MBL mmn guest social columnist
I f I ever regretted not being at aparty, it was the recent bash leld at the Westin Bayshoi^ I for the irrepressible Miirmy Goldman celebrating his 75tii birthday ("seventy-five years I waited for it".)
anev<
lau^ter, I hear. But then, Murray is known as much for his great sense of humor and showmanship as he is for his talents as a first-class haberdasher.
Fhamng Murray to extend my good wishes, I su^ested that he was probably the best dressed man at the affair. Of course he was, he came back at me in his ^miliar rapid fire, good natured, stand-up comic style. "I was wearing a Harry Rosen suit, shirt and tie firom Finns of Ker-risdale, with matching socks fit)m my own store."
That's Murray! Happy birthday, boitchik.
If you happen to be taking a shabbat stroll tomorrow (Sept. 9) l^tween 2 and 4 p.m. at English Bay's Alexandra Park, located at Beach Ave. and Bidwell St., you*re in for a special treat. The popular Jewish musical
be giving
a fi:^ afternoon concert. Weather permitting, a perfect Shabbat interlude for the family.
A second helping of Tzimmes can be had one week later at the just opened Ei Caravan restaurant. On Sept. 16 the Arabic eatery, located at 805 West Broadway, will be presenting a dinner cabaret-concert of Jewish and Middle Eastern music, song and dance. The show begins at 9 p.m. Details at 875-8338.
Fascinating and unique were the words that came to mind as I read the article regarding husband and wife, Ted and Mora Sterling {Saturday Review), Vancouver Sun, Aug, 19). Nora is a former psychologist and Ted is the founder of Simon Fraser University's computer program. A Viennese Jew, Ted fled Ids native Austria to fight against the Nazis.
True to a Judaic tradition that appreciates a good argument, as wdl as social philosophy that endorses vigorous debate, in 1993 the couple of 47 years, established the SFU Fri2® for Controversy. This award, which pays $5,000., is meant to encourage daring, creative, unconventional and non-traditional work at SFU and elsewhere.
Controversy leads to a more just way of acting and thinking, agree the Sterlings, who are often foimd positioned at opposite ends of a discourse with eadi other. Controversy challenges the status quo and shakes the established order, they insist.
The Review article stated that the Sterling Fras© honors work that either provokes controversy or contributes to an understanding of it. But the article makes clear that "keeping the Zundeis of the world in mind, the Sterlings stipulate Iheir pri25e can
>rmer
for State oi
is ethical." So, who can argue?
Here's a sweet bit of news. "Confirmed choco-holics,"
in attendance at the Bris of their new son, Bex^jamin Harrison.
Not the usual nosh offered among the traditional Brit-Mi-lah &re admitted good fiiend and guest, Irwin Woodrow. But it wasn't actually the candy bar that was so different, it was the candy wrapper on which was printed the newborn's birth statistics.
"A novel idea," concludes Irwin. "And tasty statistics, in-deed.**
Had a chance to meet Jean-nie Kamins. For years now Fve known of her through her art and exhibitions. But until the other week I've never had the pleasure, as the saying goes.
For some 20 years, Jeannie has been showing and selling her work worldwide as well as locally. Enown for her paintings, murals and fabric art, Jeannie is also regarded highly as a ciu-a-tor of art exhibitions.
In February, Jeannie became the Jewish Commimity Centre cultural arts coordinator. And that's how I came to meet her... to talk, not visual arts, but performing arts at the JCC.
Tova Snider, drama group production coordinator, Jeannie and I discussed production possibilities for *96. Jeannie was a bundle of eneigy with a bagful of ideas. Now, to get those ideas onto a stage. And soon, I hope.
Prominent physician and past head of the B.C. Medical Associ-
were,
retired from his practice of 22 years. But don't rush to your phone to wish him well on Ws retirement. He's much too yoimg and energetic for that. Instead, you can convey those good wishes to him on his appointment as director of professional relations attheBCMA And while expressing those
good wishes, you can add a Mazel Tov to Dr. Schonfeld and wife, Tracey, who in August celebrated the marriage of their daughter, Jodie.
Long-time Beth Israel choir member, Betty Lacter, can be heard these days singing the happy tune, "There's No Business Like Show Business."
Working as an extra on the set of the move Happy GUmore, Betty was the lucky winner of a draw held at the dose of the day for the participants of a Las Vegas scene
Coincidentaliy, earlier that day, Betty had been singled out of all the extras to portray a woman who had just won a huge
So now, the lucky Mrs. Lacter will soon be off on a four-day Las Vegas weekend for two.
There's no business like show business!
I see that fellow JCC early morning swimmer and man-of~ many causes.
igs has been getting his share of the local press lately.
First of all, as a partner in the popular Bridges restaurant on
Granville Island, Michael has been reported on his expressed objections to a proposed casino at the Granville Island Hotel. Michael reasons that a casino is "not in keeping with the spirit of the Island."
Considering the fate of a recent casino controversy in the downtown area, Fm betting that the odds (you should pardon the expression) are pretty much in Michael's favour.
But, to hedge my bet, I offer a counter proposal! No gambling on GranvUle Inland except a drei-dle game at Chanukah, when we "gamble" for nuts.
The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming!
To Kogers Commimit I mean. That is, if Vera Sh-polyansky, Andrei Grigoriev and Lena Bregman are suc-cessM in their search for sponsors.
With adequate fimding, says Vera, the troika hopes to bring to the community channel programs depicting the life and events connected with Russian-speaking people in Vancouver. Ihis, of course, includes the sizable Russian-speaking Jewish community.
Good luck. Vera and friends. For further information you can phone Vera at 322-0283.
Met two classic New York Jews on Cambie Street. Wonderful characters... Issac
to face... but I did go to the opening of Bmi^as K^v(^s dazzling documentary (firockumentary on the marquee). Unzipped.
You, too, should love meeting the flamboyant NY fashion designer and his adoring mom. At the same time, you'll enjoy a fast-paced gjimpse of the incredibly hectic life of the fashion industry.
A lot more revealing than Itolseri Altmm's fictionalized . version. □