Observant Jews in Los Angeles are bracing for the possibility that they will not be allowed to carry anything or even push a baby stroller on Shabbat due to a freeway project that will knock down the ‘Eruv.” which transforms a public area in to a private space in terms of Jewish law.

The eruv can be formed by hills or fences, but in urban areas, it usually is created by a thin wire that runs along light poles.

A project to widen the 405 Freeway ′s Wilshire Boulevard interchange will require tearing down the poles – and the wires, breaking the eruv and prohibiting observant Jews from walking with anything in their hands or pockets on Shabbat.

“We hope to have a workaround for next week, but the next three weeks will be problematic as the contractor rushes to finish new, and demolish old bridges at Wilshire,” according to Hoard Witkin, who heads the Los Angeles Community Eruv.

For some years, Tammi Rossman-Benjamin has been almost the sole faculty voice in the University of California system speaking out against harassment of Jewish students who support Israel. Here is an excerpt from a complaint she filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights in 2009:

Professors, academic departments and residential colleges at [The University of California, Santa Cruz] promote and encourage anti-Israel, anti-Zionist and anti-Jewish views and behavior, much of which is based on either misleading information or outright falsehoods. In addition, rhetoric heard in UCSC classrooms and at numerous events sponsored and funded by academic and administrative units on campus goes beyond legitimate criticism of Israel.  The rhetoric – which demonizes Israel, compares contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis, calls  for the dismantling of the Jewish State, and holds Israel to an impossible double standard – crosses the line into anti-Semitism according to the standards employed by our own government. …

The impact of the academic and university-sponsored Israel-bashing on students has been enormous.  There are students who have felt emotionally and intellectually harassed and intimidated, to the point that they are reluctant or afraid to express a view that is not anti-Israel.

In the snake pit of academia, where unfashionable explicit Jew-hatred has morphed into enthusiastic and widespread over-the-top anti-Zionism, Rossman-Benjamin stands out — even among pro-Israel faculty members, most of whom are happy to  keep their mouths shut and their noses clean for the sake of promotions and tenure.

Now it seems that her enemies have decided to make an example of her, attributing to her the worst possible sins — the 21st century equivalent of witchcraft — racism and Islamophobia.

In the fantasy world of our universities, being accused of crimes against political correctness can get you in big trouble. And there is a degree of viciousness there that those of us who live on Earth and have real jobs can barely imagine. Rossman-Benjamin recently wrote a letter to University of California President Mark Yudoff, where she wrote in part,

… I have recently come under a vicious and unjustified personal attack from a pro-Palestinian student group on my campus, the Committee for Justice in Palestine (CJP) and members of affiliated Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) groups on other UC campuses. They claim that I made “openly racist” and “Islamophobic” comments about the SJP and Muslim Students Association (MSA) during a talk I gave at a synagogue near Boston last summer. …

Most recently, in response to a 2-minute video clip taken from a much longer video of my talk last summer, the UCSC CJP and affiliated SJP groups on other UC campuses have not simply voiced dissent but waged a virulent and harmful campaign to assassinate my character that includes: posting and promoting a defamatory on-line petition accusing me of racism and censorship and calling on you to condemn me; widely posting defamatory flyers about me on the UCSC campus; launching over a dozen videos about me on YouTube that wrongfully accuse me of being “hateful,” “dangerous,” and “Islamophobic;” instructing SJP studentsUC-wide to fill out hate/bias reports against me on their respective campuses; passing libelous resolutions condemning me for my “inflammatory, hateful, and racist assumptions” in the UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, and UC Irvine student senates; and, perhaps most egregiously, appearing to collaborate with groups sympathetic to terrorists (e.g. the International Solidarity Movement) and associated on-line publications (e.g.Electronic Intifada and Mondoweiss) to more widely circulate these defamatory materials about me.

Please understand that the CJP/SJP’s targeted and well-orchestrated campaign of intimidation, harassment, and defamation has caused me to feel real concern for my safety and my ability to carry out my responsibilities as a faculty member at UCSC.

