Commentaries from the Edge

Once again the prominent leader in the mental health field, Dr. Marvin J. Southard, joined the Podcast program as a guest for the fourth time. Continuing the theme of divisiveness in the United States society and how it has impacted much of pubic and private lives, Dr. Southard reflects on the recent passage of the controversial political Proposition 1, in the recent California elections. He is looking through the lens of divisiveness in seeing a model cure as many conservative and progressive voters came together to try and defeat the proposed law. It narrowly passed by a slim margin of over 50%, and yet left a legacy of how disparate groups can agree on a common cause. Listen to Dr. Southard discuss the parts of the Proposition and its way of redesigning the California mental health system. Then find some optimism for the future with the possibility of a bridge over our troubled divisiveness.

It is a New Year, 2024, and we are walking through turbulence in the United States in many ways. There is climate turbulence, political turbulence and the turbulence of a divided society increasingly breaking into hostile groups. All of this feels more consequential because the U. S. is heading toward a Presidential election by the end of the year which will impact the global community.
Addressing this divisiveness and their consequences, Dr. Marvin J. Southard, a longtime leader in the field of mental health, visits the podcast program for the third time and once again gives us a roadmap for coping in these times. Listen and learn how Dr. Southard offers us a recipe for empowering ourselves to face a world full of challenges today and into the future.

A documentary film titled, LIONS OF THE SEA, is in the process of being created as a journey into the world of Sea Lions. In the story to be told we will meet them in a most protected environmental area off the coast of the Galapagos. Adam Leipzig, the Producer, is no stranger to creating nature documentaries. As past President of National Geographic Films, he brought March of the Penguins to the world, considered one of the best documentaries of all time. As viewers we will see the Sea Lions among the Galapagos Islands, a volcanic chain 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The film will be taking us to a place considered a priceless living laboratory, a place that inspired Charles Darwin to write his seminal work, ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES.
Adam is heading an extraordinary team of artists in the making of this film including Ecuadorian filmmaker and explorer Luis Felipe Fernandez-Salvador and Mexican Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro, an Academy Award winner for the movie Pan’s Labyrinth and who is heading a group of underwater documentarian photographers. Listen to the story behind the making of this film which will eventually show the love and adversity of the Sea Lion’s lives and inspire us to appreciate and safeguard the natural wonders around us.

We are very grateful to all of you listeners and the podcast guests. Have a healthy and happy New Year.

We are all walking through a turbulent time in the world, and particularly in the United States. It is a time when many are turning to their spirituality or faith for inspiration, for comfort, for some guiding principals. The JEWELS OF ELUL books published annually for the last 21 years, are part of the idea of spiritual preparation for the Jewish New Year. Ross Chait, Project Coordinator for these books of wisdom, explains on this podcast episode that each book has a one page commentary for the 29 days leading up to the New Year Holiday. Those 29 days are a period called ELUL in the Jewish faith. Thus, each year 29 people are asked to write their thoughts, memories, advice on one page of these unique books.
In addition, through these many years of publication, each JEWELS OF ELUL has a theme. For an example, in the ninth year of publication the theme was, “The Art of Welcoming”, and for the 16th year, it was “Lessons From My Parents”. This year, the 21st publication, the theme is “Finding Balance”, which could not be a more challenging goal in the year 2023. Listen to the podcast about how these books are a treasure for everyone as we all try to learn from one another to navigate the world together.
Thanks to Craig Taubman, the creator and producer of JEWELS OF ELUL for more than two decades now, and gratitude to him as a great community leader exemplified in his development of the Pico Union Project of Los Angeles, California.
To Learn More and Order the book, go to
Www.JewelsofElul.com,
Instagram and Facebook

There are borders on the European continent where civilizations have clashed, empires have risen and fallen. The Country of Kosovo is one of those places, formerly part of what was Yugoslavia and now bordered by several nation States such as Albania, Serbia and Macedonia. As we take up the fate of Kosovo Romani (formerly referred to as Gypsies), Barry Fisher, award-winning humanitarian Lawyer, continues describing his work with Romani people to defend their rights worldwide.
In the 1998 - 99 Kosovo War, like often in history, the Romani were victims by all sides and still await justice for their suffering. The Romani abuse throughout the ages is a bellwether sign of how humanity treats one another. We have much progress to make to continue the dream of world peace as the 21st century is unfolding.

