About Me

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Joy Serves G*d in Joy as a passionate performing percussionist, poet, publisher, photographer, publicist, sound healer, spiritual guide, artist, gardener and Gemini. "Ivdu Et Hashem B'Simcha" -Psalm 100:2 ....... Joy Krauthammer, active in the Jewish Renewal, Feminist, and neo-Chasidic worlds for over three decades, kabbalistically leads Jewish women's life-cycle rituals. ... Workshops, and Bands are available for all Shuls, Sisterhoods, Rosh Chodeshes, Retreats, Concerts, Conferences & Festivals. ... My kavanah/intention is that my creative expressive gifts are inspirational, uplifting and joyous. In gratitude, I love doing mitzvot/good deeds, and connecting people in joy. In the zechut/merit of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, I mamash love to help make our universe a smaller world, one REVEALING more spiritual consciousness, connection, compassion, and chesed/lovingkindness; to make visible the Face of the Divine... VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE and enjoy all offerings.... For BOOKINGS write: joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com, leave a COMMENT below, or call me. ... "Don't Postpone Joy" bear photo montage by Joy. Click to enlarge. BlesSings, Joy

JOYous CHAI LIGHTS May June 2010


May, June 2010 ~ Iyar, Sivan, Tamuz, 5770
SHAVUOT

.
 JOYous CHAI LIGHTS, after 3 decades, has transformed from a monthly to a bi-monthly magazine.
Bookmark this FAVORITE LINK:  http://www.joyous-chai-lights-mayjune2010.blogspot.com/
PLEASE FORWARD CHAI LIGHTS TO YOUR FRIENDS.
New info is added every day and JOYous CHAI  LIGHTS is updated throughout this JOY-zine so please take the time to scroll down. If you see errors, typos, do let me know for fixing. Thank you. For a submission, please write up a PR paragraph or two, as they appear in style in this site.

To view prior months: View MY PROFILE above for blog archives, and for my other 30+ sites with lots of stories and photos.

Friends, if you are driving to night time LA events from Valley, please contact me for car pooling.
I hope you are well, and always love hearing from YOU.

HEALING. Please continue to make daily healing prayers for soul and body, Mi-Sheberach, for my older sister, ARIELLE BAT LEBA, and include Arielle, in your prayer circles. She IS healing, Baruch Hashem. Praise G*d from Whom all blesSings flow - and with gratitude, I thank you for all your bikur cholim / visiting the sick kindness and support for our beloved 'sister' Arielle. You make a difference.
Joy's ribboned timbrel  ~


Enjoy,
Joy Krauthammer
"Ivdu Et HaShem B'Simcha" Psalm 100:2
Serve G*D in Joy

"Miriam the Prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels & dances." Exodus 15:20

NEW  sites by Joy Krauthammer

http://www.timbrelsofjoy.blogspot.com/
http://healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/
http://www.joys-art.blogspot.com/
http://www.joys-artist-statement.blogspot.com/
http://www.joys-prose.blogspot.com/
http://www.count-the-omer.blogspot.com/

http://www.sephirathaomer.blogspot.com/  * Kabbalistic COUNTING OF THE OMER PSALMS, prose, poems and photos and art by Joy Krauthammer
(I love giving readings of my poetry so feel free to invite me.)

* Counting of the Omer continues until Shavuot, Mattan Torah /Giving of the Torah. Erev Shavuot, Tues. May 18. Check shuls for schedules and yiskor times.

NEW
RAHMIEL HAYYIM DRIZIN is a blesSing and shares with us his translations, now for  TIKUN LAY'L SHAVUOT.
In addition, he'll also send you his daily Kabbalistic teachings which I find fascinating.
http://paradiseprinciple.com/rav_drizin/Tikkun_Lay_l_Shavuot.pdf
Write to him at zoharialev@aol.com
~
Many other teachings for Shavuot found in all the Jewish web sites. See sites below. (Chabad, Torah.org...)
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http://www.baalshemtov.com/Times/5770_Shavuot.html  for the Baal Shem Tov Foundation's stories.
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Shavuot is the 250th YAHRZEIT of the BAAL SHEM TOV. (Find gematria of 250 = Ner in Rahmiel's teachings' link.)
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Rabbi DAVID ZELLER, zt'l, passed over to the next world, at the end of Shavuot 5767.
http://rabbi-david-zeller-my-rebbe.blogspot.com/  for personal thoughts I've shared on our holy teacher.
~
* If you would like me to give a workshop on Kabbalistic OMER COUNTING, call, leave a Comment below, or write to me at
Mail to joyofwisdom1 @ gmail.com or at my AJU address. Delete spaces surrounding @.

For two decades I have studied the Sephirot and Omer Counting with Reb Zalman on retreat, and I suggest reading his article.
http://www.havurahshirhadash.org/rebzalmanarticle2.html

May you be blessed with miracles in holy vessels to receive and hold with Emunah / faith the downward Sefirotic flow from the Infinite. May you be able through your conscious Omer Counting and purifications, to transform darkness, struggle, bitterness, tears and mitzrayim / narrow places, into balanced freedom and joy and welcome the Sephirot into your being, to cleanse you / as a mikveh, and in joy, to welcome sustaining waters of life, Torah. - Joy

 LAG B'OMER  Day 33, 18 Iyar, READINGS FOR MAY 1, Motzi Shabbat.
NEW
Please feel free to write ASAP to my teacher, RAHMIEL HAYYIM, at zoharialev@aol.com
and request his attachments of Hebrew and his Kabbalistic English compilations on Lag b'Omer, Tikkun Leil Lag Baomer, Hilulah Rabba of the Ben Ish Hai which I love reading. I didn't want to sent them to you without your permission. Ask also to be on his regular lists. (Also listed under Torah teachers below.)

Read Reb Shlomo Carlebach's, z'l, Lag B'Omer teachings at www.rebshlomo.org


Find a good group to celebrate with on Lag B'Omer and for SHAVUOT. Check the Holy Gathering groups and shuls listed below, for additional study opportunities.

LAG B'OMER KUMSITZ and teaching, for women and girls. Sun,, May 2, 7:45 pm. "Join Chanie Kravitz for an evening of folksy soul music that will transport you to the hills of Tzfas and the streets of Yerushalayim."
Bring your own drum, guitar, etc. AND, join Sasha Friedman for "The Mysticism of Lag B'Omer". Home of Sara Chrainah Nadler, 12612 Collins St. (bet. Bellaire and Whitsett), Valley Village, $5.
Bring a sweater, weather permitting, it may be outside. RSVP jewishwomenevents@yahoo.com



Flame of Light in memory of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai
painting by Joy Krauthammer


  SEPHIROT CH/ART   by Joy Krauthammer (c)

The TREE OF LIFE
Kabbalistically COUNT THE OMER


CONTENTS: Exceptional Joyous Chai Lights to illuminate, inspire, uplift, inform and experience.

HAPPENINGS (ARTS, spiritual retreats, festivals, news).  SHULS, MINYANS (ongoing services and events). HOLY GATHERINGS (LA rabbis & spiritual events).  ARTS LA (Ongoing events, museums, classes).  OUTSIDE LA (trips, news). Joy's PERSONAL TORAH (learn of my mamash gevaldt /truly glorious long-distance RABBIS and other teachers or teachings that I love, as well as links, videos, reviews, musings, etc. PRESS links.

INTRODUCTION. For NEW READERS - Welcome. Please read long Greeting INTRODUCTION and history, my raison d'etre letter at end.
CD REVIEWS by Joy.


* * * * * * * HAPPENINGS

ARTS, Movies, My Stories' links, Festivals, Retreats, Mazal Tovs, Offers and News

AVIVA BELL, ARTIST OF LIGHT in all seasons.
Give the gift of Art! Aviva Bell ART PHOTOGRAPHS can be framed or turned into gifts.
Browse through this selection of Travel/Art Photography, and purchase one matted and framed.
click link: http://avivabell.com/
  Aviva is available for photo shoots in the greater DC area.

Hmm, whose talented photographer daughter could this be? I love Aviva's photos; hope you enjoy them too. Look for her Holy Land photos. I love her humor, composition, and sensitivity.
~ ~ ~

NEW
DALIT ARGIL in concert, "First Light - Dalit and Friends", Tue., June 15, 8:30 pm. Sold out.
Daughter of Rinat Amir from Ahavat Torah, mazal tov.
AJU's Gindi Auditorium, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Aire 90046, 310-440-1246 OR http://ajula.edu/dalit/
~ ~ ~

NEW
Rabbi T'MIMAH ICKOVITZ guest leads MAKOM OHR SHALOM, Erev Shabbat, June 21, 7:45 at MOS' new location.  I'll be present with timbrel, and playing singing bowls for Reb T'mimah's healing meditation. Join us in new brightly lit, beautiful chapel location. See SHULS. 17500 Burbank Blvd., Encino. (church at SW corner @ Encino). Great free parking in rear.