It is no longer remarkable that supporters of the most racist, misogynist, homophobic, intolerant, anti-free-speech and violent forces in the world today — for example, Hamas — take shelter behind Western concern for the complete opposite of all of those. They are expert at the game of political correctness (here is another example). At the same time, their behavior conveys veiled physical threats against their targets.

I find it interesting to recall the atmosphere on campus when I went to school, before the upheavals of the mid-1960′s. One significant difference was the attitude of the Jewish students, who weren’t cowed and apologetic, still not having been beaten into submission to the idea that the Jewish state was an evil, apartheid, Nazi-like oppressor of ‘indigenous’ brown Palestinians. How this happened is a long story, but there certainly is no hope for reversing it if the few faculty members who can serve as models and mentors for Jewish students are intimidated or even driven out.

Check out Rossman-Benjamin’s request for letters of support here.

Visit Fresno Zionism. Previous posts about Tammi Rossman-Benjamin are here and here.

Prayers for Israel: All over the West Coast, from San Diego to San Francisco to Los Angeles inland to Arizona, and from Las Vegas to Texas to Utah, prayer sessions are taking place daily in shuls and yeshivas for the state of Israel and its IDF. Those who can’t attend the public sessions are saying those same prayers at home. We all hope that by the time you read this, peace will prevail in Israel.

Events In The West: On December 14, YICC will hold a freilich Kabbalat Shabbat davening, led by Yehuda Solomon… From December 24-28, Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel in the Pico-Robertson area of L.A. will host a yarchei kallah.

Shul News: The latest strategy to get teens to come to minyan on their days off from school and on Sundays is the offer of raffles, featuring sports clothes from hometown teams with snacks following the davening.

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Raphy and Michal Shapiro, a daughter… Adam and Joy Kushnir, a daughter.

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvah: Eitan Feifel, son of David and Meira Feifel.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Yosef and Sima Bondi, a daughter (Grandparents Howard and Gity Gluck; Great-grandmother Shirley Gluck)… Noah and Marissa Streit, a son (Grandparents Aric and Mary Streit)… Rabbi David and Dr. Ayala Levine, a son (Grandfather Dr. Robert Levine)… Richard and Charlotte Glaser, a son (Grandparents Joseph and Laurene Agi)… Seth and Jenna Rubin, a son… Avi and Aliza Gruen, a daughter (Grandparents Jeff and Judy Gruen; Manny and Sharon Saltiel)… Katriel and Sonia Green, a son… Yosi and Menucha Burston, a daughter… Yoel and Vani Hess, a daughter… Alon and Orlie Zak, a son… Yoni and Chaya Udkoff, a son (Grandparents Drs. Ranon and Rivkah Udkoff of Westlake Village, CA)… Joe and Rochel Socher, a daughter.

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvahs: Jonah Kaye, son of Barry and Nancy Kaye… Yuval Harary, son of Avishay and Ravit Harary… Avi Klein, son of Kolev and Shoshi Klein… Yochanan Gabaie, son of Albert and Fardeih Gabaie… Benjamin Goldstein, son of Joey and Tracy Goldstein… Jacob Weiss, son of David and Michele Weiss.

Mazel Tov – Engagements: Bracha Stolz, daughter of Joseph and Judith Stolz, to Moshe Hildesheim of Lakewood, NJ… Toby Weiner, daughter of Rabbi Avraham and Frumie Weiner, to Yosef Perkal… Daniela Mordecai, daughter of Dr. David Mordecai, to Dov Kracoff… Chaim Abramson, son of Naftoli and Susan Abramson, to Devorah Elefant… Ayla Simons, daughter of Dr. Steve and Doni Simons, to Betzalel Levin, son of Daniel and Nancy Levin.

Mazel Tov – Weddings: Harry Etra, son of Don and Paula Etra, to Daniella Schwartz… Tzivya Isaacs, daughter of Yaakov and Rayme Isaacs, to Yehuda Newman.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvah: Jacob Rubenstein, son of Zev and Janet Rubenstein.

