUDK-I&feature=channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLgesDkRbqQ&feature=channel

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Tablet Magazine (www.tabletmag.com), a daily online magazine of Jewish news, ideas, and culture, launched June 9. Tablet Magazine offers up-to-the-minute reactions to the day’s news, sophisticated cultural coverage, and in-depth investigations of broad trends in Jewish life. It combines a newspaper’s skepticism, a journal’s thoughtfulness, and a blog’s immediacy. Marissa Brostoff, daughter of LA's Marlene & Neil Brostoff, is staff writer. Yasher Koach
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JConnectLA weekly Jewish calendar for my daughter's generation. http://www.jconnectla.com/

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The family of REB DAVID ZELLER, z'l, have added an AFTERWARD to the book which his family and friends wrote about him, published before Reb Zeller died.

http://davidzeller.org/book/afterward.php

This Afterward is extremely touching, sharing with us the prior year before David's death. It is concerned mostly with chaplaincy and dealing with the sick.

Reb Zeller was my very first Rebbe and it means so much to me to read the new words about my rebbe. Please open all the links on the website and listen to Reb Zeller sing and speak. It was the biggest blesSing to have Reb Zeller in our lives.

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Continuing Directory of Torah Teachers, Local & International mostly. We have so many DIVINE JEWISH TEACHERS who are accessible to us. Write them to receive their weekly mails, or tune in their live webcasts. Who are your favorites?

Torah parsha teachings from Academy of Jewish Religion, LA (summer hiatus) http://www.ajrca.org/parsha_of_the_week.shtml
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Read Sarah's Tent and Malibu's JC&S member Gerry Owens' Torah parsha commentary. I love his psychological direction. http://web.mac.com.gerrylinda/ for Reflections from Above . Write and ask Gerry (gracious Open Door Shabbat host) to be on his list.

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To receive weekly deep Chassidic Torah Parsha teaching, contact Rachel Elana from the Happy Minyan. tikkunrachel@gmail.com
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My rebbe, YOSEF BEN SHLOMO HAKOHEN, sends out his Hazon - Our Universal Vision Torah teachings. Ask me for his e-address or click the link. For years I study with this Jerusalem based teacher and continue to be deeply inspired and supported in my spiritual growth by Reb Yosef. www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon
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I love receiving the teachings from MIRIAM (AKA Mindy) RIBNER. Write to Miriam and ask for her deep holiday teachings. Mindy is a disciple of Reb Shlomo, z'l, and she has been journeying around the world sharing her Kabbalistic meditations and counsel. My deepest condolences to Mindy on the recent death of her beloved mother, z'l. http://www.kabbalahoftheheart.com/For more information call 646-382-4696 or email Miriam@kabbalahoftheheart.com
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A SIMPLE JEW. A blog I've discovered http://asimplejew.blogspot.com/
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I bought the first edition of JEWISH VIEWS OF THE AFTERLIFE from the author, Simcha Raphael, at Elat Chayyim, and now a 2nd edition is published by Rowman and Littlefield. I loved it that Rabbi Simcha recognized my husband, z'l from visiting at Marcel's home in Montreal decades earlier. (This last Shabbat at Metivta, people expressed their desire to know more on "afterlife", so here's a good book.)

JEWISH VIEWS OF THE AFTERLIFE presents a compilation of sources on the topic of life after death in Jewish tradition, drawing from Bible, Apocrypha, rabbinic literature, medieval philosophy, medieval. Book offers a "Kabbalistic-Psychological" model of the afterlife, based upon the four worlds teachings of Reb Zalman, and neo-Hasidism.
New material on afterlife in the practice of Jewish rituals of dying, death, burial, mourning and memorialization. Forward by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.
http://www.simcharaphael.com/ .
~ ~ ~

Use this link to connect to other teachings from Rabbi David Ingber, Romemu, NY.
I have greatly enjoyed learning with him at Elat Chayyim and LimmudLA and look forward to a Shabbat service with him this summer at Romemu.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxEN1mA3SqE&feature=channel_page
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http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/ for two books by Rabbi Arthur Segal. RabbiASegal@aol.com to subscribe to his Talmud teachings.
~~ ~

Rabbi Sholom Brodt is in town. See HAPPENINGS for Aug. details.

I love the mamash gevaldt deep teachings from his Jerusalem's Reb Carlebach Yeshivah
http://www.shlomoyeshiva.org/ http://www.oneg.tv/video/homepage shulim26@shlomoyeshiva.org
Write to Rabbi Sholom Brodt to receive his weekly teaching and see their video class schedules. Invite him to your community. "To gather the holy sparks, is a task that we are all engaged in. Each time you drink some water or eat some food, if you do this in a holy way and then use the energy of the food and drink to do good deeds, to study Torah, to pray and to do acts of loving kindness, you are gathering and elevating the holy sparks that were 'trapped' or contained in the food and drink.

"The four corners of the Tallis teach us that it is our responsibility to reach out to all four corners of the world - whichever direction we are walking in, wherever we may be at the moment, there are sparks of holiness that are waiting to be gathered and elevated. Each time we do so we are affirming and strengthening the unity of the worlds." - Rabbi Sholom Brodt

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Go to http://rebshlomo.org/ to read REB SHLOMO'S TORAHS and STORIES. There are Shlomo Shabbatons everywhere.

When I would slowly walk to shul on Shabbat in Jerusalem with Reb Shlomo, z'l, I mamash deeply felt that Shlomo was pulling in "all four corners of the world" just like tzitsit on a tallit. At each intersection, people increasing in number, came to Shlomo to greet him and ask for his bruchot / prayers and mitzvot, which he later delivered. I told Shlomo he was the "Pied Piper." He was cute and said that I was "the Pied" and he was "the Piper". I know that Shlomo's kavenah / intention of "uniting the worlds" was met when the chasidim with black hats and peyis would recognize and greet me at other times, when Shlomo was not present.

Years ago, I once heard Malavah Malkah dancers in Berkeley call out loud, "Shlomo is not even here and we continue to dance." We dance in Shlomo's zechut / merit. May we be blessed to dance. Reb Shlomo would share, "Our feet can take us where our minds can not go."

with love, Joy
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Read Jerusalem Rabbi Yaakov Fogelman's Torahs at:
top@actcom.co.il . www.israelVisit.co.il/top Latest e-mail studies archived at http://www.shamash.org/.
I have been blessed to meet this rabbi and have Shabbat in his home in the Old City. I LOVE HIS FAMILY.
Ruth Fogelman is a divine poet. http://www.geocities.com/jerusalemlives/
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Knowing Heart, Daat Tevunos by Ramchal with Yad Avraham's Rabbi Kalatsky. LIVE, Wednesday 10 am LA, 1 pm NY. Torah live, Tuesdays 9 am LA time. Rav translates all the Hebrew. I love learning with him. The Rav translates all his Hebrew. Watch live online at: http://www.yadavraham.org/Default.aspx?
mediatitle=http://www.yadavraham.org/asx/live.asx&tabid=62
http://www.yadavraham.org/asx/live.asx&tabid=62

Video Broadcasts at www.yadavraham.org

To download this week's commentaries please go to: http://www.yadavraham.net/documents/Korach2009.doc

~ ~ ~
I love DAILY DOSE from http://www.chabad.org/ . You too can subscribe to this daily teaching of the Rebbe, revised by R. Tzvi Freeman.

For wonderful writings by Jewish women, also read http://www.thejewishwoman.org/ edited by Sara Esther Crispe, on Chabad's web site. They include my writings. I've been a Chabadnic ever since I met The Rebbe, zt'l, in 1970, and he gave me a dollar.

This August I was blessed to be able to davven for the first time at The Rebbe's kever in Queens, N.Y. I made prayers for all our chevra. This was a mamash, deeply moving experience for me. I gave tzadakah back, at the grave site.

(I also visited my mom's, z'l, kever in New Jersey, and loved the butterfly and the rabbit that crossed my path.) I was grateful for the rides to both graves.

~ ~ ~
A Jewish paper that I was reading today: http://forward.com/current-edition/

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JEWISH WORLD REVIEW is another daily web journal that I am partial to because my cousin is the publisher.

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Learn HEBREW and B'nei Mitzvot studies with Israeli metaphysical teacher, Gilla Nissan, privately in her Valley home. You may know Gilla from AJU/UJ or Metivta. I love accompanying Gilla at special Metivta services.Info: Gilla29@msn.com or 818 990-7942

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Cantor Michael Russ teaches B'NAI MITZVOT privately in the Valley. http://www.lchayimservices.com/

Michael tutored me to read my Torah birth parsha for my Simchat Chochmah. 818 360-3468.

* * *

Shalom & BlesSings to you for joy (gila, rena, ditza, simcha, chedva, sasson, tzachala),
JOY

HIGH HOLIDAYS - FAVORITE TORAHS

http://highholidays-favoritetorahs.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO WONDER BAND
http://http://opentowonderband.blogspot.com/>
THE KINDRED SPIRITS
http://thekindredspirits.blogspot.com/

Joy -- a percussionist, and her bands, OPEN TO WONDER, and KINDRED SPIRITS are also available for musical and spiritual gatherings.>
JOYous CHAI LIGHTS
http://www.joyouschailights.blogspot.com/

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS, July 2009, Tamuz, Av 5769

2009-06-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

"Then Miriam the Prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels & dances." Exodus 15:20

Shabbat Shalom. See you in shul.
BlesSings, Joy Krauthammer

SHALOM CHEVRE,

If you know how I can make Joyous CHAI LIGHTS more accessible to you and easily readable, maybe on a different website or blog, please let me know.

I may possibly continue to send a link to you for this JOYous CHAI LIGHTS blog but if I don't, you now know how to find my monthly calendar. I am finally releasing this blog to the universe and allowing the "search engines" to locate Joyous Chai Lights. "Chai Lights" was birthed in the "Jewish Calendar Magazine" around 1983 and my monthly ARTS column lived there in hard copy about a dozen years.

A benefit to blog form vs. my e-mailing CHAI LIGHTS, is that I can add to it during the month, so if you want something included, feel free to let me know. In blog form, you can access this info at any time.