MAKOM OHR SHALOM moves their TORAH in a Havdalah Hakafah celebration from old location to new home, and bids farewell to beloved Rabbi Debra Orenstein, Sat. June 5th. MOS invites all of us to join them. Last Shabbat service with Rabbi Debra Erev Shabbat, June 4. For details, see Makom below under SHULS.
I'll be present as percussionist.
~  ~  ~
NEW
MAKOM OHR SHALOM hosts The Interfaith Amigos for an evening of interfaith music, singing, chanting, and teachings. Sat. July 10th, 7:30 pm, at MOS's new location, Bethel Lutheran, 17500 Burbank Boulevard (near White Oak). Makom’s Founding Rabbi Ted Falcon, along with friends Pastor Don Mackenzie and Sheikh Jamal Rahman speak about the lessons they’ve learned from their interfaith friendship and how the wisdoms of different faiths and the shared values of love, compassion and peace can lead us to acceptance and healing.  FEE.
~ ~ ~
NEW
WISDOM TALES with Paulette Rochelle-Levy, MFT, author, psychotherapist, dancer, Jewish spiritual leader. Stories from many traditions and not-so-traditions! Seekers and wise ones of all ages play with spiritual questions through the magic of story. Dedicated to story teller Kathleen Zundell. Sat., June 12, 2:30 pm, Fairview Library, Ocean Park Blvd. & 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405. 310.458.8681. Free!
paulette453@earthlink.net 310-453-4053.  http://www.creativepathwithpaulette.com/
I have loved freely dancing in spiritual gatherings with Paulette, a talented inspired artist, when she offers uplifting opportunities to share our souls.
~ ~ ~

Rabbi AVRAHAM GREENBAUM, Breslover musician, scholar, and Azamra author from Jerusalem, Tues. evening June 15th, 7:30 - 9:30 pm at B'nai Horin's member Carole Foley's home. See under SHULS for details. B'nai Horin has hosted this gentle rabbi for the last two decades.
R Greenbaum also in Shabbaton on June 4, 5 Shabbat, with Havdalah at JLE. See below for full details under JLE.
R. Greenbaum also teaching on Jewish Healing for AJR at UCLA Hillel. Call AJR for info.
~ ~ ~

The 5th Annual Los Angeles JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL is presenting 20+ new, inspiring international films, May 8 - 13 at LA theatres, especially the wonderful Laemmles. Please visit the official web site for a full line up of films from US, Argentina, Israel, Germany, The Netherlands, etc. and to purchase tickets http://www.lajfilmfest.org/ or by calling 800-838-3006. For group sales or general info, call 323-938-2531. "Our films aren't just selected, they're chosen."  See you at the movies.
If you get a chance to see "Anita" at local theatres, do go. Good subtitles. I was moved by the touching story of a woman with Downs syndrome, who shares a whole lot of love, and it is returned, following the bombing of Jewish building  in Argentina. Glad I was given the ticket.
We Los Angelenos are blessed to have the team creating this JEWISH movie festival.
~ ~ ~

TOPANGA BANJO-FIDDLE  CONTEST and FOLK FESTIVAL, Sun. May 16, 9 AM - 6 pm, Paramount Ranch, Agoura Hills. 50th year! BYO lunch or buy. Free parking. www.topangabanjofiddle.org info@topangabanjofiddle.org . Each year I love volunteering at this fun music festival, even if I'm not drumming. Haven't seen a banjo yet with a drum. Makom members, Steve & Sandy also volunteer. Join us! Bring your dancin' shoes, sun hat, and be ready to jam. Advance tix on line.
~ ~ ~

NOTE  In the Omer week of Hod, and in Chesed, I came to a decision, made a choice, and removed the lengthy PR from here, of an upcoming LA play, until I can resolve whether or not the play is biased with negative stereotyping against Haredi Jews.  I won't condone prejudice against any Jewish denomination. I work for better understanding relationships between all Jews, which is what Joyous Chai Lights is about.

When in the early eighties, three decades ago, I created and ran a Jewish ART gallery for community, I had to decide the same for art issues. Did I compromise myself, or not allow, censor art that might offend the patrons, children, etc.?

You know Kermit's song, "It's not easy being green"? Mamash, It's not always easy being a feminist and Renewal Jew and hanging out in my neo-Hasidic, Orthodox and Haredi communities which I also love and spiritually grow with and find support and blesSings. I have religious and spiritual challenges, and must at times compromise and realize what has priorities and truth for me. i.e. Do I wear my tallit where I davven? and not offend others in 'traditional' settings, or give myself a more intimate davvenen space with the Holy One?

You can receive teachings from my Haredi and Orthodox rabbis, and all other denominations and female and male teachers below in my Torah section under JOY'S PERSONAL TORAH. - Joy

~ ~ ~
An oldie but goodie
SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM
Baby-Boomer Journeying from Mid-life to Elder & Sage
I loved teaching Simchat Chochmah for the CSUN graduate Gerontology students.
Book workshop with JOY KRAUTHAMMER and ARIELLASHIRA LEWIS.
Click on my (Joy's) personal website for full details and photos:
http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/
Details on SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH also found below in INTRODUCTION Letter.
~ ~ ~

I'm excited about the new REMO Hollywood film production I was in. It was fun! (The film director told us to "smile, interact and act as if we are having  fun.")
Here we are, the women drummers, at 3-4 minutes mark, after the guys. You know what color I'm wearing!
Links are similar. REMO's is Hi Definition..
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=D-HhB-SXG1k
http://bit.ly/remo2010 .
 ~  ~ ~

"KOL CHEVRE" 16th edition is being prepared. I love reading what the Chevre shares about Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, and their own spiritual lives.
Annual journal can be ordered from Emuna Witt (HaLevy)  $20.
YOU are invited to share YOUR Reb Shlomo stories in the next Kol Chevre edition. Write for theme.
Send to: emunawitt14@yahoo.com  or emuna.witt@rebshlomo.org
My story about Reb Shlomo, and photographs of Reb Aryeh Hirschfield, z'l, have been published in the current KOL CHEVRE. For my Shlomo story, also see my web link:
http://www.rebshlomocarlebach-ztl.blogspot.com/ 
~ ~ ~

YUVAL RON, Music As A Bridge. Tues., 7:30 pm - 9pm. May 11.
The Desert, Bedouin Music and Israeli Folk dance. Details under SHULS. Valley Beth Shalom.
Last in the series, and watch out for next Fall's workshop season with the Middle-Eastern oud master.
~ ~ ~

UNCOMMON THREADS, exhibition of fiber art, AJR, Platt Gallery, ART RECEPTION, Sun. May 9, 3-5 pm, show ends July 14. Mon-Thurs. 10am-7pm. AJU, 15600 Mulholland Dr., Bel Aire. 90077  310 476-9777 x 201.
~ ~ ~
NEW exhibits
SKIRBALL  (310) 440-4500 http://www.skirball.org/., See full listing below under ARTS LA.
GETTY CENTER. See under ARTS LA
~ ~ ~

ACADEMY OF JEWISH RELIGION, Rabbinical, Cantorial, Chaplaincy graduation May 31. 310 824-1586. I love what this school offers. To learn, students travel here from all over the country. Ask about their special guest lectures. Mazal Tov to all the graduates.
~ ~ ~

AMERICAN JEWISH UNIVERSITY, offers undergraduate, graduate and rabbanic school, as well as full adult education program. I'm an alumnus & a DCE teacher. Call to receive their brochures. (310) 476-9777, (310)-440-1246.
~ ~ ~
NEW play
JEWISH WOMEN's THEATRE offers salon theatre, conversation & fabulous desserts.
May 3,4,5. Women Rabbis Revealed, Stories from the Fringe. Final documentary theatre is interviews with female rabbis. Call for locations and RSVP for tix.
Learn about the 2010 2nd season of At-Homes: A Salon Theatre Series and the New Play Series at the American Jewish University. Three evenings of Salon theatre at homes near you.
Subscribe: info@Jewishwomenstheatre.org call 310.592.7749 http://www.jewishwomenstheatre.org/
Look at archives for photos, and view the VIDEO.
As percussionist, I enjoyed performing in both years' JWT opening receptions.

Please read MY REVIEW of "WOMEN RABBIS REVEALED" under ARTS.
~ ~ ~

NEW classes
Reb YEDIDYAH BLANTON teaches Torah in LA beginning first week of May. Read all about the classes offered from Kabbalistic teacher under HOLY GATHERINGS.
~ ~ ~

STEFANI VALADEZ, from one of my shuls, sings in enchanting voice, including Ladino, at many venues around town. http://www.stefanivaladezmusic.com/. One of my favorite drummers, Jamie Papish, joins her many times.
~ ~ ~

For your childrens' free BIRTH RIGHT trip to Israel conatact:
http://taglit.israelexperts.com/
~ ~ ~

*GOLDSTAR*: To sign up for FREE info on half-price ARTS tickets for events, theatre, music, etc. write:
http://www.goldstar.com/?p=f563067ff27


* * * * * * * SHULS, MINYANS
Challah & Chevre (c) Joy Krauthammer    
Mostly Renewal, Aleph, alternative, egalitarian, post-denominational, pluralistic, women's; some traditional, Orthodox and Conservative. 