VALLEY VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Yechiel and Chavi Leifer of Lakewood, NJ, a son (Grandparents Rabbi Shelaim and Esther Furst)… Avi and Yael Pinsky of Teaneck, NJ, a daughter (Grandparents Barry Pinsky and Linda Scharlin).

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvah: Simcha Rauch, son of Rabbi Zev and Rochel Rauch.

DENVER, COLORADO

Mazel Tov – Birth: Rabbi Marc and Sara Gitler, a daughter.

Events in the West: This Shabbos YICC in the Pico-Robertson area of L.A. hosts Professor Isaiah Gafni, a leading Jewish historian, as its scholar-in-residence… The West Coast OU Torah Convention in L.A. is scheduled for December 20-23.

Kosher News: Nature Valley Dark Chocolate and Nut Trail Mix Chewy Granola bars bear an unauthorized OU… Wegman’s gluten-free double chocolate brownie cake mix has an OU – but it is OU-D… The CRC in Chicago reports that packaged barley has been found to have three types of bugs. They have created a process for you to rid other brands of this. Geffen barley is the only barley that doesn’t require the process.

The Jewish Press in Stores: If you don’t see The Jewish Press where you expect to see it, ask the cashier where your favorite newspaper is. Stores sometimes move the papers in order to set up a display.

Super Storm Benny was created to assist Jewish families in communities on the East Coast facing catastrophic destruction from Hurricane Sandy. You can participate in the rebuilding by donating appliances, kitchen equipment, baby gear, furniture, computers, bed and bath supplies, siddurim, Chumashim, and toys. All products should be new and in their original packaging. The deadline is Sunday, November 18. A 40-foot truck will drive across the country with the donations. You can also donate via credit card by visiting www.TeamBenny.net, or by sending a check to Ladies Bikur Cholim, 444 N. Detroit St., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Super Storm Benny is sponsored as a zechus for a refuah sheleimah for Binyomin Chaim ben Faigie Sarah.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Moshe and Tzirel Regal, a son (Grandparents Rabbi Yossi and Sari Naiman)… Baruch and Ruchi Giberstein, a daughter (Grandparents Shlomo and Gila Giberstein)… Shai and Chana Samet, a son… Eric and Sarah Abitbol of NY, a son (Grandparents Alan and Etti Lowy; Sonia Rosenberg)… Yaakov and Rivki Tangy, a daughter (Grandparents Avraham and Tzafi Vickman)… Rabbi Jason and Lauren Weiner, a son (Grandparents Sidney and Marcia Teichman)… Jeffrey and Rina Barak of Encino, a daughter (Grandparents Dr. Mark and Michelle Barak)… Shlomie and Ruti Hauer of Monsey, NY, a son (Grandparents Shmuli and Goldie Hauer; Great-grandmother Frida Berger)… Shloimie and Aliza Zeffren of Teaneck, NJ, a son (Grandparents David and Mira Zeffren)… Rabbi Moshe and Nava Adler, a son (Grandparents Benny and Audrey Adler; Great-grandmother Lilly Adler… Yisroel and Miriam Wohlgelernter in Israel, a daughter (Grandparents Dr. Daniel and Eileeen Wohlgelernter; David and Judy Hager)… Rabbi Shmuel and Elkie Einhorn, a son.

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvahs: Jake Garfinkel, son of Marty and Candice Garfinkel… Justin Hanelin, son of Jonas and Cari Hanelin.

Mazel Tov – Bas Mitzvah: Elisheva Gofman, daughter of Yasha and Nancy Gofman.

Mazel Tov – Engagements: Shoshana Gres, daughter of Jerry and Debbie Gres, to Yosef Caplan, son of Jeff and Gale Caplan of Agoura, CA… Naftali Trainer, son of Rabbi Label and Lori Trainer, to Rochel Pollak of Valley Village, CA.

Mazel Tov – Wedding: Saadua Liberow to Rebecca Kukurudz.

Congratulations: To Abbas Restaurant on its grand opening on La Brea.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvah: Eli Zadik, son of Yossi Zadik and Anne Bakar.

