IT'S ADAR and here comes

 March, April 2010 ~ Adar, Nissan, Iyar 5770

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SEDER Table by Joy Krauthammer (c) 1981 rev. 2010
Added: Sephirot to Seder plate & Matzot, Chazeret, Kos Miriyahm, Orange, 4 Children.
Relevancy: Mitzrayims and Plagues  and AriZal Seder Plate
(Any thoughts for next year's revision?)

CODE:  double Joyous Chai Light

Dear Chevra / community,

Please continue to make daily healing prayers for soul and body, Mi-Sheberach, for my older, recently widowed sister, ARIELLE BAT LEBA, and include Arielle, in your prayer circles. She IS healing, Baruch Hashem. Praise G*d from Whom all blesSings flow - and with gratitude, I thank you for all your bikkur cholim kindness and support for our beloved 'sister' Arielle. You make a difference.
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NEW
AriellaShira Lewis and I are teaching a class at American Jewish University (my Alma Mater). I'd love it if you join us on Sunday, March 7 * for SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY of WISDOM
Call AJU Whizin Center 310 440-1246 or 310 476-7202. Click AJU site for detailed info: See HAPPENINGS below for full details.  If you forget to register early, you can that morning. Come and learn about yourself as Baby Boomer and Jewish celebration ritual..
www.simchatchochmah.blogspot.com
http://wcce.ajula.edu/Content/CourseUnit.asp?CID=281&u=8301&t=0
* International Women's Day - Sunday, March 7.
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NEW

Here's link to a Hollywood production of us REMO women drummers at 3-4 minute mark:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=D-HhB-SXG1k

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JOYous CHAI LIGHTS, after 3 decades, has transformed from a monthly to a bi-monthly magazine.
Keep this link http://www.joyous-chai-lights-marchapril2010.blogspot.com/
New info is added every day and JOYous CHAI  LIGHTS is updated throughout this JOY zine so please take the time to scroll down. If you see errors, typos, do let me know for fixing. Thank you. For a submission, please write up a PR paragraph as they appears in this site.

To view prior months: View MY PROFILE above for blog archives and for my other sites with lots of stories and photos.

To donate to CHILE relief (in addition to healing HAITI), and there are Jewish communities, ask your local shul and organizations (Jewish Federation) where you can give help.

Those wishing to be part of a combined Jewish aid response may give through the JCDR. (Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief) by clicking on https://www.jdc.org/donation/donate.aspx?type=JCDR

Friends, if you are driving to night time LA events from Valley, please contact me for car pooling.
I hope you are well, and always love hearing from YOU.

Enjoy,

Joy Krauthammer

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

Serve G*D in Joy

"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

 NEW

RENOIR'S 5'x2'  "DANCING WOMAN WITH TAMBOURINE", 1909, seen here on the right, is on view with 80 paintings until May 9th with RENOIR in the 20th Century at LACMA, Wilshire Blvd.
Just in time for Miriyahm HaNeviah, whose yahrzeit is 10 Nissan..
Click http://www.lacma.org/ for full details. It is an exquisite show.

* PESACH first Seder is March 29. Chag Sameach
See SHULS below for Seders (are they catered Kosher l'Pesach?), and call the shuls and organizations if you need a Seder.

* I would love to play Miriyahm HaNeviah at your women's pre-Pesach Seder
 NEW
...View http://www.timbrelsofjoy.blogspot.com/
* Counting of the Omer begins Pesach 2nd night, March 30.
* If you want me to give a workshop on Kabbalistic OMER COUNTING, call, leave a Comment below, or write to me at
joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com or at my AJU address.
From Pesach to Shavuot*
* Kabbalistic COUNTING OF THE OMER PSALMS, stories and photos by Joy Krauthammer
NEW 
 http://sephirathaomer.blogspot.com/.
I love giving readings.
For two decades I have studied the Sephirot and Omer Counting with Reb Zalman on retreat, and I suggest reading his article.
http://www.havurahshirhadash.org/rebzalmanarticle2.html

May you be blessed with miracles in holy vessels to receive and hold with Emunah / faith the downward Sefirotic flow from the Infinite. May you be able through your conscious Omer Counting and purifications, to transform darkness, struggle, bitterness, tears and mitzrayim / narrow places, into balanced freedom and joy and welcome the Sephirot into your being, to cleanse you / as a mikveh, and in joy, to welcome sustaining waters of life, Torah.

How is Seder's retelling the Passover story, relevant and important to you TODAY as a Jew, and as a woman or man?
Today, what are our plagues?
May you be blessed to leave behind YOUR mitzrayims / narrow places, addictions, actions that sabotage you, and go to freedom.

NEW
Read a new story of liberation, "RESCUING MOE" by Joy Krauthammer
http://joys-prose.blogspot.com/
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SEPHIROT CH/ART by Joy Krauthammer (c)

The TREE OF LIFE

Kabbalistically COUNT THE OMER

In the month of ADAR comes JOY.

JOY paintings by Arielle Rosenfeld (c), Joy's sister.
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CONTENTS: Exceptional Joyous Chai Lights to illuminate, inspire, uplift, inform and experience.
HAPPENINGS (ARTS, spiritual retreats, festivals, news).  SHULS, MINYANS (ongoing services and events). HOLY GATHERINGS (spiritual events).  ARTS LA (Ongoing events, museums, classes).  OUTSIDE LA (trips, news). Joy's PERSONAL NOTE (learn of my mamash gevaldt /truly glorious RABBIS and other teachers or teachings that I love, as well as links, videos, reviews, musings, etc. PRESS links.
INTRODUCTION. For NEW READERS - Welcome. Please read long Greeting INTRODUCTION and history, my raison d'etre letter at end.
CD REVIEWS by Joy.

