(Community Matters) Loved catching up with so many friends at Gabe Larkin’s bar mitzvah yesterday. Gabe, his parents, Lisa & Jay Larkin, and brother, Ryan, among our dear friends from the trip to Israel a couple of years ago.
Gabe Larkin
The service was at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, an exquisitely constructed synagogue half a block from Central Park on the Upper West Side. Especially enjoyed their rabbi, Robert Levine, who happened to have attended rabbinical school with Austin Rabbi Kerry Baker. Lots of thoughts about Judaism and inclusion while we were at the service. As I’ve said for many years now, too many evangelizing Christians are spoiling the name & word of Jesus by promoting Christianity as exclusive. Rabbi Levine even spoke about the inclusiveness of God’s favor, acknowledging it is broad enough to include all faiths. He said “the chosen ones” refers to those who choose God, not those God chooses.
We sat with Loni & Manny Azenberg, also just in front of Prof. Ernestine Bradley. Regrettably, all three had to leave immediately after the service – the Azenberg’s for Rebecca’s dance performance in Philadelphia and to celebrate her birthday. Had a super conversation with Manny about Austin playwright Martin Zimmerman’s work and his recent production in NYC. Manny thought it was an important step for Martin and stands by the brilliance of the work. Manny has a very cool new project underway (previous reports of his
retirement, his own disinformation as I’ve come to learn). After graduating *Spring Awakening* – he was an original producer and the general manager but has not stayed involved for the road show – he is in negotiations to bring back the work of a Broadway great. Can’t blog yet but coming.
Much fun, dancing, eating, drinking at Jay’s Club 81 for the reception. Loved dancing the horah .
Steven, Eleanor, Roman & Jack
Jack Tantleff’s left William Morris and is now representing clients at Paradigm. Eleanor Reissa performing, directing and writing – recently back from an Eastern European tour. Her yiddish cabaret act is to die for. Roman Sworecki every bit the gentleman, busy surgeon and Eleanor’s #1 fan as always. We’ll be back soon for a weekend at their Conneticut home.
Community Matters 