(Other small LA minyans can be found on web: National Havurah Committee)
We in LA are mamash / truly blessed with our minyanim.


"And I have loved you with an eternal love; therefore I have extended loving-kindness to you. I shall yet rebuild you and you shall be rebuilt, O Maiden of Israel; you will yet adorn yourself with drums and go forth in the round-dance of the joyful." (Jeremiah 31:2,3)
.

LEV EISHA (Heart of a Woman) monthly Shabbat service,  June 5th Shabbat SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH celebrant, Chaplain Bonnie Leopold. mazal tov. Last service until after summer. May 1 at 8:30 am because we offer breakfast teaching with Rabbi Toba August, an hour before regular service at 9:30 am. May 1, 9 adult women celebrate their BAT MITZVAHS.   Pray and stay for Kiddush, blesSings, schmoozing, feasting and joy. LEV EISHA meets since a year ago at new location in the beautiful sanctuary at Vista Del Mar. 3200 Motor Ave, LA. 90034. Immediately a few feet north of National and the 10 Freeway. There is a map on the website. The new grounds are filled with trees, including magnolias; an oasis in the city.
http://www.leveisha.org/archive/latest.htm
http://www.leveisha.org/ and/or read our ads in the LA Jewish Journal paper edition.

LEV EISHA is where I love to be. Davenen, my heart and soul soar at Lev Eisha.
Come say hi. We are:
* a monthly creative prayer service for women by women, led by Rabbi Toba August & cantorial soloist - Cindy Paley, accompanied by us ruach/ spirit-filled global world-beat music percussionist - Joy Krauthammer, violinist - Chaplain Ruth Belonsky, and soloists - Robin Winston, Mollie Wine & Toby Schwartz who also beautifully chants Torah). We have new spiritual songs for you! Sarah Barash - Poet-in-Residence.
An awesome ambience for experiential expansive prayer celebration where our inner and outer voices are heard. I feel the energy circulating, given and received at Lev Eisha, and for a musician, this is mamash important.

* an exciting, innovative Shabbat service that offers a warm welcoming environment for women seeking to connect with their Judaism. Men are welcome.
* Prepare for prayer. Come stretch with us, metaphorically and literally, into expansion to receive and give and that equals love/Chesed.
* a joyous, spiritual sanctuary for women of all ages and affiliations to come together in enthusiasm, heart, energy & intellect: in Torah, song, praise, prayer, study, dance, meditation and spiritual growth.
 The first Saturday/Shabbat of every month your other rabbis know where you are! Join us and play timbrel in praise for the Source of All BlesSings.

As it was in the redemption from Egypt so too it will be with the final redemtpion, that "In the Merit of the Righteous Women We Will Be Redeemed!"  (Midrash Ruth)

LEV EISHA musicians are happy to come to your minyans, Rosh Chodeshes, simchas.


 Joy Krauthammer and Cindy Paley
  (c) Janis Cohen

NEW LOCATION and guest rabbi
MAKOM OHR SHALOM and guest Rabbi T'MIMAH ICKOVITZ, Erev Shabbat, June 21, 7:45 at MOS' new location. I'll be present with timbrel, and singing bowls for Reb T'mimah's healing meditation. Join us in new brightly lit, beautiful chapel location. 17500 Burbank Blvd., @ Encino, SW corner, Encino, CA. Parking in rear.
MAZAL TOV, Sandy & Steve on your CHUPPAH.
~ ~ ~
See MOS special event under HAPPENINGS.
~ ~ ~
MAKOM OHR SHALOM.  June 4,  7:45 pm, last Erev Shabbat service in current location and Rabbi Debra's last Shabbat service with Makom Ohr Shalom. Come say shalom and good bye to Rabbi Debra at festive musical farewell and welcoming HAVDALAH, Sat. night, June 5-- Join MOS in their simcha walk with TORAH from old location to new location. See website for times. Other dates in LA. Rabbi Debra Orenstein & Cantor/Rabbi Monty Turner. Theresa Nivon, choir director and soloist. Dana Stone-Goldberg and Alula are soloists. Guest musicians include: Alan Klein - horn, David Platus - clarinet, Joy Krauthammer - percussionist, Eli Lester - drummer & Steve Berman - harmonica.
May 7. May 21, AJR guest Rabbi  J.B. Sacks.

Only through June 4th, this location: 5619 Lindley @ Burbank, NW corner in host church, Tarzana. Easy free parking. Shabbat dinners, Havdalahs, Havurahs, healing services. The original Jewish meditation shul.  http://www.makom.org/
NEW Drumming & Prayer monthly Circle 7-7:40 pm, before service. Confirm.

NEW LOCATION: beginning with Torah walk for Havdalah, June 5th. MOS at Bethel Encino (a church) 17500 Burbank Blvd., @ SW corner Encino, Encino, CA 91316 PARKING in rear.
Come and say a fond farewell to Rabbi Orenstein as she and family move to east coast.

Dana and Makom members greet all the people at the door and it feels good to be welcomed. When I'm there (and all shuls) early, I, too, greet Shabbat guests and introduce them to each other.
Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, always greeted each congregant at the door. He asked, "How can I be most like Hashem? To make others comfortable, making places for them."
To view years of magnificent MOS spiritual photos by artist of light, Mark Reden, http://makom.smugmug.com/
~ ~ ~




Transcending Tradition: illustrating Jewish Spiritual Renewal. Cartoon musicians include: flutist, Richard Hardy, and myself-- Joy Krauthammer, timbrel player in purple, both of us Reb Shlomo, zt'l musicians, and Alula Tzadik (from Ethiopia), and Cantorial soloist Mark Bachrach on shofar; all of us from Rabbi Stan Levy's congregation B'nai Horin.



Richard Hardy, Joy Krauthammer, Alula, Marc Bachrach
Musicians for two decades at B'nai Horin
Steve Greenberg (c) Jewish Journal award-winning cartoonist
Soloist Mark Bachrach on shofar; all of us from Rabbi Stan Levy's congregation B'nai Horin.
~ ~ ~

B'NAI HORIN -Children of Freedom, mostly monthly intimate Shabbat services.
Saturdays, May 15/Shavuot, June 19.
Rabbi Stan Levy, Rabbi Laura Owens, Marc Bachrach, cantorial soloist. Regular Contribution: $15 B'nai Horin members, $20 guests. First-timers: no charge. Please bring a salad, dessert or drinks to share or contribute $5 toward the main dish. It is a blesSing to be in Carole Foley's home heavenly garden filled with singing birds, 11040 Queensland, West LA, one light south of National, 1 1/2 blocks east of Sepulveda Blvd.
http://www.bnaihorin.com/ . (310) 441-4434.

As a member for two decades of this 40 year old shul, you may find me there with my timbrel in hand, or playing Tibetan singing bowls, and with an open heart, dancing in the garden. Blessed, B'nai Horin was my very first Renewal Shul. Reb David Zeller, z'l and Yael Taubman from Jerusalem directed me here. This is where I first met Aleph founder, Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.
~ ~ ~

AHAVAT TORAH Congregation. Weekly, lively Shabbat service and pot-luck buffet luncheon. Every Sat. 9 AM Israeli-born Rabbi Miriam Hamrell (AJR ordained) teaches Mussar/Pirkey Avot-Ethics of our Father, and 10 AM Shabbat service with Rabbi Miriam Hamrell and Gary Levine, cantorial soloist, and others accompanied by Joel Warren, pianist.
Guest Mussar and Torah teachers. Participatory musical worship service. Many interesting classes and salons are offered.

Held at the Village Glen Lutheran Church, 343 Church Lane, LA, 90049, 6 blocks south of Sunset, north of Montana, just west of the 405 Freeway. Brentwood, LA. Park in the South parking lot or on the streets.
Sunset and 405 IS A DRIVING ISSUE. Try to use underpass south of shul to go north. For driving issues during 405 construction:  http://www.metro.net/projects/I-405/

I have totally loved serving on occasion as percussionist with this musical minyan. I love attending the participatory hour earlier teachings in the intimate room. I love receiving Torah aliyahs. I love feeling winged angels flying high from the sweet sounds. I love that many teachers get to offer their wisdom.  I even displayed my MENORAH art work during Parsha BaHa'alotecha.