* * * * * * * HAPPENINGS

ARTS, Movies, My Stories' links, Festivals, Retreats, Mazal Tovs, Offers and News

AVIVA BELL, ARTIST OF LIGHT in all seasons.
Give the gift of Art! Aviva Bell ART PHOTOGRAPHS can be framed or turned into special presents.
Browse through this selection of Travel/Art Photography, and purchase one matted and framed for a unique gift.
click link: http://avivabell.com/
  Aviva is available for photo shoots in the greater DC area.

Hmm, whose talented photographer daughter could this be? I love Aviva's photos; hope you enjoy them too. Look for her Holy Land photos. I love her humor, composition, and sensitivity.
MAZAL TOV to Aviva & Brett on moving into their first new home on the east coast. And mazal tov on their new jobs.

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NEW

SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM, SUNDAY, March 7, 10 am - 12:30 pm.
Baby-Boomer Journeying from Mid-life to Elder & Sage
with JOY KRAUTHAMMER and ARIELLASHIRA LEWIS
 American Jewish University. No registration fee. # 10WD7J07 We would love it if you join us for this Simchat Chochmah workshop that we love doing with community.
Call AJU 310 440-1246 or 310 476-7202. Click AJU site for detailed info:
ttp://wcce.ajula.edu/Content/CourseUnit.asp?cid=281&u=8301

Click on my (Joy's) personal website for full details and photos:
http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/
Details on SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH also found below in INTRODUCTION Letter.
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NEW
CANTOR HERSCHEL FOX and FRIENDS in concert, Sunday, March 14, 7 pm, Valley Beth Shalom,
http://www.vbs.org/ , 15739 Ventura Blvd. Encino, Call for tix. 818 788-6000.  World renowned cantors Mizrahi, Bensoussan, Miller, Gildar and Cantors Herschel and Judy Fox and daughter, Shira. Pianist- Chris Hardin. I love this annual concert and I love Cantor Fox;  listening to him, praying with him, and at times performing with him at VBS.
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NEW
I'm excited about the new REMO Hollywood film production I was in. It was fun! (The film director told us to "smile, interact and act as if we are having  fun.")
Here we are, the women drummers, at 3-4 minutes mark, after the guys. You know what color I'm wearing!
Links are similar. REMO's is Hi Definition..
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=D-HhB-SXG1k
http://bit.ly/remo2010
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NEW
"TODAY I AM A POT", poem by Joy Krauthammer, is published in current edition of
The Deronda Review, a journal of poetry and thought (bridging Israel and America).
 Vol. III No. 1  Fall - Winter 2009-1010.  http://www.derondareview.org/  subscribe: yehudib@gmail.com
I am thrilled to have my poetry again published in this fine journal. Joy
AND

NEW
I'm delighted to share with you that my poem, TODAY I AM A POT, is newly published in The Jewish Woman. Please click on link. Poem is the first listing. You can also leave your COMMENT at end of poem. I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.chabad.org/search/keyword_cdo/kid/11715/jewish/Krauthammer-Joy.htm
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NEW
UNITY CONCERT, Tue., April 20th - 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA 90024. Mega event honoring Israel's Independence day brings together interfaith artists from around the world. The celebration of unity and diversity includes performances by David Broza, Rick Muchow, Pastor Mark Whitlock and the COR AME Gospel Choir, String Theory, Ericson Alexander Molano, Noa Dori and more.
(FREE) Tickets are required, so reserve your seat now at: http://www.unityinconcert.com/
Hosted by Sinai Temple's Israel Center, and Gen D. Produced by Craig 'N Co.
Craig Taubman is amazing for the musical spiritual gatherings that he organizes for our community.

UNITY LOUNGE After Party, young adults, 21-39 Following the Unity Concert, Sinai Temple
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NEW
JEWS of the OLD WEST. 5th Annual Celebration of Jewish Life, Sun. April 25, 2-5 pm, Temple Aliyah, 6025 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills. $10. Advance Tix recommended. A sell-out program past 2 years.
For tix: send and make checks out to Congregation Shir Ami, PO Box 6353, Woodland Hills, CA 91365. Info: Clara Rosenbluth, 818-348-1498, or Gladys Sturman, (818) 222-4694
Speakers:
David Meyers, Directory of UCLA Center for Jewish Studies, David Epstein, Storytelling Historian and Publisher of Western States Jewish History, Rabbi David Vorspan, and Eric Greenberg, Director of Education at the Autry National Center
Plus: Wild West Klezmer Music by Mike Stein and the Rolling Stones and a Photo Exhibit of Pioneer Jews of the American Wild West. And A little food.
I know these organizers, sponsors, speakers and musicians, and we are in for a full treat.
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"KOL CHEVRE" / Voice of the Chevre, 15th edition paper journal has been published (and received from Jerusalem.) I love reading what the Chevre shares about Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, and their spiritual lives.
Annual journal can be ordered from Emuna Witt (HaLevy)  $20.
YOU are invited to share your Reb Shlomo stories in the next Kol Chevre edition.
Send to: emunawitt14@yahoo.com  or emuna.witt@rebshlomo.org

My story about Reb Shlomo, and photographs of Reb Aryeh Hirschfield, z'l, have been published in the current KOL CHEVRE.
For my Shlomo story, also see my web link:
http://www.rebshlomocarlebach-ztl.blogspot.com/ 
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THE SECRET of the HEBREW LETTERS and NAMES. "Since I have known you by the name" with GILLA NISSAN. Full details below under Joy's Personal Notes
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NEW
BODY AND SOUL, an exhibition of paintings by Kathryn Jacobi, Margaret Lazzari, and Galya Pillin Tarmu is on view at American Jewish University’s Platt and Borstein Galleries ends April 28. 310-476-9777 ext. 201. 15600 Mulholland adjacent to the 405 Freeway, in the Sepulveda Art Corridor near the Skirball Cultural Center and the Getty Museum. The galleries are handicapped accessible and parking is free.
 The large canvas portraits touched me deeply.
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SKIRBALL  (310) 440-4500 http://www.skirball.org/., See full listing below under ARTS LA.
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"MAKING TROUBLE”, a documentary about legendary funny Jewish women who shook the social order to make us laugh, screens Sunday, March 14, 1:30 pm at Congregation Beth Israel (Beverly Blvd. at Crescent Heights) in LA. Proceeds from the screening will benefit the sponsoring organization, LEV EISHA*, a non-affiliated, Jewish women’s spiritual group. (see under SHULS)

Following the screening, starring six famous females, demonstrating their sharp wits--four LIVE renowned funny Jewish female comedians (you know their TV creations) discuss the film and what it’s like to be funny, female and Jewish. For listing of all the women, and more info, see www.leveisha.org or call for tickets: 310 575-0985. I have seen this film and it is excellent. The live speakers are terrific. The organization, divine!
Making Trouble is a project of the Jewish Women's Archive. http://www.jwa.org/
JWA mission is  to uncover, chronicle and transmit the rich history of American Jewish women. I love reading about my mentors on JWA.

