About Me

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Joy Serves G*d in Joy as a passionate performing percussionist, poet, publisher, photographer, publicist, sound healer, spiritual guide, artist, gardener and Gemini. "Ivdu Et Hashem B'Simcha" -Psalm 100:2 ....... Joy Krauthammer, active in the Jewish Renewal, Feminist, and neo-Chasidic worlds for over three decades, kabbalistically leads Jewish women's life-cycle rituals. ... Workshops, and Bands are available for all Shuls, Sisterhoods, Rosh Chodeshes, Retreats, Concerts, Conferences & Festivals. ... My kavanah/intention is that my creative expressive gifts are inspirational, uplifting and joyous. In gratitude, I love doing mitzvot/good deeds, and connecting people in joy. In the zechut/merit of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, I mamash love to help make our universe a smaller world, one REVEALING more spiritual consciousness, connection, compassion, and chesed/lovingkindness; to make visible the Face of the Divine... VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE and enjoy all offerings.... For BOOKINGS write: joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com, leave a COMMENT below, or call me. ... "Don't Postpone Joy" bear photo montage by Joy. Click to enlarge. BlesSings, Joy
JOYous CHAI LIGHTS, January & February 2010, Tevet, Shvat 5770

Honor the BIRTHDAY (New Year) of the TREES 15 Shevat - Jan. 30
with
Kabbalistic TU B'SHVAT SEDERS.
I'll be happy to come 2 U and lead a TREE Meditation,
and give out free baby fig trees.  Contact me.

On Tu B'Shvat we celebrate the Divine Tree of Life, and the renewal 
of the flow of G*d's creative power and energy into our world.
Rosh HaShanah L'Elanot is one of four “New Years” mentioned in the Mishnah.



G*d's ripe and new growing grapefruit crop together
Joy's Garden (c) Joy Krauthammer

"For a person is like a tree of the fields." -Deut. 20:19
("...which has awesome hidden potential to be revealed from its winter resting, barren state of being."
 - Joy Krauthammer)
"The Eternal placed the human being in the Garden of Eden to till it and tend it." -Genesis 2:15

CODE:  double Joyous Chai Light

Dear Chevra / community,

I dedicate this secular new year's Tevet / Shevat issue in the memory of my husband, Menachem Eli Melech ben Shulim, z'l, and his 4th yahrtzeit, 17 Tevet.  May his memory be for a blesSing.
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In February comes ADAR, month of JOY & PURIM, Feb. 28.
MI'SH'NICHNAS ADAR MARBIM B'SIMCHA!

AS SOON AS THE MONTH OF ADAR BEGINS WE INCREASE WITH JOY!
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Moshe Rabbaneu's yahrtzeit (and birthday) is Adar 7.
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For HAITI's healing, contribute by contacting your favorite organization, Jewish, Israeli, medical, etc.
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MAZAL TOV to my children on the purchase this week of their first home outside Washington, DC and mazal tov on their new jobs, and also new artistic web site.
Yasher Koach to my children on visiting the Holy Land this last month.
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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. With gratitude, thank you.
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Please scroll all the down JOYous CHAI LIGHTS to enjoy TREE  photos and my new TREE stories with links in HAPPENINGS.
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Enjoy the mystery inter-faith photo if you find the purple TREE.
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NEW
I am teaching two classes at American Jewish University (my Alma Mater). I'd love it if you join me there on Sundays, Feb. 7th and March 7th.
Illuminating G*d's Holiest # 7 with JOY KRAUTHAMMER, and also Simchat Chochmah - Joy of Wisdom.
Call AJU Whizin Center 310 440-1246 or 310 476-7202. Click AJU site for detailed info:See HAPPENINGS for full details.
http://wcce.ajula.edu/Content/CourseUnit.asp?CID=281&u=8302&t=0

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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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I hope you are well. Always love to hear from you.
New info is added every day and JOYous CHAI  LIGHTS is updated throughout this JOY zine. If you see errors, typos, do let me know for fixing. Thank you.

To view prior months: VIEW MY PROFILE above for blog archives.
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Please read my OU WEST COAST Torah Convention comentary below Joy's PERSONAL NOTES.
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It takes time to scroll down through this news, but lots of new events are listed throughout.

Friends, if you are driving to night time LA events from Valley, please contact me for car pooling.

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

CONTENTS: Exceptional Joyous Chai Lights to inspire, uplift, experience and inform.
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.


Date Trees (c) Joy Krauthammer
"The righteous will flouish like a date palm, and will grow tall like a cedar in Lebanon."  -Psalm 92:13.

* * * * * * * HAPPENINGS

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

NEW
RABBI SHOLOM BRODT,  SUNDAY, JAN. 31, 7 pm.
I personally invite you for an inspirational and uplifting evening of Chassidic story telling, singing, and a talk on
The Exodus As A Model For Personal Liberation; Deep Chassidic Understandings Of The Ten Commandments.
 http://www.shlomoyeshiva.org/  Open link for live videos and archived teachings. Rabbi Brodt's weekly Torah teachings sent to me are wonderful.
Reb Sholom Brodt, Director of  The Rural Beit Midrash project and Dean of Yeshivat Simchat Shlomo, Jerusalem. Rabbi Brodt was first educated at the Chabad yeshiva, Montreal and others in Jerusalem.