This is a social-action community, and they warmly greet you at the door, and offer Torah honors which feel really good. They offer important evening classes. http://www.ahavattorahcongregation.org/ Julie creates the artistic site.
Member, Len Felder, Ph.D. writes the shul blog: http://www.creatingsacredcommunity.blogspot.com/
~ ~ ~

N'SHAMA MINYAN.  Erev Shabbat, Friday, April 23. Summer hiatus. Rabbi Nina Bieber Feinstein & Cindy Paley Aboody - cantorial soloist and guitarist, Joy Krauthammer - world music percussionist, and guest musicians & soloists. Service in the artistic stained glass Lopaty Chapel, prayer, song, dance (led by Susan Gilboa North), spirit, study. Rabbi Nina creates a Torah and new song supplement for every service. Sisterhood minyan led by and for women, and all are invited. Women who have never held Torah are invited to hold the Torah. Check the VBS website or call the shul to confirm dates & time for the next Women's Shabbat service. (Not always Sat. AM, some Rosh Chodeshes and holidays) www.vbs.org/

Join us. Meets at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 91436. (818) 788-6000 or Susan: (818) 343-3078. Always welcoming congregants (as did Reb Shlomo, zt'l), Shirley Lowy stands smiling at the shul door sharing hugs for all services.
~

VALLEY BETH SHALOM (VBS) is like an exciting city unto itself..
College of Jewish Studies, Wed. night's 7 pm class with Rabbi Ed Feinstein. Different teachers each week. Rabbi Feinstein has Lunch and Learn, May 5 and June2.
While at VBS, check out all their daily many varied fantastic spiritual offerings with many wonderful rabbis and cantors. I enjoy playing at VBS.
On Wings of Song: The Music and Soul of Felix Mendelssohm, May 7, 8PM. Neil Brostoff, pianist and music educator discusses Mendelssohn. NO charge.

The Chassidic Nigun, Shabbat Farbrengen, Friday, May 14 with Cantor Yaakov Motzen for Yom Ha'Atzmaut

Try their RIMONIM Erev Shabbat, 6:30 pm Middle-Eastern, North African musical service with Rabbi Farkas and Cantor Phil Baron. I love it. Listen to their  new CD. It's great.
http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/events.php?SearchArtist=1431
~
The VBS Library Minyan is also precious to me. It is where Reb Moshe Cohen, z'l, gave me my very first aliyah, as shomer, Joyce Kirsch, z'l, stood by my side. May their memories be for blesSings.
~
NEW
YUVAL RON, Valley Beth Shalom series, Music As A Bridge. Tues., 7:30 pm - 9pm.May 11.
The Desert, Bedouin Music and Israeli Folk dance

A dozen years ago I (Joy Krauthammer) went to the World Sacred Music Festival in Fez, and explored the Jewish medinas and danced with the Sufi, Berbers, Taureqs/Blue men and Gnawa musicians through the star-filled night, especially in the Sahara by the sand dunes where I journeyed with my rented camel. My musical simcha was filmed and a video is available. (I brought back a suitcase of timbrels & memories.)
Most amazing to me was that my Moroccan Arab musician tour guide, Hamid Mernissa, was the grandson of his "maternal Jewish grandmother, Sarah." Shh. I had the chutzpah to ask him if he had any Jewish relatives... and this was his answer.
~ ~ ~

METIVTA. Friday and Sat. services. Lay led meets both in LA and the Valley for Shabbat services, Shabbat dinner, meditations and classes. Fills quickly. Call for dates TBA and events. I love their Contemplative intimate Kabbalat Shabbat service; candle lighting, prayer, chanting, niggunim, pot luck themed holiday Shabbat dinner and a discussion of the weekly Torah  parsha. Metivta offers Thurs. meditations. It is a gift that Metivta Valley members like Gilla Nissan, the Glasers and Morgensterns offer their homes for spiritual Services. Founded by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot,Tues., May 18th. 8 PM to 12:15 AM. Metivta Community celebrates with study session in preparation to Receive the Torah. Metivta teachers Reb Ivan Ickovits, Gilla Nissan and Marilyn Zweifach. wheelchair accessible, ample free parking. Bring your Tanach / Bible and any musical instruments. Please bring non-meat finger-food and / or beverage. guests at Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049.
RSVP ASAP to Gilla via e mail:  gilla29@msn.com .

DEEPENING YOUR JEWISH SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Metivta offers the spring retreat, June 4-6, at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino. Explore deep and resonant Jewish spiritual practices drawing from the contemplative tradition. The retreat includes meditation, prayer, blessing, chant, and teachings.
 RSVP to Gilla at gilla@metivta.org or call (818) 990-7942.
Metivta@metivta.org (818) 654-9293. http://www.metivta.org/

Two decades ago, I began meditation with Metivta. On occassion, I love serving as percussionist.
If I was not celebrating my birthday with another couple shuls, I'd be at the meditation retreat.
~ ~ ~

MALIBU Jewish Center & Synagogue. Weekly Shabbat services with Rabbi Judith HaLevy & (Argentinean) glorious Cantor Marcelo Gindlin. Chaplain Ruth Belonsky plays exquisite soulful violin. Go early for Rabbi Judith's deep Torah teachings. Sarah's Tent people study & davven at Malibu and love the rabbi who co-founded Sarah's Tent. If I didn't live so far, I'd be learning there all the time. Torah study 9:30 am, Service 11:30 am. 310 456-2178 http://www.mjcs.org/ Call for SHAVUOT schedule.
 ~ ~ ~

THE ONE SOUL MINYAN.  Monthly third Saturdays, May 15, June 19 with Rabbi Mark Borovitz and Cantor Rebecca of Beit T'Shuvah (addiction rehabilitation center). Exhilarating musical service and new siddur. Third Shabbat held at Valley Beth Shalom location in most months.. VBS Rabbi Ed Feinstein and other visiting rabbis and cantors participate in service, asking serious questions of the participants, residents and visiting congregants. V.B.S. 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino 818 788-6000

I truly appreciate this intimate meaningful service which has everyone reflect on their soul, light and darkness. When I don't bring my timbrel the pianist loans me hers. I wish we had more Shabbats each month so I can davven everywhere.
Beit Tshuvah meets regularly at 8831 Venice Blvd. LA.
http://www.beittshuvahla.org/ 310 204-5200 This organization collects for their thrift store.
MAZAL TOV to Cantor Rebekah Mirsky on receiving ordination from AJR. I'll be there smiling.
~ ~ ~

ONE SHABBAT MORNING (OSM) with Craig Taubman & wonderful musicians at Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. Call or google to confirm date of musical 10 am service with 9 am guest shiur. I love this service and the special themes. This is one of the minyans (like Lev Eisha) which attract other shul congregants from all over the greater LA area. On Hiatus until Fall 2010.
The congregants are given colorful egg shakers to use to enable greater musical participation. I love it when percussionist Jeff loans me his dumbek.
Check out Craig's other Shabbats at Sinai Temple. (and his web site for terrific Jewish music.)
Craig's newest CD is HOLY GROUND and it is the best. I  love it. Google to purchase. ww.craignco.com/
~ ~ ~
HAVDALAH
(c) Joy Krauthammer

HAPPY MINYAN meets regularly for all Jewish observances and classes in the 'Hood'. We founded this Orthodox minyan when our beloved Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt"l died over 15 years ago. The chevra continues to meet and learn in Shlomo's light. It was the greatest blesSing in the universe for me to be Shlomo's percussionist and personal chauffeur.

Happy Minyan meets 9218 Pico Blvd. in a karate studio (across from Pat's). Regular great classes and visiting guest scholars. Musical Havdalahs. Yehuda of Moshav Band davvens with Happy Minyan. MOSHAV - does many Melave Malka Concerts, Sat. night, Happy Minyan, Mitzvah g'dola lihiyot b'simcha Tamid. It's a big mitzvah to be happy. http://www.happyminyan.org/ 310 285-7777
HAPPY MINYAN always offers great teachers for SHAVUOT.
~ ~ ~

Temple Israel's SIMPLY SHABBAT service with Cantor Danny Maseng is wonderful.
Check their website for the upcoming couple dates. * 9:15 am involved lay lead Torah study with bagels, then 10 am service filled with singing, just like on Masengs CD, SOUL ON FIRE, which I love. There was Torah discussion but NO Torah scroll being read during service when I went to Simply Shabbat.
~ ~ ~

SHTIBL MINYAN, lay-led, meets weekly, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico) at Workman's Circle location on Sat. Mornings. http://www.shtibl.com/ . Enjoy exhibits in the Shenevelt Gallery in main hall.


* * * * * * * HOLY GATHERINGS

Shabbats, live TORAH LA teachers, museums. concerts, more ARTS, workshops, classes, etc.

