June 2020
e-mail Edition
Our Website:
www.bncla.org 

Our e-mail: labrandeismensgroup@gmail.com
ZOOM... ZOOOM ... ZOOOOM ...!!!
As our lives slowly approach a post-Covid19 normalcy, the Los Angeles Brandeis Men's Group (LABMG) likewise is attempting to evolve and find ways to include and interact with our many members. Obviously, in many instances this is proving to be difficult, but in other ways technology and ingenuity are allowing Special Interest Groups (SIG) and committees to continue getting together and conduct official business. Of special note is the use of ZOOM, the social interaction program so popular with the rest of the country and world.

Signing up or enrolling in a ZOOM account is easy, free, and convenient. It is highly recommended as a means to not only participate in LABMG SIG meetings, but also to participate in the numerous and ongoing Brandeis University internet discussions. Announcements of these offerings have been regularly sent to members by Brandeis University, and are also resent by the LABMG.

How to be a "ZOOM-ie":
First - Go to the ZOOM website and enroll: https://zoom.us/
Second - Wait to be notified by the host or moderator of the date/time for a particular program to start. This is usually done via email and will include a link the participant needs to check..
Third - At the appointed time, click on the link and you'll be connected to the host along with any others joining in.

And that's pretty much it...simple, huh? Of course, there may be additional buttons to look for after joining an event, things like an "audio" or "video" button, but these are relatively easy to figure out. Also, using an Apple iOS will have a different screen arrangement than a Windows operating system, but again, not a game changer.

The inaugural LABMG ZOOM meeting will take place on June 17, at 10:00am. This will be in lieu of the usual monthly breakfast meeting. Particulars are included in this newsletter.

JUNE ZOOM GROUP MEETING
June 17, 2020 - Wednesday 
10:00am - 11:00am


Meeting ID: 987 9182 0122 Password: 408765

One tap mobile +16699006833,,98791820122#,,1#,408765# US (San Jose)

Host Speaker and Facilitator: Ian Schiffer
"Intergenerational Mensch Work: Love and Legacy"
Los Angeles Brandeis Men's Group (LABMG) will be presenting a ZOOM meeting on June 17, 2020, at 10:00am. The meeting will be hosted by Mr. Ian Schiffer, in association with NuRoots ( https://www.nuroots.org/home ), an initiative of the Jewish Federation of LA that seeks to involve young people in their twenties and thirties. The program will consist of a group discussion about Love, and the Legacy we want to leave. Paired in Chavruta with an elder to ponder the question, "Who is the most vulnerable in your life right now?"

Participants are encouraged to read the " Circle of Trust Touchstones" by William Parker and recite this alternative V’ahavta before sleep, " A nother World is Possible ."
"BREATHE"
Poem by Lynn Ungar
Breathe, said the wind.
How can I breathe at a time like this,
when the air is full of the smoke
of burning tires, burning lives?
Just breathe, the wind insisted.
Easy for you to say, if the weight of
injustice is not wrapped around your throat,
cutting off all air.
I need you to breathe.
I need you to breathe.
Don’t tell me to be calm
when there are so many reasons
to be angry, so much cause for despair!
I didn’t say to be calm, said the wind,
I said to breathe.
We’re going to need a lot of air
to make this hurricane together.
Breathe!
– Lynn Ungar

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP ACTIVITIES
HISTORY SIG

The History SIG is hosted by Arnie Geffner. These meetings occur on the last Tuesday of each month and consist of a video presentation followed by lively discussion and commentary. Arnie is currently investigating the possibility of conducting meetings via ZOOM. For more information, check with Arnie at 1-310-839-3235, or email arniegeff@aol.com  
CURRENT EVENTS GROUP #1 SIG (ZOOM)

The Current Events Group #1 meets via ZOOM at 10:00am, on the third Tuesday of each month. Discussion is moderated by SIG chairman Lou Bernstein. For additional information please contact Lou at phone 1-310-275-7736, or email  louislaw@aol.com .
LEGAL SIG

 The Legal SIG normally meets  at 1:00 pm   on the fourth Thursday of each month at the residence of Marvin Alperin, but is currently in recess. This very popular group is moderated by Constitutional Law expert Harold Orchid who presents notable legal cases for discussion and debate. Marvin is investigating the feasibility of having the SIG restarted via ZOOM. Members interested in joining the Legal SIG should contact SIG moderator Marvin Alperin at phone:  1-323-931-7172 , or email:  marvinalperin@gmail.com
CHESS SIG

Myron Forst and members of the Chess SIG have been meeting and playing chess via ZOOM. Members interested in joining this group are encouraged to contact Myron at 1-310-923-899 6 , or email myronvending@yahoo.com.
MEN'S INTEREST GROUPS
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES 
The Brandeis Men's Group has many "Special Interest Groups" (SIG) which are either meeting via ZOOM, planning to meet via ZOOM, or anticipating an imminent return to normalcy. To find out more about the various groups, or to suggest adding new ones, contact Marv Alperin (1-323-931-7172), or the individual group chairman below.
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
BRANDEIS MEN’S GROUP STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES
 
Wednesday May 27, 2020
 
MEMBERS PRESENT: (14)  Marv Alperin, Randy Barnes, Louis Bernstein, Tony Borwick, Sheldon Ellis, Myron Forst, Arnie Geffner, John Harris, Mel Miller, Gerald Sallus, Bernie Schiffer, Bernie Schneier, Stan Weinberg, Jerry Weinstein.