Contact Joy for Northridge location. Suggested Donation $10. Sponsored by Friends of Yeshivat Simchat Shlomo (dedicated to Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l.)  I am truly excited about the Rav finally coming to the Valley for first time. I have arranged this gathering at the home of dear friends, in the zechut of Reb Shlomo, zt'l.  Refreshments served. Join me. Write me for more details.
RSVP -Write to me at my personal address or joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com  or leave message in COMMENT.
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NEW
TU B'SHVAT SEDER, Monday, Feb. 2, 7:30 pm. Temple Ramat Zion, Devonshire @ White Oak, Northridge. 818 360-1881.
Seder led by Deena Gordon. TREE Meditation, guided visualization led by Joy Krauthammer. Join me.
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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.zenfolio.com/p738627478
                                                            

Hmm, whose talented photographer daughter could this be? I love Aviva's photos; hope you enjoy them too. Look for her Holy Land photos.
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NEW
I'm excited about the new REMO Hollywood film production I was in. It was fun!
Here we are, the women drummers, at 3-4 minutes mark, after the guys. You know what color I'm wearing!
Links are the 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
for Tu B'Shvat
"SHORT RIDE TO HEAVEN" by Joy Krauthammer is my newest photo illustrated story about fruits.
.  http://www.myfriendedith.blogspot.com/
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NEW

For Tu B'Shvat.
"BLOSSOMING CHERRY TREES" story by Joy Krauthammer
http://sephirathaomer.blogspot.com/
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NEW
Psalm for Tu B'Shvat
"MANNA FROM HEAVEN" by Joy Krauthammer
Published in The Deronda Review, and Chabad.org from The Jewish Woman.org
http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/626326/jewish/Manna-From-Heaven.htm
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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
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NEW
"DANCING WITH THE MAGGID" by Joy Krauthammer is my self-published story.
http://www.dancingwiththemaggid.blogspot.com/
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NEW
Sefer Eitz Hayyim Hi, published this week of Tu B'Shvat as a gift to us. Awesome 84 page document, just translated, filled with meaning, and finished by RACHMIEL HAYYIM DRIZIN rhayyim@gmail.com in time for Tu B'Shvat.
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NEW
Read about local LA Jewish female Sephardic "hippie" frum artist BARBARA MENDES under ARTS.
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NEW.
"Illuminated" GENESIS comic art show by R. CRUMBS at Hammer Museum ends Feb. 7.  See under ARTS.
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WAGNER WOMEN'S RETREAT, Fri.-Sun. Jan. 8-10, 2010
Open to ALL women. Let Our Spirits Soar!
Call Judy Uhrmann at AJU 310 440-1566 or 310-476-9777 for complete info and to register for Jan. 8-10 Wagner Women's Shabbaton Retreat at Brandeis Bardin, AJU's Simi Valley country site in natural wonder.
Wonderful, relaxing, inspirational annual Shabbaton weekend away with MANY teachers, workshops and musicians. I'm there (Joy) on percussion accompanying Rabbi Toba August and Cantor Cindy Paley. This year the retreat is early, right after New Years, so hurry and register. (Next year it is March 25-27, 2011.) Bring your sisters, mom, aunt, daughters, grandmothers and FRIENDS! Women come from all directions, even SF to be with us. Listen to the live peacocks and see them climb the trees at dusk. Sing with them. Watch the cows graze on the hills and smile at the cute goats.

In memory of my husband, z'l, at Wagner Women's Retreat, I'll also be offering SOUNDS OF JOY ~ SOUND SPA, a sound healing session playing crystal and Tibetan Singing Bowls, gongs, Asian bells, ocean drums, rain sticks, chimes, cymbals, my Sound poetry, chanting, blesSings and more. Sit on chairs or lie on carpeted floor to receive Sounds of Joy ~ Sound Spa massage.

Yes, the photo is yours truly, Joy Krauthammer, playing at the Women's Music Festival. See what sitting under the trees does to me. http://healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/ 
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Read CD REVIEWS at very END of site: (because they take up much space):

"HOLY GROUND", Craig Taubman's divine newest offering,
"SHLOMO CARLEBACH - Songs of Peace."
NEW "DANCING IN THE GLORY" by Nava Tehila,
NEW "LOVE OUR MOTHER" by Gaia Mama
and
 "STREAMS in the DESERT" by Aviva Rosenbloom. (soon)



Reb Shlomo Carlebach, Jake Jacobs, Shirley Perluss, Joy Krauthammer
Benefit for Earthquake victims, 1994 (c) Shira Solomon