Challahs and Chevra
 (c) Joy Krauthammer
OPEN DOOR SHABBAT, with the Owens and Lesters on alternating months. Celebrate and welcome the Sabbath Bride monthly 2nd Erev Shabbats, Fridays, 6:30 PMJUNE 11 at the OWENS.  Shayna & Eli Lester or Linda & Gerry Owens host each monthly Open Door Shabbat. Call them to confirm time, date, location in Santa Monica.  Prayer, holy movement, good vibrations. May is on hiatus. We send blesSings to the families.

Wonderful musicians and friends from all Renewal chevre including Sarah's Tent. RSVP and advise what potluck vegetable, salad, fish or dessert you will share. Parking permits needed at Owen's home, so come by first to get permit. What a mamash holy gift to us that our blessed friends open their doors for Shabbat to create sacred space for us all. Filled with prayer movement, poetry and music. It feels so good to be at Open Door. If you are going from North Valley, please call me and we'll travel together.

RSVP. RevShayna@roadrunner.com 310-650-8808. Both Linda and Shayna serve as Spiritual Directors, and may be hired, along with other divine LA Jewish women for this holy work.
~ ~ ~.
NEW
REB YEDIDYAH BLANTON teaches at Kollel Mogen David. Beginning May 3, each week, Mon, Tues, Thurs. 8 - 9:30 pm. Free classes open to all include discussion of Torah subjects as they apply to our daily lives. (Donations welcome as are sponsorships.)

Mon.: Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkey Avos) with Chassidic commentaries. Explore the timeless wisdom of the great rabbis in the time of the Mishnah
Tues.: Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, his life and teachings. Enter the mystical world of one of the greatest of all Chassidic spiritual masters whose relevance to our contemporary experience grows each day.
Thurs.: The weekly Torah portion (parsha) from a variety of Chassidic and kabbalistic viewpoints, focusing on a major topic to understand the eternal message of the Torah for all of us.
Kollel Mogen David, at 9717 West Pico Boulevard, just east of the Museum of Tolerance, across the street.

Reb Yedidyah continues to teach Rebbe Nachman's masterwork, Likutey Moharan, at the home of Shalom Yakov Mann, 1037 South Sherbourne Drive, Sundays, 8 pm, and his class on the Zohar of the parsha at the home of Brian and Tziporrah Hanan, 147 N. Poinsettia on Wednesday nights, with a free dinner at 7pm and class immediately following at 7:30 pm.

The objective of classes is to come closer to HaShem and Torah, to unify the Name, to strengthen faith and prayer, and to expand our consciousness beyond the narrow confines of our world in flux.
Confirm dates and time with Reb Yedidyah at yedidyahblanton@yahoo.com or 310-630-9696.

Chevra, I have not studied with musician, Reb Yedidyah, but I hear he is "brilliant" and his classes divine. If I drove at night, I would learn with him. This rebbe has gone to the grave of Reb Nachman in Uman, and he was close to Reb Shlomo, z'l.
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CHAI CENTER. Shabbat dinners for 60 !!! Schwartzie and Rebbetzin Olivia open their doors to strangers, holidays, giant Sukkot, Pesach events and women's events. This is an awesome mamash gevaldt family. Send them my love. RSVP.  Ask about their teachings and get on their mailing list.
http://www.chaicenter.org/ info@chaicenter.org
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JEWISH LEARNING EXCHANGE. So many great visiting scholars from Israel teach daily at JLE. 512 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 857-0923. For SHAVUOT teachings, learn with esteemed Rabbi Yitzchak Adlerstein, Rabbi Motty Berger (Aish in Jerusalem) and Rabbi Avroham Czapnik--host rabbi, May 10, 11, 12, 8 pm teaches on SHAVUOT.. Free and sponsorship opportunities available.. Can we have this in the Valley? Ask to receive their mailings. info@jlela.com http://www.jlela.com/
Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum shabbaton June 4, 5.  Malavah malkah June 5, 9:30 pm:
The Kabbalah of Music, a weave of teachings from Zohar and Rebbe Nachman of Breslov on the secrets of
melody and song illustrated with piano-vocal renderings of profoundly inspiring melodies handed down from outstanding righteous leaders.
~ ~ ~

OHR HAMAKOR / Light from The Source, A Home for Holistic Kabbala with Rabbi T'mimah Ickovits (Aleph graduate) deciphers essential wisdom from Kabbalistic traditions, showing its relevance for today. Serving as a teacher, Mashpia Ruhanee; Spiritual Guide, Rabbi T'mimah leads custom ritual events and serves as a prayer leader. CALL for new classes or contact: RebbeT@KabbalahTmimah.org
http://www.kabbalahtmimah.org/ 310 450-8808
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BAIS CHANA women's LA school is run by Orthodox rebbetzin Yehudit Eichenblatt. Wonderful teachers learned with the finest Kabbalah teachers. Single lectures, Rosh Chodeshes, farbrengens for The Rebbe, z'l. I first met Yehudit when Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l used to stay in her parents' LA home. I loved learning with her chevre and it felt mamash spiritually good to be there. Confirm days, times and go learn. http://www.baischanaca.com/
Mrs. Chana Rachel Shusterman teaches 10 - 11 am, Mondays, 423 N. Fuller Ave.
Mrs. Sanowicz 11 - 11:45 am, Mondays, 458 N. Fuller Ave.
Rabbi Raichik, 10 am, Wed., 165 S. Hudson Ave.
Rabbis Berkowitz and Kesselman
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ARBITERRING, WORKMAN'S CIRCLE, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA (south of Pico). Lectures, poetry reading with Uncle Ruthie and others, concerts, Yiddish.  Enjoy exhibits in the Shenevelt Gallery.

* * * * * * * ARTS LA

Ongoing Arts, Joy's arts classes, See some ARTS under HAPPENINGS.

I shlep to NY and SF to play tourist; I can do the same here in the Big Orange. Want to join me, let me know.
NEW
A terrific link to ARTS calendar for every LA museum:
http://www.getty.edu/visit/calendar/days/05312010.html
~ ~ ~

REVIEW
by Joy Krauthammer

"Stories from the Fringe: WOMEN RABBIS,  REVEALED" -- The stories of women rabbis are deep, sad, joyous, traumatic, sexual, misogynistic, powerful, funny and filled with emes / truth and challenges that only a woman can face, where men have been the voices and leaders. Can you imagine a woman rabbi officiating at a bris and having a miscarriage at that moment? And the woman rabbi getting a call from a prospective member who cancels the call hearing the woman's voice! Visiting the dying gay patient with Aids when other male rabbis/chaplains would not.

The Jewish Women's Theatre cast (Bari Hochwald, Kate Zentall and Abby Freeman and the lone male--Robert Trebor) for their last performance of the season, played a mixture of a dozen monologues with great casting and performance, covering all ages and unfortunate circumstances. They offered a "testament to the lives" and a "legacy for future generations." Our womens' stories need to be revealed, written, shared and remembered! Thank you to Ronda Spinak and Rabbi Lynne Kern for bringing to us fantastic excerpts of the interviews they received to share with us-- The kernels filled with life and sparks of the Divine. Cindy Paley (Lev Eisha and N'shama Minyan) beautifully led the women in sweetest song, and we are 'allowed' to sing. (I know what it is like behind a mechitzah where my voice is silenced, and drowned out.)

I yearn to hear more women's her/stories. This is why I go to rabbinic school ordinations each year, because I hear the most meaningful personal stories from newly ordained women rabbis and the journeys they have faced in reaching their chosen professions. I can't wait for the documentary film "On the Fringe" to be finished by the Jewish Women's Theatre, of the 18 local LA women rabbis they have interviewed.

I know that I love playing percussion for women's shuls. We have a spirit found no where else and a love for Torah where we can pray and chant and not be denied! I'm not told to sit in the back of the room, upstairs, or behind a mechitzah in my women's shuls. I can read and chant Torah and wrap my tallit around myself, have an aliyah, and dance and sing in praise to the Holy One.

"Since 1972, more than 915 women have been ordained in the US. In Europe, more than 30 women have earned the title or rabbi." - JWT.

I was a female rabbi 'wannabe'. As a serious Torah student, I was accepted to rabbinic school, but serving full-time as 'caregiver angel warrior', I could not fulfill my spiritual desire.

When my daughter interviewed for rabbinic school, I was absolutely thrilled, but her father, z'l, said, "Over my dead body."