You are welcome to "COMMENT" at end of this long POST. I always love hearing from YOU. (My other BLOGS (PR memos mostly, not diaries) are visible by clicking MY PROFILE.)
~ ~ ~

I'm happy and grateful to see that our shuls are now including COMMUNITY NEWS (Clal Yisroel) with greater social and spiritual consciousness on their own sites. I've encouraged this expansion for a long time. Shuls have followed the lead of Metivta, and now artistic sites include Ahavat Torah, B'nai Horin and Makom Ohr Shalom in offering Community News. Yasher Koach. View their SHUL sites below for community info.

Read the LA Jewish Journal web calendar for large listings. http://www.jewishjournal.com/
Another calendar site I appreciate for young adults is JConnect LA. http://www.jconnectla.com/
See what Samuel K. puts in his website, http://www.sacredfriends.com/.
Feel free to use any of the info in CHAI LIGHTS for your shul's website info. Let's JOYOUSLY bring "Community into Unity."
~ ~ ~

Please ask The Compassionate One for healing blessings / MiSheberach for all those you love, for healing comfort in Four Worlds of spirit, mind, body and soul. Remember to try to use the Hebrew name both of the one in need, along with the mother's Hebrew name. Torah.org offers MiSheberach lists you can use and you can pray for those listed. http://torah.org/services/cholim/

The next six paragraphs are the same as last month (for new readers). I am happy to share with you my JOYous CHAI LIGHTS of upcoming Shabbats, Chagim/holidays, mostly LA Jewish RENEWAL and post-denominational spiritual events, classes & the ARTS, plus...I only write about the events that I know and love. Not the shuls I used to go to, nor the ones I haven't yet gone to, nor the ones I intentionally don't go to. Thus mine is a partial listing and not 'impartial'. They are where I love to be and invite you to join me there in joy along the Four Worlds path to The Tree of Life.

In the merit/zechus and light of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, I love helping to make our universe a smaller world, one with more spiritual consciousness, connection, and chesed/lovingkindness. With spiritual Guidance, I make instinctual connections for people. I believe that music helps to cross boundaries and bring us closer to the Holy One, so I emphasize here those events, as well as learning and prayer opportunities. See my Reb Shlomo story at the end.

Monthly, I write this large mailing, my gift to Chevre, from my Porter Ranch kitchen table looking East to Jerusalem, and no one but I proof it. I hand click each recipient, no lists. UNSUBSCRIBE-- Let me know. Information is subject to change. Please call event to confirm specific locations, times, fees. If you see an error that would be continued, please let me know.

PLEASE FORWARD JOYous CHAI LIGHTS TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY so they, too, can enjoy with you, spiritual Renewal Judaism. Most of what I include here is NOT included in other local media. Click on underlined LINKS below for full updated stories of events & some photos. I love it when at an event I meet someone and they tell me they are present because a friend had forwarded CHAI LIGHTS to them.

CONTENTS: Exceptional Chai Lights HAPPENINGS (i.e. spiritual retreats, festivals, ARTS, books) are mostly at beginning of this list and some are at the end, and ongoing Chai Lights events (i.e. SHULS, MINYANS, museums, classes) are mostly in the middle, then, HOLY GATHERINGS, ARTS, and OUTSIDE LA, and my PERSONAL NOTE at end of JOYous CHAI LIGHTS to learn of my mamash gevaldt rabbis and other teachers or teachings that I love as well as videos, etc.

Having Publisher's prerogative, I invite you to my many activities, and share them here. You can even hire me to play passionate percussion and Miriyahm HaNeviah for Rosh Chodeshes, Women's Passover Seders, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l concerts or other spiritual events. I play for shuls and events throughout LA. Contact me if you want to invite KINDRED SPIRITS, my 18 member percussion group of REMO friends to join you, or if you want OPEN TO WONDER, my divine band, http://www.opentowonderband.blogspot.com/ for your spiritual services. If your community/shul desires a sound healer, I'm available-- Sounds of Joy. http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/

I travel with my crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, bells and gongs that I brought back from Tibet. I love playing them for meditation, vibrational massage, yoga, dance, and homeopathic healing. In addition, I, Joy, continue to offer Kabbalistic Four World workshops on "Joy." See list at end.

* * * * * * * HAPPENINGS
Arts, Movies, Festivals, Retreats
.

The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day in remembrance of Jerusalem's walls being breached and the beginning of the Three Weeks, a period of mourning commemorating events surrounding the destruction of the Temples and the subsequent exile of the Jews from the land of Israel. Go to http://rebshlomo.org/ to read Reb Shlomo's Torahs and Stories about Tammuz.
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SKIRBALL's free outdoor rockin' Thursday night world-music CONCERTS are listed under HOLY GATHERINGS, halfway down. Go early to wait on line, because although free, it becomes sold out. Balcony outside was filled. First concert was great and museum stayed op;en til 10 pm to see exhibits. Check out cartoon exhibit before it closes.

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LIMMUDLA, a taste, Thursday, July 23, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Beverlywood. Space is limited so please RSVP to Taste@LimmudLA.org . Address and directions to the event will be provided upon receipt of RSVP.

Join LIMMUDLA for an evening of Jewish learning and get a taste of what to expect at the LimmudLA Annual Conference. With registration for Conference 2010 opening soon, this is a perfect opportunity to find out what the buzz is all about! Presenters include: Daniel Bouskila offering a taste of magical storyteller Shai Agnon. Marcus Freed leading an interactive Bibliodrama session. Cathie-Ann Lippman discussing alternative healing the Jewish way. David Suissa sharing insight from a Hartman Institute retreat in Jerusalem. Discuss new concepts, share ideas, and join your fellow Jewish Angelenos for a snack and a schmooze.
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MOVIES

Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg and Making the Crooked Straight (Best Short Film, LAJFF) open July 24. See at LA Jewish Film Festival. www.LAJFilmFest.org info and tix www.laemmle.com
Q&A with Aviva Kempner, director.

Film Summaries: Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg. From Aviva Kempner, award-winning maker of THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HANK GREENBERG, comes this humorous and eye-opening story of television pioneer Gertrude Berg. She was the creator, principal writer, and star of The Goldbergs, a popular radio show about a Jewish family living in New York City which became television’s very first character-driven domestic sitcom in 1949. She combined social commentary, family values and lots of humor to win the hearts of America.

HOLD THE DATE

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TOPANGA WORLD MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL. Aug. 13-16. www.topangaworldfestival.com email topangaworldfestival@gmail.com or call 310-876-8017, Sounds like fun!

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Salon Film/Discussion. Sponsored by The Workmen's Circle & Brit Tzedek v'Shalom,
The Workmen's Circle (310) 552-2007 circle@circlesocal.org1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico) $5 suggested donation, Light refreshments. Call for current schedule. Thank you to Lawrence Feinberg, Renewal member, for regularly arranging the films.
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KALLAH is listed under OUTSIDE LA. Fantastic retreat's registration is open for June 29-July 5. Kallah has PLENTY of work/study positions available. Discounted fees. Please contact Annie Klein, mailto:annie.klein7@gmail.com) KALLAH appreciates donations during this economic crisis.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

p>

http://www.stefanivaladezmusic.com/ gives you all the info for singer Stefani's many group LA gigs this summer from zoo to Venice, 7-14,18,27, 8-1,9,25. Stefani always sings in enchanting voice at B'nai Horin during the High Holidays.

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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH is the spiritual journey and ritual celebration on turning at least 60 years. Continue to consciously envision your dreams, transform age-ing beliefs into blesSings, and strive toward attaining greater spiritual heights. http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/
AriellaShira Lewis and I are offering SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH at ALEPH's week-long KALLAH retreat in Ohio beginning June 29 and to Makom Ohr Shalom members. Join us for dozens of exciting workshops and Shabbat. http://www.aleph.org/kallah.htm Click on IMPORTANT UPDATES for the afternoon Workshop Track.

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JOY SHAKERS. As percussionist for LA synagogues and events, I'm offering a little workshop on small percussion. See PR at bottom. Please contact me, Joy, for bookings.http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/
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The ACADEMY FOR JEWISH RELIGION/CA (AJR) July 6-10 and July 13-17 for the first time, "opens its two sessions of summer classes to serious adult learners outside their regular programs". http://www.ajrca.org/ 310 824-1586 . Near UCLA, 574 Hilgard Ave., LA 90024
AJR: A favorite teacher of mine over the last decade, Professor RONNIE SERR, teaches on Rabbi SHLOMO CARLEBACH, zt'l, Hasid Master. Other AJR summer topics include Mysteries of our calendar. Issues in Jewish education. Modern Jewish literature. Ancient teacher, Jesus. Science & Jewish mysticism. Issues in gay & lesbian studies. Ancient Jewish classics.
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*GOLDSTAR*: To sign up for FREE info on half-price ARTS tickets for events, theatre, music, etc. write:
http://www.goldstar.com/?p=f563067ff27
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When I am drumming & connecting to the Source of All BlesSings, I love seeing your smiling hearts radiating from Hashem and illuminating and reflecting Divine light, and then mine drums in joy with yours.I always love hearing from YOU and hearing about your spiritual path.
BlesSings of love, Shalom, prosperity, health and joy (of course),
Joy
"Ivdu Et HaShem B'Simcha" Psalm 100:2
Serve G*D in Joy

* * * * * * * SHULS, MINYANS
.

"And I have loved you with an eternal love; therefore I have extended loving-kindness to you. I shall yet rebuild you and you shall be rebuilt, O Maiden of Israel; you will yet adorn yourself with drums and go forth in the round-dance of the joyful." (Jeremiah 31:2,3)

LEV EISHA (Heart of a Woman) SUMMER HIATUS. monthly Shabbat, Sat. , 9:30 A.M. LEV EISHA now meets at TEMPLE AKIBA, 5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, 90230.
For updates on the locations of future services, please visit the Lev Eisha web site newsletter: http://www.leveisha.org/archive/latest.htm
http://www.leveisha.org/ and/or read ads in the LA Jewish Journal paper edition.

This service continues to be led by Rabbi Toba August and Cindy Paley accompanied by us ruach-filled musicians.