 I am thrilled that on the day of Shlomo's 15th yahrtzeit, "KOL CHEVRE" / Voice of the Chevre, paper journal has been published (and received from Jerusalem.) I love reading what the Chevre shares about Reb Shlomo and their spiritual lives.
Annual journal can be ordered from Emuna Witt (HaLevy)  $20.
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 KOL CHEVRE.
http://www.rebshlomocarlebach-ztl.blogspot.com/  For my Shlomo story, also see my web link.
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NEW TASTE LIMMUDLA in Calabassas, Sun., Jan. 10, 2010, 4 - 6 pm. and in Northridge, Sun. Tues., Jan. 24, 7:30 - 9:30 PM. Jewish learning and get a taste of what to expect at next month's
 LimmudLA Annual # 3 Conference Feb, 12-15.
RSVP to taste@limmudla.org and get details, address and directions. I was a presenter at the first two LimmudLA's. It is a fantastic buffet of Judaism including all denominations, great varied Shabbat services, music, movies, Kosher food, presenters from around the world, and a networking paradise. My favorite times were schmoozing with new friends at meal times. http://www.limmudla.org/
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NEW
DZIKR with RABBI IVAN ICKOVITS, Jan. 14, 7 - 9 PM. Metivta is sponsoring a teaching on the ancient practice of dzikr during Thur. meditation time at Wilshire Blvd Temple, (@ Barrington, Irmas Campus in the Newberg Room. Dzikr is an ancient spiritual exercise in which a group uses breath, movement, chant, and meditation together as a sublime means to deep connection with the Divine.......more on Dzkir on the http://www.metivta.org/ site. See under SHULS, below.
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YUVAL RON   Tues, Jan. 26, 7:30 pm. # 3 of 6 parts, each month. A musical presentation on the inner workings of the ecstatic Klezmer and Gypsyc music & dance, Feb. 16, Music, Spirituality and the Brain, # 4. Valley Beth Shalom, Encino. 818 788-6000.
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NEW
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 NISSAN's home in Sherman Oaks. 12 Tuesdays, Feb. 9 - Apr. 20 7-9 pm. Fee. Registration: gilla29@msn.com or call: 818-990 7942. Gilla Nissan, Metivta leader, Jewish mysticism educator, published writer (in this month's Parabola), and poet. Graduate of Tel Aviv U.,Yeshiva U. and AJR.
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NEW
ILLUMINATING THE JOY's of G*D's HOLIEST # 7  with JOY KRAUTHAMMER, Sun., February 7th, 10 am - 12:30 pm. American Jewish University. No registration fee. # 10WD7K70  (I love the 7's in my AJU code!) I would love it if you came and joined to learn about hundreds of Torah 7's, one of my favorite passions for a long time.

Sevens are found throughout Torah and Jewish Tradition: Sabbath, Sephirot, Omer, Pesach, Body Gates, Mikveh, Sheva Brachot, Shiva, Rainbows. Seven denotes God's power of perfection in creation and completion. Wisdom of the 7’s expands perceptions in Kabbalistic 4 Worlds of Spirit, Mind, Heart and Body: With joy, we discover and explore Sevens.

Call AJU Whizin Center ASAP 310 440-1246 or 310 476-7202.   Click AJU site for detailed info:
http://wcce.ajula.edu/Content/CourseUnit.asp?CID=281&u=8302&t=0
AJU cancels classes if not enough people register in time, so please don't postpone Joy.

Illuminating the JOY's of G*d's Holiest # 7.
Click on my (Joy's) personal website for a full description:
http://holiestnumber7.blogspot.com/
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NEW
SAVE March DATES
SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM
Journeying from Mid-life to Elder & Sage with JOY KRAUTHAMMER and ARIELLASHIRA LEWIS  SUNDAY, March 7th, 10 am - 12:30 pm.   American Jewish University. No registration fee. # 10WD7J07 We would love it if you joined us for this Simchat Chochmah workshop that we love doing with community.

Call ASAP the AJU Whizin Center 310 440-1246 or 310 476-7202. Click AJU site for detailed info:
http://wcce.ajula.edu/Content/CourseUnit.asp?cid=281&u=8301
AJU cancels classes if not enough people register.

Click on my (Joy's) personal website for full details:
http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/