VALLEY VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Birth: Chaim and Samantha Hirsch of Hollywood, FL, a son (Grandparents Yisroel and Corinne Blumenstein).

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvah: Alex Silberstein, son of Adam and Taaly Silberstein.

Mazel Tov – Engagements: Rochel Pollak, daughter of Rabbi Yehuda and Devora Pollak, to Naftali Trainer of L.A… Alisha Tal, daughter of Avi and Julie Handelman, to Yochanan Zomer of Yerushalayim.

DENVER, COLORADO

Mazel Tov – Birth: Rabbi Danny and Sara Wolfe of Albany, NY, a son (Grandparents Mike and Cindy Wolfe).

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Mazel Tov – Births: Mordy and Golda Fast of Yerushalayim, a son (Grandparents Steve and Ruth Fast)… Yona and Ariella Margolese, a daughter (Grandparents Melech and Chani Genauer).

Events In The West: This Shabbos Judy Klitsner of the Pardes Institute in Yerushalayim will be the scholar-in-residence at Emek Beracha in Palo Alto, CA… On November 16, EDOS in Denver is hosting Rabbi Shalom Hammer as its scholar-in-residence.

Kollel Updates: The “Wednesday Night Kollel” has resumed at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Valley Village, CA… “Thursday night is Parshah and Cholent night” takes place at the Linked Kollel in the Pico-Robertson area of L.A.

CALABASAS, CA

Mazel Tov – Birth: Derek and Lynette Brown, a daughter (Grandparents Andrew and Joli Altshule).

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Matt and Ariella Rosenblatt, a son (Grandparents Elon and Renee Winkler)… Nota and Tova Berger, a daughter… Eli and Dini Goldman, a daughter… Rabbi Naftoli and Devori Berger, a daughter… Rabbi Aryeh and Tehila Rosenfeld, a daughter… Rabbi Moshe and Miriam Chill, a son… Rabbi Yonasan and Tirtza Quinn, a daughter… Rabbi Moshe and Chaya Kupfer, a son (Grandparents Rabbi Baruch and Elaine Kupfer)… Michael and Dina Spirvak, a son (Grandparents Eddie and Debbie Herbst)… Saul and Melissa Ives, a daughter (Grandparents Robert and Annie Ives)… Yosef and Alana Adelman, a son (Grandparents Yisroel and Rivie Adelman; David and Ruth Adatto)… Yitzy and Libby Weiss of Toronto, a daughter (Grandparents Ira and Judy Weiss)… David and Rikki Mazlin of Yerushalayim, a daughter (Grandparents Steve and Renee Mazlin; Shmulik and Beverly Kroll)… Nesanel and Hadassah Zhivalyuk, a son (Grandmother Elianna Weiss)… Benyamin and Adina Benarouche, a daughter (Grandparents Israel and Jacqueline Benarouche; David and Marlene Eisenberg)… Yosef and Naomi Manela, a son.

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvahs: Isaac Goor, son of Avi and Pamela Goor… Nosson Rubnitz, son of Rabbi Moshe and Estie Rubnitz… Shmuel Khoshbakhsh, son of Nasir and Jackie Khoshbakhsh… Yaakov Gewirtz, son of Yossi and Carrie Gewirtz.

Mazel Tov – Weddings: Sarit Pogrow to Yisroel Thaler… Mordechai Stern, son of Rabbi Eli and Robin Stern, to Sori Raizman of Chicago… Avi Zuman, son of Dr. Betzalel and Devorah Zuman, to Rivka Feder of Lakewood, NJ.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Birth: Mat and Shiri Twito, a daughter.

Mazel Tov – Bas Mitzvah: Zoe Levin, daughter of Dan Levin and Galyn Susman.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Welcome: Eliot and Sandy Klugman, formerly of Palo Alto, CA

TARZANA, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Birth: Chili and Yocheved Birnbaum, a daughter (Grandparents Stan and Cathy Hoffman).

