Archive for February, 2012

When people think of taking their next vacation, little do they realize that they are among one of a billion people worldwide who are also traveling, and that travel and tourism spending is a $919 billion industry worldwide. Most don’t think of tourism as an “industry” but indeed the collection of accommodations, attractions, transportation, retail, food and beverage places among others do constitute an industry. And many countries around the world including the U.S., depend on tourism activity as an economic development tool to generate taxes and support employment.

To learn about the inner workings of this key (and fun) industry, come to the next BCC Professional Series session. Lauren Schlau, BCC Vice President is a recognized market research consultant by day, who has built expertise in this industry for over 30 years. Hear how the U.S. has lost its share of international visitation and what we are doing about it, the size and scope of the industry worldwide and in the U.S., some industry trends and about the next “hot” destinations.

The session will be held on Sunday March 4, 2012, from 1 – 3 pm at BCC. Lauren will make slide presentation, and allow ample opportunity for questions and discussion.

Tuesday, March 6 at 7pm – A Wider Bridge & the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles present:

 LGBTQ Pride & Inclusion in Israel: Film Screening of “Gay Days” & Panel Discussion with leaders from the Alliance of Israeli LGBTQ Educational Organizations including Adir Steiner, Israeli LGBT rights pioneer, Avner Dafni, Director of Israel Gay Youth (IGY), Irit Zviely-Efrat, CEO of Hoshen, Education & Change, Iris Sass-Kochavi, parent leader of Tehila/Parents of LGBTQ People.

Read more about the panelists and at  A Wider Bridge Facebook page.  Please RSVP.  Light refreshments will be served.

This Film and Panel Discussion program takes place at the Jewish Federation Goldsmith Building, Sanders Board Room, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California. 

Co-Sponsors: Congregation Kol Ami, Beth Chayim Chadashim, Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation, JQ International, Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, 2wice Blessed

February 27 at 7@BCC – Join us in song with Cantor Juval as we learn and explore melodies of Jewish music of all kinds. No experience in reading music is necessary. All voices and percussive instruments are welcome!

Friday! February 24 Ruach Chayim (Spirit of Life) Musical Shabbat Service  led by Rabbi Lisa Edwards, Cantor Juval Porat and a special guest musician at 8pm!

Our Ruach Chayim musical service has been wildly popular, with a packed sanctuary every month. Let the beautiful combination of voice, guitar and drum transport you to the “palace” of Shabbat.  This service is a participatory and spiritual welcoming to Shabbat in the best of BCC’s tradition. Bring friends and loved ones to learn the new melodies. Allow the music to transport you.

We begin Ruach Chayim with a 6:30pm delicious Persian Shabbat Dinner Buffet for 40 prepared by also wildly popular Chef Peter Bastien. Only $20 per person. The BCC temple office is taking Paid Reservations Only by 3pm on Thursday, February 23. Guarantee your place at the table by paying in advance through the temple office. Limited seating may be available at the door on a first come first serve basis.

Wednesday, March 7, BCC presents: That ‘70s Spiel

“When the month of Adar enters,” the Talmud declares, “we increase in joy.”

This year’s Purim Party is in celebration of BCC’s 40th anniversary! That 70s Spiel will be hosted by our own “Sonny” and “Cher” along with Rabbi Lisa Edwards and Cantor Juval Porat, the evening will include fabulous musical performances by mystery celebrity guests, our annual multi-lingual reading of the Megillah, comedic multimedia storytelling (in English) of the book of Esther, written by student rabbi scholar-in-residence Dr. Rachel Adler, and plenty of sing-along led by Cantorial Soloist Fran Chalin.

To fulfill the mitzvah of giving charity at Purim, we will be collecting donations to give to NOAR – an organization that provides emotional assistance and programs to LGBT youths and their families in Israel.

The Purim celebration will end with a Disco Dancing Party – where you will dance like you have never danced in 1970.

Children and family activities: Bring your dinner at 6 pm.

Children’s Purim festivities 6:30 pm – 7 pm

That ‘70s Spiel and Megillah reading will begin at 7 pm

Costume suggestion: 1970 style clothing  (Warning: Platform shoes may cause injury, wear with caution)

Light refreshments will be served.