Here is an example of taking the oldest sound, and most primitive, and using creative innovation to apply it to current 21st century needs. Steven Angel, President and Creator of the Drumming for Your Life Institute, is a prolific inventor finding ways that an ancient activity can improve our lives. He tells us that he discovered what he calls “the doubtful internal voice”, that inhibits learning especially for youth in the classroom. Steven explains that drumming can affect the neural pathways in the brain, releasing the ability to focus and concentrate. He has brought his Reading and Rhythm program to school districts and a new research project at UCLA will be examining the results of his work. In other community settings, he designed what he refers to as Life Skills Drumming Program, which has been shown to relieve anxiety and depression.
Listen to this episode and find out the power and success of the Drumming for Your Life Institute.
To Contact: Email, Stevenangel@dfyl.org, tel. (562) 904-6775

The thoughtful and systematic arrangement of a nation to eliminate an entire people who had resided in the area for 1000 years, became the Holocaust by Germany in the World War II era. This is not to ignore the many European nations during that time that participated in and encouraged the annihilation of Jews. Other groups such as the disabled, the homosexual and Romani, to name a few, were also targeted for elimination during these years of massive crimes against humanity.
In this episode Dr. Michael Berenbaum, a renown world scholar of the Holocaust as well as a Professor, a Rabbi, a Writer and filmmaker, paints a picture of how this happened directed from what was considered the most cultured and accomplished nation as the 20th century was unfolding.

In a world finding its way out of years of a pandemic way of life and restrictions, Aaron Paley’s long career in championing cultural connections may be a winning path. Aaron’s incessant creative programming in the public spaces of Los Angeles is grounded in his impressive credentials. He received a Masters in Business (MBA) in non-profit Arts Management from UCLA and an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley in Architecture at the College of Environmental Design. To some, Aaron Paley with Katie Bergin, in founding the Community Arts Resources(CARS) organization 34 years ago, accomplished the impossible in a City like Los Angeles, California. They found a way to link culture, the arts, civic institutions and public spaces, bringing diverse peoples together in a sprawling metropolitan environment. Drawing upon models from around the world, here are only a few of the highlights of how Aaron’s championing of cultural and arts connections have enriched Los Angeles and inspired other cities: - At the J. Paul Getty Museum and Center’s 25th Anniversary, produced ten free weekend festivals in ten different neighborhoods- Co-created, produced and implemented CicLAvia, a car free, open for pedestrians and bicyclists where Los Angeles residents can walk, bike and socialize inspired by Ciclovia, the weekly street closure developed in Bogota, Columbia - The Los Angeles Philharmonic launched its 100 year celebration with a free day long open streets festival and live music event from downtown to the Hollywood Bowl. As a native of an often disconnected City like Los Angeles accustomed to being separated in cars, Aaron attributes his vision of the power of culture and art for creating connections to having been brought up in a Jewish Yiddish-speaking environment. It inspired him to look at the great diversity of his City which was the essence of its civic history. He and Katie Bergin started this idea of cultural programming in 1989 with Community Arts Resources, or CARS, and then created a program called Yiddishkayt in 1994, to focus on the Jewish Yiddish culture and language. They went on to tap into the great art and cultural menu of neighborhoods that sweep through all corners of Los Angeles. Listen to Aaron’s exciting ideas for all that awaits the City in the coming years.

At a time when the world is faced with a new “normal”, the question is how do we prepare for a future that will look very different than the past. According to Dr. Ximenez, it is time for us to embrace the unknown and to relish the freedom to create a life with new possibilities. Clearly, as the pandemic spread around the world since 2020, it brought death and destruction in its wake. In this episode, Dr. Ximenez speaks about this time of reconstructing our lives once again. She asks us to take risks, to listen to our inner voices and to allow for new thinking. It is a recipe for an even better future as we Start Again, in the year 2023.
To Contact:
http:/DrLeticiaXimenez.com
http:/StartAgainNotOver.com

Like many places in the world, Los Angeles is in a phase of great transformation. At the same time that old structures are being torn down and replaced by modern, new buildings, there is an ongoing humanitarian crisis with tens of thousands of people and families who are homeless. It means that as the City experiences this physical transformation, it is imperative that housing becomes a priority, especially affordable housing.

