Stars of David

July 09, 2009 - Michael Elkin, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Lori Shemtob

Can you top this? Lawyer Lori Shemtob of Montco, whose specialty is divorce and family law, has been named one of the top 50 women attorneys in the state by Law & Politics Media, Inc., which publishes Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. She is woman, hear ye, hear ye roar. ... Odyssey of two homers: Ruth and Bennett Nathanson of Bala Cynwyd co-chaired an American Technion Society Odyssey Mission that led them to the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, where they helped dedicate the Israel facility's Louis and Bessie SteinBiotechnology and Food Engineering Complex, named after Ruth's parents. ... Harry Kalas never called an Irv Homer, but for those fans of the fiery and feisty talk-radio broadcaster long of WWDB-FM and then WBCB, Homer covered all his bases proudly and defiantly long before he died a Philly heavy-hitter at the age of 85 on June 24. ... The Land of Milk and Honey ... and Chocolate. Sabra Oded Brenner has opened an oasis in the chocolate dessert of Center City -- yeah, as in desserts -- with Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man. Bald Man? Check out the luxe toppings!

Adam Shapiro

... A minyan of graduating classes: It was a special ceremony at the Gratz College Florence Adult Mini-School as all gathered to cap (and gown) the 10th graduating class in the school's history. Speakers/grads Nina Bonderow, Larry Kagel and Randi Raskin Nash offered a trio of treasured memories from their days there. ... Abington's Adam Shapiro knows more than beans about "Cafe"; he also appeared in the locally shot film of Nationlight Productions. Give the man a cup of Joe -- and credit too, for the starring role he's about to take on at this summer's Los Angeles premiere of "Manuscript," at the Elephant Theatre. (Must be something about actors and trunks.) ... Good impression you're making, Henry Steinberg! Harris and ane Steinberg's son was declared a winner in the "Cézanne and Beyond: Art of Inspiration Contest."

Andy Snitzer

... Jersey "boy" Mike Kurpiel has found a home at the National Association of Home Builders, which just inducted him into its Society of Honored Associates; he also was named national associate chairman of the org. ... Sounds of silence? Not for Andy Snitzer. The much-recorded, much-respected musician from Philly has taken his sax and the city talents globally and is wrapping up a tour of Australia, New Zealand and Japan with -- coo-coo-ca-choo -- Simon and Garfunkel, touring with the duo on sax and keyboards. ... Who knew that earning a J.D. could qualify one for "Jittery Directions"? Getting a law job these days is not as actionable as it once was, which is why "Lawyers in Transition," a program planned by the Philadelphia Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Institute, had many attorneys and wannabes clearing their dockets to attend. A panoply of talent led the panel, including law men/women Daniel J. Siegel and Ellen Freedman, as well as communications specialist Gina F. Rubel. Who knew, maybe Mama was wrong?