*Lev Eisha is a nonprofit religious organization of Jewish women, led by Rabbi Toba August, who meet in West LA to engage in prayer, study and spiritual growth. Please support our fund raiser. For tickets and info, call (310) 575-0985
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ACADEMY OF JEWISH RELIGION, Rabbinical, Cantorial, Chaplaincy programs open house, Sunday, March 14, 12:30 pm. Hillel, UCLA, 310 824-1586. I love what this school offers. Students travel here from all over the country.
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AMERICAN JEWISH UNIVERSITY, offers undergraduate, graduate and rabbanic school, as well as full adult education program. Call to receive their brochures. (310) 476-9777, (310)-440-1246.
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ISRAEL TOUR. Interfaith Philanthropic and Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land for Peace, Healing and Prayer, March 21- April 2, 2010. See details in OUTSIDE LA.
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R. WAYNE DOSICK on weekly Wed. web radio. Details under Joy's Personal Notes.
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JEWISH WOMEN's THEATRE offers salon theatre, conversation & fabulous desserts.
Learn about the 2010 2nd season of At-Homes: A Salon Theatre Series and the New Play Series at the American Jewish University. Three evenings of Salon theatre at homes near you.
Subscribe: info@Jewishwomenstheatre.org call 310.592.7749 http://www.jewishwomenstheatre.org/

I enjoyed performing in both years' JWT, and it was wonderful and fun filled with many friends from many communities. I'm excited about the Women Rabbis Speak project. 
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STEFANI VALADEZ sings in enchanting voice, including Ladino, at many venues around town. http://www.stefanivaladezmusic.com/. One of my favorite drummers, Jamie Papish, joins her many times.
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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
I used this for Cirque du Soleil and it worked great.
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* * * * * * * SHULS, MINYANS

Mostly Renewal, Aleph, alternative, egalitarian, post-denominational, pluralistic, women's; some traditional, Orthodox and Conservative.

(Other small LA minyans can be found on web: National Havurah Committee)
We 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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LEV EISHA (Heart of a Woman) monthly Shabbat service, March 6, April 3, and May 1 at 8:30 am because we offer breakfast teaching with Rabbi Toba August, an hour before regular service at 9:30 am. May 1 the 9 adult women celebrate their BAT MITZVAHS. Pray and stay for Kiddush, blesSings, schmoozing, feasting and joy. LEV EISHA meets at new location through June 2010 in the beautiful sanctuary at Vista Del Mar. 3200 Motor Ave, LA. 90034. Immediately north of National and the 10 Freeway. There is a map on the website. The new grounds are filled with trees, including magnolias; an oasis in the city.
http://www.leveisha.org/archive/latest.htm
http://www.leveisha.org/ and/or read our ads in the LA Jewish Journal paper edition.

LEV EISHA is where I love to be. Davenen, my heart and soul soar 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/ spirit-filled global world-beat music percussionist - Joy Krauthammer, violinist - Chaplain Ruth Belonsky, and soloists - Robin Winston, Mollie Wine & Toby Schwartz who also beautifully chants Torah). We have new spiritual songs for you! Sarah Barash - Poet-in-Residence.

An awesome ambience for experiential expansive prayer celebration where our inner and outer voices are heard. I feel the energy circulating, given and received at Lev Eisha, and for a musician, this is mamash important.
* an exciting, innovative Shabbat service that offers a warm welcoming environment for women seeking to connect with their Judaism. Men are welcome.
* Prepare for prayer. Come stretch with us, metaphorically and literally, into expansion to receive and give and that equals love/Chesed.
* a joyous, spiritual sanctuary for women of all ages and affiliations to come together in enthusiasm, heart, energy & intellect: in Torah, song, praise, prayer, study, dance, meditation and spiritual growth.

 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.

"MAKING TROUBLE" is fundraiser for Lev Eisha, March 14. See HAPPENINGS for full details or go to http://www.leveisha.org/ to RSVP.

LEV EISHA musicians are happy to come to your minyans, Rosh Chodeshes, simchas.


Joy Krauthammer and Cindy Paley
(c) Janis Cohen

MAKOM OHR SHALOM.  March 5, 19, April 2, 16 in the Valley. 7:45 pm.  Other dates in LA. See Website. Rabbi Debra Orenstein & Cantor/Rabbi 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. Easy free parking. Shabbat dinners, Havdalahs, Havurahs, healing services. The original Jewish meditation shul.  http://www.makom.org/
NEW Drumming & Prayer monthly Circle Mar. 19, 7-7:40 pm with Terry Adams, before service.
Cantor/Rabbi Monty Turner leads 2nd night SEDER, Tues. March 30, 7 pm, for MOS at Bethel Encino (a church on S. side of Burbank, between Reseda and Lindley), Social Hall, 17500 Burbank Blvd., Encino, CA 91316

Dinner: Bring your own meal. Seder: Provided are Haggadahs, wine, matzoh and Seder plates (NOT kosher l'Pesach). Cost: $5/person; Children under 13 free. Please RSVP to Naomi Drangle at naomianded@gmail.com or 818-894-1754 ASAP with total number in your party.