In this episode you will hear about the West L. A. Commons, a new kind of Civic Center replacing a core thar has been languishing for decades. Lara Regus, Senior Vice President of Development for Abode Communities and William Lee, Vice President of Development for AvalonBay Communities, describe a model that brings private and public entities together. The revitalization will bring a wide range of housing options and local retail to a major community hub in the Westside of Los Angeles.

This is the final episode of a three-part series asking three distinguished Rabbis of Los Angeles, California, to answer the same question - What is a Jew? According to Rabbi Missaghieh, showing three very different opinions on the same subject, each with valid points, is the essence of answering the question of what it means to be a Jew. The question is more important than the answer. The Jew, in this Rabbi’s answer, is someone living with ambiguity. The search itself for answers is the cornerstone of the identity.
Rabbi Missaghieh is an innovative clergy person, enriching her congregation at Temple Israel of Hollywood with creative programming. She has created Women’s Retreats and a series called TIOH Speaks - where she interviews Temple members on a variety of different topics. In addition, she has trained over 50 men and women to be part of the Temple’s Chevrah Kadisha, a group that prepares deceased for burial according to traditional practices. For the annual Jewish High Holidays, she conducts services that are participatory and standing room only.
Listen to this third Rabbinic answer that ends the series and ponder the complex question - What is a Jew?

Into the 21st century we are struggling, challenges all around us, locally and globally. Award winning Journalist Howard Rosenberg helps us confront and understand where we are in the constantly changing world of media. How have the developments in the last years blurred our way of knowing the truth from the lies and driven us into a world of divisiveness and hostility. Rosenberg, as a 25 year veteran of television criticism writing for the Los Angeles Times, and a Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) teaching critical writing and news ethics retiring in 2019, can only offer us awareness and warnings for the path we are on in the Information Age.
Howard Rosenberg, with Charles Feldman, is the author of NO TIME TO THINK: The Menace of Media Speed and the 24 Hour News Cycle. The Pulitzer prize was won for 10 columns in The Los Angeles Times. HERE IS A QUOTE FROM THE NEWS LITERACY PROJECT, 1/31/2022
“ Mindlessly sharing information can be harmful to others and our society. Remember to check your sources and verify facts before sharing information online."

Sexual harassment and assault often in the work place has been headlines in our society in the last years. Many prominent men have lost their jobs and their standing in the community after being immune from any accountability. At the same time, issues of blaming the female victim and protecting the male predator are still common in the lives of teen young women.

Listen to the voices of three teens who made this topic a research project as Fellows of an organization called MOVING TRADITIONS. Alex Nelson, Mayah Windt and Mia Vorkoper, all describe themselves as Feminists advocating for a change of attitude and the need for supportive responses in the high school’s culture and in their communities. They also explain the importance of publicizing resource information so that teens in need can know where to go for help.

Thanks to Dr. Robin Kay for coordinating the opportunity to hear from these outstanding young women who are speaking up to make all of us aware that female teens need protection and support and places to turn when necessary for healing.

The Kurds are a people who lay claim to a land always under threat.
In this episode, Barry Fisher, a return guest, talks about his link to the Kurds and their long suffering goal to create a Kurdistan, not dissimilar to the current struggle of the Ukrainians with their endless fight to carve out and maintain a separate country. The Kurds continue to be a people whose dream of having a peaceful, geographic space is a distant goal. They often become caught in historic struggles and swept into times when the world is full of refugees fleeing for their very lives. Fisher, as a well known humanitarian Lawyer, has no lack of work that calls him to all corners of the globe in defense of the vulnerable. He gives us a picture of the Kurds and their role on the global stage as they sit on the border of four Middle Eastern countries, lands that gave birth to Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