Details on SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH also found below in INTRODUCTION Letter.
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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 Jan. 31-April 28. The public is invited to meet the artists at the opening reception Sun., Jan. 31 from 11 am -1 pm. 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 were very touching.
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NESHAMA CARLEBACH (daughter of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, z'l,) and gospel singers, headline JLTV Concert Performance, on JLTV, Sun., Jan. 17 from 5-7 PM Pacific.
The JLTV broadcast mixes Neshama's father's music with an additional sound of America's Gospel soul. Backing up Neshama, is the Green Pastures Baptist Choir. The recent performance was sponsored by Makom Ohr Shalom synagogue.
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KLEZMER ACROSS BORDERS, BEYOND THE PALE—Wednesday, February 4, 8:00 p.m. Toronto-based ensemble infusing klezmer, Balkan, and Romanian music with bluegrass, jazz, reggae, and funk, the band is beloved for its explosive acoustic sound and high-energy live show.
Skirball  (310) 440-4500 http://www.skirball.org/., Advance tickets: online at www.skirball.org, on site at the Skirball, or by phone at (877) SCC-4TIX or (877) 722-4849
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NEW
MA'ALEH Film School of Jerusalem, presents in LA, "Jewish films for 10 days in various locations to fill the heart and soul", Thurs. Feb. 11th, 7 pm, Music Hall Theater, Beverly Hills. RSVP323-937-0980 tali@eventsenchanted.com
I've enjoyed greatly what I have seen from this school.
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SAVE March DATE
MAKING TROUBLE”, a documentary about legendary funny Jewish women who broke barriers and 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, four LIVE renowned funny Jewish female comedians (you know their TV creations) will demonstrate their sharp wits as they 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 production or 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. For tickets and info, call (310) 575-0985
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SAVE March DATE
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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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. See 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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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
Here's an important listing to share with your family and community. How about including link in your organization's newsletter?
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STEFANI VALADEZ sings in enchanting voice, including Ladino, at many venues around town. http://www.stefanivaladezmusic.com/.  My favorite drummer, Jamie Papish, joins her many times.
NEW Stefani Valadez and her full ensemble will be doing a special Sephardic Erev Shabbat Service and concert of Sephardic Music with Cantor Phil Baron, Fri. Feb 12, 8 PM. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436.  I've gone to Cantor Phil's service and I love it.  I had other plans but maybe I'll see you here instead.

Stefani performs at Talking Stick (sells food), 1411 Lincoln Blvd (@ California, Venice, Sun., Jan. 10, 7 PM. Opening the show: Evren Edler Quartet. www.myspace.com/evrenedler . Stefani 8:30 PM
Sun. Jan 17, 2 PM, Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, 6435 Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA 90048. Fundraiser with Sephardic & Klezmer Music to honor people lost in the Holocaust.  RSVP: The Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust at (323) 651-3704 or Marie Kaufman at (310) 836-0779.
Stefani is also doing a Feb. 14 the show at The Walking Stick.
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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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Tree Roots & Branches by (c) Joy Krauthammer
Inverted Tree has Roots in Heaven.and Branches extended toward earth. bringing down flow of Divine Love.
Tsfat Kabbalistic Sages: Flow of life and energy from G*d comes through the Divine Tree, Tree of Life inverted: its roots are in the Heavens, invisible, inexplicable, unknowable, and its branches stretch down toward us bringing the shefa / flow of G*d's energy, which creates, shapes and gives life to our world. Our body and soul are nourished by fruits of Torah.

* * * * * * * 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, Sat. Jan. 2, 2010 9:30 A.M.  and  Sat. Feb. 6th. SAVE DATE : March 6. The women literally "look forward to" these Shabbats and drive in from Palm Spring, Orange County, etc. Come and stay for Kiddish, blesSings, schmoozing, feasting and joy. LEV EISHA meets at new location through June 2010 in the beautiful sanctuary at Vista Del Mar with lots of parking. 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 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/ 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 some great new songs for you! Sarah Barash - Poet-in-Residence.

SAVE March DATE. "MAKING TROUBLE" is fundraiser for Lev Eisha, March 14. See HAPPENINGS for full details or go to http://www.leveisha.org/
Gratitude and yasher koach to the whole team and congregation that makes this 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.
* 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.

 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. Mollie Wine subs for Cindy Paley at Jan. Shabbat service.

For my husband's Yahrzeit each year, my ritual, in addition to saying Kaddish, at Lev Eisha again on Jan. 2nd. is that I read a poem "She Danced for the Love She Felt..." by Shiloh Sophia McCloud. It is found on the Lev Eisha archives.

Many of the Lev Eisha women are at Wagner Retreat, Jan 8-10.

Lev Eisha musicians are happy to come to your minyans.


Joy Krauthammer and Cindy Paley
(c) Janis Cohen

MAKOM OHR SHALOM.  Jan. 1 and 15. Feb. 5, 19. 7:45 pm.  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. Easy free parking. Shabbat dinners, Havdalahs, Havurahs, healing services. The original Jewish meditation shul.  http://www.makom.org/
TU B'SVHAT SEDERS, erev Shabbat, Jan. 29. RSVP
NEW Drumming & Prayer monthly Circle Feb. 19, 7-7:40 pm, before service.
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 during the High Holidays at AJU's Brandeis Bardin. (It was Divine.)
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B'NAI HORIN -Children of Freedom, mostly monthly intimate Shabbat services, Sat. Jan.30 , 10 am - 1:30 pm, . PURIM celebration, Feb. 20, 7 pm.  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. 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.
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 Renwal 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.
Tu B'Shvat seder, Sat. Jan. 30, Noon. RSVP Arlene. See web site.

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.

Last month for Chanukah, AT warmly welcomed a nun friend of mine from WI, in a shul for the very first time, Sister Ann Catherine and there were photos of her with a story in the newsletter.
 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/ 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. Jan. 23, 9:30 AM and Sat., Feb. 27, 9:30 AM. 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. 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
~

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, Jan. 15th, 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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More  VBS.
NEW STEFANI VALADEZ and her full ensemble will be doing a special Sephardic Erev Shabbat Service and concert of Sephardic Music with Cantor Phil Baron, Fri. Feb 12, 8 PM. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436. I've gone to Cantor Phil's service with Rabbi Noa Farkas, and I love it. I had other plans but maybe I'll see you here instead.
~
NEW
YUVAL RON, Valley Beth Shalom series, Music As A Bridge. Tues., 7:30 pm - 9pm. (Hold Dates: More themes: Jan. 19, Feb. 16, April 13, May 11.
Slides and music from musical 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.)
~ ~ ~

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 parsha.