Bless the Jewish women for the courageous, idealistic brilliant journeys they take, the roads they travel to bring us Jewish community filled with so much depth, innovation, and role models to emulate.
~ ~ ~
.
SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER.
MAKING FACES (collage portraits of public figures) by Hanoch Piven also "with interactive station" ends July 11. This fun exhibit is in the free lobby spaces. Amazing to recognize the famous punim / faces liknesses of all his art creations. Do watch the video.
 MONSTERS and MIRACLES (Jewish picture books from 16th century to present) with interaction ends Aug. 1. JEWS ON VINYL, May 12-Sept. 5. Spans the history of Jewish recorded music from the 1940's to the 1980's. Set in a retro 1950's-style living room equipped with listening stations. Lots of album art. GEORGE SEGAL's The Expulsion sculpture with photos of artist. Enjoy the Jewish exhibits, wonderful multi-ethnic concerts, theatre, dance, film, lectures, Passport Screenings, events. Great Adult Learning program. Tasty "Cart" sandwiches/salads sold at events and buffet dinner for some concerts.
http://www.skirball.org/ 310 440-4500 Sepulveda Pass @ Skirball Drive (Mulholland Drive) Free on Thursdays.
~ ~ ~

GETTY CENTER, OLD TESTAMENT IMAGERY in Medieval Christian manuscripts, book, bibles. June 1- Aug. 8. Exhibits, gardens, views, tram ride. 310-440-7300, http://www.getty.edu/ , parking $15.
~ ~ ~

REMO Music Center is offering the best! KIDS free drum circles monthly on first SUNDAYS, from 11 - 11:45 AM. Check first before going. http://www.remo.com/
Adult drumming every week night. Check web for amazing activities. Truly one of the greatest gifts to receive in LA from REMO. Drums provided at every event and circle. Hundreds of drummers of all levels at REMO's drum circle and friends shlep from LA to the Valley. Other musicians invited. 818 982-0461, 7308 Coldwater Canyon, North Hollywood. (hint: you want to de-stress: DRUM.)
Say hi to facilitators Mike & Jerry from Joy.
~ ~ ~

SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ Joy of Wisdom is the spiritual journey and ritual celebration on turning at least 60 years. Continue to consciously envision your dreams, transform age-ing beliefs into blesSings, and strive toward attaining greater spiritual heights. How do we face our 'next' era, and then mortality, and redefine values in our lives in desiring to meet our highest potential, and leave our legacy? Become a "wisdom keeper" in a Jewish Eldering Baby-Boomer rite of passage ceremony.

We would love to offer this workshop to your spiritual community. Call or write to me ( joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com ) or leave a COMMENT below to book a workshop, or if you have questions. http://www.simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/
Joy Krauthammer, MBA (UJ) Serving G*d With Joy, artist, poet, percussionist, sound healer, Joyous Chai Lights publisher, PR consultant, workshop leader, ritual guide, gardener. (I'm a Gemini.)
AriellaShira Lewis, MA, SLR, Speech Language Therapist. Facilitator, healing circles, angel on earth.

Both Joy and AriellaShira were students of Savina Teubal, z'l (# 1creator of the Simchat Chochmah - Joy of Wisdom ritual), and have studied with Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's Spritual Eldering Project / Aleph Sage-ing Project, as well as with Marcia Cohn Spiegel, # 2 Simchat Chochmah. Many Wonderful Women With Wisdom joined us at Sarah's Tent, LimmudLA, Wagner Women Retreat, Jewish Federation, Aleph's KALLAH, Makom Ohr Shalom, and AJU workshops and are ready for part II. If you've had part I, let's prepare for part 2.
~ ~ ~
RACHEL, was one of the Wise Women in my recent SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH workshop. I'm glad she sent me her ARTS JOURNAL blog filled with paintings, poetry, quotes, and links which I have had a fun time exploring. You might also. Take a look.
http://rachelsartjournal.blogspot.com and click on her links.
I think my "weird pots" can be displayed at the "Weird Festival" in SF.

To read about my "weird exploding pots" go to http://www.thejewishwoman.org/ and search my name.
~ ~ ~

SISTERS IN RHYTHM All-Women’s Drum Circle, May 15, 4-5:30 pm, FREE. REMO Recreational Music Center, 7308 Coldwater Canyon, North Hollywood,  91605, (818) 982-0461 - http://www.remo.com/portal/events
Women of all ages and experience are invited. You don't have to be a drummer to participate. Everyone has something to offer the circle, and any woman or girl is welcome! Come get empowered!
~ ~ ~

AHUVA GRAY'sJourney to the Land of My Soul” is a new revised version of  Ahuva's first book with the focus on her Torah observant life and living in Jerusalem. I recall meeting Ahuva in LA before her change of name, and later enjoyed reading her meaningful spiritual story. She is returning to America for a lecture tour Oct. 12th through Nov, 18th. If you are interested in Ahuva's lecture for your community/shul, please contact

ahuvabasyisroel@hotmail.com and visit www.ahuvahgray.com
~ ~ ~

JOY SHAKERS (c) with Joy Krauthammer

Take a sound journey with Joy Shakers.* Learn to creatively play EGGS and small, shaken percussion instruments from indigenous world cultures. Explore shaker rhythms, tempos, patterns. Shape sounds, and experiment with body and shaker movements and positions. Shake, swing, swirl and shuckle your shakers in the Kabbalistic Four Worlds--Spirit, Mind, Heart and Body. Booking for Joy Shakers workshop, please write to me either at my personal address, or joyofwisdom1 at gmail.com (use @ sign, not 'at') www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/
JOY is available for all your spiritual percussion needs.
~ ~ ~

Joy Krauthammer's SOUNDS OF JOY  Healing sounds with
CRYSTAL & TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS.


* * * * * * * OUTSIDE LA

Trips, retreats, camps, workshops

 Going to Jerusalem? The ultimate Jerusalem e-calendar of events, "What's Up Doc" is published by Rabbi Yaacov Fogelman. Subscribe at: top@actcom.co.il Say, HI from Joy in LA.
~ ~ ~

Read  Hadassah Magazine, December 2009. A terrific article by Rahel Musleah on the arts, "Timeless and Fresh Rituals."
Article on the show "Reinventing Ritual: Contemporary Art and Design for Jewish Life",  in SF at The Contemporary Jewish Museum from April 22-Sept. 28, 2010
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.
ELAT CHAYYIM at Isabella Freedman Center. Experience weekly/Shabbat year-round Jewish Renewal retreats with wonderful teachers by a lovely lake in the Berkshires. I love this retreat center.
Women in Music retreat this summer. http://www.isabellafreedman.org/elatchayyim
~ ~ ~


* * * * * * * JOY's PERSONAL TORAH

Recommended Writings, Torahs, Rebbes, Teachers, Videos, Links, etc.
(LA local teachers are listed mostly at beginning.)

“For the matter (of observing Torah and mitzvot) is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” From Chabad teaching in Likutei Amarim, TANYA, chaper 35. (which you can have mailed to you.)

"This verse asserts that the Torah is easily fulfilled through all of man’s three forms of expression (also called the “garments of the soul”): thought (“in your heart”), speech (“in your mouth”) and action (“that you may do it”). In a deeper sense, the phrase “in your heart” refers also to the emotions of love and fear of G*d; they, too, are “very near to you,” i.e., easily attainable."
~ ~ ~

With GILLA NISSAN, THE SECRET of the HEBREW LETTERS and NAMES, "Since I have known you by the name":
 כי בשם ידעתיך
Each Hebrew letter is a wonder, a sign, a symbol;.energetic keys that open the door to new self discoveries and understanding. Tuesday morning, beginning June 22 10 am - 12 noon, Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N. Sepulvedal, LA. Also at Gilla's home in Sherman Oaks. Tuesdays,  7pm - 9pm. RSVP Fee. Registration: gilla29@msn.com or call: 818-990 7942.
Gilla Nissan, Jewish mysticism educator, published writer (Parablola magazine) and poet. Graduate of Tel Aviv U.,Yeshiva U. and AJU.
Learn HEBREW and B'nei Mitzvot studies with Israeli metaphysical teacher, privately in her Valley home or a shul. You may know Gilla from AJU/UJ or Metivta.
I love accompanying Gilla at special Metivta services, and love the Shabbat meditations that she leads.
~ ~ ~

I love teaching "G*D's HOLIEST # 7" (with Joy Krauthammer) at AJU and I would love to teach the workshop for your organization.
~ ~ ~

KOL CHEVRE. I'm thrilled that my Reb Shlomo stories and photography are included in Israel's current 15th edition of KOL CHEVRE. For a copy: emunawitt14@yahoo.com  or emuna.witt@rebshlomo.org
KOL CHEVRE, The Voice of the Chevra of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, has printed the 15th Yahrzeit Issue. Theme: Your stories, Your Torahs, Reb Shlomo Torahs, poetry, Reb Shlomo photos. 50-862-9040 kolchevra@rebshlomo.org   The Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach Foundation info@rebshlomo.org Jerusalem, Israel http://www.rebshlomo.org/
~ ~ ~
.
RUTH FOGELMAN's newest book of poetry and photographs is: "Cradled in God's Arms."
I have been reading Ruth's poetry for years, and have her photos of the Old City on my eastern wall serving as mizrachis.
Ruth Fogelman is the author of "Within the Walls of Jerusalem - A Personal Perspective."
~ ~ ~