Rabbi David Wolpe is a renown spiritual leader and scholar in the Jewish community and beyond. He is based in Los Angeles, California and holds the position of the Max Webb Senior Rabbi of Sinai Temple, a large and historic place of worship and learning. He has taught at various significant universities, appeared in multiple television series and appeared in a myriad of public debates with the likes of Christopher Hitchens. Rabbi Wolpe is in demand as a keynote speaker, lecturer and spiritual teacher in the United States and around the world, from Israel to India. He is the author of eight books including a best seller, Making Loss Matter: Creating Meaning in Difficult Times (Riverhead) and his latest, David, The Divided Heart(Yale U Press). He is a Rabbinic innovator bringing a deeper understanding to what it means to be a human being and in enhancing Jewish spirituality. In this podcast episode Rabbi Wolpe has a unique answer to the topic question - What is a Jew? - a question that persists through the ages.

Gypsies, known as Romani people, with their long history of moving across countries and continents, fit into the modern day movement of millions struggling to find a better and more peaceful life.
Barry Fisher tells us the story of his own musical and professional legal relationship as their lawyer, a population often stereotyped, living in the realm of mystique and mystery.
We come to understand like other marginalized and abused groups, that Barry Fisher as a Lawyer, calls upon the First Amendment Rights in the United States Constitution to offer Gypsies the cornerstone of human rights protection.
Over many centuries, their music, their decor, and their fortune telling custom, is at times incorporated into mainstream cultural life even as they continue to be considered outsiders.
Barry Fisher, in addition to his long career defending Gypsies as a Lawyer on the front lines, has struggled to protect the wilderness, defend free speech, retrieve funds from Swiss banks for Holocaust Survivors and represent Asian victims of sexual slavery of wartime Japan, as a partial list of his legal successes. In 2021, he was declared the International Lawyer of the Year by the California Bar Association.
Thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast, COMMENTARIES FROM THE EDGE - Creator/Host, Keren Goldberg

Grieving, it seems, is something we all need to learn how to approach as it is inescapable in the human experience. It is offset by the joys and beauty of life as we carry it along with us.
In these last two years, we are living in a time with grief all around us from the worldwide pandemic that persists. With guidance from Robin Kay, Ph.d, current Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and former Chief Deputy as well as Acting Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, we learn some essential information to assist in the common grieving process.
In this podcast episode Dr. Kay covers what are some misconceptions, what are the facts, the four tasks we need to accomplish in the process and finally, the ultimate goal of moving on into the future with health and happiness. A wise person said, every happy moment in our life gives us the strength for the other.

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Amie Quigley, Director of Community Programs at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood in California, has spent over the last decade perfecting outreach techniques and practices to those who are homeless, often mentally ill and with addictions. The centerpiece of her successes is her way of organizing agencies and service groups to coordinate their services through the Church sponsored Hollywood Healthcare Partnership. Community resources are leveraged in a concerted way to maximize results. To understand the true effectiveness of all Amie does, is to learn of her loving and respectful way of approaching everyone no matter their dire circumstances or condition. Amie Quigley is the model of a humanitarian reaching out to those individuals in the most trouble. She has lessons to teach us all and trains others to practice and organize her approach in response to the homeless.

Velina Hasu Houston, Playwright and Professor, child of a Japanese Mother and African American Father, was born on a United States Military Ship sitting in contested waters. All her life she has had that sense of fluid borders. Velina was raised in a small town in Kansas, middle America in every way, and at a young age announced that she wanted to write. Navigating through a society that more often searched to give her a fixed identity and limit her ambitions, she rejected that characterization and in spite of discouraging advice, went on to garner awards for playwriting and a Distinguished Professor designation at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dramatic Arts. Velina discusses the many sided ways of looking at identity, how her famous play, TEA is a homage to her Mother and her life in Kansas, as a Japanese immigrant woman, and muses about what identity means today as the world changes in the 21st century.
Dr. Velina Hasu Houston’s play, TEA, is available from Dramatist’s Play Service on its website.

“Telling Untold Stories: The Latino Theatre Company of the Los Angeles Theatre Company”
Evelina Fernandez, a founding member of the Latino Theatre Company and currently an Associate Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Theatre Center located in the heart of downtown, Los Angeles, describes her path from her part in the original production of Zoot Suit which went to Broadway, to becoming a lifelong advocate for social justice in the Chicano-Mexican American-Latino communities.