LEV EISHA is where I love to be:
* a monthly creative prayer service for women by women, led by Rabbi Toba August & cantorial soloist - Cindy Paley accompanied by us ruach-filled world music percussionists - Joy Krauthammer and Chris Gacsi, and soloists - Robin Winston, Mollie Wine & Toby Schwartz (who also beautifully chants Torah). Chaplain Ruth Belonsky joins us on violin. We have some great new songs for you!
* an exciting, innovative Shabbat service that offers a warm welcoming environment for women seeking to connect with their Judaism. Men are welcome.
* a joyous, spiritual sanctuary for women of all ages and affiliations to come together in enthusiasm, heart, energy & intellect: in song, prayer, study, dance, meditation and spiritual growth.
* the first Saturday /Shabbat of every month your other rabbis know where you are. 310 575-0986 Join us.
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MAKOM OHR SHALOM EnCHANTing Erev Shabbats in Valley, Fridays July 3 and 17, 7:45 pm. Other dates in LA. See Website. Rabbis Debra Orenstein & Monty Turner. Dana Stone-Goldberg, W. Ellen Fleischmann & Mitzi Schwarz-- soloists, Alan Klein, horn, David Platus, clarinet, Joy Krauthammer, percussionist, Eli Lester, drummer & Steve Berman, harmonica. 5619 Lindley @ Burbank, NW corner in host church, Tarzana. Shabbat dinners, Havdalahs, Havurahs, healing services. http://www.makom.org/
Makom members greet all the people at the door and it feels good to be welcomed. When I'm there early, I greet arriving people.
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CARTOON that I LOVE by Steve Greenberg

(Jewish Journal cartoonist)

illustrating Jewish Spiritual Renewal. Cartoon musicians include: flutist, Richard Hardy, and myself-- Joy Krauthammer, timbrel player in purple, both of us Reb Shlomo, zt"l musicians, and Alula (from Ethiopia), and Cantorial soloist Mark Bachrach on shofar; all of us from Rabbi Stan Levy's congregation B'nai Horin during the High Holidays at AJU's Brandeis Bardin.

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AHAVAT TORAH Congregation. Weekly, lively Shabbat service and pot-luck buffet luncheon. Every Sat. 9 AM Israeli-born Rabbi Miriam Hamrell (AJR ordained) teaches Mussar/Pirkey Avot-Ethics of our Father, and 10 AM Shabbat service with Rabbi Miriam Hamrell and Gary Levine (opera-trained)- cantorial soloist and others accompanied by Joel Warren, pianist. Guest Torah teachers. Participatory musical worship service. I plan to be percussionist there one Shabbat in July. Date TBA

Held at the Village Glen Lutheran Church, 343 Church Lane, LA, 90049, 5-6 blocks south of Sunset, north of Montana, just west of the 405 Freeway. Brentwood, LA. Park in the South parking lot or on the streets. I love it that member Sherry loans me her timbrel when I show up. I love attending the participatory early teachings in the intimate room. I love receiving Torah aliyahs. I love feeling winged angels flying high from the sweet sounds.

Take a look at the AT website that Julie creatively prepares as it is filled with community events in full color that members are involved in and you can join them. This is a social-action community and they warmly greet you at the door, and offer Torah honors which feel really good. They offer important evening classes. http://www.ahavattorahcongregation.org/
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N'SHAMA MINYAN, Rabbi Nina Bieber Feinstein & Cindy Paley Aboody - cantorial soloist and guitarist, Joy Krauthammer - world music percussionist, and guest musicians & soloists. Service in the artistic stained glass Lopaty Chapel, prayer, song, dance, spirit, study. Sisterhood minyan led by and for women and all are invited. Summer hiatus. Check the VBS website or call the shul to confirm dates & time for the next Women's Shabbat service. (Not always Sat. AM, some Rosh Chodeshes and holidays) Join us. Meets at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 91436.(818) 788-6000 or Susan: (818) 343-3078 http://www.vbs.org/While at VBS, check out all their daily many varied fantastic spiritual offerings with many wonderful rabbis and cantors.

It is a gift that Metivta Valley members like Gilla Nissan and the Glasers and Morgensterns offer their homes for spiritual Services. Founded by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man. I enjoyed recently serving as their percussionist. RSVP to Gilla at gilla@metivta.org or call (818) 990-7942. Metivta@metivta.org (818) 654-9293. http://www.metivta.org/
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MALIBU Jewish Center & Synagogue weekly Shabbat services with Rabbi Judith HaLevy & (Argentinean) Cantor Marcelo Gindlin. Chaplain Ruth Belonsky plays exquisite soulful violin. Go early for Rabbi Judith's deep Torah teachings. Sarah's Tent people study & davven at Malibu and love the rabbi who co-founded Sarah's Tent. Shabbat at the Beach is offered some summer Friday nights. If I didn't live so far, I'd be learning there all the time. Torah study 9:30 am, Service 11:30. 310 456-2178 http://www.mjcs.org/
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THE ONE SOUL MINYAN, Monthly Saturdays, 10 am, with Rabbi Mark Borovitz of Beit T'Shuvah (addiction rehabilitation center), exhilarating musical service held at Valley Beth Shalom location and most months, third Shabbat. VBS Rabbi Ed Feinstein and other visiting rabbis participate in service.

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ONE SHABBAT MORNING (OSM) with Craig Taubman & wonderful musicians at Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. Sat., Call or google to confirm date of musical 10 am service with 9 am guest shiur sometimes, several times yearly. I love this service and the special themes. This is one of the minyans (like Lev Eisha) which attract other shul congregants from all over the greater LA area. Summer hiatus.

I am offering my Joy Shakers workshop at a Fall 2009 OSM service. DATE TBA. The congregants are given colorful egg shakers to use to enable greater musical participation, and I'll share a few techniques. I love it when percussionist Jeff loans me his dumbek.

* * * * * * * HOLY GATHERINGS

Shabbats, Museums: concerts, More ARTS, Workshops, classes, etc.

Wonderful musicians and friends from all Renewal chevre including Sarah's tent. RSVP and advise what potluck vegetable, salad, fish or dessert you will share. Parking permits needed at Owen's home, so come by first to get permit.What a mamash holy gift to us that our blessed friends open their doors for Shabbat to create sacred space for us all.

RSVP. RevShayna@roadrunner.com 310-650-8808. Both Linda and Shayna serve as Spiritual Directors, and may be hired, along with other divine LA Jewish women for this holy work. Mazal Tov to the Lesters on their just born granddaughter in Efrat.

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DANCING WITH the DIVINE Shabbat Morning Prayers & Meditations with Paulette Rochelle-Levy, MFT. Saturday morning, July 18, 10 AM for Dancing with the Divine Shabbat.

Location TBA call (310) 453-4053. Donations. paulette453@earthlink.net http://www.creativepathwithpaulette.com/

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OHR HAMAKOR / Light from The Source, A Home for Holistic Kabbala with Rabbi T'mimah Ickovits (Aleph graduate) deciphers essential wisdom from Kabbalistic traditions, showing its relevance for today. Serving as a teacher, Mashpia Ruhanee; Spiritual Guide, Rabbi T'mimah leads custom ritual events and serves as a prayer leader. RebbeT@KabbalahTmimah.org http://www.kabbalahtmimah.org/ 310 450-8808
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Bais Chana women's LA school is run by rebbetzin Yehudit Eichenblatt. Wonderful teachers learned with the finest Kabbalah teachers. Single lectures, Rosh Chodeshes, farbrengens for The Rebbe, z'l. I first met Yehudit when Reb Shlomo, z'l used to stay in her parents' LA home and I loved learning with her chevre. http://www.baischanaca.com/
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Women's Week. Not sure about the classes since dear Nina this month has made aliyah. Ongoing spiritual activities and classes in the Orthodox North Hollywood area with wonderful teachers. We will miss her here. May Nina be blessed to continue her good work in the Holy Land.
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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ Joy of Wisdom is the spiritual journey and ritual celebration on turning at least 60 years. Continue to consciously envision your dreams, transform age-ing beliefs into blesSings, and strive toward attaining greater spiritual heights. How do we face our 'next' era, and then mortality, and redefine values in our lives in desiring to meet our highest potential, and leave our legacy? Become a "wisdom keeper" in a Jewish Eldering rite of passage ceremony.

AriellaShira, MA, SLR, Speech Language Therapist. Facilitator, healing circles, angel on earth.

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JOY SHAKERS with Joy Krauthammer

Say hi to facilitator's Mike & Jerry from Joy. Jerry told me that my "drum shtick are my stories." REMO's Women's Drum Day coming. DATE TBA.

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Skirball's SUNSET CONCERTS, Thursdays; July 16–August 13, 8:00 p.m., Free; no reservations, Limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis, Be on line at 6:30 pm. On-site parking: $5 per car. Celebrating musical traditions from around the globe! I love dancing here every summer.

ISSA BAGAYOGO, July 16, Malian musical great. A fleet-fingered player of the n’goni (three-stringed lute), he infuses the acoustic, organic traditions of his West African homeland with elements of rock, funk, dub, and electronica.

MIKE MARSHALL, DAROL ANGER, AND VÄSEN, July 23, L.A. premiere! sophisticated arrangements, rich global sounds, new acoustic music, and enduring melodies. Two celebrated architects of American bluegrass, Mike Marshall on mandolin and Darol Anger on fiddle, join forces with Sweden’s influential instrumental trio Väsen. Together the five virtuosos create a dynamic soundscape that bridges the gap between the fiddle and dance tunes of Appalachia and the nyckelharpa (Swedish key fiddle) and polskas of Sweden.

GADJI -GADJO. L.A. July 30. premiere! Led by accordionist Mélanie Bergeron and also featuring violin, mandolin, clarinet, guitar, double bass, and percussion, this beloved Quebec-based band reinvigorates the Roma and klezmer traditions of Eastern Europe with diverse world influences. With its zesty, high-spirited live show, pairing original compositions and masterful improvisations, Gadji-Gadjo has become a young favorite on the world-music festival circuit. Co-presented by Yiddishkayt Los Angeles.

I won't be here for Omar Faruk Tekbilek, but I've been with him at the Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp, Mendocino, where I spent a couple summers learning from the masters of middle eastern sounds, so I know he's the best.

* * * * * * * OUTSIDE LA

8th Annual CARLEBACH SHABBATON BY THE SEA, NY, July 17 & 18. Great davening, singing, learning, and food. With Reb Nossen and Rebbetzin Channah Schafer and many more of our Chevrah. 26 Tamuz 5769, Shabbos Parshas Matos-Masei, Shabbos Mevarchin. Davening and meals will take place at, the Young Israel of Long Beach, NY, 120 Long Beach Blvd. KUMZITS MELAVEH MALKAH. RSVP and more information. Call Chaya Adler Poretsky (516) 432-7260, MOSHCHAYA@AOL.COM . This was my husband's, z'l shul in NY so I am glad to know of the Shabbaton there.