8 SIVAN, Third YAHRZEIT
The family of REB DAVID ZELLER, z'l, have added an AFTERWARD (lots of chaplaincy wisdom) to the book which his family and friends wrote about him, published before Reb Zeller died.
Reb Zeller was my very first beloved Rebbe and it means so much to me to read the new words about my rebbe. Please open all the links on the website and listen to Reb Zeller speak and sing in angelic voice. It was the biggest blesSing to have Reb Zeller in our lives. Reb Zeller was my passport into Jewish Renewal. Photos in Oct. Joyous Chai Lights.
~ ~ ~
.
Jewish VEGETARIANS of North America (JVNA) produced an important one-hour DVD documentary "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World," which argues that the application of Jewish values is essential to respond to global warming and other environmental threats and to help shift our imperiled planet to a sustainable path. "A Sacred Duty" http://www.asacredduty.com/ Complimentary copies of DVDs. Many articles at www.JewishVeg.com/schwartz. LA has local JVNA chapters and meetings.
~ ~ ~

TORAH TEACHERS directory, Local & International mostly. We have so many DIVINE JEWISH TEACHERS who are accessible to us. Write them to receive their weekly mails, or tune in their live webcasts. Who are your favorites? Let me know.
.
Torah PARSHA teachings from ACADEMY OF JEWISH RELIGION, LA  ://www.ajrca.org/parsha_of_the_week.shtml
~ ~ ~
Read Sarah's Tent and Malibu's JC&S member GERRY OWENs' Torah parsha commentary. I love his psychological direction.
http://web.mac.com.gerrylinda/ / for Reflections from Above . Write and ask Gerry (Generous and gracious Open Door Shabbat host) to be on his list.
 ~ ~
Contact LA's RACHEL ELANA to receive weekly deep Chassidic Torah Parsha teaching, tikkunrachel@gmail.com   on HAPPY MINYAN website.
~ ~ ~
Read and listen to DAVID SACKS on the Happy Minyan website and hear him live at Happy Minyan.
Read YESHIVAT SHLOMO weekly Torah on website   http://www.happyminyan.org/
Contact all to receive their teachings.
 ~ ~
My orthodox chareidi rebbe, YOSEF Ben SHLOMO HAKOHEN, sends out his Hazon - Our Universal Vision Torah teachings. Ask me for his e-address or click the link. For years I study with this Jerusalem based teacher and continue to be blessed and deeply inspired and supported in my spiritual growth by chesed-filled Reb Yosef. www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon 
~ ~ ~
I love receiving the teachings from MIRIAM (AKA Mindy) RIBNER. Write to Miriam and ask for her deep holiday teachings. Mindy is a disciple of Reb Shlomo, z'l, and she has been journeying around the world sharing her Kabbalistic meditations and counsel.
~ ~ ~
SPIRITTALK LIVE! Journeys into Mind, Heart, and Soul. Weekly Internet radio program, hosted by Rabbi Dr. WAYNE DOSICK (Renewal rabbi, Reb Shlomo disciple) on HealthyLife.net Radio every Wed. 11 am Pacific, 1 pm Central, 2 pm Eastern. SPIRITTALK LIVE! is a worldwide conversation for exploring the great questions of existence, for joining in the quest to find meaning and worth in life, through intellectual inquiry and sacred spirit.
Listen: Go to HealthyLife.net on the Internet. PC users choose:
“Listen Live”, Mac users: Choose “For Mac Users” from the left column, and follow instructions. To call into the show and join in the conversation, 1-800 555-5453. Each show archived by Thursday evening for later listening. Go to HealthyLife.net, and choose “Archives.”
 ~ ~
NEW
RAHMIEL HAYYIM DRIZZIN shares his English translations of Hebrew Kabbalistic texts. For mamash deep teachings and meditations write him to get on his list.
~ ~ ~
RABBI YITZCHAK SCHWARTZ, in Jerusalem, kindly sent me "Jewish Healing" information that I needed asap for my own work with another. It is always wonderful and appreciated when a stranger responds when you reach out looking for assistance. yitzchakSchwartz@msn.com , http://www.paradiseprinciple.com/
Brooklyn computer phone on Jerusalem, Israel time; 1 646 358-4434
Founder of Paradise Principle Institute ™, Sefirotic Alignment Therapy ™, and co-author of Gilgulei Yisrael,
R. Yitzchak's area of expertise is the study of Kabbalah. He has been immersed in learning for up to 20 hours a day learning for most of the last 20 years with Jerusalem's leading Kabbalists. For the last 10 years Rabbi Schwartz has been researching and developing new techniques to help many young people grow with his skills as a counselor.
Rabbi Schwartz' passion is being a "bridge person." Bridging Torah to the world. In US he also presents Kabbalistic-based techniques for self-actualization. He has taught at LA's Happy Minyan.  And, SAVE THE DATE he is doing a retreat in MAUI in June.
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CHANOCH, is a Spiritual Teacher who teaches YOU how to be your own Spiritual Guide. He authors a weekly Kabbalistic Parsha email. Telephone Conference Classes 3 times a week including direct readings from the Zohar, as well as other Spiritual Teachings. Contact:
Twitter - Facebook at yeshshem; web site is http://www.yeshshem.com/
I am excited reading Chanoch's deeper aspects of Torah. Take a look at Chanoch's interesting website and subscribe.
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Rabbi AVRAHAM GREENBAUM teaches Torah spirituality, Chassidut and Kabbalah and mysticism when he comes to LA, and on his website: http://www.azamra.org/ . For 15 years the Happy Minyan and now, JLE hosts Rabbi Greenbaum.
The rabbi has written and translated many books and is known for his work on Rebbe Nachman, and also healing. For a couple decades, I always enjoy learning with the former New Yorker now living in Israel, and also accompanying him on Tibetan singing bowls.
R. Greenbaum is coming to LA for a Shabbaton June 5, 6. Call JLE to RSVP. Malavah Malkah Sat. night, June 5, 9:30 pm $12. The Kabbalah of Music.
Rabbi Greenbaum is also with B'nai Horin. Check schedule under Happenings.
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I resonate with poetic teaching from Rabbi LAIBL WOLF of Australia who visits LA. http://www.laiblwolf.com/
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Rabbi AVRAHAM GINSBURG at http://www.inner.org/ For two decades I love learning with this Rav. Many times the Chai Center hosts him.
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A SIMPLE JEW. A spiritual blog  http://asimplejew.blogspot.com/
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Rabbi DAVID INGBER, Romemu, NY. I have greatly enjoyed learning with R. Ingber at Elat Chayyim and LimmudLA and loved being at his NY Romemu Shabbat service with him. "Be your note!", he said. Sounds a little like Reb Zuscha. http://www.romemu.org/. Rabbi Ingber is with Reb Zalman and Eve this Shavuot at Isabella Freedman Center in Conn. I loved being with them there.
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Rabbi ARTHUR SEGAL invites you to write to him at: RabbiASegal@aol.com to subscribe at no fee to his on line Torah and Talmud teachings, filled with a compilation of clearly written material from many sources from basic to Zohar. He does mitzvot taking Torah out to the people where he lives and world-wide.
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Rabbi SHOLOM BRODT. I love the mamash gevaldt deep teachings from his Jerusalem's Reb Shlomo Carlebach Yeshivah. I am grateful that Reb Sholom accepted my invite to teach here locally.   http://www.shlomoyeshiva.org/
http://www.onegtv.org/ for Shlomo teachings by disciples