ABSENCES: (3) Bernd Givon, Phil Greenwald, Howard Green.

VACANCIES (3):

CALLED TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order via ZOOM at 10:13am, by President Louis Bernstein. Secretary John Harris read the minutes from the May 14, 2020 meeting which were accepted by the group.
 
TREASURER’S REPORT: Bernie Schneier reported that we currently have 73 members. Letters and e-mails will go out to announce 2020-2021 annual $30 dues for the next year, and will be payable by July 1, 2020. He will phone all members who do not have e-mails.

TRIPS: Chairman Myron Forst had nothing to report owing to ongoing Corona Virus restrictions.

TELEPHONE COMMITTEE: Chairman Stan Weinberg has instructed his committee members to tell everyone that Brandeis Men’s Group is still functioning, that our interest groups are resuming their activities over ZOOM, and to inquire if any member needs help during the current pandemic.
 
SPEAKERS: Chairman Bernie Schiffer is researching the possibility of having our BMG guest speakers via ZOOM. Suggested names are Congressman Adam Schiff, City Attorney Mike Feuer, Councilman Mike Bonin, and Congressman Ted Lieu.

Also discussed was the desirability of having a ZOOM meeting involving the twin sisters whose father was a member of the World War II "Ritchie Boys". This presentation was originally scheduled last March, but had to be postponed due to Covid-19 concerns.
  
INTEREST GROUPS: Chairman Myron Forst announced the Chess Group has been meeting and playing chess on line via ZOOM. Current Events has also been meeting on ZOOM. The next Sports Group activity will meet when baseball season opens or pro basketball resumes, and will be open to all members via ZOOM. The Westside Walking Group is expected resume when the Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica reopens. The Opera Group will also resume over ZOOM.

All Special Interest Group leaders should send e-mails to their members to announce their meetings/activities.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Chairman Gerry Sallus reported the nominations for the 2020-2021 Officers and Steering Committee:

           President Louis Bernstein
           Vice President Tony Borwick
           Secretary Sheldon Ellis
           Treasurer Bernie Schneier
           Steering Committee: Marv Alperin, Randy Barnes, Al Dubin, Arnie Geffner, Phil Greenwald, Myron Forst, Bernd Givon, Richard Harmetz, John Harris, Richard Hirschkoff, Irv Kierman, Mel Miller, George Rothman, Neil Rubenstein, Gerald Sallus, Bernie Schweitzer, Stan Weinberg, and Jerry Weinstein.

NEXT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING: Wednesday June 17 at 10:00am via ZOOM.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:50am.
BNC - WOMEN
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE (BNC) 

Greetings from Brandeis National Committee - LA Chapter! 

It has been too long since we have been able to hold a General Meeting or a Study Group meeting, but rest assured that we have not forgotten about you. We sincerely hope you are doing well. Is there  any thing  you need help with? Call one of us. We are here for you.
 
We are planning to set up a few of the Study Groups on ZOOM...would you be interested in participating?  Book Clubs and Current Events are two that would work that way.  Also Brandeis has many interesting lectures, classes, etc., on line. A great way to stay connected and stay safe.
 
As our fiscal year is coming to a close we ask that you renew your BNC membership, either on line or via US Mail. Please send your renewal check in the amount of $60 to BNC, 415 South Street, MS126, Waltham, MA 02453.
 
Looking forward to the day we can get together face-to-face. Or call if you need anything or just want to talk.
 
Sincerely,
 
 Phyllis Rosenthal      310-915-5122
 Joan Satt                   310-871-6963
 Ruth Rose          323-651-1833
WOMEN GENERAL MEETING CALENDAR 2020
(subject to change)
 
Following return to pre-Covid19 normalcy, the BNC women will meet on the 4th Thursday of each month, 10:30am, in the Annex room of Temple Akiba in Culver City. Contact Ruth Rose, 1-323-651-1833.

2020 Events
(subject to change)

June 23 (Tuesday) - Installation of New Offices .
July 27 (Monday) - Start of Summer Break.
August 13 (Thursday) - Theatre Forty Pre-presentation.
September 24 (Thursday) - Women's League of Voters review Election Propositions.
October 22 (Thursday) - To Be Determined.
November 3 (Tuesday) - Get Out and Vote!
November 22 (Sunday) - To be Determined.
December 17 (Thursday) - Holiday Party.
BNC Mission – The Brandeis National Committee is dedicated to providing philanthropic support tp Brandeis University, a distinguished liberal arts and research university founded by the American Jewish community. Its membership is connected to the university through fundraising and through activities that reflect the values on which the university was founded: Academic Excellence, Social Justice, Non-sectarianism, and Service to the Community. 
**JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND**
DUES...DUES...DUES...DUES...DUES...DUES
The Brandeis National Committee) has sent notices for annual dues.
BNC membership is July 1 - June 30 of each year.
 Please respond in timely manner to the BNC request.  
Send check made out to BNC for $60 (single) or $100 (couple) to :
 
Brandeis University
MS122
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
Phone 1-781-736-7767
The quickest way to renew membership is by going online:
 
Annual dues for Los Angeles Brandeis Men's Group (LABMG) also are expected. If you haven't paid yet, please send check made out to BMG for $30 payable to: 
 
Bernie Schneier
311 Bora Bora Way, #204
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
 
And for each  SIG , the yearly amount is $10 , paid to the appropriate SIG chairman!
 
Let's support our group and Brandeis University by paying our annual dues!!!