By Eileen Wingard
LA JOLLA, California — The next Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices program, Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. in the Astor Judaica Library of the Lawrence Family JCC will feature the poetry of the late Gloria Gervitz, winner of the 2019 Pablo Neruda Prize; Jim Lewis, who found his poetic voice in San Diego’s poetry reading circles, and Phyllis Schwartz, author of children’s books in verse. After the first hour of featured poets, there will be a half hour of open mic. To register: RSVP HERE
The Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices Committee prides itself on discovering poetic talent within our community for the featured poets segments. During its sixteen seasons, it has featured the same poet again only once, Zev Bar-Lev, z”l. At one program, he read his Hebrew poems, at the other, his English works.
The committee members, in addition to selecting the featured poets for three events, and choosing the poets for the Jewish Poets of the Past programs, function as talent scouts throughout the year. They also pay close attention to any new voices at the open mic segments of the local poets’ programs as potential featured poets for the following season.
The poetry of Gloria Gervitz came to my attention when my walking partner, Shelley Druskin, introduced me to Gervitz’ widower, Abraham Maczka, who lives in our complex. Maczka gave me a copy of the English translation of Gervitz’ extensive poem, “Migrations,” which earned her the Pablo Neruda Prize, Mexico’s foremost poetry prize.
Eight excerpts from “Migrations” will be read, first in English by Jane Zeer, a member of the JP-JV Committee, then in Spanish, by polyglot, Monique Kunewalder. Both readers participated in last season’s Jewish Poets of the Past program, Jane, reading the English poetry of Bertha Kling and Monique reading the Italian poetry of Primo Levi.
Gloria Gervitz was born in Mexico City in 1943. Her parents were from the Ukraine. She not only wrote original poetry, but she translated into Spanish the poetry of others, such as the work of Samuel Becket. She led poetry workshops throughout Mexico. She was also an art historian. She died in 2022.
Jim Lewis was suggested to the committee by Joy Heitzmann, co-founder of Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices and moderator for the series. Joy has been a longtime board member of Ohr Shalom Synagogue where Jim belongs. When she learned that Jim wrote poetry, she recommended him for the JP-JV series.
Jim Lewis was born in Kokomo, Indiana. He attended high school and some college in Central Indiana, struggling with a learning disability that was never properly addressed. After joining the Navy, he spent his spare time reading and discovered poetry. He joined a Monday night Poetry reading group in Hillcrest where his poetry reading was well-received.
He began writing of the HIV experience, adding elements of his own personal life
Phyllis Schwartz was recommended to the committee by the Lawrence Family JCC’s CEO, Betzy Lynch. Phyllis had contacted her about wanting to get involved.
Phyllis Schwartz was born in New York City and moved a year later to Los Angeles. After elementary school, she and her parents spent time in India where her father, Larry Schwartz, taught under the Fulbright program. Her father then took a position teaching at San Diego City College.
Phyllis graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Radio-TV Journalism in which she has had a distinguished career in Chicago and San Diego before retiring in 2020.
Her battles with cancers inspired her first children’s book in rhyme, When Mom Feels Great, Then We Do Too! Her recent book, Mom Wombat Says Make War No More! has an anti-bullying theme. Her poetry has been published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Hole in the Head Review, Vine Leaves Press and Spillwords.
The JP-JV Committee is constantly looking for new talent in our community. If you or someone you know writes poetry, please attend our programs and read during open mic. If you would like to serve on our JP-JV committee, please contact: melanier@lfjcc.org.
Our free programs are sponsored by the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture and the Lawrence Family JCC Senior and Adult Department.
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Eileen Wingard is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com