By Eileen Wingard
LA JOLLA, California–Judy and Howard Rubenstein will be joined by songwriter Ron Horvitz as the featured presenters for Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices next Tuesday evening, January 18, 7: 30 pm at the Astor Judaica Library, Lawrence Family JCC. This free series, showcasing local poets and song writers, will begin its third consecutive year.
Judy Rubenstein, a New York City native, received degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard Graduate School of Education. She was the senior author of “Essentials of Reading and Writing English,” published by the National Textbook Company/Mcgraw-Hill. Together with her husband Howard, she has written a Haggadah, “Becoming Free” and two songbooks with accompanying CDs, “Songs of the Seder” and “Happy Chanuka.” Both contain her original English versions of the Hebrew songs.
Howard Rubenstein, after retiring from a distinguished career of medical practice and research at Harvard Medical School and eleven years of consulting at the California Department of Social Services, devotes himself now to his writing. His plays have been produced in San Diego, and his epic poem, “Maccabee,” has been published.
Inspired by Bob Dylan, Ron Horvitz began playing the guitar at age 16. An accountant by profession, the self-taught guitarist first focused on blues, jazz and ragtime. Later, Ron began composing his own songs and he took up an additional instrument, the ukulele. He has performed at folk festivals and coffee houses.
Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices will continue with a second evening February 22 featuring poets Pepe Stepansky, Zeji Ozeri and Janet Tiger. March 22, Ilya Kaminsky and Lilah Sugarman will be featured.
Following the programmed presenters, there will be a half hour of open mike. There is no charge, although a $5.00 donation is suggested.
*
Wingard is a freelance writer based in San Diego