Many great teachers and Shlomo disciples are heard/seen on this live and archive program Oneg TV including R. Shlomo Katz from the Happy Minyan, now in Jerusalem. I also loved learning with Morah Leah Golomb.
Write to Rabbi Sholom Brodt to receive his weekly teaching and see their video class schedules. Invite him to your community and hear about his yeshivah.
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REB SHLOMO'S TORAHS and STORIES. http://rebshlomo.org/
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Rabbi YAAKOV FOGELMAN's amazing Torahs, A Jerusalem Jewish Voice, short or long versions filled with eclectic wisdom. Contact:
op@actcom.co.il  . www.israelVisit.co.il/top Latest e-mail studies archived at http://www.shamash.org/
I have been blessed to meet Rabbi Fogelman and have Shabbat in his home in the Old City. Ruth Fogelman, wife, is a divine poet.
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MICHAEL JACOBS, former Jerusalem and LA Kabbalah Teacher, author, humorist, and fine Judaic artist, now living in the desert, for years has written a weekly Torah commentary. Interesting Torah points and gematria from a mystic and scribe's wisdom and point of view. Guess what country he is from. Author of  "Ten and Twenty - Two, A Journey Through the Paths of Wisdom" filled with Tarot and Kaballah, and an Omer Counting guide. Michaelojacobs@roadrunner.com
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Rabbi KALATSKY, Yad Avraham live on web and archives. Knowing Heart, Daat Tevunos by Ramchal. LIVE, Wednesday 10 am LA, 1 pm NY. Torah live, Tuesdays 9 am LA time. Rav translates all the Hebrew. I love learning with the Rav and he translates all Hebrew. He sends reminders. Watch more live video broadcasts online at:
To download this week's commentaries please go to: http://www.yadavraham.net/documents/Korach2009.doc
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DAILY DOSE from http://www.chabad.org/ . You too can subscribe to this daily teaching of the Rebbe, revised by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. Receive reminders for magazine and live teachings. Videos, etc.
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THE JEWISH WOMAN: http://www.thejewishwoman.org/ edited by Sara Esther Crispe, on Chabad's web site. I"m grateful they include my writings. Many fine writers in weekly journal.
I've been a Chabadnic ever since I met The Rebbe, zt'l, in 1970, and he gave me a dollar. When needed, The Rebbe sent blesSings.
I was blessed to be able to davven at The Lubavitch Rebbe's kever in Queens, N.Y. I made prayers for all our chevra. This was a mamash, deeply moving experience for me. I gave tzadakah at the grave site and followed the instructions for honoring The Rebbe.
Yes, I am a feminist and Renewal activist, and my deep Torah learning comes from Chabad. I had a Chabad wedding and continue to spend some holidays at Chabad, especially where I say Yiskor for my husband, z'l. Three Lubavitch rabbis (including Reb Zalman and Reb Shlomo, z'l, and my chuppah Rabbi Hecht) gave me my Hebrew names.
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Cantor Michael Russ teaches B'NAI MITZVOT privately in the Valley. http://www.lchayimservices.com/ 818 360-3468. 
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* * * * MORE PRESS

Tablet Magazine http://www.tabletmag.com/  daily online magazine of Jewish news, ideas, and culture, launched June. Tablet Magazine offers up-to-the-minute reactions to the day’s news, sophisticated cultural coverage, and in-depth investigations of broad trends in Jewish life. It combines a newspaper’s skepticism, a journal’s thoughtfulness, and a blog’s immediacy.
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JConnectLA weekly Jewish calendar and community. http://www.jconnectla.com/
Please direct your 20 and 30 year olds to this community e weekly and their activities.
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Jewish events list: http://www.losangelesblueprint.org/
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Published by my Brooklyn cousin, Binyamin Jolkovsky.
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Read the LA Jewish Journal web calendar for LA listings and news. http://www.jewishjournal.com/
They publish a new journal.
OLAM magazine is reborn on internet, published by David Suissa, weekly writer in Jewish Journal.

I love reading Suissa's JJ stories, mostly about the 'Hood'. (OK, I'm a wanna be 'hood' resident.) I'm thrilled that he rebirthed OLAM, filled with spirituality.
See what LA's Samuel K. puts in his website, http://www.sacredfriends.com/
Shalom and BlesSings to you for joy (gila, rena, ditza, simcha, chedva, sason, tzachala),
Joy
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* * * INTRODUCTION for NEW READERS
Dear Chevre,

"Chai Lights" was birthed in the "Jewish Calendar Magazine" in 1983 and my spiritual ARTS monthly column lived there in hard copy for about a dozen years. I then reclaimed Chai Lights, and continue to write the way I began my column and also my newsletter "Kid Kulture" (birthed in 1980, THREE DECADES AGO).

A benefit to JOYous-CHAI-LIGHTS-doublemonthyear.blogspot.com, joy-zine format vs. my e-mailing form for the past years, is that I can and do add to site during the month, so if YOU want something included, feel free to let me know. Send news in Press Release format (plain type, no flyers). In web-blog, joy-zine form, the benefit is that you can also access this updated info at any time.
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You are welcome to "COMMENT" at end of this long POST or else write directly to me. You have my personal address and phone.  I always love reading what YOU write. (My other BLOGS (PR memos mostly, and stories, poetry, not daily diaries) are visible by clicking above on VIEW MY PROFILE.)
Feel free to use any of the info in CHAI LIGHTS for your shul's website info. (Credit sources.)  Let's JOYOUSLY bring "Community into Unity."
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I am happy to share with you my JOYous CHAI LIGHTS of upcoming Shabbats, Chagim/holidays, mostly LA Jewish RENEWAL and post-denominational spiritual events, classes & the ARTS, plus... I only write about the events that I know and love. Not the shuls I used to go to, nor the ones I haven't yet gone to, nor the ones I intentionally don't go to. Thus mine is a partial listing and not 'impartial'. They are where I love to be, and invite you to join me there in joy along the Four Worlds path to The Tree of Life.
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In the merit / zechus and light of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l, I love helping to make our universe a smaller world, one with more spiritual consciousness, connection, compassion, and chesed / lovingkindness. With spiritual Guidance, I make instinctual connections and serve as spiritual guide for others. I believe that music helps to cross boundaries and brings us closer to the Holy One. I emphasize here those events, as well as inspirational, uplifting, joyous learning and prayer opportunities.

Now only bi-monthly, I write this growing, very large mailing, my gift to Chevra, from my Porter Ranch kitchen table looking East to Jerusalem, and no one but I write and proof it. If you see an error, please let me kniow.  I hand click each recipient-- no lists. I consciously think of each person,YOU, our connections, as I click YOUR name. UNSUBSCRIBE-- Let me know. Information is subject to change. Please call events to confirm specific locations, times, fees and accessibility.
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PLEASE FORWARD monthly JOYous CHAI LIGHTS TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY so they, too, can enjoy with you, spiritual Renewal Judaism and learn about traditional Judaism. Most of what I include here is NOT included in other local media. This is the only Jewish spiritual Renewal oriented LA events and shuls list. Click on underlined LINKS for full updated stories of events & some photos. I love it when at an event I meet someone and they tell me they are present because a friend had forwarded JOYous CHAI LIGHTS to them. People stop and tell me they have joined shuls because of these invites. Amayn.

Having Publisher's privilege, I invite you to my many activities, and share them here. You can book me for Kabbalistic workshops, rituals, poetry readings, and for me to play passionate percussion and Miriyahm HaNeviah for Rosh Chodeshes, Women's Passover Seders, simchas, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt'l memorial concerts or other spiritual events. I play for shuls, farbrengens and events mostly throughout greater LA.
 I'd love to play percussion for your organizations.
 www.timbrelsofjoy.blogspot.com
www.joys-music.blogspot.com

Contact me if you want to invite KINDRED SPIRITS, my 18 member percussion ensemble of REMO friends to join you, http://www.kindredspirits.blogspot.com/ or if you want OPEN TO WONDER, my divine band, http://www.opentowonderband.blogspot.com/ for your spiritual services.
If your community/shul desires a sound healer, I'm available-- SOUNDS OF JOY  ~ SOUND SPA.  http://www.healingsoundsofjoy.blogspot.com/
I travel with my crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, bells and gongs that I brought back from Tibet. I love playing them for meditation, vibrational massage, yoga, dance, and homeopathic healing.

JOY SHAKERS. As percussionist for LA synagogues and events, I'm offering a little workshop on small percussion. See PR in link. Please contact me, Joy, for bookings. http://www.joyshakers.blogspot.com/
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SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM   http://simchatchochmah.blogspot.com/
AriellaShira Lewis and I loved offering SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH ~ JOY OF WISDOM at ALEPH's last week-long KALLAH retreat in Ohio, and local shuls, AJU, and Jewish Federation. Call me to book a workshop.
In addition, I, Joy, continue to offer G*D's HOLIEST #7 and Kabbalistic Four World workshops on "Joy."
ABOUT ME: CLICK: VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE for all sites. 30+ blogs.
"Joy breaks through all barriers." The Lubavitch Rebbe.
When I am drumming, connecting to the Source of All BlesSings, I love seeing YOUR smiling hearts radiating from Hashem and illuminating and reflecting Divine light, and then mine drums in joy with your heart. I always love hearing from YOU and hearing about your spiritual path.
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Please ask The Compassionate One for healing blessings / MiSheberach for all those you love, for healing comfort in Four Worlds of spirit, mind, body and soul. Remember to try to use the Hebrew name both of the one in need, along with the mother's Hebrew name. Torah.org offers MiSheberach lists you can use and you can pray for those listed. http://torah.org/services/cholim
Another source I like for Jewish prayer community is, "Daven For Me And I'll Daven For You". info@davenforme.org  http://www.davenforme.org/  718-437-8812. No charge.
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BlesSings for health and joy. See you in shul,
Joy Krauthammer
"Ivdu Et HaShem B'Simcha" Psalm 100:2
Serve G*D in Joy
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* * * CDs
Coming, more Reviews by Joy Krauthammer

See Archives in MY PROFILE for past Reviews.

Love and blesSings until next month.
Joy
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