Dana and Makom members greet all the people at the door and it feels good to be welcomed. When I'm there (and all shuls) early, I, too, greet Shabbat guests and introduce them to each other.

Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, always greeted each congregant at the door. He asked, "How can I be most like Hashem? To make others comfortable, making places for them."
To view years of magnificent MOS spiritual photos by artist of light, Mark Reden, http://makom.smugmug.com/
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Richard Hardy, Joy Krauthammer, Alula, Marc Bachrach

Musicians for two decades at B'nai Horin
Jewish Renewal CARTOON that I love

Steve Greenberg (c) 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 Tzadik (from Ethiopia), and Cantorial soloist Mark Bachrach on shofar; all of us from Rabbi Stan Levy's congregation B'nai Horin.
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B'NAI HORIN -Children of Freedom, mostly monthly intimate Shabbat services,  Pre-Pesach Seder mornig service with inter-faith guests, March 27.
SAVE DATES: Saturdays, May 15/Shavuot, June 19.
Rabbi Stan Levy, Rabbi Laura Owens, Marc Bachrach, cantorial soloist. 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. It is a blesSing to be in Carole Foley's home heavenly garden filled with singing birds, 11040 Queensland, West LA, one light south of National, 1 1/2 blocks east of Sepulveda Blvd.
http://www.bnaihorin.com/ . (310) 441-4434.
MAZAL TOV to member, Eric Green, on his new Progressive Jewish Alliance director's position.
As a member for two decades of this 40 year old shul, you may find me there with my timbrel in hand, or playing Tibetan singing bowls, and with an open heart, dancing in the garden. Blessed, B'nai Horin was my very first Renewal Shul. Reb David Zeller, z'l and Yael Taubman from Jerusalem directed me here. This is where I first met Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.
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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, cantorial soloist, and others accompanied by Joel Warren, pianist. Guest Torah teachers. Participatory musical worship service. Many interesting classes and salons are offered.

Held at the Village Glen Lutheran Church, 343 Church Lane, LA, 90049, 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 have totally loved serving on occasion as percussionist with this musical minyan. 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/ Julie creates the artistic site.
Member, Len Felder, Ph.D. writes the shul blog: http://www.creatingsacredcommunity.blogspot.com/
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N'SHAMA MINYAN.  Sat., Feb. 27, 9:30 AM.  Erev Shabbat, Friday, April 23. 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 (led by Susan Gilboa North), spirit, study. Rabbi Nina creates a Torah and new song supplement for every service. Sisterhood minyan led by and for women, and all are invited. Women who have never held Torah are invited to hold the Torah. 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) www.vbs.org/
Join us. Meets at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 91436. (818) 788-6000 or Susan: (818) 343-3078. Always welcoming congregants (as did Reb Shlomo, zt'l), Shirley Lowy stands smiling at the shul door sharing hugs for all services.
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VALLEY BETH SHALOM (VBS) is like an exciting city unto itself.
NEW (I had a  wonderful 7 pm Wed. night College of Jewish Studies class with Rabbi Ed Feinstein. Different teachers each week.)
While at VBS, check out all their daily many varied fantastic spiritual offerings with many wonderful rabbis and cantors.
Try their RIMONIM Erev Shabbat, 6:30 pm Middle-Eastern, North African musical service with Rabbi Farkas and Cantor Phil Baron. I love it. Listen to their  new CD. It's great.
http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/events.php?SearchArtist=1431
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The VBS Library Minyan is also precious to me. It is where Reb Moshe Cohen, z'l, gave me my very first aliyah, as Joyce Kirsch, z'l, stood by my side. May their memories be for blesSings.
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NEW
YUVAL RON, Valley Beth Shalom series, Music As A Bridge. Tues., 7:30 pm - 9pm. (Hold dates: More themes: April 13, May 11.
Slides and music from meetings with tribal Chassidic, Tribal musicians and dancers.

A dozen years ago I (Joy) went to the World Sacred Music Festival in Fez, and explored the Jewish medinas and danced with the Sufi, Berbers, Blue men and gnawa musicians through the night, especially in the Sahara where I journeyed with my rented camel. My musical simcha was filmed and a video is available. (I brought back a suitcase of timbrels & memories.)
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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, pot luck themed holiday Shabbat dinner and a discussion of the weekly Torah  parsha.
First: Passover prep. workshop. Sunday Mar. 28 from 11 am -3:30 pm
Pesach service, April 2. Write to Gilla.

It is a gift that Metivta Valley members like Gilla Nissan, the Glasers and Morgensterns offer their homes for spiritual Services. Founded by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man. On occassion I love 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) glorious 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 am. 310 456-2178 http://www.mjcs.org/
Erev Shabbat, March 19, Jewbilation service with Eli Lester and musicians.
DEF JAM POETRY SLAM, Wednesday, 4/14, 7pm featuring local poets, camaraderie, Rabbi Judith will emcee. Florence Weinberger, Joan Freeman, Dinah Berland, Sherman Pearl
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THE ONE SOUL MINYAN.  Monthly third Saturdays, March 20, with Rabbi Mark Borovitz and Cantor Rebecca of Beit T'Shuvah (addiction rehabilitation center). Exhilarating musical service and new siddur. Third Shabbat held at Valley Beth Shalom location in most months.. VBS Rabbi Ed Feinstein and other visiting rabbis and cantors participate in service, asking serious questions of the participants, residents and visiting congregants.
V.B.S. 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino 818 788-6000

I truly appreciate this intimate meaningful service which has everyone reflect on their soul, light and darkness. 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.
Beit Tshuvah 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., April 17. Spiritual Poets, Leah Schweitzer and Sarah Barash read. I first learned from Leah, 25 years ago. Call or google to confirm date of musical 10 am service with 9 am guest shiur. 9 am, Guest Dr. Gabe Goldman, nature maven from AJU and Brandeis Bardin. 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.
Check out Craig's other Shabbats at Sinai Temple. (and his web site for terrific Jewish music.)
Craig's newest CD is HOLY GROUND and it is the best. I  love it. Google to purchase. http://www.craignco.com/
~ ~ ~

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 over 15 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.

