Stars of David

September 11, 2008 - Michael Elkin, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Jerome J. Shestack

With somber memories the sunset of today's recollections, there are only hopes for a surfeit of surprising sunrises to remind us that shadows may lengthen, but eventually must disappear when caught in the light of human promise. ... Capturing such a promise is one "Star" whose battles on behalf of justice just make the world a better place: Jerome J. Shestack of WolfBlock has been chosen co-recipient of the Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation 2008 International Justice Prize, and will share the $500,000 (!!) award with Judge Thomas Buergenthal of the International Court of Justice. The honor will be accorded later this autumn. ... Here's one "Star" whose march down the aisle weds his talents with the tears and joy of a simcha: Cliff Mautner of Haddonfield, N.J., has been chosen one of the Top Ten Wedding

Cliff Mautner

Photographers in the World -- in the world!! -- by American PHOTO Magazine. A toast of some chopped liver on toast to Mautner and all those tossed bouquets that help make for some fine flower power when "I do!" does it all. ... A league of their own -- that's what this foursome forms: The Passover league of Philadelphia's incoming execs are Paul Perlstein, prexy; Frank Brodsky, veepee; Brian Levine, veepee; and Richard Chait, secretary/treasurer. And "Stars" has been assigned the position of honorary matzah taster. ... The Bonds that tie: Tim Garde, managing partner/the Star Group, is chairing "Renewing the Bond: Israel -- the Dream and You," this coming Tuesday night at Rae, by the 30th Street Station. Making tracks for the event is its special speaker, Edward Turzanski of LaSalle U. ... Fill in the ... Blank Rome LLP has named Shari J. Odenheimer as a partner in the law firm's private client group. ... Keep the faith, rebbe! Rabbi Amy Schwartzman, who's a senior rabbi at Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, Va., has some great fall news for her followers back home in Wynnewood, where her parents, Dr. Robert M. and Elisabeth Schwartzman, are among the faithful: Amy took part in the interfaith service that got the Democratic National Convention rolling in Mile High City, where the Dem delegates offered their own hymn to him, Barack. ... Don't fence him in? Oh, do! Dave Micahnik -- fencing coach for both men's and women's lancers at the U. of P. -- is the latest inductee into the United States Fencing Hall of Fame. Foiled again: His honors are many and, more than 10 years ago, he was part of the first class of honorees of the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. So, Dave, what's your point? ... Ruth Grunfeld, who passed her bar in Pennsylvania and worked for Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, has fans out West, too. The legal eagle's just been named winner of the Andre Gendell Award of Bet Tzedek, an L.A. law firm serving the public interest, for her volunteer work on behalf of disabled clients. ... Want a real find? Try "The Lost Book of Miriam," a dance/theater happening from the mind of West Philly's Alisa Phillips, who will be taking on the role of Aliza bat Rochle in the Philly Fringe-Fest fare, the evenings of Sept. 11 and Sept. 13, at Society Hill Playhouse. ... Ilana M. Blumberg -- whose ivy-strewn reminiscences include time earning her doctorate at the U. of P. -- has been named winner of a Choice Award by the Jewish Book Council, with ceremonies feting the Houses of Study: A Jewish Woman Among Books author in Jerusalem, with Joseph Telushkin as m.c. ... What's Hebrew for "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"? Matt Kalos should know.

Matt Kalos

The pitching ace of Franklin & Marshall College -- where he aced his finals, too, and was a 2008 honors grad -- pitched in as part of the Israel Baseball League's Summer Festival, just concluded near Tel Aviv. Telling all about it are his proud parents, Carol and Marty Kalos of Melrose Park, CrackerJack proud of their son. Hey, Charlie Manuel, maybe there's an opening in that starting rotation? Just get him on the mound before the Jewish holidays get started. If you have to ask why, just call Sandy.