Religion Notes
AWARDS DINNER: The San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council will bestow its Human Relations awards on attorney Benjamin M. Reznik, Rotary International District 5260 and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a black-tie-optional gala March 20 at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills. Reznik will be honored for his many community activities, including support of environmental issues. Rotary International, represented by District Gov. Leo Levy, is to be honored for supporting children’s programs, including the council’s program to “adopt” child-abuse caseworkers. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, represented by Michael J. Fairclough, president of the Los Angeles Stake, will receive the award as a tribute to its support for the indigent in the Valley, including the council’s Food Pantry Coalition. In addition, former Assembly Democratic leader Richard Katz will receive the council’s “Spirit of the Valley” award for his 16 years of service to the region.
The event begins with a silent auction and reception at 6 p.m. Doors open for dinner at 7 p.m. Cost is $150 per person. Reservations are due March 18. (818) 718-6460, Ext. 3014.
HOLY WEEK RETREAT: A Holy Week retreat, which attracts religious leaders as well as lay people, will be held at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino. Led by Father Michael Crosby, the retreat will begin at 5 p.m. March 23 (Palm Sunday) and conclude at 11 a.m. March 30 (Easter Sunday) at the center at 4316 Lanai Road. The retreat will build around key questions asked by Jesus. Each day will include periods of private reflection on scripture, input, daily Eucharist, prayer ritual and faith sharing.
Members of the public who are not participating in the retreat are welcome to attend a dinner and liturgy March 27 (Maundy Thursday). Cost is $25 for the dinner. There will also be other Roman Catholic liturgies open to the public during the week. The retreat can accommodate up to 24 people. Cost is $280 per person. Reservations: (818) 784-4515.
EDUCATORS GATHER: Nearly 700 people working at 70 Jewish preschools in Southern California are expected to attend the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Early Childhood Spring Institute on Thursday at Adat Ari El in North Hollywood. More than 40 workshops will explore aspects of child and moral development, the teaching of religious values, and social issues affecting young children and their families. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the synagogue at 12020 Burbank Blvd. Cost is $20 per person. Registration: (213) 852-6561.
LUNCHTIME DISCUSSION: “Grappling with the Prayerbook: Must We Mean What We Pray?” will be the title of a “Lunch and Learn” discussion after 9 a.m. Shabbat services March 15 at Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. Led by Rabbi Stephen Tucker, the discussion will focus on the relevance and meaning of prayer in the modern world. Reservations are not required and there is no charge for lunch. (818) 360-1881.
JOINT SERVICE: Temple Kol Tikvah and the El Bethel Apostolic Church of Pacoima will meet together for a service of celebration at 10:45 a.m Sunday at the church at 13220 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima. (818) 896-5022.
ETHICS SEMINAR: Students from religiously oriented Southern California universities will gather at the University of Judaism for a seminar on “The Ecological and Moral Effects of Water Distribution in California.” Students from Cal Lutheran University, Loyola Marymount and the University of Judaism will discuss such topics as the obligation of those who have water to those who don’t, balancing the welfare of two communities and whether decisions are based on religious tradition. The seminar topic was chosen because “it has many ramifications about what one person owes another and, by extension, what one community owes another,” said Gladys Sturman, an associate regent at the University of Judaism and chairwoman of the organizing committee.