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Going to Jerusalem? The ultimate Jerusalem e-calendar of events is published by Rabbi Yaacov Fogelman. Say HI from Joy in LA.

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2009 ALEPH Kallah “Living in the Light of G!d: Making Every Day Holy” at Ohio Wesleyan University. June 29 - July 5. Fabulous lineup of teachers, talented prayer leaders, artists, musicians.www.aleph.org/kallah.htm : kallahadmin@rcn.com

Don't miss this amazing biennial event! I've been going since 1993 and totally love Kallah. This summer AriellaShira & I offer our Simchat Chochmah workshop, and I love singing in and accompanying Shir Ecstasy Jospel Choir directed by Sharon Alexander. Google them for some great videos on U Tube.

Kallah still has PLENTY of work/study positions available. This is a wonderful way both to be of service and part of the Kallah team... as well as to save some money. NO limit on how much work/study a person can earn....Please contact Annie Klein, (annie.klein7@gmail.com)

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EMUNA Witt HaLevi, a holy sister and Kol Chevra's editor, will be visiting on the East Coast from the Holy Land, Aug. 3 - Aug. 13. 2009 Workshop Tour, Transforming Ourselves and the World with the Rebbe's Torahs. I remember all the holy times that she hosted Reb Shlomo, z'l in her home.
Write to Emuna for details. emunawitt14@yahoo.com

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* * * * * * * JOY's PERSONAL NOTE

Writings, Videos, Teachers, etc

KOL CHEVRE, The Voice of the Chevra of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, z'l, is NOW accepting articles (2-3 pages) for the 15th Issue for 15th yahrzeit. Theme: Moments, Tikun, Vision. Send memories, stories, Your Torahs, Reb Shlomo Torahs, poetry, Reb Shlomo photos. Donations welcome for mazal tov announcements (with photos, especially babies!!!), condolences, ads, artwork. Add a little blurb about yourself, so we all get connected!! Don't hold back, give nachos to the Rebbe!!

Emuna's coming to East Coast. See OUTSIDE LA for details.

Thank you, emuna emunawitt14@yahoo.com emuna.witt@rebshlomo.org 050-862-9040 kolchevra@rebshlomo.org The Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach Foundation info@rebshlomo.org Jerusalem, Israel http://www.rebshlomo.org/
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~ ~ ~

RUTH FOGELMAN's newest book of poetry and photographs is at the printers: "Cradled in God's Arms." I have been reading Ruth's poetry for years and have her photos of the Old City on my wall. Ruth's writings from the Jewish Quarter are for me an umbilical cord through the heart to holy Jerusalem; My soul deeply connects. Ruth taught me how to tie my tichels / head scarves. http://www.geocities.com/jerusalemlives/

Ruth Fogelman is the author of "Within the Walls of Jerusalem - A Personal Perspective." Her writing and photography have appeared in numerous anthologies and other publications in Israel, the USA and India. Ruth is a facilitator of the Pri Hadash Women’s Writing Workshop in Jerusalem and finished her Masters Degree in the Creative Writing Program at Bar Ilan University. For me, Ruthie is a drumming, purple loving, soul sister.

Here are links to Ruth reading from her new book at the release party:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NSJ9UxvqTk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93j42TUDK-I&feature=channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLgesDkRbqQ&feature=channel

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Tablet Magazine (www.tabletmag.com), a daily online magazine of Jewish news, ideas, and culture, launched June 9. Tablet Magazine offers up-to-the-minute reactions to the day’s news, sophisticated cultural coverage, and in-depth investigations of broad trends in Jewish life. It combines a newspaper’s skepticism, a journal’s thoughtfulness, and a blog’s immediacy. Marissa Brostoff, daughter of LA's Marlene & Neil Brostoff, is staff writer. Yasher Koach
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JConnectLA weekly Jewish calendar for my daughter's generation. http://www.jconnectla.com/

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Torah parsha teachings from Academy of Jewish Religion, LA http://www.ajrca.org/parsha_of_the_week.shtml
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Read Sarah's Tent and Malibu's JC&S Gerry Owens' Torah parsha commentary. I love his psychological direction. http://web.mac.com.gerrylinda/ for Reflections from Above . Write and ask Gerry (gracious Open Door Shabbat host) to be on his list.

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To receive weekly deep Chassidic Torah Parsha teaching, contact Rachel Elana from the Happy Minyan. tikkunrachel@gmail.com
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My rebbe, Yosef Ben Shlomo HaKohen, sends out his Hazon - Our Universal Vision Torah teachings. Ask me for his e-address or click the link. For years I study with this Jerusalem based teacher and continue to be deeply inspired and supported in my spiritual growth by Reb Yosef.www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon

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I love receiving the teachings from Miriam (AKA Mindy) Ribner. Write to Miriam and ask for her deep holiday teachings. Mindy is a disciple of Reb Shlomo, z'l, and she has been journeying around the world sharing her Kabbalistic meditations and counsel. http://www.kabbalahoftheheart.com/For more information call 646-382-4696 or email Miriam@kabbalahoftheheart.com
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A SIMPLE JEW. A blog I've discovered http://asimplejew.blogspot.com/
~ ~ ~

I bought the first edition of JEWISH VIEWS OF THE AFTERLIFE from the author, Simcha Raphael, at Elat Chayyim, and now a 2nd edition is published by Rowman and Littlefield. I loved it that Rabbi Simcha recognzied my husband, z'l from visiting at his home in Montreal years earlier. (This last Shabbat at Metivta, people expressed their desire to know more on "afterlife", so here's a good book.)

JEWISH VIEWS OF THE AFTERLIFE presents a compilation of sources on the topic of life after death in Jewish tradition, drawing from Bible, Apocrypha, rabbinic literature, medieval philosophy, medieval. Book offers a "Kabbalistic-Psychological" model of the afterlife, based upon the four worlds teachings of Reb Zalman, and neo-Hasidism.
New material on afterlife in the practice of Jewish rituals of dying, death, burial, mourning and memorialization. Forward by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.
http://www.simcharaphael.com/ .
~ ~ ~

Use this link to connect to other teachings from Rabbi David Ingber, Romemu, NY.
I have greatly enjoyed learning with him at Elat Chayyim and LimmudLA and look forward to a service with him this summer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxEN1mA3SqE&feature=channel_page
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http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/ for two books by Rabbi Arthur Segal. RabbiASegal@aol.com to subscribe to his Talmud teachings.
~~ ~

I love the mamash gevaldt deep teachings from the Jerusalem's Reb Carlebach Yeshivah
http://www.shlomoyeshiva.org/ http://www.oneg.tv/video/homepage shulim26@shlomoyeshiva.org
Write to Rabbi Sholom Brodt to receive his weekly teaching and see their video class schedules. Invite him to your community. "To gather the holy sparks, is a task that we are all engaged in. Each time you drink some water or eat some food, if you do this in a holy way and then use the energy of the food and drink to do good deeds, to study Torah, to pray and to do acts of loving kindness, you are gathering and elevating the holy sparks that were 'trapped' or contained in the food and drink.

~ ~ ~
When I would slowly walk to shul on Shabbat in Jerusalem with Reb Shlomo, z'l, I mamash deeply felt that Shlomo was pulling in "all four corners of the world" just like tzitsit on a tallit. At each intersection, people increasing in number, came to Shlomo to greet him and ask for his bruchot / prayers and mitzvot, which he later delivered. I told Shlomo he was the "Pied Piper." He was cute and said that I was "the Pied" and he was "the Piper". I know that Shlomo's kavenah / intention of "uniting the worlds" was met when the chasidim with black hats and peyis would recognize and greet me at other times, when Shlomo was not present.

with love, Joy
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Video Broadcasts at www.yadavraham.org

To download this week's commentaries please go to: http://www.yadavraham.net/documents/Korach2009.doc

~ ~ ~
I love DAILY DOSE from http://www.chabad.org/ . You too can subscribe to this daily teaching of the Rebbe, revised by R. Tzvi Freeman.

For wonderful writings by Jewish women, also read http://www.thejewishwoman.org/ on Chabad's web site. They include my writings. I've been a Chabadnic ever since I met the Rebbe in 1970 and he gave me a dollar.

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A Jewish paper that I was reading today: http://forward.com/current-edition/

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Learn HEBREW and B'nei Mitzvot studies with Israeli metaphysical teacher, Gilla Nissan, privately in her Valley home. You may know Gilla from AJU/UJ or Metivta. I love accompanying Gilla at special Metivta services.Info: Gilla29@msn.com or 818 990-7942

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Cantor Michael Russ teaches B'NAI MITZVOT privately in the Valley. http://www.lchayimservices.com/

Michael tutored me to read my Torah birth parsha for my Simchat Chochmah. 818 360-3468.

* * *

Shalom & BlesSings to you for joy (gila, rena, ditza, simcha, chedva, sasson, tzachala),
JOY

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
KABBALISTIC WORKSHOPS WITH JOY
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~>

SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM
http://www.simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/>

JOY SHAKERS
http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/>
SOUNDS OF JOY
http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/>
MIRIYAHM HaNEVIAH
http://www.miriamhaneviah.blogspot.com/>
G*D'S HOLIEST # 7
http://www.holiestnumber7.blogspot.com/>
SEPHIRAT HaOMER
http://www.sephirathaomer.blogspot.com/> JOY
> MENORAH>
http://www.templemenorah.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO WONDER BAND
http://http://opentowonderband.blogspot.com/>
THE KINDRED SPIRITS
http://thekindredspirits.blogspot.com/

Joy -- a percussionist, and her bands, OPEN TO WONDER, and KINDRED SPIRITS are also available for musical and spiritual gatherings.>
JOYous CHAI LIGHTS
http://www.joyouschailights.blogspot.com/

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS June 2009 Sivan, Tamuz 5769

2009-06-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS
June 2009 ~ Sivan & Tamuz 5769
Happy Summer Solstice

"Then Miriam the Prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand,
and all the women went out after her with timbrels & dances." Exodus 15:20
Shabbat Shalom. See you in shul for my favorite Parshat BaHa'alotecha.
Raise up your lights.

Joy Krauthammer

SHALOM CHEVRE,

If anyone knows how I can make Joyous CHAI LIGHTS more accessible to you and easily readable, maybe on a different website or blog, without my sending individually to each of you the whole CHAI LIGHTS, please let me know.

