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Friendship immortalized

Newt Harband of San Rafael writes that he was so moved by the hospitality offered by the folks at Westminster Presbyterian Church to Congregation Kol Shofar members for the 19 months the synagogue was expanding that he wanted to commit it to public memory. He called on congregants to contribute photos, notes and recollections, and Aviva Boedecker stepped up to help. The result is “Temporary Quarters, Permanent Bond,” a book commemorating the experience that will be presented at the synagogue’s gala on March 27. Harband will do double-duty that night as one of the stars of the evening’s cabaret entertainment. Also taking part are Ben Brussell, Illana Zauderer Parker, Aaron Parker, Michele Samuels, Tracy Rice, Naomi Torgersen, Max Perkoff and special guest Caylia Chaiken.

Stepping up at BBYO

Proud dad Ed Fineman of Burlingame writes that for the first time in many years, local youth leaders have been elected to the international board of B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. His son Grant Fineman was elected Grand Aleph Moreh, or international vice president of recruiting, at the group’s convention last month. In addition, Oz Fishman of Sunnyvale was elected Grand Aleph Godol, or president. There’s a local connection for B’nai B’rith Girls too: The newly elected international president Samantha Rene Levinson, of Fairfax, Va., is the granddaughter of San Carlos residents Diane and Jon Levinson.

In the papers

From the San Francisco Chronicle: Lisa Tabak of Oakland pointed out that in a story on the Grateful Dead, Bob Jaffe, owner of the Grand Bakery in Oakland, was called the No. 2 Deadhead Fan in the world … Craigslist founder Craig Newmark has launched another namesake venture called Craigconnects to get people to work together for socially responsible purposes online.

And elsewhere … On KQED’s Forum on Sept. 15, American Conservatory Theater Director Carey Perloff told Michael Krasny she believes “Homecoming,” by the playwright Harold Pinter (who was Jewish), now at ACT in San Francisco, is “very Jewish, very tribal.” And finally, first lady Michelle Obama, on fashion, in USA Weekend, noted that adding a “dressy element” with black pants instead of a T-shirt means that you won’t feel “shlubby.” Isn’t that a Yiddish word? If not, it should be.

Short shorts

Jan Reicher, immediate past president of Brandeis Hillel Day School board of directors and one of the founders of the Jewish Community High School of the Bay, will be honored for her many contributions to the community at the BHDS’ A Night at the Disco on April 2 at the Fairmont Hotel. Rebecca Ravel and Sara Schottenstein are chairing the event. Visit www.bhds.org for info … Bob “Gabe” Gabelman of Sausalito (who opened Bubba’s in San Anselmo and Coconuts in Sausalito) has been pursuing his first love: singing and songwriting. Check him out on YouTube singing “ ’Cause of You, Babe” at http://bit.ly/eadlni … Daniel Siegel of the East Bay writes that the a cappella group Vocal Minors, in which his 11-year-old son, Sam Siegel, sings, is one of nine groups that competed at the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on March 19. Its members comprise the youngest group ever to compete in this prestigious competition. (Jewish group Vocolot was the runner-up in 2008.) … And one more music item: Heather Klein reports that three Yiddish music concerts she organized for her “Hungry for Yiddish: A Mitzvah Project” raised nearly $1,600 for the San Francisco Food Bank.

This columnist can be reached at [email protected].