VALLEY VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Avi and Rachel Wizenfeld, two daughters (Grandparents Isaac and Cecelie Wizenfeld)… Aryeh and Ellie Freylicher, a son (Grandparents Alexander and Ritz Freylicher).

Mazel Tov – Engagements: Yehuda Jawary, son of Ron and Beth Jawary, to Sarah Klein of Silver Spring, MD… Bina Mintz, daughter of Phil and Sarah Mintz, to Yoni Oscherowitz, daughter of Errol and Marlene Oscherowitz.

DENVER, COLORADO

Mazel Tov – Birth: David and Jessica Ribner of Washington, D.C., a daughter (Grandparents Drs. Moshe and Marilyn Levi).

Events In The West: Over Shabbat, October 26-27, David Makovsky, a Ziegler distinguished fellow, the director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and one of the foremost experts on the current Israeli-American political landscape, will be the scholar-in-residence at Beth Jacob Beverly Hills… On November 2-3, Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Valley Village, CA will host an AIPAC Shabbaton on “The 2012 Elections: What you need to know about the upcoming elections and their effect on the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

Shul Updates: If you live in the Hancock Park/La Bea area of L.A. and don’t know what to do with your water bottles or can’t spend the time standing in line to recycle them, you can resolve the problem and give tzedakah at the same time. Contact Congregation Tifereth Tzvi, and they will send someone to pick up your bottles.

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Birth: Leon and Avishag Kaplan, a daughter.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Edmundo and Esti Rosenberg, a son (Grandparents Michael and Sheryl Rosenberg)… Rabbi Aaron and Avigayil Gartner, a son (Grandparents Rabbi Meyer and Shulamith May)… Ben and Elana Vorspan, a son (Grandparents David and Bonnie Vorspan; Sol and Pearl Taylor)… Shmuel and Shoshana Halprin of Yerushalayim, a son (Grandparents Reuven and Yehudis Orloff)… Yisroel and Nechama Munitz, a daughter (Grandparents Rabbi Sender and Gitty Munitz)… Dov and Rachele Teichman of NY, a son (Grandparents Sidney and Marcia Teichman)… Barry and Sari Stricke, a son (Grandparents Les and Stella Stricke)… Andy and Luaren Lauber of NY, a daughter (Grandparents Sam and Lila Pfefferman)… Yoni and Tali Weiss, a son (Grandparents Yaakov and Rayme Isaacs).

Mazel Tov – Engagements: Mimi Mendelsohn, daughter of Ed Mendelsohn and Frances Mendelsohn, to Jake Green of Teaneck, NJ… Brian Schames, son of Dr. Yossi and June Schames, to Debbie Schwartz of West Orange, NJ.

Congratulations: Rabbi Eli Broner is the new director of Campus Life and Alumni Relations at Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Birth: Eitan and Leah Esan, a son.

Mazel Tov –Bar Mitzvah: Benyamin Helwani, son Yosef and Gail Helwani.

Mazel Tov – Bas Mitzvahs: Daniella Engel, daughter of Alan and Rachel Engel… Chaya Daffner, daughter of Shmuel and Tonda Daffner.

VALLEY VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Birth: Shmuel and Shoshana Drossman, a daughter (Grandparents Rabbi Israel and Dr. Phyllis Hirsch).

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvah: Elyah Weiser, son of Rabbi Simcha and Betty Weiser.

DENVER, COLORADO

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvah: David Last, son of Rabbi Benjamin and Sheryl Last.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Mazel Tov – Engagement: Pesha Kletenik, daughter of Rabbi Moshe and Rivi Kletenik, to Chezky Werzberger of New York.

Events In The West: October 14 is East Bay Tikkun Olam Chesed Day in northern California.