DZIKR with Rabbi Ivan Ickovits, Jan. 14, 7 - 9 PM.  Read HAPPENINGS for full details.
TU'B'SHVAT Seder, Erev Shabbat, Jan. 29.

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. 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. 310 456-2178 (It was a Divine blesSing to share 2nd day Rosh Hashana with my Sarah's Tent friends at Malibu.)
Tu B'Shvat Seder, Erev Shabbat, Feb. 29.
http://www.mjcs.org/
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THE ONE SOUL MINYAN.  Monthly third Saturdays, Jan. 16, 10 am, and Feb. 20, with Rabbi Mark Borovitz and Cantor Rebecca of Beit T'Shuvah (addiction rehabilitation center). Exhilarating musical service and new siddur held at Valley Beth Shalom location and most months, third Shabbat. 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., 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.
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 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. nite, Happy Minyan, Mitzvah g'dola lihiyot b'simcha Tamid. It's a big mitzvah to be happy. http://www.happyminyan.org/ 310 285-7777
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NEW Temple Israel's SIMPLY SHABBAT service with Cantor Danny Maseng is wonderful.
Check their website for the upcoming couple dates. Jan. 30,* 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. *(and  I hope that Shabbat to be at Ahavat Torah's TuB'Shvat seder. How do I dance at "two weddings"?) There was 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 the Shenevelt Gallery in main hall.


Reaping G*d's FIGS, Joy's garden (c) Joy Krauthammer
One of Israel's 7 Species.
"L'eau d'vie", Rachidia FIG liquor, Water of Life, made by Kodosh family, Atlas Mtns., Morocco
"Torah compares to a fig tree. Figs on a tree do no ripen all at once, but a little each day... The more one studies each day, the more knowledge and wisdom one finds." - Talmud - Eruvin 54a-b


* * * * * * * HOLY GATHERINGS

Shabbats, 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. Jan. 8 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.  Feb. 12 at the LESTERS with prayer, holy movement, good vibrations and mystical chanting featuring Evan and Angelica Perman and Eli Shirim Lester.

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.
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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. RSVP.  Ask about their teachings and get on their mailing list.
http://www.chaicenter.org/ info@chaicenter.org
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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/
-Unleashing the Inner Spirit of the Aggada: An Introduction to the Maharal of Prague - Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein - weekly Tues series.  I love this rabbi.
-The Teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov on Joy - Rabbi Gedaliah Fleer - Jan. 6, 8 pm.
-Smashing the Myths of Judaism and Feminism - Dr. Lisa Aiken - Jan. 17, 7:30 pm.
-Understanding Prayerbook Hebrew - Rabbi A. Czapnik - ongoing series beginning Jan. 10.
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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 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 times and  Give it a try. http://www.baischanaca.com/
Confirm times:
Mrs. Chana Rachel Shusterman teaches 10 - 11 am, Mondays, 423 N. Fuller Ave.
Mrs. Sanowicz 11 - 11:45 am, Mondays, 458 N. Fuller Ave.
Mrs. Shapiro 2:15pm, Thur, 539 N. Fuller Ave.
Rabbi Raichik, 10 am, Wed., 165 S. Hudson Ave.


Japanese Cherry trees planted by Jews on Mitzvah Day, Balboa Lake photo by (c) Joy Krauthammer

Please read Joy's story about BLOSSOMING CHERRY TREES http://sephirathaomer.blogspot.com/
.
.* * * 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.
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NEW
BARBARA MENDES is an awesome Jewish Sephardic frum ba'al tshuvah female "hippie" baby boomer local LA artist I first met 14 years ago at her UJ exhibit. (I know that identifying a person by what she "does" may not be cool, and seeing one only as B'tzelem Elokim is holier, but I think it is important to realize that for women to be recognized for their artistry is not always easy!) I saw Barbara at a Tu B'Shvat seder and recall that the renowned presenter couldn't imagine that Barbara was painting every word of Genesis. Last week I entered her Pico Robertson wonderland of a working art studio at 2507 S. Robertson, LA. Call if you want to visit to make sure that Barbara is present. 310-558-3215. Barbara's story is fascinating as she paints her own history but mostly she is known for painting TORAH. (Read her history before going so she does not have to repeat it.) Her wall sized intense colorful canvases painting every word of the Books are amazing, as are her smaller paintings. I love the Woodstock "Max" book illustrations that Barbara did celebrating the 40th anniversary.
There are wonderful greeting cards available also.

