Torah scroll dedication planned for memorial
A new Torah scroll will be dedicated Monday in a memorial to an island man who died last year while hiking in Nuuanu Valley.The ceremony at 5 p.m. Monday at the Ala Moana Hotel Garden Lanai ballroom will be sponsored by Chabad of Hawaii and Drs. Norman Levey and Joyce Cassen, parents of Daniel Levey, who died July 25 in a fall. Levey, 19, was a Punahou School graduate and University of Oregon student.
The celebration will include the ritual addition of the final words to the parchment scroll containing the five books of Moses, which was handwritten in Israel.
A festive procession will follow to display the Torah and carry it to the its holding place, the ark of the synagogue.
Rabbi Yosef Teitelbaum, of Southern California, will officiate, with Gov. Linda Lingle expected to participate.
Ho'okena will head benefit for parish
Ho'okena heads a lineup of island entertainers who will perform at an all-day Aug. 1 concert in Kalihi.The program from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Damien High School football field will also feature Hemapa'a, Ipo Kumukahi, Na Kama, Pali, Ale'a, Na Hokupa'a, Kawika Trask and Jerry Santos. Also performing will be Merrie Monarch winners Halau O Ke Aalii Ku Makani, led by Manu Boyd, and Kealiika'apunihonua Ke'ena O'o Hula, led by Lemomi Ho.
The "Kahiau" concert will benefit programs of St. Philomena Parish in Salt Lake.
The cost at the gate will be $15 for adults and $10 for children.
Tickets may be reserved at reduced prices of $12 for adults and $8 for children by calling the church at 839-1876.
Food and drinks will be on sale. No coolers are allowed. Concertgoers may bring sand chairs only.
Varied spirituality views to be offered
A Kailua Christian church will offer views of spirituality from Hindu, Buddhist, Bahai and native Polynesian perspectives in a summer series on "Creating Interfaith Community."Keolumana United Methodist Church, 1425 Keolu Drive, will host the series, which will begin next weekend. It is free and open to the public.
>> July 18, 7 p.m.: The speakers will be Rev. Piula Alailima on Polynesian spirituality; Florence Kelley, of the Bahai faith; and the Rev. Sam Cox, of the Interfaith Open Table.>> July 25, 7 p.m.: The subjects will be Hinduism, discussed by Gloria Martin, and Buddhism, explored by Alfred Bloom, retired Honpa Hongwanji minister.
>> July 31, 9 a.m. to noon: Bloom will lead a tour of three temples of different Japanese Buddhist denominations.
Reservations for the tour will be taken at the July 18 lecture or may be made by calling Keolumana church, 262-7979.
Kaumakapili luau booked next Saturday
Kaumakapili Church members preparing for their annual luau next weekend claim their servings are so generous that two takeout portions are enough to feed a small family.The sit-down banquet in the church hall at 766 N. King St. will begin at 5:30 p.m. next Saturday. The $25 ticket covers an all-you-can-eat feast and entertainment. Call 845-0908 for reservations.
The same feast will be available as takeout portions for $15. They may be picked up from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Saturday.
Traditional Hawaiian food will be offered: kalua pork, chicken long rice, lomilomi salmon, opihi, raw fish, poi, sweet potato and haupia. "He Launa Pu Kakou" -- "together in fellowship" -- is the theme of the 33rd annual event, which will benefit the programs of the historic church.
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