Israel@75 Events
Opening Night
We’re pulling out all the stops for Opening Night. Enjoy Viennese Desert Table, Capuccino bar, Savory Wines from Judd Hill Winery, a String Quartet and the world premier of the short film, Becoming Herzl.
April 23 • Pico Union Project
Award winning actor Larry Cedar explores the head and heart of Theodor Herzl, the creator of modern Zionism, in the one-man original play “Becoming Herzl” written by Rachel Fisher.
Larry Cedar is a Los Angeles based actor, who has appeared in hundreds of television, film, theater, and commercial productions. Known for the detailed characterizations he brings to his work, he is perhaps best known for playing the role of opium addict Leon Stalsworth in the acclaimed HBO series, DEADWOOD. www.larrycedar.com
Rachel Eskin Fisher is a respected filmmaker, writer and scholar. Rachel earned a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She was the founding director of the Genealogy Institute at the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan, where she developed the Samberg Family History program. She co-produced and directed the documentary Joachim Prinz: I Shall Not Be Silent.
Yemen Blues
In Concert
April 25 • Pico Union Project
Ravid Kahalani is Israeli, but his family originally hails from Yemen. He and his group, Yemen Blues, explore the richness of Jewish and Arab-Muslim music, transcending national, ethnic, and religious boundaries in the process.
Kahalani daringly adds jazz, funk, soul, even West African Griot music to old Jewish and Arab Muslim traditions from the Arab peninsula. Using different musical styles, he uninhibitedly mixes the languages of his lyrics.
“There are so many amazing musicians in Israel that combine all kinds of styles together. That is the real beauty of music”, Kahalani explains enthusiastically.
We are excited to welcome Ravid back to the Pico Union Project.
Herzl Goes West
The Matlow Collection of Herzl Memorabilia
April 28 – June 1 • Adat Ari El
In celebration of Israel’s upcoming 75th birthday, for the first time, an exhibit showcasing the visionary of the State of Israel, Theodor Herzl, comes to Los Angeles.
The exhibit comprises a sampling of David Matlow’s extraordinary Herzl collection – the largest in the world with over 6,000 items and shows the importance of Herzl’s impact on the State of Israel and Jewish communities globally.
Although Herzl is remembered in the many artifacts that bear his name or likeness, his true legacy is the State of Israel that he envisioned. This remarkable connection makes Herzl an important jumping off point for a celebration of Israel’s 75th milestone birthday.
My Jerusalem
The Paintings of Dudu Harel
April 29 – June 28 • Sinai Temple
Dudu Harel, is a graduate of the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design. A member of the Association of Painters, Designers and Illustrators, he has operated a popular art studio in Jerusalem, since 1974.
Dudu’s designs and art have been featured in countless festivals and exhibits including the Israel Museum, Municipality of Jerusalem, Eurovision, Hebrew University, World Zionist Organization, and the Rabin Center.
Perhaps the jewel in the crown is Dudu’s reconstruction of the Byzantine stores at the Cardo in the Old City of Jerusalem, where all of the mosaic work is based on his paintings.
We are honored to be displaying Dudu Harel’s art which will be his first exhibit in North America.
Shabbat Live
Shabbat morning and lunch with Rabbi Daivd Wolpe, Craig Taubman and special guests.
April 29 • Sinai Temple
Spend Shabbat morning and lunch at Sinai Temple with Craig Taubman and Rabbi David Wolpe. Meet David Matlow, curator of the world’s largest collection of Herzl memorabilia, Israeli artist Dudu Harel opening his exhibit “My Jerusalem”, songs with Shanee Zamir and top it off with and Israeli lunch.
Shanee Zamir is a popular classical – crossover soprano who lights up a stage with her compelling voice. She has competed on the European Song Contest, “Israel Eurovision”, winning 1st Place in the Public’s Vote. Shanee has toured worldwide and performed with noted artists including Rami Kleinstein, Harel Skaat, Sarit Hadad, Matti Caspi, Craig Taubman, Mike Burstyn and Maestro William Goldstein. www.shaneezamir.com
