Presidential Spotlight 2/27/24

Presidential Spotlight 2/27/24

Look at who is doing amazing things at TBE!

A Word about Gavin Wasserman
Written by Tom Rosenberg, TBE President

The word that first and foremost comes to mind – excellence. On so many levels, Gavin is incredibly talented, hardworking, and insightful. Despite the distances, work challenges and family commitments, he somehow finds the time to contribute his wisdom, watchful eye and leadership to our congregation. He serves as Chair of the TBE Security Committee and has (along with a few select superhero cohorts) upgraded and transformed our congregation’s security efforts during a time of rising antisemitism and fear. He gives so generously of his precious time to help make us feel safe and cared for. Gavin is incredible to work with. I have been a practicing attorney for over thirty years and have worked with many impressive professionals over my career. I have honestly not come across many (anywhere near) as talented, proactive and impactful as Gavin (And if you have had a chance to meet and spend time with the extended Wasserman family, you can probably guess where this off-the-charts excellence comes from). One of the things I am most grateful for this year is that our loving community has been the direct beneficiary of Gavin’s continuing focus and efforts. His help and guidance have been invaluable. Did you know that Gavin was the driving force that carried us to the finish line on our CalOES State Security grant? His work on the grant administration and requalification were spectacular, and without his efforts we would not have been successful. I am certain that TBE would not be the same without him and his leadership. On behalf of the entire congregation, I want to thank Mr. Gavin Hachiya Wasserman for all that he does and contributes, and for helping to make us who we are.

Get to know more about Gavin:

MEMBER SINCE: I became Bar Mitzvah at TBE.

FAMILY: Linda Chang Wasserman and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage
this year. Our son Asher became Bar Mitzvah at TBE and is a madrich. Our son, Alex, will become Bar Mitzvah in 2025 and enjoys attending TBE classes with our two nieces (children of TBE members Steven and Laura Wasserman).

FAVORITE BOARD GAME: I tend to be busy with security but on “Sunday Fun Days” at TBE, I enjoy vicariously through my wife as she plays mah-jongg, dominoes, or the game of the day with other TBE congregants.  

WHY I VOLUNTEER: We make the drive down to TBE from the Pasadena area because of family, and family is what inspires me to volunteer. When we made the decision to return to this congregation despite the distance, family was the main reason, but we have reconnected with our sense of Jewish community here, as well as with old and new friends. Now I am constantly inspired by the other volunteers I work with (Jason Leach and Cliff Blatt to name just two of many); they keep me energized to work to ensure a safe environment for Jewish worship, learning and community (I will also admit that I feel that I owe Eric Imley, who I introduced to TBE years ago and has given so much volunteer time over the years that I have a ton of catch-up to do).

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Ilan Davidson

Cantor

Cantor Ilan Davidson has been pleasing audiences with his singing since before he could read. At age five, he began singing with his Cantor, Philip Moddel, and hasn’t shut up since. At ten, he made his Operatic debut with the Fullerton Civic Light Opera’s production of Bizet’s Carmen, as a street urchin. Since then, he has performed roles in opera and musical theatre, performing, directing, and producing world-class productions.

Among his many accomplishments, Cantor Davidson is also known as a contemporary Jewish songwriter and performer, having delighted audiences all over the world, including Israel and Lithuania with the soulful sounds of his music. His recordings, Stained Glass (1995) and In A Hanukkah Mood (2007) are collections of original and covered songs by himself and many contemporary Jewish artists. His most recent recording, God Is In This Place (2020), is a collection of original liturgical pieces for the Friday night Shabbat Service, commissioned and written in honor of his 25th Anniversary as the Cantor of Temple Beth El.

Cantor Davidson left the stage and in 1995 joined the Temple Beth El family, in San Pedro, where, in his nearly 30 years of service, he has brought many new programs and much enthusiasm to all he does. Coming from a long line of Cantors, it must have been Besheret for Cantor Davidson, although talented in all areas of musical performance, to finally settle down into his career as Hazzan for Temple Beth El in San Pedro, California. In 2007, Cantor Davidson founded a new foundation, KindredSPIRITS, producing an annual world humanitarian aid event. KindredSPIRITS premiered on June 5, 2008 at Walt Disney Concert Hall, adding that prestigious concert hall to the ever growing list of venues around the world, where Davidson has performed. During the 10 years of humanitarian events, Global KindredSPIRITS, Inc., as an official 501©3, raised awareness and close to $500,000 for its beneficiaries over the decade.
As a past president of the South Coast Interfaith Council, Ilan fought for tolerance and understanding of ALL faiths in a difficult climate. For the past 7 years, Cantor Davidson has been service as an LA County Commissioner, representing the 4th District on the Human Relations Commission, where he currently serves as President. Whether it is raising his voice for justice, Hazzanut, Pop, Opera, Musical Theatre, or folk music, Cantor Ilan Davidson shares his soul and genuine love in every note.

When asked about his finest accomplishment, Cantor Ilan invariably responds, “After all the great concerts, services, and roles, my finest role in life is that of husband to my beautiful wife, Jodi, and daddy to my gorgeous daughters, Jordan and Zoe.”

cantor@bethelsp.org

Office: (310) 833-2467 Ext. 106

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