I may possibly continue to send a link to you for this JOYous CHAI LIGHTS Blog but if I don't you now know how to find my monthly calendar. This is my new Blog venture with Joyous CHAI LIGHTS and I am grateful for the space. To celebrate my Gemini birthday I am finally releasing this blog to the universe and allowing the "search engines" to locate Joyous Chai Lights. "Chai Lights" was birthed in the monthly "Jewish Calendar Magazine" around 1983 and my column lived there in hard copy about a dozen years.

A benefit to blog form vs. my mailing out CHAI LIGHTS, is that I can add to it during the month, so if you want something included, feel free to let me know.

You are welcome to COMMENT at end of this POST. I always love hearing from YOU. (My other BLOGS are visible by clicking MY PROFILE.)
~ ~ ~

I'm happy and grateful to see that our shuls are now including COMMUNITY NEWS (Clal Yisroel) with greater social and spiritual consciousness on their own sites. I've encouraged this expansion for a long time.
Shuls have followed the lead of Metivta, and now artistic sites include Ahavat Torah, B'nai Horin and Makom Ohr Shalom in offering Community News. Yasher Koach. View their SHUL sites below for community info. Read the LA Jewish Journal web calendar for large listings. Another calendar site I appreciate for young adults is JConnect LA. http://www.jconnectla.com/
Feel free to use any of the info in CHAI LIGHTS for your shul's website info. Let's JOYOUSLY bring "Community into Unity."
~ ~ ~

MAZAL TOV ON THE CHUPPAH OF KAREN & IAN KROOP.
May you be blessed with a shefa of rejoicing, jublilation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship, health and lots of drumming and joy.
~ ~ ~

Please ask The Compassionate One for healing blessings / MiSheberach for all those you love, for healing comfort in Four Worlds of spirit, mind, body and soul.

Remember to try to use the Hebrew name both of the one in need, along with the mother's Hebrew name.
Torah.org offers MiSheberach lists you can use, and you can pray for those listed. http://torah.org/services/cholim/

The next six paragraphs are the same as last month (for new readers).

I am happy to share with you my JOYous CHAI LIGHTS of upcoming Shabbats, Chagim/holidays, mostly LA Jewish RENEWAL and post-denominational spiritual events, classes & the ARTS, plus...
I only write about the events that I know and love. Not the shuls I used to go to, nor the ones I haven't yet gone to, nor the ones I intentionally don't go to. Thus mine is a partial listing and not 'impartial'.
They are where I love to be and invite you to join me there in joy along the Four Worlds path to The Tree of Life.

In the merit/zechus and light of Reb Shlomo, z'l, I love helping to make our universe a smaller world, one with more spiritual consciousness, connection, and chesed/lovingkindness. I believe that music helps to cross boundaries and bring us closer to the Holy One, so I emphasize here those events as well as learning and prayer opportunities. See my Reb Shlomo story at the end.

Monthly, I write this large mailing, my gift to Chevre, from my Porter Ranch kitchen table looking East to Jerusalem, and no one but I proof it. I hand click each recipient, no lists. UNSUBSCRIBE-- Let me know. Information is subject to change. Please call event to confirm specific locations, times, fees. If you see an error that would be continued, please let me know.

PLEASE FORWARD CHAI LIGHTS TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY so they too can enjoy with you, spiritual Renewal Judaism. Most of what I include here is NOT included in other local media. Click on underlined LINKS below for full updated stories of events & some photos. I love it when at an event I meet someone and they tell me they are present because a friend had forwarded CHAI LIGHTS to them.

CONTENTS: Exceptional Chai Lights HAPPENINGS (i.e. spiritual retreats, festivals, ARTS, books) are mostly at beginning of this list and some are at the end, and ongoing Chai Lights events (i.e. SHULS, MINYANS, museums, classes) are mostly in the middle, then, HOLY GATHERINGS, ARTS, and OUTSIDE LA, and my PERSONAL NOTE at end of CHAI LIGHTS to learn of my mamash gevaldt rabbis and other teachers or teachings that I love. Last is best. (Really not as chaotic as it may look.) Let me know if you have favorite teachers OR events to include or a better calendar system.

Having Publisher's prerogative, I invite you to my many activities, and share them here. You can even hire me to play passionate percussion and Miriyahm HaNeviah for Rosh Chodeshes, Women's Passover Seders, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l concerts or other spiritual events. I play for shuls and events throughout LA. Contact me if you want to invite KINDRED SPIRITS, my 20 member percussion group of REMO friends to join you, or if you want OPEN TO WONDER, my divine band, http://www.opentowonderband.blogspot.com/ for your spiritual services.

If your community/shul desires a sound healer, I'm available-- Sounds of Joy. http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/

I travel with my crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, bells and gongs that I brought back from Tibet. I love playing them for meditation, vibrational massage, yoga, dance, and homeopathic healing. In addition, I, Joy, continue to offer Kabbalistic Four World workshops on "Joy."

* * * * * * * HAPPENINGS

Reb DOVID ZELLER's, zt'l, 2nd yahrzeit is 8 Sivan, Sunday, May 31 this year.

I wish I was in Efrat with his family and chevre. My heart fills when I think of dear Reb Zeller. Open these links below and hear him sing, in his angel voice, and see the new PHOTO GALLERY SLIDE SHOW of the different remarkable people David wrote about, and photos of him at different stops along his spiritual journey.

http://davidzeller.org/book/ The Soul of the Story
http://www.davidzeller.org/ . Order and listen to David Zeller's songs for meditation, relaxation and inspiration
David Zeller Foundation info@davidzeller.org If you have photos and memories to share, write to the family who has suffered such a huge loss.
If you Google Reb Zeller, you can probably find some of his teachings, and the long story I wrote about him which is also in a published book about Reb Dovid.
I miss him so much; I loved him as my very first rebbe.
Photo-Rabbi David Zeller, Joy Krauthammer, Happy Minyan, 1997 Beth Jacob

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May 31, 3 pm, book signing by Steve Greenberg, LA Jewish Journal political cartoonist and Renewal Jew has published his first book, "Fine-Tooning the Planet." MAZAL TOV. A collection of 120 cartoons from Steve's 30-year career. With his creative gifts, Steve has given much to community. Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring, 1525 S. Robertson. http://www.circlesocal.org/
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METIVTA MEDITATION Annual RETREAT, June 5-7, Holy Spirit Retreat Center, Encino. The retreat includes meditation, prayer, chant, contemplative teachings, ritual, and study. Also, Zhikr (remembrance), a powerful practice that incorporates chant, breath, movement, and meditation. Teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man, Metivta’s founder led by senior Metivta teachers, including Rabbi Ivan Ickovits, Gilla Nissan, Perry Oretzky, Lyle Poncher, and Marilyn Zweifach. I greatly enjoyed the pre-High Holiday day retreat I had with Metivta. http://www.metivta.org/ metivta@metivta.org

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LEV EISHA (Heart of a Woman), monthly Shabbat services by women for women (men invited) with us regular ruach-filled musicians, has moved to a new location at Temple Akiba, June 6, 9:30 AM. Early 8:30 AM Breakfast teaching this month with Rabbi August.

MAZAL TOV. I personally invite you to the Lev Eisha Shabbat service & Kiddush following service in honor of recent SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH of Lynn Stevens, Leah Gila Chaya, a new "Simchat Chochmah ~ Joy of Wisdom" woman who has become a "wisdom keeper" in her Jewish Eldering rite of passage ceremony. Full details in SHULS below.
5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, 90230. June Newsletter:

http://www.leveisha.org/archive/latest.htm www.leveisha.org
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ISRAEL FILM FESTIVAL # 24, June 3-18. LA and the Valley, sponsored by IsraFest Foundation. Celebration of more than 30 new Israeli feature films in Hebrew with English subtitles, thought-provoking documentaries, award-winning TV dramas, and innovative student shorts. Opening Night Gala June 3, Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood. Every day but Shabbos, both locations, matinees and evenings, a few movies each day. Fine Arts Theatre, Wilshire @ LaCienega, Beverly Hills, 310 360-0455, and Laemmle Fallbrook 7, 6713 Fallbrook Ave., West Hills. 818 340-8710. It's always fun to find your old friends on the ticket lines. If you have a favorite film, let me know, we can meet there. Tickets and sponsorship 1-877 966-5566. www.israelfilmfestival.com info@israelfilmfestival.com Buy Tickets

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Shalom/Salaam Film Salon Film/Discussion. Sponsored by The Workmen's Circle & Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, Tue., June 2, The Band's Visit (Bikur Ha-Tizmoret): "When an Egyptian police brass band travels to Israel to play at the opening of an Arab arts center, they wind up abandoned and lost in a remote desert town in this charming cross-cultural comedy. Defying expectations, the tiny Israeli community embraces the musicians, and both the Egyptians and the locals learn a few things about one another -- and themselves -- in this witty winner of the Cannes Film Festival."

The Workmen's Circle (310) 552-2007 circle@circlesocal.org1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico) $5 suggested donation, Light refreshments. Call for current schedule. Thank you to Lawrence Feinberg, Renewal member, for regularly arranging the films.

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Contemporary Crafts Market. 250 finest artisans. You may find here wonderful Jewish artists, Shula Baron and Ruth Shapiro and others. June 5,6,7, 10 am -6pm. My definite favorite crafts show. I'm spending my birthday here; come join me. (You probably didn't know that I used to be a weaver, and a professional potter since the sixties, etc. My heart is still there. I taught ceramics both in NY and LA art schools before becoming a drummer. Ask me why I changed careers...) Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. Santa Monica. http://www.contemporarycraftsmarket.com/judaica.html 310 285-3655

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Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum is coming to LA from Israel. For his whole schedule for from June 11-17, click the link and then go to the home page. I've been blessed to learn with the former New Yorker for the last two decades, and on one of his last visits I loved accompanying him.)

http://www.azamra.org/news.shtml Info, directions, reservations: 310.741.8359

The KABALAH OF MUSIC with American born, Israeli Breslover, Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum and musician Yuval Ron. They are both terrific. Thurs, June 11. Saban Theatre, formerly Wilshire Theatre. 323 655-9900.

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KINDRED SPIRITS LIVE at The Walt Disney Concert Hall, June 7, 7 pm. Concert featuring Ilan Davidson, Ron Li-Paz, Ilysia Pierce and Gospel choir with the LA Jewish Symphony. You'll recognize some of our favorite singing shul members. http://www.kindredspiritslive.org/, 424 785-1563. (Disclaimer: this is not my 18 member Kindred Spirits percussion band.)