If you are a shul or organization or individual looking for Jewish themed and joyous art, please consider Barbara. I love feeling good standing in front of her canvases, and even her mini hanging fun female figurines. Read the recent LA Times story on Barbara. Maybe the Jewish Journal can write on her. Barbara Mendes. http://www.barbaramendes.org/
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-beliefs-artist30-2009nov30,0,7829975.story
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NEW
THE BIBLE ILLUMINATED: R. CRUMB's Book of GENESIS ending Feb. 7 at the Hammer Museum displays the bawdy style of comic artist R. Crumb's with 207 B/W illustrative drawings of the Old Testament with 6-8 panels each. Crumbs worked five years on this art.
http://hammer.ucla.edu/exhibitions/detail/exhibition_id/167  This link is a terrific explanatoion of the artist and his work.
10899 Wilshire Blvd. @ Westwood, LA. 310 443-7000. (inexpensive parking below and museum may be free on Thursdays.)  Art is in cartoon form. I found it difficult to stand at length in front of the pictures and read every word of  Torah. (Book is available at Hammer.) The drawings are fascinating to examine as I don't usually visualize what Rachel and Leah look like in bed, nor our other matriarchs and the Holy One (and clearly not as the artist drew them.)
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NEW
There is also a colorful illuminated Torah scroll filled with each Parsha's art at Shomrei Torah Synagogue, Valley Circle Blvd, West Hills. The cased scroll is turned each week for visibility of the current parsha. When my husband, z'l, died, the shul was requesting funding for a new Torah scroll (Beshert/meant to be, I met the scribe on the day of the funeral four years ago this week) and I purchased in the zechut / merit of my husband's memory his Bar Mitzvah Parsha BaHa'alotecha. He was for 18 years a Ba'al Koreh / Torah chanter for two traditional minyans each Shabbat. The illuminated scroll was commissioned by the shul at the same time and it is lovely to see it in the shul lobby each time I enter as I did on his 4th yahrzeit.
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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. I love learning with Dr. Rabbi Robert Kirchner. Tasty "Cart" sandwiches/salads sold at events and buffet dinner for some concerts.
KLEZMER ACROSS BORDERS, BEYOND THE PALE—Wednesday, February 4, 8:00 p.m.
http://www.skirball.org/ 310 440-4500 Sepulveda Pass @ Skirball Drive (Mulholland Drive) Free on Thursdays.
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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. 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. REMO's Women's Drum Day coming. Spring DATE TBA.
~ ~ ~

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.
~ ~ ~

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 (use @ sign, not 'at') or

joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/ or write to me at my personal address.

JOY is available for all your spiritual percussion needs.
~ ~ ~

Joy's SOUNDS OF JOY  Healing sounds with
CRYSTAL & TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS.

Poplars, Valyermo (c) Joy Krauthammer


* * * * * * * OUTSIDE LA

Trips, retreats, camps

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

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

Article is about a show "Reinventing Ritual: Contemporary Art and Design for Jewish Life",  in NY at the Jewish Museum through Feb. 7, http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/ and then in SF at The Contemporary Jewish Museum from April 22-Sept. 28, 2010.  http://www.thecjm.org/ . I'm sad that I just visited those two cities without the shows.
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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 I go to Ruach HaAretz, directed by the Grosses, whom I know for three decades, and it is the best run spiritual retreat. - Joy
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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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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/
.

Purple Tree & Purple Person photo by AvivaBell (c)


* * * * * * * JOY's PERSONAL NOTE
Recommended Writings, Torahs, Rebbes, Teachers, Videos, Links, etc.

NEW
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.  12 Tuesdays, Feb. 9 - Apr. 20 7-9 pm. Fee. Registration: gilla29@msn.com or call: 818-990 7942.
Gilla Nissan, Jewish mysticism educator, published writer and poet. Graduate of Tel Aviv U.,Yeshiva U. and AJR.
~ ~ ~
NEWThe OU West Coast Annual Convention was held in LA the last week of Dec. 2009 (a few days ago). I went to hear what OU rabbis said about "ETHICS" theme because there is so much reported bad real news in our Jewish world this last year. The rabbis rarely translated the Hebrew phrases they used. They spoke for need of teaching ethical business practice /Hoshen Mishpat sp? I'm grateful that two dozen years ago, while a UJ, MBA student of Rabbi Daniel Gordis for a full semester, I studied ETHICS and Chofetz Chaim with the rabbinic students in this Conservative program. I continue to daily study Halachos / laws from Othodox sources (and Mussar and Pirkei Avot from Renewal sources.).

I recall clearly while ARTS Editor of the LA Jewish Calendar Magazine, that publisher David Epstein would not take money for advertising for what we were against. One OU rabbi said we should not sell our souls for funds. My magazine stopped publishing after more than a dozen years because we did not get enough advertising money (there was competition) but we had our morals. (The Jewish Federation funded the Jewish Journal so they survived.)  Imagine if I charged (or asked for donations) for inclusion in JOYOUS CHAI LIGHTS and needed to live on that advertising money. I know that my cousin's Jewish World Review is suffering at this time for that reason. (He's now asking for funds.) It is our idealism, knowing our life's mission, and doing for Jewish community, knowing that our news is received and used to spiritually inspire and uplift, that keeps us going for others as 'volunteers.'