Happy Minyan 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. night, Happy Minyan, Mitzvah g'dola lihiyot b'simcha Tamid. It's a big mitzvah to be happy. http://www.happyminyan.org/ 310 285-7777
~ ~ ~

NEW Temple Israel's SIMPLY SHABBAT service with Cantor Danny Maseng is wonderful.
Check their website for the upcoming couple dates. * 9:15 am involved lay lead Torah study with bagels, then 10 am service filled with singing, just like on Masengs CD, SOUL ON FIRE, which I love. There was Torah discussion but NO Torah scroll being read during service when I went to Simply Shabbat.
~ ~ ~

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/ . Enjoy exhibits in the Shenevelt Gallery in main hall.


* * * * * * * HOLY GATHERINGS

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



Challah and Chevra
(c) Joy Krauthammer

OPEN DOOR SHABBAT, with the Owens and Lesters on alternating months. Celebrate and welcome the Sabbath Bride monthly 2nd Erev Shabbats, Fridays, 6:30 PM.  March 12 at the OWENS.  Shayna & Eli Lester or Linda & Gerry Owens host each monthly Open Door Shabbat. Call them to confirm time, date, location in Santa Monica.  Prayer, holy movement, good vibrations.
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. Filled with prayer movement, poetry and music. It feels so good to be at Open Door. If you are going from North Valley, please call me and we'll travel together.
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.
~ ~ ~.

CHAI CENTER. Shabbat dinners for 60 !!! Schwartzie and Rebbetzin Olivia open their doors to strangers, holidays, giant Sukkot, Pesach events and women's events. This is an awesome mamash gevaldt family. Send them my love. RSVP.  Ask about their teachings and get on their mailing list.
http://www.chaicenter.org/ info@chaicenter.org
~ ~ ~

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/
-The Maharal's Insights into Pesach, Part I and II, FREE advanced, textual series of classes with Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein, director of Interfaith Affairs, Simon Wiesenthal Center. Weds. March 3 and 10, 8 PM  Rabbi Adlerstein is filled with chesed.
-Understanding Prayerbook Hebrew - Rabbi A. Czapnik - ongoing series and many topics.
~ ~ ~

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
~ ~ ~

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 Carlebach, zt'l used to stay in her parents' LA home. I loved learning with her chevre and it felt mamash spiritually good to be there. Confirm days, times and go learn. http://www.baischanaca.com/
Mrs. Chana Rachel Shusterman teaches 10 - 11 am, Mondays, 423 N. Fuller Ave.
Mrs. Sanowicz 11 - 11:45 am, Mondays, 458 N. Fuller Ave.
Rabbi Raichik, 10 am, Wed., 165 S. Hudson Ave.
Rabbis Berkowitz and Kesselman
~ ~ ~

NEW
ARBITERRING, WORKMAN'S CIRCLE, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico). Lectures, poetry reading with Uncle Ruthie, concerts, Yiddish.  Enjoy exhibits in the Shenevelt Gallery.

CROSSING the YAHM SUF

Silk Painting by Joy Krauthammer (c) 1009

.

.* * * * * * * ARTS LA

Ongoing Arts, Joy's arts classes,

I shlep to NY and SF to play tourist; I can do the same here in the Big Orange. Want to join me, let me know. Coming: my report on SF.

~ ~ ~

SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER. If you have not yet seen ROAD TO FREEDOM, photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956-1968, this is the final week. ends. March 7. BREACH OF PEACE, PHOTOGRAPHS of FREEDOM RIDERS by Eric Etheridge. Ends April 11. I enjoyed the interactive statoin. "What cause would YOU ride for?" Awesome photo show filled with the faces and stories of mug shots then and now. KLEZMER EN BUENOS AIRES, Lerner Moguilevsky Duo, Thurs. March 25 debut concert.

MAKING FACES by Hanoch Piven also with interactive station ends July 11. MONSTERS and MIRACLES with interaction ends Aug. 1. 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.

~ ~ ~

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. Truly one of the greatest gifts to receive in LA from REMO. Drums provided at every event and circle. Hundreds of drummers of all levels at REMO's drum circle and friends shlep from LA to the Valley. Other musicians invited. 818 982-0461, 7308 Coldwater Canyon, North Hollywood.

(hint: you want to de-stress: DRUM.)

Say hi to facilitators Mike & Jerry from Joy.

SAVE THE DATE
REMO's WOMEN's DRUM DAY coming. Sunday, July 18, Details TBA.  See you there.
~ ~ ~

Sunday, March 7, 10 am. American Jewish University
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 Baby-Boomer rite of passage ceremony.

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

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

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

Both Joy and AriellaShira were students of Savina Teubal, z'l (# 1creator of the Simchat Chochmah - 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.

~ ~ ~

NEW
I met RACHEL, one of the Wise Women in my recent SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH workshop. I'm glad she sent me her ARTS JOURNAL blog filled with paintings, poetry, quotes, and links which I have had a fun time exploring. You might also. Take a look.
http://rachelsartjournal.blogspot.com and click on her links.
I think my "weird pots" can be displayed at the "Weird Festival" in SF.
To read about my "weird exploding pots" go to http://www.thejewishwoman.org/ and search my name.
~ ~ ~

NEW
SISTERS IN RHYTHM All-Women’s Drum Circle, March 27, 4-5:30 pm, FREE. REMO Recreational Music Center, 7308 Coldwater Canyon, North Hollywood,  91605, (818) 982-0461 - http://www.remo.com/portal/events/2272.html
I do not know personally who the leaders are.
Women of all ages and experience are invited... You don't have to be a drummer to participate. Everyone has something to offer the circle, and any woman or girl is welcome! Come get empowered with us!
"Rhythm is the Mother Tongue," says Gabrielle Roth. When we drum together, we share our spirit in the form of rhythm. As we play together, we give ourselves a rhythmical massage and an emotional release.
I used to dance live with Gabrielle Roth and her 5 Rhythms and always deeply loved it, especially at 7 am at Esalen with her disciples, so I'm happy to see Roth's quote here.

