Metro Briefs November 21
Jewish Vegetarians of North America has launched its new website and professional leadership program.
“Concerns about food safety and the mistreatment of animals are at an all-time high, while diet-related illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity remain at epidemic levels,” Jeffrey Cohan, the first executive director of JVNA, a Pittsburgh-based organization that promotes a healthy meatless diet and lifestyle, said in a prepared statement. “It has become a moral imperative for JVNA to start leading the way to compassionate, healthier lifestyles.”
Cohan said his recent hiring plus the new website, are part of an effort to expand the activities and impact of the organization.
The website brings new information to visitors with interests ranging from religion to recipes. Visitors to jewishveg.com can discover plant-based twists on favorites, including how-tos for matzah ball soup, vegetarian chopped liver and latkes.
The site also offers a segment called “What’s Jewish about Being Veg,” which shares historical Jewish teachings and invites visitors to consider the ethical implications of taking care of themselves, animals and the environment in the modern world.
Pennsylvania’s public funds have sold nearly $60 million of securities from companies investing or operating in Iran and Sudan’s oil and/or military sectors during the past fiscal year, the state Treasurer’s office has announced.
The divestment of these funds is in compliance with Act 44 of 2010/Terror Free Investing.
According to the Treasurer’s office, the sales of these funds have netted a $3.7 million gain for the state.
“Pennsylvania’s Jewish community appreciates the hard work, support, and commitment of Treasurer [Rob] McCord,” Matt Handel, chairman of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, the state Jewish lobbying entity, said in a prepared statement. “His implementation of Terror-Free Investing sends a strong message that Pennsylvania tolerates neither genocidal activities nor countries that sponsor terrorism.”
Act 44 of 2010 has resulted in divestiture from 23 companies that invest or operate in Iran or Sudan’s oil and/or military sectors. McCord also reported that more than 30 of the companies Treasury has monitored have ended their activities in these countries.
Rochel Schiffrin, a paper cut artist and Squirrel Hill native, has five works juried into three shows in the Pittsburgh and Hilton Head Island, S.C. area.
The shows are:
• The 2013 Annual Pittsburgh Society of Artists Show runs through Nov. 29 at Father Ryan Art Center, 420 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks;
• A Juried Group Art Exhibition of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, until Jan. 11, 2014, at The FrameHouse Gallery, 100 43rd St., at the Icehouse building, Lawrenceville; and
• The 2013 Craft Hilton Head Exhibition “IMAGINE,” from Dec. 5 to Jan. 6, 2014, at Art League of Hilton Head, S.C.
Schiffrin’s paper cut art is shown in galleries in Pittsburgh; Rockport, Mass.; and Aventura, Fla.
Living & Learning, a new service of Squirrel Hill Psychological Services, will present a program in December, to be held at Temple David, 4415 Northern Pike, Monroeville.
The upcoming programs are discussion based and led by the professional staff of Squirrel Hill Psychological Services. They will focus on aging, parenting and family dynamics.
“We are looking forward to offering the new Living & Learning programs and providing more of our services beyond Squirrel Hill and in the surrounding communities,” Jordan Golin, director of Squirrel Hill Psychological Services, said in a prepared statement.
A discussion on cognitive enhancement with presenter Ellie Bruner, memory training program coordinator, will be held Friday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m., at Temple David. Attendees will discuss what to do to keep the aging brain healthy and active and will learn about available resources in the community.
Programs are free and open to the public. Contact 412-372-1200 or kayl@templedavid.org for more information.
Shaare Torah Congregation will host Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Jacobson Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
The lecture, “Five Principles of Love: The Torah’s Manual for Powerful Relationships,” will address what a 4,000-year-old tradition has to say about the secrets to fulfilling relationships and powerful intimacy.
Contact Shaare Torah at 412-421-8855 for more information.
Jewish Residential Services will hold a Chanukah Open House, Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Howard Levin Clubhouse, 2621 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill.
Klezlectic will provide music. A donation of mittens, hats, gloves or scarves is requested for the Jewish Family & Children’s Service Refugee Resettlement Program.
Contact JRS at 412-325-0039 or info@jrspgh.org by Nov. 30 to make reservations.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Young Adult Division will hold its 2013 Main Event Thursday, Nov. 21, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Jay Vernon Studios, 3030 Jane St., South Side.
Larry Smith, editor of Smith Magazine and author of the “Six Word Memoir,” is featured.
The evening will include an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and desserts; there is a $36 charge.
Casual attire is suggested.
Contact Meryl Lotz, 412-992-5204 or mlotz@jfedpgh.org for more information and reservations.
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