In This Issue

• Laugh With Lev! by Robin Winston
• Fundraiser News
• Our Spiritual Response to Disaster
  by Rabbi Toba August
• Milestones
• Announcements

"You're not funny, Mom." Or so my sons have informed me, countless times over the years, no matter how clever or amusing I tried to be. I guess I.m not funny.

But many Jewish women were... and are!

Please come Laugh with Lev, as Lev Eisha presents a screening of Making Trouble, a project of the Jewish Women's Archive. This marvelous documentary has delighted audiences at over 70 film festivals, in the U.S. and abroad. The movie explores the humor and legacy of famous Jewish women comedians such as Molly Picon, Fanny Brice, Sophie Tucker, Joan Rivers, Wendy Wasserstein, and Gilda Radner. In what ways were these women controversial? In what ways did their Jewish heritage contribute to their success?

Following the screening, a panel of contemporary Jewish women comedians will bring their own perspective to the topic of what it means to be Jewish, female, and funny. Panelists include Cathy Ladman (comedy writer, film, TV and stage actor who has appeared on The Tonight Show and her own HBO special); Monica Piper (comedian and Emmy Award-winning writer of Rugrats, Roseanne,Mad About You, Veronica's Closet, and star of her own Showtime comedy special); Betsy Salkin (staff writer for Saturday Night Special and Roseanne); and Ellen Sandler (comedy writer and co-executive producer of Everybody Loves Raymond). Each panelist will give us a taste of her own personal brand of humor, too!

This is Lev Eisha's only fundraiser this year. (The income from this event will pay for a large part of our operational costs, in addition to what is raised by membership dues.) Invite everyone you know -- men included! Movie snacks will be served. We will raffle off a gift basket of comedy items and also a cash prize. In addition, we will auction off a priceless dinner for eight at the home of our beloved Rabbi August. Get a group of friends together to bid on this special opportunity.

The event will happen on Sunday, March 14, at 1:30 PM. We will meet at Congregation Beth Israel in West Hollywood (8056 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048), where valet parking will be available. Watch for your "formal" invitation by surface mail.

So come and Laugh with Lev! Explore what it means to be Jewish, female, and funny. And maybe your children will decide that you, too, can be funny after all!

Thanks to The Big Chill for their support!

If you are interested in becoming a member or receiving our email please contact Sandy Terranova at membership@leveisha.org. Also, if there are any changes to your contact information, address, phone number or email please notify Sandy at that same email address so we can keep all your information up to date and you won't miss any exciting events at Lev Eisha.

Our gratitude goes to our members and donors for their support of Lev Eisha:

• In loving memory of Andrew Litchman by Naomi Litchman and Gloria Taxon
• Andrea Gross
• Karen Feinberg: To carry on the works of Lev Eisha
• Andy & Arinna Moon Shelby: In appreciation to Rabbi August who officiated at their wedding.

We have been drenched this past week with torrential rain and it has been a challenge for us in greater Los Angeles.

Yet it is only rain and it could be so much worse.

We are witnessing the utter devastation and unimaginable loss of lives in Haiti and are humbled.

Amidst the indescribable destruction, we find faith and hope in stories of survival, courage and kindness. The global humanitarian response, and the outpouring of aid from so many, makes a difference and, though not enough, is slowly bringing healing and aid to those who are suffering.

The earthquake in Haiti forces us to face the capriciousness of life, and we can respond by being overwhelmed and numb, or we can respond by intensifying our commitment to goodness and to our power to help.

Now is not the time for apathy or thinking there is nothing we can do. Whatever we can donate, whatever prayers we say, whatever letters we write or petitions we sign on the internet, they all matter.

How do we know that if a person sees another person drowning, mauled by beasts, or attacked by robbers, s/he is bound to save him? From the verse, "You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor!" (Leviticus 19:16).

Though we live in a world of randomness, we can respond with a helping hand. This is what we must do.

"When you cry out to God in pain and fear, how does God answer? I believe God answers by sending us people, by motivating us to become doctors and nurses, good friends and neighbors reaching out to help each other. ..God helps by giving us qualities of strength, courage, humor and patience."

Immediately after the earthquake struck, the e-mails were sent out. Donate now. And I did. And I continue to do. "Just as the Eternal One is merciful, you too can be merciful. Just as the Eternal One is compassionate, you too can be compassionate." (From the morning Prayer)

To the side is a prayer for Haiti and below is a list of contacts to donate money. God watch over and bless us all. Amen

Milestones Mazal Tov!! Lev Eisha member, our previous Torah reader, Rabbi Arinna Moon wed Andy Shelby on January 3. She is now Rabbi Arinna Shelby. Rabbi Toba August officiated and did an incredibly beautiful service. HaMakom Yenachem/God will comfort Judy Rosensweig following the death of her father Craig Larson who died this past month. If you have a milestone to share please send it to: editor@leveisha.org. Our newsletter gets printed about a week before each service. Please send the info ASAP.

Announcements FACEBOOK Are you on Facebook? You can help us grow. Become a fan of Lev Eisha of Los Angeles and invite your friends to become fans as well. Our unique URL is www.facebook.com/losangeles.jewish.spirituality. If you need help finding the site or understanding how to invite your Facebook friends, e-mail Lynda@leveisha.org for further instructions. INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITES Lev Eisha isn't a show that we put on for you--it's a service that we all put on for each other. The more you get involved and participate, the richer your experience will be. There are so many different things you can do to broaden your Lev Eisha experience: Go up for an aliyah. Accept an honor such as opening the ark or carrying the Torah. Lend a hand in setting up or cleaning up the kiddush. Greet people at the door and help them get into the feel of Lev Eisha. Want to do more? Assume a leadership role and become a board member. Lev Eisha has the nicest board you'll find. It's true! It's an organization in which people look forward to attending board meetings! And there's nothing more satisfying than working during the month to make sure that our very special service continues. FLYER AND ANNOUNCEMENT POLICY Many women in the Lev Eisha community are involved with wonderful activities and causes. We simply cannot announce and promote them all. So, we must limit our announcements to activities specifically tied to Lev Eisha. If you have flyers, cards or materials pertaining to other events, please feel free to leave them on the table in our foyer and/or speak about them during Kiddush. Thanks for your understanding! CATERING Let's come together as a community to sponsor a Breakfast or a Kiddush. Think about celebrating your milestone with other Lev Eisha members also honoring a significant event. Contributions of $18, $25 or $36 can add up to hosting a specific month. Celebrate the good in your life such as a birthday, an anniversary, a special friend, memory of a loved one, a promotion or reaching your goal weight. What would you like to commemorate at Lev Eisha? Get a group together and sponsor a party! Please contact catering@leveisha.org to make arrangements. MAP Click Map for a larger image and directions Lev Eisha services are held at Vista Del Mar 3200 Motor Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90034 Many women have expressed an interest in carpooling to Lev Eisha services. If you need a ride, or can offer one (especially from distant neighborhoods), please contact us at info@leveisha.org or leave a message on our phone line, (310) 575-0985.