Soviet Yiddish Writers Executed in 1952 to Be Remembered

A commemoration of 14 prominent Soviet Yiddish writers who were executed in Moscow in 1952 will be held Sunday afternoon at Workmen’s Circle Center. The service, scheduled for 2 p.m., will include a lecture and poetry readings by Yiddish actress Chayale Ash. Translation from Yiddish to English will be provided. Scholars believe the Yiddish language was dealt a major blow when Joseph Stalin ordered the execution of the group of Yiddish writers. Workmen’s Circle Center is at 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (310) 552-2007.

* Hoping to advance present-day religious freedom in Russia, the First United Methodist Church of San Gabriel is taking part in a nationwide Russian leadership exchange program. About 3,000 emerging political leaders from Russia will visit the United States for the first time and stay with American families to learn about government, schools, hospitals, courts and religious institutions. The program, titled Open House Russian Leadership Exchange, is sponsored by the United Methodist Church, the Library of Congress and Rotary International. Paul M. Lee, co-chairman of the church’s Missions and Social Concerns Commission in Glendale, said 10 Russian leaders will arrive in Los Angeles on Aug. 17 for a 10-day stay.

HOPELINE

The Metropolitan Community Church in North Hollywood has established a Hopeline with a recorded message of spiritual inspiration and encouragement. The messages by the Rev. Jeffrey Pulling are available 24 hours a day and are changed once a week. In light of the shootings at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills, this week’s Hopeline message warned against despairing in the face of tragedy and touched on the words of Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength.” The Hopeline can be reached at (818) 762-2889. The Metropolitan Community Church is an ecumenical church that welcomes all people without regard to sexual orientation, race or ethnicity.

LECTURE

A lecture series on the Orthodox Church is being presented at the Archangel Michael Orthodox Bookstore in Los Angeles. On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Matushka Deborah Tomasi will speak on “The Soul After Death: The Mystical Journey Beyond This World.” On Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m., Helen Ferrari will lecture on “Saint Xenia, Homeless Wanderer of Petersburg.” The bookstore is at 12550 W. Washington Blvd. All lectures are free.

EVENTS

Diamond Bar Congregational Church is holding its Evening Family Camp program, “Strengthen the Family,” which is open to the public. The weeklong event, which will run from Monday through next Saturday, will focus on combating violence. Organizers said the program will work on strengthening communication and discovering ways to resolve family problems peacefully. For information about registration for the program, call (909) 861-4735. Diamond Bar Congregational Church is a member of the United Church of Christ and is at 2335 S. Diamond Bar Blvd.

* In preparation for the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, Metivta will explore the spiritual meaning of the culmination of the year at its annual retreat. The program will take place Friday through Aug. 22 at La Casa de Maria Retreat Center in Santa Barbara. Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man will examine the concepts of judgment, compassion and forgiveness, the underlying themes of the Holy Days. Metivta, the Aramaic word for academy, offers classes in meditation, Jewish spirituality, Kabbalah and Torah study. The center is at 2001 S. Barrington Ave. in West Los Angeles. For reservations, call (310) 477-5370.

MUSIC

Leo Baeck Temple continues its summer worship, “Shabbat Under the Stars.” All summer, the Reform congregation will conduct the Friday night service in its outdoor chapel. Rabbis will teach or lead discussions in lieu of a formal sermon. Temple officers say the services offer a casual opportunity to get acquainted with clergy, staff and other members. The temple is at 1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles. Call (310) 476-2861 for information.

* Tonight, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church of Thousand Oaks will hold its fourth annual concert and picnic on the green. Church and community members are invited to bring a picnic basket, chairs or blankets for an informal picnic that will begin at 5:30 p.m. Camerata Pacifica, a classical music ensemble, will present a concert in the church sanctuary at 7 p.m. Emmanuel Presbyterian Church is at 588 Camino Manzanas in Thousand Oaks.

* The Jack Lantz Big Band will play at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church on Sunday at 4 p.m. in the church’s outdoor courtyard. The 16-piece band will perform swing by Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington. Suggested donations for the concert are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $3 for children. The church is at 505 N. Rodeo Drive. For reservations or further information, call (310) 271-5194.

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* Pasadena Presbyterian Church will continue its Music at Noon series Wednesday with pianist John Naples. The 30-minute concerts are held in the church sanctuary and begin at 12:10 p.m. Listeners are invited to bring a brown-bag lunch or purchase lunch at a sandwich buffet. The church is at 585 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. For 24-hour concert information, call (626) 793-2191.