Stars of David

September 20, 2007

Dr. Linda E. Greenbaum

It's fall, "Stars" fave time of year, and in its honor, he offers a special six-sided leaf to these oaks of the community: Linda E. Greenbaum, M.D., has been named "Researcher of the Year" by the Delaware Valley Chapter, American Liver Foundation. The assistant prof of medicine at the division of gastroenterology at U. of P. School of Medicine is in good company; among other honorees are Barbara A. Haber, M.D., of the Fred & Suzanne Biesecker Pediatric Liver Center/CHOP, named "Physician of the Year." Jann Zwerling Blatstein and Lee Blatstein join Amanda and Bill Gershanick; Eileen Grove; Megan and Joe Holden; Berit and Robert Price; and Erin and Robert Salmi on the upcoming ALF's gala honors committee, chaired by Joseph and Sharon McGinley. ... Professor Jenna Weissman Joselit of Princeton University is doing some library work: She'll discuss "Holy Moses! A Cultural History of the Ten Commandments in Modern America," Oct. 11, at the Library of Congress, in Washington, D.C. It's the culmination of her work as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the John W. Kluge Center. Wonder if anyone from Monty Python will show up? ... Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy 25th birthday, Prudent Management Associates -- founded by Dr. Marshall E. Blume and Edward L. Snitzer, and celebrating with a big luncheon/function at the Four Seasons next month with John J. Brennan of the Vanguard group as guest speaker -- happy birthday to you! ... A major new voice on the local cantorial scene: David Acker is at the pulpit ushering in the High Holidays as new cantor at Congregation Ohev Shalom in Wallingford. ... And just a sponge cake away making news is native Philly resident Moshe Saks, named new rabbi of Congregation B'nai Israel in Toledo, Ohio. ... On their watch: Cartier and Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelry -- latter owned by Harvey Rovinsky -- have teamed up for a preview of the Cartier jeweled watch collection (any extras, just toss one "Stars" way) later this month as a benefit for the Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation. It's all ticking off at the Radnor Hotel in St. Davids. ... Pod people? Sharon Geller was one of the area actresses who lent her voice to "The Many Men of Martha Manning," a podcast that was part of the recent Philly Fringe-fest (no tallis required). Also making her impact felt among the many performers: Karin Bookbinder, who got it all together for her part in "Disarray," by Ring Dance Theater. Also: Linda Dubin Garfield's "We Are What We Carry: Pocketbook Portraits," in the visual arts, didn't need a coach to elicit praise from fans. ... Unusual and exciting new exhibit at the National Liberty Museum in Society Hill, "Inspiration" cites those who have overcome "physical or cognitive challenges with courage, determination and hope." The eclectic list includes Itzhak Perlman (polio) and Paula Abdul (bulimia), which may be the first time these two Jewish music mavens have been on any list together -- except, of course, as American idols. ... And all that jazz takes on a decidedly scholarly note these days for klezmer klean-up hitter Elaine Hoffman Watts. The klezmer maven from Havertown has just been named a heritage fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts. Time for some dancing, Elaine. Let the clarinets do the talking! ... Howdy podner! That's the greeting accorded by Fox Rothschild LLP, as it recently elected a bunch of partners, including Loren David Danzis of the Bucks County branch; Andrew Kaplan of the Princeton, N.J., office; and Sheldon K. Rennie, Wilmington office. ... Jersey girl Caitlin Piserchia, 15, of Haddonfield, has her moment in the sun: The teen was a finalist in the first high school essay contest held by Moment mag. Caitlin captured their attention with her piece, "What Can Be Done to Prevent Genocide?" ... Tinseltown's tag team? Bros Michael and David Berenbaum are busy climbing that Hollywood and Vine rope to success. City boy Michael is in pre-production as an editor on the film "Sex and the City," while writer David's in post-prod on "The Spiderwick Chronicles." Must be something in the Philadelphia seltzer.