I was probably the only 'non-Orthodox' person at the OU convention, aside from a Jewish reporter that I know.  JOYOUS CHAI LIGHTS is clearly targeting my own Renewal community, by offering info. on all denominations for prayer, learning and spiritual Jewish events.  And it works the other way also. When I send out JOYOUS CHAI LIGHTS to some of my Orthodox friends and rabbis, I'm also letting them know about the spiritual joy, Torah, and inclusiveness of our Jewish community.

OU was advocating "not to define people by which groups they belong, but by B'Tzelem Elokim" / created in the image of G*d. I think that the upcoming annual LimmudLA is doing a good job of integrating denominations. Academy of Jewish Relgion also is post-denominational. Yasher Koach.  westcoast@org
310 229-9000 x 200.
SEE YOU AT NEXT YEAR'S OU WEST COAST TORAH CONVENTION.  Joy Krauthammer
~ ~ ~

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

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.

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

~ ~ ~

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.
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 a 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?

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.
Read Yeshivat Shlomo on Happy Minyan website   http://www.happyminyan.org/
~ ~ ~

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  I'm so glad that my daughter visited Reb Yosef for Chanukah.
~ ~ ~

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
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.  Watch the U tubes on his web site for videos in Maui, one of my favorite islands.
~ ~ ~

NEW
CHANOCH, is a Spiritual Teacher who teaches YOU how to be your own Spiritual Guide. He authors a weekly Parsha email. Telephone Conference Classes 3 times a week including direct readings from the Zohar, as well as other Spiritual Teachings. Contact:
/; 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. I had a question for Chanoch and I am very pleased that he answered me so that I have a better understanding of what I was exploring.
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 or 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/
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A SIMPLE JEW. A spiritual blog  http://asimplejew.blogspot.com/
~ ~ ~

Use this link to connect to video 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.
~ ~ ~

Rabbi SHOLOM BRODT. I love the mamash gevaldt deep teachings from his Jerusalem's Reb Shlomo Carlebach Yeshivah. http://www.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 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.
"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 (This is how Reb Shlomo functioned, reaching out to EVERYONE.)
~ ~ ~

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

Excerpt from my 4 page story in "KOL CHEVRE":
My short Shabbat Story with Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, by Joy Krauthammer

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, sister, Joy
~ ~ ~

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

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.
~ ~ ~

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 points and gematria from a scribe's wisdom and 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 and much more on videos. Rav translates all the Hebrew. I love learning with him. Watch more live video broadcasts online at:
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.
~ ~ ~

Learn HEBREW and B'nei Mitzvot studies with Gilla Nissan, 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. Info: Gilla29@msn.com or 818 990-7942
~ ~ ~

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


Hachiya Persimmon Tree. Edith's garden she tills for G*d. 
(c) Joy Krauthammer

My friend Edith & her persimmons
(c) Joy Krauthammer

* * * * 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.
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~ ~ ~

Published by my Brooklyn cousin, Binyamin Jolkovsky.
 ~ ~

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
~ ~ ~
NEW
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-blogspot, 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. 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 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, 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/

.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 proof it. I hand click each recipient-- no lists. I consciouly 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. If you see an error, please let me know.

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 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 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 hire me for Kabbalistic workshops, rituals, and for me to play passionate percussion and Miriyahm HaNeviah for Rosh Chodeshes, Women's Passover Seders, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l memorial concerts or other spiritual events. I play for shuls, farbrengens and events throughout LA.

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


AriellaShira Lewis and I loved offering SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH at ALEPH's last week-long KALLAH retreat in Ohio, and local shuls 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.
~

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.

Pomegranate Tree and Joy
One of Israel's 7 species.
(c) Shira Solomon

.BlesSings of love, Shabbat shalom, prosperity, fresh fruits, trees, health and joy (of course).
See you in shul,

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


* * * CDs
Reviews by Joy Krauthammer

DANCING IN THE GLORY A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat by Nava Tehila. www.NavaTehila.org
With Rabbi Ruth Gan Kagan, Daphna Rosenberg and Yoel Sykes.
Last week while my daughter Aviva and her husband were in Jerusalem they spent Erev Shabbat with Nava Tehila, an egalitarian, joyous community. My daughter was amazed to experience a packed room at Kol HaNeshama’s basement, filled with her peers in prayer! Her friends are rabbinic students in Jerusalem and they love this service, as did Aviva. Yesterday my daughter in DC was on the phone when she requested I played for her, a bit of each of the 16 CD cuts.

Aviva advised me that the congregation had a lot of ‘trance dance’ music with several musicians, and people I would like were present. I had the great pleasure of experiencing Nava Tehila, not in Israel but at Kallah, Renewal’s Aleph summer retreat.  I love their music and what it does for me.

There are several delightful young shul children singing in the first cut.  The percussion is fantastic, the flute and guitar wonderful, the voices flowing. The music is refreshing, energizing, beautiful, engrossing, lively, whimsical, ethereal, gently pensive and mesmerizing in its chanting repitition. I listen over and over again feeling good in my heart and soul. The spiritual chants move me. I can hear the desert in the sound.

