Ruthie & Connie: Every Room in the House (2002) to Screen at Kol Ami

The Congregation Kol Ami Film Series continues on Monday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. with the screening of Ruthie and Connie: Every Room in the House. Hilarious and heartwarming, Ruthie & Connie: Every Room in the House, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Deborah Dickson, is a film about love, friendship, passion and politics — and the price two women paid to be themselves.

In 1959, Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz were both married mothers of young children, living in a working-class Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn. In 1974, they left their husbands and children, moved in with each other and turned their entire worlds upside down. Through years of friendship, heartbreak and redemption, Ruthie and Connie retain their indomitable spirits — sharing with viewers a lifetime of hard-earned wisdom and offering an inspiring look at two women raging against injustice and fighting for love.

Don’t miss the last screening for this year’s Film Series--Monday, June 6, 2005, 8:00 p.m. at Kol Ami, 1200 North La Brea Avenue, West Hollywood, California 90038. No admission charge; donations for popcorn, candy and sodas appreciated.

13th Annual Gala to Honor Cantor Mark Saltzman and PlanetOut Inc.

Congregation Kol Ami, with Voice of My People Foundation, has announced the honorees for the Shomer Tzedek or Guardian of Justice award for this year. The award, which honors those who have distinguished themselves for their work in the community, will be presented on May 15, 2005 at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Crystal Ballroom, during organizations’ 13th Annual Gala, an evening of wining, dining, and a fun and fabulous auction. Tony and Academy Award winner Joel Grey will present a special performance.

Rabbi Denise Eger said, “This year’s honorees, our own Cantor Mark Saltzman and PlanetOut, Inc have achieved great success in music and as well as Wall Street and brought respect and admiration to our community through exemplary leadership. Our 13th annual gala awards presentation is an excellent way to honor their achievements. I am very pleased we are recognizing the hard work of these extraordinary people.”

Temple President Wendy Glenn said, “Previous Shomer Tzedek award winners include State Senator Sheila Kuehl, David Mixner, retired judge Steven Lachs, and Wells Fargo. This years honorees have done equally phenomenal work for the Jewish and GLBT community. We hope everyone will join us at the Beverly Hills Hotel to honor these two outstanding individuals.”

Cantor Saltzman is being recognized for his long-time and continued efforts composing and inspiring his musical gifts on behalf of Congregation Kol Ami and the community at large. Planet Out Inc. is being acknowledged for its generosity, historic accomplishments as a publicly traded company and essential support for the community.

The Silent Auction this year will truly amaze and impress even the most jaded event attendee. Here are just a few of the items on which you can bid at the event: Art Works by Andy Warhol (Gershwin), Keith Harring (Ludo), Steve Walker (Family By Water), Ruth Snyder, and Temple members: Helena Ruffin, Jason Wittman, Melanie Zimmerman; Get Married in Vancouver with airfare and hotel; Trip to Acapulco with airfare and one-week stay in beachfront condominium; Hotel George in D.C.; Royalton Hotel, New York; Renoir Hotel, San Francisco; Palm Springs Weekend Retreats; R Family Vacation Cruise, a 7-day cruise from New York City on Jul 10, 2005 to Nova Scotia, Boston, Provincetown and Martha’s Vineyard; Tickets to: Geffen Playhouse Opening Nights, Universal Release Premiere and Party, Clippers (and dinner with owner Donald Sterling), Dodgers, Sparks, Churchill Downs, Hollywood Park, Mark Taper Forum, West Tennis Classic Finals, Outfest, Mountasia Family Fun Center and more; Voice Lessons with Cantor Mark Saltzman; and Jewelry by Ponce, Lalique, Pepi and Temple member Evy Golan.

Tickets are available for $250. If you have any questions regarding the event or tickets, please contact Stephanie Snyder Events at 310-917-2742 or stephanie@ssevents.net.