HOLD THE DATE
for WOMENS' DRUM DAY, July 18th at REMO, where I am one of the sound healers.
~ ~ ~

JOY SHAKERS (c) 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 Kabbalistic 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 (use @ sign, not 'at') www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/

JOY is available for all your spiritual percussion needs.

~ ~ ~

Joy Krauthammer's SOUNDS OF JOY  Healing sounds with

CRYSTAL & TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS.

http://healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/

* * * * * * * OUTSIDE LA

Trips, retreats, camps, workshops

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

NEW
SHULAMIT SOFIA and Soul Strength Seminars present "Climbing The Sacred Ladder" in S.F. Workshop explores ways to reduce stress and maximize satisfaction in our lives by using the Kabalah formula of balancing The Four Worlds of Action, Emotion, Thought and Spirit. March 27, 2:30-5PM. Celebration Community Center, 4530 18th Street at Ord. Shulamit Sofia, a "spiritual pilgrim", a seeker for three decades, is filled with light and joy. Watch for LA location at a later date. Call 415/448-6041 or e-mail info@soulstrengthseminars.com  http://www.soulstrengthseminars.com/
~ ~ ~

Read  Hadassah Magazine, December 2009. A terrific article by Rahel Musleah on the arts, "Timeless and Fresh Rituals."

Article on the show "Reinventing Ritual: Contemporary Art and Design for Jewish Life",  in SF at The Contemporary Jewish Museum from April 22-Sept. 28, 2010.  http://www.thecjm.org/ .

~ ~ ~

NEW TRIP

INTERFAITH Philanthropic and Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land for Peace, Healing and Prayer, March 21 - April 2, 2010.

Celebrate an interfaith Shabbat and Passover Seder with story telling and song in Jerusalem. Visit sacred sites in the Holy Land. Gain deeper understanding of the Abrahamic connections between Judaism, Christianity and Islam with people working for peace in the Holy Land.

Experience a new educational paradigm in Israel for healing and peace that Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi calls "The greatest hope for peace-shalom, salaam" that teaches Jewish and Arab children to become "agents of reconciliation". Dine at the homes of Jewish and Arab families who are transforming polarized communities in Israel.

Meet inspiring artists and activists who envision a world based on respect and cooperation. Meditate and contemplate in natural surroundings from ancient times. Learn from respected teachers. Lunch at the home of a Bedouin Sheikh, leader of 40,000 Bedouins in the Galilee.

Co-lead by Jewish Renewal national Aleph leaders, Rabbis Nadya and Victor Gross, and LA's Shepha Schneirsohn Vainstein, co-founder of Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation, and peacemaker Imam Jihad Turk.

For more information contact shephav@earthlink.net

We are blessed to have devoted Renewal people in greater LA involved with Interfaith peace healing.

Shepha was interviewed about her peace work in this Tribe magazine link  http://www.jewishjournal.com/tribe/article/peace_in_the_middle_east_20091130/

Every other summer (alternating with Aleph's Kallah) I go to Ruach HaAretz, directed by the Grosses, whom I know for three decades, and it is the best run spiritual retreat. - Joy

~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~

EDEN VILLAGE CAMP discount available- Campers for a Vibrant, Sustainable World. First-of-its-kind Jewish environmental sleepaway camp 50 miles north of Manhattan, 3rd - 12th-graders. Located on 248 gorgeous acres touching the Appalachian Trail. Organic farming, organic Kosher food, animal care, wilderness adventure, natural science, a zero-waste goal, pool & lake, climbing, music, arts, sports, service projects, a culture of kindness, amazing staff. Directors Yoni and Vivian Stadlin,(877) 397-EDEN (3336).
www.EdenVillageCamp.org/ http://www.edenvillagecamp.org/
.

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

Recommended Writings, Torahs, Rebbes, Teachers, Videos, Links, etc.
(LA local teachers are listed mostly at beginning.)

“For the matter (of observing Torah and mitzvot) is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” From today's Chabad teaching in Likutei Amarim, TANYA, chaper 35. (which you can have mailed to you.)
"This verse asserts that the Torah is easily fulfilled through all of man’s three forms of expression (also called the “garments of the soul”): thought (“in your heart”), speech (“in your mouth”) and action (“that you may do it”). In a deeper sense, the phrase “in your heart” refers also to the emotions of love and fear of G*d; they, too, are “very near to you,” i.e., easily attainable."
~ ~ ~

With GILLA NISSAN, THE SECRET of the HEBREW LETTERS and NAMES, "Since I have known you by the name":
 כי בשם ידעתיך
Each Hebrew letter is a wonder, a sign, a symbol;.energetic keys that open the door to new self discoveries and understanding. Gilla's home in Sherman Oaks. Tuesdays, 7-9 pm. RSVP Fee. Registration: gilla29@msn.com or call: 818-990 7942.
Gilla Nissan, Jewish mysticism educator, published writer (in Parablola this month) and poet. Graduate of Tel Aviv U.,Yeshiva U. and AJU.
Learn HEBREW and B'nei Mitzvot studies with Israeli metaphysical teacher, privately in her Valley home. You may know Gilla from AJU/UJ or Metivta. I love accompanying Gilla at special Metivta services.
~ ~ ~

I love teaching "G*D's HOLIEST # 7" (with Joy Krauthammer) at AJU and I would love to teach the workshop for your organization.
http://www.holiestnumber7.blogspot.com/
~ ~ ~

KOL CHEVRE. I'm thrilled that my Reb Shlomo stories and photography are included in Israel's current 15th edition of KOL CHEVRE. For a copy: emunawitt14@yahoo.com  or emuna.witt@rebshlomo.org

KOL CHEVRE, The Voice of the Chevra of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'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 photos of both rebbes are included.

