Stars of David

May 14, 2009 - Michael Elkin, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Penn pal: Julie Steinberg, now in her senior year at the U. of P., where she's an editor at the Daily Pennsylvania, has the write stuff, indeed: She's just been named a recipient of a 2009 Robert L. Bartley Fellowship from The Wall Street Journal, which will allow her a paid summer internship at the newspaper, working at its "Leisure & Arts" section. For those who didn't know WSJ had such a section, well, someone's got to review Bond movies.

And the paper now has a two-timer on its award list: David Feith, son of Douglas Feith, former under secretary of defense for policy under George W., and grandson of late Philly philanthropist and communal icon Dalck, has been named a repeat winner, having been granted the fellowship last year as well. The Columbia U. senior will take his internship on the paper's editorial page. "Stars," using the editorial we, applauds the choices.

Julia Swain

Not too early to wear white, especially for Julia Swain of the legal eagles at Fox Rothschild LLP. She was recently honored with the "White Hat Award" from the Legal Clinic for the Disabled. Swain was saluted for "dedicated volunteer work on behalf of people with disabilities."

Go South, young man! Well, Greeley had great advice for the Western voyagers, and, now, it seems Florida Stage producing director Louis Tyrell has some southern comfort for localite Seth Rozin. The artistic head of Philadelphia's InterAct Theater is acting on his instincts as a playwright, accepting an invite from the Florida company to bring his "Two Jews Walk Into a War

" scenario down South. It's a comedy about a Jewish congregation in Kabul. Community of one? Make that two -- and both congregants would rather eat a pledge card than talk to each other. The set-up is set for production later this year.

It's as easy as -- Matthew Rosenberger's ABC City Guides for Kids travels well with children and their folks. Now the Erdenheim resident -- accompanied by his daughters -- has booked travel for two additional editions: New Orleans -- mmm, smell those beignets -- and Chicago, second to none in its possibilities for family fun. After reading these, "Stars" is thinking about making plans with his little sweetie for Cafe du Monde -- but will probably wait for her first (sweet) tooth to come in.

Recognize these names? You will if you attend Congregation Rodeph Sholom, where its "Volunteer Recognition Shabbat and Dinner" cited Thomas Perloff, with its Joshua Award; and Ellen Teplick, with the Tikkun Olam Award.

As Jerry Lewis would say: "Hey, L-a-d-i-e-s!" The Auxiliary of the Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life is feting the auxiliary and all past (and current) prexys -- 29 great women -- at its annual luncheon on May 19. This wealth of history will be celebrated at the Commonwealth Country Club in Horsham.

Ellen Toplin

Ellen Toplin, this is your life! Or at the very least, your career! The only one missing from toasting the public-relations guru -- managing partner of the Star Group and prexy, StarToplin -- as she was inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Hall of Fame by the Philadelphia Public Relations Association may have been Ralph Bellamy. But certainly, Stephen A. Cozen of Cozen O'Connor and broadcast legend Larry Kane -- who served, respectively, as speaker and master of ceremonies -- wouldn't miss the opportunity to help honor the award-winning pro at the event. Go ahead, Ellen, knock yourself out -- send out a release! Contact the writer at: melkin@jewishexponent.com (215-832-0735).