Shul News: Yasher koach to Young Israel of Century City for reaching out to its members to organize meals for those in need.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Shai and Chana Samet, a son… Eric and Sarah Abitbol of NY, a son (Grandparents Alan and Etti Lowy; Sonia Rosenberg)… Pinny and Chana Rosenbaum, a daughter (Grandparents Chaim and Mati Rosen)… Rabbi Yakov and Chana Willner, a daughter (Grandparents Rabbi Yaakov and Frumie Krause)… Yossi and Chava Braun, a son (Grandparents Yehoshua and Ruchel Klavan; Great-grandparents Rabbi Jacob and Leah Friedman)… Rabbi Stephen and Rachel Cavalier of Yerushalayim, a son (Grandparents Mark and Linda Abraham)… Alan and Rochelle Tsarovsky, a son… Shua and Chavi Lebovics, a son… Howard and Jill Reichman, a son… Ari and Suri Reiss of Yerushalayim, a son (Grandparents Rabbi Shlomo and Robin Goldberg)… Yoni and Talya Weiss, a son (Grandparents Yaacov and Rayme Isaacs; Great-grandparents Dr. Sam and Diana Hirt)… Joey and Dana Small, a son (Grandparents Dr. Sandy and Freda Small)… Gavy and Yaffa Silverstein of Hollywood, FL, a daughter (Grandparents Neil and Leslie Silverstein)… Moshe and Miriam Leiber, a son (Grandparents Saul and Julie Kessler; Great-grandparents Max and Marilyn Kessler and Elazar and Joyce Genauer)… Sholom and Bashi Rand, a daughter…Dan and Donna Harkham, a son (Grandparents Dr. Glenn and Janet Roeder).

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvahs: Pinchos Abramczik, son of Shimon and Hubi Abramczik… Chaim Selah, son of Tzvi and Janet Selah.

Mazel Tov – Engagements: Shoshana Gres, daughter of Jerry and Debbie Gres, to Yosef Caplan, son of Jeff and Gale Caplan of Agoura, CA… Jennifer Libo, daughter of David Libo and Miriam Libo, to Jeremy Torem, son of Rabbi Rob and Jocelyn Torem of Seattle, WA… Sara Fried, daughter of Lauren Hellman, to Yoni Levin, son of Brian and Judy Levin… Chani Levy, daughter of David and Betty Levy, to Yudi Hollander, son of Rabbi Tzvi and Kayla Hollander… Dr. Diego Wyszynky to Ruthie Hassan of London.

Congratulations: Deputy Sheriff Barry Poltorak for receiving the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Meritorious Conduct Medal-Silver for his actions during the city of Carson’s major apartment house and mobile home park fire.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Birth: Andrew and Kerry Gorden, a son.

DENVER, COLORADO

Mazel Tov – Births: Jonathon and Elise Hay, a daughter (Grandparents David and Lea Polaner)… Dr. Alex and Rikki Kushnir, a daughter (Grandparents Rabbi Hillel and Elaine Goldberg).

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Mazel Tov – Birth: Rabbi Shmuel and Sarah Brody, a son.

Mazel Tov – Engagement: Jeremy Torem, son of Rabbi Rob and Jocelyn Torem, to Jennifer Libo, daughter of David Libo and Miriam Libo of Los Angeles, CA.

Events In the West: Beginning in October, The Jewish Learning Exchange in L.A. has a new, free Partner In Learning program on Tuesday nights… On October 30 the Israel Philharmonic will be at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

A Jewish Mayor For L.A.? The next L.A. mayoral campaign is in full swing and once again it does not appear likely that the city will elect a Jewish mayor. This is despite all the candidates proudly boasting of their Jewish status – to whatever degree. The most popular potential candidate, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Member Zev Yaroslavsky, has decided not to run. Yaroslavsky is married to a fellow Jew. Austin Beutner, a former investment banker who has also dropped out of the race, regularly acknowledged his Jewishness and the fact that his wife is Protestant.

Of those candidates still in the race, L.A. City Councilman Eric Garcetti is a self-described “Kosher Burrito” due to his hailing from a Mexican grandfather and Russian Jewish grandmother. L.A. City Controller Wendy Greuel is a non-Jew, but her Jewish husband sent his young son to a Reform Jewish day school. And L.A. City Councilwoman Jan Perry converted to Judaism (albeit a non-Orthodox conversion) about three decades ago by her Hillel rabbi, Laura Geller, while a student at USC. She now studies at UCLA with the Hillel rabbi, Chaim Seidler-Feller.