50-862-9040 kolchevra@rebshlomo.org   The Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach Foundation info@rebshlomo.org Jerusalem, Israel http://www.rebshlomo.org/

~ ~ ~

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

I have been reading Ruth's poetry for years, and have her photos of the Old City on my eastern wall serving as mizrachis.
 http://www.jerusalemlivingpoems.org/

Ruth Fogelman is the author of "Within the Walls of Jerusalem - A Personal Perspective."
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

~ ~ ~

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  Awesome CD's here.

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

Reb Zeller was my very first beloved 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 speak and sing in angelic voice. It was the biggest blesSing to have Reb Zeller in our lives. Reb Zeller was my passport into Jewish Renewal. Photos in Oct. Joyous Chai Lights.

~ ~ ~

Jewish VEGETARIANS of North America (JVNA) produced an important one-hour DVD 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 www.JewishVeg.com/schwartz. LA has local JVNA chapters and meetings.

~ ~ ~

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? Let me know.

Torah PARSHA teachings from ACADEMY OF JEWISH RELIGION, LA  ://www.ajrca.org/parsha_of_the_week.shtml

~ ~ ~

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 (Generous and gracious Open Door Shabbat host) to be on his list.

~ ~ ~

Contact LA's RACHEL ELANA to receive weekly deep Chassidic Torah Parsha teaching, tikkunrachel@gmail.com   on HAPPY MINYAN website.

Read and listen to DAVID SACKS on the Happy Minyan website and hear him live at Happy Minyan.

Read YESHIVAT SHLOMO weekly Torah on website   http://www.happyminyan.org/
Contact all to receive their teachings.

~ ~ ~

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 blessed and deeply inspired and supported in my spiritual growth by chesed-filled Reb Yosef. www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon 
~ ~ ~

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 info call 646-382-4696 or email Miriam@kabbalahoftheheart.com
~ ~ ~

SPIRITTALK LIVE! Journeys into Mind, Heart, and Soul. Weekly Internet radio program, hosted by Rabbi Dr. WAYNE DOSICK (Renewal rabbi, Reb Shlomo disciple) on HealthyLife.net Radio every Wed. 11 am Pacific, 1 pm Central, 2 pm Eastern. SPIRITTALK LIVE! is a worldwide conversation for exploring the great questions of existence, for joining in the quest to find meaning and worth in life, through intellectual inquiry and sacred spirit.

Listen: Go to HealthyLife.net on the Internet. PC users choose:

“Listen Live”, Mac users: Choose “For Mac Users” from the left column, and follow instructions. To call into the show and join in the conversation, 1-800 555-5453. Each show archived by Thursday evening for later listening. Go to HealthyLife.net, and choose “Archives.”

~ ~ ~

NEW
RAHMIEL HAYYIM DRIZZIN shares his English translations of Hebrew Kabbalistic texts. For mamash deep teachings and meditations write him to get on his list.
rhayyim@gmail.com or zoharialev@aol.com
~ ~ ~

I discovered through the internet, RABBI YITZCHAK SCHWARTZ, in Jerusalem. He kindly sent me "Jewish Healing" information that I needed asap for my own work with another. It is always wonderful and appreciated when a stranger responds when you reach out looking for assistance. yitzchakSchwartz@msn.com , http://www.paradiseprinciple.com/

Brooklyn computer phone on Jerusalem, Israel time; 1 646 358-4434

Founder of Paradise Principle Institute ™, Sefirotic Alignment Therapy ™, and co-author of Gilgulei Yisrael,

R. Yitzchak's area of expertise is the study of Kabbalah. He has been immersed in learning for up to 20 hours a day learning for most of the last 20 years with Jerusalem's leading Kabbalists. For the last 10 years Rabbi Schwartz has been researching and developing new techniques to help many young people grow with his skills as a counselor. He attained a BSC at New Mexico State University.

Rabbi Schwartz' passion is being a "bridge person." Bridging Torah to the world. He travels to the states, giving him an opportunity to present Kabbalistic-based techniques for self-actualization. He has taught at LA's Happy Minyan. 
And, SAVE THE DATE he is doing a retreat in MAUI in June.
~ ~ ~

CHANOCH, is a Spiritual Teacher who teaches YOU how to be your own Spiritual Guide. He authors a weekly Kabbalistic Parsha email. Telephone Conference Classes 3 times a week including direct readings from the Zohar, as well as other Spiritual Teachings. Contact:

Chanoch at chanoch_7@yeshshem.com  ; Blog at ttp://www.yeshshem.wordpress.com

/; Twitter - Facebook at yeshshem; web site is http://www.yeshshem.com/

I've just begun to read Chanoch's teachings that you, too, can subscribe to.  I am very excited reading deeper aspects of Torah. Take a look at Chanoch's interesting website.
~ ~ ~

Rabbi AVRAHAM GREENBAUM teaches on Kabbalah and mysticism when he comes to LA, and on his website: http://www.azamra.org/ . For 15 years the Happy Minyan and now, JLE hosts Rabbi Greenbaum.
The rabbi has written and translated many books and is known for his work on Rebbe Nachman, and also healing. For a couple decades, I always enjoy learning with the former New Yorker now living in Israel.
~ ~ ~

I resonate with poetic teaching from Rabbi LAIBL WOLF of Australia who visits LA. http://www.laiblwolf.com/

~ ~ ~

A SIMPLE JEW. A spiritual blog  http://asimplejew.blogspot.com/

~ ~ ~

Use this link to connect to teachings from Rabbi DAVID INGBER, Romemu, NY.

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

~ ~ ~

Rabbi ARTHUR SEGAL invites you to write to him at: RabbiASegal@aol.com to subscribe at no fee to his on line Torah and Talmud teachings, filled with a compilation of clearly written material from many sources from basic to Zohar. He does mitzvot taking Torah out to the people where he lives and world-wide.

