Stars of David

July 02, 2009 - Michael Elkin, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Lisa Coben

Even with all the fireworks this weekend, here's one sparkler tough to match: Lisa Coben, owner of Events Architects of Dresher, lights up the life of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, which helps rehab low-income communities. Nothing low-rent about this honor: For all her work on their behalf, RTP has named Coben its "2009 Volunteer Award" recipient, also saluting her as a "Goodwill Ambassador." Goodwill hunting: Coben knows from building bridges; she was special-events consultant to "Mitzvah Mania 2008" of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, helping link, with RTP help, volunteers with Northeast Philadelphian homeowners who needed a special hand.

Stewart J. Eisenberg

Hey, Lisa and RTP, in your efforts to rebuild and restructure hopes and lives -- and homes -- ever in need of a roofer? Just look to your local screen; that's where Evan Buxbaum's latest effort was showing. Buxbaum's "The Roofer" was reeling in audiences as part of the recent Philadelphia Independent Film Festival in Northern Liberties.

Trial run? No, set in stone: Stewart J. Eisenberg, founder/ senior partner of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., is the new president of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association.

These women can compose their own music for an "Executive Suite." And how sweet the news that they've been named to lead roles in the Forum of Executive Women. Topping out as president of the group is Ellen Toplin, president of StarToplin and managing partner of the Star Group. Nila G. Betof, COO of the Leaders Edge, has the edge as the forum's secretary, while Melissa Weiler Gerber -- exec director of Womens Way, Philadelphia -- serves where it counts; she was elected treasurer.

Ellen Toplin

By raising funds for a less fortunate child's Bar Mitzvah, Brandon Lapensohn, son of Howard and Jill, raised the bar of compassion for kids his own age. Working with Rana Bell, Northeast development director of Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options, whom the youngster met at a local Golden Slipper meeting -- dad's a G.S. member -- Brandon put together a March Madness pool as his own mitzvah project that netted some $6,000, even more than was needed for JAFCO to sponsor a ceremony for one of its kids. March Madness is now July Jubilation; the checks are still coming in. Is there a career in "fun"-raising in the Bar Mitzvah boy's future?

Burt Siegel

Much appreciated -- that's the widespread reaction to Burt Siegel's long-term service as exec director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Philadelphia. Now retired -- yeah, try telling that to someone trying to keep his calendar -- Siegel just received an Official Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Israel for all his legendary legerdemain at a ceremony held at the private residence of Daniel Kutner, consul general of Israel in Philadelphia. Burt has been hailed in the past for pulling off communal miracles, but the baseball guru may pull off the best yet: His bluesy Dodgers are in first place. For a change.