I wish I knew the translation of any and all the Hebrew sung. I am not familiar with the original compositions for songs/prayers, yet they are easy to appreciate. There is an inner booklet that beautifully describes the intention of each song. The Hebrew and the transliteration is all written out, but NOT translations. I am far from Hebrew fluency and knowing meaning of prayer phrases without opening a siddur would greatly add more to my understanding since I want to listen to the CD more.

."Dancing in the Glory is a collection of chants that follow the magical flow of Kabbalat Shabbat." I’m glad that Berkeley's Rabbi SaraLeya brought back to US for me, this CD from Rabbi Kagan, and that my kids went to the service.
~ ~ ~

LOVE OUR  MOTHER -Music For Peaceful Healing Moments by Gaia Mama. I love Gaia Mama's musicians, Kabbalah Bach and Florence Riggs. Kabbalah plays Tibetan singing bowls and more percussion. Florence is solo voice. When I play singing bowls people ask me where they can get a CD. This CD that Kabbalah gave to me, is not purely singing bowls, but has the added delight of Florence's "free-floating" vocals, no words, weaving in and out of Kabbalah's magnificent sweet, delicate gentle bowls' singing. Give yourself the gift feeling like you are with a relaxing flowing brook and deep red sunrise with visiting angels. Gaia Mama is a subtle sound massage for your body and soul.  http://www.gaiamama.com/  peace@gaiamama.com
818 745-1288.

From the CD back cover: "Gaia Mama's music celebrates our planet, our connection to her... this peaceful music soothes and  nurtures...Find the core of peace and beauty which resides deeply within." I agree! Listen to the seven pieces. I'm loving being a receiver when I'm usually the giver of singing bowl healing sounds.  (I'm playing singing bowls at the Jan. 8-10th Wagner Women's Retreat.)

Couple decades ago I had a private sound session with Florence, and before that, in the 1980's, heard about Kabbalah, the best singing bowl player in LA, and my vision was to meet her. I didn't even realize that a cello tape I had bought included Kabbalah's singing bowls. I've now had the blesSing of playing with Kabbalah at art galleries, and temples. She is an inspiration for me. I loved reading my poetry for Kabbalah's opening night reception for her Sound and Light Studio in Sherman Oaks. You can hear both women at times chanting and playing at Spiritual Unity Movement's wonderful monthly Full Moon meditations at the Onion in North Hills.
~ ~ ~

"MORNING I WILL SEE YOU: Awakening to the Beauty of the Day", is a recent CD by Rabbi Shawn Zevit. Full review by Joy in Sept. Elul issue of Joyous Chai Lights. VIEW MY  PROFILE for archives.
SZevit@comcast.net http://www.rabbizevit.com/ www.cdbaby.com/zevit
~ ~ ~

HOLY GROUND by Craig Taubman, http://www.craignco.com/

"For life, for health, for hope, for beautiful bountiful blessing--all praise to the Source, to the Source of Being." and the words repeat in Hebrew, "Baruch Atah Yah, M'kor nefest kol chai", in the first cut. Ahhh. (Text by Rabbi Elyse Frishman)

How comforting and healing it is to hear the words and sounds of Craig's new CD, "Holy Ground". The songs transform me. The CD is gentle, upbeat, uplifting and inspirational. I fill with joy, quenching all the spaces of my soul that can receive beauty of song, a fabric of light, color and joy. Tears were released where I needed to be touched. My body sways in quiet meditation and moves in ecstasy to Craig's sincere songs. (Craig, hear my drummer hands rolling with you in "V'Shamru" and "Aleynu".) Each of the dozen songs are satisfying to me to listen to over and over again, for days.
There is a wonderful inner booklet telling the story of the songs that Craig sings.

I know that Craig's actions/his mitzvot are holy, and he, too, walks on Holy Ground, and for that, I am grateful. The title song is sweet. I love it that every word is understandable.

Craig's 15 musicians and seven vocalists accompanying him are the very best, some who play at his One Shabbat Mornings, like percussionist Jeff Stern who went to Russia with Reb Shlomo, zt'l, and bass player, Dale Schatz, who played for my daughter's wedding, and pianist, Chris Hart, whom I have been blessed to accompany at Valley Beth Shalom.

I am sorry that my own gigs conflict with Craig's LA shul's Shabbat services, so that I am rarely present at his services, which I love. I have been blessed for the last 25 years to be aware of Craig's gifts to our community.

I recall when an Ojai potter, z'l, lovingly showed me his international award winning ceramic pot and told me that his hand-thrown pot won the first place prize because it was "an honest pot." I feel this way about Craig's music. He sings the way he speaks, in sharing truth and soul.

"Love your G*d with all your might..." Craig sings. I feel honest G*d connection when I listen to Craig Taubman sing, and that is a blesSing.
~ ~ ~

"SHLOMO CARLEBACH - Songs of Peace"

Love and blesSings until next month.
Joy

Mystery Tree, UCLA (c) Joy Krauthammer
.

Tree & G*d's glorious sun rise, Joy's back yard view 2010
(c) Joy Krauthammer.
.
..

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