Gimbel’s WZC goals: ‘Pluralism, peace, economic justice’

Other items in today’s column include
*Keeping up with Noah Baird
 *Coming our way
* In Memoriam

By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO – In recent articles, we have been profiling San Diegans who have been nominated by various slates to serve as delegates to the World Zionist Congress, which will take place in Jerusalem Oct. 20-22  Among the nominees is Rabbi Jeremy Gimbel, the assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel.

The United States has been apportioned 152 of the 500 delegates who will set policy for such major organizations as the Jewish Agency for Israel, Jewish National Fund, and the World Zionist Organization, allocating as much as $1 billion in the process.

There are 14 slates competing for spots in the delegation, with those slots to be assigned in proportion to what percentage of the total vote each slate receives.  “I am number 36 on the [“Vote Reform] slate,” Rabbi Gimbel notes.  In the last election, approximately five years ago, the Reform movement’s slate won 56 delegates.  “I am very optimistic about my chances to serve as a delegate in the WZC.  It would be an incredible honor to serve.”

Asked how he came to be selected, Gimbel responded: “The Reform Movement has countless Israel-loving leaders within our movement.  The slate is comprised of people throughout the movement who engage in Israel activism.  The Reform Movement also values younger voices and, therefore, committed to a certain percentage of its slate to be under 35 [which Gimbel is.]  In addition to my age, Israel education and Zionism are core components of my Jewish and rabbinic identity.”

While Gimbel is the only immediately identifiable San Diegan to be listed on the “Vote Reform” slate, he commented that there are two Beth Israel alumni, Garrett Layton and Celia Tedde, who are also on the slate, “but I am the only one currently living in San Diego.  Garrett is in college and Celia recently graduated.”

The rabbi was asked what he hopes the World Zionist Congress will accomplish.

He responded: “It surprises most Americans that in Israel there are largely two ways to practice Judaism: Orthodox or secular.  There is a growing movement of Jews who want to find meaningful and relevant ways of engaging with Jewish life.  This happens through funding small and emerging Jewish communities in Israel and providing opportunities for Israelis to education Americans.  For example, for the last two years, the San Diego community has been the beneficiary of the ‘shinshin’ program, where an Israeli does a gap-year between high school and army service to teach and be present in our institutions.  This program has made an extraordinary impact on our entire community, and it is partially funded through the WZC.

“In addition, I hope that WZC addresses issues relating to pluralism, peace, and economic justice. I also hope that the WZC can ensure organizations like the Jewish National Fund retain our values, preventing the use of government and public funds in ways that are antithetical to our ideology.”

Balloting for the various slates begins January 21 and continues through March 11.  Any American Jew over 18, who does not vote in Israel’s elections, is eligible to register via www.zionistelection.org.  The U.S. election is administered by the American Zionist Movement.

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Keeping up with Noah Baird

Fourteen-year-old Noah Baird continues with his gang-busters showbiz career.  Having won the local Sandra Ellis-Troy Scholarship in 2019 as best young actor, and having had a Broadway debut in 2015 when he played two roles (Eric and Nigel) in Matilda, the Carlsbad resident recently was tapped by Disney to do voice overs for the cartoon Ducktales, in which he provides the voice for the character B.O.Y.D.

Noah is son of Daniel Baird and Becky Cherlin Baird, who was the founder of the J*Company, a position she retained from 1993 to 2005, when Noah was born.  She has since managed Noah’s career, whose has a long list of credits that include local productions, television shows, and New York City productions.

He is the grandson of Ed & Sue Cherlin and of Carol Davidson Baird & Steven Baird.  Grandmother Sue Cherlin proudly points out that Noah recently made an appearance at the La Jolla Playhouse’s Gala in which he reprised the 10-year-old incarnation of the title character in Who’s Tommy.  “He appeared with Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff and the original cast members,” Grandma Cherlin noted.

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Coming our way

Sol Lizerbram, national president of Jewish National Fund-USA, will be the featured after-dinner speaker at the Tifereth Israel Men’s Club annul paid-up members dinner at 6 p.m., Sunday, March 1.  He and his wife, Lauren Lizerbram, will report on important JNF projects in Israel.  Those who pay the $36 Men’s Club membership fee by Feb. 16 may attend the kosher dairy dinner for free. For others, the cost is $40, according to the club’s co-presidents Phil Lorang and Bill Speriling.
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In Memoriam
Beth Jacob Congregation has announced that the funeral services for Dr. Al Sagalnick will be conducted on Monday at the Home of Peace Cemetery, 3668 Imperial Avenue, with Shiva at 6:30 p.m. to be held Monday through Thursday at the Sagalnick home in Chula Vista.  More information via the synagogue at 619-287-9890.

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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com