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Jim and Celine Dujowich, a son (Grandparents Marco and Sofia Dujowich)… Oren and Kim Garway, a son (Grandparents Arthur and Peta Klitofsky)… Dani and Lea Abell, a son (Grandparents Jeremy and Hilda Cohen)… Jeffrey and Jenni Lazarow, a son (Grandparents Arthur and Natalie Josephson)… Gary and Shaloh Aires, a daughter… Yair and Brandyss Katz, a son (Grandparents Richard and Carol Geller).

Mazel Tov – Bas Mitzvah: Raquel Glasser, daughter of Craig and Dana Glasser.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Isaac and Leora Orenbuch, a daughter (Grandparents Walter and Esti Feinblum; Great-grandparents Rabbi Joseph and Professor Leila Bronner)… Shlomo and Sharon Monderer, a son (Grandparents Dr. Bernie and Temy Monderer; Great-grandparents Rabbi Joseph and Professor Leila Bronner)… Zack and Ritz Glastein, a son (Grandfather Bill Bron)… Rabbi Chaim and Suri Friedman, a son (Grandparents Marty and Hadassah Weiss)… Yoni and Laura Battat, a daughter… Refael and Marissa Ross, a son… Dr. Jason and Rayme Misher, a son (Grandparents Yaakov and Rayme Isaacs; Great-grandparents Dr. Sam and Diana Hirt)… Dr. Steven and Danielle Kupferman, a son… Rabbi Arye and Tamar Sufrin, a son… Edward and Elissa Czuker, a daughter… Leibel and Yachet Weinstock of Boro Park, NY, a daughter (Grandparents Rabbi Yitzchok and Zissi Kornwasser… Gavriel and Meira Hirsch, a son (Grandparents Avraham and Tzafi Vickman; Arye and Rina Hirsch)… Yair and Brandyss Katz, a son (Grandparents Shalom and Malka Katz)… Jonny and Elise Hay, a daughter… Shia and Dassy Gurman, a daughter (Grandparents Zalmy and Chavy Gurman)… Binyomin and Ruchele Gestetner of Yerushalayim, a daughter (Grandparents Meyer and Raizy Brief).

Mazel Tov – Bar Mitzvahs: Yaakov Aryeh, son of Rabbi Yechaskel and Miriam Aryeh… Yosef Casel, son of Moshe Casel… Yosef Shapiro, son of Rabbi Alter and Shira Shapiro.

Mazel Tov – Engagements: Yosef Jacobs, son of Heshy and Chanie Jacobs, to Cipora Fried… Daniel Kramer, son of Dr. Barry and Paulie Kramer, to Nomi Lapides…Rebecca Kukurudz to Saadia Lieberow… Moshe Adelman, son of Yisroel and Rivie Adelman, to Natalie Drubach, daughter of Lev and Marta Drubach of Valley Village, CA… Ari Mayer, son of Ronny and Hindy Mayer, to Huvi Einhorn of Boro Park, NY… Sarah Feingold, daughter of Shimone and Marcella Feingold, to Lazar Okowitz of Lakewood, NJ… Elianna Mellon, daughter of Vic and Chavee Mellon, to Ari Leitman of Edison, NJ.

Mazel Tov – Weddings: Danny and Jennifer Halperin… Dan and Alisa Rainbow.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Birth: Eitan and Leah Esan, son.

Mazel Tov – Bas Mitzvah: Dora Greenwall, daughter of Ephraim and Donna Greenwall.

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Barry and Erica Berkowitz, a son… Noam and Yael Shazeer, a daughter (Grandparents Nahum and Hannah Schacham.

VALLEY VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA

Mazel Tov – Births: Mendy and Sarina Basch, a son (Grandparents Sy and Seryl Litwin)… Ezrie and Malkah Yellin, a daughter (Grandparents Rabbi Dr. Yakov and Sylvia Yellin; Sheila Hershkowitz).