~ ~ ~

Rabbi SHOLOM BRODT. I love the mamash gevaldt deep teachings from his Jerusalem's Reb Shlomo Carlebach Yeshivah. I am grateful that Reb Sholom accepted my invite to teach here locally.   http://www.shlomoyeshiva.org/

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

http://www.onegtv.org/ for Shlomo teachings by disciples
Many great teachers and Shlomo disciples are heard/seen on this live and archive program Oneg TV including R. Shlomo Katz from the Happy Minyan, now in Jerusalem. I also loved learning with Morah Leah Golomb.

Write to Rabbi Sholom Brodt to receive his weekly teaching and see their video class schedules. Invite him to your community and hear about his yeshivah.

~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~

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.  Wife, Ruth Fogelman is a divine poet.

~ ~ ~

MICHAEL JACOBS, former Jerusalem and LA Kabbalah Teacher, author, and fine Judaic artist, now living in the desert, for years has written a weekly Torah commentary. Interesting Torah points and gematria from a mystic and scribe's wisdom and point of view. Michael is quite a humorist.  Guess what country he is from. Author of  "Ten and Twenty - Two, A Journey Through the Paths of Wisdom" filled with Tarot and Kaballah. Michaelojacobs@roadrunner.com

~ ~ ~

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 and much more on videos. Rav translates all the Hebrew. I love learning with him. Watch more live video broadcasts online at:

http://www.yadavraham.org/site-features/live-video-classes/live-video-class/?mediatitle=yad_live

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 Rabbi Tzvi Freeman.

~ ~ ~

For wonderful writings by THE JEWISH WOMAN: 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 and followed the instructions for honoring The Rebbe.

~ ~ ~

Cantor Michael Russ teaches B'NAI MITZVOT privately in the Valley. http://www.lchayimservices.com/ 818 360-3468.   Mazal Tov to cantorial soloist Adina Russ on her marriage to Mark Henry.

~
.

* * * * MORE PRESS

Tablet Magazine http://www.tabletmag.com/  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.

~ ~ ~

JConnectLA weekly Jewish calendar and community. http://www.jconnectla.com/

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

~ ~ ~

The FORWARD: http://forward.com/current-edition/

~ ~ ~

JEWISH WORLD REVIEW http://www.jewishworldreview.com/

Published by my Brooklyn cousin, Binyamin Jolkovsky.

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

They publish a NEW journal--TRIBE for greater LA

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OLAM magazine is reborn on internet, published by David Suissa, weekly writer in Jewish Journal.
I love reading his JJ stories, mostly about the 'Hood'. (OK, I'm a wanna be 'hood' resident.) I'm thrilled that he rebirthed OLAM, filled with spirituality.

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

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

Joy

* * * INTRODUCTION for NEW READERS

Dear 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. I then reclaimed Chai Lights, and continue to write the way I began my column and also my newsletter "Kid Kulture" (birthed in 1980, THREE DECADES AGO).

A benefit to JOYous-CHAI-LIGHTS-doublemonthyear.blogspot.com, joy-zine format vs. my e-mailing form for the past years, is that I can and do add to it during the month, so if YOU want something included, feel free to let me know. Send news in Press Release format (plain type, no flyers). In web-blog, joy-zine form, the benefit is that you can also access this updated info at any time.

You are welcome to "COMMENT" at end of this long POST or else write directly to me. You have my personal address and phone.  I always love reading what YOU write. (My other BLOGS (PR memos mostly, and stories, poetry, not daily diaries) are visible by clicking above on VIEW MY PROFILE.)

Feel free to use any of the info in CHAI LIGHTS for your shul's website info. (Credit sources.)  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, compassion, 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. I emphasize here those events, as well as inspirational, uplifting, joyous learning and prayer opportunities.
Please see my Reb Shlomo story http://www.rebshlomocarlebach-ztl.blogspot.com/

Now only bi-monthly, I write this growing, very large mailing, my gift to Chevra, from my Porter Ranch kitchen table looking East to Jerusalem, and no one but I write and proof it. If you see an error, please let me kniow.  I hand click each recipient-- no lists. I consciously think of each person,YOU, our connections, as I click YOUR name. UNSUBSCRIBE-- Let me know. Information is subject to change. Please call events to confirm specific locations, times, fees and accessibility.

PLEASE FORWARD JOYous CHAI LIGHTS TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY so they, too, can enjoy with you, spiritual Renewal Judaism and learn about traditional Judaism. Most of what I include here is NOT included in other local media. This is the only Jewish spiritual Renewal oriented LA events and shuls list. Click on underlined LINKS 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 JOYous CHAI LIGHTS to them. People stop and tell me they have joined shuls because of these invites. Amayn.

.Having Publisher's privilege, I invite you to my many activities, and share them here. You can book me for Kabbalistic workshops, rituals, poetry readings, and for me to play passionate percussion and Miriyahm HaNeviah for Rosh Chodeshes, Women's Passover Seders, simchas, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l memorial concerts or other spiritual events. I play for shuls, farbrengens and events mostly throughout greater LA.

 I'd love to play percussion for your organizations.  www.timbrelsofjoy.blogspot.com

Contact me if you want to invite KINDRED SPIRITS, my 18 member percussion ensemble of REMO friends to join you, http://www.kindredspirits.blogspot.com/ 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  ~ SOUND SPA.  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 in link. Please contact me, Joy, for bookings. http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/

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

AriellaShira Lewis and I loved offering SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM at ALEPH's last week-long KALLAH retreat in Ohio, and local shuls, AJU, and Jewish Federation. Call me to book a workshop.

In addition, I, Joy, continue to offer Kabbalistic Four World workshops on "Joy." See lists.

ABOUT ME: CLICK: VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE for all sites.

"Joy breaks through all barriers." The Lubavitch Rebbe.

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. 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 for health and joy. See you in shul,

Joy Krauthammer

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

Serve G*D in Joy

* * * CDs

Coming, more Reviews by Joy Krauthammer

See Archives in MY PROFILE for past Reviews.

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Love and blesSings until next month.

Joy
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