JEWISH LIFE TELEVISION — Google Fiber is ringing in the Jewish New Year by welcoming America’s Chosen Network, Jewish Life Television, to its channel line-up. Beginning Sept. 1, Google Fiber subscribers in the Kansas City area have been able to watch JLTV on Channel 458. JLTV is also available through DIRECTV, Time Warner Cable, Comcast and independent broadcast systems.
For those unfamiliar with JLTV, including us, it was launched in 2007 and delivers 24-hour Jewish-themed programming. According to Wikipedia, its spotlight on Israel and Jewish life is facilitated by broadcast studios in Los Angeles, New York City and Toronto, as well as bureaus in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Washington, D.C., Miami, London and Moscow. Members of its website, www.jltv, can access live and on-demand programming; watch unique local, national and international news stories; and take part in one of the fastest growing online social networks.
“The Kansas City area is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the United States, dating back to 1839, 60 years before the settlement of Wyandotte changed its name to Kansas City,” said Brad Pomerance, JLTV’s senior vice president of news and programming.
“Given this rich history, America’s Chosen Network welcomes with open arms all Google Fiber subscribers interested in the culture, history, tradition and values of the Jewish people across America and around the world,” said Adam Blazer, chief operating officer for JLTV.
FEED THE HUNGRY — Sukkot inspired me, along with one of our congregation’s e-newletters, to remind people how important it is to contribute to one of the many food drives taking place right now. When I was a child we used to always bring cans to our temple during Sukkot. Then I taught my children to give to the hungry during the High Holy Days. If you haven’t already, it’s not too late to go shopping, unfortunately these food pantries need donations all through the year. If you are unsure what to purchase, here are some suggestions: tuna, beans, pasta, peanut butter, cereal, juice. There are barrels located outside of Jewish Family Services office at the Jewish Community Campus. Most congregations have barrels somewhere on their premises as well. Or you can deliver kosher food to Yachad-The Kosher Food Pantry, located at Chabad, 6201 Indian Creek Parkway in Overland Park.
NICHOLAS SPARKS’ FIRST JEWISH LOVE STORY — I was a little surprised when I was offered a review copy for “The Longest Ride,” the new novel from the hyper-prolific author Nicholas Sparks. After all only Jewish-themed books generally come across my desk. Then I found out it definitely has a Jewish theme!
Sparks will be in Kansas City Thursday, Oct. 10, for an event sponsored by Rainy Day Books. It takes place at 7 p.m. at Unity Temple on the Plaza. He will discuss his life and this newest book. A Meet & Greet with readers and fans will follow the discussion. To learn how to purchase tickets, which come with a copy of the book, call 913-384-3126.
In an interview earlier this month with The Forward, Sparks said one of the main characters, Ira Levinson, a 91-year-old Southern Jew, is based on the Jewish man that Sparks’ grandmother dated after her divorce.
“They went to Israel together, they had lunch together,” Sparks recalls. “We didn’t have a lot of money, so we’d vacation in San Diego and stay at Grandma’s house. I became very close to him. He was almost like a grandfather to me.”
I haven’t read it yet, I’ll let you know later what I think about it.
