Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC) the world’s first synagogue founded by and for lesbians and gay men, will honor the Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jeffrey Tambor for his work in the Amazon Original Series Transparent. This distinguished award will be presented to Tambor at the 2015 Beth Chayim Chadashim Annual Awards Brunch on Sunday, June 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Skirball Multicultural Center’s Guerin Pavilion in Los Angeles.
Tambor will be honored for his groundbreaking role as Maura Pfefferman and as an inspiration to the Transgender and LGB communities with the Rabbi Erwin & Agnes Herman Humanitarian Award,named for two leaders of Reform Judaism instrumental in BCC’s founding in 1972. The award recognizes those making outstanding and lasting contributions to the LGBT and Jewish communities.
“I am happy to support BCC and their work to provide a safe and welcoming place for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews and all who gather there,” said Tambor.
A silent auction precedes the brunch and awards program that will also honor Sylvia Sukop andBonnie Kaplan with the Harriet Perl Tzedek Award, which pays tribute to BCC community members for their efforts toward a just society. Sukop and Kaplan are long-time BCC members and creators in genres such as poetry, photography, essay, performance and visual art. Professionally or as activists they devote their energies to social justice causes such as community empowerment around public health issues, tutoring economically disadvantaged college-bound high school students, teaching teen mothers, and educating adults in the California corrections system.
Bruce Maxwell will receive the Presidents Award, BCC’s highest recognition of members for their exceptional leadership and service within synagogue life and in the community at large. As a past BCC president, treasurer, and long time board member, he was instrumental in moving the congregation into its new temple home in 2011.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to hear Jeffrey talk about his revolutionary role and to tell him how much he means to us,” said Rabbi Lisa A. Edwards, Ph.D. “In addition, Sylvia and Bonnie aregifted and giving members of our community whose passions bring BCC many blessings. And Bruce keeps us in the moment even as we plan for the future. The bright present and enduring future are his legacies to BCC.”
Stephen Guarino, actor, will be Master of Ceremonies for the 2015 Beth Chayim Chadashim Annual Awards Brunch. Guarino played Derrick for three seasons on ABC’s “Happy Endings,” appeared in Rosie O’Donnell’s “The Big Gay Sketch Show” on LOGO and won Best Actor at OutFest LGBT Film Festival In 2011. He currently appears on HBO’s “The Comeback,” MTV’s “Finding Carter” and ABC’s “Marry Me.”
Juval Porat, Cantor at Beth Chayim Chadashim, will provide entertainment during the Brunch. Porat will perform a special rendition of “Here’s To Us” written by BCC member Tamara Kline for Transgender Remembrance Day at BCC.
BCC’s Annual Humanitarian Awards event was established in 1985 to recognize and honor those leaders who make major contributions toward “tikkun olam,” betterment of the world. The event has grown significantly in size and importance, and is now BCC’s major fundraiser. Proceeds generated sustain the synagogue’s vibrancy and programs to further bridge building between the broader LGBT and Jewish communities.
The “2015 Beth Chayim Chadashim Annual Awards Brunch” is open to the public, but advance registration is required. Tickets are $195 per person with registration by June 22 at http://www.bcc-la.org/2015-bcc-awards-brunch/. For more information, contact Beth Chayim Chadashim at 323-931-7023 ortempledirector@bcc-la.org
The Skirball Cultural Center, Guerin Pavilion, is located at 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Media interested in attending the “2015 Beth Chayim Chadashim Annual Awards Brunch” programor speaking with the organizers or participants should contact Cameron Andrews at 562-432-5300 orcameron@piercomm.com.
