Like many women, Jewish textile artist Laurie...

Like many women, Jewish textile artist Laurie Gross often felt uncomfortable when asked for a handout on the street.

“As a woman, I felt vulnerability and fear,” she said, “yet I wanted to help when asked.” She said she was also influenced by centuries of rabbinical teachings “that say that we have an obligation not to deny a request from a needy person.”

For Gross, writing checks to shelters and other charitable organizations was not a satisfactory fulfillment of her religious obligation to the poor “because it doesn’t provide a visible opportunity to be an example to our children.”

But opening up her purse and exposing the bills in her wallet to find money for a beggar on the street made her feel unsafe. Watching her husband reach easily into his pocket for change, Gross, who lives in Santa Barbara, realized that she “didn’t have a parallel action.”

She discussed the problem with a female rabbi, who said that she had experienced the same conflict and for that reason wore only clothes with pockets. “I wasn’t willing to throw out half my wardrobe,” Gross said. “I decided that I needed a portable pocket.”

Turning to her art, she worked out her ambivalence by creating a new ritual object, a tzedakah (charity) pocket, which has begun to be worn by Jews and non-Jews.

This year, she designed the first tzedakah pocket, now on display at the Yeshiva University Museum in New York City.

The Reform movement of Judaism commissioned 40 pockets, which are worn on a shoulder strap, as an award to women rabbis and cantors. Westmont College, a Christian evangelical school in Santa Barbara, has Gross’ work on display and has sold several pockets. An Episcopal priest in Los Angeles has asked Gross to conduct workshops on giving at churches here.

The design of the pockets is steeped in biblical symbolism. The three material elements--linen, silk and cotton--represent the three pillars of Judaism: Torah, work and good deeds. There are numerous other biblical references, including a numerological allusion to the matriarch Rebecca, who personified generosity by drawing well water for Eliezer, a thirsty servant, and his camels.

Gross has had her works exhibited at museums, galleries and universities throughout the United States. She has produced a popular version of the pocket, which will be on sale at the Festival of Jewish Artisans the evenings of Nov. 13 and 14 at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles (see listing below). On Nov. 14, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., she will conduct a workshop at the festival entitled “Head, Hands & Heart,” at which participants can explore the traditional view of tzedakah and create their own pockets using woven textiles and simple sewing techniques.

DATES

Please phone to confirm the date, time and location of events near areas affected by the recent fires.

* State Sen. Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) and social thinker Susan Griffin will speak on “Politics, Spirituality and the Environment” at 7:30 p.m. today at the First Christian Church in Santa Monica. Hayden, a longtime legislator and political activist, is the author of the forthcoming book “Toward a Gospel of the Earth.” Griffin is the author of “Woman and Nature” and “A Chorus of Stones.” She has received a MacArthur Grant for Peace and International Cooperation and an Emmy for her play “Voices.” A $15 admission benefits EarthWays, a project of the Earth Trust Foundation, whose Spirit and Nature Program is presenting the event. 609 Arizona Ave. (310) 456-3534.

* Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg will discuss efforts to control crime and violence in schools and neighborhoods and the proposed breakup of the Los Angeles Unified School District at 11 a.m. Sunday at First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles, 2936 W. 8th St. (213) 389-1356.

* The 13th annual Festival of Jewish Artisans takes place Saturday evening and Sunday, Nov. 13-14, at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles. Calligraphers, weavers, jewelers, ceramists, silversmiths and other artists from across the United States and Israel will display and sell their works. The festival opens at 8 p.m. Saturday with music by the Golden State Klezmer Band and the Buddy Collette Trio. Doors open at noon Sunday. Included in Sunday’s admission is a family concert of music, comedy and storytelling by Cindy Paley and Kenny Ellis at 1 p.m. Optional art workshops will be offered Sunday for children and adults. Saturday evening admission is $10 including refreshments. Sunday admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children. Reservations recommended. 10345 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 277-2772.

* “The Cult of Saints in the Middle Ages and Renaissance,” an exhibition of illuminated manuscripts, is on view at the Getty Museum in Malibu through Jan. 9. “This exhibition of rare, painted books from the 13th to 16th Century provides visitors with a picture of an important aspect of medieval spirituality and highlights the significance of the cult of saints in the everyday lives of people in this period,” said organizer Kurtis Barstow. A series of five free lectures is offered in conjunction with the show. Lecture reservations are required. (310) 458-2003.

* The Ecumenical Child Care Network holds its 10th anniversary conference from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Quality Hotel Maingate in Anaheim. Tom Hunter, a singer, pastor, storyteller and minstrel, and Shirley Morgenthaler, author of “Right From the Start: A New Parents’ Guide to Child Faith Development” and a Concordia College professor, are guests. The network is a national interfaith organization offering workshops and resources for congregational leaders, educators, pastors and child advocates. Registration is $90, including luncheon. Network members receive a discount. (619) 495-7002

* The Right Rev. John M. Krumm, retired Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio and former chaplain of Columbia University, will preach on “The Continuing Challenge of AIDS” at the fifth annual West Hollywood AIDS Mass to be celebrated during an ecumenical service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church. The lives of all people who died of AIDS during the past year will be honored, regardless of their religious belief. Names may be submitted to be read at the service by calling (213) 876-2102. 7501 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles.

BRIEFLY

* The Clergy Network will honor Dr. Sonja Hagel, a registered nurse and associate administrator of Century City Hospital, at a private luncheon of clergy and lay people Wednesday for her work in organizing relief for the Christian and Muslim children of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

* Steve Breuer, executive director of Wilshire Boulevard Temple since 1980, has been elected president of the National Assn. of Temple Administrators. The Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am (preschool through eighth grade) is holding a series of informal open houses. (310) 652-7353. B’nai David-Judea Congregation offers new classes in Talmud and Torah study for women and introductory traditional Judaism. (310) 276-9269.

Notices may be sent to Southern California File by mail c/o Religion Editor, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or by fax to (213) 237-4712. Items must be brief and arrive at least three weeks in advance. Include a phone number, date, time and full address.