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Makom Ohr Shalom honors Shayna & Eli Lester Lester, Sat night, June 13, for their years of community service with a fundraising concert of Eli's music at the Writer's Guild Theatre, 135 S. Doheny Dr. , Beverly Hills. 8 PM. http://www.makom.org/ 818 725-7600. MAZAL TOV

(I recall with gratitude when Eli accompanied me when I was creating performance art ("I am a Holy Vessel") for chevre a dozen years ago, and also when Shayna offered me spiritual guidance when my husband, z'l died. Generously, both do so much for Renewal Judaism.)

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SUMMER SOLSTICE http://www.liveh2ounitedbylove.com/ LIVE WORLD WIDE BROADCAST CELEBRATION FOR OUR BLUE PLANET JUNE 19-21. This Summer Solstice1 Granada Ave, Belmont Shore Beach/Long Beach. Prayer time at 5 pm PST on Sunday, 6-21. Hundreds of thousands of people will be gathering on beaches all over the world in this simultaneous prayer event where we will express love and gratitude for our Living Waters TO RAISE GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND TO HEAL THE WORLD. We invite you to be part of a historical experiment to shift global consciousness through music and prayer. Donations accepted online.

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KALLAH is listed under OUTSIDE LA. Fantastic retreat registration is open for June 29-July 5. Kallah has PLENTY of work/study positions available. Please contact Annie Klein, (annie.klein7@gmail.com) If you see me, I'll show you Kallah brochure.

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Tel Aviv in Focus. Photo contest in honor of Tel Aviv's Centennial. Deadline for contest and entries, July 1. www.JewishLA.org/TALApartnership
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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH is the spiritual journey and ritual celebration on turning at least 60 years. Continue to consciously envision your dreams, transform age-ing beliefs into blesSings, and strive toward attaining greater spiritual heights. http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/

AriellaShira Lewis and I are offering SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH at ALEPH's week-long KALLAH retreat this summer in Ohio beginning June 29. Join us for dozens of exciting workshops and Shabbat.
http://www.aleph.org/kallah.htm Click on IMPORTANT UPDATES for the afternoon Workshop Track.

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JOY SHAKERS. As percussionist for LA synagogues and events, I'm offering a little workshop on small percussion. See PR at bottom. Please contact me, Joy, for bookings.
http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/
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MAZAL TOV to all the many newest RABBINIC, CANTORIAL, CHAPLAINCY Smeecha Ordinees. Academy of Jewish Religion Rabbi Barbara Zacky is from Sarah's Tent. Chaplain Barbara Singer is working with Skirball Hospice. I totally loved witnessing these last seven AJR magnificent ordinations. Maybe next year I'll make it to AJU and HUC. Each Monday morning last semester I made it to an AJR class early so that I could davven with these inspiring students.

SAVE THE DATE: The ACADEMY FOR JEWISH RELIGION/CA (AJR) July 6-10 and July 13-17 for the first time, "opens its two sessions of summer classes to serious adult learners outside their regular programs". http://www.ajrca.org/ 310 824-1586 . Near UCLA, 574 Hilgard Ave., LA 90024

AJR: A favorite teacher of mine over the last decade, Professor RONNIE SERR, teaches July 6-10 in the five afternoons on Rabbi SHLOMO CARLEBACH, zt'l, Hasid Master. You may know Ronnie from AJR, Metivta, Ahavat Torah, Happy Minyan, or his personal classes, Shir HaShirim. Ronnie appreciates Reb Shlomo for being the most brilliant Torah scholar that he was. One afternoon, possibly Tuesday 7-7 (because I love G*d's holiest number 7), I share a few minutes of my personal photos & stories from when, as percussionist, I accompanied Reb Shlomo, of blessed memory. Last time I shared at VBS Farbrengan, the rabbi and cantor had to pull me off the bima because the endless stories kept coming. Please call AJR and register.

Other AJR summer topics include Mysteries of our calendar. Issues in Jewish education. Modern Jewish literature. Ancient teacher, Jesus. Science & Jewish mysticism. Issues in gay & lesbian studies. Ancient Jewish classics.

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Michael Cohen's MAJESTIC CATERERS delighted me tonight with the very best kosher catering at the pre-concert dinner for the Cantors Sing for Life concert fundraiser for American Friends of Magen David Adom. I have hired Michael myself, and it was so good again to be nourished with his delicious food. (Shomrei Torah Synagogue--818 226-0677).

All the LA cantors sang beautifully. I've gone before to their concerts and tonight Cantors Marcelo and Mariana Gindlin prepared a fantastic evening of song for an important Israeli cause. Look for next year's concert.

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*GOLDSTAR*: To sign up for FREE info on half-price ARTS tickets for events, theatre, music, etc. write:

http://www.goldstar.com/?p=f563067ff27

When I am drumming & connecting to the Source of All BlesSings, I love seeing your smiling hearts radiating from Hashem and illuminating and reflecting Divine light, and then mine drums in joy with yours.
I always love hearing from YOU and hearing about your spiritual path.

BlesSings of love, Shalom, prosperity, health and joy (of course),
Joy
"Ivdu Et HaShem B'Simcha" Psalm 100:2
Serve G*D in Joy

* * * * * * * SHULS, MINYANS

"And I have loved you with an eternal love,; therefore I have extended loving-kindness to you. I shall yet rebuild you and you shall be rebuilt, O Maiden of Israel; you will yet adorn yourself with drums and go forth in the round-dance of the joyful." (Jeremiah 31:2,3)

LEV EISHA (Heart of a Woman) monthly Shabbat, this Sat. June 6, 9:30 AM and 8:30 AM teaching breakfast. LEV EISHA meets in June at TEMPLE AKIBA, 5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, 90230. For updates on the locations of future services, please visit the Lev Eisha web site newsletter: http://www.leveisha.org/archive/latest.htm http://www.leveisha.org/ and/or read ads in the LA Jewish Journal paper edition. This service continues to be led by Rabbi Toba August and Cindy Paley accompanied by us ruach-filled musicians.

LEV EISHA is where I love to be:
* a monthly creative prayer service for women by women, led by Rabbi Toba August & cantorial soloist - Cindy Paley with world music percussionists - Joy Krauthammer and Chris Gacsi, and soloists - Robin Winston, Mollie Wine & Toby Schwartz (who also beautifully chants Torah!). Chaplain Ruth Belonsky joins us on violin. We have some great new songs for you!
* an exciting, innovative Shabbat service that offers a warm welcoming environment for women seeking to connect with their Judaism.
* a joyous, spiritual sanctuary for women of all ages and affiliations to come together in enthusiasm, heart, energy & intellect: in song, prayer, study, dance, meditation and spiritual growth.
* the first Saturday /Shabbat of every month your other rabbis know where you are. 310 575-0986 Join us.
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MAKOM OHR SHALOM EnCHANTing Erev Shabbats in Valley, Fridays June 5, 19, 7:45 pm. Other dates in LA. See Website. Rabbis Debra Orenstein & Monty Turner. Dana Stone-Goldberg, W. Ellen Fleischmann & Mitzi Schwarz-- soloists, Alan Klein, horn, David Platus, clarinet, Joy Krauthammer, percussionist, Eli Lester, drummer & Steve Berman, harmonica. 5619 Lindley @ Burbank, NW corner in host church, Tarzana. Shabbat dinners, Havdalahs, havurahs, healing services. http://www.makom.org/

Makom members greet all the people at the door and it feels good to be welcomed. When I'm there early, I greet arriving people.

June 13th. MOS honors Shayna & Eli Lester for all their Jewish Renewal & Interfaith community work with concert of Eli's music at the Writer's Guild in Beverly Hills. Details: see HAPPENINGS.

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B'NAI HORIN-Children of Freedom, once monthly intimate Shabbat services, June 20 (held elsewhere for a Bar Mitzvah), 10 am - 1:30 pm, Rabbi Stan Levy, Rabbi Laura Owens, Marc Bachrach, cantorial soloist. As a member for two decades of this 40 year old shul, you may find me there with my timbrel in hand and with an open heart, dancing in the garden. Shavuot service- May 30. Mazal Tov on the new Torah. With so many B'nei Mitzvot students in the best program run by Rina Daly, this new Torah is appreciated.

Regular Contribution: $15 B'nai Horin members, $20 guests. First-timers: no charge. Please bring a salad, dessert or drinks to share or contribute $5 toward the main dish. A blesSing to be in Carole Foley's home garden, 11040 Queensland, West LA, one light south of National, 1 1/2 blocks east of Sepulveda Blvd. I love it that mailings now include community events.

MAZAL TOV to Rabbi Stan Levy for the 7th Academy of Jewish Religion (AJR) Ordination which only a decade ago was his dream.

http://www.bnaihorin.com/ (310) 441-4434. Mazal Tov on the new website.
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AHAVAT TORAH Congregation. Weekly, lively Shabbat service and pot-luck buffet luncheon. Sat. 9 AM teaching (in fireside lounge) and 10 AM Shabbat service with Israeli-born Rabbi Miriam Hamrell (AJR graduate), Gary Levine (opera-trained)- cantorial soloist and others accompanied by Joel Warren, pianist. Guest Torah teachers. Participatory musical worship service. Held at the Village Glen Lutheran Church, 343 Church Lane, LA, 90049, 5-6 blocks south of Sunset, north of Montana, just west of the 405 Freeway. Brentwood, LA. Park in the South parking lot or on the streets. I love it that member Sherry loans me her timbrel when I show up. I love attending the participatory early teachings in the intimate room. I love receiving Torah aliyahs. I love feeling winged angels flying high from the sweet sounds.

Take a look at the AT website that Julie (see her perform in Kindred Spirits June 7) creatively prepares as it is filled with community events in full color that members are involved in and you can join them. This is a social-action community and they warmly greet you at the door, and offer Torah honors which feel really good. They offer important evening classes. http://www.ahavattorahcongregation.org/

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N'SHAMA MINYAN, Rabbi Nina Bieber Feinstein & Cindy Paley Aboody - cantorial soloist and guitarist, Joy Krauthammer - world music percussionist, and guest musicians & soloists. Service in the artistic stained glass Lopaty Chapel, prayer, song, dance, spirit, study. Sisterhood minyan led by and for women and all are invited. Summer hiatus.

