Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon

The Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara held its 35^th annual Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon at the Four Seasons Biltmore with a new kind of program. Instead of a speaker there was the Jewish Women’s Theatre from Santa Monica performing.

What is the mission of the Jewish Women’s Theater? “We strive to challenge minds, move hearts, unify peoples. And use the strength of Jewish culture to do so. Building community is our uncompromising credo. Our passion is to transform stories from page to stage. We live committed to the good, the true, the real and are full of gratitude.”

The group of four actors (three women and a man) had six microphones on stage with no curtain or props. They all had a notebook with the script from which they read and acted simultaneously. The theme of this show was “Family Secrets” all played out with vignettes about youthful indiscretions, missteps, dishonest acts and outright naughty activities that make for a moving, eye-opening and funny show exploring events only whispered, until now! The Women’s Theatre has been voted two years running, “One of the best live theaters on the Westside.”

I learned that the Jewish Federations of North America is the heart and soul of North American Jewry’s philanthropic and humanitarian activities. It embodies a 3,500 year old tradition of caring that goes back to the Torah. It sustains them in the pursuit of Jewish community, Jewish values, and Jewish peoplehood. Federation is the people who care enough to want to perfect an imperfect world. They hope to make a difference in someone’s life.

Before the show, there was conversation time with a silent auction and a delicious salmon lunch. Board president Alan Levy was there along with women’s division chair Cindy Feinberg, women’s division/YAD director Jilli Spear, development administrator Ruby Vargeson and executive director Michael Rassler.

Jilli reminded us of the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, “A woman is like a tea bag. You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Leslie Cane Schneiderman stated, “Jewish family service has given $43,000 to sixty families, victims of the Thomas fire and the debris flow.” There have been thousands of hours of volunteer support in Santa Barbara and around the world. Today’s luncheon was underwritten by sponsors so the proceeds go to the federation and the programs at its Bronfman Family Jewish Community Center at 524 Chapala Street.

The center offers classes from yoga to Yiddish along with counseling, social services, and programs for youth, seniors, and families. There are family support groups for bereavement and Holocaust survivors and much more whether you’re Jewish or not.

The Jewish Film Festival is coming up March 6 through 10 at the New Vic on Victoria Street. To learn about the programs and times, call 805.957.1115 or visit www.sbjewishfilmfestival.org. The Jewish Federation on Chapala is a very interesting place to visit, especially to see the portraits of survival where the survivors tell their stories. They welcome visitors.