It’s a winner (not a watermelon)
The neighbors may not be crazy about it, but a jury of prominent architects has named Congregation Beth Sholom’s new building, designed by San Francisco architect Stanley Saitowitz, the best new building in San Francisco. The award went to Saitowitz’s firm, Natoma Architects. The building is one of three to win an honor award in architecture from the S.F. chapter of the American Institute of Architects. San Francisco Chronicle writer John King described it as a “bowl-like sanctuary of golden concrete atop zinc-clad offices.” Less adoring folks have said it looks like a half watermelon, an upside-down igloo or a menorah.
On second thought
When U.C.’s new Jewish president, Mark Yudof, and his wife, Judy Yudof, joined 150 Berkeley Hillel members for Shabbat services and dinner March 13, he began his remarks to the crowd with “serious thoughts about how we all have to work together to deal with the budget cuts in the U.C. system,” reports Ken Kramarz, executive campus liaison for Hillel. Then he changed course, noting with a smile, “But it’s Shabbat, so we shouldn’t talk business.” P.S. The Yudofs feasted on dinner prepared by student volunteers who make dinner for Hillel each week.
Seeking immigrant stories
If you immigrated to America from Israel (or elsewhere), the Washington, D.C.-based Choosing America Project wants to hear your story. “We are looking for authentic dramatic anecdotes, short stories (1,500-4,000 words) that epitomize your experience as immigrants who chose to live in America,” says Lia Friesem. Visit www.choosingamerica.com for information.
Bursting into song
Daniella Risman of Lafayette, whose day job is with the Jewish Community Relations Council, is spending her evenings singing opera. A lyric soprano, she’s in the chorus of Pocket Opera’s production of La Favorita by Donizetti, playing Sunday, March 29, and April 4 and 5. Details at www.pocketopera.com … Last month, Yavneh Day School students joined Israeli pop singer David Broza on his final number when he played for 1,100 fans at the Flint Center in Cupertino … And 20 rabbis were among the 300-plus folks who sang and danced in the aisles at Oakland’s Beth Jacob Congregation’s concert in memory of Rabbi David B. Kahane. Rabbi Jason Rozen, Reuven Kahane and Dusty Eber were the organizers.
Pesach potpourri
JCRC, in conjunction with a variety of other groups, will sponsor annual interfaith freedom seders on the Peninsula (Sunday, March 29), Marin (April 13) and San Francisco (April 14). Try them for a unique take on the freedom theme. Get the details at www.jcrc.org … Speaking of seders, join the Contemporary Jewish Museum (if you haven’t already) and get a 20 percent discount on seder supplies (and everything else in the museum store) on Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29. And check out artists’ renditions of seder plates at the Dorothy Saxe Invitational while you’re there.
Short shorts …
Proud dad Rabbi Ari Cartun of the Peninsula says his daughters Tamar Cartun and Ramona Cartun played in Gunn High School’s championship basketball game in early March. The win took the Gunn team to the finals for the first time … Heading up Jewish Vocational Service’s annual Strictly Business, slated for April 20, are event co-chairs Larry Baer, Carrie Schwab Pomerantz and Richard “Rocky” Fried and Employee of the Year co-chairs Dana Corvin and Jean Strunsky. Tickets are available at www.jvs.org.
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