Check the VBS website or call the shul to confirm dates & time for the next Women's Shabbat service. (Not always Sat. AM, some Rosh Chodeshes and holidays) Join us. Meets at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 91436.
(818) 788-6000 or Susan: (818) 343-3078 http://www.vbs.org/
While at VBS, check out all their daily many varied fantastic spiritual offerings with many wonderful rabbis and cantors.
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METIVTA, Friday, and Sat. services. Lay led meets both in LA and the Valley for Shabbat services, Shabbat dinner, meditations and classes. Fills quickly. Call for dates and events. I love their Contemplative intimate Kabbalat Shabbat service; candle lighting, prayer, chanting, niggunim, a pot luck dinner and a discussion of the weekly parsha. It is a gift that Metivta Valley members like Gilla and the Glasers and Morgensterns offer their homes for spiritual Services. Founded by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man. I enjoyed recently serving as their percussionist. RSVP to Gilla at gilla@metivta.org or call (818) 990-7942. Metivta@metivta.org (818) 654-9293. http://www.metivta.org/

METIVTA MEDITATION RETREAT June 5-7. Details: see Happenings.
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MALIBU Jewish Center & Synagogue weekly Shabbat services with Rabbi Judith HaLevy & (Argentinean) Cantor Marcelo Gindlin. Chaplain Ruth Belonsky plays exquisite soulful violin. Go early for Rabbi Judith's deep Torah teachings. Sarah's Tent people study & davven at Malibu and love the rabbi who co-founded Sarah's Tent. Shabbat at the Beach is offered some summer Friday nights. If I didn't live so far, I'd be learning there all the time. Torah study 9:30 am, Service 11:30. Healing Shabbat service, Sat. May 30th.
310 456-2178 http://www.mjcs.org/
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THE ONE SOUL MINYAN, Monthly Saturdays, 10 am, with Rabbi Mark Borovitz of Beit T'Shuvah (addiction rehabilitation center), exhilarating musical service held at Valley Beth Shalom location and most months, third Shabbat. VBS Rabbi Ed Feinstein and other visiting rabbis participate in service. 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino 818 788-6000 http://www.vbs.org/ I truly appreciate this intimate meaningful service and when I don't bring my timbrel the pianist loans me hers. I wish we had more Shabbats each month so I can davven everywhere. They may be on summer hiatus(?). Meets regularly at 8831 Venice Blvd. LA http://www.beittshuvahla.org/ 310 204-5200 This organization collects for their thrift store.
When Beit T'Shuvah offers their powerful musical performance, Freedom Song, do try to attend, as I did.
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ONE SHABBAT MORNING (OSM) with Craig Taubman & wonderful musicians at Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. Sat., Call or google to confirm date of musical 10 am service with 9 am shiur sometimes, several times yearly. I love this service and the special themes. This is one of the minyans (like Lev Eisha) which attract other shul congregants from all over the greater LA area. Summer hiatus.

I am offering my Joy Shakers workshop at a Fall 2009 OSM service. The congregants are given colorful egg shakers to use to enable greater musical participation, and I'll share a few techniques. This last Shabbat I loved playing percussionist Jeff Stern's dumbek while he was on cajon. Thanks Jeff. Jeff accompanied Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt"l to Russia and Poland two decades ago. What a blesSing.
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HAPPY MINYAN meets regularly for all Jewish observances and classes in the 'Hood'. We founded this Orthodox minyan when our beloved Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt"l died 14 1/2 years ago. The chevre continues to meet and learn in Shlomo's light. It was the greatest blesSing in the universe for me to be Shlomo's percussionist and personal chauffeur.

Meets 9218 Pico Blvd. in a karate studio (across from Pat's). Visiting scholars. Musical Havdalahs. Yehuda of Moshav Band davvens with Happy Minyan.

MOSHAV - Melave Malka Concert, Sat nite June 6, 10 pm, $15, Post-Shavuot, Happy Minyan, Mitzvah g'dola lihiyot b'simcha Tamid. It's a big mitzvah to be happy.

http://www.happyminyan.org/
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SHTIBL MINYAN, lay-led, meets weekly, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico) at Workman's Circle location on Sat. Mornings. http://www.shtibl.com/

* * * * * * * HOLY GATHERINGS, ARTS, ETC.

A SHABBAT Meditation Circle with K'vod Wieder (AJU rabbinic student), 10 AM -12 PM, June 6, at Valley Beth Shalom, Teachers' Lounge, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436. 310 424-0219. http://www.opentowonder.com/
K'vod's Open To Wonder Shabbat service (from AJU) and our OPEN TO WONDER band is available to tour locally and bring joy and wonder to your service. I'm grateful to K'vod for setting up many holy experiences here locally.
Last Shabbat service for the season.

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OPEN DOOR SHABBAT, June 12, with the Owens- (this month) and Lesters on alternating months. Celebrate and welcome the Sabbath Queen monthly 2nd Erev Shabbats, Fridays, 6:30 PM. Shayna & Eli Lester or Linda & Gerry Owens host each monthly Open Door Shabbat. Call them to confirm time, date, location in Santa Monica. Wonderful musicians and friends from all Renewal chevre including Sarah's tent. RSVP and advise what potluck vegetable, salad, fish or dessert you will share. Parking permits needed at Owen's home, so come by first to get permit.
What a mamash holy gift to us that our blessed friends open their doors for Shabbat to create sacred space for us all.
RSVP. RevShayna@roadrunner.com 310-650-8808

Both Linda and Shayna serve as Spiritual Directors, and may be hired, along with other divine LA Jewish women for this holy work.
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CHAI CENTER. Shabbat dinners for 60 !!! strangers, holidays, giant Sukkot, Pesach events and women's events. Schwartzie and Olivia (Schwartz). During summer the Schwartzies are in Tzfat at Ascent. info@chaicenter.org http://www.chaicenter.org/ I love Olivia and I loved seeing this new video.
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Dancing with the Divine Shabbat Morning Prayers & Meditations with Paulette Rochelle-Levy, MFT. Location TBA call (310) 453-4053. Donations. paulette453@earthlink.net http://www.creativepathwithpaulette.com/ Gain new UnderStanding of the meditations of your heart as we embody traditional Shabbat prayers and sacred poetry through movement and stillness, expanding upon dance as a path to God. Author of Dancing with the Divine: Prayers & Meditations for Movement & Stillness and- And You Shall Be a Blessing and the newly released CD Medicine Words.

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Jewish Learning Exchange. So many great visiting scholars from Israel teach daily at JLE. 512 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 857-0923. Can we have this in the Valley? Ask to receive their mailings.

info@jlela.com http://www.jlela.com/
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OHR HAMAKOR / Light from The Source, A Home for Holistic Kabbala with Rabbi T'mimah Ickovits (Aleph graduate) deciphers essential wisdom from Kabbalistic traditions, showing its relevance for today. Serving as a teacher, Mashpia Ruhanee; Spiritual Guide, Rabbi T'mimah leads custom ritual events and serves as a prayer leader. RebbeT@KabbalahTmimah.org http://www.kabbalahtmimah.org/ 310 450-8808
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Bais Chana women's LA school is run by rebbetzin Yehudit Eichenblatt. Wonderful teachers learned with the finest Kabbalah teachers. Single lectures, Rosh Chodeshes, farbrengens for The Rebbe, z'l. I first met Yehudit when Reb Shlomo, z'l used to stay in her parents' LA home and I loved learning with her chevre.
http://www.baischanaca.com/

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Women's Week. Ongoing spiritual activities and classes in the Orthodox North Hollywood area with wonderful teachers. Nina from The Happy Minyan created this wonderful program. 310 925-1132. jwomenevents@roadrunner.com Nina is making aliyah with family, and others will, Bezrat Hashem, continue programming. We will miss her here. May Nina be blessed to continue her good work.
~ ~ ~

I would love to offer this workshop to your spiritual community. Write to me to book a workshop, or if you have questions. http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/

Joy, MBA (UJ) Serving G*d With Joy, artist, poet, percussionist, Chai Lights publisher, PR consultant, workshop leader, ritual guide, gardener. (I'm a Gemini.)

AriellaShira, MA, SLR, Speech Language Therapist. Facilitator, healing circles, angel on earth.

Both were students of Savina Teubal, z'l (creator of the Joy of Wisdom ritual), and have studied with Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's Spritual Eldering Project / Aleph Sage-ing Project, as well as with Marcia Cohn Spiegel, #2 Simchat Chochmah. Many Wonderful Women With Wisdom joined us at Sarah's Tent, LimmudLA, Wagner Women Retreat, Jewish Federation and AJU workshops and are ready for part II. If you've had part I, let's prepare for part 2.
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JOY SHAKERS with Joy Krauthammer
Take a sound journey with Joy Shakers.* Learn to creatively play EGGS and small, shaken percussion instruments from indigenous world cultures. Explore shaker rhythms, tempos, patterns. Shape sounds, and experiment with body and shaker movements and positions. Shake, swing, swirl and shuckle your shakers in the Four Worlds--spirit, mind, heart and body.

Booking for Joy Shakers workshop, please write to me either at my personal address or joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/

Upcoming session in Fall 2009 with One Shabbat Morning.

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REMO Music Center is offering KIDS free drum circles monthly on first SUNDAYS, from 11 - 11:45 AM. Check first before going. http://www.remo.com/ Adult drumming every week night. Check web for amazing activities. Drums provided at every event and circle. Last summer there were a few hundred drummers at REMO's drum circle and friends even shlepped from LA to the Valley. 818 982-0461, 7308 Coldwater, North Hollywood. Say hi to Mike & Jerry from Joy. Jerry told me that my "drum shtick are my stories." REMO's Women's Drum Day coming in July.
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Skirball Cultural Center. Enjoy the Jewish exhibits, concerts, theatre, dance, film (Latin Jewish Life June 4 & 14), lectures, Passport Screenings, events. Great Adult Learning program. Tasty "Cart" sandwiches/salads sold at events.

Lights, Camera, Action, Comic Book Heroes of Film and Television. Ends Aug. 9.
http://www.skirball.org/ 310 440-4500 Sepulveda Pass @ Skirball Drive (Mulholland Drive) Free on Thursdays.

