Behind the marquee …

A company that gets rid of creepy-crawlies is the sponsor of one of the movies featured at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. The connection was so obvious, explained Peter L. Stein, festival executive director, of the film “I Like Killing Flies” that he didn’t hesitate soliciting the support. Of course, it didn’t hurt that Harold S. Stein Jr., the president of Crane Pest Control (said sponsor), is also Peter’s dad. Peter and Nancy Fishman, SFJFF program director, first saw the film at the Sundance Festival. It’s a profile of an irascible, foul-mouth kitchen philosopher in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in New York, they said. And yes, he does encompass traits of Seinfeld’s famous Soup Nazi. The SFJFF continues through Aug. 9 in four venues. Check the Web site, www.sfjff.org, for details.

Praying with their feet …

A busload of San Rafael’s Congregation Rodef Sholom members “prayed with their feet” at the San Francisco Pride Parade in late June. Led by Vivien Braly, Sarah Ritthaler and Pam Welner, the group marched en masse carrying signs saying “We’ll marry you” and a boom box with klezmer music playing. They were such a hit that they made the TV news that night. The concept of “praying with their feet” was based on Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s march for civil rights with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Alabama.

Special honors for special people …

Carl Rothblum, a lively 91-year-old who lives at the Jewish Home, believes in making things happen. Last month he was recognized for his ongoing contributions to “the betterment of the life of fellow residents” with the presentation of a new award: The Rothblum Citizen Award. Besides the honor of this tribute being named for him, he was the first recipient.

Carl served as president of the Home’s Resident’s Council for several years. He interviewed new residents and introduced them to their neighbors at Home meetings. He also initiated a special campaign, personally writing to residents and their families to ask them to donate money for holiday gift certificates for the Home’s staff. Current officers of the Home’s Resident’s Council are Edith Sadewitz and Sara Fingerman, co-presidents; Miriam Blaustein and Gloria Houtenbrink, co-vice presidents; and Claire Shor, treasurer.

Tad Taube was honored by the Polish government for his contributions toward Poland’s Jewish cultural rebirth with the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit. Taube Foundation Executive Director Stephen Dobbs, program director Shana Penn and Tad’s son Juddson Taube accompanied him to the June 30 ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw.

Rosanne Levitt was inducted into the national Outreach Hall of Fame, newly established by the New York-based Jewish Outreach Institute to recognize individuals who help create a more inclusive Jewish community. A marriage and family therapist, Rosanne established the Interfaith Connection in 1986 and ran the program until her retirement earlier this year.

Many well-deserved mazel tovs to Carl, Tad and Rosanne.

Oops and apologies…

Sara Levi’s children’s last name is Wikander, not as reported in the last Faces, and son David Wikander was also among the celebrants at her 90th birthday party. Also, Rabbi Yair Silverman, whose last name was reported incorrectly, joined them … Also, New Bridges Street Festival Director Stephanie Brown came here from the Washington, D.C., area, where she ran the Jewish Folk Arts Festival.

Suzan Berns, a freelance writer, was associate director of communications for the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation. She can be reached at [email protected].