* * * * * * * OUTSIDE LA

Going to Jerusalem? The ultimate Jerusalem e-calendar of events is published by Rabbi Yaacov Fogelman. Say HI from Joy in LA.
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ALEPH Kallah The 2009 Kallah, “Living in the Light of G!d: Making Every Day Holy” takes place this year at Ohio Wesleyan University. June 29 - July 5, 2009. Fabulous lineup of teachers, talented prayer leaders, artists, musicians.
www.aleph.org/kallah.htm or request a hardcopy by emailing: kallahadmin@rcn.com
Don't miss this amazing biennial event! I've been going since 1993 and totally love Kallah. This summer AriellaShira & I offer our Simchat Chochmah workshop, and I love singing in and accompanying Shir Ecstasy Jospel Choir directed by Sharon Alexander. Google them for some great videos on U Tube.
If anyone wants to experience Jospel, Sharon (from Switzerland) can bring Shir Ecstasy to your community in the two weeks before Kallah.

Kallah still has PLENTY of workstudy positions available. This is a wonderful way both to be of service and part of the Kallah team... as well as to save some money.
We have NO limit on how much workstudy a person can earn....
Please contact Annie Klein, (annie.klein7@gmail.com)

~ ~ ~
Elat Chayyim at Isabella Freedman Center. Experience weekly/Shabbat year-round Jewish Renewal retreats with wonderful teachers by a lovely lake in the Berkshires. I love this retreat center.) http://www.isabellafreedman.org/elatchayyim

* * * * * * * JOY's PERSONAL NOTE

KOL CHEVRE, The Voice of the Chevra of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, z'l, is accepting articles (2-3 pages) for the 15th Issue for 15th yahrzeit. Theme: Moments, Tikun, Vision. Send memories, stories, Your Torahs, Reb Shlomo Torahs, poetry, Reb Shlomo photos. Donations welcome for mazal tov announcements (with photos, especially babies!!!), condolences, ads, artwork. Add a little blurb about yourself, so we all get connected!! Don't hold back, give nachos to the Rebbe!! Thank you, emuna emunawitt14@yahoo.com emuna.witt@rebshlomo.org 050-862-9040 kolchevra@rebshlomo.org The Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach Foundation info@rebshlomo.org Jerusalem, Israel http://www.rebshlomo.org/

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RUTH FOGELMAN's newest book is available: Cradled in God's Arms. I have been reading Ruth's poetry for years and have her photos of the Old City on my wall. Ruth's writings from the Jewish Quarter are for me an umbilical cord through the heart to holy Jerusalem; My soul deeply connects. Ruth taught me how to tie my tichels. http://www.geocities.com/jerusalemlives/

Ruth Fogelman is the author of Within the Walls of Jerusalem - A Personal Perspective. Her writing and photography have appeared in numerous anthologies and other publications in Israel, the USA and India. Ruth is a facilitator of the Pri Hadash Women’s Writing Workshop in Jerusalem and finished her Masters Degree in the Creative Writing Program at Bar Ilan University. For me, Ruthie is a drumming, purple loving, soul sister.

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Tablet Magazine (www.tabletmag.com), a daily online magazine of Jewish news, ideas, and culture, launched June 9. Tablet Magazine offers up-to-the-minute reactions to the day’s news, sophisticated cultural coverage, and in-depth investigations of broad trends in Jewish life. It combines a newspaper’s skepticism, a journal’s thoughtfulness, and a blog’s immediacy. Marissa Brostoff, daughter of LA's Marlene & Neil Brostoff, is staff writer. Yasher Koach

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JConnectLA weekly Jewish calendar for my daughter's generation. http://www.jconnectla.com/

~ ~ ~
Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) produced a one-hour documentary "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World," which argues that the application of Jewish values is essential to respond to global warming and other environmental threats and to help shift our imperiled planet to a sustainable path. Highly acclaimed, by both Jews and non-Jews. "A Sacred Duty" can be found at http://www.asacredduty.com/ Complimentary copies of DVDs. Many articles at JewishVeg.com/schwartz.
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Continuing Directory of Torah Teachers, Local & International mostly.
We have so many DIVINE JEWISH TEACHERS who are accessible to us. Write them to receive their weekly mails, or tune in their live webcasts. Who are your favorites?

Torah parsha teachings from Academy of Jewish Religion, LA http://www.ajrca.org/parsha_of_the_week.shtml

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Read Sarah's Tent and Malibu's JC&S Gerry Owens' Torah parsha commentary. I love his psychological direction. http://web.mac.com.gerrylinda/ for Reflections from Above . Write and ask Gerry (gracious Open Door Shabbat host) to be on his list.
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To receive weekly deep Chassidic Torah Parsha teaching, contact Rachel Elana from the Happy Minyan. tikkunrachel@gmail.com

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My rebbe, Yosef Ben Shlomo HaKohen, sends out his Hazon - Our Universal Vision Torah teachings. Ask me for his e-address or click the link. For years I study with this Jerusalem based teacher and continue to be deeply inspired and supported in my spiritual growth by Reb Yosef.
www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon
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I love receiving the teachings from Miriam (AKA Mindy) Ribner. Write to Miriam and ask for her deep holiday teachings. Mindy is a disciple of Reb Shlomo, z'l, and she has been journeying around the world sharing her Kabbalistic meditations and counsel. http://www.kabbalahoftheheart.com/
For more information call 646-382-4696 or email Miriam@kabbalahoftheheart.com

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A blog I've discovered and with permission, include it for you: http://asimplejew.blogspot.com/

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Rabbi Arthur Segal's website includes a CARTOON that I LOVE by Steve Greenberg, illustrating Jewish Spiritual Renewal.
Cartoon musicians include: flutist, Richard Hardy, and myself-- Joy Krauthammer, timbrel player in purple, both of us Reb Shlomo, z'l musicians, and Alula, (from Ethiopia) and Cantorial soloist Mark Bachrach on shofar; all of us from Rabbi Stan Levy's congregation B'nai Horin during the High Holidays at AJU's Brandeis Bardin.
Click the link http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/ for two books by Rabbi Arthur Segal:
The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew and
A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud.
Purchase: http://www.shop.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/main.sc

Rabbi Arthur Segal offers a cyber ongoing class: Talmud-Torah-Tanach From an Ethical/Spiritual View Point. Jewish Spiritual Renewal based, transdenominational, interactive. E -mail RabbiASegal@aol.com

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I love the mamash gevaldt deep teachings from the Jerusalem's Reb Carlebach Yeshivah

http://www.shlomoyeshiva.org/ http://www.oneg.tv/video/homepage
shulim26@shlomoyeshiva.org

Write to Rabbi Sholom Brodt to receive his weekly teaching and see their video class schedules. Invite him to your community. He may be here in August.

"To gather the holy sparks, is a task that we are all engaged in. Each time you drink some water or eat some food, if you do this in a holy way and then use the energy of the food and drink to do good deeds, to study Torah, to pray and to do acts of loving kindness, you are gathering and elevating the holy sparks that were 'trapped' or contained in the food and drink.

When I would slowly walk to shul on Shabbat in Jerusalem with Reb Shlomo, z'l, I deeply felt that he was pulling in "all four corners of the world." At each intersection, people increasing in number, came to Shlomo to greet him and ask for his bruchot / prayers and mitzvot, which he later delivered. I told Shlomo he was the "Pied Piper." He was cute and said that I was the Pied and he was the Piper. I know that Shlomo's kavenah / intention of "uniting the worlds" was met when the chasidim with black hats and peyis would greet me at other times, when Shlomo was not present.

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Read Jerusalem Rabbi Yaakov Fogelman's Torahs at:

top@actcom.co.il . www.israelVisit.co.il/top Latest e-mail studies archived at http://www.shamash.org/.

I have been blessed to meet this rabbi and have Shabbat in his home in the Old City. I LOVE HIS FAMILY.

Ruth Fogelman is a divine poet. http://www.geocities.com/jerusalemlives/

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Former LA teacher now living in the desert, fine Judaic artist, Michael Jacobs, for years has written a weekly Torah commentary. Interesting points and gematria from a scribe's point of view. Michaelojacobs@roadrunner.com

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Knowing Heart, Daat Tevunos by Ramchal with Yad Avraham's Rabbi Kalatsky. LIVE, Wednesday 10 am LA, 1 pm NY. Torah live, Tuesdays 9 am LA time. Rav translates all the Hebrew. I love learning with him.
Watch live online at: http://www.yadavraham.org/Default.aspx?

mediatitle=http://www.yadavraham.org/asx/live.asx&tabid=62

http://www.yadavraham.org/asx/live.asx&tabid=62
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I love DAILY DOSE from http://www.chabad.org/ . You too can subscribe to this daily teaching of the Rebbe, revised by R. Tzvi Freeman. For wonderful writings by Jewish women, also read http://www.thejewishwoman.org/ on Chabad's web site. They include my writings. I've been a Chabadnic ever since I met the Rebbe in 1970 and he gave me a dollar.
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A Jewish paper that I was reading today: http://forward.com/current-edition/
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Learn HEBREW with Israeli metaphysical teacher, Gilla Nissan, privately in her Valley home. You may know Gilla from AJU/UJ or Metivta. I love accompanying Gilla at special Metivta services.
Info: Gilla29@msn.com or 818 990-7942
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Cantor Michael Russ teaches B'NAI MITZVOT privately in the Valley. http://www.lchayimservices.com/
Michael tutored me to read my Torah birth parsha for my Simchat Chochmah. 818 360-3468.
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Shalom & BlesSings to you for joy (gila, rena, ditza, simcha, chedva, sasson, tzachala),
JOY

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KABBALISTIC WORKSHOPS WITH JOY
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> SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM
http://www.simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/

> JOY SHAKERS
http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/

> SOUNDS OF JOY
http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/

> MIRIYAHM HaNEVIAH
http://www.miriamhaneviah.blogspot.com/

> G*D'S HOLIEST # 7
http://www.holiestnumber7.blogspot.com/

> SEPHIRAT HaOMER
http://www.sephirathaomer.blogspot.com/

> JOY

> MENORAH

> OPEN TO WONDER BAND
http://http://opentowonderband.blogspot.com/

> THE KINDRED SPIRITS
http://http://thekindredspirits.blogspot.com

Joy -- a percussionist, and her bands, OPEN TO WONDER, and KINDRED SPIRITS are also available for musical and spiritual gatherings.

> JOYous CHAI LIGHTS
http://www.joyouschailights.blogspot.com/